I'm a Consumer Reports sort of guy. Is there a pla

If you want a reliable product that is reasonable in price and still sounds good I would look at Quad. Not fashionable or cutting edge but solid performance and reliable. Look at the 99 or 909 series. I have been a Consumers Reports reader for over 40 years, their approach is not applicable to audio, although in the early 60s they did do serious audio reviews. The British Mag. WHAT HIFI is the only thing remotely close, and it is fairly remote, but possibly worth a look.

No. Though you may find a back issue of Consumer Reports that would answer some questions for you. Contact them and ask them.
I do agree with Thsalmon though, if you are searching for audio equipment based on repair history and not sonic qualities, then you would be better served asking folks at Consumer Reports than here at AudiogoN. Not that reliability is not an issue here, it certainly is, but it's only one priority here.

Cheers,
John

If you really care about sound reproduction then finding the "right" equipment for your tastes, music, room, etc. is by far the hardest task you'll face. My advice is to go find equipment that really rocks your world and then check into reliability later. Most brands are at least fairly reliable, and you may find that after really falling for a component that reliability might actually fall lower on your list of priorities.

In any event, I agree with a previous post that if you're starting your search with reliability ratings this probably isn't the best site (nor the best audience) to consult.

You would probably get your best answers here regarding equipment breakdowns and customer service, but unfortunately you would have to scrutinize the posts. You might find an angry owner complaining that his power amp is not operating correctly after a 3 foot fall from his rack. Another thing to consider is that there is no correlation between reliability and good sound.

Call some repair shops and ask them.

The word quality has two implications. One, which seems to be your line of pursuit, deals with the good, better, best of things. The other, which is the main thrust of the people you are asking, is the character, texture, flavor of things.

It's like contrasting durability with ergonomics.