News

More changes coming to The International Audio Group as it continues to sort its product lines and distribution plans. Starting February 1, 2006, IAG has assigned sole US distribution of its Quad branded products to newly formed Taiga LLC.

According to IAG, preparations for the new distribution plan have been in development for six months and Taiga is an independently owned importer and distributor, and will be led by Jeff Sigmund. For the past four years, Sigmund has served as the Chief Operating Officer of IAG's American subsidiary and has also served as IAG America's vice president of operations.

IAG, whose headquarters are in Hong Kong and Macao, China, also operates audiophile favorites Wharfedale and Audiolab, and acquired the Mission brand last June. Stereophile's Wes Phillips wrote about his visit to IAG's Shenzhen manufacturing facilities in the April 2005 eNewsletter.

"We will be representing a company that is often regarded as producing the finest loudspeakers in the world," says Sigmund. "As such, it is only fitting that the distribution, service and brand promotion be handled in a manner that greatly departs from the contemporary mass market distribution model. Quad customers deserve our undivided attention, and this is exactly what we will strive to achieve. We are putting in place a model that focuses on the unique needs of the Quad consumer base. Our primary objective will be an emphasis on both before and after the sale customer service."

IAG says that Larry Shaffer will also transition from IAG's American subsidiary to Taiga and will continue to serve in the capacity of National Sales Manager.

In similar news, EMM Labs, the Canadian manufacturer of Ed Meitner's well-regarded SACD playback gear, announced after CES that its products will no longer be distributed in the US by On a Higher Note of San Juan Capistrano, CA. Both US distribution and customer service worldwide will be handled by Jonathan Tinn, EMM Labs' new vice president of sales and marketing.

"Jonathan played an important role with us in the past and made valuable contributions to the company's success," said president Ed Meitner. "Jonathan's skills are a perfect fit for EMM Labs going forward. By adding someone of his caliber to the staff and by bringing oversight of worldwide distribution in house, we will be able to focus more energy and resources on effectively serving our dealer base and keeping our customers happy," added Meitner.