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Re: Ok then..


we've been manufacturing in China for over two years, and I can certainly understand many of the opinions expressed here on AA. I just returned from my 5th trip to China in two years and it seems like I learn something new each time I visit. One thing you have to keep in mind: Many of the US and European lines that have strong identities as Western manufacturers have parts, components, and finished goods built for them in China. Don't ask, because I won't tell, but you might be shocked. I've seen it first hand.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that many of the Chinese HiFi manufacturing facilities have foreign investment and on-site management. Profits make their way back to Europe, the US, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It's very common.

1) Two years ago you could go to the electronics market area of Guangzhou and see lots of B&W, Sonus Faber, and Wilson copies. Now you almost see none and the Chinese Govt. runs ads on TV that discourage copies. They are finally starting to get it.

2) I've visited over 20 factories and have yet to see terrible conditions or rampant child labor. I'm sure they exist, but my supplier won't do business with them. If caught, the Chinese Govt. will shut them down.

3) The Chinese Govt mandates dormitories, food,and healthcare for the workers at the factories where we do business. The pay is low, but for most this is a much better situation than the poverty associated with subsistence farming in the countryside. Sad...but true.

4)There is a perception that Chinese speaker and electronics factories are like one big homogenous group of HiFi suppliers. Nothing could be farther from the truth. You have to seek out the better suppliers, manage your production by remote control, and stick with the guys who understand quality control first....price second. Unfortunately this takes intelligence + hard work ;>)

Our company doesn't "re-badge" Chinese products with our own name brand, but I'm curious.....what do you guys think about that practice?


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