Founded in 1983 by Harald Rupf in Basel, Switzerland, ACR initially emerged as a market niche that specialized in consulting and selling individual loudspeaker components to professionals and hobbyists alike. With its origins in the acoustic-technical realm, the company quickly gained a reputation for innovation and quality, especially in the HiFi sector.
In the 1980s, ACR was celebrated for producing high-quality loudspeakers, particularly those featuring magnetostatic tweeters and some models with magnetostatic mid-range drivers from Fostex. Their audio solutions often won top spots in comparison tests by reputed publications like Audio and Stereoplay. Whether it was modifications to legendary Klipschorn copies, enhancements to the popular Pyramid series Hexagon, or the introduction of new lines like SKY-LINE, NEW-LINE, and MONITOR, ACR left no stone unturned to deliver unparalleled audio performance.
Some of their standout series, such as the ISOSTATIC, created a buzz with their use of Fostex magnetostats. The company was even instrumental in introducing HiFi sound into discotheques with their professional MEGASTATIC systems. They have also contributed significantly to the car audio sector, launching multiple successful brands like AXTON CAR, EMPHASER, and RODEK.
Today, the brand has more than 500 exclusive dealerships globally, largely driven by the company's continued success in international product tests and a growing fanbase. In the early '90s, ACR capitalized on the burgeoning demand for car HiFi, marking a significant shift in their product development. By 1998, they had entirely refocused their efforts on the car audio market, making them a name to reckon with in that sector as well.
While the company has shifted its focus primarily to car HiFi, its legacy in high-fidelity sound systems remains influential. Through years of relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, ACR has carved out a distinct space for itself in the audio industry.