Does mfg's name/model affect your opinion of sound


Many years ago a local audio store (RIP) demoed several tube amps & pre-amps. Some were McIntosh, some were Audio Research, etc. all high end and expensive.

I couldn't help but think that the McIntosh to be "better" sounding than the others since it had the highest price tag and the sexiest front panel design (compare them with their original front panel: ugly!).

I naively assumed the reason they are so expensive is because they must sound better.

Having over 40 years of tube experience, I now judge them purely on the merits of sound as I perceive it.

Does the brand name and price of equipment influences your hearing judgement and buying decision?

Eg: more expensive, therefore must be better.

How many of us have the luxury of listening to a blind test and just hear the music without knowing who made the equipment?
notbananas

Showing 1 response by mosin

So, startup company "A" designs and builds a preamp that exceeds all expectations. In fact, it practically becomes an instant legend. Over the years, the company produces a dozen other preamp models. By now, the first preamp has become a verified classic, but what about all those other models?

Are we to expect a given company to supersede the piece that made it famous? If so, how many times? How long is it before a brand becomes larger than life? Even if sales remain high, is it a given that the company remains faithful to a business model that adheres to sequential improvement and value, even when the outside appearance of the product line appears to advance with time?

I don't believe there is a concrete answer. Companies tend to change over time. That change can be in any direction, better, worse, or just different.

I try to keep an open mind because today's new startup company may have just introduced tomorrow's preamp classic, but like everybody else I do have certain expectations from some brands out there.