Dynaudio - Made in China vs Denmark

My understanding is that while Dynaudio has confirmed transitioning some of its manufacturing to China, their upper end models (Contour, Confidence, and maybe some others) were continuing to be built in Denmark. In any case they should be commended for clearly identifying where they are sourced unlike some other companies who just state where the products are designed leaving it to speculation as to where they are built.

I have not run into this exact situation, but you should discuss with your dealer for 2 reasons. First - the product you received was not the same as the product you ordered. It may well be the same quality, but in reality, a product made in Denmark will usually be perceived as having higher quality, thus reducing the potential market value. Second, and perhaps more important - it is upsetting you, thus lessening your enjoyment of the equipment, regardless of how good it may sound. You buy this stuff to enjoy, not to stress. That said, there is no need to act in haste. Leave them in the boxes, call your dealer, have a talk and give yourself a day or 2 to cool down and let things settle in your head. There may be several ways to resolve the issues that you can't even think of right now.  That's why opening a dialog is always the best first step. 

What model? 

They may sound and look the same as the Built in Denmark, but you'll always have that little doubt in the back of your mind. Although I would want what I paid for, here is one idea: bring them to the dealer and listen to his and yours side by side, without knowing which one is playing, and pick the one you like best. Have him hook it up to an amp with with an A/B switch.

Also, if he refuses, or hesitates to give you the ones from Denmark, that is a sure sign HE feels there is a difference, whether or not there is one. 

well. I checked mine. Made in China. Not pleased. But I am not sure, with quality control, how it could be made better in Denmark. It looks and sounds like a million bucks to me.

@deeadhead1000 the A/B compariosn would not be fair since the spekers would need to be broken in. Im trying to see if anyone has a similar experience. I see that many other brands in the $5000+ range have their speakers manufactured in China , Indonesia etc. But dynaudio claims of danish this and danish that and now when it comes manufacturing  it its ’Made in China’... ’Made in China’ is not what I paid for.

  But in the same vein, I  do have DAC thats made in China that I love. So maybe its a psychological thing. Just bothers me.

My JBLs were built in Mexico and I could care less as they sound wonderful. You bought a design from Denmark that due to cost savings, was made elsewhere. As long as they sound great to you, who cares? 

All the best,
Nonoise

Accept reality-

Likley, your setup has several made in China(MIC) products, though the manufacturer may be based in another country.

If someone has an aversion to MIC, then no internet(computer/phone/router, all consumer/household goods and just about EVERY consumable product necessary for existence.

MIC label is the way the ball bounces.

Feel privileged owning something even assembled in it's country home factory from  China sourced  parts and sub assemblies-cabinets and components.

No SQ relevance if the company is legit. 

Return them ASAP!

Another interesting observation to note. Some companies are designing and building audio products in China that are as good or better than made in other countries. I have a Line Magnetic tube integrated amp that sounds amazing and I would like to try the Wellsenton R-100i. A beast at 42kg and point to point wiring.

Is it fair to automatically assume everything made in China is sub par quality?

Hey dayglow, are you really ebm in disguise?

Chill out, dude...Dynaudio isn't going to manufacture sub-par crap, whether it's made by Danes or the Chinese. Trust your fellow human beings to make a good product.

Same kinda thing happened to me but with a coffee machine.

I bought a 'Swiss Made' Jura but what I received was made in Portugal.

Same thing, touting Swiss made and all that.  I wasn`t too happy about it at all.

At least it wasn`t made in China

Dynaudio oversee all the design of the cabinet and drivers and give excellent value in their cheaper models . If you want true Danish quality then spend a bit more for the Contour line , I bought a used pair of 3.4 and totally rebuilt the Xover ,and rewired it with Cardas best wire ,WBT connectors .

with $1500 in parts ,the labor $1k+ if I didnot do it myself ,it’s much better sounding  then the new $8k model 30 that replaced it .the ♥️ of any speaker is the Xover , upgrading it is by far the best value ,cost effective upgrade !

What model?

Are all the materials produced in Denmark or are there some sourced by the offshore manufacturer?

Is there Danish oversight or quality control continuously on staff at the offshore facility?

Is the retail price dramatically reflected in the price of the offshore models? 

Is the manufacturers warrantee the same for both Danish and offshore products?

If a parent company has made the same technological investment in a given country and oversees the workforce trained to the same standards, quality can be quite good.

On the other hand, I'm not a beer drinker but I while in Amsterdam was drinking Heineken at breakfast. I don't know what that stuff is here in the U.S.?

Send them back. The cost savings is going in the pockets of upper management. 
F&$k them. I believe in the long run you will find that the quality is not there. The drivers are but the cabinets? Well……

I would just note that China put a rover on Mars and the Moon on their first attempts. Chinese people are capable of manufacturing to whatever quality standards the manufacturer requires. The issue comes when manufacturers (American, European, or otherwise) ask their Chinese factory to reduce costs instead of maximizing quality. If you trust the company to maintain their standards, it shouldn't be an issue. If you think they're reducing quality to cut costs, act accordingly. 

You paid for one thing and got another.  Unless the dealer is willing to make a cash concession I’d return them.

If you bought a Rolex and saw "Made in China" on the back you would be unhappy.

So return the speakers using the reason you mentioned. If you don't you will never feel good about them. Once the shell is cracked ...

I am sure that most makers who moved to China are nervous as a pregnant nun.

Rightly so. Buy a pair from the SF dude for $3,500. All local. 

I’m constantly amazed by the frankly insane bias against MIC. Monitor Audio manufacture in China and produce superb speakers. Frankly I doubt you will find the made in Denmark speakers any better, probably worse! The iPhone in your pocket was made in China. If companies want to give their IP away to Chinese manufacturers that’s their decision, of course even if they don’t the Chinese will steal it if they can. There are huge issues with the Chinese politically and their world view which is abhorrent, and if you feel strongly that way then return the speakers, but it won’t be because of quality being a problem, but everything else.

Well noted @mashif; having spent a significant portion of my career on supply chain technology I would further note that no one culture or region has a monopoly on technology or quality. While TQM (total quality management) concepts have their origin in the US, the execution of quality has advanced globally. One reason that the best micro chips currently come from Taiwan (but that could change).

Having seen first hand high tech US/Swiss medical device manufacturing in Mexicali, Mexico, high end German automobile manufacturing in Eastern Europe, I would caution the factors that drive design, production and assembly are far more than just location or culture.

I still believe that the US can achieve the highest levels of design and build humanly possible. We build anything, but only if we desire or find the need to do so.

It simply feels good to say "Swiss made," "German engineering," "Made in the USA," but to imply a unique skill by culture or region is about a century or two behind current global reality.

Keep the Dyn’s; (I love my Contour’s) return them only if their sound doesn’t meet your expectations. Pour yourself some Jamaican Rum or Kentucky Bourbon and let your ears decide on the sound performance.

I’m constantly amazed by the frankly insane bias against MIC. Monitor Audio manufacture in China and produce superb speakers. Frankly I doubt you will find the made in Denmark speakers any better, probably worse! The iPhone in your pocket was made in China. If companies want to give their IP away to Chinese manufacturers that’s their decision, of course even if they don’t the Chinese will steal it if they can. There are huge issues with the Chinese politically and their world view, which is abhorrent, and if you feel strongly that way then return the speakers, but it won’t be because of quality being a problem, but everything else.

mickeyb: "I believe in the long run you will find that the quality is not there."

Why do you say that. Some Chinese products are now world leaders. Look at the great Hi Fi products made by Opera Consonance which consistently win awards in European magazines.

It isn't that the Chinese can't produce excellent quality products but rather that you know it is being done in China to reduce cost but you have no way of knowing whether you are getting the same quality of product because the reputation for MIC products varies all over the place.  Personally, if I order a Danish speaker I expect it to be made in Denmark at those prices.  I assume I am getting the quality of labor and manufacture and components that the countries produced products are known to produce.

On the other hand, I may take my chances if the price difference is sufficient to justify the risk.

prime example monitor audio platinum are made in China and they're build quality is every bit as good or better in build quality and sound than magico focal or any of the other super expensive brands and their speakers outperform focal and Wilson and they're only one third the cost because they're made in China, if they were still made in England they would be just as expensive as those other expensive brands, and their driver technology is way ahead of everybody's.

Ran into this exact problem a few years ago bought a sunfire subwoofer and the one they had on display said made in USA, Washington. So I bought it but they had to order it for me, four weeks later they call I ran down there to find a box that said made in china. I told the salesman I don’t want that china bullshit he said bob carver sold that company and now there made in china. I said doesn’t matter that’s bullshit quality I’m not gonna trust that china all of a sudden likes us. He said look take it home and if you have any problems with it bring it back. Got home set it up ten minutes into my slam session it just cuts off. I check everything twice still don’t work so I open it up and my heavens what a piece of crap . So don’t open it up just take it back Rodney Pennington

@sparksgja +1

Wow, so many absolute statements!  Like it’s that simple…. Listen to the statements that cover the spectrum.  

and then racism made it to the audio forums. 

Personally I would far rather buy made in Europe than made in the US.

Many companies are doing the same thing. They are using cheap labor and charging the same prices as they did before going to the cheaper labor countries! I would sure be pissed off too!

Own great  guitars made in China (Shijie/Eastman-both custom shop quality) not to mention Primaluna amps, dacs, etc…workmanship and quality are exceptional…oh, that phone we all love…all made in China…

There is a reason that MIC has the reputation of making junk. Even if they do make some great products (REL subs) that stigma will be with them prob forever. I try to buy American whenever I can not only for the quality but to support my country. Good luck! 
 

Ron 

OP, being the customer gives you the right to have an opinion. You should do what makes you happy. You don’t need to rationalize or justify how you feel. Godspeed getting things sorted to your liking. 

@chayro  Wise counsel, you’ve always been a straight up cat.

@nonoise The OP cares, that’s the crux of the post.

These are high cost, high margin, luxury products. If it was a toaster or a microwave oven, no problem. I’m sure the quality is good but you paid for a perception of quality the Danish have developed over decades. IMO, that’s what you should have received. 
 

I’d be upset with this too..  I think I’d swap them out for the made in Denmark pair. 
Good luck! 

Is it exactly the same model the one you’ve  received, and the one you had listened with your dealer. If so, it is not honest, because as chairo said, it reduces potentiel market value.

@Ryanhere, 

I would be after the dealer I purchased them from and let him know that they were not made in Denmark as he represented to you. That is the issue. Tell the dealer you expected to receive what you ordered and expect him to honor your expectation. Only you know what will make you happy in this situation; perhaps an exchange for a Made In Denmark pair with a partial refund if the pair is a demo or a full refund/return or even keep them and accept the misrepresentation. 
Agentwja

Part of the heritage of Dynaudio was the tradition of Danish cabinetry utilizing Danish hardwoods. Denmark naturally (pun) possessed ample old growth forests of hardwood of the highest known quality in the world. For those that aren't familiar, old growth refers to forests with hundred year old trees. The wood is denser, harder, more durable, and more beautiful compared to species of trees grown in conditions designed for quick growth and harvest. 

Due to multiple factors including population growth and climate change, old growth forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. China imports US old growth wood to satisfy it's ultra-wealthy for floors, cabinets, and residential woodwork. Do they import such wood for speaker cabinets? Does Dynaudio export it's Danish wood to China for construction of speaker cabinets? Regardless of loudspeaker manufacturer I believe the answer is no. Doing so would defeat most of the cost savings. I said "I think" because the industry is very secretive about such details. 

Cycling has been a hobby of mine almost my entire life. Not just the physical act of cycling but also bicycle construction and design. Over the last twenty years the manufacture of top tier bicycle frames has transitioned from Italian, French, and US made frames to Taiwan and China. This coincided with the [relative, not absolute] death of hand assembled steel and titanium frames as carbon fiber frames emerged as top of the roost. The fabled brand name of Bianchi is a classic example. For many years their top-of-the-line model still bore a "Made in Italy" emblem on the frame and yet by all accounts they were actually built in Taiwan where carbon fiber mold processes are the most advanced and most economical in the world. To this day many of the most expensive brands of bicycle frame manufacturers (Colnago, Pinarello, Cervelo et. al.) are secretive about where their carbon fiber frames are built.  The audio industry is similar when it comes to the top names that traditionally built all of their equipment in their native country. 

If you were expecting made in Denmark and the dealers demo were made in Denmark then I'd not accept them myself. I'm sure they still will sound fine but in the back of my mind I'd always be wondering and it may not be enjoyable to listen to them knowing this fact. But that's me and you asked.

The quality may be the same as Denmark, But, I prefer not to buy from a country that has nuclear weapons aimed at us. I always look at the label to see where its manufactured. As a union worker with 43 years experience , I have been a victim of off-shore shutdowns. Just my opinion  though.

The pro "Made in PRC" camp always bring up personal computers/ Apple products/I phone ect. which is NOT relevant when regarding HEA. There are NO other options for those products that we need to function in society. Yes HEA products use some Chinese made parts PC boards/solder/cabinets ect. even the blue "MAC" meters are claimed to be made in China. Fortunately a few non critical Chinese made parts will not diminish the quality of components manufactured in North America/Europe or Japan. Krell, Sonus Faber and Quad are perfect examples of made in PRC quality control. All 3 companies have had problems with Chinese made products. I love the sound of the Quad 2812/2912 but there build quality is a deal breaker. Thankfully Krell and Sonus have moved all product? out of China. Yes, there could be a few extreme examples of well made Chinese gear. Line Magnetic/Melody appear to have great build quality and claimed top level SQ but I have not seen or heard either in person to make a valid judgement.

Unless the manufacturer offers that exact model still being made in Denmark, the dealer had no choice as to the country of origin. Perhaps he will swap his demo for your new ones, and that way be more representative of current production while making you happier with your transaction.

@uncledemp , Duh. Since when is a reassuring opinion that he needn't worry out of line? Too many summer patriots post with their hands over their hearts. Tannoy has had lines of their cabinets built in China since 2016, before final assembly back in Scotland and they still sell here with many satisfied customers.

Companies like Dynaudio carefully select factories that meet their standards and not just give anyone the contract. 

All the best,
Nonoise

"Over the last twenty years the manufacture of top tier bicycle frames has transitioned from Italian, French, and US made frames to Taiwan and China."

fsonicsmith-

that's a little late regarding how bike manufacturing works. It has been in play since the early 90's on a large scale. I worked for a Taiwanese OEM frame manufacturer that made frames for all the recognized names-Bianchi included. There are a handful of that make the majority of mass market  frames across the board-low end to high.

There are a few, high end specialty carbon contractors scattered across the globe, but the majority is still Asia.

Frame building still exits here in the states, but it is very small limited to boutique steel.aluminum and titanium. Carbon is offshore.

Rode a Schwinn Sting Ray in the 60's when it was Schwinn was still a Chicago manufacturer, that sadly is just a trademarked name  that exchanged hands of many investment companies and made in...Taiwan for many decades now.

Been riding Giant Taiwanese carbon for awhile-good stuff. They are one of the OEM manufacturers of known labels here, in the states.

The MIC deniers of audio...it's just audio equipment. 

Sorry to be redundant but I'm going to emphasize a point made earlier. The bottom line here is how you feel about the speakers. If you are always going to be wondering if your speakers would sound better if they were made in Denmark then there is only one logical choice. Either return the speakers or swap them for the demo pair. We can speculate all day long whether or not the Chinese speakers are the equal of those made in Denmark but the fact is we'll never know. You bought this product for a variety of complex reasons and apparently the manufacturing origin was an important criteria.

If this issue affects your pride of ownership then that is all that matters.

As I just saw mentioned, I would advise as well to take them back to the dealer, make a deal on the display set swap, should be a pretty big discount, then they can display the actual model now being sold which is best for them if they value being honest to their customers.

Or, get a full refund and buy something even better used for the same money.

----

MIC will become a different thing in the future as their labor pool is aging, their youth are becoming less inclined to work so hard for so little,economic growth will slow down, they will have to start manufacturing in less developed countries, history repeating itself...

Rick

That's like the good people of Kentucky refusing Obamacare and opting for Kynect (Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange) instead. The punchline is they're the exact same thing save for the name. Pride of ownership is ephemeral, but if that's going to keep one up all night, then go with god and return the speakers.

All the best,
Nonoise

@peter_s + 1

@nonoise + 1