Auditioning gear for purchase.. not in town


Greetings,
Especially after hanging out in these forums, one develops some nice "short lists" of good stuff when choosing equipment. Here is my question....

Many of the companies/items that are well regarding/reviewed are not available for audition in my city. My local dealer always lets me take pieces home to demo, but what to do when the piece is not in town? What do you folks do?
Ag insider logo xs@2xheadshrinker2
i rarely visit dealers, as i realize that a demo at a dealer does not eliminate any risk that i won't like a component in my own system.

thus, it pays either not to buy that component or buy it used, with the hope of reslling it if i don't like it. in either case, a dealer does not get a sale.

there are some exceptions, when a dealer's ears are trusted and there is an attractive discount.

Getting something used is good.

It is also a good way to find a wife. If you don't like her you can put her back on the used market and not take to big a "hit".