Audio Research

Audio ResearchType| Corporation

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Industry| Electronics
Founded| 1970; 56 years ago (1970)
Founder| William Z. Johnson
Headquarters| Maple Grove, 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. https://www.stereophile.com/interviews/894z/index.html.
2. ↑ Stone, Steven (December 22, 2011). "William Zane Johnson R.I.P. 1926 - 2011". https://audiophilereview.com/audiophile-news/william-zane-johnson-rip-1926
2011.html.
3. ↑ Johnston, Lisa (August 10, 2016). "Fine Sounds Group changes name to McIntosh Group". Twice. ISSN 0892-7278. http://www.twice.com/news/audio/fine-sounds-group-changes-name-mcintosh-group/62447.

## External links

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