[Gazzamundo]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

If you really feel the urge, :-) go for it. There's no substitute for personal experience. I'd suggest finding a place that will let you try and return things. With higher end gear, at least, many stores are good about even shipping you several items to do your own shootout. Then you can decide, which, if any, you prefer, and return the rest (or all of them). Hopefully the side-discussion in this thread will alert you to the challenges of even knowing if whatever you get is really better, or if you're just imagining it. I personally have no problem even with just "imagining" something is better. If you believe it, and it helps you make better music, no harm.

That last line, Doug - that's what I'm looking for man!