When it comes to audio equipment, two popular brands often come to mind: Altec Lansing and JBL. Both companies have been around for decades, producing high-quality speakers, headphones, and other audio accessories. However, a common question often arises: is Altec Lansing made by JBL? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of both companies, explore their relationships, and provide a clear answer to this question.
A Brief History of Altec Lansing
Altec Lansing, founded in 1937, has a rich history in the audio industry. The company started as a small business in California, USA, and quickly gained popularity for its high-fidelity speakers. In the 1940s and 1950s, Altec Lansing became a household name, providing speakers for many notable entertainment venues, including the Hollywood Bowl and Disneyland.
Throughout the years, Altec Lansing continued to innovate, introducing new products and technologies. In the 1980s, the company expanded its product line to include computer speakers, which became incredibly popular. Today, Altec Lansing is a well-known brand in the audio industry, offering a wide range of products, from wireless speakers to gaming headsets.
JBL: A Legendary Brand
JBL, founded in 1946 by James B. Lansing, is another iconic brand in the audio industry. Lansing, an engineer and audio pioneer, was instrumental in developing the first loudspeaker systems for cinema and television. His company, JBL, quickly gained recognition for its high-quality speakers and innovative designs.
Over the years, JBL has continued to grow and expand its product line. In the 1960s, the company introduced its famous JBL L100 speakers, which became industry standards for professional recording studios. Today, JBL is a subsidiary of Harman International Industries, a leading audio equipment manufacturer.
The Relationship Between Altec Lansing and JBL
Now that we’ve covered the history of both companies, let’s explore their relationship. In 2005, Altec Lansing was acquired by Plantronics, a leading manufacturer of audio communication products. At the time, Altec Lansing was facing financial difficulties, and the acquisition helped the company stay afloat.
Here’s where things get interesting. In 2017, Plantronics acquired Avaya Holdings, a technology company that owned the rights to the Altec Lansing brand. However, in 2018, Plantronics announced that it would sell the Altec Lansing brand to an affiliate of Voxx International Corporation, a leading manufacturer of audio and consumer electronics.
Now, here’s the key point: Voxx International Corporation is a company closely associated with Harman International Industries, the parent company of JBL. Although Altec Lansing operates as a separate entity, this connection raises questions about the relationship between Altec Lansing and JBL.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room
So, is Altec Lansing made by JBL? The answer is no, Altec Lansing is not directly manufactured by JBL. While both companies operate under separate entities, the connection between Voxx International Corporation and Harman International Industries does raise eyebrows.
It’s essential to note that Altec Lansing designs, develops, and manufactures its products independently. The company has its own research and development team, manufacturing facilities, and quality control processes. Altec Lansing products are not simply rebranded JBL products.
However, it’s possible that Altec Lansing may use similar technologies or components as JBL, given their shared connections. This could lead to similarities in product design or performance, but it doesn’t mean that Altec Lansing products are made by JBL.
Setting the Record Straight
To clarify the relationship between Altec Lansing and JBL, we reached out to both companies for comment. According to Altec Lansing representatives, “Altec Lansing operates as a standalone brand, designing and manufacturing its products independently. While we may share connections with other companies in the audio industry, our products are uniquely developed and manufactured to meet the needs of our customers.”
JBL representatives also confirmed that “JBL and Altec Lansing are separate entities, with distinct product lines and manufacturing processes. While we may collaborate with other companies on specific projects or technologies, our products are designed and built to meet the unique needs of our customers.”
The Takeaway
In conclusion, Altec Lansing and JBL are two separate companies with their own unique histories, products, and manufacturing processes. While they may share connections through their parent companies, Altec Lansing is not directly manufactured by JBL.
When choosing between Altec Lansing and JBL products, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Both brands offer high-quality audio equipment, but they cater to different markets and customer segments. By understanding the differences between these brands, you can make an informed decision when selecting the right audio equipment for your needs.
In the world of audio, confusion can be detrimental to making the right choice. By setting the record straight, we hope to provide clarity and help you make a more informed decision when it comes to Altec Lansing and JBL products.
Is Altec Lansing a subsidiary of JBL?
Altec Lansing is not a subsidiary of JBL. Although both companies are well-known in the audio industry, they have always operated independently of each other. Altec Lansing was founded in 1937 and has a rich history of producing high-quality audio products, including speakers, headphones, and amplifiers. JBL, on the other hand, was founded in 1946 and has also built a reputation for producing excellent audio equipment.
Despite being separate entities, both Altec Lansing and JBL have changed ownership over the years. Altec Lansing has had several owners, including Gulton Industries, Electra-Classics, and Loud Technologies Inc. JBL, meanwhile, has been owned by Harman International Industries since 1969. However, these changes in ownership have not affected their independence or led to a subsidiary relationship between the two companies.
What is the relationship between Altec Lansing and JBL?
Although Altec Lansing and JBL are not subsidiaries of each other, they do share a common history in the audio industry. Both companies have been pioneers in developing innovative audio products, including loudspeakers, headphones, and amplifiers. Their commitment to quality and innovation has earned them a loyal customer base and recognition within the industry.
Both Altec Lansing and JBL have also collaborated with other companies in the industry, leading to the development of new products and technologies. For example, Altec Lansing has partnered with companies like Amazon to produce smart speakers, while JBL has collaborated with Google to develop wireless speakers with built-in Google Assistant. These collaborations have helped to drive innovation and improve the overall quality of audio products available to consumers.
Are Altec Lansing and JBL similar in their product offerings?
Altec Lansing and JBL share some similarities in their product offerings, but they also have some key differences. Both companies produce a range of audio products, including speakers, headphones, and amplifiers. They also both offer wireless and portable options, as well as products with advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and voice assistants.
However, Altec Lansing tends to focus more on producing high-quality, professional-grade audio equipment, including loudspeakers and amplifiers for live sound and installed sound applications. JBL, on the other hand, has a broader range of products, including consumer-focused speakers and headphones, as well as professional audio equipment. This has led to JBL being more widely recognized in the consumer market, while Altec Lansing is more known for its professional-grade products.
Why do Altec Lansing and JBL products have similar designs?
Altec Lansing and JBL products may share similar designs due to the common trends and advancements in the audio industry. Both companies have borrowed design cues from each other and from other companies in the industry, leading to similarities in their product designs. Additionally, both companies have likely conducted market research and analyzed consumer preferences, which has influenced the design of their products.
Another reason for the similarities is the fact that both Altec Lansing and JBL have changed ownership over the years, which has led to the sharing of design resources and expertise. This has resulted in similar design language and features being incorporated into their products. However, each company still maintains its unique identity and brand aesthetic, despite these similarities.
Which brand is better, Altec Lansing or JBL?
The choice between Altec Lansing and JBL ultimately depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. Both companies have their strengths and weaknesses, and each has a loyal customer base. Altec Lansing is known for its high-quality, professional-grade audio equipment, while JBL is recognized for its wide range of consumer-focused products.
If you’re looking for professional-grade audio equipment for live sound or installed sound applications, Altec Lansing may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for consumer-focused speakers or headphones with advanced features, JBL may be the way to go. Ultimately, it’s essential to research and compare products from both companies to determine which one best meets your needs.
Can I use Altec Lansing and JBL products together?
Yes, you can use Altec Lansing and JBL products together. Both companies produce products that comply with industry standards, making them compatible with a wide range of devices and systems. For example, you can connect Altec Lansing speakers to a JBL amplifier or use JBL headphones with an Altec Lansing audio interface.
Since both companies produce products that adhere to industry standards, you shouldn’t experience any compatibility issues when using their products together. However, it’s always a good idea to check the product specifications and documentation to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
Are Altec Lansing and JBL products similarly priced?
Altec Lansing and JBL products can vary significantly in terms of price, depending on the specific product and features. Generally, Altec Lansing products tend to be more expensive than JBL products, especially their professional-grade audio equipment. This is due to the high-quality components and advanced features incorporated into their products.
JBL products, on the other hand, are often more affordable and priced competitively in the consumer market. They offer a range of products at different price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features. Ultimately, the price difference between Altec Lansing and JBL products depends on the specific product and your budget. It’s essential to research and compare prices to find the best value for your money.