What brand is most recognized by non-audiophiles?


Yesterday at church the pastor used audiophiles in an example and mentioned that he probably shouldn't use the example without knowing the current best equipment. When he asked the congregation there were several quick responses that said Bose. I shook my head.

What audiophiles brands would be most recognizable to the masses these days? I think of Krell when I think of an audiophile brand, but don't know how many blank looks I would get out of non-audiophiles. Maybe B&W?
mceljo
I guess I should rephrase a bit. I am not looking for what brands the masses associate with high end (i.e.Bose), but what audiophile respected brands are likely the most well known. For example, MBL is obviously a very high end brand, but very few have ever heard of them.

Maybe Harmon Kardon. McIntosh has certainly been consistent over the decades.
Bose is the right answer.
Most total non-audiophiles think of Bose first, due to the commercials on TV.
In your example the brand does not need to be an audiophile brand. In fact one could argue that ONLY an audiophile would know an audiophile brand very much like only an Oenophile will know the best wines.

So whatever brand is perceived as Audiophile to the masses is the brand that works in your example.

Unfortunately, I agree with those who have said Bose. Their marketing campaign is second to none in convincing the masses that they are very high end. Also, their ability to keep their overly high priced equipment from being discounted also, IMO, adds to the perception of it being an exclusive, high end, audiophile type product.
Bose, sort of like Glenfiddich, extremely so-so single malt that most have heard about.