Most "commercial" brands are sourced out to REAL manufacturers. This happens in EVERY walk of electronics. With the RF gear that i work on, there are 5 different manufacturers that have accounted for well over 100 different brands / 1000's of models of products throughout the years. Many use near identical circuitry with slight cosmetic / feature changes. "Mass produced" audio is not all that different.
Wires and cables are the same way. There are very few companies that make their own cables, etc... Most simply buy pre-manufactured cables and have their names printed on them. The REALLY "cheap" ones don't even do that. They simply try to cover up the name of the original manufacturer with shrink wrap, "snakeskin" nylon sheathing, etc...
On the other hand, most "hi-end" audio is made in much smaller quantities and basically built in house. Some work is farmed out and / or many of the parts bought from other sources. For instance, most CD players will use transport mechanisms from Pioneer, Philips, Sony, etc... although the rest may be of proprietary build and design.
Like anything else, you're either an educated consumer or you get "bit" a LOT along the way towards becoming one. Sean
>
Wires and cables are the same way. There are very few companies that make their own cables, etc... Most simply buy pre-manufactured cables and have their names printed on them. The REALLY "cheap" ones don't even do that. They simply try to cover up the name of the original manufacturer with shrink wrap, "snakeskin" nylon sheathing, etc...
On the other hand, most "hi-end" audio is made in much smaller quantities and basically built in house. Some work is farmed out and / or many of the parts bought from other sources. For instance, most CD players will use transport mechanisms from Pioneer, Philips, Sony, etc... although the rest may be of proprietary build and design.
Like anything else, you're either an educated consumer or you get "bit" a LOT along the way towards becoming one. Sean
>