BigAir:
How did you come to do that then Matt??
Should you not have know what to expect 'first' perhaps!!??
Yes, does sound like a silly question.
Here in Ireland we are very limited to what hifi we can demo or buy here. And prices are much higher than the uk.
Ive based my purchase on advice and reviews and a 14 day exchange offer from the dealer if i dont like what i buy.
All the best hifi decisions ive made have been without audition, but by knowing what sound i want and choosing components that suit that sound.
I bought my first high end hifi in 2003 at a shop in Dublin and auditioned various equipment. Soon after i decided i didnt like the speakers and the amp didnt have enough power for my needs so sold them both.
Before then, and since then, ive used the internet and magazines to choose equipment and find it works for me. This way, there is no pressure from the hifi dealer and no rush to evaluate the various options of equipment.