HEGEL - Is it really made in Norway ?

Now now now Zd, I never claimed I wasn't racist. I only remarked that it wasn't my race being targeted here. And I also use chopsticks, so there.

I agree, Sabai. And Atma-Sphere is a sleeper company, quietly producing some of the best in the world without an enormous amount of fanfare and what have you.

I could give a rats ass if you're a raciest or not. But brining it up for no other reason than to manipulate a conversion in some way is crossing a line.

"no one here has managed to demonstrate that there is the slightest thing wrong with this brand."

Even if that were true (and its not), implying people are racist, without knowing for certain if its true, shows you're lack of character.

My initial point was not to suggest China-built or assembled gear is not good stuff, I owned many units in the past from Cayin, Shanling, and currentle am enjoying my Oppo 105 very much.

It is about 2 things mainly:

A) That there are are always folks for which country or manufacture is associated with high-end and branding, and with high prices. And this equal with and in some cases even more important than performance, and some won't admit this fact.

B) That Hegel, Ayon and maybe a few others realize this very well, and somehow conciously hide the "made in China" part. Why else would the name "Norway" (for Hegel) and "Austria" appear in large letters on the back of the units?

Companies such as Oppo (great product) are pretty smart in exploiting the country of design (USA) and the country of manufacture bring different. And when you open the box, at least you had the full infos before purchase.

So this is not about bashing countries, it is about being upfront with your customer. And yes, one can feel real pride of ownership with a product made in China. I remember my Shanling T-100, It was a beauty.

But you will never sell a Vuton handbag that would be made in China even if it could be better made, to a lady who can afford the real thing.

A certain part of the high-end audio market is exactly the same.

Gentlemen, if you audition a amp and you like the sound, build, and you like the price, and country of origin is not important, it's ok.

But if part of your creteria include other factors that are more intangibles, that's ok too.

Bryston, Classe and Simaudio (this particular brand I happen to dislike) all use their country of origin ( or North American origin) to win customers over. Same with some U.K brands - Rega, Naim.

I am not saying that China-made gear is not good, this would be a different debate.

But for audio, the truth is that there is an economic consequence of offering a product labeled made in china or not.

Sometimes the very nature of the product carries it's own place in customers minds.

Just one of many examples, have a look at let's say, a Fender Telecaster guitar.

You have a choice:

Made in USA $$$
Made in mexico $$
Made in China (ir Taiwan) $

Now, you may just find that the Chinese one suits you just fine, plays great and sounds fine, and that would be the best guitar for you and a great purchase.

BUT, there is absolute disclosure from Fender about where that Tele is made - and the price reflects this.

It's just a question of knowing what to buy, without the manufacturing trying to beat around the bush on important info. And for some product origin is important.

Look at Sonus Faber. I'm sure some folks still would prefer having the "handmade in Italy" metal tag on the back on their entry-line products. No longer the case.

Let's respect the folks for which this kind of thing is important. Live and let live!