And the drivers are custom made by Knowles (I think) which is an US company too. Plus they are assembled in the US...so the shells, the case, the drivers and the assembly is made/done in the US - what was misleading again?
Yes Noble have a history way back to China (and Thailand) where they still make all their custom shell for their high-end pieces, but for the universals, they outer shell and the assembly are done in the US
Nov 24, 2016
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Nov 24, 2016
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koolpepThe drivers are not made in the US and assembly is not done in the US. I've done a lot of research on Noble because that's an extremely important thing to me.
For anyone who doesn't want to click,
"We assemble all of our universal and custom IEMs in Thailand and China respectively, with materials sourced from all over the world. Some of the process for Prestige pieces takes place in the US."
So...Noble X is assembled in Thailand? Not that there are any issue with my K10UA which is one of the best built, beautifully made universals in the market...marketing claims not withstanding...and the X are using similar shell and assembly.
But still, I am interested to know where these are hand assembled?
PeterRYes correct but that was written a while ago. Here is a more recent statement from the Wizard himself about the latest models : http://www.head-fi.org/t/813979/noble-audio-introducing-katana/75#post_12719526
Quote.
Essentially all the parts are made in the USA or come from USA owned mfg, (housing, socket, drivers) and the parts suppliers, for the most part are USA mfg as well. The cable internal wire is from Japan, ultimately it is difficult to get the 100% made in America pedigree these days.
Unquote.
In the end if you strive for the best product you have to make compromises. You want the best BA drivers and the only US company that is in that business produces overseas - what can you do? Still better than choosing a non-American company - if that is important to you.
In the US there is no rule as to what constitutes Made in the USA. In other countries (Made in Germany, Swiss Made, Made in Japan) you can carry this moniker when 50-60% of the value of the product are generated in that country. For noble this is easily more than that. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Made_in_USA
See my above comment to Peter. I don't think it can get much better than that. Also on head-fi you can ask Dr Moulton or Brannan yourself and they will be happy to answer your questions. Cheers.
koolpepI was curious about @Shagatron's claims and wanted some sources as it piqued my interest, thanks for the info
Nov 25, 2016
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Nov 25, 2016
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Sorry, but I'll take what is officially on their website over a social media post. And I'll take actually American made products over shipping my money overseas to probably slave labor in order to save a few bucks. My Westones will survive until I can get some Campfire Audio or those new Audeze iSines.
Good! These are very good iems. But their drivers are build overseas by Knowles too. Probably some other parts too. So it's pretty much the same situation. Final assembly in the US with as many US parts as possible.
Just google for westone and knowles and you can find a lot. Generally knowles produces custom driver or custom tuned version of their standard drivers for many high end audio companies.... http://ineargear.com/westoneum10pro.html Knowles does not have BA production facilities in the USA. quote from financial report of Knowles 2015:
"Geographic Trends
We strive to maintain our manufacturing facilities in close proximity to our direct customers. In the case of MCE, we currently operate 6 facilities in Asia to serve the contract manufacturers who build OEM equipment on behalf of our end-customers. These contract manufacturers are largely based in China, Taiwan and India. Although end-user demand for consumer electronics is global and marketing activities occur globally, the majority of our manufacturing is located in Asia, primarily in China, Malaysia and the Philippines.
In the case of SC, we operate 5 facilities in Asia to serve the manufacturing sites of both hearing aid OEMs and the contract manufacturers who build OEM headsets on behalf of earphone makers. These OEM manufacturing sites are largely based in China, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. Although marketing activities and end-user demand for hearing aid and specialty consumer components is global, manufacturing is primarily located in Asia for the purposes of being close to the point of assembly. We also operate 6 facilities in North America and 3 in Europe for the manufacturing of capacitors and oscillators that support our global telecom and military customers, as well as their suppliers and contract manufacturers.
As a majority of our manufacturing and sales occur outside the United States, we generate the majority of our profits and cash outside the United States. While no significant statutory limitation exists, a repatriation of profits from foreign markets to the United States is inherently inefficient."
source: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9NjEzOTA3fENoaWxkSUQ9MzI4MDkyfFR5cGU9MQ==&t=1
Page 7
very interesting read by the way.... also how they see their competitors etc.
cheers.
Nov 26, 2016
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Nov 28, 2016
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koolpepWell that's disappointing. Never heard of Knowles before. Will definitely have to look into that more.
there are literally 0 balanced armature manufacturers that make their ba's in the us. So if you want balanced armature driver iems then you're not not getting a fully usa made product.