Chinese Refrain

[JCricket]

Originally Posted by Combwork

The Chinese invasion isn't so obvious here, maybe because of trade within the EU but what impresses me most is the range of Chinese goods. Just as an example, they make many varieties of good quality valve amplifiers. As far as I know the UK make none; maybe the US does but in very small quantities.

Do the Chinese make a capital profit on goods like this, or is the 'profit' long term; trying to influence buyers to seek out the Made in China label as a mark of quality?

No, they are not concerned with quality - simply profit. Most of the chinese made stuff is cheap junk.

[Combwork]

Originally Posted by JCricket

No, they are not concerned with quality - simply profit. Most of the chinese made stuff is cheap junk.

That's what a lot of people want, cheap things that are never going to be repaired, just thrown away and replaced. The thing about their valve (tube) amplifiers is that most are not junk, and not all that cheap. Even with Chinese labor costs, setting up a supply line that can sell various models into such a niche market seems to me to be more about getting their brand name known.

You could compare this to the early audio Japanese exports. Laughable, sounded like shite BUT were a hell of a lot cheaper than local goods. Then it changed; top line units from brand names familiar to anyone on the AK forum. So you're looking at.

A). Market penetration. A lot of items sold that might be rubbish, but which cost a fraction of the home grown stuff. If all you can afford is a transistor radio that sounds not much better than a telephone, that's what you buy.
B). Brand loyalty. Just as a two stroke Honda can lead you on to a Fireblade, the shit portable radio leads you on to a Pioneer 1980.

Just my thoughts. Back 'em or sack 'em; they are what they are.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Combwork

That's what a lot of people want, cheap things that are never going to be repaired, just thrown away and replaced. The thing about their valve (tube) amplifiers is that most are not junk, and not all that cheap. Even with Chinese labor costs, setting up a supply line that can sell various models into such a niche market seems to me to be more about getting their brand name known.

You could compare this to the early audio Japanese exports. Laughable, sounded like shite BUT were a hell of a lot cheaper than local goods. Then it changed; top line units from brand names familiar to anyone on the AK forum. So you're looking at.

A). Market penetration. A lot of items sold that might be rubbish, but which cost a fraction of the home grown stuff. If all you can afford is a transistor radio that sounds not much better than a telephone, that's what you buy.
B). Brand loyalty. Just as a two stroke Honda can lead you on to a Fireblade, the shit portable radio leads you on to a Pioneer 1980.

Just my thoughts. Back 'em or sack 'em; they are what they are.

Having owned a couple of Fishers, a Sansui 1000A, all restored, and a Dared VP-20, I'd have to give the Dared a slight lead in sound quality. Might be the 6L6GC's compared to 7591's, but the Dared has more extended highs and is more focused.

But it gives up very little to the 1000A. And the Sansui has an incredible tuner, it drags 'em in by the heels.

Replacing the nuvistors made all of the difference in the world.

Valve freaks across the pond, huh?

Chas

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

I hope so - the clouds are incredible. :hmm:

My problem with China is, by artificially depressing their money they are basically dumping everything they sell here.

Pete

Remember when the steel industry accused the Japanese of the same thing, Pete? Nobody paid any heed to that either. Heck, I recall the free traders of the day insisting that increased imports would be GOOD for American industry.

Guess what. They were wrong then, just as they are now.

Dave

[piece-itpete]

Japan did it on a case by case basis.

Remember how Japan was going to take over the world?

Chinese stuff is junk because the American specifiers want it cheap. They are capable of making quality for sure.

Pete

[Charles]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

Japan did it on a case by case basis.

Remember how Japan was going to take over the world?

Chinese stuff is junk because the American specifiers want it cheap. They are capable of making quality for sure.

Pete

You couldn't be more correct.

Chas

[piece-itpete]

I'z a wise guy

Scary though - once their business model is more mature....

Pete

[Charles]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

I'z a wise guy

Scary though - once their business model is more mature....

Pete

I've always thought of you more as a "fart smeller".

Think I'll go to the store.

Chas

[piece-itpete]

Lol. Going for beer? Sounds like a plan.

Pete

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

Lol. Going for beer? Sounds like a plan.

Pete

Entirely appropriate.

http://www.internationalbeerday.com/

Cheers, gents.