Audio Video News

GoldenEar, which is known for making high-performance loudspeakers, is joining the Canadian parent business PML Sound International. This is a big deal for the high-end audio world. The audio industry already has some big names in this group: Paradigm, MartinLogan, and Anthem.

Starting January 1, 2025, GoldenEar will operate under its new identity, GoldenEar Studio Inc., marking a fresh chapter for the brand.

As someone who's reviewed GoldenEar products for over a decade, this is an intriguing development. The transition puts GoldenEar under the wing of a company with a laser-focused expertise in loudspeaker design. Paradigm and MartinLogan, both respected for their innovative speaker technologies and distinct approaches, are no strangers to pushing the boundaries of sound.

Adding GoldenEar to that mix hints at a future with the potential for deeper integration of design philosophies and R&D.

When The Quest Group (parent of AudioQuest) acquired GoldenEar, it leaned on a narrative of shared passion: great sound at accessible prices. There’s merit to that claim. During its tenure, The Quest Group helped GoldenEar expand its reach and refine its lineup. Case in point: the T66 floorstanding speakers, a product that garnered widespread acclaim including a Top Pick from Sound & Vision. With this transition, GoldenEar’s operations will briefly pause—from January 1 to January 31, 2025—as the brand integrates into PML Sound International. Existing Paradigm, Anthem, and MartinLogan operations are said to continue uninterrupted, and GoldenEar customers are assured that warranties and service agreements will remain intact. This will likely calm any jitters among dealers and owners worried about post-transition support.

What excites me most is the prospect of what GoldenEar might become under PML’s leadership. The Quest Group, meanwhile, will return its focus to cables, power products, and A/V accessories, which aligns with its core strengths. But now, GoldenEar is with a company that eats, sleeps, and breathes speaker engineering. Could we see GoldenEar adopt new technologies inspired by Paradigm’s innovation or MartinLogan’s electrostatic expertise? Or will it forge its own distinct path under this new umbrella? Time will tell.

For those looking for updates, GoldenEar Sales Manager Chris Volk remains the go-to contact at chris.volk@goldenear.com. Personally, I’ll be watching this transition closely. GoldenEar has always been a brand rooted in performance and value, and I’m eager to see how it evolves in this new ecosystem. Whether this marks a bold reinvention or a doubling down on what already works, it’s going to be worth paying attention to.