Chinese HiFi

Posted by: JamieWednesday on 25 January 2006

Clearly there has been a surge of apparently quality Hifi at relatively low prices from China in recent times. HiFi mags seem to have a number of Chinese products (and associated advertising) every month. This has been compared to the Japanese renaissance of the 70's.

However, I wonder how people can bring themselves to purchase these (still relatively high cost)goods when so much of China's output in the 21st Century relies on a regime so apparently happy to condone 'sweatshop' type production in much of it's industries. A political system that still not only forbids and surpresses criticism of policy but would seem to turn a blind eye to the swift despatch of those campaigning for freedoms, seems also to encourage tens of thousands of live animal skinnings each year (for an admittedly welcome global market by all accounts) and also manages to get away with amazing levels of institutionalised racism within it's borders does not warrant my investment.

Clearly there are many comparisons that could be made to a number of nations, including our own, but the incidences would be comparatively few. Also, I am aware there are many arguments for cheaply supplied goods, Nike knock offs etc. but to openly support a regime, by investments in the hundreds or thousands of pounds per item, which seems to be morally cheating in the nationalised methods by which it is boosting its economy at record levels seems a bit odd.

Just an opinion. I may be swayed.
Posted on: 25 January 2006 by Rasher
Interesting point, but this is like international sport & politics and should the two be connected. If you feel so passionatly about these issues then clearly you should avoid, but it's worth then looking at the politics of everything you buy in order to keep things in perspective. Ultimately you may end up being an anti-consumer and living off the land, because let's look at farming and supermarket practices.
In my opinion, it's best left to politicians to impose sanctions if necessary, as any personal action is inevitably hypocritical, albiet well-meaning and personally satiating.
Posted on: 26 January 2006 by Nime
Recent history records that the best way to change bad-boy countries is increased trade. The more wealthy and educated the general population becomes the more demanding they will become for freedoms we take for granted. Most of the control in a communist state seems to be directed towards maintaining the corrupt lifestyles that the party members enjoy. This will only continue until the peasants finally revolt. The bottle has already been well shaken...

I hear the North Korean Lardy has been on a fact-finding mission to see if He can follow the Chinese manufacturing example. Shame he didn't take along some African leaders. Low wage economies abound wherever you look. They just don't make anything anybody wants to pay for...yet.
Posted on: 26 January 2006 by Rockingdoc
Ah yes, but is it possible for anyone to make enough money to buy, say a 555/552/500 setup, without someone else being exploited in the process?
Posted on: 26 January 2006 by HTK
Wierd! I thought I was back on the fish.
Posted on: 27 January 2006 by Nime
quote:
Originally posted by Rockingdoc:
Ah yes, but is it possible for anyone to make enough money to buy, say a 555/552/500 setup, without someone else being exploited in the process?


Good question!

In a world devoid of exploitation could (or would) a 555/552/500 even exist? Or, is such an artefact dependant on exploitative world for its very existence?