The safest way is to listen to them in your system at home. Won't make a bad decision that way. I've learned the hard and expensive way more than once. I know that I'm a VMPS RM40 BCSE man. I love the VMPS ribbons and have owned about 5 of them. Listened to a couple before I bought but they were in an unfamiliar system. Made poor choices both times. One other I bought without hearing them based on good reviews--also turned out poorly. My choice back in 2012 still beats out all challengers to my ears.
Bob