Boutique/custom vs production tube linestages

I'm always curious about this too. Is it all just different flavors of ice cream, or are there boutique brands that are making gear that is clearly better than more famous marques?

Check out Toodshed Amps on Instagram or FB  if you want to see some beautiful  hand made creations.   Im having Matt build me a 300b amp and possibly his DHT Preamp.   

I currently own an AricAudio Unlimited pre. I haven’t had the opportunity to match it up against any of the big boys.  I would not hesitate to order from him again.  I’m very,very happy with my purchase.  
   I was thinking the other day about a future upgrade. In my mind I have narrowed it down to three manufacturers. AricAudio,Don Sachs,or Supratek.  

  As a maker of boutique (I dislike that term) preamps, the basic difference to mine (or others) is being able to customize for the purchasers needs.As an example, I recently built a preamp for a fellow who wanted the tubes visible, wanted a specific coupling cap, and wanted a special color of faceplate. All could be done for him.  As far as price to performance, often custom preamps can perform better than an off the shelf unit for less money due to less overhead.