Chinese hi-fi

Just wondering what you all think about Chinese hi-fi. Based on just a few comments found from Google, and a lengthy conversation with Mark from Shadow Audio, I bought a new stereo amp made by 'Qinpu' - ok, not the best sounding name, but its not about that is it. The model is A-1.0X. I mentioned this briefy in another thread.

For the money (£300 RRP), i'm astonished at the sound quality. I've ran it in at low-medium volume for about 2 days now, and it sounds very good with my Epos M5s. Some of you may recall that i've tried a Cyrus 7 and Cyrus 3 with the M5s. The Cyrus 7 sounded dull and closed in at low levels, the Cyrus 3 was an improvement. Both the Cyrus amps sounded very good at higher levels, but the Qinpu amp I would say is more detailed, controlled, and accurate than either of the Cyrus'. I wont go into more detail, but on the whole I would go as far to say the Qinpu delivers a fairly high-end sound, like nothing i've heard. This is a big achievement for Qinpu, considering the prices of the Cyrus amps. The Cyrus 3 was £600 even 10 years back. At £300 I really doubt theres anything to beat the Qinpu. Qinpu dealers are so confident customers will be happy with the value for money, they even give a 30-day money back guarantee on the A-1.0X. Even the build quality is awesome.

From what I have read on-line, Chinese hi-fi could be the way forward. Dealers claim Qinpu will be huge before long, maybe by the end of 06. They are already big in America. Wonder if the same applies for other Chinese brands? As we know, the labour costs over there are ridiculously low, which gives us the opportunity to get a LOT more for our money. They are basically capable of making high-end sounding gear for a fraction of what you would pay for other brands.

So, as the title says, what do you guys think of Chinese hi-fi? Have you heard any particular product which you think is leagues ahead of others at a specific price point?

I think i'll always look into Chinese hi-fi when changing kit in the future. I wonder what CD players are available? I think Shanling could be another popular Chinese brand.

 

Other chinese brands well worth checking out:

Consonance/Opera - Nice valve amps & cd players!
Ming-Da/Meixing - Amp specialist - great value.
Jungson - highly regarded transistor amps & tube CD players
Eastsound - highly regarded transistor CD players
Xindak - great value cables.
Melody - Seriously nice valve amps

I've heard the Quinpu is a giant killer. Looks pretty groovy, if very unconventional.

DT

 

I second the Eastsound cd player. Just had mine two days and am impressed. The base is very good on this. Jim.

 

I did mean the Bass was very good but the base and constuction is first class. Hope you have muscles has it is quite heavy. Jim.

 

I won't be supporting the far east any more than I have to. If eveyone starts buying products based purely on the lowest price, you can kiss the future of the British industry goodbye. Then ultimately many UK jobs and our economy. The UK will become a third world working for slave labour rates.

It will all be the fault of you pikey's! Think of your childs future!

(Possibly ott, but you get my drift)

 

Do you know how many "UK" brands make there stuff in China?
I can only name a few who don't.

edit: Oh and check out http://www.chinese-hifi.co.uk/
Cheap Chinese stuff they have a UK agent too (don't be put off by the website). If you don't see a product you want listed they can usually get it. They quoted me a great price on Operas (Consonance) cyber 300 mono bloc series, which i am still mulling over.

 

The trouble IMO is that most of the money goes to the wrong people in China. I refuse to make my products there. But I must admit I have bought Chinese brand Hi-Fi before and it is brilliant stuff.

 

The thing is we are being ripped off in the western world with expensive stuff that is only mediocre sounding. Why should i buy this out of my well earned wages just to give some fat cats a better life. The Chinese are going to become a super rich country someday. Good luck to them. Jimbo.

 

Hi all,

some interesting replies there, thanks. I agree with Jimbo - why should we get ripped off when we can get MUCH more for our money? Thanks DT for the list of brands - i'll have a look into them.

About the Qinpu, I had a lengthy play over the weekend, and I have to say I am astounded. my mate came round and was also amazed at the quality. Especially when you consider its budget price. The power of this thing is huge - my speakers are 4Ohms, and this beast puts out 160W RMS per channel into 4Ohms . Ok, I know quoted figures can be exaggerated somewhat, but trust me the power delivered is big. I know its not all about wattage, but its good to know there is always enough power there to comfiortably drive the speakers at any volume.

The main thing for me is I have finally got what i've been looking for for months now - the ability to listen at low levels and still find the music enjoyable. Other amps I have tried sound totally closed-in and dull in comparison. The speakers now just seem to breathe so easily and deliver a very clean, airy overall sound. The detail levels are also on a different level now, so much more is heard. For months now I have listened to a lot of 'Dave Matthews Band', in particular 'Live At Red Rocks', which is an excellent test disc. Being very familliar each track i've had a good listen, and I realise there is so much more in the music that i've never heard without the Qinpu. It's made the whole system so much more musically enjoyable, and its a perfect match for the Epos speakers.

You may be thinking I have gone over the top as this is a £300 amp, but everything i've said is accurate. If you're in the market for a new amp, even up to £1000, I would say just try the Qinpu - You could save yourself a LOT of money - theres nothing to lose with the money back guarantee.

 

How are we being ripped off when Qinpu can be bought easily from Scotland? Or do you mean western manufactured goods are expensive?
One day China will decide that making very little money by selling cheap isn't good business and then we'll see prices rise to Western levels.

 

And then we have the choice of taking our trade elsewhere !

 

What i mean is western manufacturers are buying Chinese gear and putting ridiculous markups on them. Look at the Mark Levinson Red Rose amps they look exactly like Korsun/Dusson but cost thousands rather than hundreds. Vincent of Europe use rebadged Shenga again at huge profits. They say the internals are upgraded but a lot of peoples thinking is it is only the power supply for the particular country. By the way Mat who sells Qinqu in Scotland as that 8000 model as had some good reviews. Looks really strange though, never seen anything like it. Web sites and addresses please. Contacted one Chinese dealer about this amp and said they dont sell them. It is possible if they are sold in Scotland he cant sell direct to me. Jim.

 

They were mentioned in the first post http://www.shadowdistribution.co.uk
I've had quotes from Chinese dealers that request I don't publicise them as they'll get their supply withdrawn by the Manufacturer. The main Chinese players are busy protecting their profits by insiting you go through their distributors which is fair enough but annoying IMO.

AFAIK Opera Consonance, Jungson, Spark, Shengya and others will not support or service any grey imported equipment.

Anyone know anything about Dared amps? Kronos are doing them and seem reasonably priced.