The knowledge is out there for you to grab. You just have to know where to look! Before going to the store for any type of gear, go online and learn as much as you can about that product type.
With a little reading, you'll be more informed about what to look for when you actually go the store. If your looking at speakers, educating yourself enables you to discern fact from fiction when salespeople usher in all of their knowledge.
You'll also be able to better evaluate HT gear out there by cutting to the chase and finding any shortcomings or advantages. Self education saves a lot of time, and also allows you to more confidently know when you've got the right component for you.
Where Can You Find The Info?
Well, of course you have this site's On Gear
section as a standard repository of what of look for in different different types
of home theater gear.
You can also rely on product review magazines and web sites by reading multiple reviews similar to the component you're shopping for. Be careful not to narrow your search down to one specific product at this time. There's always more than one great product in any price category so right now is the best time to keep your mind open.
What Info To Stay Away From
In this step it's important to stay away from consumer review sites unless you
have a specific product in mind. At this point in your shopping experience, your
looking to gain the knowledge so you can go out and find a few models that match
your needs. Not simply select one product, see what a few people think, and go
buy.
Which leads to the next step: