Samsung now owns Denon, Bowers and Wilkins, Marantz, Polk, and more audio brands

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Concerns about “Samsungization” and Enshittification

  • Many expect more lock-in, tracking, forced apps, and ad-driven “features” across the acquired brands.
  • Examples cited: Samsung TVs that require consent to viewing-tracking, smart appliances with ads, and fears of audio ads or app-gating even on non-screen devices.
  • A former Samsung employee describes an internal pivot where “ads/post-sale revenue everywhere” became a top priority, with engineering freedom replaced by mandated cloud vendors and cost explosions.

Smart TVs, Privacy, and the EU

  • Several users keep TVs permanently offline, citing slow UIs, instability, and tracking. One physically removed the Wi‑Fi module to fix hangs.
  • Debate over whether EU regulators would block “tracking for features” requirements; thread notes tension between strong consumer privacy rules and simultaneous pushes for government surveillance (e.g., encryption backdoors).

Impact on Audio Brands and Market Structure

  • Some point out Samsung has owned Harman (JBL, AKG) for years with relatively independent operation; others mention negative changes (e.g., AKG’s Austrian engineers leaving).
  • Worry about conglomerate consolidation (Samsung + Harman + Sound United) shrinking genuine competition and creating a fake sense of choice via many brand names.
  • Independent brands (British, Nordic, etc.) are praised and people express hope they stay niche and unsold.

Hi‑Fi vs Soundbars, Cars, and DIY

  • Consensus that mainstream home audio has moved to cheap soundbars and Bluetooth speakers; “mid-range” hi‑fi (e.g., $2k amps) is seen as squeezed between “good enough” and ultra-high-end.
  • High‑end branding increasingly shows up as car options rather than home separates; automakers can bundle pricey branded systems into six‑figure vehicles.
  • Strong debate over how much modern small speakers and class‑D amps have closed the gap; some say 70s–80s hi‑fi is still unmatched, others say modern class‑D + decent drivers is objectively superior.
  • DIY speaker/amp solutions and used gear are proposed as ways to escape corporate enshittification while retaining high quality.

Physical Media, Ritual, and Streaming

  • Many celebrate the “ritual” of vinyl/CD/tape: deliberate listening, screens absent, ownership, and immunity to subscription revocation or app rot.
  • Others argue vinyl is technically inferior and romanticized, pointing to wear, mastering compromises, and CD/digital advantages; mastering differences (dynamic range vs loudness) are heavily discussed.
  • Broader concern that streaming encourages “per action” monetization, content revocation, and low-effort listening, but also recognition that discovery and convenience are unmatched.

Devices, Streaming Boxes, and Receivers

  • Frustration with Sonos obsolescence, flaky “smart” appliances, and clunky control apps; desire for a simple, durable network audio box.
  • Alternatives suggested: Yamaha networked receivers, WiiM streamers, Airport Express, Bluetooth/Spotify Connect dongles, MiniDSP + power amps.
  • Some praise Marantz/Denon for long software support, but worry Samsung’s control could shorten lifespans or increase ad/tracking pressure.