"perhaps you would be happy with less choices? that, more than finding out similarities of 60wpc integrated preamps, seems to be the only real answer to the question you are trying to answer."
????
Well, I can see why you've thrown in the towel; I'm not sure whom you're having a conversation with, but it's not me. It's true that in my post above, I went from discussing only rebadging to discussing how rebadging relates to the more general issue of the availability of useful consumer information in an industry that's flooded with tiny, marginal companies, a toothless press, and, from what I've seen, consumers who often value elitism and insularity over the value of shared information.
Regarding the integrated amps, I'm not sure what to tell you. If you still think that the only similarities they have is that they're solid state and integrated, then I can only assume that you haven't actually spent much time looking at the specs and features. I'll say AGAIN that while I freely admit that I could be wrong about any of the amps being rebadges, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see more than a few similarities between them.
Also, given the realities of the industry (numerous, tiny companies, crappy press, lack of transparency, global acceptance of OEM outsourcing), it's going to take more than a few vague assurances that "there's nothing to see here, move along" to convince me that "the marketplace usually takes care of it" and that there's simply no need whatsoever to be more aware of what we're buying. Perhaps dyed-in-the-wool audiophiles are drinking your Kool-Aid, but I think that I'm a little more in touch with both contemporary consumer sentiment and contemporary business practices.
I'm not trying to pick a fight with you, or come off harshly, but your dismissiveness, however unintentional, is unwarranted.
