What brand is most recognized by non-audiophiles?

The ones that make A/V gear.

That and Apple and then bose.

Then whatever else they sell at Best Buy these days.

All the rest don't even register.

The unwashed masses have the tastes of the Philistines when it comes to audio and rely on advertisements to show them the way.

That was kind of in jest but the advertisement part I truly mean. Aside from home audio adverts, the other one that comes to mind are the audio components that come with luxury cars so Bose, B&O, B&W and Levinson come to mind since they are highly touted as the best you can get for your car.

All the best,
Nonoise

Yeah, whatever is sold in cars and luxury cars also probably has good buzz.

JBL came in my Avalon.

I have Alpine in my 4runner.

I had fantastic Nakamichi gear in my car once. BEst sounding car audio I have had by far.

I think some 90's Lexus models had factory installed Nakamichi systems. Many non-audiophiles realize Bose is a "lifestyle" product not an audio component. My guess would be JBL.

It seems the brand I get the most when people find out I am into music and equipment. "Oh do you have Bose?" I think to myself,Serioulsy? Bose!! I find it very hard to explain to them that, Bose, isn't even a good place to start. But not to appear arrogant or instulting to them as they may own Bose, I just smile and say, no. No Bose, I bought some other speakers and they sound real nice except they play music real good...., the other brand I get is Denon, which is in my opinion much higher on the audio-chain than Bose. No reason to insult people, just agree and move on. As a side note about Amar Bose, when he died earlier this year, I thought it would be nice to give a eulogy and say "Let's all rise and face the back of the church and take a moment to reflect...."