I rarely respond to queries asking for particular brands and models for purchase because I've always felt self conscious about this. What makes me qualified to answer this question for another, my system, room, experience, ear/brain listening complex entirely unique. While there is no doubt I've been at least subconsciously influenced by others in making audio system decisions, I've consciously made vast majority of decisions based on my own past experiences.
I think I was lucky in that my initial forays into audiophile systems was prior to information technology explosion. I made equipment purchases and built systems with virtually no outside influences, it was only my personal experiences listening to other audio systems that guided me in determining preferred sound qualities. I had no experts to lead me, I considered myself to be most expert in making my choices.
I'm not sure I'd like to be novice audiophile today, far too many 'experts' likely leads many to doubt themselves. My recollections of the few audiophile publications and letters to the editor, and my own interactions with fellow audiophiles recall a time when it felt more like a mass or common exploration to discover the determinants of audiophile sound qualities. Now it seems everyone believes or desires to be an 'expert' or the objective voice of one with the highest knowledge. I often read audio threads with a sociological and/or psychological perspective rather than audio perspective.
I'm completely in with advice given within the context of personal experience, this is knowledge imparted without other hidden agendas. These are the true experts, maintaining the subjective posture illustrates one wants to be helpful rather than expert. Desire a funny thing, helpful or expert, all becomes known in time! I'm all in with Skoff, you are the expert only for yourself!