Fidelity Collective has acquired Westone Audio and Etymotic, bringing two of the personal audio industry’s most respected brands under new ownership and leadership. The acquisition closed on May 15, 2026, with both companies now operating under the leadership of Sam Roney as CEO and Tal Kocen as COO.
The deal marks a new chapter for the two brands, both of which have established longstanding reputations in professional audio, hearing protection, precision listening and in-ear monitoring. Together, Westone Audio and Etymotic represent decades of innovation across products used by touring musicians, audio professionals, hearing specialists and audio enthusiasts worldwide.
Fidelity Collective emphasized continuity as a key component of the acquisition. Tal Kocen previously worked with both Westone Audio and Etymotic, while Gary Boyer will remain with the companies as EVP. The leadership team also includes Sam Roney, who has experience across several audio brands including Dekoni Audio, Grell Audio and Dark Matter Audio Labs.
Westone Audio has operated in the audio market since the 1950s and became known for helping pioneer custom in-ear monitors for musicians. The company built its reputation through products focused on hearing protection, acoustic performance, comfort and sound isolation for professional performers and serious listeners.
Etymotic, founded in 1983, became known for its research-driven approach to hearing and sound. The company helped establish the market for high-isolation precision in-ear listening and developed products based on auditory research, diagnostics and hearing protection. Its ER4 series became widely recognized as a reference point for accurate in-ear sound reproduction.
Under Fidelity Collective, both brands will continue operating with a focus on preserving their identities while expanding investment in R&D, engineering, product development and long-term operational growth. The company said it plans to invest in staffing, engineering resources and infrastructure, including the re-establishment of sales operations in Dallas and engineering and lab facilities in Chicago.
The acquisition also gives Fidelity Collective ownership of two complementary brands serving different segments of the audio market. Westone Audio maintains strong ties to professional musicians and custom in-ear monitors, while Etymotic brings expertise in hearing protection, sound isolation and research-based audio design.
Fidelity Collective said both brands will continue serving their core audiences, including musicians, engineers, hearing-conscious listeners and audio enthusiasts, while also expanding into new product categories and market opportunities. Additional product announcements from both companies are expected in the coming months.
KEY QUOTES:
“Westone Audio and Etymotic are brands with genuine history and credibility. Tal and I share a vision of bringing startup-level energy to these epic legacy brands while fully respecting the heritage they’ve built over decades serving musicians, audio professionals and hearing protection users.
We are investing in R&D, product development, engineering and the long-term future of both companies. We see enormous opportunity in these brands and want to build on the incredible work that has already been done over many years. The goal is not to change what made Westone Audio and Etymotic special, but to bring fresh momentum, new ideas and renewed innovation to both brands moving forward.
We see huge opportunity ahead and want to bring fresh momentum, investment and energy into both brands while staying true to what made them special in the first place.”
Sam Roney, CEO, Fidelity Collective
“For me, this is incredibly personal because these are brands I already know closely. There’s already a strong foundation here, and our role is to build on that with fresh ideas, modern product development and long-term commitment to the communities around both brands.”
Tal Kocen, COO, Fidelity Collective
