How To Look For Top Rated Amplifiers

If you are looking to purchase  a new amplifier, how do you determine which one is best for you? For me, having no knowledge about how amplifier works, I usually check out the reviews. Reading what others would have to  say about the products will give me a glimpse of their experiences. I normally check the product first that had been reviewed. Sometimes, I also ask my friends who have recently purchased equipment, to see if they have any recommendations.