2. amps-preamps
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Brand Longevity

I don't often hear about this. You see brands like McIntosh that has been around for 65 years so when you buy it you probably feel confident that you will receive support for years down the road. Maybe forever. What happens to say Ayre owners if Charles kicks the bucket? I don't want to be a downer but this has to matter. What about my Rogue gear? Should I send Mark a carrot and a workout DVD? What happens if a meteor lands on him? What's the game plan? Can I still get parts? Should we be asking these manufacturers about long term guarantees?

I'm seriously thinking about a big time purchase as in my last integrated until I'm collecting ss in 20 years. Where's my guarantee? Maybe I don't have to worry because hopefully there will be a technician who can handle it.
donjr
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
It is all about 'change', those that do survive, those the do not pass away. As the customer base, technology and distribution change, so must the company. Like the 'brands' in some many other fields, unless you consolidate into larger, better capitalized firms, you die. Founders, and the culture they imparted to their products, tend to disappear unless they 'give it up', especially if they want to pass their estate on to their families. The tax man comes, and takes it away, making 'passing it on' impossible unless you sell out while you are alive.

Finally, yes Virginia, Twinkies will survive, thank goodness. That should comfort all that there is thing such as 'brand longevity'. So, in the year 2150 someone will be making McIntosh.
soix
2,133 posts
 
If you're that worried about it buy a Bryston with their 20-year warranty and be done with it. Personally I think you're worrying unnecessarily and that you're deluding yourself in this hobby if you think you're buying your "last" anything. But I certainly wish you the best of luck in beating "the disease."
soniqmike
132 posts
 
A large number of ''audiophiles'' are flavour-of-the-month, gotta-to-have-the-latest-toy types.

The longevity of brands is a non-issue when you only keep the gear for a short time.
taters
1,149 posts
 
Zd-542,

I should of not said boutique brands. I meant I do not like to buy products from companies that are a one man band. Not because the products aren't good (Sometimes they are better than the mainstream gear)It's because if that designer gets hit by a bus more than likely the company won't be around anymore and I can't afford to get stuck with a 10k to 20k preamp that can't be serviced or no parts are available.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
With the passing of Brian Cheney recently, got me thinking that most of these company founders are getting up there. Then again, so are their customers. The next generation of audio might be more about the software than the hardware.
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