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Advantages of owning equipment from major audio brands vs. boutique shops?

As someone new to home audio, the many brands of equipment is overwhelming. I learn about a new brand almost daily. Today it was Valvet and their A4 MKII monoblocks. Is it correct to assume that advantage to owning equipment from the major players is a result of the dollars they invest in R&D and the company stability, translating to piece of mind via their warranty, and the ability to get a component repaired? I would think resale value also plays a factor.

Because the small shops often sell direct, cutting out layers of profit, there appear to be some good deals on well performing kit. Other than price, are there advantages to investing in boutique brand equipment? It seems the offset to a better price might be their instability in the market, resulting in possibly owning a very heavy, expensive paper weight should they close their doors and your component need service, and a lessor resale value.


kcpellethead

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,620 posts
 
I think it's more a matter of focus and capabilities.


I think the best thing you can do is develop your own level of understanding of what you like to listen to, what you want to hear, independent of reviewers or pundits (like me).


In terms of repair, the boutique gear is often more repairable. How many boutique preamp makers can afford their own custom VLSI chips and firmware?  No, the gear will be much more basic, made from components that you can still buy decades from now. This goes for speakers as well as amps and preamps.

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