Brand preference and opinions


Like cars with many brands, it is generally considered that Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lexus, Audi, Acura, Rolls Royce, Porsche, etc... to be in the top group. Ferrari, Lamborgini, Mclaren, etc... to be in the elite group and of course Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, etc... to be in the general group.
Getting back to audio, I am looking for your opinion as to what is in the top group. For example, I think Conrad Johnson, Mcintosh, Mark Levinson, etc... brands to be in this group.
I like your opinion what would be in general the top brands for this group in the order of what is considered higher level.
My reasoning.... I am considering buying a amp/preamp or integrated amp based on brand only just like some people who buys a low end Benz for the prestige even though they could have had a higher end Lexus for the same money
shsu

Showing 2 responses by shsu

I guess for me it comes down to if I don't have a chance to listen, what would be safer to buy, a matched Mcintosh amp/preamp or a matched Yamaha amp/preamp.

I figure it is easier to sell to an audiophile a Mcintosh than a Yamaha thus for obvious reason, it is safer to buy something from the top group.

Also would I not be right to say that generally something coming out of Mark Levinson would be better than a Denon?

I love some people two liner response, please elaborate instead of just trying to increase their own thread count.

Honestly, looking for a $3-5k (used price) amp/preamp or integrated but i just can't subjectively go out and listen as the stores are far in between, they use different equipments and interconnects and most important, many of the models sold on agon are not carried at the local stores or must be ordered or no longer in production.
thanks ZYL8TR

when it comes down to buying something, i would like to try to get it right first time.
just like cars, something that is priced right from a top brand name company will sell faster and is generally of better quality and performance.
this should apply to audio as well. i would like to have fellow member give me opinion on whether the same idea can be used for audio and if yes, what brands would you recommend if I can't really audition and it is best bang for the buck.
just trying to learn, if i go to the stores, salespeople would be biased more than fellow agon members so i would think i can learn better here than walking to various stores as the stores would play different materials on different cd players and different speakers.