Identify what your goals are be honest with yourself - there are no wrong answers, whats most important to your needs.
Come up with a budget, and work towards sticking to it.
READ, READ, READ and then READ some more.
It took me a good five years to understand what my goals were. I read a paper on how Humans Process Sound. I used it as a guide to come up with a plan to make sage purchasing decisions, moving me forward towards achieving my goals.
Before that I was making purchses based on brand recognition, paid for reviews, and bragging rights on the latest and greatest. At best I was making purchases that were lateral moves. They did not propel me towards achieveing my goals.
Understand that dealers are in the buisness of sales. As a fellow New Yorker who has been to most of the places you are passively referencing - Their objective is to put your money in thier pocket period.
As you know this is a lifestyle so this will take time. Cold call / e mail brand manufacturers that interest you and ask them questions. Most of them will take the time to explain their vision. Go to trade shows to check stuff out. It gives you a chance to meet and Vet the manufacturers as well. Be prepared to possibly take a day trip here or there to check out their operations if local.
Most (80%) of my equiptment came from second hand markets. I have been doing this for 30 years and still going, not done yet. I put it into a balanced perspective that allows me to enjoy this HOBBY without putting a strain on my overall life.
Good Luck Enjoy
Come up with a budget, and work towards sticking to it.
READ, READ, READ and then READ some more.
It took me a good five years to understand what my goals were. I read a paper on how Humans Process Sound. I used it as a guide to come up with a plan to make sage purchasing decisions, moving me forward towards achieving my goals.
Before that I was making purchses based on brand recognition, paid for reviews, and bragging rights on the latest and greatest. At best I was making purchases that were lateral moves. They did not propel me towards achieveing my goals.
Understand that dealers are in the buisness of sales. As a fellow New Yorker who has been to most of the places you are passively referencing - Their objective is to put your money in thier pocket period.
As you know this is a lifestyle so this will take time. Cold call / e mail brand manufacturers that interest you and ask them questions. Most of them will take the time to explain their vision. Go to trade shows to check stuff out. It gives you a chance to meet and Vet the manufacturers as well. Be prepared to possibly take a day trip here or there to check out their operations if local.
Most (80%) of my equiptment came from second hand markets. I have been doing this for 30 years and still going, not done yet. I put it into a balanced perspective that allows me to enjoy this HOBBY without putting a strain on my overall life.
Good Luck Enjoy