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Boston Acoustics and Snell bought by D&M Holdings

D&M Holdings which owns Denon, Marantz, McIntosh to name a few now will own Boston Acoustics and Snell. When does this company buyout trend end and what does it mean to the audio industry? With one company having controlling interest in so many well known and respected audio manufactures, can we expect a convergience of technology? Would that mean that the high end lowers it's quality and becomes part of a corporate average? What will happen to for example McIntosh will it's resale fall more in line with Denon or Marantz, or will it hold it's own? What do you fellow AG'ers think?
128x128theo
foxtrot
211 posts
 
This is starting to look like the car industry...
theo's avatar
theo OP
2,694 posts
 
Mark I appreciate your perspective and hope that you are right. I looked at you system, I also am a Mc owner MC 352, MX135 and MC7205. I just don't want to see my stuff de-valued prematurely. You make good sense. Thanks for your comments
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
I love to support the fewer and fewer remaining independents. The high end audio industry is becoming a corporate mega-monster! The good news is that designers and engineers producing exceptional gear, yet not having a good business sense, can have their products survive beyond the beta stage or a limited production run.

The bad news is that the "bean counters" and marketing divisions will be more influential in product development, redesign, and upgrades than the designers and engineers themselves!
rgodin
85 posts
 
I think there are some potential negative consequences to a sale of this type, especially as it relates product offerings and design control. There some positive ones as well. This can often mean in infusion of cash to get products off the drawing board and into production as well as the sharing of knowledge and technology between the companies in the same group.
pinestate
20 posts
 
It’s kind-of sad to see a Japanese company gobble-up such historical American brands.

Such names as Marantz, McIntosh and Boston Acoustics were important American Audio companies. There are some pluses that have happened over the year since the McIntosh and Marantz acquisitions – the reissue of classic amps and Pre-amps.

Maybe with Snell they’ll re-release the EIII’s or AIIIi’s. Nice classic speakers that every one should have tried. I just hope they don’t see Snell as expendable -- They’re great group of guys and gals producing high quality audio. – The fit and finish of their speakers tells you what they’re all about! Plus Mark is one of the best customer service reps I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with.
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