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

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 

My two audio buddies Bill smith and the late Charles threat set out to hear and try as much gear as we can and for about 7 or 8 years we went on a journey together that was amazing. We met dealers, We developed relationships, shared music, bought and sold gear and tried to better the other persons system for the best sound in our group. We had the best time. We started cheap and bought more expensive as time went on. Usually the sound got better as we went up but not all the time. We almost heard and tried it all. I’m glad that it happened. I’m glad I learned from it all. My audio journey has been unique and I have enjoyed every bit of it.