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Nationalism in Audio Products?

In searching out quality products, I am finding that many folks review products, describe products, or even laud products for their being made in so-and-so country. Coming from a first generation household, my mom a Swiss immigrant, my dad, Russian, I can identify with these seemingly stereotypical associations between certain countries' craftspeople and their products. What I mean is, there is some truth to the sterotype that a speaker made in, say, England, might sound better than one made in another place. It even occurred to me the other morning, that since I am planning to upgrade my entire system in the coming years, to see if I could put together an All-Swiss-Made system, being a bit partial to their manufacturing standards (and their chocolate). I found several sets of speakers that didn't look very promising (of course I haven't actually HEARD them). Benz micro is pretty well known. I also know of a Swiss CD player whose price tag depressed me for days. I haven't found any Swiss tube amplifiers and I was starting to not care. Then I found a turntable built by a Swiss company called Holborne. I have since scoured the internet looking for information about it. There is nothing even on Audiogon (searching archives for keyword "Holborne") I would humbly ask any of you if you know anything about this turntable, if it is built to last, if it sounds good, in short, is it a good investment. If there I receive enough contrary advice, I would probably return to my original plan, a little thing built in the US of A called the Galibier Serac.....
mr_stain
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
You mentioned a Russian father and if you're looking for a little of that influence, keep in mind Balanced Audio Technology.

BAT gear is built in the US and designed by Victor Khomenko. I use both a BAT tubed pre-amp and solid state power amp. While maybe not as "exquisitely" finished as much of the aforementioned Swiss gear, it is of the highest caliber of build quality and the sound they produce is simply fantastic. Not cheap, but will last a lifetime.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Forsell is from Sweden, not that it matters.

I have had stereo equipment from: USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Yugoslavia (when it existed), Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Czecha, Austria, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China. I think in a global economy, there is little room for nationalism.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
I prefer religious fundamentalism to nationalism in audio products. Knowing that a DK Designs amp will ensure my entry to the pearly gates or that some $2000 power cord will get me 72 virgins is powerful incentive to upgrade my system.
markphd
667 posts
 
It is possible that through tradition, craftspeople congregate in certain areas. Then new craftspeople wishing to learn the trade travel to those same areas in order to learn the craft. It's a centuries old tradition in many areas for many different products. It then becomes a self perpetuating cycle. However, I don't think the world is that small anymore. People and capital are much more mobile now on a world wide basis. We still have pockets of excellence in certain fields in certain areas, but that doesn't mean that some other part of the world isn't doing just as good a job, only without the reputation of tradition. If you can put together a system from one place and you like it and it makes you feel good, that's great. But don't you think that you may be cheating yourself out of the opportunity to possibly discover something better if you widen your search criteria? I don't see the audio world as being limited on the basis of geography.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
At one time, my system consisted of an American made transport, French DAC, Canadian preamp, American amp, British speakers and more American and Canadian cables. I guess that evidences a real WWII era Ally bias. When I build my next system it'll be Axis all the way! I know that'll make my Dad happy.
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