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View Full Version : RIP William Z. Johnson, Founder and Chief Designer of Audio Research



2ndRick
12-14-2011, 10:56 PM
I shared the story of when I visited their facility in the Twin Cities in the mid-90s when I was a sales puke at Absolute Audio in Rockford, IL.

From the 'about us' page on the Audio Research site.


Audio Research was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950's and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960's.

Johnson's efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time when major industry manufacturers had abandoned this technology in favor of low-cost solid-state devices which were markedly inferior in terms of musical accuracy, a fact widely acknowledged today.

Many industry observers consider Johnson one of the true originators of the entire concept of "high-end" audio as it exists today.

William Johnson designed and created some of the very best preamplifiers and amplifiers ever made. (his phono stages and digital hardware were also excellent).

Requiescat in pace.

SysDsgnMan
12-14-2011, 11:48 PM
Very sad. Some of the best sounding electronics ever made. Raise a glass to Bill. Rest In Peace.

Fastfred
12-15-2011, 10:21 AM
My father knew Bill. Sold him parts....

2ndRick
12-18-2011, 10:41 PM
My father knew Bill. Sold him parts....

That is very cool.