How did you choose your equipment?

I buy based in part on the manufacturer's long-term offerings and the sound the preponderance of reviewers/owners ascribe to that manufacturer's equipment.  In two notable cases, when finances permitted, I had modifications made to maximize the original piece.  Years ago when there were brick and mortar stores in our area, I would audition multiple pieces from a  particular designer to get a sense for that brand's sound.  After that it was settling in on the specific piece I could afford that would give me the sound I was looking for. I have found most good listeners do a pretty competent job describing the sound of equipment they've experienced.  There are exceptions to this of course but I have been fortunate not to have been stung.

Sometimes, knowing the individual that you are dealing with helps you to invest trust in them and what they are trying to help you achieve with your system.  One truly notable example of this is Bob Backert of RHB Dezigns who has performed a few modifications to my stock cj PV-12L.  I never worried about leaving my gear with him to upgrade.  Each time he worked on that line stage the music became cleaner and clearer, just as he professed it would. Thankfully I am listening to music through it right now.  His work brought the sound to such a level that I have no yearning to mess with it further.  He got me where I wanted to go.

Finally, sometimes you're lucky to find a dealer who is a true straight talker, with good listening skills who knows what's going on with the gear he carries and can provide either guidance or assurance about your next purchase.  One such individual on the east coast is John Rutan at Audio Connection in Verona, NJ. My latest purchase was from John.  We had a few phone calls prior to the purchase where I was able to gauge him as a person and listener.  Everything he said to me about equipment and listening affirmed that he gets what we as audiophiles/music lovers are trying to accomplish.  I can only hope that I'll have occasion to make the 6 hour round trip to visit with him again.

@williewonka  "Visiting your local audio retailer: Honestly, how many of us do this anymore"  How great would it be if there actually were brick and mortar stores around.  It used to be fun to just drop by a local audio salon and browse with eyes and ears.  As an example to highlight this....  my latest purchase, Vandersteen Treo CT speakers required a 6 hour round trip jaunt to the nearest Vandersteen dealer.  Fifteen years ago I purchased my model 3 Vandys at a dealer 15 minutes away!  Sadly, many local dealers either did not have the interested population to support their existence or some overextended themselves with the advent of home theater, building too big, too elaborate and again did not have sufficient volume to pay the bills.

Again, I'm with you about visiting a local dealer, but only if those local dealers exist.  Otherwise you have to rely on reviews of both professional reviewers and anecdotal testimonials, and importantly, manufacturer's reputations.  I have owned Vandersteens for about 30  years.  I bought the Treo CT because I trust Richard's designs and after the TAS review which supported my experience with Vandys, I was totally set on that purchase.  Fortunately, I am totally satisfied.

@williewonka   I am jealous!  Way to go Toronto.  As a recently retired audiophile I would love to have all of those stereo shops to visit.  Living in the Amish country of southcental PA I don't expect an audiophile Renaissance to occur here anytime soon.  ugh