I'll keep my comment focused solely on audiophile equipment manufacturing. There's definitely a shift in consumer mindset when it comes to what the somewhat 'seasoned' generation of audiophiles values and prioritizes when buying audio gear. If you look at well-known and well-respected audio companies in the western hemisphere and Japan, a few attributes stand out (in no particular order): high fidelity, very high standards when it comes to design and manufacturing, emphasis on long-term reliability (we're talking 20+ years), and pride in craftsmanship and ownership.
The younger audiophile generation is different. Instead of craftsmanship and pride of ownership, its mental model revolves around 'planned obsolescence' and a 'data driven' mindset. Whether it's electronics, clothes, shoes, cars, you name it, they 'expect' things to not last more than a few years. That's how we have been conditioned -- 'I'll just buy a new one in two years!'
The Chinese audio business model is a great fit for this new mindset. We want the cheapest possible audio equipment with reasonable, just good enough, quality and performance. Why should I pay for some overbuilt Pass Labs or Boulder amp when I'm going to end up replacing in a couple of years anyways? Why do I need to worry about repairs if the technology will be obsolete in a few years anyways?
Now let's talk about the so-called 'data driven' mindset. If you read the forums, it becomes apparent fairly quickly that 'measurements' is the new game in town. In fact, it's the only game in town. Listening is optional! It's no surprise that the low-end of the Chinese audio industry has latched on to this as an opportunity to gain market share. We've moved from an artisan approach to one that's focused on numbers alone. People used to buy based on the designer's reputation (Nelson Pass, Bob Carver, etc.), now they base their decisions on charts and graphs. Again, listening is not required.
Unfortunately, the US and European audiophile industry will follow the same path as the manufacturing and electronics industries in the last 20+ years, i.e. fade into oblivion. They are burdened with comparatively high labor and R&D costs, IP regulations, and a capital market that rewards short-term profits. The Chinese manufacturers don't need to worry about any of the above.
The younger audiophile generation is different. Instead of craftsmanship and pride of ownership, its mental model revolves around 'planned obsolescence' and a 'data driven' mindset. Whether it's electronics, clothes, shoes, cars, you name it, they 'expect' things to not last more than a few years. That's how we have been conditioned -- 'I'll just buy a new one in two years!'
The Chinese audio business model is a great fit for this new mindset. We want the cheapest possible audio equipment with reasonable, just good enough, quality and performance. Why should I pay for some overbuilt Pass Labs or Boulder amp when I'm going to end up replacing in a couple of years anyways? Why do I need to worry about repairs if the technology will be obsolete in a few years anyways?
Now let's talk about the so-called 'data driven' mindset. If you read the forums, it becomes apparent fairly quickly that 'measurements' is the new game in town. In fact, it's the only game in town. Listening is optional! It's no surprise that the low-end of the Chinese audio industry has latched on to this as an opportunity to gain market share. We've moved from an artisan approach to one that's focused on numbers alone. People used to buy based on the designer's reputation (Nelson Pass, Bob Carver, etc.), now they base their decisions on charts and graphs. Again, listening is not required.
Unfortunately, the US and European audiophile industry will follow the same path as the manufacturing and electronics industries in the last 20+ years, i.e. fade into oblivion. They are burdened with comparatively high labor and R&D costs, IP regulations, and a capital market that rewards short-term profits. The Chinese manufacturers don't need to worry about any of the above.