When I'm getting ready to buy something new, I come up with the list of features I feel I need, and then look for a product which fulfills them. I don't let the market dictate lead me too much. Sometimes I come up with a list of feature that no single product yet has. That's when I wait.

Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris