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

Many years ago a local audio store (RIP) demoed several tube amps & pre-amps. Some were McIntosh, some were Audio Research, etc. all high end and expensive.

I couldn't help but think that the McIntosh to be "better" sounding than the others since it had the highest price tag and the sexiest front panel design (compare them with their original front panel: ugly!).

I naively assumed the reason they are so expensive is because they must sound better.

Having over 40 years of tube experience, I now judge them purely on the merits of sound as I perceive it.

Does the brand name and price of equipment influences your hearing judgement and buying decision?

Eg: more expensive, therefore must be better.

How many of us have the luxury of listening to a blind test and just hear the music without knowing who made the equipment?
notbananas
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,227 posts
 
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.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
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! :-)
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,295 posts
 
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.
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sarcher30
596 posts
 
No. The sound effects my opinion of the manufacturer. ;0)
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