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Imported audio are you getting the same level of performance vs domestic priced equip?

Imported audio usually runs 15-30 % higher in the country the equipment is exported to vs the country of origin. This is understandable with the issues of import fees, shipping costs and distributer mark up.
I’ve gasped at times the difference one pays for the same product only because the product is being sold in a different country. If you take a domestic product at the same price point that’s not marked up with the extra costs logically you would believe the domestic product is superior since you are not looking at a 15-30 % mark up. 15-30 % is usually where you see a company offer something better
than the previous price point. This is not always the case sometimes it’s 50 % above the lesser product. If I buy a $10000. Speaker from a foreign company that sells for $7000. In the country of origin, I’m paying $10000. for a speaker that’s actually a $7000. Performing one. Take Focal audio for instance the Kanta vs Sopra are all priced about 20% apart as you move up the chain. Each step up is an improvement over the other, they say. So I’m actually paying more for less by buying foreign audio equipment here in the U.S . 
The point I’m trying make or the answer I’m seeking to my question is are you getting less for your money buying foreign audio equipment than domestic ?
hiendmmoe

Showing 1 response by three_easy_payments

three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Generalizations probably won’t work here. I’m in the US and feel that the bang for the buck on my Slovenian Kuzma Stabi S is tough to beat by a US manufacturer. Conversely I don’t know anyone abroad making a phono stage that competes with the US-made Herron’s performance at the same price point.

Like most things in audio, "value" can’t be assessed by looking at foreign transaction fees and tariffs alone. Any manufacturer who cant compete on the world stage will have a much smaller market. The market afterall is the ultimate arbiter to your question.
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