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
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
mags5000.....if I could have said it as well as you, I would have said it long ago. Bravo!
Shsu, given what you said about the importance of resale, I would recommend that you buy Mcintosh. Although you will probably have to pay more than for comparable other products, you will be safe in resale. I don't know why you posted, however.