The ELAC-Story

1908	On April 15, 1908, Dr Phil Heinrich Hecht started working in Kiel, Germany in the realm of underwater sound technology. Later he would join others in forming the beginnings of ELAC.
1911	In 1911, Neufeld & Kuhnke founded Signalgesellschaft GmbH, managed by Dr Phil Hecht, Dr Phil Wilhelm Rudolph, Walter Hahnemann, and Gerhard Schmidt. After World War I, this association would again come together.
1926	It was on September 1, 1926, that associates Dr Hecht, Gerhard Schmidt, and Dr Rudolph founded the ELECTROACUSTIC GmbH. Their knowledge of underwater and open-air acoustics and sound location developed to new standards.
1945	Again, a new start after World War II. 250 of the original 5,000 employees begin work on underwater sound technology. The company diversified to ensure their existence, however, by producing 'high-tech' products for that time such as sewing machines, air pumps and automotive accessories. Through numerous orders, the company learns to produce large quantities economically and under strict quality control.
1948	In 1948, the company started to supply all Siemens radios from its factory in Kiel. The "ELECTROACUSTIC" is alive once more. This is not only the year of a new currency, it is also a crucial year for the future of ELAC. On December 14, 1948, the first turntable is completed. One year later, 5,600 turntables had been produced under the brand ELAC. The first of 4 million to come. At the end of 1945 already, ELAC produces high quality, pure Seignette crystals. This eventually results in the production of the first crystal phono pick-up. The KST 1, with screw-in sapphire stylus, on a former of a special magnesium alloy, needs only 270 mN tracking force. The former comparative standard in those days was 600 to 1200 mN.
1956	ELAC in Kiel becomes the leading producer of turntables. Three German companies now account for 90% of units sold worldwide: ELAC, Dual and Perpetuum Ebner.
1957	On October 30, 1957, the stereo phono cartridge is born. Patent No. 1 105 628 is granted to ELAC for an "electro-magnetic pick-up for two-channel record modulation". This paves the way to revolutionize the entire record reproduction industry and establishes ELAC's reputation as the leading producer of phono cartridges. Throughout the world, ELAC licensed many renowned companies like Shure. This patent and following patents formed the basis for the phono cartridge principle known today by "Moving-Magnet Systems", or simply MM systems.
1967	ELAC stereo, hi-fi magnet phono cartridges are now able to operate at tracking forces below 10 mN. Continued development lead to even lower tracking forces, more refinements and better reproduction. Turntables had to keep up and improvments in their design followed.
1978	In 1978, ELAC decides to spin off the underwater acoustic business to the well known company, Honeywell. The phono cartridge business is now called ELAC Ingenieurtechnik. Development continues and the company now adds research into industrial robots.
1981	On July 8, 1981, the marketing and distribution company John & Partner takes over the sales activities of ELAC hi-fi products. Two months later, at the Berlin Funkausstellung (IFA) the first phono cartridge utilizing the v.d.Hul-II stylus cut, the ESG 796 H, is presented and causes quite a stir.
	The growth and success in the consumer electronics sector continued. It was again decided to split up the company.
1982	On January 1, 1982, the partners of the John & Partner Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH take over control of ELAC's consumer electronics business and founded today's ELAC. ELAC is now ready to take on new activities. Together with a highly agile and professional hi-fi development team, a Moving-Coil phono cartridge patent is granted to ELAC for their famous EMC 1 pick-up, continuing the inventive spirit of the past. New inventions and products follow in quick succession. The first international agent - Bleuel Electronic AG - is authorised to distribute ELAC products in Switzerland.
1984	In 1984, ELAC in Kiel extends its programme range to include loudspeakers. The loudspeaker company AXIOM Elektroakustik GmbH is integrated into ELAC. New concepts of the dispersion characteristic of loudspeaker drivers are put into practice.
1985	The new patented ELAC 4Pi tweeter technology arrives. The new omnidirectional ribbon tweeter leaps ELAC into the world elite of loudspeakers. At the same time, ELAC starts working on room-acoustic research. The developers' team studies 'micro acoustics' (questions about drive units, baffles, etc, i.e. everything regarding the loudspeakers), as well as the secrets of 'macro acoustics' (i.e. influences of a room on the acoustics). By means of a sophisticated computer simulation program, the interplay of all the components (hi-fi + room + listener) is simulated. For any customer buying ELAC loudspeakers, ELAC as a special service calculates the optimum placement of loudspeakers in the individual room for free.
1987	The design of the Zero Line cabinet is registered.
1989	The know-how in this field enables the design of drivers to be optimised for their specific application. For example, ELAC produced 25mm special tweeter, whose dome and voice coil former are made in one piece from an aluminium, magnesium, manganese alloy to provide extreme rigidity and guarantee reliable performance. ELAC 170-4Pi: 'Best Product' of the Japanese journal Stereo Sound
1990	On October 1, 1990, the subsidiary company ELAC Technische Software GmbH is founded. ETS works on the development of comprehensive computer program packages enabling calculations of the most complex bass reflex speakers with even the most extraordinary membrane shapes and room-acoustic influences on loudspeaker performance. "Innovation Award Transducers" of the Dutch journal HiFi Video Totaal
1992	In 1992, the development and production of hi-fi electronics under the trademark Linear Acoustic is distributed as a brand by ELAC. Design Award of the Dutch journal HiFi Video Totaal (ELM 408)
1993	At the IFA Berlin, woofers and midrange units with aluminium-sandwich membranes, which provide particular precision and rigidity, are introduced for the first time in the Elegant Series. Product of the Year of the magazine HiFi Review (4Pi Plus) A further milestone is the takeover of the loudspeaker brand, A.R.E.S. by ELAC in 1993. The legendary Air Motion Transformer of hi-fi pioneer Oskar Heil is further perfected by ELAC in the JET tweeter.
1994	The new long-stroke woofers with aluminium-sandwich membranes from ELAC's proprietary driver production prove exceptional with regard to precision and power handling. Kiel Environment Award for special achievements to preserve natural resources and ameliorate unfavourable living conditions in the region of Kiel.
1995	Award of the Studies and Promotion Association Schleswig-Holstein e.V. as Environment Friendly Enterprise for the Development of an Integrated Ecological Management System. Design & Engineering Award "Innovation", USA (Elegant 305) The breakthrough of ELAC surround concept is confirmed by the award 'Product of the Year' of the magazine Stereoplay, Germany (Cinema)
1996	Best Buy of the Year, HiFi-Review, Hong Kong (Elegant 305) Inexpensive products supplement the product range and make A.R.E.S. a considerable growth factor for sales in the consumer class.
	Certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001 and EU Standard 1836/93 (Ecological Audit) through the Germanic Lloyd as the first enterprise in the court district Kiel. ELAC's aluminium-sandwich membranes are presented in silver for the first time. The shiny silver drivers, which are used in the CL Series, realise ELAC's major competences - innovation and longevity. Super AV Award magazine Super AV, Hong Kong (Elegant 305)
1997	After nearly 50 years, in 1997, ELAC ends its phono cartridge production to make room for its rapidly growing loudspeaker production (woofer production and new voice coil production). HiFi Review Award, Hong Kong (211-4 Pi) IF-Product Design Award, Germany (CL Series) Diapason D´Or HiFi, France (Elegant 305). ELAC is the first German loudspeaker manufacturer to receive the 'Golden Tuning Fork'. With the help of CALE, a computer program developed by ELACīs subsidiary ELAC Technische Software, loudspeakers are tuned for optimised acoustic power, which allows even better room coverage.
1998	The flagship of ELAC loudspeakers is introduced: the 'Spirit of Music' - a worldwide reference. This is also the year of the appearance of the smallest JET loudspeaker: ELAC 310i JET. In accordance with the "in-sourcing principle" and to further enhance the know-how, ELAC buys a magnet producer and from 1999 produces its own magnet systems. Baden-Württemberg International Design Award (CL Series)
	September 1998 ELAC: one name, one brand, one enterprise. To concentrate all powers and focus on their particular strengths, the associates decide to merge the companies JOHN & PARTNER Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH and ELAC Phonosysteme GmbH on July 1, 1998. At the same time ELAC regains its traditional name. The ELAC Phonosysteme GmbH is renamed ELAC ELECTROACUSTIC GMBH.
	Diapason D´Or HiFi, France (Elt 7)   Award for Ecological Management by the ASU (Association of Self-Employed Entrepreneurs e.V.)
1999	At the Berlin IFA, ELAC causes a stir with the IMAGO "talking pictures" - the first ELAC distributed mode loudspeakers (DML). Design Award Schleswig-Holstein (CL 310) Components of The Year Award, magazine Stereo Sound, Japan (CL 310 JET)
2000	The design focus is broadened. A design registration of ELAC designer Wilfrid Werner's Lancet Design has been applied for. ELAC's proprietary know-how of DML loudspeakers has resulted in the application for a German patent on a "moulded part to mount an exciter on a flat panel speaker". This patent has been granted on May 24, 2002 resulting in the application for an European patent which has been granted on the October 10, 2002.
2001	A patent was granted on February 23, 2002 for a "special circuit for flat panel speakers" enabling a smooth frequency response across the whole surface of a flat panel. Also patents in the area of active electronics have been applied for, e.g. patent for "ESP". ESP is a frequency- and power-dependent electronic stabilisation programme. China's leading HiFi magazine "AVPHILE" rated ELAC on No. 3 of all well-known foreign loudspeaker manufacturers in 2001, HiVi Grand Prix 2001 of the Japanese magazine "HiVi" for the ELAC CINEMA 3 ESP Set Award of the Chinese HiFi magazine "Audio Land" for CINEMA 1 ESP Set and CL 310i JET.
	The designs of the 2 Series, the grill of the CINEMA Series, and tweeter HT 25 Alu KST (wave guide) are registered.
	The magnet production (integrated in 1999) has yielded an increase in know-how: a utility model of "electro-dynamical loudspeakers with neodymium pill" (neodymium-powered high-energy magnet system) has been registered.
2002	Together with Siemens VDO, joint application for "Use of loudspeakers in air ducts of passenger vehicles" Together with Siemens VDO, joint application for "Use of exciters in air ducts of passenger vehicles"
	What HI-FI Award, England's Best Buy up to 500 Pounds for ELAC CINEMA 1 ESP
	Awarding of the Outstanding Component & Best Buy Component Award by the Chinese specialist journal "Super AV", honoring ELAC 205 JET and CINEMA 3 ESP.
2003	Awarding of the Components of the Year Award 2002 by Chinese specialist journal "Audioland", honoring CINEMA 3 ESP and CINEMA XL CENTER. CINEMA 3 ESP awarded with Best Performance of the Year 2002, presented by Taiwanese magazine "Prime AV".
	The ELAC 510 receives the 2003 Components of the Year Award from the chinese magazine Audio Land. The CINEMA 3 ESP set receives the Home Theater Awards of the Year 2003 in China.
2004	According to China's leading hi-fi magazine Avphile, ELAC is the most popular German loudspeaker brand in China. The annual survey presents the top ten most renowned foreign loudspeaker brands for the year 2003. Here, ELAC has improved its positioning in the category 'Loudspeakers'. ELAC is now in 2nd place! German patent application "Holder for mounting and replacing DML exciters" German patent application "Subwoofer with tube for wave guiding" German patent application "Combination of aluminium and MDF with internal tension rods", granted in November 2005 Design registry for the 600 Series Patented design for tweeter loudspeakers Design registry for the 400 Series
	The Chinese magazine Super AV presents the Super AV Award 2004 to the BS 204.2!. The bookshelf speaker BS 204.2 receives the prize Best Buy of the Year Award 2004 from the Chinese magazine HiFi Review. The floor-standing speaker FS 207.2 receives the Innovations Award 2004 at CES in Las Vegas.
	ELAC introduces its new high-end series on the market: the 600 series X JET features a unique coaxial midrange/tweeter! Application for the design registration of the new coaxial JET driver: X-JET. Design registration of the new JET tweeter. Patent application for Foil for Air-Motion Loudspeaker, granted in July 2005. Granting of the patent for Interchangeable Frames for Exciters of Flat Panel Loudspeakers (reversible exciters) on the 24/11/2004. Design registration for the design of the 05 series on the 3/9/2004. Application for the design registration for the Connection of Aluminium with MDF by means of tensioning devices on the 8/11/2004, granting on the 3/3/2005. Design registration for the cabinets of the 400 series on the 27/04/2004.
2005	The FS 608-4PI receives the Stereo Sound Grand Prix 2004 Award from the Japanese magazine Stereo Sound and the Products of the Year Award 2004 from the Chinese magazine HiFi Review.
	The Taiwanese magazine AUDIO ART presents the Best Value of the Year Award 2005 and the Chinese magazine Audioland the Components of the Year Award 2004 to the FS 608-4PI.
	The Chinese magazine Home Theatre presents the Home Theatre Awards Of The Year 2004 - 2005 to ELAC 200 series.
	Design registration for JET foil for tweeter on the 3/3/2005.
	The editors of the famous Chinese hi-fi magazine Super AV gave the SUPER AV AWARD 2005 to the high end loudspeakers BS 602 X-JET and CC 601 X-JET.
	The chief editors of the popular Chinese journal Home Theater China announced this year's winner of the Home Theater Awards of the Year 2005-2006: the winners are the FS 607 X-JET, the BS 602 X-JET and the CC 601 X-JET.
	The ELAC FS 607 X-JET receives the Grand Prix 2005 from Japans most famous hi-fi magazine Stereo Sound!
	The Products of the Year Award 2005 from Chinese magazine Hi-Fi Review is presented to the ELAC FS 609 X-PI!
	Granting of the patent for an undulated membrane foil for JET tweeters in December 2005.
2006	The Chinese AV magazine Home Theater has presented the "Home Theater Speaker Package Best of Excellence Award 2005/2006" to the ELAC X-JET system in January.
	In February the ELAC 120 Series have been decorated with the "Home Theater Speaker Package Best Buy Award 2006/2007", again by the AV magazine Home Theater.
	In May ELAC's FS 608-4Pi received the "Products of the Year 2006 Award (Loudspeakers)" from the Chinese journal HiFi Review.
	In August the two magazines Audio Art and Prime AV presented their "Best Performance Awards" to our BS 602 X-JET and FS 607 X-JET loudspeakers.
	HiFi Review - one of the major chinese stereo magazines - decorates the 120 Series and especially the FS 127 with the "Best Buy Award" in September 2006.
	October: Patent application for an "acoustic device to expel animals".
2007	In January the Super AV journal decorated the ELAC FS 609 X-PI with the "Outstanding Floorstanding Speaker Award 2006" and the ELAC 330.3 JET with the "Outstanding Bookshelf Speaker Award 2006".
	HiFi magazine Audioland presented the highly desired "Best Buy 2006 Award" to BS 123, ELAC 310 Ultimate Edition and SUB 2060 ESP in April.
	ELAC FS 210 A receives the "Product of the Year 2006 Award" in May from HiFi Review.
Did You know?	In fact, a couple of years ago already, ELAC has introduced famous brands on the German market, like e.g. Nakamichi, Fischer and Sony.
New ideas meet the demands on quality, science and research. This used to be the basis in 1926. This is the basis today.