@dconfalone
The best way to evaluate a component is to demo it in one’s own system. If you cannot, then you research reviews of the component while taking into account the rest of the audio chain. Component to another component comparisons gives you an idea on which is the best price/performance. After that it’s just a best guess what you’ll like- then roll the dice. Hope I didn’t miss any steps.
If you buy used, you can sell it and not lose much $ provided that the component is marketable (enough demand).
There is some reason a Boulder amp is going to sound better than a Sony receiver and it must show in some measurements.You are mistaken, our audio acuity is much more complex than current science can measure. 2 amps that measure the same but are designed differently will sound different. Also, our individual audio preferences are different.
The best way to evaluate a component is to demo it in one’s own system. If you cannot, then you research reviews of the component while taking into account the rest of the audio chain. Component to another component comparisons gives you an idea on which is the best price/performance. After that it’s just a best guess what you’ll like- then roll the dice. Hope I didn’t miss any steps.
If you buy used, you can sell it and not lose much $ provided that the component is marketable (enough demand).