Most overrated audio manufacturers?

I think I agree that Wilson is a candidate. That company hasn't really seemed to make any sort of attempt at innovation since they began and look to me like they intend to get by on pretty much pedigree alone. Maybe the worst actor to me is PS Audio. They've always strived to be a second-rate company. They spend all their efforts looking at what the competition is currently up to and then try to design an everything-including-the-kitchen-sink model or version that they think will trump everything in the market. But, what usually happens is that somebody else somewhere brings to market shortly afterward a new twist, improvement or innovation to it that Macgowan's ee's didn't foresee. Then they have to start over with an all new version that surely this time can't be beat. But, it's the other companies they seem to be stealing ideas from that apparently drive PS Audio forward. Their Perfect Wave DAC and transport were well enough received for a while, but in the digital arena no foothold lasts for long it seems. About the only other thing they did that audiophiles took to were the Power Plants...very good for their day (apart from the wattage limitations), but other companies have since outdone those designs as well. But (and I'm venting here), the really distasteful part for my money was seeing the focus of PSA newsletters slowly change, first, from informative updates on products, then to trips overseas to foreign production facility tours and finally to an absolutely insane level of Paul's and his family's indulgences on such extended vacations. One month it's wine-making in France, the next climbing peaks in Tibet or hunting tigers in India...or something equally ridiculous. I mean, I remember back in the day when he didn't seem like he could afford a life like that. So, how are we to assume he has since come across that kind of capital?? I've had to work pretty dang hard for my audio dollars. Are those activities the kinds of things I'm being asked fund?? But, if anything, he seems, via the newsletters, to be marketing all that back to us. "Hey, don't you want to buy your gear from somebody as successful as this guy? If you do, then you can feel like somebody, too!" Really, seriously?? I think I'll pass... Anybody who has amassed a bankroll like That is probably not on the "leading edge" of value. I know that'll probably offend somebody somewhere, but I'm just calling it like I see it.

Anybody who has amassed a bankroll like That is probably not on the "leading edge" of value.

So, because his company is successful, the products must be a poor value? I learn something new here every day.

I have always thought that MIT and Transparent cables are overrated. I have tried both in my system and they are very overpriced. I have cables from Clear Day that smoke both those cables and is about 75 percent less.

So, because his company is successful, the products must be a poor value? I learn something new here every day.

I think that is not the point. I think he is saying that PS is resting on their laurels. Terms like "prefectwave" are disingenuous because there is nothing perfect, ever.

I have no problem with people making money, but crazy claims and unbelievable profit margins exist in this arena, and it is not good for anyone except the people making the money.

I have no problem with people making money, but crazy claims and unbelievable profit margins exist in this arena

"Unbelievable profit margins" does not make me think of the audio industry. Land development, automotive manufacturing, filmmaking, computer software or site development, defense manufacturing, energy exploration and transport (oil and gas), are some industries where "unbelievable profit margins" are possible but, for the most part, not audio. "Crazy claims" you can find pretty much anywhere.