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What country builds the best audio equipment?

I remember not so long ago when audio equipment was mainly a home grown product with the exception of Japan here in the U.S. Today it’s a global market with competition from every corner of the world. I use to think here in the U.S was were the best equipment was being built, but now I’m not sure.
Built quality and performance seems to be lacking a little here in the states with few exceptions compared to what’s being produced over seas and up to the north. So what country is the best equipment coming from? Maybe it’s still the U.S, but if pure aesthetics says anything I would say not.
As for Sonics tough to call, maybe still here in the U.S? 
hiendmmoe
terry9
2,353 posts
 
As for those who are bad-mouthing China, my experience is otherwise. I have some very good, highly cost-effective stuff which came from joint ventures, like Epcos/TDK caps, Quad ESL speakers (my first failures are coming at the 14 year mark).

I am told that the highest precision manufacturing is done in Germany and China. Of course, lots of toy pandas from China too, if that's your taste.
hiendmmoe OP
205 posts
 
Much of what caused to post this thread is the amount equipment I’ve seen from other countries besides the U.S. The sheer amount is astonishing and build quality is always beyond belief; visually at least. I must admit, I’ve not heard most of this equipment and only have seen it from the outside, but if that’s any indication of the quality inside and sonically they get my vote.
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
I am with @mjcmt on this
No country has the monopoly on the best quality equipment.

jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
515 posts
 
The U.S. and A.Becoz Bose is made there.
stargazer3's avatar
stargazer3
135 posts
 
When it comes to honest reproduction of sound via high fidelity the leading brand is ATC (professional & consumer HiFi) of United Kingdom, Gloucester)  Also their gear is mostly home made, so they have ultimate control from beginning to the end of building components.  Not many brands do that.......
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