Awaiting a 1st impression

Who gets the prize for build quality appearance?

I, for one, have never liked the look of PL gear. That more than the MIC aspect has kept me from ever trying any of their stuff.

@boostedis 

If you haven't heard of Aesthetix gear, it's more your fault than theirs. Most people who have been at this awhile certainly know who they are.

@boostedis 

No you missed the point. You expect the general public to know esoteric audio companies by name like they recognize Sony or Bose. It ain’t gonna happen. Maybe you are a newb, that’s the only way to explain your dismay. But you’ll get the hang of it. Like I said, most people around here recognize companies that Joe Sixpack won’t. Doesn’t mean they aren’t doing what it takes to stay in business. You just won’t see em advertising in People or House and Garden.

but I am reasonably familiar with the main-stream brands,

Of course you are. And you made my point. We are talking about a cottage industry here. Why don't you tell me what your suggestion would be for these high end companies when it comes to advertisement? I'm sure most of them advertise in the few audio rags that are left. How would you advise these companies to make buyers "aware"?