When I'm buying something in a new category that I don't know much about, I'll go and buy something that's above the bottom tier. Often that's good enough for m

When I'm buying something in a new category that I don't know much about, I'll go and buy something that's above the bottom tier. Often that's good enough for me, and other times I'll learn there's something lacking and find one that satisfies that. In certain areas I'll simply splurge because I can justify it from the amount of use or value it adds to my enjoyment (audio gear) or work.