Samsung Strengthens Its Audio Empire with Masimo Acquisition: What This Means for the Future of Sound

Samsung is stepping up its game in the premium audio market by acquiring several renowned audio brands from Masimo. This bold move, carried out through its subsidiary Harman International, signals Samsung’s ambition to become a dominant force in high-end audio technology. By adding prestigious names like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio to its portfolio, Samsung is poised to enhance its offerings across smartphones, TVs, soundbars, and smart home devices.

Samsung Electronics recently announced that Harman International, a subsidiary it purchased in 2016 for \$8 billion, has signed a \$350 million deal to acquire the audio business unit of Masimo. This unit includes an impressive lineup of respected audio brands: Boston Acoustics, Bowers & Wilkins, Classé, Definitive Technology, Denon, HEOS, Marantz, and Polk Audio. Bowers & Wilkins, founded in England in 1966, is celebrated for its exceptional design and quality, producing some of the world’s most beautiful and highly regarded speakers, including the legendary Nautilus series. Denon, with a history stretching back 115 years, is known for its extensive range of audio-video equipment, including AV receivers, turntables, and soundbars. Marantz is renowned for premium amplifiers and wireless audio solutions.

With this acquisition, Samsung aims to improve the audio performance of its entire ecosystem — from smartphones and wireless earphones to soundbars and TVs — while integrating these brands into its SmartThings platform. This could mean a new level of sound quality and smart device compatibility, offering consumers a more seamless and immersive audio experience.

What Undercode Say:

This strategic acquisition underscores Samsung’s intent to cement itself as a global leader in the premium audio market. By bringing iconic brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Denon under its umbrella, Samsung isn’t just expanding its product portfolio; it is leveraging decades of audio innovation and brand prestige to elevate its consumer electronics. The move is particularly significant in the context of today’s audio landscape, where smart, connected devices dominate and consumers expect superior sound quality combined with seamless technology integration.

Harman’s President, Dave Rogers, highlighted that adding Bowers & Wilkins to the Harman family strengthens the company’s status as an audio powerhouse. Samsung’s long-term vision likely involves blending these luxury brands’ high-end audio technologies with its existing mass-market products, creating a unique mix of performance and accessibility. This could influence how Samsung designs future smartphones, soundbars, and home theater systems — embedding advanced audio capabilities that appeal to both audiophiles and everyday users.

Moreover, integrating these audio firms with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem offers an exciting opportunity to enhance the smart home experience. Imagine smart speakers, soundbars, and headphones that not only deliver exceptional sound but also interact smoothly with other smart devices, creating a fully connected environment. This acquisition also allows Samsung to tap into loyal customer bases of these premium brands, expanding its reach and market share.

On the flip side, this acquisition comes with the challenge of preserving the distinct identity and heritage of each audio brand while aligning them under Samsung’s corporate strategy. Maintaining brand authenticity will be crucial to keeping loyal customers engaged. The integration of these audio technologies will also require careful innovation to avoid diluting the premium quality these brands represent.

Ultimately, Samsung’s aggressive expansion into the audio sector signals a shift in how tech giants are approaching the convergence of audio, video, and smart technologies. It’s not just about hardware anymore; it’s about delivering a comprehensive ecosystem that meets the evolving demands of consumers who want convenience, connectivity, and high fidelity all in one package.

Fact Checker Results:

✅ Samsung confirmed the \$350 million acquisition deal for Masimo’s audio firms.
✅ The brands acquired include Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio.
✅ Harman International, Samsung’s subsidiary, will oversee the integration and development.

Prediction:

Samsung’s acquisition will spark a new era of innovation in consumer audio products, blending premium sound quality with smart home connectivity. Expect upcoming Galaxy devices, TVs, and soundbars to showcase noticeable audio improvements powered by these legendary brands. Over time, Samsung could emerge as a major player not only in smartphones and TVs but also in the luxury audio market, rivaling established high-end audio manufacturers. This deal may also inspire competitors to pursue similar acquisitions, accelerating the fusion of smart technology and premium audio worldwide.