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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 2 responses by syntax

syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
I think the influence of model number is even more important. Audiophiles are willing to spend $1,000s just because it says "Mk II", "Reference" or "Signature". Audiophiles are willing to spend $10,000s if it says "Anniversary".

Or Art For The Ear (Burmester) but some say it is Fart For ... in reality?
Just a rumor imo....
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Well, here is a perfect example:

Stereophile Page 16 Advertisement

EMOTIVA
= Rethink High End

A happy Listener sits smiling in front of that System, holding a CD Box in his
hand ---> obviously he likes it very much
Advertising Text:
"Love what your Hear
Go ahead. Sit back and relax. Pick that one track that mean everything to you.
And enjoy
It's time High End Audio returns to its roots.
In Music.
In Loving what you hear.
Rethink High End Audio at emotiva.com."
(Perfect connection between Picture & Text)

I was whining after reading these lines ( I am sensitive you know)

Now, let's go to Reality:
When we look at that picture we can see that the Preamp Display shows
"Phono Direct"
"Vol. 80.0"

But that is not all
On top of the Rack there is a Turntable with a Tonearm
but there is no cartridge to be seen (only the wires coming out from the Arm)

That's High End today :-)
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