cmariner -- I appreciate your inquiry. The way I now go about reaching purchasing decisions is to find reviews of components that coincide with both my pocketbook and my listening preferences. I get 'em home and plug 'em in. And oh yes, I also make sure I've cleaned wax build-up from my ears.
What do "audiophiles" use to judge equipment?
The hypothesis: "Audiophiles" are mostly techno-cats who listen with their eyes - they read reviews and look at spec sheets... END. That is my opinion and I'd like to hear from music lovers who do NOT look at the specs; who do not get their info from forums like this - where you cannot HEAR the music but you can READ about the music - well, maybe a few of you can read music, right? Are there any others who trust their own ears and go into a music store and BUY something without the psychological hand-holding of a forum or spec sheet?