I hadn't realised that Farce, in the novel form could exist.
A Good man in Africa, and Stars and Bars, by William Boyd, laugh out loud good!
Possibly not read in the company of ones Missus, when she is trying to concentrate on her Thriller! ;)
In pre ASR days, I was content, to follow my favourite Hifi shops recommendations.
When said Chord fails, you can bet your boots, something cheaper will replace it
I think that if you believe you can hear a difference between different DAC's, for instance, no problem.
If that perception causes you to purchase various DAC's, for reasons other than product failure, your money, your choice.
However I think that money could more usefully be given to charity.