HOW MUCH DO NON-AUDIO FACTORS INFLUENCE YOUR AUDIO PURCHASES?

Fun topic!

I'm in the early stages of building a system in a recently vacated room (empty nesting has SO many advantages!)
Going to side with andysf on this issue. Being a small business owner myself, the perfect scenario for my room would be made in the USA gear that I can buy from a locally owned hifi shop. If I have to pick one or the other, the domestic product will nearly always win. To this point I have purchased Dac (USA), two sets of IC (USA), a turntable (USA), and have a Tavish (USA) phono amp on order.

It is a very small room, and I have no doubts about achieving a very pleasing to my ears result from US/Canada sources and from my local shops. With that said, I have seen some gear, not mentioning any names, that fits my criteria but lacks the aesthetics that appeal to me.

I like the concept of home-grown audio...but often I succumb to the lower price of Asian-made audio.  But lately, I do try hard to avoid spending serious money with the PRC.  Nothing against the people, but I do not wish to support their oppressive, one-party system.

Hi made in USA ! most important, then price.

Components—no.
Speakers, especially if floorstanding and tall need to be reasonably attractive ie any normal medium to dark wood (or black) and no weird/ugly shapes.

"...often I succumb to the lower price of Asian-made audio."

Check Accuphase.