Audio Research
| Company type | Corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronics |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | William Z. Johnson |
| Headquarters | Maple Grove, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Products | Audio equipment |
| Website | www |
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (June 2021) |
Audio Research Corporation is one of the oldest manufacturers of high-end audio equipment still in operation. The company were known to be pioneers at advancing state-of-the-art audio reproduction in the 1970s, and for re-introducing the vacuum tube as the primary active amplification device. With the help of reviews in audiophile publications such as Stereophile and The Absolute Sound, they solidified their position as a well-respected audio manufacturers. Many industry observers consider the founder, William Z. Johnson, as one of the true originators of the entire concept of high-end audio as it exists today.[1]
History
The company was founded by William Zane Johnson in 1970 and was originally located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Audio Research moved from Plymouth to Maple Grove, MN[2] in August 2018. Johnson began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950s and was the former owner of Electronic Industries, a specialty audio retail store in Minneapolis until the mid-1960s. Johnson died on December 10, 2011, in Rancho Mirage, California, at the age of 85.[3]
In 2008, Audio Research was acquired by Fine Sounds SpA, which owned Sonus faber loudspeakers. Fine Sounds acquired several other highly esteemed high-end audio companies, including Sumiko, Wadia, and McIntosh Laboratories. In 2014, Fine Sounds Group was purchased by a group headed by Charles Randall and Mauro Grange. In 2016 the group was renamed McIntosh Group.[4]
In late August 2020, Audio Research was acquired by TWS Enterprises, LLC, a privately held company owned wholly by Trent Suggs, former North American Sales Manager. 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.
References
- ^ Harley, Robert (January 3, 2008). "William Z. Johnson of Audio Research: High Definition". Stereophile. ISSN 0585-2544.
- ^ Kajko, Suave (January 27, 2020). "Meet the Makers". Novo Press.
- ^ Stone, Steven (December 22, 2011). "William Zane Johnson R.I.P. 1926 - 2011". Audiophile Review.
- ^ Johnston, Lisa (August 10, 2016). "Fine Sounds Group changes name to McIntosh Group". Twice. ISSN 0892-7278.
Further reading
- Audio Research: Making the Music Glow (2020)