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July 10, 2012
BY GIANNA B. VILLAVICENCIO Special Features Writer
A Sound Business
For items like high-quality sound equipment, it may be difficult to trust lesser-known brands. Yet one local business that makes and sells speakers believes it can be at par with its more popular competitors.
An Anthony Audio speaker in assembly.
A-Audio, now Anthony Audio, was established in 2002 by Anthony Leuterio, an electronics and communications engineering graduate of the Mapua Institute of Technology. Due to his love for tinkering with gadgets, Mr. Leuterio was inspired to create his own loudspeakers.
In an interview, Mr. Leuterio said that one key trial he faced in the business' early years was having to do a lot of research, especially on crossovers, a type of electronic circuit that can remove or enhance sound frequency components.
And at first, Mr. Leuterio would get some negative reviews from customers about the sound quality produced by his loudspeakers. "Hindi ako sumuko (I did not give up)…. From 2002 to 2004, I researched by repairing and tweaking almost 2,000 audio speaker sets by myself," he said.
Even today, Mr. Leuterio studies other audio systems through reverse engineering. He likes to toy with both branded and unbranded loudspeaker models.
The engineer-turned-entrepreneur is proud that his loudspeakers are locally designed, assembled, and distributed. "Most of the loudspeakers in the local market today are imported from other countries, or are assembled in the Philippines but branded under a foreign company," he said.
Anthony Audio carries a wide selection of bookshelf, center, and tower speakers, as well as audio parts and accessories. The speakers have adhesive vinyl, wood veneer, or paint finishes. Custom orders are also accepted.
Last January, some of Mr. Leuterio's friends joined Anthony Audio as business partners. To the businessman, this means greater efficiency in operations, because the work can be divided.
As chief technology officer and vice-president, Mr. Leuterio prefers to concentrate on product development and let others in the group take on the managerial roles. "That's where I feel I can best exercise my talents." However, he also tries to familiarize himself with business management by listening to related audiobooks.
Back when the venture was still known as A-Audio, Mr. Leuterio's main way to reach new customers was through online promotions on pinoydvd.com, a Web site for cinephiles and audiophiles. Mr. Leuterio said that his team is now looking to develop the marketing side of Anthony Audio: "Right now, we want to focus on building the brand image and expanding dealership."
For more information, Anthony Audio's product showroom is at Unit 213, La Fuerza Building, Chino Roces Ave., Makati. Also, visit www.anthonyaudio.com.
New Media Group
Raul L. Locsin Building I
95 Balete Drive Extension,
New Manila, Quezon City,
1112 Philippines
Trunkline: (632)535-9901
Extensions: 706, 709-711
Direct Line: (632)535-9923
Fax No.: (632)535-9925
Email: New Media Group
