OP,
I find the print media to be almost useless, except for Stereophile and TAS. I do watch youtube reviews, but take them with a heavy grain of salt....for me I only use them for finding new products.
My purchase pattern usually is (and yes I know everyone has an agenda):
(1) Find a product from online, print media, forums or youtubers
(2) Come to forums to do more research, read reviews in print or media
(3) Reach out to dealers and vendors to get my specific questions answered....usually about product questions, customer service, and repair process
Without some form of process I never would have discovered Buchardt, Denafrips, Zavfino, Supra Cables, DHLabs, Audiolab CDT, Joseph Audio, Fyne Audio, Tannoy, etc.
Most importantly I am blessed to have a really good group of golfing buddies and friends who are crazy audiophiles, who always want to discuss products....but most importantly lend out things to test.