China built tube amps

The dealer told me to buy Ayon or wait for it.........Atma-Sphere! I told him sure, I would love to buy those amps, but that was way more than I wanted to spend on my first tube amp in my second system. I get the whole buy American thing for serviceability but you have to match the gear to the customer. You can't sell a $10,000.00 piece amp to someone wanting to spend $2500.00 or less. 

@shtinkydog

I don’t really get it either. It would have been a quick sale for them since I was ready to buy. I’m in sales and know how to recognize a buying signal. I could outsell this guy by wide margins! Who cares what the customer wants. If they want to buy and you have the product then....

Just so everyone knows, I have been doing a lot of research and was ready to buy. I have read plenty of forums, read reviews and looked for specific responses from owners. What I didn't know is the dealer I called (he is not my dealer btw.) was a former dealer of the product and seemed to have a real chip on his shoulder about Asian built amps. Following that conversation I contacted the U.S. importer who was much more helpful. I am after a push/pull type amp that offers a good soundstage I know I am not going to get the pinnacle of amps or I would have contacted Mr. Karsten directly. I just want to learn about the reliability of these amps from people who own them. I appreciate all the replies.

Whoa, I like politics as much as anyone but the mods will close this thread if it strays into it. Let's stick with amplifiers. I did some research on the Carvers today but Bob doesn't make an integrated...bummer!

Well, I have pulled the trigger. I picked up a Black Ice Audio Jolida integrated that was modified by Jerrod at Black Ice. The upgrades include high grade single crystal wiring in inputs and output and Vishay Naked Z resistors through out the audio path and an upgraded power cord. It is due to arrive later this week. I'll be spending the weekend playing with this new toy. so we'll see how it goes.

@jjss49,

Couldn't agree more. that's why I was so taken aback by the dealer I spoke to. He sells the brand I wanted but said he wouldn't sell it to me? It's all junk he said. Well, maybe in his mind I suppose but that's no way to talk me into a $10K amp. To your point about hate, just as you indicate if you really dig into facts you usually find the hate is based on inaccurate information. This is a hobby after all. It's supposed to be fun, not divisive.

@carlsbad 

Looks like a very nice amp!