Sony Interactive Entertainment, the branch of Sony focused on PlayStation, has officially announced its intention to acquire Audeze
A notable gaming headphone manufacturer based in Orange County, California. Audeze is renowned for its premium headphones tailored towards gamers and audio professionals, often priced at premium levels. While these headphones frequently come with four-figure price tags, they consistently receive excellent reviews from both experts and users.
In their joint statement regarding the acquisition, both companies emphasize that Audeze’s association with Sony won’t result in immediate exclusivity to Sony’s platforms. Audeze will continue producing gaming headphones for other platforms, including, presumably, the Xbox. However, it’s highly likely that Audeze will eventually release products bearing the PlayStation brand.
SIE’s Senior Vice President, Hideaki Nishino, states, “Audeze is a distinguished headphone brand, and this acquisition underscores Sony Interactive’s commitment to innovation and delivering unparalleled audio experiences to PlayStation users. We’re enthusiastic about incorporating Audeze’s expertise into the PlayStation ecosystem, building upon the advancements made with the Tempest 3D AudioTech of the PlayStation 5 and the wireless Pulse 3D headset.”
Audeze sees this deal as a gateway to expanding its market reach, leveraging Sony’s vast influence. CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram acknowledges the opportunities Sony Interactive presents, noting, “Sony Interactive offers Audeze a unique chance to expand our operations as we persist in our mission to provide top-tier headphones to recording experts, audiophiles, and gamers alike. We’re also excited to contribute to Sony Interactive’s endeavors in elevating PlayStation’s audio experiences.”
Beyond its gaming-oriented offerings, Audeze also manufactures speakerphones, reference headphones, and in-ear monitors for music production. Meanwhile, Sony is preparing for the launch of the Portal, a portable PS5 streaming handheld priced at $200.
Sony has clarified that the Audeze brand will continue to operate independently, maintaining its presence in Orange County. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed due to existing contractual obligations.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Chronicle Scope journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
