How far would you drive to audition a component?

I flew from NJ to Detroit to hear a pair of speakers that were on sale here. Ended up not buying, but at the level of dollars involved, it was well worth it.

I made a few trips from Cleveland to NYC just for audio demo's and to check new stuff out, I guess I am kinda cheating because my folks live there....I do go for the audio but to visit is a big plus.

Flew from Seattle to Denver to hear some monoblocks. After listening to the monos I had an opportunity to listen to the amp that I ultimately purchased. A full, very pleasant day at the dealer in an enclosed room with my music and some outstanding components...sweet.

I sometimes will plan auditions when I am traveling. I plan on being in boston Mass. this spring for a conference so will arrange a visit or two with local dealers. I let dealers know my situation and plans and if I do audition from them and end up deciding on the product I audition I will always make the purchase from them. There are no dealers where I live, closest and most often visited in 250miles away.

Not very far considering that the components sound is going to change, maybe even dramatically, when you get it home and put in with your equipment and in your room.
I have been more successful in buying a single piece by reading user & professional reviews, questioning and researching here and AA and then buying the component then I have by auditioning at a dealer. I think this is due to various things. One is synergy and room interaction. the other is that the dealer usually has a superior room and therefore the component sounds at its best. This changes in my living room where there are some compromises and therefore the component doesn't sound as good and I am let down. Buying without an audition usually keeps me from the let down. i have not bought any pieces that I was displeased with so far. I have bought some that I was more wowed with than others though. Maybe this thinking is somewhat askew. but i always remember back in the 80's when I bought a high end receiver to replace my ailing HK 730 receiver. it sounded great at the store. I NEVER liked it and sold it within a year.