Has anybody bought or heard a Chinese knock off amplifier?


There are a lot clones coming out of China and power amplifiers seem to be along for the ride.
Mark Levinson, Goldmund, and Accuphase are some of the big names I see replica’s being advertised for sale. These replica’s range in price from $500-$2000. My curiosity every time I see these always is do they even sound like the brand they are trying copy? Another thought that comes to my mind when I see them is, are they even safe or reliable. I myself wouldn’t touch one of these, but that’s me. Has anybody heard one? If so it would be interesting to hear some opinions regarding these amplifiers.
hiendmmoe

Showing 2 responses by manorraul

Glupson, “How many people here have bought a knock-off amplifier from North Korea?”

Is not an argument.

OP requests comments on knock-off amps so calling them a bad idea is in bounds.

Audiogon has built a system of trade in which mutual respect and fairness are valued- even a hint of dishonesty would effectively disqualify a seller. At which borders should that end? Under which conditions should theft be rewarded?

I have been to just two well-known audio manufacturers’ “factories” and each was tiny. They became known for innovations in their product lines but I doubt they had millions set aside for hard times and nothing to combat piracy or IP theft. Just another attack on an industry that is barely surviving.  Grado, Gallo, Rogue, VPI, Berkeley, and many others have created innovations which add to the hobby. Theft gives nothing back. If you want to preserve the hobby, you might want to support companies that contribute to it and not those that erode their viability.

I won’t mention counterfeit N95 masks because that’s not part of this discussion.


glupson, "I am not defending piracy of any kind,"
That's my position. 


madavid0 " They chose to charge absurd, wild markups and content themselves with super high profit"
There must be several threads where OOB/consolidated manufacturers are listed. With "super high profits" they would not have closed. Not one person in my family has a stereo. In school everyone had a system, today only one friend does and that because I practically gave it to him. Sales volumes are down and large sales may be the only way to stay in business. I don't think it's working.
Raul