I was lucky having many options to hear various components in my system from local dealers, local audio clubs, knew a few reviewers, plus I am able to do my own modifications/upgrades. I kept trying to see what would get me to the next level from all of these avenues, but being a cheapie, I would not want to pay the higher price for what I considered was not a significant improvement from one component to another in my system. I settled on upgrading equipment and trying various capacitors, resistors, transformers, chokes, etc. I also was fortunate in being able to try other peoples components in my system after they asked me to upgrade their components. All of this made me begin to build my own components. I learned what could improve a components sound and how all of this trial and error in parts swapping could change the sound. I have stated this before but many people have not been able to hear what I have been fortunate to hear. I would agree that many have not been able to really know what their system can sound like because of having been exposed to the same old thing from various manufacturers, IMO are just slightly different from each other. I am generalizing here but that is what I felt when auditioning a component. Once I understood what changed the sound and how it changed the sound, I was able to get to other levels in sound. Way back then, Linn had the concept of component matching by using all of their components and the most important was the source. I think I always knew that the source was the most important piece of the puzzle but it was not until recently that found out how important the source was. Once I found a better source my system improved more that I imagined. I don't think I really could judge my systems sound and any real improvement until this happened.
Happy Listening.
Happy Listening.