I understand your post but what I don't understand is all the different recommendations and advice that I read about here on Audiogon. For example, I have heard some of the equipment that I see recommended such as for this price X brand is a no brainer, or I purchased X Brand and in my system it sounds fantastic, or I had that and this one sounds better. IMO, there are too many people posting replies with advice or recommendations who simply do not have the experience to evaluate something. I am very lucky as there are three audio clubs in my area so hearing different equipment not only in my system bit other peoples systems I think allows for a better evaluation and recommendation. People will lend out a piece of gear no problem even very expensive gear. Don't take me wrong as I value every opinion but there has to be more to the opinion. I guess the real question to me is how much experience does the person recommending here on Audiogon have. I also build and modify components so I really am lucky to hear the potential of a component, and have it in my system to compare to other components for a IMO better evaluation. Not that I am an expert so I invite people over for a play night and get multiple opinions. It really becomes a fun evening. A month back I had people over and we did a capacitor shootout. Understanding how that impacts the sound was a great experience. We all ordered the same capacitor to upgrade our amps and preamps! But seriously, I do not want to come off as if I know better but I do find some peoples recommendations and opinions less experienced to make them.
Just sayin' don't crush me on this, I hope this is more helpful that not to many here that I have enjoyed reading posts from, etc.
Happy Listening.