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Does America Have Something That Will Beat the HiFi Rose RS151 Gen. 2?

I used to own a McIntosh DS200. I wanted it to replace my Cambridge CXNV2.  The DS200 really didn't replace it since it has a poor User Interface in my opinion, plus there were some things it should have done... interfacing with Qobuz for example, and didn't.  So... I looked for great sounds with a very good UI, in my opinion I found it in the HiFi Rose RS151 Gen. 2.  Build quality is excellent.  Sound reproduction is very resolving... and the UI is very accommodating, intuitive and performs as advertised.  Only thing is... I would have preferred purchasing an American streamer with all of the qualities and virtues of the RS151 and haven't been able to find anything even remotely close in performance and price.  We need to do better. Are there options?

mkreg
mkreg OP
19 posts
 

That little Wiim hits way above its weight... I have one in my office and it works quite well.. again... why doesn't some American company provide something similar to provide competition.... I buy what provides the mostest for the money.. and right now there is a dearth of American firms challenging the Chinese and Korean's... I find that irritating.. and yes... the CXNV2 performed as advertised... I just wanted something with more resolution. 

parkergetdean
1,099 posts
 

experiencing how the US of A is seen around the world, it's hard not to root for anyone other than the US. Competition is good, it makes us consumers win.

mkreg OP
19 posts
 

I always root for our country, the USA.  I also buy those items that provide the best quality for the money.  Sometimes the best quality for me is sourced from overseas.  I would prefer to buy American, but I recognize that many countries produce fine products.  And Yes... competition tends to provide better products and make a company stronger and better.  I still hope that American companies will step up and deliver as good or hopefully better then their foreign competitors. 

nubiann
98 posts
 

This is going to be tough love but the bottom line is America cannot compete in this space. There is scope for products that sit in the "Super Fi" segment. However this is a very small niche market and largely targeted at the super rich where the goal is often statement over performance. China, South Korea and others have invested heavily in R&D, innovation and advanced precision manufacturing. All the while and in general terms, America countered with more protectionism wrapped in a toxic, destructive package of disdain, arrogance and ignorant "Chi Fi" taunting. US HiFi manufacturing, just like Automotive, Aerospace and Defence is under huge pressure of genuine competition. America watched as it spread across the globe thinking the US is too big to fail and immune but now it’s here and it seems America is simply not prepared for what’s coming. 

jr1000
30 posts
 

Oh my. Do we really need to bash America in a place claiming to "enjoy the music"? I’m not enjoying myself. Anyone else?

I consider Audiogon a fantasy land, where guys like me who can’t afford 90% of what we see here, come simply to be informed of the possibilities. My 63 year old ears couldn’t enjoy the top-end even if I could afford it, but the tech is cool.

Please, let me enjoy my fantasy and take the poison talk elsewhere.

Make your day Great!

JR

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