Made in America

I can be just as guilty as the next guy when it comes to buying American made goods. Not always, as I'll seek out the best quality when I'm paying the bill.

Let's face it. Most of American made goods are made overseas (and down south) in factories owned or co-owned by American companies that just sell to themselves here, stateside, increasing the mark up along the way.

Keeping that in mind, you can still put money in the pocket of Americans when buying some "foreign" product. As for actual, foreign made equipment, I'd have no qualms whatsoever (if I could afford it) buying something like a Luxman. Heck, my new plasma is a Samsung and I wouldn't mind driving a Mercedes C class.

We're constantly bombarded with the notion that we live in a global economy when it comes to labor (our declining wages) but told to buy only American made goods to get our vote. Don't fall for the hype: buy American when you can but if you get the itch to try that "other" make, don't feel too bad about it.

All the best,
Nonoise

yep i can't still see myself driving Ford(burp).

I prefer to buy American of course, but I think one would be ill advised to not accept the trend towards a more global economy and America's evolving (yet still predominant) place within it. It is happening faster than ever and will hopefully be a good thing for all in the long run, though many will feel the pains of transition in the interim.

I want the best I can afford regardless of where its made with the exception of China due to labor practices. I realize most parts in my U.S. assembled amp were sourced from China. Can't get away from it.

What could be some cost advantages for buying U.S. made gear? Is a $5k amp made in the US a better deal than one made in France because your paying less for taxes (import tax fixed into the price) ? Are profit margins the same? When someone says you'd have to spend twice as much to get this level of performance does that comment include import duty and taxes? Import Duty on a $5k amp from France is a about $270 and that doesn't include shipping. I would think your money goes further if you can buy something assembled here at home.

Very important to me.

I am upgrading my current system with US companies.

Vandersteen for speakers
McIntosh for amp/pre-amp.