Victrola Acquires KLH Audio: A Powerful Union of Vintage Legacy and High-Fidelity Innovation
In a landmark move that redefines the future of premium hi-fi audio, Victrola — America’s most enduring record player brand — has officially acquired KLH Audio, the iconic speaker manufacturer with roots tracing back to 1957. Founded by legendary audio innovators Henry Kloss, Malcolm S. Low, and Josef Anton Hofmann, KLH has long been celebrated for its pioneering contributions to loudspeaker engineering and acoustic excellence.
This acquisition marks a bold step forward, uniting two storied brands under a shared vision of blending audio heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Victrola’s trajectory — from vintage turntables to modern music playback systems — now intersects with KLH’s legacy of high-end speaker design, signaling a new era for both companies. As Victrola CEO Scott Hagen shared with StereoNET:
“KLH has maintained a legacy of being one of the most influential names in audio. For nearly 100 years, both KLH and Victrola have delivered innovation through beautifully and thoughtfully designed products. Bringing these two brands and teams together merges uncompromising performance with rapid innovation and design.”
This strategic partnership comes at a pivotal moment in the high-end audio market. While some traditional hi-fi brands face ownership instability or shifting priorities, Victrola’s acquisition of KLH underscores a commitment to long-term quality, brand integrity, and consumer-driven innovation.
KLH Audio, revered for pushing the boundaries of loudspeaker design and sound performance, will continue to operate under its iconic brand identity. Former KLH CEO David Kelley — also a seasoned executive from Klipsch — has been named Brand President of KLH. He emphasized the opportunity to leverage new resources to scale innovation and expand KLH’s international presence:
“With the additional resources and support from Victrola, we are poised to elevate our research and development efforts, expand our global market presence, and continue creating groundbreaking audio solutions for our dealers and distributors around the world.”
This acquisition strategically positions Victrola to go beyond its roots in turntables and lifestyle audio equipment, entering the premium loudspeaker category with authority. Simultaneously, KLH benefits from access to enhanced distribution channels and a faster-paced R&D cycle. The brands will retain their unique product lines and identities while strategically aligning technological and operational assets to innovate across audio categories and platforms.
For audio enthusiasts, this synergy between KLH’s engineering heritage and Victrola’s market reach is more than just another industry merger — it’s a potential catalyst for the future of high-performance sound. With both brands targeting the evolving needs of today’s listeners, we can expect new product innovations that pay homage to classic fidelity while embracing what’s next.
Industry insiders are already speculating about what’s to come, as both brands hint at ambitious product releases and global growth strategies on the horizon. Stay tuned for further updates as this dynamic partnership unfolds.
For more information, visit Victrola.
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