Buying Equipment Based on Philosophy???

I own/have owned products by the companies you mention, but all have also made products I didn't like...Schram sold Parasound last month...also many stories over the years about Parasound using lower quality parts than Curl designated...

I do like to gain insight into the designers of the components that I purchase, and how they approach their designs, even if some of the details are technically over my head. I have also made a couple of major acquisitions without the benefit of an audition (no nearby dealer; both worked out well), and would not have done so without the high level of comfort gained through earlier, direct communication with the designers.

Reputations are earned 

I wouldn't call it philosophy.  Nietzsche is philosophy.  I'd call what you describe "design approach".  

I do indeed choose my equipment based on design approach.  For example, I will not bother to audition a tube amp based on PC boards.  I want a simple signal path...I think passive components can only degrade sound, never add anything.  etc  (don't argue with these, these are just examples and I know there are people who disagree but that would derail the thread)

I think people who are more technical in nature are more likely to form such opinions.

Jerry

I understand the word "philosophy" used in this context to indicate a complex notion, namely, design-used-for-intended-acoustics-complementary-of-music.

In other words, there's a sound the designer has in mind -- a flavor profile, if you will -- and this is chosen based on what the designer thinks the music needs. It is philosophical because it is the application of general ideas regarding musical aesthetics to the best engineering designs to accomplish that -- and to a price point. This, I think, is what is making Schiit so successful.