Great discussion! Everyone's audio journey is different---I started getting into hifi in the 80s (and still have the equipment). But I've also built 2 other systems along the way. One is my reference system and one is an 'experimental' system. Some pieces I bought just on reviews alone--others pieces I auditioned. Thankfully, a new hifi store recently opened up in town and the owner is very generous about letting me take pieces home to audition. I've bought a few things from him so far. Somethings that I thought were going to blow me away (based on reviews online) did nothing for me. I'm even more surprised when something lets me down sometimes vs blowing me away. Good luck and keep us posted.
Do sound characteristics matter when moving from midfi to hifi?
Like many, i'm waiting and researching while waiting until I can afford my next upgrades. As I read the pluses/minuses of each piece, I wonder if it only matters once you reach a certain level. Hypothetically, if going from Sony, Marantz, Schiit am I going to find something that I don't like about Pass Labs, Conrad Johnson, Coda? Everything I have, I bought online so I din't audition anything prior. Back in the 80s, when I bought my 1st system, (Yamaha, Infiniti) I bought what I could afford again without much auditioning. Just curious on the point of view from the more seasoned crowd.