Stereophile Recommended Components: 2019 Edition

[Audiophobiac]

I go in to reading reviews with an open mind and I believe most reviewers do the same. An opinion is just that. To say that Stereophile, TAS or even your opinion has no value is like putting your head in the sand. I don't like sand in my hair and ears so I will keep my head up and be on the lookout for differing opinions and make my own decision. Perhaps audiophiles do what you do, but as an enthusiast I have my eyes wide open.

I'm as far as you get from audiophile by any stretch. I'm a music enthusiast. For me, its music before gear. When I am considering a piece (which will not happen for the rest of my life now that my system is built), I do gather up any reviews on it to compare notes, but that is as far as I go and I take it with a salt-lick. I always feel like the reviewers at Stereophile, TAS etc. are just trying to sell me a bill of goods. I don't respond to marketing or paid adverts, outlandish claims, etc.
The only opinion that has any meaning is your own in what you heard or experienced with said piece at the end of the day
I don't habitually read those magazines or other reviews on gear, whether I like the peice or am interested or not. I do this only if I am needing to get something. I finished my system (yes, "finished" forever, not 2 weeks or 3 months or whatever) about just less than 3 months ago.
For me it is about the music, first, last and always, period, end of story. So now I can get back to it.