Victrola Acquires KLH Audio

Victrola, the company that first popularized phonographs for the home market in the early 20th century, has announced the acquisition of renowned loudspeaker brand KLH Audio. Both brands have played significant roles in the history of audio, and this strategic partnership will merge “deep heritage and advanced innovation to define the future of premium consumer audio,” according to a press release announcing the deal. Founded in 1906, Victrola is the oldest surviving record player brand in the USA, and is now best known for inexpensive products with mass-market appeal, though they may be lacking in audiophile bonafides. KLH Audio, established in 1957 by Henry Kloss, Malcolm S. Low, and Josef Anton Hofmann, was a pioneering company with incredible influence during the mid-century HiFi boom. The brand became revered by audiophiles and industry professionals alike during the 1950s and ‘60s, thanks to its flood of groundbreaking designs. 

Henry Kloss is perhaps best known for his development of the acoustic suspension loudspeaker, but KLH also introduced the first high-selectivity FM table radio, the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, and the first portable solid-state record player. The company also played a pivotal role in bringing Dolby noise reduction technology to consumer audio. KLH eventually changed hands a few times, and fell off the high-end audio map for decades. Then David P. Kelley acquired KLH in 2017 and relaunched the brand, as we now know it, in 2019. KLH Audio now makes well-regarded loudspeakers for 2-channel audio, based on classic designs, as well as some models for home theater.

KLH has maintained a legacy of being one of the most influential names in audio. For nearly 100 years, both KLH and Victrola have repeatedly delivered innovation through beautifully and thoughtfully designed products. Bringing these two brands and teams together merges uncompromising performance with rapid innovation and design, enabling us to deliver the best music playback solutions in the most relevant formats for music lovers today and in the future.

— Scott Hagen, Victrola CEO

We’re told that this acquisition signifies “a renewed investment in audio craftsmanship” for Victrola. The brand’s current offerings are popular among casual music-lovers — audiophiles might consider them “normal people” — while the current lineup of KLH speakers appeals to a customer with more premium tastes and healthier, four-figure budgets. Each brand will reportedly continue to serve these distinct demographics while focusing on maximizing sound quality. We’ve seen a number of high-profile acquisitions in the audio world in the last year alone, as the industry appears to be experiencing significant shifts. (See our articles Bose Acquires McIntosh Group and Parent Company PML of Paradigm, MartinLogan Buys GoldenEar From Audioquest.) Victrola says that it has strong financial commitment to ensure that “Victrola and KLH stand as pillars of stability and innovation.” Victrola says that both companies will continue investing in cutting-edge, consumer-friendly products that set new standards for quality and performance.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for KLH. 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.

— David Kelley, KLH Brand President

KLH CEO David Kelley, who was once President of Global Sales for Klipsch, has been appointed Brand President of KLH under the Victrola umbrella. Kelley’s 2019 relaunch was certainly a success, and he will “lead KLH’s continued evolution, preserving its legacy while driving new growth,” according to the press release. He has decades of industry experience under his belt, and it will be interesting to see what changes may come about for KLH under new ownership.

More information: KLH Audio