Sonus faber parts company with Absolute Sounds, spearheads Fine Sounds UK

High-end Italian loudspeaker maker Sonus faber has parted company with UK distributor Absolute Sounds after 34 years. Owner The McIntosh Group is taking the brand’s UK distribution in-house.

“This is a natural parting of the ways,” says Ricardo Franassovici, Absolute Sounds’ founder and chairman. “Whilst the direction of travel for Sonus faber and Absolute Sounds is no longer aligned, I have no doubt that the brand will continue to deliver a compelling combination of sound and style as the next chapter of its story is written.”

The company partnered with Absolute Sounds when it was in its infancy, and quickly became synonymous with artisan craftsmanship, when loudspeakers generally had a reputation for being little more than functional enclosures.

It seemed the Italian specialist was a perfect kit for Absolute Sounds' eclectic Hi-Fi portfolio.

“Ricardo and Absolute Sounds have greatly contributed to the story of Sonus faber and we are grateful for his passion and dedication through the years,” comments Lionel Nunney, VP of Sales and Marketing for the McIntosh Group. “Our partnership and friendship will continue as Ricardo collaborates with us as a member of the Sonus faber Distributor Advisory Council. He also continues as our distributor in Portugal alongside his business partners.”

The McIntosh Group has established a new own brand operation, Fine Sounds UK, to handle distribution. Fine Sounds UK is a joint venture between McIntosh Group and McIntosh Laboratory’s British distributor of 15 years, Jordan Acoustics. Warehousing and customer service facilities are based in Britain.

Commenting on the creation of Fine Sounds UK, McIntosh Group CEO and McIntosh Laboratory President Charlie Randall said: "After 15 successful years of working with Jordan Acoustics in the UK, we felt this venture was the next logical step to strengthen our position in the market."

McIntosh Group co-CEO and Sonus faber President Jeff Poggi syas the plan is to expand the reach of Sonus faber to more UK customers, with a new line of home theater and custom installation products.

Andy Oattes, previously Sales Director at One AV and Head of Sales at Naim Audio, has been appointed as Fine Sounds UK’s Sales Director. He will work with both existing and new specialist retailers, as well as custom installers in the UK, to develop and grow the McIntosh and Sonus faber brands.