Interesting to read the comments on this thread. I’m in the camp of not knowing where the electronics are made currently. Just like the car industry, there is a percentage of local content that must be achieved to qualify for the domestic status. For all I know there could be sub-assemblies made in China on the current models, yet it qualifies as a Canadian produced amp.
I understand from people in the know the first amps like the MP-300b (well before the Frankenstein’s) were done in collaboration with ASL. All you have to do is look at the cosmetics and it’s abundantly apparent where it came from. However, If all of Israel’s amps are well made and sound good, and can be serviced if need be, that is the core of the matter – regardless of where they come from.
There so many wonderful businesses people in the industry, like others, I’ve had outstanding interaction and support from Dan Schmalle from Bottlehead, Dan Wright from Modwright and Ralph Karsten from Atma-Sphere. (Ralph who is a regular contributor to the community’s is a shining example on the forum) All of these guys are passionate helpers, giving of time, talent, with full transparency and integrity. Israel is closer to the other end of the spectrum from what I’ve experienced, that’s unfortunate.
In the end I love what’s he’s done with the Franks MkII, They sound wonderful, other than a single cap issue, they have been rock steady for 7 years.