I read about audio with music in the background, but I spend more time reading about audio than listening to music. That's the problem! It seems that this hobby is full of unknowns and judgements by others that make purchasing a difficult decision.

I think that this could be corrected by a yearly meeting where budget products will call out higher end gear and compete. There needs to be a Demo show where "Audiophiles" could cast their vote of approval. Rules should be that a "Product" should cost as least double or higher.

Example:
Emotiva XDA-1 DAC vs any $500 dac
Pioneer SP BS41 speaker vs $400 speaker
Technics SL1200 turntable vs Rega / Linn / VPI
DIY Pass Gain Clone vs Pass Aleph 0s
Radio Shack - RCA / Speakers cables vs any Hi End cable
Cheap Capacitors vs Hi End Capacitors
PSB Image T6 vs Focal Chorus 826w
Etc.......
This event should feature nothing but black curtains ( no peeking ) in ever room. Nothing but choice A , B or no difference.

I'm not sure who started the thread here, but it was something like the "Yearly State of Audio". That would be ideal to release the results to the audiophile community.