I pretty much agree with @secretguy ; "Pay no attention to forums like this."
But I’ll still throw in my two cents, don’t get hung up on finding the best equipment at a specific price point. Audition equipment before you buy. I know that in some parts, there are not a lot of choices, or places to see and hear components. Driving hundreds of miles or flying to destinations (I have an acquaintance who actually flies across the country) is something that you have to decide. I live in a large metropolitan area and have access to a lot of gear but even here, there’s quite a bit of stuff not available and I’m fine with that. If it isn’t easy to audition and repair I’m okay with that. The idea that some other component might be better than the one I just purchased, and getting worked into a frenzy( I know someone like that, afraid to make a decision)) over it is simply a waste of time and takes away the original reason for owning an audio system is to enjoy music. At least that’s what I think. If I tell someone here what I own and they tell me why I did not get some other product they think is better, well I just don’t care. You don’t need books or advice from the person who thinks he’s the "Dali Lama" of audio.
So listen, don’t be afraid to like what you like and not what someone else told you to like. Keep it simple.