Jamo speaker brand returns to the market under new ownership after Rayleigh Lab and Cinemaster acquired the iconic Danish audio manufacturer from Premium Audio Company in August 2024. The acquisition marks a significant turning point for a brand that once dominated European speaker manufacturing but had faded during years under previous corporate ownership.
Key Takeaways
- Jamo sold to Chinese audio leaders Rayleigh Lab and Cinemaster on August 15, 2024, ending ownership by VOXX’s Premium Audio Company
- New owners plan to revive Danish heritage with affordable speakers featuring Scandinavian design and high-performance sound
- Three new models launching in 2025: C603 MK II, C119, and D590 across multiple markets including India
- Brand redesign includes modernized logo reworking the original “a and o” for contemporary authenticity
- Company employed over 400 people at peak as Europe’s largest speaker manufacturer before decline
The Jamo Speaker Brand Returns to Its Roots
Jamo speaker brand returns to independent stewardship after nearly two decades under corporate conglomerates. Founded in 1968 by two brothers-in-law in the Danish fishing village of Glyngøre, the company built one of Europe’s most respected audio reputations. By 1978, Jamo had produced over one million speakers. By 1994, it became Europe’s largest speaker brand and the first European manufacturer to release THX Certified speakers. The 1998 peak saw the company ship over 11.5 million units worldwide.
That dominance eroded after Klipsch acquired Jamo in 2005 as part of VOXX International’s portfolio. Production shifted to China, and the brand lost its connection to Danish craftsmanship and design philosophy. For nearly two decades, Jamo existed primarily as a cost-driven brand sold through mass-market retailers, stripped of the innovation and regional identity that built its original reputation.
New Ownership Signals Active Comeback Strategy
Rayleigh Lab, a Shenzhen-based audio research and manufacturing company founded by Thomas Li, and Cinemaster, China’s largest audio distributor led by Xiaodong Yang, purchased both Jamo and sister brand Energy from VOXX. The new owners have committed to repositioning Jamo as an affordable yet design-conscious speaker brand that honors its Nordic heritage while leveraging modern manufacturing efficiency. Xiaodong Yang stated the goal is to “enhance Jamo’s reputation for excellence and innovation, ensuring it continues to resonate with audio enthusiasts around the world”.
The acquisition signals confidence in Jamo’s brand equity despite years of neglect. Rather than retiring the nameplate, the new owners invested in brand redesign, repositioning, and product development. A modernized logo reworks the original “a and o” symbol for contemporary appeal while maintaining visual authenticity. The Studio7 series launched as part of the broader rebirth strategy, with new brand mission and positioning that preserves Jamo’s core DNA while adapting to current market expectations.
2025 Product Roadmap and Market Expansion
Jamo’s comeback includes three new speaker models launching throughout 2025. The C603 MK II builds on its C603 predecessor with upgraded drivers and crossovers, available in wood and dark apple finishes. The C119 and D590 complete the initial refresh, targeting both established audiophile markets and emerging regions. The company plans to enter India during the second half of 2025, signaling ambitions beyond traditional European strongholds.
An exclusive event will unveil the renewed brand identity, long-term vision, and complete product roadmap. This public reveal suggests the new owners are building momentum toward a sustained comeback rather than a one-time product refresh. The timing matters: speaker manufacturers face increasing competition from both legacy brands and new entrants offering smart connectivity. Jamo’s positioning around Scandinavian design and musicality—rather than technology-first features—differentiates it from competitors chasing smart-home integration.
Vince Bonacorsi, COO at Premium Audio Company, acknowledged the strategic value of the divestiture, stating that “with their expertise and dedication, we are confident that Jamo will continue to set new benchmarks in the audio industry”. The language suggests the previous owner recognized that Jamo required investment and strategic focus neither VOXX nor its divisions were willing to provide.
Why This Matters for Audio Enthusiasts
The Jamo speaker brand returns at a moment when consumers increasingly seek alternatives to mass-market audio. The brand’s 50-plus-year history, combined with new ownership committed to design-forward affordability, creates a rare opportunity. Few speaker manufacturers can claim both heritage and active reinvestment. Most either remain under corporate ownership pursuing volume-driven strategies or operate as boutique brands priced beyond mainstream reach.
The new owners’ manufacturing expertise and distribution reach position Jamo to scale efficiently without sacrificing the design principles that built its original reputation. Rayleigh Lab’s R&D capabilities and Cinemaster’s market access across Asia create infrastructure for both innovation and distribution that the brand lacked under VOXX.
What Happens to Jamo’s Legacy?
The acquisition does not restore Jamo’s manufacturing to Denmark—production remains in China under Rayleigh Lab’s management. However, the new owners explicitly committed to reviving Danish roots through design philosophy and brand positioning rather than geographic production. This approach acknowledges modern manufacturing realities while honoring the heritage that defined Jamo’s identity.
The question is whether market recognition survives the years under VOXX ownership. Younger audio enthusiasts may not recognize Jamo as the brand that once rivaled Klipsch and JBL in Europe. The new owners must rebuild awareness through product quality, design distinctiveness, and strategic positioning. The upcoming brand reveal event suggests they understand this challenge and are preparing a coordinated campaign.
Is the Jamo speaker brand making a real comeback or just a rebranding?
The acquisition, product roadmap, and planned market expansion suggest genuine commitment beyond superficial rebranding. New ownership with manufacturing and distribution expertise, combined with three new product launches and geographic expansion, indicates strategic investment. However, execution determines success—product quality and market positioning will determine whether Jamo reclaims relevance or remains a heritage brand living on past reputation.
When will new Jamo speakers be available?
Three new models—the C603 MK II, C119, and D590—are launching throughout 2025, with India market entry planned for the second half of the year. An exclusive brand reveal event will provide specific timing and availability details. Check jamo.com for current information on regional availability and launch dates.
How does the new Jamo compare to its Klipsch era?
Under VOXX ownership via Klipsch, Jamo focused on cost-driven manufacturing and mass-market distribution, losing design distinctiveness. The new owners explicitly position Jamo around affordable Scandinavian design and musicality rather than technology features or budget competition. This represents a strategic repositioning away from the Klipsch-era approach toward heritage-based differentiation.
Jamo speaker brand returns with the potential to reclaim its position as a design-conscious manufacturer serving audio enthusiasts who value Nordic aesthetics and musicality over smart-home gimmicks. The new owners have the manufacturing capability and distribution reach to scale without compromising the design principles that built the original brand. Whether they succeed depends on execution, product quality, and whether the market still remembers what made Jamo worth reviving in the first place.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
