@english210 Since I’m a student too, I don’t have grounds to confirm what you’re saying.
What I will say is that from my research here and elsewhere there is a relatively small number of makers that fulfill certain metrics above the fundamental ones related to quality of design & build and sound quality. For me, the telling metrics are: simplicity of utility and aesthetics (not trying to be too complicated, too user friendly, or a showpiece), company reputation (warranty, customer service, longevity), and popularity with serious reviewers (both journalist and hobbyist). Off the top of my head, the list fitting all those metrics and appearing repeatedly here include QS, deHavilland, Sachs, Supratek, Atmas-phere, Erhard, Herron, VAC. I’m sure I left some out, as you can see I'm leaning toward smaller but very well-established independents. And again, this is just my summary of what others have been saying and what I’ve read in professional publications.
What I will say is that from my research here and elsewhere there is a relatively small number of makers that fulfill certain metrics above the fundamental ones related to quality of design & build and sound quality. For me, the telling metrics are: simplicity of utility and aesthetics (not trying to be too complicated, too user friendly, or a showpiece), company reputation (warranty, customer service, longevity), and popularity with serious reviewers (both journalist and hobbyist). Off the top of my head, the list fitting all those metrics and appearing repeatedly here include QS, deHavilland, Sachs, Supratek, Atmas-phere, Erhard, Herron, VAC. I’m sure I left some out, as you can see I'm leaning toward smaller but very well-established independents. And again, this is just my summary of what others have been saying and what I’ve read in professional publications.