Acoustic Research (AR) Lives!!!! (1 Viewer)

[terence]

From: PR News Wire

For those who have asked what is going to happen to AR after Recoton went belly up, here is an update.

Acoustic Research Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary With A Brand New Life

LAS VEGAS and HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This year
marks the 50th anniversary that the venerable brand, Acoustic Research (AR),
has been bringing high-quality acoustics to the home. 2004 is significant in
that it also marks the first year that AR joins the Audiovox family of brands.
Acoustic Research will be the company's specialist line, focusing on product
quality, exclusive distribution, high tech features and the brand's dedication
to technology. AR products will have limited distribution and strict MAP
pricing policies. The brand will be positioned as a very high-level, high-end
audio-video component and HTIB-based line of products.

To that end, the company's first flat panel plasma TVs will be marketed
under the well-known and respected Acoustic Research brand and will be
targeted to electronic specialty and high-end electronic retail outlets,
exclusively. The three AR models are the AR5000, a 50-inch slim-line plasma TV
- MSRP: $7,600.00; AR4200, a 42-inch slim-line plasma model - MSRP: $4,500.00;
and AR3000 a 30-inch flat panel LCD unit - MSRP: $3,500.00. "We believe that
the combination of outstanding picture quality on these plasma TV's and AR's
reputation for consistently delivering high quality products, will make these
units a must carry in the high-end specialty dealers and a must have for their
discriminating customers," said Patrick Lavelle, President and CEO of Audiovox
Electronics Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Audiovox Corporation.

In the company's more traditional audio line the Acoustic Research
Extended Performance (XP) series launches with six models that feature, super
audio tweeters, Magalloy(R) drivers and narrow-front baffles, all designed to
deliver superior sound.

Also being introduced is the Acoustic Research VP Series, five models,
with a similar sound and look as the XP Series, but at a very consumer-
friendly price. The new line will consist of a tower speaker, two bookshelf
models, a satellite model and one center speaker. Prices will be in the high
$200 to low $300 range. There will be three subwoofers offered with the XP and
VP lines. Each will feature front-firing passive radiators, down-firing, slot-
loaded active woofers and face-mounted blue LEDs. MSRPs will be from about the
mid $200 to high $300 range.

For audiophiles who are as serious about fashion as they are about
function, AR is offering two speaker systems designed for in-ceiling and in-
wall applications. Both have performance-enhancing woofer and tweeter systems
and will fit into virtually any decor without compromising sound quality.

"We are feeling very optimistic about the AR line up," says Lavelle. "The
three systems we are introducing take into account all of the requirements
necessary for a high-quality Home Theater system -- and exceeds them. They
provide a home cinema performance without compromise. Each system has been
designed to capture the sonic 'punch' that are so prevalent in today's bass-
heavy film soundtracks; it gives a whole new meaning to the definition of Home
Theater. "

In the lifestyle category, AR has two indoor/outdoor speakers that take
the best of technology and design and combine them into easy-to-install
products for any home setting. These products are made to perform in any
casual environment and will handle almost any weather scenario with ease.
"As you can see, we are placing an impressive line of Acoustic Research
products into the market where, we feel, they will enjoy the respect this
brand has had for over fifty years. The line will receive the support of
Audiovox sales, marketing and technical service. We believe that dealers will
welcome our programs and will see how Acoustic Research products can increase
their sales and profits and deliver the quality they expect from the brand,"
Lavelle concluded.

Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Audiovox Corporation (Nasdaq: VOXX). AEC is a recognized leader in the
marketing of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and consumer
electronics products. The company is number one in mobile video and places in
the top ten of almost every category that it sells. Among the products
marketed by AEC are mobile video systems, portable DVD players, flat-panel
TV's, auto sound systems including satellite radio, vehicle security, and
consumer electronics products such as extended range two-way radios, multi
media products like MP 3 players, and home and portable stereos. The company
markets its products through an extensive distribution network that includes
power retailers, 12-volt specialists, mass merchandisers and an OE sales
group. The company markets products under the Audiovox, Jensen, Acoustic
Research, Advent, Code Alarm and Prestige brands. For additional information,
visit our web site at http://www.audiovox.com.


LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER - 2004 WCES
Audiovox-Code Alarm Booth 8304
Jensen-Rampage Booth 1425

Public Relations Contact: Investor and Financial Media Contact:
Melvin Clapman Glenn Wiener
Melvin Clapman Public Relations GW Communications
(718) 474-2528 or (212) 786-6011 or
[email protected] [email protected]

 

[John S]

Good to see the Brand name made it.

I wonder if that goes for most of it's employee base and facilities too.


It will be interesting to see where it goes.
It does seem the new owners are going to put some investment in it at least.

 

[Jack Briggs]

That there will be AR-branded plasma panels made me do a double-take. But, then, the original AR not only marketed but made its own turntable (the classic AR-Xa), integrated amplifier, and tuner. But this latest incarnation of AR seems like so many once-venerable brands that have been consumed by megaconglomerates.

 

[RISUG]

Terence - thanks for the info buddy.

Jack - I hear ya.

I guess all we can do is hope that Audiovox does right by the AR name. Having said that, I'd rather see the AR name die than on crappy products. We'll see what happens.

 

[terence]

I feel the same as you do, and took my thoughts right out of my head.

 

[Brian Bunge]

That just sounds funny. A video product with the word "acoustic" in the name.

 

[Kevin Farley]

I miss my 58b's.

 

[terence]

Well i can't wait to hear the XP Series, I seen a glossy ad back in the 2002-2003 S&V Buyers guide that i have. They look very good and unique.

 

[terence]

Well I have pictures now!

XP SERIES







AR Subs



http://www.cinenow.com/us/reportage.php/sid,801/

 

[ChadLB]

TERENCE,
Does it say what the tweeters are made of or do you know? Titanium? Interesting

 

[Danny Tse]

Those tower speakers looks like the ones that were displayed on AR's previous website. The bookshelf speakers look sweet though. Can't wait to see AR get back on its feet, once again.

 

[terence]

Same here. I got my eye's on those XP's, I want to hear them ASAP!

 

[Danny Tse]

When Jensen International purchased both NHT and AR, I was hoping that AR finally has found itself it good hands. And they were in good hands for a while. Now that NHT looks to be in good hands at Rockford, I am hoping the same for AR.

 

[Nick B]

I have an old pair of AR94s that I am still using. When I say old, I mean that I purchased them used in 1982. Then, they sounded better than anything the salesman had new. They started sounding pretty crappy around the mid 90's, so I slipped off the black acoustic cloth that covered them to discover that the woofers and midrange drivers had rotted around the edges.

Everyone told me that they were quite valuable and would be expensive to replace for comparable sound quality, so I started looking for parts. In 1996, I was able to locate new woofers and mids through AB Technical Services out of Hopedale, MA. I installed them and we have been humming along ever since.

I have now purchased a HT speaker set-up for a dedicated HT room. I have yet to set things up, so I have not listened to the new speakers (AV123 Rockets). I have been wondering what to do with my ARs. How will they stack up against "today's" speakers? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Nick

 

[RISUG]

Thanks for the pics Terence.

Very interesting.

 

[terence]

No problem, I will keep this thread updated when i find new info. Feel free to do the same guys.

 

[ChadLB]

Reese/Terence.....
Well I am thinking of maybe upgrading my speakers. I have been looking at the Axiom/Rockets/Dalis. Will be demoing each over the next 2 months........it may not happen soon but I have the upgrade bug......

 

[terence]

I understand Chad, once bitten nothing can stop the crave. Keep us posted, that a good list to start with. Did you guys get my e-mail?

 

[ChadLB]

Yes,
Thanks for the info and pics.......

this is what I would like to do:
Replace my 811(Outlaw 950/Rotel 1066/B&K Ref 30)
Replace all my speakers(Axiom,Rockets,Dalis)
Replace my parasound amp with 150*5 at least(Ultimate would be a sherbourn 5 channel but may settle for the Parasound 1205)
add another 25-31PC+ or just get the PB2+ as recommended by SVS.....no particular order just the bug

Oh Denon 2200 also.......then I would be done for a couple of years until the DLP prices drop on projectors.

How are you enjoying the Marantz amp? Did you buy it from A4less? Great price for a 5 channel amp like that.

 

[terence]

I am having a blast with the MM-9000! It is very dynamic & gives my dvd's,cd's new life. Also it very clean with PLENTY of headroom, oh i just love that word. Yes i got mine from A4less, this thing is a steal! I highly recommend it and for you to add it to your list.