What is ignored is what product has the best circuit design, for in the end that is what you hear. Most time the design is the same, whether up or down. The execution in components is often what decides price. I am partial to finding the best design as most often it is that which creates a better sound. I find interesting the business model of Cayin, which takes the classics designs and executes them with current state of the art components.
Let's Play UpMarket DownMarket...The audio game
You have an imaginary audio budget of your own choosing.
Will you choose the upmarket component of a modestly priced company, or the downmarket product from an ultra expensive vendor?
Examples from the speaker category.
Upmarket: Vandersteen Seven, Zu Dominance. Both statement products from companies known for selling reasonably priced products.
Downmarket: YT Carmel, Magico V2. Entry level products from upper echelon firms.
Which will be your choice and why?
The trickle down technology from the bleeding edge outfit or the value oriented firm freed from the constraints of cost?
Let's talk sonics and value, rather than resale value.