NeedleNose wrote:

....
A Canadian manufacturer makes windows to higher standards that any you
named. The company is Loewen, they cost about 10% more (oops- that
was when the exchange rate was OK) than all you mentioned, but they
use Douglas fir, a hardwood, instead of pine like the others. As
well, all of their work is first class, architectural quality. Many
glazing options, up to triple pane.
DPA

Uh, Douglas Fir is actually a softwood. (and Balsa is actually a hardwood).
Some of my neighbors have Loewen windows and seem to be happy with them.

The OP didn't say whether he was considering vinyl windows. If so
Milgard is a good one to check out.