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The survival of the fittest.

I am constantly surprised at the vast number of speaker manufacturers. But many fall by the wayside. Plenty of reasons why they fail, but more interested in why certain makers continue to succeed.

Sound
Marketing
Fit and Finish
Price
Product availability
New technology
Manufacture association
Profit margin
Luck

I realize most of these in combination contribute but if you had to rank them my money is on the marketing and fit/finish, in that order with sound holding up the rear. Thoughts?
jpwarren58
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
339 posts
 
High end survives over time by establishing a loyal customer base.  Magnepan is one of those companies.  No one ever made money by selling one to a customer.

That is true for speakers as well as electronics.  Tektron seems to be getting a following, time will tell.

Marketing has value, but quality and value is what makes repeat business.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
@simao  I remember OHM advertisements in late 70's.  They also had a lot of positive reviews.   Once company product is known and respected it likely doesn't need much advertising.  On the other hand it puzzles me that they are able to operate direct only.  Perhaps quality/price ratio and friendly policies, like 120 days trial or 5 years warranty, are attractive enough.

As for Hyperions - one reviewer liked them more than Wilson Puppy (for less than 1/4 $$$)

http://hyperion.droppages.com/Images/Hear%20the%20Hype_low_res.pdf
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,335 posts
 
One other very unique aspect of Ohm that helps I suspect is the patented, totally unique design and performance aspect of the Walsh products. That clearly differentiates the products from others. It helps to have something unique of value to offer.   There is nothing else out there I know of  that can easily replace a pair of Ohm Walsh speakers at any price. 

simao's avatar
simao
1,830 posts
 
So, question: How does someone like Atma-Sphere continue operating? I mean, what broad marketing does he have to account for his continuing sales?
@kijanki I wasn't aware that Ohm had those ads back then. That probably accounted for their launchpad.

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
I'll add Tannoy to that list of enduring brands, both Tannoy and wharfedale are the oldest speaker companies still going today. All I can say about Tekton, you only need one properly performing and designed tweeter with a superior crossover to the midrange driver to effectively have a great sound result. 
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