Measure twice, cut once.
I remember the first time I heard that adage was after I ruined my first piece of wood.
Though we learn from the mistakes of others, true learning happens when we take our own risks and win or lose.
Without trying them ourselves we can't know whether that new amplifier, DAC, phono stage, or regenerator will bring magic to our system. The fact that it did or did not light up someone else's rig is little more than circumstantial evidence to be taken with a grain of salt.
Risk has its rewards.
Good advice for those with a smidge of adventure in their souls.
