After reading the media statement released by Gentex Corporation on Dec 18 last year following its acquisition of VOXX International, it was quite clear that Klipsch, Onkyo and Integra will still be in business.
It was also quite clear that Gentex is eyeing the auto music system market and build on the success of Klipsch’s Reference Premiere auto music systems.
The media statement reads: “The acquisition of VOXX is a strategic addition to the Gentex portfolio of products. The majority of the revenue of VOXX is comprised of automotive OEM and aftermarket business, as well as the consumer electronics industry. Through the transaction, Gentex will gain full access to the EyeLock iris biometric technology, which represents a unique, extremely accurate and highly secure method of authentication, which will provide further product applications into the Gentex automotive, aerospace and medical markets. The acquisition will also include the Premium Audio Company, which is known as the most innovative and complete premium audio solution provider in the consumer technology space and includes world renowned brands such as Klipsch, Onkyo and Integra. Gentex believes its expertise in high volume manufacturing will help the Premium Audio team to continue its expansion in the consumer technology and connected home space, through newly launched Gentex products, such as Place, and HomeLink Smart Home Solutions. Additionally, the Gentex sales and business development teams will further equip the Premium Audio team with additional automaker exposure to build on the early success of several OEM launches of Klipsch Reference Premiere audio systems.”
Note that only three brands — Klipsch, Onkyo and Integra — were mentioned. The other brands owned by Premium Audio Company — Pioneer, Elite, Magnat and Heco — were left out of the media statement, leaving the possibility that more developments including disposals may be announced later. Other brands like Jamo and Energy have already been sold to Chinese investors.
On Dec 19, Onkyo announced its rebirth as an iconic and legendary brand. The Onkyo media release states: “Onkyo, a leader in premium consumer electronics since 1946, is unveiling a bold new vision for the future. Committed to raising the bar for technology and home entertainment, Onkyo aims to deliver innovative solutions that will captivate music, movie, and gaming enthusiasts across generations worldwide. With this renewed focus, Onkyo is poised to achieve new milestones in 2025 and beyond.
“At The Heart of Entertainment, Onkyo products are the central hub for all multimedia applications and offer superior sound performance regardless of source or format. They offer control, power, processing, enhancements and precise delivery for stellar digital playback. For music lovers, vinyl record collectors, work-from-home creators and movie fans alike, Onkyo’s next generation of products will certainly exceed expectations.”
It was also announced that “Onkyo’s new home speaker series, and a new electronic separate series will be announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas”.
In September last year while VOXX still owned the brands, Klipsch announced its collaboration with Marvel Television’s ”Agatha All Along,” streaming on Disney+. Onkyo announced its collaboration with Marvel TV in December. Klipsch and Onkyo are the official home speaker system of the series.
Onkyo also announced a collaboration somewhat reminiscent of the ‘Focal powered by Naim’ concept. It will have a ‘Powered by Onkyo’ theme that will continue to seen in Klipsch products which are equipped with Onkyo-engineered electronics. “Elevating the Onkyo brand as the reference audio name will continue through the future with even more co-branded endeavors. One exciting example is our collaboration with Klipsch on the Flexus Sound Systems—powered by Onkyo,” states the media release.
The future will be exciting for Klipsch powered by Onkyo and there will even be high-end components.
“While Onkyo is synonymous with home theater AV receivers today, our ambitions reach far beyond that. We’re excited to announce that we’re developing an entirely new range of products designed to cater to both everyday audio consumers and high-end, premium hi-fi listeners. You will be introduced to new product categories as Onkyo returns to home speakers and advanced specialty electronics,” Onkyo states.
