My Classe CP-800 preamp/DAC was made in China. The design was created by French Canadians. It's a stellar preamp and I've had no quality issues with it. I changed the digital board last fall myself to upgrade to MkII status and had the opportunity to open it up for closer inspection. No craftsmanship problems observed.
For many things the Chinese have gotten quite good and with the years of experience they've accrued in having all kinds of goods outsourced to them they're probably among the best at many areas of manufacturing. That said, I prefer to keep North Americans and especially Americans employed. I bought the CP-800 for its digital features and my regard for Classe.
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Primary System (Always in flux):
Analog Source: Rega RP10
Phono Preamp: Bryston BP2/PS3
Digital Software: Roon, Tidal Streaming
Digital Music Server: Melco N1A/2
Digital Sources: Totaldac d1-twelve SE MkII (factory upgraded from MKI) with "live power" 4 output power supply, Oppo UDP-205
Preamplifier: Rogue Audio RP-9 (factory upgraded from RP-7)
Amplifier: Vandersteen M5-HPA
Speakers: Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT w/IsoAcoustics Gaia 1 feet
Cabling: WW Platinum Starlight 7 digital wires, Totaldac Gigafilter USB filter, AQ Sky XLR, AQ Fire RCA
Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Oak spades ---> bi-wire spades
Power Cables: Esprit PC (for DAC), 2 WW Platinum Electra PC (Preamp/Phono Preamp), AQ NRG10 (Melco N1A/2), AQ Blizzard (Quatro Wood CT built-in subs)
Power Conditioning: 2 AQ Niagara 1000, 3 Oyaide R1 outlets
Sound Treatments: 23 ASC Tube Traps and 10 Panels
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