Looking for a $500 or so phono preamp -- BC23 ?

And what happens when something breaks? Are you going to send it back to China?

Actusreus, Is it that you think local technicians cannot repair the equipment? Or are you suggesting that there might not be local warranty coverage? In the latter instance, are you suggesting that customers avoid purchasing used equipment (because most warranties are not transferable or the warranty has expired)?

Honestly, the Chinese-made Jasmine is recommended for its high value to cost, much like buying high-end used equipment. If the Chinese-made gear were comparably priced to domestic products, I would agree with you. However, that is not the case.

For that price, new, I would get a PS Audio GCPH. Lots of flexibility, remote volume, phase and mono. Nothing else comes close for the price.

Redglobe,
I'm not going to claim categorically that "local technicians" cannot repair equipment, but I personally neither know "local technicians," nor would trust anyone with equipment that is not your typical run-of-the-mill piece of electronics. I understand your point about high value vs. cost, but I'd personally feel too uncomfortable buying directly from another continent without local support. It's the pragmatic pessimist in me...

I assume that everyone who intend to buy a 'new' (other)
phono-pre will do some search before he or she decide.
We are discussing pro and contra about some of those within
a peculiar price range. Nobody can force the other to buy
whatever. BTW the usual warranty on electronic gear is one
year. The usual experience is that those 'break' after
this period of time. While the Chinese also produce rockets
I don't believe that we need some rocket scientist to repair
our phono-pre. I even have the very bold intention to improve
the Jasmine by soldering with my professional
soldering iron two (exotic)capacitors somewhere.

Regards,