HOW MUCH DO NON-AUDIO FACTORS INFLUENCE YOUR AUDIO PURCHASES?


I think most audiophiles would like to think it's all about the sound, but for me there's often many factors not related specifically to sound quality, that play a big part when deciding what audio component to buy.  Perceived build quality, brand name reputation, specs, even things mostly related to appearance can have a big influence.  I have for years, pursued matched, one-brand systems and seemingly can not be truly content with my two-channel rig otherwise, regardless of the performance or build quality of specific components.  I sometimes think the whole process is, for me, more an exercise in obsessive behavior than a rational pursuit of a logical outcome.  So how about you?   Any tales of audiophilia nervosa  you'd be willing to share? 
jdmccall56
1) SQ/value/budget - beware the law of diminishing returns - avoid upgradeitis
2) Don't care about color of boxes or looks, but don't want my den to look like a physics lab and it has to fit in its space with the records
3) British design + chinese manufacturing = value if done right. Good for speakers, not much else.
4) make sure to maximize what you have - vibration control, room dynamics, electrical isolation. This is very underrated - smaller dollars invested here can have a bigger (sometimes MUCH) impact than changing boxes. Put your turntable on a wall shelf if at all possible. Just did it after 25 years - WOW. You'll never have a bigger bang for $200 in your audio lifetime.

andysf  You might check to see if you should I believe you need to dismantle your system and return most of the innards to China.  Still, all of my electronic were made in North America, and since the 1970's I have only used British (also English Speaking) British.  I do have Japanese tuners (3 of 4) and a Japanese CD player, but that country is not full of CPF's, of which I am one.
My golden, metered Phase Linear 400 was much more fun to watch than my Black, three LED (ON, Clip left, Clip Right) Audire amps, but for fun, I can turn the power way up on system 2, and watch the old B&W's  light up the LED's as it diminishes the sound to save the drivers from drunken fools.
I definitely take other things into consideration when buying gear.

I’m probably in the minority, but I am willing to pay a little more because I trust the dealer for honest advice and after-the-sale service.

That being said, I no longer buy brands that have very low resale values. 
It's been a dry January for me and I've made a lot less audio purchases as a result. So I guess alcohol is a non-audio factor.