Will China become the poor man’s dealer for high end audio?

I think maybe you meant to say “manufacturer” rather than “dealer,” no? This is not new and many manufacturers have been designing equipment in the US and Europe for decades and having them manufactured in China. Actually, the speakers I bought over 20 years ago were designed here and built there, and it’s an attractive business model as long as quality control is good at the factory (think Apple products). In the mid-to-longer term China’s labor rates will continue to rise and other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, etc. will become relatively more attractive and cost-effective options similarly to how China attracted manufacturing business in the past, and businesses will begin to migrate there instead. Frankly I’m pretty amazed by companies like Schiit, Rogue and some others who can play in the budget/midFi categories and still manufacture here in the US what with our significantly higher wages, health benefits, and overall costs of doing business — truly impressive.

Why only China, check out offerings from Eastern Europe. So many talented designers with great sounding products at reasonable entry price points. They just need our attention and bit more exposure in the US.

Big +1 @lalitk I neglected to think of Eastern European nations. There is some great stuff coming out of Poland, Estonia, Hungary, etc. I’ve bought some excellent silver cables out of Latvia (LavriCables) that are outstanding for a fraction of the price of silver cables from more established places and that don’t even sound like “traditional” silver cables — time to reset your expectations here people!  I come from finance, and money/capital is like water — it flows to the place of least resistance, and in money’s case where it also can earn the highest return. That’s just what it does, and there’s no stopping it. Good catch lalitk!

I am extremely surprised as I would expect anyone interested in high quality equipment and with "50 years of experience" to be familiar with Fang from Stereo Knight, even though not a lot are sold in the US. Fang went on to form his own company called AM. US audiophiles are very insular.
Here are some comments from the British distributor, Ian Borthwick:

Pros.

1) They look incredible and the build is up there with the best
2) Even cold and not run in they are easily the best amplifies I have heard.
3) The midrange is sublime and human voice effortless and so real.
4) The bass is effortless and incredibly articulate.
5) These will obviously improve as they get played in. Awesome.
6) No noise whatsoever. No hiss, no hum, no farting noises. Fang really has excelled himself. In a different league to Stereo Knight.
7) Inky silent background due to incredible noise floor.Cons.
1) Bloody heavy but look stunning.

@laoman Like @ghdprentice I’ve been an audiophile for a loooong time and follow the industry pretty closely and likewise have never heard of Fang, Stereo Knight, or AM. Further, this seems like marketing spam. Last, calling US audiophiles “very insular” is insulting, condescending, and just flat-out wrong.  Period, full stop.  Take your completely unfounded comments and just go away.  Please. 

People should learn how to avoid destroying other countries. On one side, Russia and China are not enemies, if they are not put in those situations. On another side, Democrats and people from Detroit and Fauci create much more damage for the US than any Chinese or Russian. Do the math really.

@chapai22 This might qualify as the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever read here and even eclipses the flat earthers, and that’s saying something. Russia is not an enemy if THEY are not put in those situations? Are you outta your right mind??? Russia invaded an independent and sovereign country and you think WE (meaning the US and the other developed western countries) put THEM in that situation? What is wrong with you???  I don’t get involved in political discussions here because they’re off point, but this is absolutely absurd and I’d ask the moderators to remove this utter BS deep-state China propaganda that has absolutely no place here. This guy is truly off his rocker and he and his 2 posts should just go away. Just my opinion.

@mahgister I’m sorry, I can’t follow your English nor your reasoning that seems all over the place to the point that I can’t even understand what you’re saying.  I’d suggest we just keep politics out of this forum because it’s just not the place.  Let’s just stick to audio and do that.  To me, chapai22 crossed the line, which is why I responded.  I have absolutely no idea what you’re saying or what you mean and honestly I don’t care.  I’d just like this to get back to audio pure and simple, which is what this site is all about. 

My current audio issue is whether to buy Thiel 1.6's or 2.2's to upgrade my system.  Thoughts?
 

@johnnotkathi Might be better to start a new post for this so you get more and possibly more targeted responses.  That said, I haven’t heard the 2.2 (or 2 2) but had the 1.6es in my system on an extended demo and thought they sounded superb.  Obviously the 1.6 incorporated the more updated of Jim’s thinking, design, and driver technology that might push me in that direction.  They’re on the smaller side and won’t produce the lower dynamics that’ll blow you outta your chair, but everything from there on up is supremely transparent and enticing.  And obviously the 3D imaging/soundstage is mesmerizing.  Hope this helps at least somewhat.