Awaiting a 1st impression

but I am reasonably familiar with the main-stream brands,

Of course you are. And you made my point. We are talking about a cottage industry here. Why don't you tell me what your suggestion would be for these high end companies when it comes to advertisement? I'm sure most of them advertise in the few audio rags that are left. How would you advise these companies to make buyers "aware"?

."If US brands want people to not buy MIC, they will have to be price competitive"

boosteddis- 

I think everyone would like to see that happen. 

REALITY- you maybe would have a nice looking case full of air, an that's about it.

The  Aesthetix may or may not sound "better" but if it had the EXACT build as the PL, it would be bit more than it's already hefty price.

Congrats on your PL.  Established company, quality parts, excellent long term track  record, it’s a solid investment.  

Several comments on Boostedis's point.  I am an 82yo audiophile who has closely followed the industry since I was a 15yo kit-builder.  

Comment #1:  Unless you are actively into today's market online, much of the self-selecting advertising is not going to reach you.

Comment #2:  The industry was built on publications that together reviewed a LOT of gear, and the magazines carried dealer ads and usually had a few dedicated pages so that small manufacturers could still advertise.  I know the web equivalent exists but from what I have observed, neither the quality of reviewing nor the quality of advertising measures up.

Comment #3:  On the other side of the coin: boutique audio manufacturers are a bit like new restaurant owners .... they never consider that spending a considerable amount on advertising to let people know about you or where you are or how to get you.  Such spending is as much a successful "investment" (not "spending") as putting in machinery or kitchen fixtures.  In the old days, technical reviews (Audio, High Fidelity, Hi-Fi and Stereo Review, etc. all carried many, many reviews that at least let you have some idea of where they stood .... nowadays, everything is the latest and greatest.  No reviews nor most advertising nor the few dealers that still exist talk realistically about where the equipment really honestly fits/stands in the food chain.

I know, I know.  Curmudgeon!!  Guilty, but unrepentent.

"Congrats on your PL"

kennyc- who purchased a PL EVO 300 hybrid? Wish it were me. I have a 6 year old PL HP.

harrylavo- your insight is spot on.