Best High End Audio Manufacturer???

Actually, it's not a bad question. It's like Rolex representing the high-end of watchmaking, even though it's far from the most expensive or the best. It just represents what everyone (except real collectors) think of as a high end watch. Following that train of thought, I would have to say that Esoteric may be thought of as the ultimate digital and Wilson as the ultimate high-end speaker. They've just established their brands to that degree.

The best audio manufacturer? It has to be Sony. After all ... wasn't it Sony that graced the planet with "Perfect Sound Forever?"

And my vote for the state with the largest number of the best audio manufacturers? Without a doubt ... Minnesota. ARC, Maggie's, Atmosphere, Van Alstine ...

I must say that I cannot imagine making the effort to identify the best manufacturer presently. There may have once been such an exceptional company, such as Marantz, Dynaudio, or ARC. None exist now.

I cannot even endeavor to identify the best speaker company, much less the best speaker. I have had many 'good" speakers that greatly responded to improved cables, amps, line stages and sources. But all speakers are compromises. I can also say that I have heard amps that show the benefits of ic, speaker wires, and power cords changed.

I should say that I cannot even think of an American company that makes electronics, cables, speakers, much less cartridges, tone arms, etc.

I also can understand the issue of best buy for the money, but this is even a further stretch. Furthermore, I cannot understand anyone arguing that a certain percentage of your money should go to speakers, electronics, etc.

There are many exceptional companies these days, both large and small. Internet makes more accessible to more people. So its harder than ever to single any one out as the best.

Having been at this many years and having researched and experienced many in recent years as well, I can list the ones whose products I currently own and that are well established and I find myself still willing to go back to repeatedly.

Those are OHM , Bel Canto, Dynaudio, Audio Research, Triangle and Sennheiser. mhdt is another but a smaller lesser known more niche foreign vendor.

They are many others at all price points I have heard and think highly of and could easily recommend but do not own currently.

Mapman, I presently own: H-Cat X-10 amp and line stage; BMC M2 amps, MCCI phono stage, and Arcadia speakers; High Fidelity cables including power cords; Tripoint Troy Signature and Thor SE grounding cables, Star Sound Rhythm platforms and rack and Apprentice platforms; Nantais/Lenco Reference turntable with Ikeda arm and 9TT cartridge; Koda K-10 line stage; LSA Statement amp; Archiving Vinyl AMS music severer and mod. dac; and Zilplex room treatment cups.

We all go our separate ways. Certainly your and mine are quite different as I think we both knew long ago.