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Advantages of owning equipment from major audio brands vs. boutique shops?

As someone new to home audio, the many brands of equipment is overwhelming. I learn about a new brand almost daily. Today it was Valvet and their A4 MKII monoblocks. Is it correct to assume that advantage to owning equipment from the major players is a result of the dollars they invest in R&D and the company stability, translating to piece of mind via their warranty, and the ability to get a component repaired? I would think resale value also plays a factor.

Because the small shops often sell direct, cutting out layers of profit, there appear to be some good deals on well performing kit. Other than price, are there advantages to investing in boutique brand equipment? It seems the offset to a better price might be their instability in the market, resulting in possibly owning a very heavy, expensive paper weight should they close their doors and your component need service, and a lessor resale value.


kcpellethead

Showing 1 response by mijostyn

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mijostyn
8,227 posts
 
First of all, hi fi equipment is one of the worst investments you could possibly make. We throw our money away for the love of music although I suspect a fair number of us have our ego invested in it. 
I personally always believe it is safest buying your equipment from well established reputable firms with a track record of making great equipment. There are also several designers I follow closely. Although Millercarbon is right, simple equipment is easier to fix no piece of gear should break till it is at least 20 years on, at that point it is worth nothing and as tech moves on there is probably much better equipment available.
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