Industry Update
Imerge merged: Linear, LLC (Carlsbad, CA, USA) has acquired Imerge, Ltd. (Cambridge, UK), one of Europe's top providers of Internet-connected, hard disk-based audio products and media appliances. (Imerge's relational XiVA-Link database software is used in such products as the Linn">http://www.stereophile.com/digitalsourcereviews/497">Linn Kivor media server.) Linear is best known for its engineered radio-frequency (RF) products and as a major supplier of wireless residential security systems, intercoms, garage door operators, gate operators, short- and long-range radio remote controls, and medical/emergency reporting systems. In recent years the company, through acquisition, has expanded into consumer electronics, home entertainment products, and structured wiring systems for the builder market. Imerge will join Linear's Home Technology Group.
Industry Update
Linear buys Sunfire: Following its acquisition">http://www.stereophile.com/news/082905industry">acquisition of Imerge and Nileshttp://www.stereophile.com/news/072505linear">Niles;, Linear">http:www.linearcorp.com">Linear, LLC, a division of Nortek">http:www.nortek-inc.com">Nortek, Inc. has acquired Sunfire">http:www.sunfire.com">Sunfire Corporation, manufacturer of high-end amplifiers and speakers. No details of the deal were disclosed, other than to say that Bob Carver "will remain with Sunfire."
Industry Update
This is the time of year we are generally inundated with press releases announcing new home theater products that debuted at CEDIA Expo last week (and as audionerds, er 'philes, we are fascinated, of course). However, this year we also received word of some interesting audio products from two of the most consistently innovative high-end audio companies, Meridian and Classé.
Industry Update
Rocky Mountain Audio High: The Rocky Mountain Audio Fest will be held at the Denver Marriott Tech Center Hotel (4900 South Syracuse; Denver, CO) from September 30 through October 2. In addition to over 70 demo rooms, there will be seminars and musical entertainment. Details and pre-registration can be found herehttp://www.audiofest.net/ShowInfo.htm">here;.
Industry Update
Peter Madnick, alchemist: Designer Peter Madnick is bringing new life to a classic audio marque with his new Alchemy2 line of components. The reference, for audiophiles with short memories, is to the now defunct Audio Alchemy line, for which he designed so many products. Alchemy2 employs Madnick's original engineering staff and has established a goal to "address the enthusiast market with cool little boxes designed to solve problems and enhance system enjoyment." That sounds familiar.
Industry Update
Stereovox's new Signals: Stereovox, Inc. and Signals-SuperFi, LLC have announced that worldwide distribution for Stereovox products will be handled exclusively by Signals-SuperFi from its Atlanta, GA offices as of November 1, 2005. Known for innovative audio, video, and digital cable technology, Stereovox hopes to increase its exposure and market share by more closely associating with the luxury audio brands represented by Signals-SuperFi.
Industry Update
Nagra USA: The Kudelski Group has announced that Nagra USA, Inc. has appointed John R. Quick of Tempo Sales & Marketing its national sales manager for the United States. Quick was formerly national sales manager for Aerial Acoustics and has experience in high-end A/V sales, system engineering, project management, and control systems integration.
Industry Update
Burmester: Burmester">http://www.burmester.de/">Burmester Audio Systems has a new distributor, Soundquest LLC, which has been distributing Audio">http://www.audiophysic.com/">Audio Physic for some time. Tel: (212) 731-0729. Fax: (212) 731-0730.
Industry Update
Signal savings: Signals SuperFi, LLC did something you don't see every day: It actually lowered its price for Stereovox Reference level SEI-600 interconnects. The SEI-600 is a line-level, single-ended, single-jacket "stereo" cable. Signals has dropped the price of a 1m pair from $999.99 to $749.99 (each extra 0.5m adds $250).
Industry Update
Audica MPS-1: Audicahttp://www.audica.co.uk/">Audica;, the Cambridge, UK–based manufacturer founded by Kieron Dunk (formerly of Mission, Denon, Cyrus, Infinity, and Klipsch, to name but a few) is finally shipping its stylish MPS-1 desktop audio system ($400). The MPS-1 consists of two diminutive extruded aluminum loudspeakers and a 25Wpc amplifier/control center with three 3.5mm inputs (one high sensitivity for portables and other low-output sources; the others with lower sensitivity and higher input impedence). The MPS-1 control center also has USB and FireWire connections to facilitate recharging portable players' batteries.