The all time great audio "brands" are either now non-existent or the brand names have been bought, and off-shore companys are selling their gear under a false flag, false in the sense that a Marantz is no kin to "Marantz" of historical importance. McIntosh may be one exception, and I am sure there are a very few others, like maybe KEF and Technics. Was that your point in starting this pointless thread?