I never listened to the equipment before I purchased, and have never been disappointed with the results.
Abucktwoeighty, to never have been disappointed, your experience is not typical, and you have been a very fortunate and lucky audiophile.
Crwindy, I read plenty of reviews, but have learned that while the reviewer may or may not be capable and honest, the gear he used is so different from mine and the other variables so many, that I can't really trust his performance results.
