Of course auditioning great high end systems is part of the research, but your enjoyment of the music should be the final arbiter. Spend your time and money going to listen to live music in the best acoustical venues you can find. FOr me I judge everything against the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, Sullivan and Adlers acoustical masterpiece. Then take the money you have allocated to your system and get as close to replicating that sound in your listening room, as you can. Sometimes I think those of us in this hobby loose sight of why we have great stereos, it's the music not the $$ spent on the system. It's what sounds great to you not to someone else. Take your entire environment into consideration, including room acoustics, your significant others taste, system synergy etc. Most good manufacturers and shops will let you audition in your home, that is where you will know what the system will sound like. Sure it will take time to get where you want but isn't the journey worth it.
