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Manufacturers past their heyday

There are many companies that we all recall from years gone by that are gone. There are some companies that while still around, seem be be past their glory days. For instant, while Conrad Johnson is still around, they just don’t seem to be nearly as relevant as they used to be. Of course, my thought on CJ are purely subjective. And yet other companies seem to be as relevant today as they were 20 of more years ago. VPI perhaps? Definitely McIntosh. 

Who are the other former high flyers that seem to be operating on an altogether different level these days? 
128x128zavato
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,011 posts
 
mrpaul,
The thread isn't about companies that are out of business, just those that are past their prime.
rterlisner
14 posts
 
can you imagine how long the list is for manufacturers that should never have gone into the audio business???!!!!!
petg60
1,486 posts
 
The best example i can think of is Sony,  sure they are still involved somehow, but their interests show that they have changed and are nowhere near they heydays. 
larryrs
132 posts
 
I think the answer is very simple.  The heyday of consumer audio was from the late 60's through the mid-80's.  The manufacturers who developed a loyal following then and have continued to produce equipment that appeals to that following remain.
sjackso1
13 posts
 
A speaker I owned and thoroughly enjoyed in the past was Jantzen.  I had the 412A model of speakers.  They had a 12 inch woofer and 2x2 array of electrostatic elements in a sealed box.  The company is still around and is now run by the son of the original owner.  I have not heard a current production model.  I would love to hear them, however, they are way out reach of my retirement income.
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