HEGEL - Is it really made in Norway ?

Opera Audio / Consonance, who produces Hegel products, has some of the highest (if not the highest) product costs in China.

How does that compare with North American manufacturing? They've historically come in lower, though the long march of increases has eroded that advantage. When shipping costs get factored into the equation, Consonance pricing has more or less achieved parity with the more economical domestic marques.

"How does that compare with North American manufacturing? They've historically come in lower, though the long march of increases has eroded that advantage. When shipping costs get factored into the equation, Consonance pricing has more or less achieved parity with the more economical domestic marques.
Trelja (Threads | Answers | This Thread)"

It's a plausible suggestion, but I think in most cases, its not true. If American companies could build the same products at, or close to what it would cost to use China, they would just build over here. I don't see that happening. Companies would love to put Made in USA on all their products. It would be good for sales.

Also, shipping is not as high as you think. Everything goes into big containers and put on a boat. Its not that expensive to ship that way. Its slower but cheaper.

Made in the USA .... A friend who owns a factory in China has a listening room the size of my closet in his Hong Kong home. He can't listen very loud because of his neighbors, but he is very proud of his "Made in the USA" Mcintosh gear.

I briefly researched Hegel integrated amps recently when trying to decide which integrated amp would best suit my needs. I don't remember seeing it mentioned anywhere online that they were made in China. As I will not buy audio equipment made in Mainland China, this would have been a deal breaker.

I am amazed no dealer or distributor has commented on the thread yet! Things like this can cost them sales.

Zd542 You must have very high standards when it comes to cats!

With all the great choices out there ethics can make a difference when choosing which components to buy. If given the choice, would you prefer to buy from a Made in U.S.A. company with great ethics or from a Made in China company with questionable ethics?