Kelly Acoustics Ltd.
295 Regent's Park Road, London, N3 (1955)
Romagna, Bycullah Avenue, Enfield, Middlesex.

Kellar Electronics Ltd.
Maryland Works, 9 Brydges Road, London, E15 1NA (1970)
6 Bycullah Avenue, Enfield, Middlesex (1971)
Lopen Works, R/o 7.8 Lopen Road, London N18. (1973)

Stanley Kelly, a British audio giant, founded Kelly Acoustics in 1955.

Their claim to fame? Pioneering ribbon loudspeakers, inspired by the 1924 ribbon microphone. Kelly's designs, like the DK-30 tweeter, offered a unique sound experience. Thermionic Products secured distribution rights in 1955, expanding Kelly's reach. Kelly Acoustics continued to innovate with woofers and new ribbon designs, earning international acclaim. In 1965, Decca acquired Kelly Acoustics, solidifying their position in the industry. Kelly's influence extended beyond speakers. He co-founded Kellar Electronics in 1970, developing innovative amplifiers using new technology. Kellar Electronics also incorporated Dolby B noise reduction into their cassette recorders. Despite the closure of these companies by 1978, Stanley Kelly's legacy lives on. His pioneering work with ribbon loudspeakers continues to be valued by audiophiles for their exceptional sound.

The Enduring Legacy of Kelly Acoustics: A Pioneer in Ribbon Loudspeakers

1955: Birth of a Pioneering Loudspeaker

Stanley Kelly, a respected figure in British audio, founded Kelly Acoustics Ltd. around 1955. Their claim to fame? The development of a highly innovative ribbon loudspeaker. This technology, inspired by the "das Band Mikrophon" (ribbon microphone) of 1924, used a thin aluminum ribbon suspended between magnets to produce sound. Unlike traditional cone speakers, the ribbon vibrated across its entire surface, resulting in a unique sonic signature.

Kelly's DK-30 and the Rise of Ribbon Tweeters:

Kelly's first commercial success was the RSL1, a ribbon tweeter featuring a small horn. [1] This design's popularity paved the way for the iconic DECCA-Kelly ribbon, the DK-30. This collaboration with Decca Records further solidified Kelly's reputation as a leader in the field.

Thermionic Products Takes the Reins (1955):

In August 1955, Thermionic Products Ltd. acquired the exclusive worldwide distribution rights for Kelly Acoustics' equipment. This partnership ensured a wider reach for Kelly's innovative loudspeakers. [2]

Expansion and Recognition (1956-1965):

Kelly Acoustics continued to innovate, expanding their product line to include woofers and additional ribbon designs. Their achievements were recognized by international acclaim, culminating in Encel Electronics becoming their sole Australian distributor in 1965.[3]

Decca Acquisition and Beyond (1965):

Another milestone was reached in 1965 when Kelly Acoustics became a subsidiary of the Decca Group. This association further cemented their position as a major player in the audio industry.

Kelly's Innovation Extends to Amplifiers (1970):

Stanley Kelly's relentless pursuit of audio excellence didn't stop at speakers. Kelly & Sidney Larholt founded Kellar Electronics Ltd. around 1970.  This new venture focused on amplifier design, with one of their notable achievements being the first commercially available amplifiers utilizing hybrid thick-film integrated circuits for power amplification. [4] This technology allowed for more affordable and efficient amplifier designs.
Kellar Electronics also incorporated the Dolby B noise reduction system into their cassette tape recorders, a significant advancement in audio fidelity at the time. 

Later Years and Legacy (1970-1978):

In 1970, Kelly designed and manufactured a Tone Burst Generator, showcasing his continued dedication to audio technology development. However, by 1972, Stanley Kelly had stepped down from his role at Kellar Electronics. [5] The company itself faced challenges and was wound up in 1973.[6]  Kelly Acoustics Ltd. also met its end in liquidation in 1978.[7]

Despite the closure of these companies, Stanley Kelly's legacy endures. His pioneering work with ribbon loudspeakers significantly impacted the evolution of high-fidelity audio. The exquisite sound produced by his designs continues to be appreciated by audiophiles to this day.

[1] Wireless World Jul 1955, Page 122.
[2] Wireless World Aug 1955, Page 126.
[3] Radio Television & Hobbies (Aust.) Mar 1964 Page 68.
[4] Wireless World Oct 1970, Page 488.
[5] Wireless World Jan 1972, Page 43.
[6] London Gazette Aug 23, 1973, Page 10303.
[7] London Gazette Mar 20, 1978, Page 3544.