Klipsch, Resonado Labs to partner on ‘next era’ of audio
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
Indianapolis-based Premium Audio Co. LLC and Chicago-based Resonado Labs have announced a partnership to develop a new line of Klipsch home audio products. Resonado, which was started by three University of Notre Dame students in 2018, has developed flat core speaker technology.
The companies say consumer demand has shifted to audio products that take up less space and provide a full acoustic range. The partners say Resonado’s technology addresses the industry shift.
“We think that this relationship has lots of legs,” said Premium Audio President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Jacobs. “When we saw what the team at Resonado Labs were doing, the idea of working with these young, energetic engineers that are just breaking boundaries and barriers was exciting.”
The companies say they aim to define the next era of audio by developing a line of products engineered to deliver the highest output possible in sleek and in compact form.
“Our design driven methods led us to challenge the assumption how high excursion speaker drivers could and should be designed,” said Brian Cho, founder of Resonado Labs. “Identifying an opportunity to deliver full frequency sound in small form factor speakers led to the development and patenting of our core technology.”
Cho says he was inspired by designs and technologies developed by Klipsch founder Paul Klipsch, who launched the company in 1946. The audio speaker company relocated its headquarters to Indianapolis in the 1980s.
“By incorporating their cutting-edge transducer technologies, we will deliver a state-of-the-art, design-centric collection of products unlike anything Premium Audio Company has previously done,” said Jacobs.
The use of Resonado’s patented flat speaker technology has numerous applications beyond home use. Last June, the company said it had entered into an agreement with Elkhart-based THOR Industries (NYSE: THO), to provide speakers for high-end recreational vehicles.
In September, Resonado said it was working with Elkhart-based Lippert Components Inc. in the development of sound systems for recreational boats and pontoons.
Premium Audio, which owns many of the top audio brands, estimates ty 2026, sound bars alone will top $12 billion in annual sales globally.