HEGEL - Is it really made in Norway ?

"09-25-15: Sabai
I find it odd that any high end audio company would be willing to risk their reputation over the basic matter of product labeling, and over the basic matter of not standing behind their product (referring back to the recent interaction I had with Hegel posted about in another forum thread). "

I have no way of proving this, but I firmly believe 75%-80% of audiophiles buy solely off reviews. Most of them won't admit to it, but I still think they do. When Stereophile tells them to buy Hegel, thats what they buy. (Providing its a product they need and is in a price range they can afford.) And if they don't by Hegel, they'll find something in the recommended components. Anything that gets them off the hook of actually making a choice on their own. Its easy.

For about the last 12 months, I was shopping for electronics to run my 802 Diamonds. I listened to Parasound (Taiwan), Classe (China) and some other "foreign made" brands. Honestly, at no time was the country of origin a factor in my decision making process.

After hearing McIntosh for the first time, my mind, and ears, we're finally made up. I based this decision on the quality of the sound and of the product, not where the product was made.

Before making a purchase, my dealer set up a factory tour of the McIntosh factory in NY. After the tour, I came home and ordered about $30,000 worth of McIntosh products from my dealer.

After receiving the products, breaking them in and enjoying the hell out of them, I have to say, there is a certain pride associated with purchasing such a beautiful, high end, American made product.

Talking to and watching the employees who make McIntosh products...many for decades....watching the men and women take pride in their work and in the quality of their product, speaking to the woman who wound my transformers the same woman who has been doing it since the 70s...and the guy pouring the tar in the transformers....watching the glass cut and painted....this tour was an incredible experience, an experience that is not possible with products made overseas.

I am not saying I would never buy anything made in China or Taiwan, but I am saying the factory tour was an unforgettable experience, the quality of the product is second to none, and it makes me proud to support hard working American men and women who take great pride in the quality and workmanship of their product.

Onhwy61,

May I respectfully point out that I did not start this thread. Many of us have expressed their ideas and feelings around the issue at hand. One may speculate what effect, if any, this has had on Hegel's sales. By the same token, this kind of speculation would fairly apply to countless other threads on the forum.

Zd542,

I agree with you that a lot of people buy their equipment based on the opinions of reviewers. Which is why they are highly valued and so frequently quoted.

Kalikid2013.

You stated, "this tour [of the McIntosh factory] was an incredible experience, an experience that is not possible with products made overseas ... it makes me proud to support hard working American men and women who take great pride in the quality and workmanship of their product." I wish I were able to take the tour myself. I am sure your feelings are shared by many others.

Yes, I am sure you are correct. Where do you reside BTW?

Just for fun, I emailed Hegel where their items were produced, I will post if they reply.