Farewell to Dynaudio…

By now it’s old news that Dynaudio is leaving North America. While nearly everyone else merely posted the press release, they are a company that is worth a lot more introspection.

First, Dynaudio is a company whose products I’ve always really enjoyed. TONE has had a partnership with Dynaudio for nearly 20 years, and I’ve had the privilege to go to their factory in Denmark a few times. Their commitment to engineering, execution, and above all great sound has always been exciting. Considering all the amateurs measuring speakers in their garages and back yards with all kinds of different setups, seeing their gigantic room, with multiple mics and tons of test equipment is amazing.

Bias admitted, I’ve always loved the sound of their speakers, and being a huge fan of Scandinavian design, the look and craftsmanship as well. Most of the folks I’ve met at the Skanderborg facility have a pretty decent sense of humor too.

Yeah, I’m losing some advertising bucks, but more importantly, some great people and an excellent relationship. Mike Manousselis, the President of Dynaudio North America has been there since before I started TONE, and his 2^nd in command, John Quick has also been in the industry forever. I’ve worked with him at dCS, and Nagra prior to his stint at Dynaudio. They have both always been very supportive of TONE, and I’ll always appreciate their support.

So, it was more than business. It’s hard not to become friends with people that you’ve spent hour upon hour at trade shows, on press trips, and over at your house setting gear up for years.

While I have no concrete reason why they are making this ultimate decision – it affects not only Mike and crew, but all of the people in North America that derive part of their living selling Dynaudio products. And I’m sure that secondary prices will plummet, even though Dynaudio is assuring us that they will continue to support everything. But if you’ve ever had an absentee landlord, it might all give you pause, especially if you have one of the higher priced Dynaudio speakers.

I’m going to miss them.