How did you settle on the brand to purchase when it came to your home theater system? Did you look up lots of reviews, rely on past experience or recommendations, "go with your gut" or something else?
I prefer to ask for recommendations from my friends and family. Online reviews are definitely helpful when I have nowhere else to turn, but I trust people I actually know much more.
Yes, I trust personal reviews better as well. Plus, if the person you are asking is close by, you can go listen to their system.