Yes, that's the one.
Also, whenever I get to finish up the web site, I'll have a big "No China" section.
Most people obviously know sub standard quality control, and slave labor conditions.
But you absolutely have to put into account the international currency market rigging of a regime that doesn't give a shit about killing / poisoning anybody, anywhere, the complete lack of any environmental standards so far, where Mercury is literally flowing into rivers behind factories, the VERY common use of knock-off electrical parts (think about it, high quality parts cost somewhat the same anywhere, and if you put the pricing of parts together and it is way more than what even the retail cost, and not the importer's, then maybe, just maybe, or most definitely, you have parts knock-offs that are literally 5 cents on the Dollar for shitty construction).
Obviously, one of the bigger issues is also the job factor, and where does the money one spends goes into what economy.
I make a point out of the fact that everything is hand made, and that as much as possible is not only done / made in the US, but also as local as possible. Today, you really can't avoid having to buy parts that are made in Asia, but I'm ok with Japan, Taiwan, Korea, etc. However, not with China, and I am so proud of the fact (not easy) that our amps have 0 parts made in China, and that 90 % of the money for our amps flows back into the US economy.
Couple that with the amazing number of manufacturing mills, where they'll do fridges one week, and audio gear the next, and you see where I'm coming from.
Of course, it also pisses me off that from a pure human decency and also from a fair viewpoint, there are companies, esp. their owners, who rig this system big time for their own personal greed. Much easier to bring in some gear then to actually make it.
This greed ultimately only helps them and the corrupt Chinese government. Obviously there are a lot of people who'll buy that stuff without thinking about any consequences. Fair enough, Walmart mentalities are the norm these days, but at least when this issue is coupled with our beloved hobby (not living essentials), it should be some serious food for thought.
Of course the one thing you'll hear from any company that does Chinese cheap manufacturing is that their factory and their process is different. No, it is not. That's bullshit. Unless you own the factory, and unless you have exclusively you people in that factory, and have full control of every aspect from purchasing to all primary and secondary processes, it won't be different. That will be a lie, and of course, self preservation to convince people otherwise.
I have been in China a couple of times. We had some serious offers, and actually got a trip taken care of. It is all the same, and even though my profits would have been increased big time, since the standard MO of China seems to be a whoring out at 7 %, I just can't do it.
Many reasons, as discussed, such as Q.C. (where do you as a customer go for resolution when your house burns down. China ?)
counterfeit parts, etc. But mostly because of the human issues.
Yes, we have to work. A lot. Then again, we are not rich, but comfortable, and can be proud of what we do. Looking in the mirror without any consciousness issues is a wonderful thing.
Late,
Klaus