European -vs- US high-end

Slawney, to my mind the gap which there was, especially with British hifi and US gear seems to be closing. For a long time the Europeans (France, Germany, Switzerland, the UK in part) had the better vinyl play back gear in practically all price ranges, but that has changed. The same goes true for loudspeaker designs. There might be Danish, as well as German solid state components which are designed more for the eye than for the ear in a degree of workmanship you will only rarely find across the atlantic. But I find that of minor importance.
There used to be a typically "German" sound in speakers from Deutschland, with an emphasis on highs and a forced transparency, which has fortunately disappeared as well.
In short, Cornfed is right, its become a small world. When I talk to the cognoscienti here in Zurich or converse with my US friends, we all talk the same language....also the hype is the same, on both sides of the Atlantic. A small world indeed.

I think the big gap between US and European tastes lies in the mid-fi to low-end range. It seems that there are many more Euopreans (especially British) people that want good sounding consumer gear. It's very obvious when you check out a British Hi-Fi mag and there are pages and pages...issues even...devoted to $100-$400 integrated amps, CD players, and speakers. The thing that amazes me is that they're all made by the same companies as the US consumer audio gear...Sony, Pioneer, Technics, Kendwood, Teac, etc....but it seems that they make a much better product than they do for the US. The US product has a billion features, surround sound, digital effects, etc., but the UK market seems to have a demand for a good sounding, simple, inexspensive, integrated amp. I find that refreshing. I wish that were the case here too.

Go for the Hawaiian!
I run an all American system here in Germany and not because doing so is considered cool. There are some nice European approaches like AudioPhysics, Audiomeca, Audio Aero, Linn, Electrocompaniet, maybe even Burmester - but in my experience American gear does the long jump.
Cheers!

Dont forget made In Canada gear.
Most of which is supperior to US and European made.

natalie: wow! i guess canada's winning a couple of olympic medals has engendered a reinvigorated national spirit. best thing about canadian gear is that it's priced by loonies. :o) -cfb