Imported audio are you getting the same level of performance vs domestic priced equip?


Imported audio usually runs 15-30 % higher in the country the equipment is exported to vs the country of origin. This is understandable with the issues of import fees, shipping costs and distributer mark up.
I’ve gasped at times the difference one pays for the same product only because the product is being sold in a different country. If you take a domestic product at the same price point that’s not marked up with the extra costs logically you would believe the domestic product is superior since you are not looking at a 15-30 % mark up. 15-30 % is usually where you see a company offer something better
than the previous price point. This is not always the case sometimes it’s 50 % above the lesser product. If I buy a $10000. Speaker from a foreign company that sells for $7000. In the country of origin, I’m paying $10000. for a speaker that’s actually a $7000. Performing one. Take Focal audio for instance the Kanta vs Sopra are all priced about 20% apart as you move up the chain. Each step up is an improvement over the other, they say. So I’m actually paying more for less by buying foreign audio equipment here in the U.S . 
The point I’m trying make or the answer I’m seeking to my question is are you getting less for your money buying foreign audio equipment than domestic ?
hiendmmoe
I see Canton loudspeakers, made in Germany for 50% - 60% off retail at accessories4less.com as well as some heavily discounted, French built or designed Cabasse and Focal loudspeakers. I've heard a pair of the higher end Canton's years ago and they were amazing. I don't think they mark them up double so they can discount them because their MSRP's are all inline with comparable Paradigm, Revel etc. products.
I am not in to the idea of a singular, objective promised land in audio, so the premium paid for being part of the bigger world of imports just has to be acknowledged as part of that item's story with the benefit being an expanded selection. There is only one Harbeth, ATC, Avantgarde, etc. Another problem is the instability of audio distribution. 

I’ve gasped at times the difference one pays for the same product only because the product is being sold in a different country. 
For real. I remember seeing the updated ATC price list...thought it was in Yen. And I remember a wife at visiting Avantgarde at Axpona. She was literally yelling at everyone about the price of the Zeros. Good thing for her husband it wasn't the Unos. 
try living in Canada where everything is more expensive just because they can get away with it. Books
Which reminds me, one of these days really need to start a thread worrying about how everything costs more because fiat money. But then I would have to start another thread about how everything costs less because mining oil. Oh well the point is everything just costs more. Why can't it all just be free? And everywhere? All at once? For everyone?

Uh oh, I may have unwittingly just become the 24th democrat presidential candidate....


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