Acoustic Research

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.