Research by reading trade publications to determine equipment within my means that have SQ attributes I cherish. For electrical components, going out of my way to audition that equipment in as a controlled manner as I can, either bringing my current equipment to the dealer and going head to head in their system, or getting a demo unit installed in my system. Of course, this process was not used for speakers do to shipping costs. Choosing equipment that meets my idea of timbral accuracy, dynamic/emotional expression, and natural staging/imaging in that order. I only use dealer input for information on compatibility.
Why did you purchase the equipment you have and what do you like most about it?
I’m just interested on how and why you purchased your gear. Did you hear it first? Did you research it endlessly? Did your dealer recommend it. What do you like most about it. Full disclosure. I’m with Infigo Audio. I just wonder how did most of us end up with our kits!