It has not been an easy time for the dedicated employees at Audio Research; the legacy high-end audio manufacturer did not come out of the pandemic in solid financial shape and drama surrounding its long-term viability has been a very big topic of conversation for the past few months.
When the Minnesota-based manufacturer was sold off by McIntosh Group, there was a lot of speculation about its ability to compete in a very different business environment.
We spent 3 days with Acora Acoustics at T.H.E. Show less than 10 days ago and we’re rather surprised to learn today that it has come to the rescue. Better late than never in this particular case.
Audio Research Corporation has been acquired by AR Tube Audio Corporation, a privately-owned Delaware-based corporation which includes Valerio Cora of Acora Acoustics Corporation as a director. Audio Research will operate independently from Acora Acoustics, an Ontario-based high-performance loudspeaker corporation.
The acquisition was approved by a judge after an asset purchase agreement was made with Lighthouse Management Group.
Private equity and venture capital investment groups are not involved in the new corporation, it is comprised of passionate audiophiles devoted to great music reproduction.
Audio Research was founded in Minneapolis in 1970, and will remain in its Maple Grove, Minnesota facility where it designs, builds, and supports the hand-made products that have established it as the preeminent manufacturer of vacuum-tube audio electronics.
The loyal and long-term staff of employees will remain unchanged, but is expected to grow alongside the company. Audio Research’s network of select dealers and distributors will remain stable and continue to receive the full support of the company, as will the many thousands of loyal Audio Research owners.
This acquisition is set to provide the financial stability required to resume the growth that Audio Research had achieved over the decades. There are exciting new products on the horizon, like the Reference 320M amplifier, which will fuel Audio Research’s growth. The product line remains, and will continue to develop over time in the tradition you have come to expect from Audio Research.
Valerio Cora, with his extensive business experience and ownership of Audio Research components for many years, is the perfect person to be at the helm. “I am thrilled to be joining the fantastic team at Audio Research on their journey towards a very bright future. As someone whose audio journey has been built on the foundation of Audio Research, I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to contribute to such an innovative and forward-thinking brand. I can’t wait to work alongside these amazing people and help drive Audio Research’s success to even greater heights!”
Related reading: Acora Acoustics VRC Granite Loudspeakers: T.H.E. Show 2023
JohnnyR
June 22, 2023 at 2:44 am
Great News,
When I was 12 years old purchasing my first audio system I asked the salesman what is the best out there and he said tough question but Audio Research would be his choice.
Many years later Richard Vandersteen, Proac and Magnepan all told me the same thing. going to all the Audio shows with Audio Connection ARC dealer I can remember saying when I heard a Vandersteen ARC system playing a Decca “” Christopher Hogwood Rosinni overtures so beautiful was this music presented I said to myself Man I would never want to have to compete against this combination. and here we are many years later with the best sound and support from the legendary company.
Best JohnnyR ARC dealer 25 years