Double-blind listening tests - just say no. Horrible artificial things which put listeners under stress to hear differences.

I use magazine reviews as a short-list aid, no more. For this, the magazines I respect (Stereophile, HFN) do a good job. After that, there is nothing to beat going to a dealership and listening for real, followed by a home loan. Don't accept anything less. BUT - if you like the kit, buy it from the dealer who demo'd it to you, not more cheaply from the internet.