Onkyo, a name synonymous with high-quality audio for decades, is marking a new chapter in its history. Following a tumultuous period that included a bankruptcy filing in 2022, the brand is charting its path forward under the joint ownership of Premium Audio Company (a subsidiary of Voxx International) and Sharp Corporation. With significant investments in its Osaka-based research and development facilities, Onkyo is set to unveil a refreshed product lineup and branding at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
Onkyo’s story starts back in 1946, when Takeshi Godai founded the Osaka Denki Onkyo Company. It was a post-war effort to bring Japanese craftsmanship and innovation to life. Starting out with speaker manufacturing, Onkyo quickly made a name for itself in the audio world. By the 1970s, it had become a global player, known for blending technical expertise with sleek, stylish designs.
The name "Onkyo" means "sound harmony" in Japanese, which perfectly sums up the company’s mission—creating audio gear that’s not just functional but also emotionally engaging. This idea has been the backbone of Onkyo’s work for decades, shaping everything from their iconic AV receivers to their other audio innovations.
At the heart of Onkyo's big comeback is the Premium Audio Company Technology Center (PACTC) in Osaka. Think of it as their new creative hub, where engineers, technicians, and marketing pros work together to dream up the next wave of audio gear. With an average of 22 years of experience under their belts, this team knows its stuff.
Onkyo is branching out in a big way, aiming to please both casual listeners and hardcore audio enthusiasts. While AV receivers are still a key part of their lineup, they’re also diving into home speaker systems and advanced specialty electronics. Two fresh product ranges—a home speaker series and an electronics line—are already in the works and set to debut at CES 2025.
Onkyo is teaming up with some big names to make their products even better. Partnerships with tech leaders like Dolby, dts, THX, and Dirac mean you can expect features like HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even IMAX Enhanced certification in their gear. Plus, Onkyo is working with Klipsch on co-branded projects, like the Flexus Sound Systems, under their "Powered by Onkyo" initiative.
They’re also making waves in the entertainment world. For example, Onkyo was the official home audio system for Marvel Television's Agatha All Along on Disney+, showing they’re serious about staying front and center in home entertainment.
Onkyo is also shaking things up with a fresh new look. Their updated logo now features sleek, modern typography and extra spacing that’s all about "new possibilities" and a nod to the cinematic vibe their products deliver. It’s a simple yet stylish way to connect with today’s tech-savvy crowd while still keeping a bit of that classic Onkyo feel.
They’re not stopping there, though. Onkyo is diving into creative marketing, teaming up with influencers, artists, and industry leaders to show off how their products fit into everyday life. From social media to digital campaigns, they’re finding new ways to connect with fans and highlight what their gear can really do.
Onkyo’s had its share of ups and downs in recent years, but it looks like they’re back on track and ready to compete. All eyes are on CES 2025, where their new lineup is set to give us a clearer picture of what the future holds for this iconic brand. Until then, you can purchase Onkyo products at Crutchfield.
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