Imported audio are you getting the same level of performance vs domestic priced equip?


Imported audio usually runs 15-30 % higher in the country the equipment is exported to vs the country of origin. This is understandable with the issues of import fees, shipping costs and distributer mark up.
I’ve gasped at times the difference one pays for the same product only because the product is being sold in a different country. If you take a domestic product at the same price point that’s not marked up with the extra costs logically you would believe the domestic product is superior since you are not looking at a 15-30 % mark up. 15-30 % is usually where you see a company offer something better
than the previous price point. This is not always the case sometimes it’s 50 % above the lesser product. If I buy a $10000. Speaker from a foreign company that sells for $7000. In the country of origin, I’m paying $10000. for a speaker that’s actually a $7000. Performing one. Take Focal audio for instance the Kanta vs Sopra are all priced about 20% apart as you move up the chain. Each step up is an improvement over the other, they say. So I’m actually paying more for less by buying foreign audio equipment here in the U.S . 
The point I’m trying make or the answer I’m seeking to my question is are you getting less for your money buying foreign audio equipment than domestic ?
hiendmmoe

Showing 2 responses by millercarbon

Which reminds me, one of these days really need to start a thread worrying about how everything costs more because fiat money. But then I would have to start another thread about how everything costs less because mining oil. Oh well the point is everything just costs more. Why can't it all just be free? And everywhere? All at once? For everyone?

Uh oh, I may have unwittingly just become the 24th democrat presidential candidate....


Imported audio are you getting the same level of performance vs domestic priced equip?
No. You are getting more. My UK import Origin Live Conqueror tone arm sounds a lot better than the domestic Graham tone arm it replaced. 

And no! You are getting less. My domestic Herron VTPH-2A trounces anything anywhere near its price, imported or not imported.

Gosh, its almost like this is one of those questions that cannot be answered, or equally meaninglessly, can be answered any number of ways? Yes. That one.