Yeah Danny Richie actually debunks myths even with higher end speakers companies like Paradigm. He takes apart the cabinets and exposes the drivers, parts (capacitor brand/quality) and examines bracing build quality. Often it is surprising what you get when you pay $5k, $6k and $9k for a brand you THINK is putting together the best parts......Danny often finds those are cheaper parts that cost a very small fraction of what you paid. Sometimes less than $100.
I tend to think that is why chinese brands and particularly amps/preamps/integrated amps are finding their way into America audiophile living spaces. They are often giving you the same quality or better and charging LESS money. Often the price of a well made tube integrated amp with a $200 shipping charge from China is less expensive than an ARC amp or McIntosh here in the USA. I am not really commenting on whether it's right or wrong, just the situation I have seen.
