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

Hmmm.

Let’s see. 

A high speed train out of Beijing, or an Amtrack out of Washington…

Sorry, we’re we discussing technology?

IAG. Vertically integrated. Well engineered. Winning with great products they are bringing new like to iconic English brands Mission, Wharfedale, Quad and Leak. They happen to be in China, but nothing about them fits the old perfections of Chinese goods. They have reversed long standing patterns as their latest top priced speakers are engineered and assembled in England with many components made in IAG’s own electronics factory in China.

It is not a question of quality. The Apple seems good enough. China just sent a rocket into space employing methane. This is a challenge NASA is still trying to master, as well as the Russians. For me, after teaching English for 3-years in China, I witnessed a completely different picture of China's intentions and actions. Now, I am retired and making high end furniture. If a tool or material of any kind arrives and it states 'Made in China', I send it back. One German or American bit lasts as long as 5 Chinese made ones. The same goes for my home theatre. After 75K to build, I am very happy with the sound. I also have the peace of mind that I help Americans, Germans, French and the Swedes in their pursuit of good sound. It is simply a decision I made. If I cannot afford today what I want, I will wait and save another 6 months. again, it is a matter of choice.

I would say alrady there. Harry Pearson's review of the Antique Sound Labs Hurricanes was a clarion call I think. Since then, the number of manufacturer's from China has only increased. I see serious "gap price filling" in the tube integrated market especially. I think the original Hurricanes were something of a canary in the coalmine, to see weather their products could compete at the aural level, as well as cost savings.

yes a big problem...

Population though which is decreasing in European and north American countries is a problem too..

China's biggest problem now is demographic collapse - more elderly than they know what to do with. Not enough young people being born. It is a train wreck.

I support high-quality audio products from any countries, as long as they are not copied nor made in sweat factory. 

You are not the only one, for sure anybody want this so...