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Are you buying now because you anticipate higher prices?

Buckeye produces amps in the USA. Buckeye may use components subject to the tariffs.

All USA producers who rely on imported components are in a similar position.

I was referring to manufacturers domiciled outside of the USA where USA tariffs cannot directly touch them.
Hypex produces in Malaysia, Purifi in Denmark and China. So no matter how Buckeye imports them, there will be raised import tax on them. There's no escape, the only question is which exact new tarrif applies.
 
Actually, that's not true. For instance, look at Buckeye recent price hike. All because he received additional tariff costs on parts to build amps. There are costs at every step and level. It's not as plain and clear as one might believe. Tariffs are like a virus. They show up everywhere and spread unchecked. When product is delivered for review - unexpected tariffs. They show up as manufacturer's buy parts and tools. They show up all along the supply chain and within repair facilities trying to maintain existing product.

By definition, tariffs are paid by the importer. They are effectively an import tax.

The point was made in response to a comment about companies not wanting to sell into the U.S. due to the tariffs. My counter was they don’t pay the tariff, the importer does. And yes, the importer can and usually do pass that cost on.
 
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Hypex produces in Malaysia, Purifi in Denmark and China. So no matter how Buckeye imports them, there will be raised import tax on them. There's no escape, the only question is which exact new tarrif applies.

Yes. Without checking, I am guessing that tariffs imposed on Denmark are less than China, so makes sense for Buckeye to source from Denmark. If possible. I'm not sure how it works.

Also, (slightly off topic, but speaking of finding an escape) in an ideal world, the most favoured nation principle (MFN) exists. This is a well established principle, one that is generally abided by with rare exceptions.

As I understand it, MFN is where if a tariff is imposed on one country for something, say Purifi modules, that tariff will be the same for all countries where those modules come from. So, no escape.

The aim would be to protect and promote USA interests which are close substitutes and competing with Purifi (GaN? I can think of a couple USA outfits). But what about Buckeye? Yeah, I dunno, either. The GaN amps are generally in a much higher price bracket, so that's something.

Otherwise, without MFN, what happens is that high tariff countries will channel their stuff through a low tariff country. Happens, you know.
 
Just for fun, I stopped by my neighborhood hifi shop in hopes of seeing the Technics SL1300 and Audio Technica LPA2 turntables in person, both of which are available to order on their web site. Unfortunately, neither was on hand in the shop. But I did take the opportunity to give the Technics SL1500 and 1210GR2 a quick once-over to gauge whether I thought there was much difference in build quality: When tapped with a fingernail, the pricier 1210's composite bottom cover seemed thicker and/or better-damped than the 1500's. But whether it would make an audible difference when playing records..?

Sales guy said audio sales had been pretty good lately, but seemed put off that a substantial part of their business was not directly audio-related, such as sales and installation of motorized window blinds. And that some pricey items were selling on the basis of looks alone.

Closer to home, the record store on the next block had what appeared to be the largest stockpile of new Audio Technica turntables (LP120x and lower) that they could afford.

As for why I'm even considering another turntable :facepalm: Bored and restless? Craving a new deluxe toy which isn't a camera, motor vehicle, wristwatch, computer/phone/tablet or fountain pen? Dunno, but very possible the urge will fade if I give it a bit more time. Current ersatz-SL1200 (Audio Technica LP120USB) lacks the original's solid build, high torque and instantaneous recovery, and yet, it works.
 
Looks as though the political commentary has picked up again. :(

Please keep your posts specific and factual. Thanks!
 
I'd like to add that, at least as far as audio equipment and media for it is concerned - one benefits from a significantly longer outlook. There was a time, not too long ago - where radio stations would give you reel to reel machines for free, if you were picking it up. Vinyl records, used, were anywhere from 1 - 6 dollars in the stores about 10 years ago.

I bought a number of Yamaha M-4 amps for 200 to 250 dollars at that time from Ebay, most of them pristine. Even today there are items, like very good tonearms to be found that may very well start to rise, going forward.

Of course that is not good advice for people looking to buy a specific thing right now, but I feel that looking at trends, over longer periods, helps with the acquisition of audio equipment, at the right time for a good price. Tariffs are out of the equation that way.
 
Back on topic.
I am eying a Topping D900 if it comes it comes in the $1500 range.
The D90 ||| discrete sounds great but I like the display, dedicated DAC out, performance improvements, and perhaps it will benefit from lessons learned in the D90.

- Rich
 
While plan to try to keep this thread going until we get a more stable trade situation, still does not mean that political commentary and/or speculative statements will be tolerated. If rather than report, you chose to reply to speculation or politics, your post will likely get deleted too.

My goal would be to not clean up this thread more than monthly (or at all). Please avoid the headline chaos and spin. Focus on sharing real impacts that you are encountering.
 
Will quickly share a recent experience with Parts Express. I have 2 projects underway; one needs a tweeter and the other a subwoofer driver. As yet, prices have not been a major consideration, but availability has worsened considerably. The tweeter was already on back order but now shows "Advertised price subject to change due to tariff uncertainty".

As for the subwoofer, only needed one of the Daytons, but it stocked out. Ofc, regardless of trade wars, this happens but here is a key difference. When I went to consider alternatives, most of them were out of stock too! Heeding my own guidance, rather than speculate, will let you know. The driver I want is not due back until July. :(
 
A few of you posted here to question your post's deletion.

Not going to clutter the thread, but you can PM me if you want an explanation. Am not always right but please consider my time. Thanks!
 
Even if tariffs ended tomorrow (which they cannot, best is pre-2025 levels b/c tariff revenue is built into the tax plan), you are still going to see surges most products from China.

Just about every news outlet says to expect shipping costs and delays at pandemic levels.

“Price Surge and Historical Context:
In September 2021, spot rates for 40-foot containers from China to the US West Coast exceeded $20,000, driven by the surge in demand during the pandemic. Subsequently, four months later, rates for China-to-Europe shipments peaked at almost $15,000. These inflated prices underscore the volatility of global trade and the profound impact of external factors.”

The graph below shows pricing for Full Container Load (FCL) from China to West Coast of USA.
IMG_0406.jpeg



The dips correlate with announcements of tariff increases and the subsequent cancelation of orders (decrease in shipping demand) which results in supply (space on ships) surging. Everyone knows what happens to price when supply increases and/or demand decreases.

Here are the historical container numbers (TEU is 20’ Equivalent Container Unit):

IMG_0407.jpeg
 
does not mean that political commentary and/or speculative statements will be tolerated.
1748723842622.jpeg

As for the subwoofer, only needed one of the Daytons, but it stocked out.
Interesting what you write about the Dayton delivery times. Here (Germany) the various audio stores still seem to have them in stock.

Which specific chassis are you looking for?
 
Will quickly share a recent experience with Parts Express. I have 2 projects underway; one needs a tweeter and the other a subwoofer driver. As yet, prices have not been a major consideration, but availability has worsened considerably. The tweeter was already on back order but now shows "Advertised price subject to change due to tariff uncertainty".

As for the subwoofer, only needed one of the Daytons, but it stocked out. Ofc, regardless of trade wars, this happens but here is a key difference. When I went to consider alternatives, most of them were out of stock too! Heeding my own guidance, rather than speculate, will let you know. The driver I want is not due back until July. :(
Random delays and unpredictable stock levels may be more common due to uncertainty rather than price changes. Vendors and shippers are rational - why hold stock you can't ship...
 
I ordered a newer 3D printer from USA stock. Although I recently came across an older Creality Ender 3 printer at a thrift store ($90), I'm glad that I decided to "think about it", because I did a bit of research and quickly discovered that no way I could upgrade an older printer more economically versus buying a current model at this kind of price, particularly when critical upgrade components ship from PRC warehouses.

Creality Ender 3v3 KE.jpg
 
I can't say that I had a plan but updating audio gear circa '23/24 looks like value in the moment
big thx ASR people
 
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