i try to buy american and english but i have 2 chinese pieces that i am very happy with. a cayin integrated with an ipod (lossless)driving a pair of quad bookshelves in my business office. i get comments on it at least 2-3 times a week especially from non audiophiles for its style and sound quality. alot of people are amazed that they still make tube equipment. the black piano grade finish amazes everyone. telling people that it is made in china opens their eyes. i explain that like everything else in life there is good and bad in every industry from every country. don't be afraid of a product just because of where it is made or its price. for what it is worth my 2 systems at my house are mcintosh tubes with quad electrostats and mcintosh solidstate with shahinian obelisks