cost of the best ?

[Robert Morein]

If someone decided to redeem American pride by building the best in the
U.S.A., how much would it cost?

By best, I mean:

1. Electronic:
a. FR4 epoxy circuit boards with highly modular construction
b. ample external heatsinking for power amps
c. screw-terminal computer grade power supply caps
d. discrete circuitry for signal path, or op-amps used in < unity gain
applications.

2. Mechanical:
a. cosmetics no more than very good, "show items" such as a ridiculously
thick front panel, gold decorations, funky controls, are absent
b. durable cabinetry with heavy gauge steel and aluminum structural
parts with ample mechanical strength; ie., no use of plastic as a structural
material.
c. All switches attached to a metal backing panel using removable
fasteners, no glue.

IMHO, the shining examples of this are the Hafler/Acoustat equipment of the
80's and 90's.

Hafler still does this, though the surface mount assembly techniques are so
modern that field maintainability is difficult: http://www.hafler.com
B&K still do this, though I have similar questions: http://www.bkcomp.com/

It saddens me that short-sighted audiophiles have failed to raise a hand
against the export of the U.S. hifi industry.
Admittedly, U.S. manufacture could not match the dirt-cheap appearance
enhancements provided by foreign (Chinese) manufacture.
But is that worth the sale of our hifi souls?

Stereo rags, take notice! Take a stand!

[Powell]

"Robert Morein" wrote

> If someone decided to redeem American pride by building the
> best in the U.S.A., how much would it cost?
>
> By best, I mean:
>
"By best, I mean"... your personal preferences are
to follow, note.


> 1. Electronic:
> a. FR4 epoxy circuit boards with highly modular construction
> b. ample external heatsinking for power amps
> c. screw-terminal computer grade power supply caps
> d. discrete circuitry for signal path, or op-amps used in
> unity gain applications.
>
What does this have to do with "American pride?" These
specifications could be accomplished by any competent
manufacture, location is irrelevant (America).


> 2. Mechanical:
> a. cosmetics no more than very good, "show items" such
> as a ridiculously thick front panel, gold decorations, funky
> controls, are absent
>
Pride-of-ownership, craftsmanship and industrial design
don’t fit into your oatmeal mentality, right?


> b. durable cabinetry with heavy gauge steel and aluminum
> structural parts with ample mechanical strength; ie., no use of
> plastic as a structural material.
>
Quack, quack, quack...


> c. All switches attached to a metal backing panel using
> removable fasteners, no glue.
>
Quack, quack, quack...


> IMHO, the shining examples of this are the Hafler/Acoustat
> equipment of the 80's and 90's.
>
Apparently these are the only manufactures you’ve ever had
any experiences with, now they’re sacred cows.
Zzzzzz....


> Hafler still does this...
>
Yea, so? Hafler is middle-of-the-road among many.


> B&K still do this, though I have similar questions:
> http://www.bkcomp.com/
>
Yea, so... that's two. Who else, or better yet who's not making the
grade amoung American manufactures?


> It saddens me that short-sighted audiophiles have failed to
> raise a hand against the export of the U.S. hifi industry.
>
Like what?


> Admittedly, U.S. manufacture could not match the dirt-cheap
> appearance enhancements provided by foreign (Chinese)
> manufacture. But is that worth the sale of our hifi souls?
>
"dirt-cheap appearance enhancements"... English, please?

"redeem American pride"... you’ve not supported your
argument, Robert.

Please define your concept of what constitutes “American
pride?”


> Stereo rags, take notice! Take a stand!
>
Hehehe, HAHAHA... yea, right! That will be the day when
you can pry twelve bucks from your wallet for an audio
(stereo) subscription. You’re not in their target market
(they don’t care what you think/can’t afford their product
offerings).

[Robert Morein]

"Powell" > wrote in message
...
>
[snip]
> > Stereo rags, take notice! Take a stand!
> >
> Hehehe, HAHAHA... yea, right! That will be the day when
> you can pry twelve bucks from your wallet for an audio
> (stereo) subscription. You're not in their target market
> (they don't care what you think/can't afford their product
> offerings).
>
>
Powell, you're a traitor. I think that explains why I dislike you so
intensely.

As it happens, I have a Stereophile subscription.

[Powell]

"Robert Morein" wrote


> Powell, you're a traitor. I think that explains why I dislike
> you so intensely.
>
You wrote a 221 word post and all you have to offer-up
is this muck? Good Lord, you still believe in the boogie
man (an imaginary evil character of supernatural
powers)... either that or Pink Elephants :).

Next time try posting other than 2 o'clock in the
morning, Robert.


> As it happens, I have a Stereophile subscription.
>
Soooo why not just say Stereophile ("Stereo
rags")?

[Robert Morein]

"Powell" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Robert Morein" wrote
>
>
> > Powell, you're a traitor. I think that explains why I dislike
> > you so intensely.
> >
> You wrote a 221 word post and all you have to offer-up
> is this muck? Good Lord, you still believe in the boogie
> man (an imaginary evil character of supernatural
> powers)... either that or Pink Elephants :).
>
No, but you are not a good American.