It's not just rural areas! i live in the center of philadelphia and i have a very difficult time auditioning equipment due to my work schedule (6 days of work, 3 nights of school) most of the better audio shops do not have night or sunday hours so i wind up narrowing down possibilities using forums like this and then travelling to a shop i can find that is open on sunday. it blows my mind that there aren't open on sunday.
Buying "Sound Unheard"
I find myself in a quandry. As much as I know (and recommend) that "audition, audition, audition before purchasing" is the best means to system matching and "audio fulfillment," I find myself doing somewhat the opposite and purchasing quality equipment based on reviews and more importantly, the opinions of peers. Luckily, in my last three purchases (phono stage, cartridge, and now line stage) I've been fortunate in that they've been major boosts to my system. Living where I do, there just isn't access to the brands I'm interested in, plus my schedule is unforgiving. I'm curious as to how many others find themselves in this position, and the resources they use to get around it (including the obvious one - this web site!). As many threads as I see inquiring as to the characteristics of this-and-that, I would suspect that many of "us," especially those in rural or semi-rural areas are in this position. Just Curious. -John