Made in America


I just saw on ABC news a segment about made in america and was curious if made in america meant anything to the audiophiles who live and work in the good ole USA.
wmbode
I prefer to buy American of course, but I think one would be ill advised to not accept the trend towards a more global economy and America's evolving (yet still predominant) place within it. It is happening faster than ever and will hopefully be a good thing for all in the long run, though many will feel the pains of transition in the interim.
I want the best I can afford regardless of where its made with the exception of China due to labor practices. I realize most parts in my U.S. assembled amp were sourced from China. Can't get away from it.

What could be some cost advantages for buying U.S. made gear? Is a $5k amp made in the US a better deal than one made in France because your paying less for taxes (import tax fixed into the price) ? Are profit margins the same? When someone says you'd have to spend twice as much to get this level of performance does that comment include import duty and taxes? Import Duty on a $5k amp from France is a about $270 and that doesn't include shipping. I would think your money goes further if you can buy something assembled here at home.
Very important to me.

I am upgrading my current system with US companies.

Vandersteen for speakers
McIntosh for amp/pre-amp.
I try to buy American, but I have owned some Canadian and European gear too. Currently, my speakers, amp, preamp and turntable/arm are American made.
I also prefer made in American products, however have settled for made in china or chinese parts for American companies. But do prefer beyond the name plate, the sound of American Company's products. My Revels speakers have Chinese made cabinets, My Audio Research pre-amp has some chinese relays, My Ayre CDP has a japenese transport, my McIntosh amps are made in USA but owned by a japenses holding company which recently sold to and Italian holding company that also owns Audio Research. My Linn TT is scottish, but the cartridge is japenese. My Cardas cables, Running Springs, PS Audio, Harmonic Tech, all seem to be American. I have a world of confusion all in one cabinet.
But so far I don't have to call Bangledesh for tech support...