Does hearing the best in high end audio make your opinions more valid?

>>I have went to several shows<<

Enough said about your credibility 

WHITEHOUSE, TEXAS? Whoa! What? Is that right down the road from Dripping Springs?

I have never been to any audio show. As far as dealers and auditioning stuff.. Back in the early 80’s I went to Chicago to listen to a pair of Infinity RSIIa on the showroom floor down there. Nice. I bought a pair. I didn’t go listen to anything else to compare.
When I bought the 3.6 Magnepans I listened at the dealer for a few hours to my own CDs. I also listened to a pair of 20.7s when the dealer had them in stock. A few years later when I bought the 20.7s, no listen at all. Usually I just decide to buy something.
Like the Conrad Johnson ACT2 preamp I just bought used. NEVER EVER heard any CJ product before I bought it. Ditto the VAC Standard I bought used. Never heard any VAC equipment before I bought it. Same for the Kuzma Stabi/Stogi turntable I bought used here. I have more stress buying new and expect to hear it first. Used I just go with my gut. usually the item shows up... Want ? Yes? buy! there IS not time to go find one to listen to.If you wait it will be gone. And maybe never see another used for sale again.

Kinda like how some gamblers bet on horse races, on the jockey’s colors. 🐎

Don’t want your credibility with someone like yourself. As far as namedropping is cocncerned. Not name dropping just telling you what I have heard. But not surprised you saw it that way. Most of your type does. But anyway. Everybody enjoy  your journey and hear as much as you can as often as you can. I wanted to hear a lot of different stuff and I have been blessed to be able to. Whether you spend 10$ or 10k enjoy your system and your music