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How did you choose your equipment?

As I surf this site and look at different systems, certain questions arise for me: What actually makes people choose one manufacturer over another? What was the influence or recommendation that made you decide on an amp from company "x" instead of company "y"? I'm guessing it's from one of these possibilities:

1) Read a review from an audio magazine: This is probably (and unfortunately), the most common way.

2) Visiting your local audio retailer: Honestly, how many of us do this anymore? The internet is a big place...

3) Hearing a friends system. This seems like the most likely way. Think about it: Brick and mortar audio stores are so scarce that it makes it difficult to go somewhere and listen to a variety of equipment. When locations to hear music are rare, going to your friends house is the most likely method. Obviously, the possibility of you purchasing one of those components increases.

4) Finding a deal on the internet without actually hearing or reading about the component: Basically, taking a chance on something.

So, what determines your decision?
devilboy

Showing 4 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
Elizabeth,

The only problem with your chicken---- approach is that I think chickens hear differently than people and more like turkeys!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
I flip a coin.

Just kidding.

Actually, I do a lot of research for equipment that meets my requirements. I look for equipment that garners consistent commentary in reviews and research the technology utilized. Then I create a shortlist and look for best value.

I also attend live concerts in good venues for reference and audition equipment live with dealers whenever possible.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 

In recent years, I've done it very carefully after a lot of reading and listening, to try to put together the best sounding system I could with a reasonable budget.

Having done that, moving forward I am more likely to just  try  different things when I can for whatever reason I choose.  Something different, something with the right aesthetics, whatever, just to see.   But I won't buy anything that I don't think has a good chance of sounding really good in its own way.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
Ah yes, the old "chicken sh-ts on the picture of the hifi toy" trick!   Works every time!
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