A little research revealed that the main brands represented in Australia by QualiFi as the local importer and distributor all have a rich and proud heritage.

Denon was founded in 1901. Klipsch in 1946, Marantz in 1952 and Jamo in 1968. And just for interest’s sake, Surfers Paradise, the location of the convention was founded in 1933, in case you were wondering?

And while the flowing red wine at Tuesday night’s presentation dinner brought on many jokes about the “dinosaurs” of the HiFi industry, QualiFi is certainly far from extinct.

In fact, one could argue they’re a prime example of a thriving company that has stood the test of time and evolved many times in the almost 4 decades since being founded by the still current CEO, Michael Henriksen.

The most recent addition to their strong portfolio is one of the giants of the loudspeaker world, Klipsch. The dealer convention served as the official local launch for the brand since QualiFi took over distribution, and the first opportunity for specialist retailers to experience the product offering from the U.S. company.

Representatives from Sound United (parent company of Denon, HEOS, Marantz), and Klipsch/Jamo were also in attendance to take attendees through new products and give insight into the brands’ promising next decade.

The clear and underlying message throughout the course of the conference was, “how we can better serve you and help your business”, which was reinforced many times by the ever-witty General Manager, Phil Hawkins, and National Sales Manager, Peter Shamoon.

But with core business out of the way it was time for the presentation dinner and QualiFi’s Sound United Dealer Awards for 2017.

StereoNET would like to also extend our congratulations to the following recipients of awards in recognition of their support of the Denon and Marantz brands.

In recognition of their Brand Achievement in 2017 (in no particular order):

• Lifestyle Store, NSW (Marantz, Bluestream)

• Digital Cinema, NSW (Marantz, Denon, Jamo)

• Apollo HiFi, NSW (Marantz, HEOS, Jamo)

• Len Wallis Audio, NSW (Marantz)

• Clef HiFi, VIC (Marantz, Jamo)

• Videopro, QLD (Denon, HEOS, Jamo)

• Sturmans Audio Visual Electronics, NSW (Denon)

• Klapp Audio Visual, VIC (Denon)

• McCalls Audio Visual, (Jamo)

Dealer Loyalty Awards 2017 (in no particular order):

• Sounds Around (VIC)

• Fine Fidelity (QLD)

• Pacific HiFi (NSW)

• Big Picture People Fountain Gate (VIC)

• Instyle Home Theatre & HiFi (NSW)

• Miranda HiFi (ACT)

• Radio Parts (VIC)

• Premier HiFi (VIC)

• West Coast HiFi, O’Connor (WA)

Many new products were shown for the first time, along with what consumers can expect from Denon, HEOS, Marantz, Jamo and Klipsch in the coming months. These will be covered in additional news on StereoNET.

Congratulations to QualiFi on a very successful conference and their undeniable commitment to the Australian industry and its retail members.

For more information visit the QualiFi website.