Ronnie, I first became interested in Meridian products because of the nature of their products, especially DSP and therefore also the Meridian Room Correction. My interest was raised by the favourable reviews, including The Absolute Sound review of the 808.1 and so many of M's gear over the years being in Stereophile's recommended list. Now that's a great start.

Then I heard some of the gear - that's more difficult than it sounds because it was actually hard to audition in Australia but it is much better now. Then I was convinced and purchased without a home audition. Room problems to some extent at least I knew could be helped by MRC.

Also for someone as experienced as JA who did the Stereophile review of the 808.2 I definitely do take note of them as a highly trusted reviewer. He knows his room and his downstream gear and I believe also his room, including because he does a lot of measurements for other Stereophile reviewers. Also he knows so well the CDs he uses for comparison and his review is based upon listening over a considerable period.

There are reviewers I would not rely on much, if at all.

How many purchase gear not favourably reviewed by at least someone?

I would be interested also in others comments about their method of selection of AV gear.