The Clarity Alliance, the UK hi-fi industry’s trade body, welcomes the addition of two new manufacturers to its continually growing number of members.

After a number of years absence from the UK, many who remember the brand for its well respected loudspeakers and turntables will welcome the return of Acoustic Research. The reintroduction of this famous name brings new products such as portable high-resolution music players and a USB DAC with headphone amplifier.

David Saab, commercial director – EMEA, takes up the story, “Acoustic Research (AR) is incredibly proud to become a member of Clarity with its professional reputation for supporting passionately-driven audio manufacturers. As a nostalgic speaker/turntable brand with a strong UK fan base, AR is poised to re-launch itself as a manufacturer that still focuses on the sound rather than the hype. We debuted at the Bristol Show with an exceptional range of high-res products to audiophiles who want great sound that does not have to cost the earth.” He concludes, “AR wishes to invite audiophiles back to the brand with the support of Clarity and its membership, to help us start the job of communicating, successfully re-launching and re-connecting with the audio community once again to share our joint passion for hi-fi audio.”

Mitchell and Johnson is another comeback, set up by the team responsible for the reintroduction of the Sansui brand into the UK in late 2011. Paul Mitchell and Dave Johnson have a long track record in the consumer electronics industry, having worked for major manufacturers and retailers in the UK and USA. A long time hi-fi enthusiast and semi-professional musician, Mitchell is responsible for the product and sales functions of the business, while Johnson brings with him considerable expertise in commercial operations management and finance. The new brand builds on the award winning products introduced under the Sansui name, while also having undertaken a period of intensive product development to enable the unveiling of new and class leading components covering the amplifier, streamer, DAB and CD categories.
On joining Clarity, Paul Mitchell says, “Having started my life as a retail hi-fi store salesman and eventually a manager, I see hi-fi dealers as the single biggest influencer on the UK hi-fi consumer and therefore feel every single bit of help and support we as manufacturers can give the dealer network is immeasurable. From selling hi-fi to designing it, I personally feel I can use my experience to make a valuable contribution to Clarity and look forward to playing an active role.”