Hi-Fi Brands

64 Audio is the world's fastest-growing custom in-ear monitor (IEM) company, founded in July 2010 by Vitaliy Belonozhko and his wife Anastasia in Portland, Oregon, originally under the name '1964 Ears' before rebranding to 64 Audio in September 2010. The company was born from Vitaliy's desire to create better and more affordable in-ear monitoring solutions, starting with building a single set of IEMs for his wife Anastasia around 2008. Vitaliy Belonozhko, a Ukrainian immigrant who came to the United States at age 10 in 1992, is a sound engineer with over a decade of experience working with musicians and production companies in the Northwest. Now based in Vancouver, Washington, 64 Audio employs the four Belonozhko brothers (Vitaliy, Roman, Vlad, and Bogdan), all musicians and sound engineers with backgrounds in professional live music production and stage performing. The company has revolutionized the IEM industry through patented technologies including APEX (Air Pressure Exchange) pneumatic vents that release ear canal pressure and reduce listener fatigue, 3D-Fit technology combining digital scanning and 3D-printing for precise custom fits, and TIA technology that delivers sound directly without internal tubes. Since 2010, 64 Audio has handcrafted thousands of custom in-ear monitors for world-class musical talent, with all custom and universal IEMs designed, assembled, and quality-controlled by highly skilled technicians in their U.S. facility, offering award-winning products like the A12t and A18s that serve as the gold standard for performing artists across genres while maintaining a 30-day fit guarantee for customers worldwide.

AARON is a German high-end audio amplifier manufacturer founded in 1986 by Thomas and Marita Hoehne in Elze, Germany. Originally started as High-End Consumer Electronics Distribution Company m.b.H., the company initially used the 'NEUMANN AUDIO TECHNIK' brand before adopting the AARON trademark in 1989. The name AARON was strategically chosen to appear first in alphabetical listings, reflecting the founders' ambition for their products to rank first in sound quality. The company also developed the premium SOVEREIGN brand for their ultimate products. In 2020, both AARON and SOVEREIGN product lines were integrated into HOEHNE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT as independent divisions. The company specializes in award-winning high-end stereo and multi-channel amplifiers, preamplifiers, and phono modules, gaining international recognition in the audiophile community for their superior sound-price ratio and German engineering excellence.

Aavik Acoustics is a prestigious Danish high-end audio electronics manufacturer founded in 2015 by Lars Kristensen and Michael Børresen, emerging from the launch of their breakthrough U-300 unity amplifier that paved the way for establishing Aavik Acoustics as a leader in state-of-the-art amplification technology with the most modern engineering and functional, minimalistic design based on Scandinavian tradition and values. Founded by Lars Kristensen, who encountered Hi-Fi at an early age through his father's pioneering high-end audio dealership in Denmark and served 20 years as worldwide sales manager at Nordost (1992-2012), and Michael Børresen, whose extensive knowledge in audio engineering combined with pioneering spirit and passion for Hi-Fi equipment drives innovative quests to create revolutionary audio electronics, the company emerged when both founders left Raidho in 2017 to fully commit themselves to advancing their own brands under the Audio Group Denmark umbrella. Operating from their impressive headquarters at Rebslagervej 4 in Aalborg, Denmark, with approximately 40 employees in production facilities, research and development department, test laboratories, and business administration, Aavik Acoustics joined Audio Group Denmark at the end of 2020 as one of four brands (alongside Ansuz, Børresen, and Axxess) that share a common DNA and long-standing collaboration in creating unrivalled musical authenticity. The company achieved significant recognition when Flemming E. Rasmussen, founder, chief-designer, and former owner of Gryphon Audio with 35 years of in-depth Hi-Fi industry experience, became the newest member of Audio Group Denmark's design and development team in May 2021, bringing his untiring creative potential and artistic aesthetic design touch to create outstanding Hi-Fi equipment through dynamic, productive collaboration with Michael Børresen's innovative approach. Aavik Acoustics specializes in manufacturing premium audio electronic components including several types of amplifiers (integrated, power, and preamplifiers), digital/analog converters, phono stages, and streamers, with their comprehensive product line featuring flagship models like the I-880 integrated amplifier, U-300 and U-380 integrated amplifiers, C+P combination units, and the acclaimed 880 series of amplifiers that represent the pinnacle of Danish audio engineering excellence. Operating under Audio Group Denmark's mission 'We bring people closer to the music by creating access to great, authentic, and emotional musical experiences,' Aavik Acoustics continues advancing audio technology through handcrafted in-house production, innovation and technological development, strong collaboration with dealers worldwide, and sharing knowledge and technologies across their symbiotic brand relationships while striving to break new ground in audio technology and make high-end audio more accessible to music enthusiasts who deserve those special musical moments that Michael Børresen believes 'More people deserve to have.'

Founded in 1983 in Nordenham, Germany by Karl-Heinz Sonder, ABACUS electronics evolved from industrial measurement and control technology into a renowned HiFi manufacturer. Originally developing electrotechnical products, Sonder pursued his passion for audio reproduction, establishing proprietary 'Dolifet' amplifier technology exclusive to ABACUS. The family business celebrated 40 years in 2024, with leadership transitioning to son Hanno Sonder, a physics engineer raised with ABACUS technology. Operating from 1,000 square meters across four floors, the company employs nine core staff plus university students and interns from Oldenburg studying audio technology and engineering physics. Known for the C-Box series including Germany's '#1 studio monitor' C-Box 3, ABACUS handcrafts all products in Germany, focusing on technical excellence over marketing. Shipping 150-200 packages monthly with 90% sales in German-speaking regions, ABACUS represents authentic German audio engineering tradition.

Founded in 1983 in Nordenham, Northern Germany, ABACUS electronics UG is a small, family-owned company specializing in manufacturing electrotechnical products primarily for HiFi, studio, and public address sectors. Headquartered at Bahnhofstraße 39a, D-26954 Nordenham, the company has built its reputation over 40+ years developing proprietary 'Dolifet' (Drain-Output Load-Independent Field Effect Transistor) amplifier technology that allows circuit advantages of tube technology without using actual tubes. This innovative approach uses field effect transistors 'backwards,' making the drain connection load-independent and optimally suited to drive loudspeakers with exceptional control and dynamics. ABACUS produces a comprehensive range of audio equipment including active speakers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and audio streaming devices, all incorporating their signature Dolifet technology. Their product lineup includes the flagship 60-120D Dolifet power amplifier (fourth generation), compact Ampino 15 Dolifet amplifier, and popular speakers like Mirra 14/15 and the C-Box 3 studio monitor, which has become the number one studio monitor in Germany. The company's Pivota 42 monitors are permanently installed at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, demonstrating their professional recognition. Operating with close partnerships with primarily German and EU suppliers, ABACUS maintains in-house manufacturing in Germany while focusing on technically relevant components and avoiding audiophile esotericism, establishing themselves as a respected name in the professional and high-fidelity audio markets.

Abyss Headphones is the luxury headphone division of JPS Labs LLC, founded in 1990 by Joe Skubinski and expanded into high-performance headphones through his son Eric Skubinski's design expertise. Based in Lancaster and Buffalo, New York, the company represents over 30 years of high-end audio engineering excellence, originally specializing in premium analog and digital audio cables before launching the revolutionary Abyss headphone line. In 2013, the company introduced the groundbreaking AB-1266 planar-magnetic headphones, which quickly gained recognition as among the world's finest headphones through wide acceptance and exceptional reviews. Abyss engineers and manufactures boutique headphones using unique patented planar speakers, with every unit being CNC machined, meticulously finished, and expertly hand-assembled in their US facility using premium materials including Alcantara, lambskin, and Ultrasuede. The company's philosophy centers on creating 'the world's finest headphones' that are designed, engineered, manufactured, and assembled entirely in New York, USA, serving discerning audiophiles globally with ultra-high quality materials and craftsmanship. Abyss continues to push boundaries in luxury personal audio while maintaining their family-owned heritage and commitment to American manufacturing excellence.

Acapella Audio Arts is a German luxury loudspeaker manufacturer founded in 1978 by Alfred Rudolph and Hermann Winters in Duisburg, Germany. The company is renowned as one of the oldest hi-fi manufacturers in Germany, specializing in ultra-high-end horn-loaded speakers with revolutionary plasma tweeter technology. Their signature products include massive spherical horn speakers that reproduce the entire audible spectrum without traditional membranes. The company's flagship model, the Sphäron Excalibur, stands over seven feet tall, weighs 2,728 pounds, and costs $455,000, establishing them as creators of some of the world's most expensive speakers. Currently undergoing generational transition, the founders are being succeeded by Alfred Rudolph's sons Robert and Richard, who have been involved in operations for over a decade. Each speaker is hand-built to order by skilled artisans in their Duisburg facility, combining cutting-edge acoustic technology with artistic design.

Accuphase Laboratory Inc. is a prestigious Japanese high-end audio manufacturer founded on June 1, 1972, by former Kenwood engineer Jiro Kasuga in Tokyo (later relocated to Yokohama in 1973). Originally established as Kensonic Laboratory with Kenwood as part owner, it became Accuphase Laboratory in 1982. The company name combines 'ACCU' from 'accurate' and 'PHASE,' expressing their doctrine 'to get to the truth' of audio technology. Their philosophy is 'enrich life through technology.' Accuphase gained early recognition when their P-300 power amplifier won the Japan Compo Grand Prix Award in 1973. The company is renowned worldwide for exceptional sound quality, distinctive champagne/gold faceplates, and large dual analog power meters. They manufacture power amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers, digital sources, tuners, power supplies, and phono cartridges, all regarded highly by audiophiles for superior design and build quality.

ACCUSTIC ARTS® (standing for ACCUrate acouSTIC ARTS - 'the correct art of sound') is a German high-end audio manufacturer founded in 1997 in Lauffen am Neckar, Baden-Württemberg, following five years of development. Specializes in handcrafted amplifiers, DACs, and CD players with their philosophy of 'Absolute Sound Fidelity Through Reproduction.' Each component undergoes elaborate testing for up to two weeks before dispatch. The company built their current facility in 1998 and expanded in 2009 to include audiophile recordings under ACCUSTIC ARTS AUDIOPHILE RECORDINGS (AAAR). Distributed in North America by On A Higher Note LLC, the company has built high-end audio equipment for over 25 years with precision German manufacturing.

Accuton, manufactured by Thiel & Partner GmbH, was founded in 1994 following the pioneering work of Bernhard Thiel, who invented a process for producing ultra-thin sheets of corundum (Al2O3) in 1984. Initially producing ceramic drivers exclusively for Backes & Müller, Thiel later founded his own company in Homburg, Germany. The modern company emerged when Adrian Bankewitz, European distributor of Accuton products, acquired the assets and established Thiel & Partner GmbH. A significant breakthrough came in 1999 when Bankewitz collaborated with the Fraunhofer Institute to develop the first tweeter with a pure diamond diaphragm using CVD technology. In 2012, Dirk Vaehsen joined as a skilled loudspeaker designer, and became second CEO in 2017. Today, Accuton produces high-end loudspeaker drivers using ceramic, diamond, and aluminum sandwich materials from their production facility in Bexbach, Saarland.

Audiophile Circuits League (ACL) is a collective of musicians and engineers based in Berlin, Germany, developing and manufacturing electronic music equipment since their founding. The company specializes in Eurorack modular synthesizer modules and related audio equipment, going beyond classic circuit designs to produce highly innovative and musical devices. ACL maintains uncompromising quality standards, using carefully selected components with all design and assembly completed in Germany. Their product line includes VCOs, VCFs, audio interfaces, MIDI modules, power supplies, and complete systems like the ACL System 1 Eurorack Synthesizer. Notable products include the popular Sinfonion and various specialized modules for the modular synthesis community. The company maintains active social media presence and distributes products through specialized music equipment retailers worldwide, emphasizing community-driven innovation and user feedback.

Acoustat was a pioneering United States manufacturer of electrostatic loudspeakers founded by James C. Strickland in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1973. First product shipped in 1976 with the Model X. The company was known for innovative full-range electrostatic speakers with lifetime warranties and became the biggest selling valve amp of the late 1980s. Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1984 and was acquired by David Hafler Co. in November 1984, later becoming part of Rockford Fosgate. The company is now defunct - no longer manufacturing speakers since the early 1990s.

Acoustic Energy was founded in 1987 in London, England, and relocated to their current headquarters in Tetbury, Gloucestershire in 1995 (Unit 1, Trull Farm, Trull, GL8 8SQ). The company launched with their legendary AE1 loudspeaker as their founding product, which established their reputation in high-fidelity audio. Acoustic Energy specializes primarily in loudspeakers, with some active speakers featuring integrated amplification, including the notable AE1 Active with integrated class A/B amplification. Their comprehensive product range includes the Corinium, 500 Series, 300 Series, 100 Series, and AE SUB models. Since 1994, the company has utilized overseas manufacturing partners to achieve global reach while maintaining British ownership and design control. Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers Ltd remains privately owned and operated in the UK, continuing their commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality. The company maintains an active social media presence across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube, engaging with audio enthusiasts worldwide while preserving their British heritage and engineering excellence.

AcousticPlan was founded in 1996 by German audio engineer Claus Jäckle in Konstanz, Germany, after 15 years of experimental work with music reproduction equipment. The company specialized in handcrafted, high-end audio equipment including CD players, power amplifiers, preamplifiers, and loudspeakers, all manufactured in small series with a focus on minimalist design and pure class A amplification. AcousticPlan was known for its innovative hybrid tube/solid-state architecture and exceptional build quality, becoming a respected name in the German high-end audio market. The company ceased operations in early 2021, though their products remain coveted collector's items among audiophiles.

Acoustic Preference d.o.o. is a boutique, artisanal high-end audio company founded in 2001 and based in Maribor, Slovenia. Founded by Marjan Tancer (General Manager and Designer) and Davorin Žnuderl, the company positions itself as an exclusive audio components manufacturer specializing in handcrafted loudspeakers. The company follows a non-serial production philosophy where each speaker is completely handmade using rigorously selected walnut solid wood. Each enclosure is hand-waxed 3-4 times to achieve utmost shine, and they produce limited edition speakers with only 99 pairs of certain models. Their company motto is 'To create acoustic components that combine natural sound and offer great delight when listening to music on every occasion.' The company operates in the ultra-premium/luxury audio market segment, focusing on artisanal craftsmanship and exclusivity rather than mass production, functioning more as an artisanal workshop than a traditional corporation.

Founded in 1952 by audio pioneer Edgar Villchur and student Henry Kloss, Acoustic Research revolutionized the audio industry with the invention of the acoustic suspension loudspeaker. Villchur received U.S. patent 2,775,309 in 1956 for this breakthrough technology that virtually every modern speaker uses today. The company introduced iconic models including AR-1 (1954), AR-2 (1956), and AR-3. Kloss left in 1957 to form KLH. Originally headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, then various locations including Yorba Linda, California. The brand is currently owned by VOXX International and operates primarily in the vintage/used market rather than active manufacturing, though maintains strong recognition among audiophiles.

Founded in 1997 by Ken Ishiguro, Acoustic Revive is a Japanese manufacturer of specialized audio cables and accessories headquartered in Isesaki-shi, approximately 60 miles northwest of Tokyo. Ishiguro, recognized as a deeply creative and prolific designer, addresses various vulnerabilities in hi-fi systems through innovative products like the legendary RR series Schumann Wave Generators. The company's flagship RR-777 Ultra Low Frequency Schumann Wave Generator operates at 7.83Hz frequency and represents over a decade of evolution from the original RR7 through RR77, RR777, to the current RR888 models. These devices generate subsonic frequencies designed to affect listener perception or room acoustics, requiring placement at least 1.5 meters high and separate electrical outlets from audio systems. Acoustic Revive's product line includes high-quality audio cables utilizing rare minerals found exclusively in Japan, power conditioners, and various acoustic accessories. Represented in the United States by Lotus Group USA, the company has built a reputation among audiophiles for products that claim to enhance system performance through addressing electromagnetic and acoustic interference, establishing Ken Ishiguro as a respected figure in high-end audio accessory design.

Acoustic Signature was founded in 1996 by Gunther Frohnhöfer in Süssen (district of Göppingen, Baden-Württemberg), Germany, near Stuttgart. The company achieved worldwide prestige as early as 1997 with their first mass-produced turntable receiving excellent test results in both Germany and the US. Currently led by CEOs Gunther and Jacqueline Frohnhöfer with a team of 28 experienced employees, the company specializes in manufacturing high-end analog turntables, tonearms, phono equalizers, and cartridges using 100% manual work at their German facility located at Hillenbrand Strasse 10, D-73079 Süssen. They utilize cutting-edge CNC machines and CAD/CAM systems, developing proprietary technologies like DTD® Dura Turn Diamond® Bearing. The company offers a 15-year warranty on turntables and has received multiple industry awards, maintaining their 'Quality Made in Germany' philosophy with emphasis on precision craftsmanship and mechanical excellence.

Acoustic Solid is a German high-end turntable manufacturer founded in 1996 by Karl Wirth, a mechanical engineer and former automotive production manager. Originally starting as a garage-based hobby in his parents' home, Wirth created his first turntable called "Solid One" out of frustration with limited vinyl playback options. The company was officially established in 1997, moving to a dedicated facility in Altdorf, Baden-Württemberg by 2001, with international expansion beginning in 2002. Today, Acoustic Solid (operating as Wirth Tonmaschinenbau GmbH) is a family-run business with six employees, including founder Karl Wirth and his daughter Michaela Ferreni, who handles accounting and international customer communications. The company has achieved global recognition, winning awards including "Product of the Year 2007" in Hong Kong, and now exports handmade precision turntables to over 40 countries. Their product lines include Aluminum, Classic, Vintage, and Custom turntables, all manufactured in-house with emphasis on precision engineering and analog sound quality.

Acoustic System appears to be a generic brand name used by various companies in the professional and consumer audio industry. The name is commonly associated with complete sound system solutions, encompassing speakers, amplifiers, and audio processing equipment for both professional installations and consumer applications. Companies like L-Acoustics, Fulcrum Acoustic, and Q Acoustics operate in this space, providing acoustic systems ranging from concert sound reinforcement to home audio solutions. Without a specific founding company or clear brand heritage, 'Acoustic System' represents a category of audio products rather than a distinct manufacturer. Various companies use this terminology to describe their integrated audio solutions, making it difficult to identify a single entity or operational status. The name typically appears in contexts involving professional audio installations, home theater systems, or complete audio reproduction solutions.

Acoustic Zen was founded in 2000 by legendary design engineer Robert Lee, who previously created Harmonic Technology cables. Headquartered at 1313 Simpson Way Suite J, Escondido, California 92029, the company specializes in premium audio cables and loudspeakers. Their product line includes interconnects, speaker cables, power cables, and digital cables using proprietary 'Zero Crystal' single-crystal wire technology with continuous cast, single crystal conductors. The loudspeaker range features the Crescendo, Adagio, and Adagio Jr. series in floor-standing, stand-mount, and subwoofer configurations. Robert Lee's mission focuses on exploring acoustical behavior and sonic transmission to create innovative cable and loudspeaker designs. The company remains active as of 2024, with current price lists available and continuing distribution worldwide. Acoustic Zen has earned recognition for breakthrough technologies that deliver exceptional musical performance through meticulous engineering and materials science.

Acoustune, founded in 2013, is a premium Japanese audio manufacturer specializing in high-end dynamic driver in-ear monitors (IEMs) and earphones, established by experienced specialists in the Japanese headphone scene who united with a common dream to create exquisite in-ear headphones combining perfect sound quality, workmanship, and finest materials. The company has developed groundbreaking proprietary technologies including the revolutionary 'Myrinx' (also known as 'Milinx') dynamic driver material—a high-performance polymer biomaterial originally developed for medical applications such as artificial skin, surgical sutures, and medical implants—alongside modular metal body construction using premium materials like titanium, beryllium, and brass. Known as the 'audiophile diamonds among earphones' in Japan, Acoustune manufactures all products with precision Japanese craftsmanship using state-of-the-art CNC milling machines, with final assembly and inspection always completed by hand to ensure the highest quality standards. Their comprehensive product portfolio spans multiple series including the Monitor Series, Master Series, and ACT Series, featuring flagship models like the HS1900X Shinogi (named after the raised ridge on Japanese swords), HS2000MKIII with interchangeable design, and innovative TWS solutions like the HSX1001, all designed to deliver the ultimate natural sound experience that transcends traditional dynamic earphone limitations through innovative engineering and meticulous Japanese manufacturing excellence.

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.

The original Acron audio speakers company was founded in Bad Vilbel, Germany in 1975 by Franz Petrik, a former Braun employee and engineer who had played a major role in loudspeaker development at Braun. During the early 1980s, Acron gained legendary reputation in the hi-fi community for building reasonably priced speakers (250-800 DM) that regularly won audio magazine tests. Their cult miniboxes with solid aluminum cabinets in the 100, 200, and 300 series became particularly famous. However, legal troubles arose when Franz Petrik was sued by his former employer Braun AG over speaker concepts he had developed while at Braun, leading to financial difficulties. The original Acron company was deleted from commercial records on September 16, 2002, and has been defunct since then. Products also suffered from deteriorating foam surrounds over time. The name 'Acron' now appears in other electronics companies like Acron Electronic (Turkey), but these are unrelated to the original German audio speaker manufacturer.