Reading only goes so far with all audio gear, but it does help. Read some other forums to get a broader idea, don't limit yourself. Find people with experience you can understand and trust a little. Going to meets, retailers, and/or buying/trying/selling what you don't like is a more viable strategy if you have those options. Try to form an idea of what sound really floors you by contaminating yourself with the best stuff possible before you judge, it helps to gain experience yourself.
/enabler