the purpose for evaluating a stereo system is not to attempt to "know" the stereo system, but rather to observe the performance given a sample of recordings.
a stereo system is as "strong" as its weakest link. if i like the sound of a stereo system and am looking to purchase an amplifier, i may consider auditioning the amplifier in my own system.
when i went shopping for speakers, i did not purchase a pair of speakers until i heard a stereo system whose performance i enjoyed.
here is my reasoning. if i enjoy a stereo system with a specific pair of speakers, i consider that there is a probability that i can enjoy these speakers in my own stereo system. until i obtain some sufficient evidence, i won't buy the speakers, nor will i want to audition them in my own system.
on the other hand, since i like full range panel speakers, i willing to audition any of them without hearing them.
once i hear them in a stereo system, i require a positive experience.
i can sum this up. if i have a negative experience, i won't take action, if there is a positive experience i will take action. if there is no experience, i may or may not take action. in the case of solid state amps, e.g., since i don't like them as a rule, i won't listen to one, in general, without having a positive experience outside the context of my own stereo system. there was an exception.
i auditioned roger sanders esl solid state amp, without hearing it first, against my better judgment. after i auditioned it, i have decided never to audition a class d amp, or solid state amp until i have first heard the amp somewhere.
