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How did you choose your equipment?

As I surf this site and look at different systems, certain questions arise for me: What actually makes people choose one manufacturer over another? What was the influence or recommendation that made you decide on an amp from company "x" instead of company "y"? I'm guessing it's from one of these possibilities:

1) Read a review from an audio magazine: This is probably (and unfortunately), the most common way.

2) Visiting your local audio retailer: Honestly, how many of us do this anymore? The internet is a big place...

3) Hearing a friends system. This seems like the most likely way. Think about it: Brick and mortar audio stores are so scarce that it makes it difficult to go somewhere and listen to a variety of equipment. When locations to hear music are rare, going to your friends house is the most likely method. Obviously, the possibility of you purchasing one of those components increases.

4) Finding a deal on the internet without actually hearing or reading about the component: Basically, taking a chance on something.

So, what determines your decision?
devilboy
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
That's what I use. . . a blind chicken. Works every time.
devilboy OP
1,172 posts
 
Ponnie: I never said magazines were a good way to decide. They are, unfortunately, a common way.
Elizabeth: I'm still laughing....
nkonor
635 posts
 
1990; I heard the "Grail" at The Spectral/Wilson dealer of the time.Lived in Alaska at the time/ On vacation to visit family/friends in Chicago. Spent 3-4 hrs ; 3-4 days every week during the month I was on vacation ( the dealer was a great guy and multiple rooms/ Spectral systems. Visited many dealers in Seattle and Chicago but never heard the "Grail" again; great systems,great sound but not the "Grail"
It has been rare to hear the "Grail" even with the best gear at some of the best dealers. I was able to achieve it in my Alaska apartment just as I was moving back to Chicago . Only stuff not packed as freight was eguipment and some tube traps. Made me realize room/ room , speaker setup.
Have stayed on Spectral path since I got my first used piece in 1996. Have not been disappointed Other than my own room/system it is rare that I hear the big G. Last I heard it, was April at Axpona( CAT/ Martin room)
 Alaska system/ Thiel 3.5; Nelson Pass electronics, Tice power conditioner, LInn LP12; MIT ICs
I fully understand having no dealers near you,Wait and visit when you can. Use your ears when you can. ROOM , Speaker set-up, TT ( if used) and electronics far away as practical , ROOM , Speaker set-up, ROOM, Speaker set-up.


jafant
18,896 posts
 
Nice story- nkonor

Agreed! get out into the marketplace (read roadtrip) and listen, listen and listen to the your that you are considering purchasing.  Then, read about said gear in the Audio press, to get an idea of the attributes that reviewers
wrote in comparison.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
The first thing I did, 20 years ago, when I decided I would put together my dream rig - I read.  And read.  And read.  I learned.  I learned that with a pile of money, I can buy a lot of gear, but it would not necessarily give me what I wanted.  The difference between smart people and genius' is that smart people learn from their mistakes.  Genius' learn from other peoples mistakes.  Not having the funds, money or energy to buy, listen, sell and buy again, I read and read the forums on who felt they nailed their perfect sound.  Boy, did I get lucky.  I was introduced to Roger Sanders back in 2001 by someone I met online.  I bought my amps and speakers from Roger, then, Innersound, and now have is Magtechs and 10E's.
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