There is NO guarantee that the Mclntosh will be the better unit. Many "high-end" boutique companies are simply exploiting brand-name association to give an air of quality and somehow justify their much higher prices. (in fact that high price is an integral part of the marketing strategy) Take the first reply in this thread for example... has he even ever seen one or let alone heard one to make that statement? That's the power of marketing and brand recognition. It's the unstoppable gut feeling you get if I was to say Jaguar or Toyota. You simply can't help yourself.
Have a read of this cheap mass-market brand blu-ray player that Joe sixpack average that lives across the street from you will be using... www.(remove)hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/blu-ray-players-reviews/sony-bdp-s590-blu-ray-player/page-4-on-the-bench.html
Now have a read of a review of an $8k Mclntosh blu-ray player that would no doubt have many people lusting after it from just nothing more then seeing an ad for it in a glossy magazine... www.(remove)hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/blu-ray-players-reviews/mcintosh-mvp881-universal-blu-ray-player/page-4-the-mcintosh-mvp881-universal-blu-ray-player-on-the-bench.html
Before you fall for the hype, you really should simply just judge each bit of gear on its own merits regardless of the name on its face plate and the pricetag.
Have a read of this cheap mass-market brand blu-ray player that Joe sixpack average that lives across the street from you will be using... www.(remove)hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/blu-ray-players-reviews/sony-bdp-s590-blu-ray-player/page-4-on-the-bench.html
Now have a read of a review of an $8k Mclntosh blu-ray player that would no doubt have many people lusting after it from just nothing more then seeing an ad for it in a glossy magazine... www.(remove)hometheaterhifi.com/blu-ray-players/blu-ray-players-reviews/mcintosh-mvp881-universal-blu-ray-player/page-4-the-mcintosh-mvp881-universal-blu-ray-player-on-the-bench.html
Before you fall for the hype, you really should simply just judge each bit of gear on its own merits regardless of the name on its face plate and the pricetag.