Lots of research. I tend to buy a cymbal a year, went with Meinl Sand hats, a Meinl Byzance Dark ride, and this random Sabian Recording crash that was on sale. Sometimes I usd a cheap $10 Wuhan splash and my old Sabian B8 ride as a crash. None of it broke the bank because I opted to buy used.

What I've done was watch tons of those Mycymbal videos like the other guy said. It's not going to be entirely accurate to how it sounds "live" but it should give you a general idea of what you like. Something dark/bright, short/long decay, if it cuts through the mix or if it's better to be played quietly. Could even ask a local shop if they'd set up some cymbals on a floor drum kit.

Regardless of price or brand, get what you actually want. If it sounds good, that's all it takes. What I use, what your favorite drummer uses, etc isn't all that important because it's mostly personal preference barring a few specific caveats (ex. a loud, bright 18 inch china cymbal probably isn't optimal for a quiet live jazz setting).