+1 to what Unsound said. There are manufacturers out there that spend more on the innards than the outtards per se. However, if it's not in an impressive looking case, will the audio journals give it their highest ratings.....doubtful. Most want to pay for the jewlery/name. If you don't, you can find small manufacturers that don't play the game, like PBN, Bear Labs, Music Reference, Quicksilver, TRL, CODA, etc.
Could they sell a high-end amp without the fancy
cabinetry.I'm talking about the quality of Pass, Ayre, Rowland, etc, etc. It seems when you do buy these products you are paying a lot for the packaging. Do you think someone could make an amp the quality of the above mentioned companies without the bling factor. It could sell for a lot less and create a new niche in the marketplace. If this is already being done I haven't seen it. I am talking about high-end audio not mid-fi.