Sound United BUYS Onkyo, Pioneer - Noise Complaints with Andrew Robinson, E1

Sound United BUYS Onkyo, Pioneer - Noise Complaints with Andrew Robinson, E1
The big news in specialty audio video is the acquisition of Onkyo, Integra and Pioneer by AV conglomerate, Sound United. I breakdown what we know, and what this means for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike in the first episode of Noise Complaints.
2020 UPDATE: Sound United apparently backed out of this deal. The news is that Klipsch has taken over distribution for Onkyo, etc.
AV RECEIVERS MENTIONED
Denon Receivers: amzn.to/2Hjc5NA
Marantz Receivers: amzn.to/2Ywt8S1
Onkyo Receivers: amzn.to/2Yxi9rM
Integra Receivers: amzn.to/2LLB5kP
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Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless NCX Headphones: bit.ly/WH1000xm4
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SENNHEISER AMBEO: bit.ly/35yLQO1
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Hisense H9G: bit.ly/H9GTV
TCL 6 Series: amzn.to/35Vn9NO
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#onkyo #hometheater #audiovideo

[@crusaderLF]

I run a specialty audio store but in the car/12 volt industry. This happens with us too. It usually ends in lower quality product that is mass produced for low cost. The goal by the mother ship is to ride the wave of the brand selling the product.

[@rlwings]

Yup, I agree with you... It means standardization, no competition, sameness (like Denon and Marantz), slowed innovation, fixed pricing, and no creative motivation... But on the plus side Onkyo will probably get Audyssey back, and their HDMI switching has just improved by 100%. :)

[@ralphgould2783]

As a retired engineer in the broadcast equipment industry I have seen this before. We already have things like class D amplifiers and distortion measured at 10% like the RCA and Magnavox consoles of the early 1950's. We have receivers with 7 channels of 100 watts with only a 400 watt power supply. Investor companies have no interest in the best products on the return. They will not compromise profit for quality. This is happening in so many industries these days.

[@rvickner]

less competition is never a good thing

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Agreed.

[@someguyfromarcticfreezer6854]

I love Onkyo, they make very high quality speakers and amplifiers, sad to see it goes for nothing, they make (in my opinion) the best audio equipment without distortion (that is their trademark; sound without sound distortion).

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Andrew great idea for a new video series. I found this very interesting. I am hoping that acquisitions like this don't lead to product homogenization. Meaning the only difference between products is the stamped on the case. Hopefully brands will be able to retain characteristics that gave them a certain uniqueness . Very cool video for the introduction of the Noise Complaints series.

[@JorgeCanela]

It will, almost definitely, lead to product homogenization and I would guess to worse products or worse value for money on new products. Having one group hold everything will diminish market competition, therefore leaving us more exposed to the group's will. But I'm a pessimist these days...

[@FURognar]

The big question mark is for the budget shopper. The war between Denon and Onkyo was GREAT for the consumer. Each one would try to outdo the other for technology that trickled down to lower cost options in their lines. Whats going to happen now that they are no longer actual competitors? Are we still going to get these rock bottom prices?

[@phoutjes]

all go to yamaha :o

[@TheDrumphile]

I agree - when once innovative brands consolidate under different ownership, the best innovations and quality of said brands inevitably drops. I like Pioneer and their Elite line of audio gear has always impressed me.

[@gee7975]

Economics 101. Less competition, higher prices

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

True, though I feel audio video tech didn't take Econ 101 as we always seem to be in a race to the bottom.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews Yep especially since A/V receivers have been as low as 150-200 dollars in recent years and when they break down, they are a PITA to fix as you literally have to dismantle much of it to get to the main PCB if the fault lies there, seriously, it costs more to replace than to repair these things. 12VoltVids as done a few videos fixing various mass market A/V receivers and find them a royal pain to work on.

[@bryanedewaard858]

@@johnhpalmer6098 Add to that the crack-prone lead-free solder and cheap capacitors in most stuff nowadays.

[@johnhpalmer6098]

@@bryanedewaard858 Indeed, lead free solder is now a regulation, especially in Europe unfortunately and not much a manufacturer can do about that but many good companies will at least put in quality parts where it counts still but I doubt that happens in the cheap to budget territory as much if at all.

[@roymindmybusiness6908]

this is a nail in the coffin for hifi-AV as we know it -how much design staff is already gone from all these "acquisitions" a sad day indeed I had top of the line Onkyo gear from the mid 1980's and it was class leading the sound was so clear ,clean and alive I loved it -This bunch of bean counters will never allow Onkyo or Pioneer to be great again -The Elite TAD stuff all those engineers?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

While I do not think it's the "end" of AV, you do bring up a good point, one that is often overlooked, and that is the loss of jobs for many. That part is most definitely sad.

[@roymindmybusiness6908]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews that unique skill set is a severe loss to Audio for sure -can you see cheap-ass bean counters making TAD quality stuff? Who knows what brilliant ideas are lost due to investment in training and engineering not taking place. Look at one of their brands now Def Tech -there products are almost Walmart quality -i could not imagine paying the money they want in Australia for that -yet i had BP 10, BP 7000sc and 7001sc and they were excellent speakers (treble could have been better) This last few series terrible -so Onkyo are going Cheap for sure

[@raymondleggs5508]

@@roymindmybusiness6908 And a lot of "off" brands are starting to kill the big manufacturers in respect to sound quality to price ratio, it's just more plain looking and there may be a few less crossover components and there may be more plastic implimented, but the big mfgr's secretly do the same, No one would think that a pair of $140.00 towers with AMT tweeters could possibly sound pretty good over a decade ago, now it's possible, Even "junk" brands like "pyle", "Technical Pro" and a bunch of those chi-Fi companies Have some decent products that sound the same as and do the same things some of the costlier name brand products are doing now. I'm talking small integrated amps and some of thier receivers.

[@ShellstaTube]

Posted in community teaser - not repeating it here. A further point though ... Consumers/Manufacturers - stop this 'race to bottom' where options and quality are lost to the $$$.

[@NickP333]

Great idea for the “Noise Complaints” series, Andrew.

[@smwsmwsmw]

This pretty much leaves us with only three brands in the AVR mass-market space. Sony, Yamaha and Sound United. Harman/Kardon has pretty much abandoned the market, and NAD, Athem, Outlaw and Arcam are more niche players.

[@hattree]

You should revisit this, as it seems to not have occurred, and Onkyo USA has died and it's all something called 11 Trading Company

[@dereksewkumar07]

" Onkyo ..my faith is strong ..but feeling really sad too 😢! d 🤕💜🇪🇺🗺

[@donkeyballs2172]

I agree with this guy. One company owning all these others companies is not good for the consumer. Now if you all these receivers are going to be similar. I’ll put off buying any receivers or an equipment until the dust settles.

[@scottlowell493]

This is like the Harman International borg collective assimilation years ago...

[@Gorilla_Jones]

I worked for Harman. They are only interested in stealing technology and engineers for their connected car division. Do not support Harman. They are morally corrupt.

[@chrisbradshaw159]

I.M.H.O. Multi speaker AV surround sound systems are dead for most average households.'' I'm thinking of buying this new 11 speaker +2 subwoofer system with a massive receiver for our lounge darling'' '' If you do that I'll divorce you!!!'' This applies to all home makers whatever their gender. Just hope that if this deal goes through money will be invested to make home theater systems far more discreet but still sound good and Pioneer is allowed to produce the stunning stereo amps they used to be known for.Also, I hope quality control is far far better than Gibson Guitars have become known for!!! I know this from experience! End of rant.

[@raymondleggs5508]

lol I always thought it was funny how people hate something as innocuous as a speaker that much lol.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

People are fucking stupid and younger men are pussies.

[@kirkcunningham6146]

Gibson had to dump some of their electronic divisions. Im curious to know what's going to happen with Cerwin Vega. I would love to see them bounce back and become competitive again.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

For Cerwin Vega to bounce back would be a miracle. It's been a hot minute since that brand has been relevant.

[@kirkcunningham6146]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews their pro audio division is doing pretty good. The CVE and CVX line of powered subs and speakers are getting good reviews. I have two CVE 18S subs for Home Theater. They blend well with my JBL 590's and will play down to 25hz corner loaded. However, their home lines need desperate attention. Its kind of sad because they are very much apart of audio history. They kicked ass in the 70's, 80's and even the 90's.

[@bendermac]

The similarities can already been seen with Denon and Marantz AVR. The shell looks different, but the features are very similar, if not the same

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

It was even worse when McIntosh was under the Denon/Marantz banner, oh boy! But yes, parody is the name of the game now. Thanks for watching the new show!

[@matthewgaines10]

@bendemac Similarity between Denon and Marantz began long before Sound United bought them. They became similar under the previous holding company (Bain Capital?) Has nothing to do with Sound United.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Great little video man! Was wondering if someone was going to chat about this!

[@dodpr]

This move was cancelled. Thank you. I was kind of worry.

[@DarinBuss]

I’m have a small interest in onkyo pioneer, I think I’ll just sit back and wait and see what Emotiva does this summer on their av reciver lineup will be excellent video

[@joemarz2264]

Emotiva was a good idea of a product, but unfortunately they failed to deliver the promise to its customers. Their products are buggy and half-baked with endless firmware fixes and corrections. No thanks.

[@drymice500]

20th Century state socialism: This is one of the three products there are, all produced by state companies. Take it or leave it, if available. 21st Century free market capitalism: Here are 20 variations of the same product, produced by the same conglomerate. Take it or leave it, or look for a tiny business somewhere else, producing niche products at unaffordable prices.

[@bryanedewaard858]

Honestly, I've become a lot more interested in restoring vintage ('70s-'90s) gear since little has changed for most components and in some regards things have gotten worse.

[@fernarias]

Much better gear anyways.

[@lenward474]

Thanks for the cool attitude,great vinyl shopping with lady,honest 'audiophile' attitude. Remind me of john darko...hope that's a compliment. And now news,business commentary....fantastic. thank you!!! Black white cool.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Thank you so much.

[@LimbovitschHaim4Mir]

should we say: it is only for USA, in Japan the ONKYO still own by ONKYO ?

[@carravagio16]

dont forget Outlaw audio! they are still making excellent products

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

True, they are a little boutique doing some nice things. I am a fan of their amps and subs for sure.

[@madcrabber1113]

I have Def Tech towers with built in amps as well as 2 subs bought before they were bought out. I used to be able to buy replacement parts and amps for them which was great. That is not the case now so I have 4 towers that make lovely surrounds and 2 subs that make nice door stops. Needless to say I will not be buying any more Def Tech powered products.

[@villegas24]

Good for the company, bad for the consumer.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Time will tell but history isn't kind to consumers per se with these acquisitions.

[@FURognar]

Its like Disney in the audio world

[@ianbrennan6922]

Wow listing from Dublin Ireland it's a lot take in I just got an onkyo 9070 amp I hope our industry stay alive so many changes wow bro thanks for all your hard work and your wife to she she dose a lot in the background I am sure 👍

[@blueribb99]

This will give me something to think about when upgrading my 10-year old Yamaha and Pioneer Elite Receivers.

[@mikehanks1399]

These deals are almost always bad for the respective products. I share your concerns. There are a few of us who do learn from history.

[@thomaswachter7782]

Good for the bean counters, bad for the devoted workers who work hard, and then lose their job due to outsourcing and such. Trust me, this happened to me this year after 25 years in television master control.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

That blows. Sorry to hear that, but alas it is the state of affairs many of us find ourselves in. Thank you for watching and I hope all is well!

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

Paradigm Speakers, Anthem Electronics & Martin Logan - .. All under 1 ownership .. Paradigm Founder: Scott Bagby. (also recently) .. So yah.. A lot of shuffling around. Great video. Thank you.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

At least with respect to Paradigm it's still all in the family, if anything they got the money guys out of the equation and its back to how it all began.

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews - Im sure it will be an awesome "Paradigm Shift" for the industry. I will bet on amazing things to come. =)

[@macgamer1973]

It’s weird companies have this type of power.

[@tigerbalm666]

I bought 2 Pioneer Elite AVR's cuz it looked "cooler" than Onkyo and Denon while cheaper too...Features were important like Atmos...but price usually matters most, not specs.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

We all shop and make decisions with our wallets, no doubt. I can appreciate trying to ball on a budget so there is no shame in saving money. Thanks for watching!

[@nvc.]

Monopolies are allways bad for us consumers... Unfortunately.. Im a Yamaha and Sony fan i have been geting AV products from them since forever, never tried onkyo but i have and love Pioneer proDj products. Lets hope these brands stay true to themselves..

[@pf5658]

It could be bad, but it can also be good. There’s always an upside and a downside to every thing. Unfortunately, it’s the way the world is now with all these Mergers/ acquisitions. Little guys getting bought up by the bigs giants. Just yesterday I read about SnapAv, Control4 too. I just hope Sound United don’t screw up the Integra brand.

[@Audiomainia2310]

Now that Onkyo filed for bankruptcy this week, will the new receiver line up die Andrew?

[@iamishsantos]

Thanks for this! Pretty much new to AV receivers but very familiar with the brands Yamaha and Pioneer since they also make musical instruments. I'm thinking about building my own setup (turntable + receiver) this year. Maybe a vintage turntable and a modern receiver? Looking forward to the other videos!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Honestly, and this is just my humble opinion, but if you're new to AV, I might suggest you start with Marantz over say a Yamaha. Nothing against Yamaha, but I find Marantz to be a bit more streamlined in terms of plug-n-play, which for first timers can be helpful. Also, Marantz does still prioritize phono (turntable) capabilities in their receivers and processors vs the competition. For what it's worth. Thanks for watching!

[@kevonmanuel]

All they need to do is buy Dirac and everything will be perfect.

[@williammay8413]

The industry is changing and not always in a good way ,companies get to big and end up putting less into the products and more into their pockets and at times they will control pricing and we are at their mercy. Time will tell if this is going to be good for the consumer or not. 🙏

[@notlemcram]

Thought this did not go through after all. Pioneer did sell their DJ line to someone. Looks like divisions of pioneer just keep getting passed around.

[@Zoranurai13]

Actually they signed a letter of intent. Authorities could still halt the acquisition

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Mentioned that in my video, but this will (likely) happen.

[@richardmyers7181]

Excellent andrew

[@HouseofRecordsTacoma]

Perhaps a marketing nightmare. Will any brick&mortar stock all those brands?

[@mrpoothtick]

Out of curiosity, why did you change your KZbin channel name to just "Andrew"?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

If it’s me (and Kristi) vs a catchy title we’re not pigeonholed into only talking about a single topic. Thanks for watching.

[@mrpoothtick]

Andrew Robinson Ah I see. Thanks! And no problem man you make some great quality videos.

[@BrandonDmv]

Sooooo sprint and T-mobile cant merge yet here's sound United owning the market basically

[@timothystevenhoward]

holy cow, I just learned today my Integra DRX is affiliated with Gibson. Crazyness. Gibson, build good guitars.

[@veedub95]

Samsung is in the game with there ownership of Harman International. Which includes Harman Kardon ,Mark Leviston, JBL ,Revel, AKG and more. Who owns Yamaha?

[@chrisselner5005]

Yamaha!

[@bryanedewaard858]

@@chrisselner5005 Yeah, Yamaha has so many divisions, they're not in any danger.

[@matthewgaines10]

Yamaha has its tentacles in keyboards, pianos, motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs, etc. They don't need to be owned by someone else besides Yamaha.

[@anthonypalmeri1968]

GM all over again (Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile) same cars with just small changes eventually.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Yeah, that's sort of what history tells us, but I'm still hopeful.

[@victormuriel7266]

Now I understand why all their products (or at least most of them) are apparently "out of stock"

[@eloneatmyshorts]

You know the deal never went through, right?

[@victormuriel7266]

@@eloneatmyshorts no, I didn't know that.

[@eloneatmyshorts]

@@victormuriel7266 Yup. I think the Onkyo board rejected the deal. The supply issue you've been seeing was probably supply chain issues in the past year. They have a new line of received debuting next couple months with full 20-20KHz Dirac Live processing and actual working HDMI 2.1!

[@victormuriel7266]

This episode was directed by Zack Snyder hahahaha

[@dajikbatarang1]

Denon and marantz dont sound the same in the 2 channel space. The brand's have different sound signatures.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I would tend to agree, as Marantz does seem to have fewer "features" but more robust amps when directly compared to Denon. All that said, a lot of what they do share is not even remotely different.

[@23nickxp]

Random question. I have searched and searched for this does anthem bum IR code from anyone else. I love?horde MRX-500's but no major provider gives precodes aka X! voice remote which might kill RTI...

[@brianw3822]

Probably hits home theatre more than 2 channel. lots of smaller two channel companies out there.

[@chrisselner5005]

There are too many brands under each umbrella. I also don't like the yearly refreshes, they put out the same product every year in the av world. In my opinion, you don't get a really good sounding av receiver until you spend mega bucks. My nad 316bee beets my marantz sr6011 easily on sq .

[@jcvr18]

i Hope they let the companies and engineer do what they do best is design stuff and give them the freedom to compete with each other what about TADL division of Pioneer who owns that

[@steveringeling8137]

Have you ever heard of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP? Volkswagen Audi Bentley Seat Lamborghini Bugatti Skoda Porsche they share platforms and each individual brand builds around that and adds their own twist on finishes. Commoditization is the name of the game!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Not disagreeing with you. But while they may share underpinnings, European brands generally do try and differentiate the customer experience more than what I think you'll find with US companies. So we'll have to wait and see how this translates to the AV market.

[@stefanfrankel8157]

Neither Onkyo nor Pioneer are owned by Sound United.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Yes, I know. But when this video was made, Sound United was in talks to buy both companies. The deal fell through. Now Onkyo and company are going to be distributed by Klipsch (or their parent company).

[@VinylRundown]

So 1:37 how does money work?

[@bc527c]

Would not surprise me to see modular boards/sections shared thus making the brands not much more than a design house offering a fashion/branding choice.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

A lot of companies already employ this modular concept especially when it comes to boards that are costly to develop like video boards. Almost all 4K video boards come from the same few companies, no matter what product or brand you're buying.

[@bc527c]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews May I ask you a question? Would you reckon a pair of Crowm STX 1502 amps to be a good setup for music with a pair of open baffle speakers built with Eminence pro drivers? 1 for the 'subs' and one for the full range/or mid/treble unit. They sound pretty great now and even have fair dynamics considering the weak amplifiers I'm using... but they are nowhere near the dynamics of my friends Magicos (or even with my in the other system Integra 80.1).... would it be even better or different to use an STX 1502 or sibling for the woofers and a Crown XTI for the full band because I don't need the xover for those? Thanks.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I have no idea as I have ZERO experience (really) with open baffle speakers, let alone how they'll interact with Crown amps. Sorry.

[@johnmimms9167]

Hopefully they will not shutdown factories, but don't be surprised. I notice you kind of dance around that thought.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I am trying to be objective and optimistic. We’ll have to wait and see.

[@muhammadariffin8820]

i'm working at onkyo.i do not know what will happen in future.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Please do keep us posted, and I hope this news doesn't affect your job and that you're able to continue on at Onkyo. Best wishes!

[@sonicboomin]

What's your opinion on Sony AVRs?

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

Historically I've liked their ES branded receivers, though last I played with one I did feel their UI was a little wonky. Once I get everything setup though, I don't recall having any complaints. On the cheaper side of their line, they do offer a lot of 4K video features for less than much of the competition.

[@mikecats]

Thats sound a monopole😳

[@davidfarris8780]

Is Yamaha a part of sound united??

[@fernarias]

Yamaha is a conglomerate that makes musical instruments, electronics, semiconductors, motorcycles, cars, etc. They will remain independent. Same with technics, that is owned by matsushita, another conglomerate.

[@pharoahamunra]

I guess my next one will be Yamaha.

[@isaacsykes3]

I feel like I'm watching an episode of Adam Ruins Everything...Andrew Ruins Everything! This is horrible news IMO. These brands also have separate streaming platform a la Heos, Play-Fi and so if you sided with one or the other, it doesn't matter as Sound United still got your money...I hope NAD and Bluesound (Lenbrook) remain relatively independent.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

HAHAHAHA Thanks for the fun comment. I hope I don't ruin too much :) Thanks for watching!

[@fernarias]

Yamaha and Technics will remain independent. Sound United will just keep producing crap products for the lowest price.

[@EddyTeetree]

Gibson owe $500 million hows that a little cash? What need to be asked is how that happened esp after the banking debacle. I bet a few Gibson Fat Cats have all the billionaire lifestyle trimmings! Those other brands may at least fair better than if Harmon had bought them! Harmon gutted JBL and AGK Love to see Gibson employees do a buy back and cut the business back to core USA guitar company

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I have a feeling that is what Gibson is trying to do, go back to what they do or did best and put this world domination idea behind them. I see a lot of companies either getting swallowed up by hedge funds or trimming the fat and getting back to what made them who they are in the first place.

[@The.Home.Cinema.Engineer]

crazy times! I DONT LIKE IT! Im not a fan of one company owning all these others? Competition breeds innovation yike!

[@JEG6919]

Private equity usually comes into a lot of financially struggling companies, hoping to turn them around to make money. Arcam makes complete rubbish.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I don't think Arcam is rubbish, their FMJ line has been solid over the years. Thanks for watching!

[@JEG6919]

@@andrewrobinsonreviews I've owned an Arcam Diva receiver, always broke down. Second had market wouldn't go near it for $200 (after repaired).

[@jamesf1505]

Look with the Trade crap going on this is only going to get worse. Maybe do away with Integra

[@sundayanalog589]

Sweet!

[@andrewfox1446]

Well this explains why the quality the choice is completely and utterly crap Have seen this coming a lot of times and over the years where they take the choice of machinery take functions off the machinery until you end up with nothing I mean is like taking off the loudness button back in the 1980s I'm trying to make out that they are doing the right thing and it is a better sound that is somebody else's opinion and then to get the same sound back you'll have to buy a fridge in subwoofer to give you what you have before it is complete and utter bullocks and corporate There are quite a few cheaper build quality is out there and cheaper brands that I admit are not only could but pound for pound or dollar are better quality these new up-and-coming companies are hungry the more hungrier the better quality the equipment and hopefully the better choice The thing is with the hi-fi industry along with lots of other industries is this I compare it to fishing it catches more fisherman and fish it is complete and utter rubbish and bear in mind the way we listen to music has changed even the mobile phone has become an integral part of the hi-fi really all you need is a half decent amplifier decent speakers a Bluetooth adaptor and your phone and you are sorted at the very very most £1000 or $1,200 will get you a very nice system thank you very much without all these bulshit that comes with it I would say to these people don't buy this crap anymore look around for new up-and-coming manufacturers if you want to teach people to make better products you have to hit them where it hurts hit them in the pocket I mean when you compare the hi-fi bought back in the 1970s just compare the quality and sound things should be way better unfortunately they love your videos by the way and some of your product I think is a little bit expensive and to be completely honest it is only as good as your ears if your ears if your ears are full of wax or if you are deaf and 50 +it is all pointless anything above$4,000 should either do your housework cook your tea and give you a cracking blowjob

[@bcguitarteacher7328]

This is old but totally terrible news.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

This deal later fell through and SU ultimately was not able to make this purchase. Premier Audio Group picked these two up.

[@pammikewilliams3026]

The market for component audio is shrinking as is the camera industry. I know few individuals who are purchasing products from either industry. Most people just don’t care.

[@veedub95]

Pam & Mike Williams do you really enjoy music on a Bluetooth speaker? Give a good system a listen.

[@thiagodelgado3128]

theres no more competition? only yamaha? and rotel and anthem

[@alexracer9039]

I think it’s kinda sad that this is happening, I’m gonna be 19 and I basically missed the entire hifi “time” period and the brand wars people would have over each brand . and if wasn’t for my dad giving his jbl l80ts, I wouldn’t have built my home theater. Currently using 5.2.2

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I don't think it's a bad time to be an enthusiast at all. While mergers do mean there is likely going to be fewer differences between some components, let's not forget that we still live in a time where everything is generally good if not great. That is to say, designers of older components from the "golden age" likely wish they had access to the materials and components products can and are being made from nowadays. Don't be discouraged, just shop smartly and you'll be just fine. Thanks for watching!

[@veedub95]

Do people really enjoy listening just to mobile device using Bluetooth speakers. Sad Sad real Sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

It can be enjoyable. I love my Kantos on a bluetooth connection. Just because the method may be different that shouldn't discount the experience. We need to stop telling people what is and is not hifi, and let folks experience and define it for themselves.

[@KristiWright]

Most college age students and many millennials don’t even have TVs so yes it’s not far fetched to think a lot of younger generations might never own something beyond a Bluetooth speaker.

[@mikedinno8413]

Means I'm keeping my old gear. No reason to upgrade. My Pioneer receiver is from 2013 when it was actually made by Pioneer. I'm good to go. It's got HDMI 1.4. I don't believe in the hype if 4K or Atmos. So I say keep your old gear till it dies cause it will be better quality than the garbage they make now.

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

I'm a firm believer in if it ain't broke don't fix it. And if your setup works for you now and for the foreseeable future, well, then that's all you need. Maybe you'll be forced to make an incremental update down the road, but for now, enjoy what you have.

[@alessandrabenz8109]

who cares? 👎👎👎

[@andrewrobinsonreviews]

People who like this sort of stuff will likely care as it may influence their future buying decisions, and whether or not they want to support a conglomerate or try and support a more localized, or independent company.

[@ncexnyc4466]

It's all about business and the bottom line. Sound United will consolidate any portion of the business they can just to be more profitable.