The OP has made the two following statements,
"Exchange Thoughts?",
"Thanks to all who responded. No one mentioned the AGon Private
membership (paid) option. Anyone tried it?
Now Let me change the question slightly.
What do you subscribe to in terms of magazines?
Which YouTubers do you subscribe to?
Which shows do you attend?
Which retailer do you find to always give good counsel?
Where else do you go to learn what is new?"
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It does seem this is generally a method to discover and individuals commentary on a piece of 'equipment', as well as discover a demo' of 'equipment' which will be a very very low quality audio experience.
The only real benefit of using these methods to acquire information about 'equipment', is that a well honed presentation is seen to suit the Marketing for the product, the aesthetic of the product will be seen with a manipulation to create a allure.
As a method, it is not offering experiencing through demonstration, and allowing for the making of ones own evaluation. The sonic produced is needing to be listened to, other's description will vary and be without consistency, unless 'Power On' is being assessed, I would hope all shared views would be unanimous.
It is from using a recognised audio system, or at the least a audio system that has recognised attractions, that is set up in a dedicated space, that will enable the listener to make valued assessment. This can't be attained through a forum or media portal, making a presumptive evaluation about a sonic, using this method will only create a fantastical chain of thought.
Visiting a Dealership or a Exhibition at a show, is an improved method to learn where a piece of 'equipment' can present as being perceived as an attraction/repellant, and if the former is being perceived, the assessment can extend to deciding if the 'equipment' being demo'd is suited to assist in meeting ones own unique preferences for experiencing audio.
Many years past, I used the media to gather information on products, (rave reviews) and a selection of products were sought out and demo'd (back in the days of many local retailers). I recollect cutting demo's short because of the impression being made not being an attractor in any way.
I learnt to discover retailers that had equipment that was very attractive to my tastes, and used Exhibitions to have a high turnover of demo's, making discoveries that were leading to get to the place I felt I really wanted a system to produced around.
It was at this time, after meeting quite few of the Cottage Industry Companies presenting at exhibitions, and the communications that had been had with these Companies, that influenced and eventually changed my overall thought process.
At the time, I believed I was making a big decision, which resulted in my turning my back on the mainstream media and the suppliers of audio equipment that is found through visiting these portals.
I commenced on the journey of meeting very adept EE's that specialised in audio equipment. This is when I started to have the designs for equipment I was intending to use commission built for myself. I have never looked back, the only 'Off the Shelf' audio device/ancillaries with a Brand Name in my system is a Perfect Wave Transport and Cables, anything else is a designed from scratch model or a Branded Model that has a vintage status, that is heavily modified and only aesthetically resembling the original model.