Showing all 36 results
Audeze is an American high-end headphone brand, best known for planar magnetic headphones. The brand is popular with audiophiles, recording engineers, gamers and professional studios because of its deep bass, high resolution and low distortion. Started: 2008Origin / location: Southern California, USAAudeze says it began in 2008 in a Southern California garage and now designs…
AudioQuest is an American audio/video brand best known for high-quality cables, but it also makes DACs, power conditioners, AC power products and audio accessories. Started: 1980Founder: William E. “Bill” LowHeadquarters: Irvine, California, USAAudioQuest says it has been active since 1980 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. The company also has a large European facility in…
Bang & Olufsen, often written as B&O, is a Danish luxury audio brand known for combining premium sound, Scandinavian design and high-end materials. The brand makes loudspeakers, wireless speakers, headphones, televisions, soundbars and luxury home-audio systems. Started: 1925Founders: Peter Bang and Svend OlufsenOrigin / location: Struer, DenmarkB&O began in 1925 in the attic of the…
Bowers & Wilkins, often called B&W, is a famous British loudspeaker and headphone brand known for premium sound, luxury design and strong audiophile reputation. Started: 1966Founders: John Bowers and Roy WilkinsOrigin: Worthing, West Sussex, EnglandMain heritage/location: Bowers & Wilkins began in Worthing, and the brand is still strongly connected with British loudspeaker engineering. What they…
Cambridge Audio is a British hi-fi brand known for giving strong sound quality at a fair price. The brand makes amplifiers, CD players, streamers, DACs, turntables, wireless speakers and headphones. Started: 1968Origin: Cambridge, EnglandCurrent base: commonly associated with London, United KingdomCambridge Audio says it began in Cambridge in 1968, when a group of young technology…
Campfire Audio is an American high-end earphone brand best known for premium in-ear monitors, often called IEMs. The brand is popular among audiophiles, headphone collectors, musicians and portable hi-fi enthusiasts. Started: 2015Founder / background: Campfire Audio was created by the team behind ALO Audio, led by Ken Ball.Location: Portland, Oregon, USAThe company is known for…
DALI stands for Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries. It is a Danish loudspeaker brand known for open, detailed, musical speakers with a lively and spacious sound. Started: 1983Founder: Peter LyngdorfCountry: DenmarkMain location: Nørager, Denmark — DALI established its Nørager factory in 1986, building design, engineering and manufacturing around its Danish loudspeaker heritage. DALI’s brand philosophy is…
dCS (Data Conversion Systems): British Digital Audio Precision at the Summit of High-End HiFi In the world of ultra high-end audio, few names carry the same technical authority as dCS. Short for Data Conversion Systems, this British hi-fi engineering company has become synonymous with state-of-the-art digital-to-analog conversion, reference-grade streaming systems, and some of the most…
Devialet is a French luxury audio brand known for futuristic design, powerful compact speakers, advanced amplification and very high sound pressure from small enclosures. The brand is especially famous for the Phantom wireless speakers and its ADH — Analog Digital Hybrid amplifier technology. Started: 2007Origin / headquarters: Paris, FranceDevialet describes itself as a French company…
ELAC: A Century of German Engineering and Audiophile Loudspeaker Innovation Few hi-fi manufacturers can claim a history as extensive or varied as ELAC. Approaching its centenary, the German audio company has evolved from a specialist in underwater acoustics into one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of audiophile loudspeakers, powered speakers, subwoofers and turntables. ELAC…
Eversolo is a modern hi-fi brand focused on music streamers, DACs, digital transports, amplifiers and all-in-one audio players. The brand became very popular because of its large touchscreens, clean Android-based interface, strong app control, good DAC sections and excellent price/performance. Started: around 2022 as Eversolo AudioCompany: Eversolo Audio Technology Co., Ltd.Background: backed by Zidoo Technology,…
Focal is a French high-end audio brand known for loudspeakers, headphones, car audio and professional studio monitors. The brand is respected for a clear, dynamic and detailed sound, with strong engineering and many products still designed and developed in France. Started: 1979Founder: Jacques MahulOrigin / location: Saint-Étienne, FranceFocal says it has been manufacturing benchmark acoustic…
HARMAN: The Global Audio Group Behind Some of HiFi’s Most Influential Brands Few names have shaped as many areas of audio as HARMAN. From compact Bluetooth speakers and studio headphones to reference amplifiers, high-end loudspeakers, professional sound systems and premium automotive audio, HARMAN’s influence extends across almost every corner of the modern listening experience. The…
Harman Kardon is an American audio brand known for stylish home audio, stereo receivers, amplifiers, wireless speakers, soundbars and car-audio systems. The brand combines hi-fi heritage with modern lifestyle design. Started: 1953Founders: Sidney Harman and Bernard KardonOrigin: Westbury, New York, USACurrent parent company: HARMAN International, which has been a Samsung Electronics subsidiary since Samsung completed…
Jadis Electronics is a French high-end audio brand, best known for handcrafted tube amplifiers, preamplifiers and source components. The company is respected by audiophiles for its luxurious construction, proprietary output transformers and rich, spacious and highly musical sound. Started: 1983 Founder: AndrĂ© Calmettes Origin / location: Villedubert, near Carcassonne, France Jadis began with AndrĂ© Calmettes’…
Jamo is a Danish loudspeaker brand known for combining Scandinavian design, home-friendly styling and accessible hi-fi sound. The brand is especially known for floorstanding speakers, bookshelf speakers, center speakers, subwoofers and home-cinema speaker packages. Started: 1968Founders: Preben Jacobsen and Julius MortensenOrigin: Denmark — the name Jamo comes from JAcobsen and MOrtensen. Jamo’s official history says…
KEF stands for Kent Engineering & Foundry. It is a British loudspeaker brand known for modern acoustic engineering, clean design and very precise stereo imaging. Started: 1961Founder: Raymond CookeOrigin: Maidstone, Kent, EnglandCurrent base: KEF is still strongly connected to Maidstone, Kent, where it began on the premises of Kent Engineering & Foundry. KEF is especially…
Klipsch is an American loudspeaker brand famous for horn-loaded speakers, high efficiency, strong dynamics and a lively “live concert” sound. The brand is especially popular for hi-fi speakers, home-cinema systems, subwoofers, soundbars and wireless speakers. Started: 1946Founder: Paul W. KlipschOrigin: Hope, Arkansas, USACurrent headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana, USAKlipsch says Paul W. Klipsch established Klipsch & Associates…
Magico Loudspeakers: California Engineering at the Summit of High-End Audio In the rarefied world of high-end audio, few names communicate technological ambition as clearly as Magico. The Californian loudspeaker manufacturer has built its reputation on precision-machined enclosures, advanced driver materials and a distinctly uncompromising approach to music reproduction. Rather than designing loudspeakers to impose a…
Marantz is a legendary hi-fi and home-cinema audio brand known for a smooth, musical and slightly warm sound signature. The brand is especially respected for amplifiers, CD/SACD players, network streamers and AV receivers. Started: 1953Founder: Saul MarantzOrigin: New York, USA — Saul Marantz built the first Audio Consolette at home, then founded the Marantz Company…
MartinLogan: The American HiFi Brand That Redefined Electrostatic Loudspeakers Few high-end audio brands are as instantly recognisable as MartinLogan. Its tall, transparent electrostatic panels have become visual symbols of serious audiophile sound, combining futuristic industrial design with exceptional clarity, speed and spatial realism. For more than four decades, MartinLogan has worked to overcome the traditional…
McIntosh Laboratory is an American high-end audio brand known for luxury amplifiers, preamplifiers, receivers, turntables, streamers, speakers and home-cinema processors. The brand is instantly recognizable by its black glass front panels, blue power meters and classic green logo. Started: 1949Founder: Frank H. McIntoshCo-founder / key early figure: Gordon GowOrigin: USACurrent location: Binghamton, New York, USA….
Meze Audio is a Romanian high-end headphone and IEM brand known for beautiful design, excellent comfort and a warm, musical sound. The brand is popular with audiophiles because its products combine luxury materials, strong build quality and an easy-to-enjoy sound signature. Started: 2011Founder: Antonio MezeLocation: Baia Mare, RomaniaMeze Audio describes itself as a high-end audio…
MoFi usually refers to Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, an American audiophile record label famous for premium vinyl, SACD and CD reissues. The brand is known for collectible releases, careful mastering and high-quality editions such as Original Master Recording, Ultradisc One-Step, SuperVinyl and hybrid SACD releases. Started: 1977Founder: Brad MillerMain office: Chicago, Illinois, USAStudio/mastering facility: Sebastopol,…
Monitor Audio is a British loudspeaker brand known for detailed sound, elegant design and strong value across both hi-fi and home-cinema systems. The brand makes bookshelf speakers, floorstanding speakers, center speakers, subwoofers, architectural/in-wall speakers and lifestyle audio products. Started: 1972Founder: Mo IqbalOrigin: Teversham near Cambridge, EnglandCurrent headquarters: Rayleigh, Essex, England. Monitor Audio says it remains…
NAD stands for New Acoustic Dimension. It is a hi-fi brand known for simple design, strong sound quality and excellent value for money. NAD is especially respected for integrated amplifiers, streaming amplifiers, CD players, DACs and home-cinema receivers. Started: 1972Founded in: London, EnglandFounder / organiser: Martin L. Borish, together with a group of European audio…
Nagra is a Swiss high-end audio and professional recording brand, best known for its legendary portable tape recorders and exceptionally refined home-audio electronics. The company is respected by recording engineers, filmmakers, broadcasters and audiophiles for its precision engineering, natural sound and distinctive compact designs inspired by professional recording equipment. Started: 1951 Founder: Stefan Kudelski Origin…
Naim Audio is a British high-end hi-fi brand known for musical, rhythmic and powerful sound. The brand is especially respected for amplifiers, streamers, network players, all-in-one systems and power supplies. Started: 1973Founder: Julian VerekerOrigin / location: Salisbury, England, United Kingdom. Naim says the company was officially incorporated in 1973 and its first headquarters in central…
Focal is a French high-end audio brand known for loudspeakers, headphones, car audio and professional studio monitors. The brand is respected for a clear, dynamic and detailed sound, with strong engineering and many products still designed and developed in France. Started: 1979Founder: Jacques MahulOrigin / location: Saint-Étienne, FranceFocal says it has been manufacturing benchmark acoustic…
Sonus faber is an Italian high-end loudspeaker brand known for luxury craftsmanship, wood cabinets, elegant design and a warm, natural sound. The name means roughly “handcrafted sound” or “artisan of sound.” Started: 1983Founder: Franco SerblinOrigin: Vicenza, ItalyCurrent location: Arcugnano, Vicenza, Italy — Sonus faber lists its company address at Via Antonio Meucci 10, 36057 Arcugnano,…
SVS is an American audio brand best known for powerful, high-value subwoofers. The brand also makes loudspeakers, cables, isolation feet and wireless audio accessories, but its strongest reputation is in deep bass for home cinema and hi-fi systems. Started: 1998Origin / location: Youngstown, Ohio, USASVS says its products are engineered in Youngstown, Ohio, and the…
Teufel, officially Lautsprecher Teufel, is a German audio brand known for loudspeakers, home-cinema systems, soundbars, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, gaming audio and subwoofers. The brand is popular because it offers powerful sound, modern design and strong value through a direct-to-consumer sales model. Started: 1979Founder: Peter TschimmelOrigin / location: Berlin, GermanyTeufel’s own history says the company began…
Triangle is a French loudspeaker brand known for lively, open and dynamic speakers with a strong hi-fi character. The company has been making high-fidelity loudspeakers for more than 40 years and is closely associated with French speaker craftsmanship. Started: 1980Founder: Renaud de VergnetteOrigin / location: Soissons, FranceTriangle’s own history says the brand has been based…
WiiM is a modern audio brand known for affordable music streamers, streaming amplifiers, DAC/streamer units and multi-room audio products. The brand became popular because it brings features normally found in more expensive hi-fi streamers — app control, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, internet radio, HDMI ARC, room correction and hi-res playback — at very competitive…
Yamaha is a Japanese audio and musical-instrument brand with one of the longest histories in the sound industry. It is respected by audiophiles, musicians, recording engineers and home-cinema enthusiasts for its natural sound, reliable engineering and wide range of products—from affordable stereo amplifiers to reference speakers and professional studio equipment. Started: 1887 Origin / location:…
Overview of YG Acoustics YG Acoustics (founded in 2002) is an ultra-high-end American loudspeaker manufacturer renowned for approaching audio engineering with the mindset of advanced mechanical engineering rather than traditional cabinetmaking. Splitting its operations between Denver, Colorado (heavy CNC precision manufacturing) and Cambridge, United Kingdom (advanced scientific R&D), the company focuses on creating neutral, ultra-low-distortion…
