Does mfg's name/model affect your opinion of sound

Back when I was too young to buy anything but was developing opinions, I always thought the Marantz components sounded better than the corresponding McIntosh products. Was I influenced by the faceplates? Possibly. But I was also influenced by the sound. In my "middle years', when I started to earn money but was still a technical moron, I am quite sure I was heavily influenced by chassis design and what I read in the audio press. Now that I have become a fairly experienced DIYer, I have no "respect" for any product based only on appearance or the word of a reviewer, most of whom know much less than I do about circuit design. I have come to find out that much of what we call "high end", meaning very expensive, gear is flawed, and I take some pleasure in knowing that I can do better, or at least as well, by modifying a less expensive and/or vintage piece, using information that's now available on the internet or the advice of one or another guru. It's a very liberating state of mind.

Of course it does. A manufacturer's name means something. To the knowledgeable audiophile the brand name carries a whole history filled with meaning. Whether or not that history and meaning is accurate is another question, but it clearly exists.

I think the influence of model number is even more important. Audiophiles are willing to spend $1,000s just because it says "Mk II", "Reference" or "Signature". Audiophiles are willing to spend $10,000s if it says "Anniversary".

In a few seconds I will hit the enter key and the above will become facts because you read them on the internet.

I just do not have the time or energy to listen to stuff and make personal judgments. It is much easier to buy the expensive stuff based on 'reviews' and buy the products with the greatest following. But just to make sure I take the precaution of buying replacement stuff anually. That way I can't be wrong for more than the year it takes me to find out the reviewers might not have understood my needs.

Uh huh! :-)

Personally, there are certain "gold standard" brands for good sound (or at least the companies behind the brand) that carry special weight with me based on personal experience over the years and the general knowledge base out there that I have read. I expect nothing bad sounding from these. It's more about which to like best and sometimes cost/value.

1) ARC
2) Bel Canto
3) OHM
4) Dynaudio
5) Linn

Maybe my views towards certain brands is just my inner chimp chasing after its favorite bananas, but I like to think there is more to it than just that.