Re: Do all amplifiers sound the same?

I wrote:

> In my opinion, it's silly to buy audio equipment without 
>> auditioning it first.

Sullivan answers:

> In my opinion, it's silly to act as if one's 'ears' are always right...
> when one is rarely using just one's ears.

I simply stated a preference: I prefer to listen to audio equipment 
before buying. That is different than acting "as if one's 'ears' are 
always right." Do you see the difference?

> First you mention *your* preference -- which is demonstrably
error-prone,
> based on the 'simple fact' you acknowledge to be true

I made no such acknowledgment. Listening to audio equipment before 
purchase is not "error-prone." It is simply listening - there is no 
right or wrong. It's a preference to listen before you buy. A preference 
doesn't require substantiation - it's a preference.

> But as I'e explained, -- and you've glossed over --  buying without
> trying is NOT always reasonable.

But here's what you wrote:

> So I keep up on gear 
> evolution, decide what features I want, then I choose gear that has
them, 
> based on manufacturer's information, and reviews, and published bench 
> tests. Appearance and price can also be factors in my final choice. 

So it appears that you won't try before buying even when it's an option. 
In my view, that's silly. But you're entitled to your preference, just 
as some people will buy a new car without driving it first, or buy 
clothes without trying them on.