Interesting MB Quart news
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=47713
Printed Date: July 06, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Topic: Interesting MB Quart news
Posted By: DYohn
Subject: Interesting MB Quart news
Date Posted: January 14, 2005 at 3:01 PM
MB Quart To Re-enter U.S. Under New BrandBy Amy Gilroy -- 1/14/2005 8:23:00 AMObrigheim, Germany — Refusing to simply fade away, MB Quart GmbH, currently in receivership, said it plans to launch a new brand in the United States and worldwide, called Third Acoustics, with a target date of June. According to Tobias Wahl, the insolvency administrator for MB Quart, the company has continued to operate since it filed for insolvency in September 2004. Although it is currently in a dispute over the rights to the MB Quart name in North America, the company plans in the meantime to offer the same products as it did under the MB Quart brand. It said it will produce the products in the same manner, and with the same model number designations under the Third Acoustics brand (except for amplifiers which will no longer be offered). Rockford Corp., which purchased MB Quart in 2001, said it had no comment at this time. Third Acoustics was at International CES this month to sign up a core network of U.S. manufacturer’s representatives, it said. MB Quart GmbH said it will decide by February if it will operate its own Third Acoustics subsidiary in the United States, or if it will go through a distributor. MB Quart GmbH’s turnaround consultant, Thomas Sauer, said the company is leaning towards establishing a Third Acoustics subsidiary. Wahl said that “we will stay with the product that is engineered and produced in Germany. We are currently in the process of reworking all the products to create a significant increase in price performance ratio. We are looking forward to reviews in magazines comparing Third Acoustics to the old MB Quart product.” He added, "And since we have ... a wonderful name and a highly motivated staff, we think we have a profitable company and we don’t think we’ll have problems with liquidity. We have been welcomed with open arms at the CES, which makes us hopeful for the future,” said Wahl. In September, Rockford Corp., maker of the popular Rockford Fosgate brand of car audio speakers, amplifiers and head units, announced plans to restructure its operations and place MB Quart in Germany in receivership.Rockford said this action would stem losses of approximately $750,000 per quarter. Rockford also announced plans to return to its core car audio business and divest itself of non-core related businesses. The company owns several home audio and professional audio companies including Hafler, Fosgate Audionics and NHT. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Replies:
Posted By: kfr01
Date Posted: January 14, 2005 at 3:26 PM
This is very interesting news, although I don't find it altogether unsurprising. I've felt that Quart's retail price / performance point has been a bit behind the industry. Quart used to be one of a handful of high end component companies, but now there's some great competition, both in price and quality from the likes of Diamond, CDT, Memphis, and countless others with similarly priced products that aren't clearly inferior to Quart's offerings.
Also, in the age when the car audio media is simply horrible with reviews, and more buying decisions are moving online or to catalog, high end differentation is going to be very very difficult for companies to sustain. For example, I have a new crutchfield catalog in front of me. The "specs" between Quart's $400+ PCE series and some Polk $200 components are almost identical. Now, anyone with a clue knows that "specs" don't tell the entire story and that Quart is -generally- of higher quality than the Polk. However, average car audio consumer, who is no longer necessarily a car audio enthusiast, sees no reason to spend his or her hard earned cash on the more expensive product. MB Quart has frankly done an awful job providing information seeking consumers with statistics and information prompting consumers to make the price jump to their products. In short, they've tried resting on their name and in-store sales efforts and have failed.
Anyway, while I'm not surprised, I am disappointed by the news. Quart speakers are nice products that I've become a fan of. Even if I wouldn't buy from them again, I think their place in the market is good for competition. How long has Quart now been a sort of benchmark for components from other companies?
I'm not surprised to see the Fosgate company in general struggling. The marketing and product strategies of all their product lines seems scattered and unfocused.
Anyway, I'll stop rambling for now. Any feelings from anyone else? DYohn?
-------------
New Project: 2003 Pathfinder
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: January 14, 2005 at 3:38 PM
Yes, I agree. My hope is that by splitting away from RF, MBQ's new brand will provide a return to their pre-2001 lofty standards. Although I think the name "Third Acoustics" is lame, I look forward to testing their offerings. RF has been in need of a shake-up for some time..... ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: MAXST
Date Posted: January 14, 2005 at 3:57 PM
interesting. Blows that they won't bring over amps...course i could just get the top line rockford...since that what it is.
-------------
I need quality equipment, feel free to donate.
|