Malcolm,
This is a very good point. The distinguishing factor for a company like Meridian (or Ferrari) is that whether its intentional or unintentional the image of the product has become to some degree wrapped up in a bit of stereotype about the nationality of the founders. For example-

Meridian: UK, High End Audio. The British know high end audio. They make great speakers. They know craftsmanship. Lets face it though- open up an 861 and it could be as well made and as well sounding if it were made anywhere (no offense to the fine staff at M). From a hardware standpoint- its a computer. The speakers are a little different, but I think its mostly correct. I will say though that when I had to take apart an 8000 to replace a broken circuit (well my dealer did the taking apart) but it was nice to see that the speaker was hand made/ assembled and I knew it was done in the UK. But I would have bought the speakers either way- they sound fantastic

Does anyone complain about the craftsmanship of a Lexus?

Ferrari is similar, but when I look inside Ferraris and I see some excess glue holding various parts together is it sloppy or is it character- of course its character! But on a Hyundai that would be sloppy and unacceptable. When Hyundai tries to make a super sports car (someday) if everything is executed perfectly, it will be criticized as a lack of character. I do agree that Ferrari could not open a factory in China or anywhere else in the world, but they can easily get away with sourcing products from all over the world for final assembly in Italy. An example is the wheels usually come from BBS (Germany).

I think the only companies that could never do the final manufacture anywhere else are the Swiss watch companies.

It is interesting- these are just some random thoughts.

best regards,
Jerry

Best regards,
Jerry
Main System: 861v6, DSP8000s in corners, DSP7000s Center and Sides, 1-9 humans.