MINNEAPOLIS, MN (PTA) — Big news in the world of hi-fi. Just recently we announced the launch of Audio Research’s new book celebrating their 50th Anniversary (linked here) and before that Marc Phillips’ review of the Audio Research CD6 SE Compact Disc Player/DAC (linked here). Press release enclosed below. Enjoy!
Press Release Enclosed
AUDIO RESEARCH CORPORATION UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
TWS Enterprises, LLC, a privately held company owned wholly by Trent Suggs, has agreed to purchase Audio Research from the McIntosh Group, Inc. subject to completion of due diligence which is expected to be finalized by the end of August. As Audio Research celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, it is time to embark on the next chapter of its journey in high performance music reproduction.
During the past six years that Audio Research has been owned by the McIntosh Group, it has enjoyed expanded marketing opportunities and exposure to new market segments. The Design Lab at McIntosh Group also defined a new industrial design incorporating iconic elements of past products while introducing a refined, modernized aesthetic. Audio Research products were showcased with the other brands of the McIntosh group, providing wide market visibility in the United States and internationally. The support and friendship is truly appreciated.
‘It has been an honor and privilege to lead Audio Research for the past 3 years’, says Jeff Poggi, Co-CEO McIntosh Group. ‘It is with mixed emotions that we are selling Audio Research. It has been rewarding to work with the passionate team of audiophile enthusiasts and craftspeople that make Audio Research the most respected high-end valve electronics company in the world. Yet, I couldn’t be happier knowing that the brand will be under great leadership with Trent Suggs at the helm.’
There will be two familiar additions to the team: Trent Suggs will rejoin the company with dual roles, as President and as Director of North American Sales; Brandon Lauer will rejoin Audio Research with dual roles, as Director of International Sales and as Director of Marketing. Dave Gordon will assume the role of Managing Director. No other staff changes have been planned. Product development, engineering, and manufacturing remain at the company’s
20,000 square foot facility in Maple Grove, a suburb west of Minneapolis. The unique culture and processes of Audio Research will remain and will become core functions of the company’s future development. Audio Research’s value of high-performance music playback will remain at the center of all development, to continue the brand’s exceptional reputation within the market.
‘I am extremely excited for this opportunity to be back as a part of Audio Research. As former North American Sales Director, I was able to build upon the excellence associated with this corporation. Jeff and the McIntosh Group have been instrumental during this process, and to them many thanks. We look forward to our continued relationships with our valued partners for another 50 years. Being part of such an amazing organization is truly an honor. Audio Research will continue our never-ending pursuit for excellence.’ – Trent Suggs
TWS Enterprises, LLC is a privately-owned company created to hold Audio Research equities; it is not part of a group. The objective for TWS Enterprises is to further enhance brand reputation and to focus on the unique processes that nourish the culture and product innovation at Audio Research. Maximizing workforce talents while returning to small company values will allow Audio Research to strengthen its relationships, respond quickly to market demands, and continue to build some of the most sought-after electronics available today.
About Audio Research Corporation
Audio Research Corporation was founded in 1970 by William Z. Johnson and is one of the oldest manufacturers of vacuum tube electronics in the world. Founded with the singular goal to advance the state-of-the-art in music reproduction, today it is one of the most recognized brands in high performance music playback systems.
I wish the New owner great success with Audio Research Does ARC also own Sonus Faber Too
It is mind blowing over the years audio reproduction has improved along with so many choices of audio reproduction and designs somewhat far fetch in appearance. But by the same token it appears Hi Fi Audio enthusiast may have lost the plot: M U S I C in assuming by owning about 2 million dollars worth of very very high end equipment musical reproduction will sound better in comparison to those spending several thousand dollars.
Recording studios use the best audio gear that most audiophiles can afford so to speak with the exception of the mixing console which is the most expensive item in any studio including numerous Neumann Condenser Microphones followed by 24 tk 2″ tape digital or analogue reel to reel machines which many studios still use.
Thus as a composer of “The Symphony of Remembrance” and other verks I use only audio reproduction that studios use to be safe compared to for name sake such as Audio Visual Arts with their stunning gold plated designs, workmanship deploying the highest materials, components etc worth over a million US dollars. Very nice if one can afford it but will it sound any better?.
Playing music loud doesn’t impress me. Of course room acoustics in one’s home is also a factor. I am more than happy with my ATC-SCM 50 via Burmester PreAmp, along with Tannoys and JBL via Focusrite RED preamp, power amp via its Red 2 parametric Eq, Denon and Tascam studio CD recorders/players, Studer 807, Studer-810 reel to reel tape decks along with Technics RS 1700, Pioneer RT-909 and Revox PR 99 and other various collections of high end cassettes decks with Nakamichi Dragon and Revox as the flagships along with various outboard audio equipment such like rack mount VU/LED meters, Sony DAT, The list is endless for musical comparison across the board including NAD, Fostex, Dynachord Audio and so on. No wonder why the wife left me. Oh well. They music is the food of love-so why are we not eating enough it-after all it’s animal free. .
Musically Yours. Jan Anthonisz. Composer-The Silent Christian.