2. misc-audio
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Comments per Brand in Discussion Forums

Why is it that some brands attract so much commentary and kudos in the discussion forums, while others get relatively little by comparison?

Consider Wilson, Pass, Atma-Sphere, Dynavector among many others in the former category.

Basis, Van den Hul, Legacy among those in the latter.

Perhaps it is some combination of the following:

1. Relative success of manufacturer marketing efforts

2. Personal charisma of the manufacturer

3. Relative size of dealer network

4. Sheer number of owners of each brand (though how does it get this way?)

5. Some brands attract the kind of customer who is likely to be "loud and proud" on behalf of his purchases, while others attract a customer who is less likely to speak out (and if this is true, then, psychologically, why is it so?)

My belief is that the difference in number of comments is NOT a reflection of the relative merits of the equipment. Which is not necessarily to say that the "quiet" brands are better, but rather to insist that the oft-mentioned ones are not.
jimjoyce25

Showing 1 response by trelja

trelja
3,223 posts
 
A good topic, Jim, thank you.

I'll add that those brands who do not get as much mention could improve things, if they felt there was any benefit in doings so, by taking a more active role in the discussion.

AtmaSphere and Merlin clearly benefit from their front men taking a very active role in Audiogon. Likewise, people like Charles Hansen do the same at Audio Asylum. Other brands, like Zu, stay away from the threads, but have a loyal following who keep their components at the fore.

But, I will caution that discussion and "energy" in the threads do not necessarily equal success or sales volume, as brands like Cambridge and Music Hall do well despite not being discussed much. Maybe they're not fashionable, but the reality is that there are a lot of people who are serious about music, and have the means to spend $500 on a well built, good sounding high-end audio component, even if they or the manufacturers inject much into the discussion.
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