Big changes at Audio Research (again)

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2013
Messages
31,197
Location
Sarasota, FL
Val Acora is out at Audio Research.

Roger Hwang takes over.

Dave Gordon is back as the lead man.

As a former Platinum Level Audio Research dealer, my take is that McIntosh set them up for failure.

I wish them the best of luck, but two bankruptcies now will not calm any buyers fears.
 
From a tube-lover perspective I do hope they succeed, even though they are not my favorite sound.

I do think those rock-speakers are pretty poor sounding.
 
Its never great when craft companies start charging hands. Sometimes it works but its difficult to maintain the ethos that built the products that built the company. I hope it works out and maybe reducing the investors will help.
 
Kramer64 said:
Its never great when craft companies start charging hands. Sometimes it works but its difficult to maintain the ethos that built the products that built the company. I hope it works out and maybe reducing the investors will help.
Click to expand...

I suspect WZJ is looking down with wonder.........:unsure:
 
Mr Peabody said:
If he owned it all along then why was Acora's buy in such news? I read he saved them from the bankruptcy. The saga is confusing.
Click to expand...
The confusion is unparalleled. One customer said to me today, “If we can’t trust them to be open and honest about the ownership from the beginning, how can we trust them buying their gear?”
 
Mike said:
The confusion is unparalleled. One customer said to me today, “If we can’t trust them to be open and honest about the ownership from the beginning, how can we trust them buying their gear?”
Click to expand...

It's interesting to me certain people 'in the industry' who consistently preach about transparency and honesty yet are bending over backwards now to make excuses as to why this is OK on behalf of ARC.

Almost as bad as claiming to be unbiased and neutral and then sending an email begging for money from companies to pay for show coverage and forgetting to ever disclose that...
 

Ron Resnick​

ontrsedSop6l2180c5c6c5l4ulc1fu1c0auh0ifcmmcclu70f733am3l525t ·

🚨
BREAKING NEWS
VALERIO CORA OUT AT ACORA ACOUSTICS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Acora Acoustics Announces Leadership Transition and Strategic Review
Crystal Claire to Provide Direct Oversight as Company Reviews Operations and Future Direction
Toronto, ON — July 2, 2026 — Acora Acoustics today announced a leadership transition as the company begins a strategic and operational review of its business, structure, dealer relationships, customer support commitments, and future direction. Valerio Cora is transitioning out of day-to-day executive leadership responsibilities with Acora Acoustics. The company thanks Valerio for his past efforts and contributions to the development and market recognition of the Acora brand.
Crystal Claire, Acora’s principal financial backer, will provide direct oversight during this review period. The review is intended to give the company a clear and disciplined path forward while protecting the interests of dealers, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
“Acora Acoustics was built around a distinctive product vision and a commitment to high-performance loudspeaker design,” said Roger Hwang, representing Crystal Claire. “Our focus now is to bring clarity, discipline, and stability to the business while supporting the dealers and customers who believe in the brand.”
During this period, Acora will continue to communicate directly with its dealer network and customers as decisions are made. Dealer and customer inquiries should be directed to Allan Haggar (US and Canada) and David Schultz (International).
Acora Acoustics and Audio Research Corporation are separate businesses. Audio Research’s operations, product development, dealer support, service, and warranty support continue independently.
About Acora Acoustics
Acora Acoustics is a Canadian high-performance loudspeaker company known for its use of natural stone enclosures, precision craftsmanship, and commitment to sonic neutrality. The company serves dealers, distributors, and music lovers in the global high-end audio market.
See les
 
BendingWave said:

Ron Resnick​

ontrsedSop6l2180c5c6c5l4ulc1fu1c0auh0ifcmmcclu70f733am3l525t ·

🚨
BREAKING NEWS
VALERIO CORA OUT AT ACORA ACOUSTICS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Acora Acoustics Announces Leadership Transition and Strategic Review
Crystal Claire to Provide Direct Oversight as Company Reviews Operations and Future Direction
Toronto, ON — July 2, 2026 — Acora Acoustics today announced a leadership transition as the company begins a strategic and operational review of its business, structure, dealer relationships, customer support commitments, and future direction. Valerio Cora is transitioning out of day-to-day executive leadership responsibilities with Acora Acoustics. The company thanks Valerio for his past efforts and contributions to the development and market recognition of the Acora brand.
Crystal Claire, Acora’s principal financial backer, will provide direct oversight during this review period. The review is intended to give the company a clear and disciplined path forward while protecting the interests of dealers, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
“Acora Acoustics was built around a distinctive product vision and a commitment to high-performance loudspeaker design,” said Roger Hwang, representing Crystal Claire. “Our focus now is to bring clarity, discipline, and stability to the business while supporting the dealers and customers who believe in the brand.”
During this period, Acora will continue to communicate directly with its dealer network and customers as decisions are made. Dealer and customer inquiries should be directed to Allan Haggar (US and Canada) and David Schultz (International).
Acora Acoustics and Audio Research Corporation are separate businesses. Audio Research’s operations, product development, dealer support, service, and warranty support continue independently.
About Acora Acoustics
Acora Acoustics is a Canadian high-performance loudspeaker company known for its use of natural stone enclosures, precision craftsmanship, and commitment to sonic neutrality. The company serves dealers, distributors, and music lovers in the global high-end audio market.
See les
Click to expand...

I wonder what happened to prompt Val to lose or let go of his company that is his namesake. I'm a fan of both hope it goes well.
 
I don't own Acora or ARC, but whatever the particulars, I was glad to see a storied brand like ARC rescued a few years ago. Both firms seem to have a loyal, satisfied customer base. I wish them continued success. Those of us who are paying for all this-lowly consumers-benefit from a thriving, innovative industry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top