TS> Consumer toys, no matter how esoteric, are not Pro 
TS> unless the consumers cho
TS> to buy toys intended and primarily marketed for 
TS> actual pro use.  In busines
TS> both considerations not present in ESOTERIC 
TS> consumer markets, which is the
 JL> well, it seems there is a need for you to define for 
 JL> us what you believe -pro- is?
"Pro" means for professional use, as in business use of audio, such as PA, 
SR, commercial recording, broadcast, theater, etc.  MI is the most common 
class of semi-pro.  
High end consumers (a term defined in law Federally and in many states) may 
use some pro gear, but inherently do not have pro- applications.  
Pro's have to put reliability and economic feasibility into their 
considerations as high priorities.  Esoteric consumers may buy $40 a foot 
speaker wire because it looks pretty and they get an orgasmic rush with the 
con job from a sleazy salesman, whereas pro's generally consider functional 
details instead.  
The Record Plant's mobile recording studios are pro audio on wheels.  A 
remote broadcast RV or truck used in radio promotions is pro audio.  A 
consumer's car never is, even if a few of them use a few pro components in a 
high end install.  
There is ONE and only one reverse technology flow I can think of.  The design 
concept of Stewart amps I'd bet borrows from avionics and car concepts.  
Krell or Mark Levinson/Madrigal are not pro either, but esoteric.  
Conglomerates like Harman International, AKG, Stanton, Matsushita, and Mark 
IV have numerous divisions including distinctly pro- and consumer oriented 
ones, plus some with a bit of overlap.  Study their marketing and you'll 
refine the concept of distinguishing pro- on the hardware end of the 
spectrum.  
BTW, you have to be serious enough about the industry to both attend 
conventions and be a dealer for at least a couple product lines to obtain the 
knowledge I just suggested.  If you can simply name two dozen trade names and 
subsidiaries of the above parents, accurately described, it's a start though. 
 
Terry
--- Maximus 2.01wb
---------------