Counterfeit Audio?

FWIW, the one shown on ebay looks, from memory, JUST like mine, which I bought used from a dealer here in Japan, where the Cello equipment had quite a good market (and continues to have a healthy secondary market - I have seen three go past the used market in the past 4 months and the lowest offer I have seen is just north of $1000 (store), the other two went for $1300 (store) and $1550 (auction)). I will check later tonight against mine to confirm and post again. FWIW, there should be pictures on Google Image if interested in chasing more pics down.

They still have quite a following in Asia based on the quality of the 59 step attenuator (from 0 to -50db in one-step increments then to complete attenuation in another 8 steps), which is supposed to be among the best made. I personally had a problem with the frequency extremes being "thin" but I can say that the midrange was as transparent and detailed as I have ever had the pleasure to listen to.

The Etude was originally sold some 20 years ago (first sold in 1986 I believe). FWIW, specs were as follows:
input impedance: 10k ohm
output impedance: 0-10k ohm (though the one-page manual specifically states 100k ohm amp input impedance preferred)
Size: 24W x 10H x 25D (in cm)
Weight: 1.6kg
Jacks: 4 RCA inputs, 1 set out

From what I have heard and read, the stuff made by Mark Levinson under a name other than his known which may or may not be re-badged Chinese equipment is Red Rose Music equipment.

china even pirates products and brands that are legitimately built in china.

$1925 took it home.

China's companies over the years have done a lot of manufacturing "off the books" meaning the item may be made on the same line as the legit product but simply is not shown in the accouting sent to the company requesting the work. Its very easy for them to hide extra runs of a product if the company - which is usually in the USA - doesn't have someone on site. This goes on in many industries, not only high-end audio. These products never go into the dealer network and therefore cannot be accounted for. I've heard the comment that authorized dealers sell excess inventory and create "Gray Market" products. That may occassionally occur but what happens more often, and on a much bigger scale, is the Chinese manufacturer is simply selling directly to an exporter the extra product it manufactured off the books. They count on doing this and often calculate it into their quotes when pricing a cost for manufacturing a product. So is it "counterfeit"? The answer is yes but it may be the exact same product you would buy from an authorized dealer.