Rumor: B&K out of business

[jinjuku]

There is a rumor floating about that B&K is defunct. People sending emails, leaving VM for weeks now with no response.

Gene, Clint have you heard any rumblings?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1076031&page=41
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.plymisc&1286764096&read&keyw&zzbAAk+components

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It seems like finding anything made in the USA is a rarity these days.

 

[Swerd]

The talk on that thread on the AVS forum makes it sound like B&K is belly up.

Too bad, they made good products. Its another example how a medium-sized company can easily fail when the economic conditions change.

 

[Swerd]

It seems that ATI has bought up what remains of B&K.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/forums/viewpost.cgi?1031464

Just received this from our rep:

B&K Update
It appears that B&K has been purchased. A source at Amplifier Technologies (ATI) has informed us verbally that they have purchased B&K from the bank that administrated the B&K bankruptcy. Although sad that a longstanding US company with US manufacturing has gone away, it is encouraging that it appears that they will re-emerge.

ATI is another US based company and they have a manufacturing facility in Los Angeles. ATI is owned by a larger organization that does a lot of OEM work and also owns Theta Digital.

From what I am told, ATI is evaluating the entire state of B&K at the moment from inventory, parts, processes, etc. From what they have seen so far, they anticipate that they will be able to ship much of the current line in about 90-120 days. More detailed time-lines to come shortly.

I asked about service, since there is B&K is not an "active" company at this time and ATI is not in the position to do service. I confirmed that George Reamsnyder has opened a service facility for B&K and other brands. It is fee based, but there is some talk between ATI and George to possibly become an interim service center. For now, the contact information for George is below. It is fee based, but at least an option if you have an issue with a B&K unit. As more info becomes available, we will let you know and hope that helps.

 

[adk highlander]

I think ATI is the best thing that could happen to B & K if they have went away. I've been very happy with my ATI amps and their customer service has been very good when I've called with questions.

 

[majorloser]

I've had problems with my B&K amp and pre/pro in the past. They made some nice stuff and they made some "not so nice" stuff.

But I will agree, it's a shame to have a USA company close shop. At least when they were in business you could send stuff to New York for repairs (over and over).

 

[gene]

Yea I've known about this for a month or so but couldn't post it b/c there was no official conformation. B&K for some reason never embraced online A/V publications for reviews or marketing. Those that refuse to adapt to the new media are really suffering as evident by the demise of this fine brand.

 

[M Code]

Yea I've known about this for a month or so but couldn't post it b/c there was no official conformation. B&K for some reason never embraced online A/V publications for reviews or marketing. Those that refuse to adapt to the new media are really suffering as evident by the demise of this fine brand.

Major challenges of B&K were $ oriented, keeping up with market/distribution changes and adapting the later technologies..

1. The bank holding their financial notes requested significant increases in the reserve requirements..
2. Changes in distribution channels in North America, increasing emphasis on-line sales vs. direct dealers impacted their sales
3. Limited access/resources for the latest technologies, held back their progress of incorporating these into their products
4. Failure to develop alternate international distribution channels which help to diversify the market burden of gross profit margins

Just my $0.02....

 

[walter duque]

I have the Ref 50 S2 Pre-Pro which has served me well over the years. I know it's not up to snuff with todays technology but it is a well build product with no issues. I have owned a few of their power amps in the early 80's. I sure hate to see a company like that to go bellie up. I look at my Pre-Pro now as a piece of audio history, not a piece of junk. I think I'll hold on to it. I just love that rack mount face plate.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I knew there was a good reason why I love ATI.

I wouldn't mind it at all if they took the B&K Reference 70 pre-pro and put that into an ATI chassis.

 

[JAC]

I received the news a few weeks ago from the B&K distributor.

Too Bad

 

[Swerd]

It's now official, ATI has acquired B&K. See the link.