“Cheap” is such a relative term. If you’re using it to describe quality, then it’s somewhat subjective. I’ve made several relatively inexpensive purchases of gear that turned out to be some of my favorites. I do as much research as I can, read all the reviews, get hands-on whenever possible, and shop for deals. It’s what I’ve always done. People can pay premium prices and buy premium brands, but those may not be the best business decisions. Buying top-of-the line is great if your business can earn more as a result, but that is so rarely the case.
As an example, my first controller was an American Audio VMS 4.1. Now I’m using a Denon MC6000 MK2, which cost more than twice as much. The VMS 4.1 did pretty much the same stuff and was a much better built controller. It still looks and works like new. I don’t make one cent more now than when I used the VMS 4.1. So, frankly the switch to the Denon was not such a smart business decision. I love my Denon, but I bought it out of gear lust, not business sense. Having gear lust is fine just as long as you recognize that’s what’s motivating you.[emoji1]
I agree. I'm talking about those decisions we make to go cheap and hope it works , like a no name $800 generator with greater "specs", over a proven generator with lower specs that costs 3 times as much. We all get faced with these. I'd love to tell you I always make the right decision.
I too have "upgraded" equipment only to discover the one I had was just fine.
I've also made the mistake of paying more for something only to find that I'm paying for features I don't really use.
Today, I'm more cautious. I'd much rather pay for build quality then features that might be valuable to some but not me
It's also why I tend to pick up used units of things I use and know the build quality and features