So, how should one listen?
What an unbelievable thing for the dealer to have said.
1. Decide what room you want he music to be played in.
2. Use a dealer who has a listening room that is similar to your own.
3. Try stuff at dealers.
4. Try stuff in your home.
5. Make your own decision.
So.
If dealer comes on as being a clever person and they haven't asked anything about your listening room they are talking bollocks.
If they won't loan you stuff they are to be avoided.
If they pressurise you to buy particular kit then they are also idiots unless they understand how you are going to listen to the music.
Most of the above relates to speakers as most reasonable gear should be able to amplify the source properly.