Europeans vs. the U.S.A.


The actual title should be Linn, Goldmund, Naim, Gryphon, Quad, Revox, MBL, Meridian, T&A, Tag/McLaren, Rega and Jadis vs. Krell.

Why is it that so many European companies offer complete high end audio systems (source, amps & speakers) while Krell seems to be the only U.S. manufacturer offering the same? I fully recognize that there's an audiophile bias against single brand systems, but I believe all the companies I've listed do offer true high end oriented products that are fully capable of outstanding music reproduction. I don't see why this anti-single brand bias should translate to such a continental schism.
onhwy61

Showing 2 responses by themadmilkman

I would say that it goes back to the holistic approach taken by Europeans. It would be good if more Americans could do the same thing, I suppose...

Anyway, there is a LOT of national pride in Europe that exists in a way we don't have here. With so many countries sitting so close together, competition between countries is insane. I mean, all of Europe shuts down during the European Cup. You can walk the streets in a major city and only see one or two people (I've done it!).

I see companies offering full lines as a means of national pride. By producing everything needed, a company can produce a system that is distinctly Italian, German, French, you name it.

It's hard to say exactly what is going on here, but that's my guess. I personally like mixing European electronics with American speakers. Talk about good sound!
More to discover