Thanks for the post, it has me thinking. Personally, all of my equipment isn't equal in price but coming out of the speakers, it's all very musical. It's really how I put everything together. I find that I ask myself, how do I approach that sound that I heard at this concert hall or that concert hall? What ensembles do I like? What is my favorite color? Because putting components together is a very personal choice. I still believe in the brick and mortar stores because I can have a conversation with the sales people and I can sample their products too. I'd say more than anything, avoid being impetuous and use common sense.