Audio Research

Audio Research
Corporation
Industry Electronics
Founded 1970 (1970)
Founder William Z. Johnson
Headquarters Plymouth, Minnesota, U.S.
Products Audio equipment
Parent McIntosh Group
Website www.audioresearch.com

Audio Research Corporation is one of the oldest manufacturers of high-end audio equipment still in operation. They were pioneers at advancing the state-of-the-art for audio reproduction in the 1970s, re-introducing the vacuum tube as the primary active amplification device. Audio Research prefers the class-A amplifier design. With the help of audiophile publications such as Stereophile and The Absolute Sound, they solidified their position as one of the most well-respected audio manufacturers. Many industry observers consider the founder, William Z. Johnson, as one of the true originators of the entire concept of high-end audio as it exists today.[1]

History

The company was founded by William Zane Johnson in 1970 and is located in Plymouth, Minnesota. Johnson began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950s and operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960s. Johnson died on December 10, 2011, in Rancho Mirage, California, at the age of 85.[2]

In 2008, Audio Research was acquired by Fine Sounds SpA, which also owns several other highly esteemed high-end audio companies, including McIntosh, Sonus Faber, Wadia, and Sumiko. In 2016, Fine Sounds Group was renamed McIntosh Group.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Harley, Robert (January 3, 2008). "William Z. Johnson of Audio Research: High Definition". Stereophile. ISSN 0585-2544.
  2. ↑ Stone, Steven (December 22, 2011). "William Zane Johnson R.I.P. 1926 - 2011". Audiophile Review.
  3. ↑ Johnston, Lisa (August 10, 2016). "Fine Sounds Group changes name to McIntosh Group". Twice. ISSN 0892-7278.
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