I was thumbing through a stereo catalog recently and came across a full page presentation for Infinity loudspeakers on the left page and Klipsch loudspeakers on the right page. The designers of the catalog used photos showing their entire lineup from small to large loudspeaker in a line. I am sure you know the type of catalog shot I am referring to.
Honestly, I could not tell the difference between the two company's product line - save the fact that Klipsch has copper colored drivers and Infinity doesn't. Sad? I am not sure.
On the one hand we have two formerly proud leading edge companies run by passionate artists in their fields. Those companies have been reduced to being run by a staff engineer and a bean counter.
On the other hand they are actually pretty good products for the average consumer and a real step up from what they might buy.
Part of what's cool about high-end audio is the people and passion behind the brands. Some reach a point where they are turned into commodities and are lost to the high-end world. Others remain true to the passion and personal involvement, even if the original founders and artists have moved on.
I guess it's just a matter of your viewpoint.
