European -vs- US high-end

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

Natalie, the only Canadian companies that come to mind for me are Classe' and Bryston. While both solid products, i would not rank either of them as being "top notch". Then again, that is a personal opinion that may / may not be shared by others. I'm sure that there are other brands out there that are Canadian based that also deserve a mention. Sean
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