I think we can all agree that a product's pedigree is no guarantee of anything. At the end of the proverbial day, it's all about performance.
But a pedigree or brand can often set expectations.
If you listen to one of PS Audio's products you have an expectation that piece will perform up to a level commensurate with the brand's past performance. Our last DAC or power amplifier proved itself to the high-end community by virtue of its performance. You have every right to expect nothing less and (hopefully) more from a follow-up offering.
What's damaging in our small community is when companies leverage their pedigree with products that do not live up to expectations. You often see this after a company has been swallowed up by a bigger conglomerate.
Pedigrees matter but performance is always the key.
