Also think that test before you buy is the go... Listen to it and also check up on the technical performance via spec and any measurement as well, surf the web for general comments on issues and qualities with perceived and measured performance and also reliability and do the due diligence whether it's a $500 or a $50k bit of gear.
Listen first and listen last and then do the rest as well.
Tim agreed that some systems are in different leagues to others but in terms of what measure?
In terms of technical performance can be different to proof of performance in terms of medium to long term user happiness. Some systems are in different leagues in terms of spend. But all these can clearly be not necessarily directly proportionate or even connected.
I've heard a $500k system that made me unhappy and kind of sonically beaten up, and some $20k setups that made me much happier to spend time listening with them.
While there are plenty of drivers out there for what we buy I don't think that status is as strong as sound quality for many of us. Status won't keep you happy forever, especially when it changes as quickly as it does... it's way more of a quick burner than a slow one.
I have some good gear and also quite modest components in my setup that likely have little or no bragging rights in terms of status or spend but deliver big in my experience of music when I turn the gear on and so have high value for me. What others think isn't really a priority. When it comes to the perceptions of others I do like it however when I play music for friends and they love the music as well. Sure some of us get off on the show but for some it's not the thing or the bling just the way it sings and it swings. That's lasting happiness and the best proof or performance in terms of real purpose.
