While Darko mentions that trying to demo a component at an audio show one is actually hearing the entire chain, it’s seems that often audio shows and audio stores are the only places to demo. While trying out component in one’s own audio chain is ideal, it’s often impossible/impractical.
Darko nailed it. 12 examples of wishful thinking in the hi-fi community
John is on his game with this opinion piece. All 12 points are valid.
https://darko.audio/2025/06/12-examples-of-wishful-thinking-in-the-hi-fi-community/