2. amps-preamps
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Brand preference and opinions

Like cars with many brands, it is generally considered that Mercedes Benz, BMW, Lexus, Audi, Acura, Rolls Royce, Porsche, etc... to be in the top group. Ferrari, Lamborgini, Mclaren, etc... to be in the elite group and of course Toyota, Honda, Ford, Nissan, etc... to be in the general group.
Getting back to audio, I am looking for your opinion as to what is in the top group. For example, I think Conrad Johnson, Mcintosh, Mark Levinson, etc... brands to be in this group.
I like your opinion what would be in general the top brands for this group in the order of what is considered higher level.
My reasoning.... I am considering buying a amp/preamp or integrated amp based on brand only just like some people who buys a low end Benz for the prestige even though they could have had a higher end Lexus for the same money
shsu
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Or maybe the original poster didn't fully explain his intention of getting components based on 'brand' only BUT at the same time sounds good?
Ryder

Sound good to who?

Shsu seems to be more interested in what sounds good to others than what would sound good to him/her. No mention of the type of sound that would please him/her. Rich, warm musical or fast, dynamic, transparent. He/she only wants brand names, sound has nothing to do with it.

How about Boulder? They certainly make some expensive gear...... that should impress your friends.

Cheers,
John
sc53
720 posts
 
Shsu is obviously a joker.
entrope
482 posts
 
Excellent point Mags5000 and well made.

I only comment because I needed a break from "green lining" my CD's while waiting for the teleportation tweak call back.
shsu OP
19 posts
 
I guess for me it comes down to if I don't have a chance to listen, what would be safer to buy, a matched Mcintosh amp/preamp or a matched Yamaha amp/preamp.

I figure it is easier to sell to an audiophile a Mcintosh than a Yamaha thus for obvious reason, it is safer to buy something from the top group.

Also would I not be right to say that generally something coming out of Mark Levinson would be better than a Denon?

I love some people two liner response, please elaborate instead of just trying to increase their own thread count.

Honestly, looking for a $3-5k (used price) amp/preamp or integrated but i just can't subjectively go out and listen as the stores are far in between, they use different equipments and interconnects and most important, many of the models sold on agon are not carried at the local stores or must be ordered or no longer in production.
pawlowski6132
592 posts
 
The threads here are a wealth of information, recommendation and opinions. They can easily be seasrched through. But, even then, you'll get conflicting answers. For example, I wouldn't buy McIntosh and don't consdier it high end. Whatever that really means and how ever you try to distinguish it in the thick middle of things. At the extreme's it's a no brainer: High = Lamm, Shinbdo, etc. Low = Sony, Bose, etc. I'm sure there will even be debates on this
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