Not very far considering that the components sound is going to change, maybe even dramatically, when you get it home and put in with your equipment and in your room.
I have been more successful in buying a single piece by reading user & professional reviews, questioning and researching here and AA and then buying the component then I have by auditioning at a dealer. I think this is due to various things. One is synergy and room interaction. the other is that the dealer usually has a superior room and therefore the component sounds at its best. This changes in my living room where there are some compromises and therefore the component doesn't sound as good and I am let down. Buying without an audition usually keeps me from the let down. i have not bought any pieces that I was displeased with so far. I have bought some that I was more wowed with than others though. Maybe this thinking is somewhat askew. but i always remember back in the 80's when I bought a high end receiver to replace my ailing HK 730 receiver. it sounded great at the store. I NEVER liked it and sold it within a year.
I have been more successful in buying a single piece by reading user & professional reviews, questioning and researching here and AA and then buying the component then I have by auditioning at a dealer. I think this is due to various things. One is synergy and room interaction. the other is that the dealer usually has a superior room and therefore the component sounds at its best. This changes in my living room where there are some compromises and therefore the component doesn't sound as good and I am let down. Buying without an audition usually keeps me from the let down. i have not bought any pieces that I was displeased with so far. I have bought some that I was more wowed with than others though. Maybe this thinking is somewhat askew. but i always remember back in the 80's when I bought a high end receiver to replace my ailing HK 730 receiver. it sounded great at the store. I NEVER liked it and sold it within a year.