Mercier (Joke I know everyone loves the #KiloTT here)
Eighthinch (Also kind of a joke, I've read nothing but negative stuff)
Affinity (Kind of confused on this one? Not a lot of info I could find on them here)
17Teeth (Hard to search this one on the forum, due to its name I guess?)
FactoryFive (Again, I've read Mixed stuff)
Collosi (I've read all good things)
Masi (I've heard they used to be super awesome? But a few years ago they changed production or something)

Why? I'm building a new bike and haven't worked with these brands. My local bike shop guy barely speaks English or I'd ask him, although apparently we're best friends.
Anyway, if anyone knows of any other great frameset manufacturers between NY and DC I'd be interested in hearing about them, or any other they are super passionate about.
Looking to keep my next frame +/- $500.00 USD.

PS: Kind of don't want to go the Kilo TT route, just because I'm going to be dumping money into this thing as time moves forward.