Eyeballing Nakamichi audio equipment, brand in 2025
Particularly its forays into new markets, equipment including car tube amp, consumer electronics, etc.
Nakamichi, the renowned Japanese audio equipment manufacturer celebrated for its high-end cassette decks, was sold in 1997 to Grande Holdings, a Hong Kong-based Chinese company. Grande Holdings also owned other electronics brands such as Akai and Sansui .(Digitec, Wikipedia)
Following the acquisition, Nakamichi faced significant challenges adapting to the digital era, leading to a decline in its market presence. In 2002, the company filed for bankruptcy protection under Japan’s Civil Rehabilitation Law .(AutoSpies, Wikipedia)
Today, Nakamichi operates as a subsidiary of Nimble Holdings, another Chinese holding company that succeeded Grande Holdings. Under this new ownership, the Nakamichi brand has shifted its focus to consumer electronics like soundbars and home theater systems. However, these products are generally perceived as lacking the distinctive engineering and innovation that once defined the original Japanese-made Nakamichi devices .(Wikipedia, HiFiVision.com)
Nimble Holdings Company Limited, formerly known as Grande Holdings, is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company with a diverse portfolio spanning consumer electronics, property development, and household appliances.(Reuters)
Acquisition of Nakamichi
Nakamichi, the renowned Japanese audio equipment manufacturer, was acquired by Grande Holdings in 1999. In 2017, Grande Holdings underwent a rebranding and became Nimble Holdings Company Limited. Therefore, Nakamichi became a subsidiary of Nimble Holdings from that point forward.
Business Expertise and Track Record
Nimble Holdings operates primarily as an investment holding company. Its core business activities include:(Reuters, nimbleproperty.net)
- Distribution of Consumer Electronics: Through its subsidiaries, Nimble Holdings distributes audio and houseware products in the United States, notably under the Emerson brand. (nimbleholding.com)
- Property Development: The company is involved in property development projects in the People’s Republic of China. (nimbleholding.com)
- Trading of Household Appliances: Nimble Holdings engages in the trading of household appliances, wires, and cables within the Chinese market. (Reuters)
While Nimble Holdings owns several audio brands, including Nakamichi, Akai, and Sansui, its primary expertise lies in brand management and distribution rather than in-house audio engineering or product innovation. The company’s approach focuses on leveraging established brand names to market consumer electronics products, often through licensing agreements and partnerships.
In summary, Nimble Holdings acquired Nakamichi in 1999 (as Grande Holdings) and rebranded itself in 2017. The company specializes in investment holding, brand management, and distribution across various sectors, with a notable presence in consumer electronics and property development.
Nakamichi N40t, N60t Tube Car Amps
Regarding Nakamiche N40t and N60t tube car amplifiers — both of hybrid design, using 12AX7 vacuum tube input stage and transistorized power output stage(s). Many amplifiers of this (or substantially similar) design have been marketed over the past several decades. The transparent (plastic?) cover of this amplifier suggests reduced need for metal heatsink, suggesting a class-D (high-frequency switching) design to reduce heat.
From community forums —
“Alignment” seemingly suggests use of high-order shelving filters (24dB/octave?) probably at the frequency pass-band edges of the feedback circuit. Some higher-order filters are said to maintain signal phase coherence. Presumably, the idea is to present the feedback (distortion) signal with correct / “aligned” phase at the global negative feedback input.