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Japanese Audio

I've owned a few great low powered Japanese tube amps and wonder if anyone knows why this niche of low power class A and tube amps exists in Japan. Luxman, Leben, Airtight, Yamamoto, Almarro (no longer), SPEC, Accuphase to name a few. If your goal is building a low power amplifier, where does the inspiration come from? Did these brands spring up from western influence like other areas of Japanese culture or are there many unheard of Japanese high efficiency speakers?   
bjesien
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I think there is a cultural element here also. The Japanese tend to animate inanimate objects. An electronic device that makes music is special and every detail adds to it's spirit and the perception of the sound it makes.  They do this with cartridges. Some of this is rubbing off on us now. I know a lot more about Japanese woodworking tools with which you have a very similar situation. The too (plane iron) is imbued with a spirit by the master tool maker. Everyone is different and given a name just like samurai swords. To westerners it seem rather silly....until you realize that you cut yourself. 
bjesien OP
1,299 posts
 
The low listening level comment is great. I hadn't thought about the need for larger speakers for lower listening levels. I'm curious if there are local companies that make high efficiency smaller speakers that would be  competitive with Cube or Devore or any of the dozens of companies that specialize in "smaller" high efficiency speakers? 
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
yes

small listening areas

legacy of better japanese brands stem from making the music sound beautiful 

listeners value refinement in sound over volume capability (the japanese value refinement in just about everything)

listeners listen to vocals chamber music jazz pop more than louder genres
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,454 posts
 
+1, larryi & jjss49

Add Shindo and Audio Note to your esteem list of Japanese Audio. They all seems to share a common philosophy, “Enrich Life through Technology”. Music is soothing, exciting, exhilarating and Japanese designers have mastered the art of invoking emotions through their musical instruments (electronics).
ghdprentice
6,972 posts
 
Having worked and lived in Japan off and on over the last 25 years or so. To me it fits the culture... supremely considerate, conforming, traditional, and meticulous in iterative in pursuit of perfection. Crafting the essence of the music not slapping you in the face with slam and noise. I wish I could justify another audio system, I would love to put together a Shinto system.
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I am starting to feel like going back to Japan for a while. Just thinking about it relaxes me.
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