I have found it very helpful to listen to what other knowledgeable people say. People who have been in the hobby for a number of years. Have them go out to listen to systems with you either at dealers or other friends. You don't have to agree with them but often they bring up important issues that may not have occurred to you.
An analogy to this would learning about wine. You go wine tasting and have the wine server give you his take on the flavors in the wine.