Rogers International
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Audio electronics |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Founder | Jim Rogers |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Michael O'Brien (chairman), Brian Pook (managing director) |
| Products | Loudspeakers, amplifiers, receivers, car audio systems, LCD televisions |
| Owner | Wo Kee Hong Holdings Ltd |
| Parent | Wo Kee Hong Holdings Ltd |
Rogers represents a British brand name owned by Rogers International Ltd, a subsidiary under Wo Kee Hong Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-based enterprise specializing in a range of audio electronic devices.
Description
The firm specializes in hi-fi equipment such as amplifiers, receivers, car audio systems, and LCD televisions. However, it is predominantly recognized for its expertise in producing loudspeakers.
History
Established in 1947 by Jim Rogers, the company rose to prominence with notable products like the Rogers Theatrical Horn Loudspeaker. During the early 1970s, the BBC commissioned Rogers to manufacture the LS3/5A, resulting in approximately 50,000 pairs produced globally. Additionally, Rogers produced the LS 5/8 and LS 5/9 studio monitors under license from the BBC, which became standard equipment in many recording studios.
In 1975, Michael O'Brien (chairman) and Brian Pook (managing director) acquired Rogers by purchasing Swisstone, which maintained the BBC license for the LS3/5A and restarted its production. By 1978, they had also taken over Chartwell from the official receiver.
The brand was transferred to Chinese ownership under Wo Kee Hong Holdings in 1993. Under this new management, Rogers broadened its product range to include surround sound speakers, car audio products, Dolby Digital receivers, as well as plasma and LCD televisions. Although Wo Kee Hong held ownership of the brand, Swisstone continued as the exclusive designer of Rogers speakers, thereby preserving their British design heritage for a period.
Following a significant downturn in exports from Asia, manufacturing operations in the UK ceased in 1998, with all production relocating to Asia. In 2018, Rogers reinstated UK-based manufacturing and resumed producing hi-fi items such as the LS3/5a, LS5/9 speakers, and valve amplifiers.
Products
LS3/5A In response to a BBC request during the early 1970s for a compact monitor speaker suitable for confined broadcast van environments, the LS3/5A was developed. This model was licensed to various manufacturers including Rogers, Chartwell, Audiomaster, Spendor, and Harbeth. The LS3/5A stands as Rogers' most successful product with around 50,000 pairs manufactured worldwide.
Other hi-fi offerings During the 1980s, Rogers expanded its lineup with amplifiers such as the A75 and A100 along with the T100 FM tuner. They also introduced AB3a active subwoofers tailored specifically for use with LS3/5As, incorporating an electronic crossover integrated within the same chassis as their amplifiers.
LS 5/8 and 5/9 These studio monitors were produced by Rogers under BBC licensing agreements and have been extensively utilized in professional recording studio settings.
"JR149" Following the collapse of Rogers Audio, founder Jim Rogers launched J R Loudspeakers Ltd and introduced the JR149 speaker in 1977. Utilizing identical drive units to those found in the LS3/5A but housed within a cylindrical aluminium enclosure, this model received favorable reviews for delivering comparable audio performance.
LS33 The LS33 marked Rogers' last speaker model manufactured in the UK. Building upon earlier designs, it gained acclaim for its exceptional musicality, accurate soundstaging, and precise monitoring capabilities that earned it a dedicated user base.