Frankly, I see nothing wrong with experienced audiophiles recommending products that they own. THE MERE FACT THEY HAVE CHOSEN IT IS A TESTAMENT TO ITS MERIT. In this forum you are dealing with sophisticated consumers of a sophisticated line of products who have tried many components. When one of these knowledgeable veterans tells you, "I now own this, and it's heaven if you share my taste and budget," I find that to be highly useful advice. Often they will discuss other components that they know well and have used previously. The more these lifelong audiophiles are willing to share, the better informed you will be. And it's free! Where else can you get value like that?
Giving Advice without recommending your own equipment
I've noticed over the years that you can't ask a general question on Audiogon without getting people answering who with a specific model recommendation. They think the answer to every question is to just buy their model. For example:
OP: What is the difference between R2R and FPGA DACS.
ans 1: I have a model x that is R2R and you should just buy it. it is spectacular.
ans 2: I have model y what is FPGA and it is spectacutlar. buy it.
ans 3: I have model z. I don't know if it is FPGA, R2R or what, but you should buy it.
ans 4: I have owned both. I found the FPGA to have the following attributes..... and the R2R to be more ...... The models i owned were not exactly in the same price range so YMMV. But my opinion is that I like ______ better.
Which of those answers sound more useful? I'm just suggesting that your advice is more meaningful if you can refraim from recommending your latest and greatest piece of equipment. I would totally ignore answers 1 thru 3. Ans 4 is well thought out and give you a useful opinion.
Sometimes people ask for specific model advice from people who have heard certain models. Of course 99.9% of the comments come from people who love their model x. Apparently nobody ever buys something and decides it is not that great (I wonder why there is so much used equipment for sale). But comments about specific models are appropriate then.
Just a few thoughts about how to navigate theough the forums and sort the wheat from the chaff. there is lots of good advice here and lots of bad advice and this is more of an example of useless advice and how to avoid giving it.
Jerry