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MAPLE GROVE, MN – August 20, 2020 – Audio Research is honored to partner with author Ken Kessler in releasing a book timed to the company’s 50th anniversary. Entitled, “Audio Research: Making the Music Glow”, the book describes the people behind the company, designing, manufacturing, fine-tuning, and marketing the audio amplification and source components that have been regarded perpetually as among the best in the industry.

Celebrating its first half-century, the book tells the story of a manufacturer that helped define high-end audio, with the sole purpose of elevating the sound quality of music in the home. William Zane “Bill” Johnson established Audio Research in 1970, basing its products on what was then considered by many to be obsolete technology: vacuum tubes. Guided by his passion for music and quality listening with a refusal to fall victim to fashion and design trends of the times, Johnson was revolutionary in sound reproduction.

“This isn’t just any book,” said Audio Research CEO Jeff Poggi, “The ‘reference’ quality history of Audio Research, authentic and honest in its storytelling is ‘hi-definition’ in content, art, and execution. It needed to bring Bill Johnson’s passion, creativity, and dedication to life, showcasing how Bill’s legacy lives on in the people and products that ARC continues to live and breathe today. Now more than ever, this book feels so right – it endures, it is timeless, it is the perfect reflection of an Audio Research product in that it will last a lifetime.”

With open access to the company’s archives, the participation of employees, and the support and insights of Bill’s wife, Nancy, “Audio Research: Making the Music Glow” is filled with rare images, curated reprints of period interviews, the definitive product listing, and a study of what the experts have determined to be the company’s 25 greatest achievements, augmented by fresh photography of each model. Within the pages are the stories of the company’s roots, its development, its evolution, and its tenacious hold on delivering industry standard in music playback.

Here's a book image showing Warren Gehl, who, among other tasks, listens to every piece of Audio Research gear before it's packed and shipped from the factory.

Making the Music Glow Anniverary book is priced at $150.00 MSRP and will be available through authorized Audio Research dealers and online

Here's Part 1 of our Audio Research factory tour: