I think the people who spent $100k or more on their systems know exactly what they have and where they came from. I’m sure everyone here had a starting point with entry level gear and worked their way up to the level they are at now. I don’t believe anyone got into the hobby with $100k as the starting budget. I myself wish it wasn’t so expensive but the expensive components and cables are better just a fact. No convincing necessary it’s just true.
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Oddly, I did not listen to the gear before I bought these Items:
Gryphon Commander
Gryphon Apex
Gryphon Ethos
Gryphon PowerZone
TechDAS Air Force 3P Turntable.
Grimm MU1
Schnerzinger Grid Protector
Pretty much EVERY Stealth cable.
Any and all special feet.
The one thing I did listen to was my Vivid Spirit speakers. I must have shouted “Oh hell no!” at least fifty times while listening to them. My ears lied to me.
For me, reviews both in Audio Publications and guidance from my dealer helped me choose. And Luka helped a bunch too. Listen first was never an option. Except for the speakers, and I got that wrong. They are amazing.
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I need to confess that during last few months my audio fever was lower. Since I bought a new house I’v lost interest in my current room, tweaking and gear. I’m listening to music a day a week now. I’ll soon start again a new fight with a new (smaller) room, can’t wait. But my current one simply can’t get me enough interested or excited anymore. Truth be told. Is my audio journey at the end?
Within the end of the year the new house should be ready, hope that once there the fever will raise again.
Having said that, I agree with you. Never had the chance to try before buying gear. A few members of this forum drove me along the way for years. Thank you all, Vince, Donald, Greg, Paul, Different Paul, Tony and many many others I can’t count. But Al in particular was/is/will be my mentor, period. Thank you for that.
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Once you settle down, I am sure you will get back into it. I had a 10-year hibernation myself, but I bet yours will be shorter as long as you are still a member here.
Did I try out any of my gear at home first? I could not even think of one since I do not go to shows and do not visit any dealer anymore. Everything I bought was from word-of-mouth reviews here. Thanks to Al mainly.
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Time out. You just finished your room - okay maybe it’s been a year or 3 - and you’re moving?
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You know, happy wife, happy life!
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Especially when she makes me cookies!!!
(my wife, not yours)
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When youre buying flagship gear like that id be confident to do the same… but us lower end purchasers have to listen to what we can afford as its a gamble with lower lines…
So your bank account definitely inspired confidence… smooth flex btw lmao! So everyone knows gryphon isn’t gonna disappoint… but when youre dealing with rotel miche ps audio anthem and all these mid tear stuff that you have to bust its chops to guage what the best accurate sound is we have to listen 
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All that gear you mentioned is great stuff!
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Generally, but not always, IME…
In my experience, cable mfrs’ mid tier and below cables are the worst value for money.
Many that I’ve used over decades offered little to no improvement. Different maybe but improvement, no.
Not until I went to top tier did I find improvements that sounded worth the money. I think you do get what you pay for in most cases.
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I was able to hear my old CJ preamp and CJ power amp at home before purchasing. The store brought them to me for the home demo, and took the gear away when they left.
I have been lucky enough to borrow a Grimm MU2 and a Gryphon Powerzone and listen at home from forum friends before purchasing. Have also been fortunate enough to borrow a Front Row Reserve power cable and a Stealth CGLE and Dream 20-20, but haven’t purchased either of those top-tier cables yet.
I have not heard other gear at home before purchasing.
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Other than the obscene sunk costs of figuring out what I like, I consider myself fortunate to have reversed the insanity mid budget.