What country builds the best audio equipment?
I remember not so long ago when audio equipment was mainly a home grown product with the exception of Japan here in the U.S. Today it’s a global market with competition from every corner of the world. I use to think here in the U.S was were the best equipment was being built, but now I’m not sure.
Built quality and performance seems to be lacking a little here in the states with few exceptions compared to what’s being produced over seas and up to the north. So what country is the best equipment coming from? Maybe it’s still the U.S, but if pure aesthetics says anything I would say not.
As for Sonics tough to call, maybe still here in the U.S?
Built quality and performance seems to be lacking a little here in the states with few exceptions compared to what’s being produced over seas and up to the north. So what country is the best equipment coming from? Maybe it’s still the U.S, but if pure aesthetics says anything I would say not.
As for Sonics tough to call, maybe still here in the U.S?
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Japan made the best transistors back in the 70s and 80s. I don’t know about now days. And I could be wrong. It’s just my opinion based on something I heard one time and a few experiences I had with NEC transistors. So who knows but that’s my 2 cents. You can’t buy much with it but you can have it. :) |
I know this is an ancient thread but I have to agree with desktopguy about a dozen posts up. The Violectric V281 that I purchased pre-owned here on the forum has been a game changer for me. I was looking for a top-notch preamp for my stereo room and a top-notch headphone amp also. Now one box does both. As far as what country builds the best, I know there are trends but in the end greatness or crap can come from anywhere. Just depends oh well things are designed and how well they are built. Also the quality of the sourced parts. The components in my chain are from the UK, USA, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Serbia (I think). My version of the great melting pot |
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Great Question! 9 countries dominate the market. USA, Canada,Japan, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy,France and UK. However I think that if you live in the States the best equipment should be from the States. If you live in Germany, then German etc. I’ll explain: First: people should support their own economy by buying from local companies. Second: Generally you get better prices when you don’t pay for imported equipment. I have noticed the European made components are more expensive here than in Europe and vice versa. Third: it’s much easier and cheaper to ship/service equipment in your own country. I hope that answers your question and many people agree with my points. Stay safe, Emil |
Hey everybody! France is not often mentioned in this thread, but some products and brands are worth the detour. In the past and now. Lurné turntables. YBA amps & pre (the real YBA not the MIRPC recent ones). Micromega CD players and DACs. Focal speakers. Devialet amps. Audio Aero for CDs and DACs. Jadis amps. And so... Protect your precious selves. |
I have Rega P8 UK - German Phono - Linn Klimax streamer Scotland - Tron pre amp (ENG) Robson Mono a class (Scotland) Tannoy Arden (Scotland) other lounge Linn Sneaky (Scot) feeding Leben CS300XS (Japan) into SH Art Audio speakers (Scot) Didn't realise I was so nationalistic in Audio .... my bikes are mainly American - 2 Lynskeys and a Surly. One Brompton and a Ti Gravel bike from UK |
On that vein of thought ... Robson custom amps and fyne audio (the main chaps who left tannoy ... also Art Audio in troon |
Ralph's right. "Home made" is what High End is all about. He makes his Atma-Sphere electronics in a second house he bought for that very purpose. Nelson Pass stuffs the boards in his First Watt products himself, a batch at a time. Roger Modjeski hand built his transformers and amps himself in Santa Barbara, John Wright assembles his London pickups, one at a time. If you want a pair of Eminent Technology LFT-8b loudspeakers, you have to be willing to wait until Bruce Thigpen has time to build you a pair. Brian Ding installs his Rythmik plate amps and woofers into their China-sourced enclosures in Austin, listening to each sub before boxing it up for shipping. There are many more examples that could be cited. |
Much of what caused to post this thread is the amount equipment I’ve seen from other countries besides the U.S. The sheer amount is astonishing and build quality is always beyond belief; visually at least. I must admit, I’ve not heard most of this equipment and only have seen it from the outside, but if that’s any indication of the quality inside and sonically they get my vote. |
As for those who are bad-mouthing China, my experience is otherwise. I have some very good, highly cost-effective stuff which came from joint ventures, like Epcos/TDK caps, Quad ESL speakers (my first failures are coming at the 14 year mark). I am told that the highest precision manufacturing is done in Germany and China. Of course, lots of toy pandas from China too, if that's your taste. |
If it’s the most companies/products it is the USA. And it would win for the most excellent companies. If it is the most consistently great products, it would have to be Switzerland. Japan and Germany would probably tie for second. However Germany would probably be the winner of the consistently great quality electronics and speakers. |
Interesting experiment, hiendmmoe. Astonishing how some people take pride in the accomplishments of others, isn't it? But a few thoughtful responses too, like Atmasphere's. Interesting that only CAKYOL has posted about the things that go into commercial products: transistors (Japan: Toshiba, Sanken; USA: Analog Devices, That), resistors (France: Vishay), caps (USSR: military vacuum caps; USA: Jennings; Denmark: Duelund), inductors and transformers (Canada: Plitron). IMO Cakyol, I would say small signal would have to be US: MAT aerospace stuff from AD, and elegant matched quads on a single wafer from That. |
Is this akin to a total medal count at the Olympics? While there may be an overall medal winner, if one's interest is particularized (like being interested in gymnastics, but not swimming), the answer might be quite different. In music systems, I like high efficiency speakers that sound good at low volume and amplification that matches such speakers (low-powered tube gear). In any event, I won't try to pick one winner. My own gear comes from a fairly wide span of countries: Turntable/tonearm/motor controller: Basis Audio (USA) Cartridge: Transfiguration and Lyra (Japan) Phonostage: Viva (Italy) Music Server/ripper: Naim (UK) Linestage: custom-built in Italy using vintage USA parts Amplifier: custom-built in Italy using vintage USA parts Speakers: Strumenti Acustici Precisione (Italy), with Western Electric compression midrange driver and horn (USA) Cabling: XLO (USA), Basis (USA) Audio Note (UK) Power conditioners: Isotek (UK) |
Someone on this thread mentioned Accuphase. I had a serious stack of that product and totally regret that I sold it to my nephew about 25 years ago. I replaced it with Adcom. Good stuff, but not like my Accuphase. Anyway, there is a lot of great product from so many countries. It's all about being satisfied with your gear. I now have Balanced Audio Technology (USA); outstanding build quality and sound quality. Manley Chinook phono stage; built in Southern California. What imaging that unit produces. VPI turntable; also built in USA. Lyra phono cartridge; designed in USA and built in Japan; the best sounding cartridge I have ever owned. Upper end Audioquest for signal cables, AC cables, and AC line conditioner; USA product, also designed and built right here in Southern California. I guess I have a lot of USA product after all. That's a good thing, but not necessary. Again, great product comes from many parts of the world. Everyone, enjoy your gear. After all, that's why we love it so dearly. |
Maybe a better question could be who makes the best components ? Anyone can put together an amp once you have the components. UK: Exicon audio transistors Caps: Nichicon ? Is it still Japan ? very lo noise preamp transistors: who knows... maybe still Japan The famous Toshiba 2SC series but now discontinued power transistors: Japan etc..etc... |
