Well,
both companies deal only over the internet, both have very good reputations, both offer big bang for the buck in both amps, AVR and pre/pros. Both are currently getting ready to introduce new flagship components geared towards beating the big names like Onkyo, Yamaha, Sony and others. Both have great followings on the net and are frequently compared to one another by people getting ready to buy or upgrade. They are like the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, in the same neighborhood and naturally rivals.