So CW, if audiophile only spend big $$$ for prestige and not perceived benefits we can appreciate we'd be okay. I.E. the people with $50,000 kitchens don't claim any benefit other than prestige are sane? I think you may be on to something but maybe notexpressed quite right.
Maybe there is a reason why marketing giants like Marantz and Sony either 1) don't sell or 2) got out of the high end. Instead now they only sell "midfi" stuff at "midfi" prices. Why do you think this is? Back in the day, Marantz sold the most expensive amp made but it was never reviewed. An old timer told me the stereo mag's couldn't afford to buy one to review :-).
I had the Fanfare $1,500+ tuner and my Marantz ST6000 for $279 smokes it for front end receiving strength and virtually EVERY spec on the spec sheet not to mention 2 antennae inputs and 60 presets (vs. 7).
Maybe there is a reason why marketing giants like Marantz and Sony either 1) don't sell or 2) got out of the high end. Instead now they only sell "midfi" stuff at "midfi" prices. Why do you think this is? Back in the day, Marantz sold the most expensive amp made but it was never reviewed. An old timer told me the stereo mag's couldn't afford to buy one to review :-).
I had the Fanfare $1,500+ tuner and my Marantz ST6000 for $279 smokes it for front end receiving strength and virtually EVERY spec on the spec sheet not to mention 2 antennae inputs and 60 presets (vs. 7).