MADS KLIFOTH
Mads is Ole’s son and has been responsible for operating Audiovector commercially since 2015. Mads has been interested in music and hi-fi from an early age and has been involved at some level in the family business for many years. With a business background in real estate, Mads combines this commercial business experience with his knowledge of the unique ‘family DNA’ of the company. Mads spearheads many aspects of the business and has expanded global distribution and the company profile, so the company has thrived very well over the past few years with consistent business growth and increased sales.
Mads is married to Stine and they have a young son. When he is not spending time at the office he is busy spending time with his family enjoying a glass of wine and researching in his favourite passion and hobby, Swiss timepieces. The family lives north of Copenhagen, close to the Audiovector factory and office headquarters.
How did your interest high-end audio begin? Did it come from the music side or the electronics side?
I grew up with a lot of music around me as a child. Listening to Andreas Vollenweider, Loggins & Messina, Led Zeppelin, Fairfield Four, Elvis, BB King, Prince, and a lot of Keith Jarrett music was the key to my interest. Soon after, with the different systems and combinations we had at home, I started my love affair with audio, and I was hooked!
What was your first high-end system?
My father is the founder of Audiovector, of course, so I have been exposed in one way or another to high-end audio since before I could walk. One of the first systems I remember him playing was a Meitner Pre with two monoblock power amplifiers, a fully loaded Linn LP12 turntable, and our F 3 Trapez loudspeakers (this early model paved the way for Audiovector as it is today). My own first system was a pair of Audiovector M3 Avantgarde MK2 with Musical Fidelity X-Ray, X-A2, X-AS100—I was 12 years old then.
What attracted you to the industry? And loudspeaker design in particular?
I was attracted to the industry because I really enjoy the feeling of “camaraderie” that is quite unique in the hi-fi business. A shared love of music, plus close relations to our partners and working in a family business all contribute to this. We think that loudspeakers are the most important part of a hi-fi system as you translate electrical signals to acoustical signals.
What differentiates high-end audio from other forms of audio?
The relentless pursuit of the best possible sound and an enthusiastic approach to musical reproduction and music itself fascinates us a lot. This uncompromising approach in every respect differentiates high end from other forms of audio.
In light of current technology, do you approach speaker design differently today?
A lot of technical calculations and various measurements have become much easier due to computerization. In addition, we use our many years of professional experience and, of course, our ears, which are always the most important tool in creating a great loudspeaker. The significance of simply listening with your ears and using your judgment if something is musically communicative and emotionally involving must never be underestimated! Also, listening to our designs in different environments is also as important as ever.
Is a younger generation of audiophiles demanding something different from Audiovector than earlier generations?
In essence, today’s requirements are close to the same as previous generations: Pure, lifelike, natural sound, but with even more focused precision, lower distortion, and with loudspeakers that comply with the quality of high-end streaming.
What interesting fact or aspect about Audiovector might surprise audiophiles?
Some audiophiles are surprised by the fact that a high-end loudspeaker can look quite so attractive. We take pride in offering hand-built and beautiful-sounding products with a modern, elegant, and timeless exterior, which is directly related to our strong Danish design heritage.
What are the greatest challenges facing the high-end audio industry in general?
I think that as an industry we need to communicate the real value of what we make. By this I don’t mean commercial value but an emphasis on music being essential for well-being and cultural enrichment. And high-end audio delivers this to maximum effect. Over the next 10–15 years we need to have an extra focus on getting people to migrate to our industry from more mainstream products and experience a high-quality, emotionally communicative system, and this is something you cannot do via Instagram or Facebook. However, embracing emerging technology—regarding both performance and usability—side by side with more traditional engineering (such as vinyl playback) has to be incorporated into this more holistic strategy.
Outside of audio, what do you do for fun?
I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife and an amazing two-year-old son with whom I spend most of my time. On weekends I listen to a lot of music—maybe not always obsessed with the audio reproduction, which makes it a lot of fun! I ride my mountain bike in the forest, enjoy good food and wine, and collect mechanical watches, which is a great passion and hobby of mine.
What (still) inspires you about your work?
Everything from creating a new product to running a day-to-day business with amazing colleagues, partners, and customers around the world. I feel blessed every day to have the trust and faith of these people.
The Absolute Sound by Neil Gader Oct 27th, 2021
Contact us to learn more.
Click HERE for Audiovector information.
