U get my point!! To me, I just treat HiFi show as a gathering for audiophiles!! If u want to fully utilize the potential of a gear, better to audit at showroom. If possible, I will ask for home audition. (depend on yr relationship with agent! )
In the past, I keep my eye on those high price gears. Now I pefer to look for something which is cheap, but good. It's because more audiophiles can share my happiness.