My experience is not as broad as I would like, but I will say as a Yank I have easily preferred the SS U.K. electronics I've heard to the U.S. equivalents, which as you point out are often much more expensive. Levinson in particular I just don't get. Krell I need more experience with, but I haven't been impressed so far.
But in U.K. gear I wouldn't pick Musical Fidelity as my standard bearer, even on a price/ performance basis. Naim may be a somewhat better bet, but to my ears entry level Linn or AVI gear is still much better for little or no more money. As an aside, as much or more than the amps, I particularly love U.K. source components.
My experience with speakers, however, is another matter entirely. In this arena, I believe it is B & W that is over rated. And although I like the company generally, Linn speakers as a group are most unimpressive. I did own a pair of KEF's a number of years ago that weren't bad for the price, but nothing to get too excited about.
But in U.K. gear I wouldn't pick Musical Fidelity as my standard bearer, even on a price/ performance basis. Naim may be a somewhat better bet, but to my ears entry level Linn or AVI gear is still much better for little or no more money. As an aside, as much or more than the amps, I particularly love U.K. source components.
My experience with speakers, however, is another matter entirely. In this arena, I believe it is B & W that is over rated. And although I like the company generally, Linn speakers as a group are most unimpressive. I did own a pair of KEF's a number of years ago that weren't bad for the price, but nothing to get too excited about.