Everyone has a given budget. Everyone has a given listening space. Nearly everyone has other uses, and other users, of the same space to be considered. And we all have different aesthetics. For instance, I won't display a black component unless it's the last stereo tuner on the planet and unavailable in silver or otherwise visible finish. So the actual answer to the actual OP is DUH. "How much do non-audio factors influence our audio purchases?" Hugely. You might live in an auditorium, you might live in a bungalow. You might be a billionaire and also an audiophile. Or you might be like most of us and making the best compromises possible given the inevitable limitations of our specific situations, with the quest for The Absolute Sound remaining a forever unrealizable ideal.
HOW MUCH DO NON-AUDIO FACTORS INFLUENCE YOUR AUDIO PURCHASES?
I think most audiophiles would like to think it's all about the sound, but for me there's often many factors not related specifically to sound quality, that play a big part when deciding what audio component to buy. Perceived build quality, brand name reputation, specs, even things mostly related to appearance can have a big influence. I have for years, pursued matched, one-brand systems and seemingly can not be truly content with my two-channel rig otherwise, regardless of the performance or build quality of specific components. I sometimes think the whole process is, for me, more an exercise in obsessive behavior than a rational pursuit of a logical outcome. So how about you? Any tales of audiophilia nervosa you'd be willing to share?