Awaiting a 1st impression

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.

@harrylavo 

I guess I am a youngster… 69 for a few more months. But I completely agree. I still read The Absolute Sound, Stereophile and HiFi+. I have tried a few boutique pieces along the way… but found while they may have some appealing characteristics overall well established high end companies fill in all positive aspects and, they are still there when you turn around.

Without multiple professional reviews with reviewers that have deep experience across the high end spectrum it is too easy to get glowing shallow reviews which do not really reflect a wholistic assessment of the product.
 

 I am fortunate to own some very good equipment from established long term providers. The equipment continually reveals strengths I was not even aware of when I bought the stuff. They are like fine instruments allowing you to listen more deeply and experience more emotionally the music than I would have thought possible. And good high end gear remains relevant and rewarding for exceedingly long periods of time like 10 - 20 years. So that “ridiculous” amount of money you spent becomes really well spent and a good bargain when amortized.

high end = esoteric = intended for the discerning FEW

I know Jim at Aesthetix and have run his superb Pandora DAC for a decade…excellent service, support, build quality and sonics. I have heard 3 Mimas now, all running Vandy Treo or Quattro….a superb high end value….

:-) enjoy the music

ghdprentice -  You  may be the youngest, but you still qualify for my hi-fi club ... "Geezers High for Fi".