News

Classic Records Acquired By Acoustic Sounds

Acoustic Sounds' Chad Kassem and Classic Records' Mike Hobson today announced the acquisition of Classic Records by Acoustic Sounds. The deal has been completed, according to both men.

Previously, all that had been announced was Acoustic Sounds' acquisition of Classic's vinyl inventory. Kassem said, "This is a big acquisition for Acoustic (Sounds), which will enable us to further increase our presence and reputation in the audiophile vinyl market worldwide."

While Classic's licenses are not transferrable, Kassem said Classic's and Hobson's connections will be invaluable for future licensing negotiations.

With its dramatic announcement back in 1994 that it had acquired the rights to the RCA "Living Stereo" catalog along with the use of the iconic "Living Stereo" logo and "His Master's Voice" "shaded dog" label art, Classic helped launch the current vinyl renaissance.

Kassem went on to say, “Over the years, Classic Records consistently was able to license the top titles that audiophiles wanted. Since that momentous announcement of the RCA Living Stereo reissue series in January 1994, Acoustic Sounds has been an admirer and strong supporter of the quality products produced by Classic Records. Classic has always been innovative and has set new standards for sound quality. Hobson always pushed the envelope to improve Classic’s products instead of just accepting the current standards. It is an honor to now own Classic, and I intend to continue to use the innovations that Classic pioneered and the high standards they established.”

Acoustic Sounds' acquisition of Classic Records includes the "Quiex SV-P" vinyl formulation/process, "Clarity Vinyl", the unique 200g "flat profile" tooling and all other aspects of Classic's proprietary vinyl pressing technology, along with the current stock of pressed vinyl, all of which has been moved to a new 70,000 square foot, three building warehouse in Salina, KS.

In an exclusive interview with both Kassem and Hobson on Monday, July 26th, Kassem said that when he opened an 18,000 square foot warehouse a few years ago, he thought he was "set," but since business has grown far beyond his expectations, he was forced to increase storage capacity. The acquisition of Classic's inventory was made possible by the new facility.

Mike Hobson said the sale was necessary so he could concentrate his efforts on other businesses in which he's involved, including High Resolution Technologies, a co-venture with Muse Electronics' Kevin Halverson that designs, builds and markets audiophile quality USB based digital to analog converters.

Hobson said his other audio related businesses including Elite Distribution, a division of THEmusic.com will continue to occupy much of his time, though will remain onboard with Classic Records in an advisory role.

Hobson observed, ""Classic Records has always been driven by my desire to make the best sounding records possible, and to that end we have successfully innovated over the years such that we are now able to make an LP that sounds better than when we started 17 years ago. I have worked with Chad for over 20 years and have seen Acoustic Sounds grow into a powerhouse in the audiophile market. In many ways having Classic Records join the Acoustic Sounds empire is a logical progression and makes a lot of sense strategically. I am confident that Chad and Acoustic Sounds will carry on in the Classic tradition of the pursuit of sound excellence, and I am committed to making sure that our knowledge base and experience transfers completely.” Inventory will still be available for sale on "themusic.com"'s site: br>