Just remember that the old transistor radios of the 50s and
60s were the old junk pile stuff, and those companies grew
up to be the big Japanese companies that are here now.
I think that it would be presumptuous of us to guess that
Made in China will always denote crap, when even in our
lifetimes, Made in Japan and Made in Taiwan went from
crap to pretty damn good.


Certaily a fine comparison. But the social differences between mainland
Chinese and Taiwan and Japan are quite different. To make a peek into
the future of ones potential you simply have to analyse the society.
Japanese were always known for details and accuracy. Much like Swiss
watch fame. It was only a matter of time before they built up their
production
ability to A1 quality levels. I can't see the same social characteristics
among mainland Chinese in general. On the contrary it is a very deceitful
business world where foreign companies MUST keep a close eye on their
products being produced.


I look at it this way. In the late 80's/early 90's, Japan's
economic might looked like it was going to take over
top dog within 10 years. Then the bubble burst. Same
thing happened to the Asian Tigers of the late 90's.
Nothing has convinced me that China will avoid the
same fate of ups and downs.


I'm not so concerned about who becomes "top dog". What I am
concerned about is that the current top dog line-up are forced to retire
due to economics. Then the engineering and design is lost forever.

If there is a demand then there will always be someone to fill that demand.
The key is what is that "demand" satisfied with and can they afford it?
Making products dirt cheap to appeal to the low end market and to kill
the competition has never furthered engineering and design excellence.
It simply is not economical in the long run.

I don't envision a quality product company like Drake or Sony emerging
from a pure mainland Chinese firm anytime soon. Perhaps partners which each
providing what they are best at producing - I.E. Eton/Grundig+Drake+Tecsun.
But to this day I have not been impressed with Eton or Sangean products.
We shall see if the E1 will be a turning point.