High End In China: Visiting This Summer
I came across this on the web: http://www.opera-consonance.com/company/CONTACT.htm and http://www.mystore411.com/store/view/3389938/China/Klipsch-Shanghai and Hi-Fi mall at 398 Zhejiang Zhong Lu (near People's Square). Have fun. All the best, Nonoise |
I spent most of 2012 in mainland China, traveling throughout the country, and I found zero high-end audio products on display. Even in Shanghai and Beijing there's mostly just junk available for audio gear, and those cities are much, much wealthier than the average Chinese city. Now I think McIntosh may be opening a salon in Shanghai this year, so you could contact them for that information if you're interested. Chinese people are very interested in Apple computer products, and increasing numbers of Chinese people can afford them, but this interest and consumer spending is not apparently matched (yet) among music lovers. By contrast, there's definitely a high-end scene in both Hong Kong and Tokyo. For example, during our stay in Tokyo last year, I walked out the door of my hotel to get some fresh air and within one block, without really trying, I found two vinyl-only record stores with fantastic stuff. One of these was classical-music LPs only! Fifty feet from said LP store was a tiny jazz club with a live Dixieland band playing. Seating room in the club for about 10 people total and tickets at $100 per person. Of course we had to do it, as the band sounded great. And between sets we listened to the superb $100K expensive vinyl-only stereo system in the performance space! Lots of audio dealers in both Hong Kong and Tokyo, and you won't have trouble finding them. Best wishes and safe travels in China. |
There is an article written by Robert Harley in TAS that you can find with a search on their website, it's titled, "The World's Number One Audiophile?". It's about a Chinese gentleman in the city of Yang Jiang who undoubtedly is number one. The article is worth reading even if you're not going to China. Here's an excerpt from the article after the unbelievable collection of gear and music Mr. Ji Hui Li owns is partially described: "All this gear is put to good use; Mr. Li opens his house to anyone who wants to come and hear music. He's extraordinarily passionate about music and high-end equipment, and shares that enthusiasm with anyone who's interested. Similarly, the club is open to the public so that ordinary people can come and hear great music wonderfully reproduced. What a wonderful gift to the people of Yang Jiang." If you're anywhere near Yang Jiang, you really should look up Mr. Li. |
