Two Old Audio Brands Are Resurrected

By Joseph Palenchar On Oct 3 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK – Some old audio brands — Audio Pro and Acurus — have returned to the U.S. market.

Swedish brand Audio Pro is imported and marketed by Minneapolis-based Group Madsen, which also imports and markets the Canton audio brand. Audio Pro has had U.S. distribution in the past at times but not in many years, Group Madsen owner Paul Madsen told TWICE.

 

Audio Briefs

By TWICE Staff On Oct 3 2011 - 4:01am

HK Launches High-End iPod Music System

STAMFORD, CONN. – Harman Kardon launched its first AC-only iPod/iPhone-docking tabletop speaker system to complement its selection of portable AC/ DC docking-speaker systems.

The high-end single-chassis MS 150 retails for a suggested $689 and includes RDS-equipped FM tuner, slot-load CD player and subwoofer output. It will join the brand’s Go & Play AC/DC iPod/iPhone-docking speaker systems, which currently retail for $299 and $349 on the company’s website.

Why Buy Systems?

By TWICE Staff On Jun 6 2011 - 4:01am

ALPHARETTA, GA. – When asked why they own a compact tabletop stereo system or HTiB instead of a component-based audio system, consumers cited ease of purchase, ease of setup, and cost, in that order.

Among HTiB owners, 46 percent said an HTiB was easier to buy than a component-based system, 36 percent said they were easier to set up, and 21 percent said they were less expensive.

Among compact-stereo owners, 58 percent said they were easier to buy, 58 percent said they were easier to set up, and 50 percent said they were less expensive.

Methodology

By TWICE Staff On Jun 6 2011 - 4:01am

ALPHARETTA, GA. – MarketSource compiled responses from adults ages 18 and up in 501 households. The sample size yielded a 95 percent confidence level, meaning that if the same survey were conducted 100 times across different sets of 501 respondents, the results would be the same 95 percent of the time. The margin of error is 5 percentage points.

Harman Kardon Upgrading AVRs' Connectivity

By Joseph Palenchar On Jun 20 2011 - 4:01am

STAMFORD, CONN. — Harman Kardon focused on networking and connectivity in its 2011 A/V receiver (AVR) line.

With the launch of the four new AVRs shipping at a suggested $479 to $1,099, the brand is bringing networking capability to mainstream price points, launching its first three models with HDMI audio return channel, bringing HDMI 1.4a connections down in price, and increasing the number of HDMI inputs on all models, a spokesman said.

Zvox Refreshes Z-Base TV-Pedestal Sound Systems

By Joseph Palenchar On Jun 20 2011 - 4:01am

SWAMPSCOTT, MASS. — Zvox is bringing new features to its Z-Base series of low-profile single-cabinet sound systems that improve flat-panel TV sound, deliver virtual surround, and double as TV pedestals.

Philips Readies AirPlay Speaker Systems

By Joseph Palenchar On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — Philips entered the AirPlay-enabled speaker market with a selection of five models priced from a suggested $229 to $799.

One product ships in July, and the others ship in September. All are part of the Fidelio series. None docks physically with an iPod, iPhone or iPad to play the portable devices’ music, but all systems feature 3.5mm aux input to connect any brand of portable media player or cellphone.

Audyssey Laboratories Widens Its Tabletop Audio Selection

By Joseph Palenchar On Jul 5 2011 - 4:01am

LOS ANGELES – Audyssey Laboratories is expanding its portfolio of tabletop audio products with its first pair of active speakers, which contain a variety of the company’s post-processing audio technologies.

The company is expanding its consumer- product portfolio to help raise consumer awareness of its technologies, which are incorporated in otherbrand A/V receivers and TVs.

Economy Or Not, New High-End Products Arrive At Retail

By Joseph Palenchar On Jul 18 2011 - 4:01am

NEW YORK — A challenging economy and challenging high-end market haven’t dampened the enthusiasm of enthusiast-run audio companies that continue to bring new products to market.

Monoblock tube amps, speakers with ribbon tweeters and ribbon midranges, and tower speakers with dipole operation throughout the frequency range are among the new high-end products that audiophile-led companies want consumers to hear. All use a variety of different technologies and design techniques with the goal of delivering high-impact low-distortion sound.

Fine Sounds Buys Sumiko

By Joseph Palenchar On Jul 18 2011 - 4:01am

MILAN, ITALY — High-end audio supplier Fine Sounds has purchased Sumiko, the Berkeley, Calif.-based North America distributor of multiple high-end audio lines.

Sumiko markets Sonus faber loudspeakers, which is owned by Fine Sounds, as well as REL sub-bass systems, Pro-Ject Audio Systems turntables and electronics, SME turntables and tonearms, Sumiko Phono Cartridges, and Okki Nokki record cleaning machines.