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What brand is most recognized by non-audiophiles?

Yesterday at church the pastor used audiophiles in an example and mentioned that he probably shouldn't use the example without knowing the current best equipment. When he asked the congregation there were several quick responses that said Bose. I shook my head.

What audiophiles brands would be most recognizable to the masses these days? I think of Krell when I think of an audiophile brand, but don't know how many blank looks I would get out of non-audiophiles. Maybe B&W?
mceljo
jameswei
883 posts
 
I agree with McIntosh.

Perhaps Mark Levinson is also recognized, since it has been offered as a premium sound package in Lexus cars for several years now.

Yes, Bose has wider recognition than these, but I don't think the high end community considers Bose to be a high end name, so it doesn't make my list.
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
Bose, hands down.
zydo's avatar
zydo
242 posts
 
Audiophile brands are not recognized by the masses. If you aren't into it, you don't know them. All the answers above simply state what "normal" people have heard of. They are two different things...
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
But in the unlikely event that a truly great, high end audio brand were suddenly embraced by the masses, would it still be "high end"?
jameswei
883 posts
 
Oddly, SOTA turntables have gained recognition among younger hipsters who come to vinyl through dance parties. Also, SOTAs have appeared in popular media, like the House MD television series and mentioned in the Sopranos.
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