@freediver great question.
As a retailer, I’ve supported both boutique and mainstream manufacturers, and as an audiophile for over 40 years, I’ve seen the strengths and trade-offs from both sides. In general, I’ve found that you often get more performance per dollar from newer start-ups and smaller boutique designers—especially those who design and build everything in-house.
That said, the advantages of these smaller companies come with trade-offs. Once they gain traction and word spreads, demand usually outpaces capacity. Lead times stretch out, and if you ever need service or repairs, turnaround can go from a few weeks to—believe it or not—over a year.
Another challenge I’ve experienced is version control. Many small manufacturers are constantly tweaking and updating their designs. Within a year, there might be three different “versions” of the same model, which can make resale tricky and sometimes confusing for owners trying to keep up with revisions.
As for newer, larger start-ups—Halcro is a good example. I became a dealer shortly after they became the buzz of the industry in the early 2000s. By 2008, they were gone. Once the company shut down, the resale value of their amps dropped like a rock. The thing is, you don’t know in those early days whether a company will turn out to be the next Halcro—here today, gone tomorrow—or go on to become a household name. In the beginning, it’s always a bit of a leap of faith.
On the other hand, established brands generally have the infrastructure and financial stability to support their customers long-term. They’re usually better funded, offer more consistent service, and their products tend to hold resale value better. You do, however, pay a bit more to get the same level of performance you might find from a boutique maker or a new start-up.
In the end, there’s no absolute right or wrong choice—just trade-offs. It really comes down to what you value more: maximum performance per dollar and individuality, or long-term stability and support.
That said, there’s something to be said for going against the flow and supporting the smaller, passionate builders who pour their heart and soul into what they do. When you buy from them, you’re not just getting a piece of gear—you’re helping a family business grow, and you become part of their story. There’s a certain satisfaction in that connection, knowing your purchase helps keep the craft side of high-end audio alive and thriving.
The downside is, sometimes it can be extremely frustrating getting what you need done in a respectable amount of time—but for many of us, that’s part of the journey and charm of this hobby. Cheers, James
