If the above was true, car stereo shops wouldn't have sound boards and none of us would audition equipment, we would just compare price tags.....

Just because something is more expensive...it doesn't make it better.

Also, don't limit yourself to just brands that you have heard of. There are many obscure brands out there that will outperform many of the "well known" brand names for about the same price.

Shop with your ears, not your wallet or your eyes.