Thought it might be a good idea to get a general consensus on the high end models for each manufacturer. Model number progression and/or model specifications are good indicators on what manufacturer's "Flagship" models would have been.
I know most people on here already know which ones they are...but a list of them in the one thread might be useful to new collectors and alike.
I'll update this list with models agreed upon and also manufacturers i might have also forgotten.
Edit: I'm thinking of limiting each manufacturer to a max of 5 models...but more ideally would be 2-3.
Another thing worth mentioning. While some flagship models were developed and released on a standalone basis, a lot were developed through many years of successive models with minor/major improvements over each previous model that culminated in the best designed/highest quality and greatest performing machine. And then models after this quite often took a turn towards becoming sub-standard (in comparison) with factors such as market downturn and rival competition forcing manufacturers to cost cut...whether that was through cheaper components or outsourcing manufacture to other countries.
JVC
NATIONAL PANASONIC
TOSHIBA
CROWN
SONY
SHARP
AIWA
CONION
SANYO
TELEFUNKEN
PHILIPS
RISING
LASONIC
TECSONIC
PIONEER
HITACHI
I know most people on here already know which ones they are...but a list of them in the one thread might be useful to new collectors and alike.
I'll update this list with models agreed upon and also manufacturers i might have also forgotten.
Edit: I'm thinking of limiting each manufacturer to a max of 5 models...but more ideally would be 2-3.
Another thing worth mentioning. While some flagship models were developed and released on a standalone basis, a lot were developed through many years of successive models with minor/major improvements over each previous model that culminated in the best designed/highest quality and greatest performing machine. And then models after this quite often took a turn towards becoming sub-standard (in comparison) with factors such as market downturn and rival competition forcing manufacturers to cost cut...whether that was through cheaper components or outsourcing manufacture to other countries.
JVC
NATIONAL PANASONIC
TOSHIBA
CROWN
SONY
SHARP
AIWA
CONION
SANYO
TELEFUNKEN
PHILIPS
RISING
LASONIC
TECSONIC
PIONEER
HITACHI