Correction: Title previously said “Axiom Audio Acquires Bryston.” Technically the wholly-owned parent company of Axiom Audio is Colquhoun Audio. Both companies are owned by Ian Colquhoun.
The high-end audio world continues to consolidate. Today we learned venerable audio brand, Bryston has been acquired by longtime VP James Tanner in partnership with Colquhoun Audio, a manufacturer of premium audio products also based in Canada. Colquhoun Audio is more commonly known as Axiom Audio, the direct-to-consumer online seller of loudspeakers, subwoofers and amplifiers.
Colquhoun said, “For Bryston there will be no changes to distribution.” Further adding, “Status quo, only more research capability and enhanced dealer features (previously dealers couldn’t place their orders online – they will be able to do so in the future) and also a web-to-dealer referral system so customers can be connected with dealers in their area.”
Effective immediately, James Tanner has been named Bryston’s CEO. Former Bryston CEO Chris Russell is retiring, but will remain active as a consultant with the company founded by his family decades ago. Chris’s vast knowledge of Bryston product design will still be a part of Bryston going forward.
“There are very few high-performance audio brands that offer the 40-plus year legacy of best-in-class products and award-winning services that Bryston does—and we are committed to providing our worldwide network of dealers with the tools they need to be even more successful. I am very excited about the next generation of Bryston products, beginning with the new BR-20 preamplifier scheduled to start shipping this month, as well as several stellar designs currently in development.”James Tanner, newly named Bryston CEO
Tanner, who joined Bryston in 1976, has a passion for the storied brand and shares an unrelenting drive to deliver the high-performance audio experience sought after by Bryston customers. In partnership with Colquhoun Audio, Tanner will strengthen relationships with the dealer community by adding a host of new services such as:
- An online portal for order processing
- A web-to-dealer referral service
- An expanded sales team
- A customer service hotline, providing real time support to dealers and consumers
- Expanded and modernized R&D and manufacturing at Bryston—remaining true to their Made in Canada tradition of outstanding quality.
Learn more:
More stories, product news and reviews about Bryston
More stories, product news and reviews about Axiom Audio
About Bryston
Bryston (bryston.com) began designing and manufacturing accurate, reliable audio amplification in the early 1970s. Since that time, Bryston has become legendary for hand-built quality, superb performance and dependability, utilizing precision manufacturing techniques and materials more typically found in military and aerospace industries. Bryston amplifiers have been selected by some of the most renowned recording studios and discerning music professionals. Located in Peterborough, Ontario Canada, Bryston products are sold through over 150 residential and commercial A/V dealers in North America and 60 countries worldwide.
About Axiom Audio:
Axiom Audio (www.axiomaudio.com) has been designing, engineering and manufacturing award-winning high-end, high-value loudspeakers since 1980. The companys products feature transparent, wide-range sound developed through double-blind listening tests and extensive research. As a testament to its emphasis on quality design, Axiom Audios loudspeakers have received multiple Product Of The Year honors from the Consumer Electronics Show as well as virtually every major audiophile media source. A 100% Internet-based company, privately owned Axiom Audio services a worldwide customer base from its headquarters and manufacturing facilities situated in the unspoiled Muskoka district of Ontario.
Joel Tatelman
August 26, 2023 at 7:57 pm
All I can say is that since Bryston was sold to/integrated with Colquhoun Audio, its legendary customer service has basically disappeared.
Over the last 25 years, I have owned many Bryston components, but they have rarely needed service. What I have used Bryston’s service department for is modifications: adding rack ears to a 17″ component, customizing the crossover frequencies of a 10B, adding an optional DAC or phono stage to an analogue preamp, acquiring resistor kits for the 10B-LR crossover, getting info on configuring an internet streamer, etc.
Any of this used to take no more than a quick phone call or e-mail to set up and the work or part itself would typically take a week or two. Now the typical scenario is that no one replies to e-mails and that it’s impossible to actually talk to anyone at Bryston.
All in all, to me a sad state of affairs. . .
Ian White
August 27, 2023 at 6:03 pm
Joel,
That is very disheartening to read. Having grown up with Bryston in Southern Ontario, their reputation for service was second to none. Not only did their products last forever, but the warranty was the best in the business.
We plan on reviewing 2 or 3 new components from Bryston in Q4 and I might take a trip home to visit the factory. Will let you know what I find out.
Best,
Ian White