--- title: "About Us | Nakamichi USA" canonical_url: "https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/about" meta: description: "Discover Nakamichi USA: decades of audio innovation, award-winning DRAGON and Shockwafe wireless home theater systems, and concierge support from our California team." "og:description": "Discover Nakamichi USA: decades of audio innovation, award-winning DRAGON and Shockwafe wireless home theater systems, and concierge support from our California team." "og:title": "About Us | Nakamichi USA" "twitter:description": "Discover Nakamichi USA: decades of audio innovation, award-winning DRAGON and Shockwafe wireless home theater systems, and concierge support from our California team." "twitter:title": "About Us | Nakamichi USA" --- # Staying True to Our Passion,We Only Focus on Audio Products. **Founded in 1948, Nakamichi’s products are acclaimed by both critics and users alike for its unparalleled cinematic performance, solidifying its reign as the ultimate plug-and-play home theater solution.** ## OUR BRAND VALUES ### Innovative & forward-thinking Our high-end heritage stems from being a pioneer of numerous audio technologies that have shaped the industry in the last 70 years and running. ### Unmatched price-to-performance Pure, undivided investment in product performance, and no expensive marketing campaigns. The end result: the ultimate bang for the buck. ### Incomparable Concierge Our Nakamichi Concierge consists of members who have been trained rigorously on each product for a total of over 500 hours, and has a 100% satisfaction rate. ## AWARDS AND ACCOLADES [**Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Soundbar System Named CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree**](https://www.ces.tech/Innovation-Awards/Honorees/2019/Honorees/N/Nakamichi-Shockwafe-Ultra-9-2-SSE-Atmos-Soundbar-S.aspx) The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the largest and most influential tech event in the world. **Nakamichi Shockwafe Soundbars are the #1 Rated Dolby Atmos and 4K Soundbars in America (\*Based on Amazon and Best Buy Customer ratings)** These were the result of our soundbar systems' exclusive SSE technology and acoustic superiority, unbeatable price-to-performance and world-class customer service. [**Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 DTS:X Soundbar System Wins CES 2018 Best High-End Soundbar Battle**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4-0x1EZC5Q) The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 DTS:X took home 81% of the votes for Best Performance Soundbar, and 99% for Best Overall Value Soundbar. **Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Soundbar System Wins 2019 Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Battle** Hosted by Brian Tong, ex CNET Tech Editor, the public was invited to participate in a blind listening comparison between the Dolby Atmos flagship soundbars of Nakamichi, Samsung, Sony and Vizio. ## HEAR FROM OUR VIPS [**Naka-Tribe Feature #10: John Colbert** I've compared all the top brands - Sony, LG, etc., but they really weren't giving me the right punch.](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/blogs/naka-tribe) [**Naka-Tribe Feature #9: Leandro Mendes** I would say it's a blend of ease of use and bleeding-edge features, plus its insane value proposition.](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/blogs/naka-tribe) [**Naka-Tribe Feature #8: Patrick Murphy** Because it is such an easy system to set up without many wires to have to hide like other systems, the choice was easy.](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/blogs/naka-tribe) [**Naka-Tribe Feature #7: Daniel E. Newhouse** I am a very avid Sim Racing player and the Dragon is absolutely amazing as you can hear everything the car I am racing does.](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/blogs/naka-tribe) ## INNOVATION MILESTONES 2025 ### **Nakamichi Unveils the Shockwafe Wireless 11.2.6 Home Theater System With 31 Danish-Engineered Transducers and AHD Ultra** Nakamichi unveils the highly anticipated Shockwafe Wireless, the latest addition to its iconic Shockwafe soundbar lineup, designed from the ground up to transform home entertainment. The system features 31 precision-engineered Punktkilde drivers, dual 10” wireless subwoofer, bipolar surrounds and AHD Ultra processing, taking plug-and-play performance to extraordinary new levels, delivering a three-dimensional, cinematic soundstage that places you at the center of every scene. The system made its highly anticipated debut at CES 2025, receiving rave reviews for its unparalleled performance and advanced features. ![Shockwafe Wireless 11.2.6 system](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fseedaboutmilestonesshockwafe-wireless-2025.jpg&w=1280&q=80) 2023 ### **Nakamichi Introduces the DRAGON 11.4.6 Home Surround Sound System, Wins Multiple Accolades at CES** 5 years of intense development culminate in the groundbreaking launch of DRAGON 11.4.6 Home Surround Sound System for our 75th anniversary. The DRAGON badge represents unprecedented technological breakthroughs and audio performance. This novel 31-driver system features an array of world’s firsts, including quad subwoofers, 6 height channels, Omni-Motion Reference Surrounds with PerfectHeight mechanism, DTS:X Pro, AHD processing and 15 digital amplifiers. Distinguished press and valued customers graced DRAGON’s world premiere demo at CES 2023. With its debut, the system clinched 5 highly coveted awards ![Dragon System Image](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fabout-us-dragon-press.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2022 ### **Launch of Dedicated Ninja Access (DNA) Program** Nakamichi launched a curated customer service program provided by in house, expert team of Ninjas based in San Jose, California. Each Ninja is a Shockwafe soundbar owner and has undergone over 500 hours of intense training on the system as well as the market’s most popular devices. For the lifetime ownership of the Shockwafe system, the customer will be paired with a Ninja concierge that is specialized in home theater devices, ensuring speedy and seamless assistance at all times. Find out more here ![Nakamichi's Ninja Support Team](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fnakamichi-ninjas.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2022 ### **Nakamichi Expands Its 2022 Soundbar Lineup With the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC and Shockwafe Elite 7.2 eARC** Created with the base DNA of the flagship Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC, both models come with Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) MAX technology, upgraded speaker drivers and amplifier hardware, eARC connectivity, Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X™, Dolby Vision® and Qualcomm® aptX™ HD. The new lineup further solidifies the brand's position as the reference for high-end, plug-and-play Dolby Atmos true surround systems and brings all desirable upgrades at various price points to the consumer market. ![Image of Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC and Shockwafe Elite 7.2 eARC](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fabout-us-shockwafe-7-1-and-7-2-refresh.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2022 ### **Nakamichi collaborates with customers to build the new Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC soundbar** We analyzed hundreds of surveys and combed through 5000+ customer reviews to come up with the design requirements for our 2022 model. Peerless in performance, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC (2022 Flagship) delivers a powerfully convincing audio experience like never before with the all new Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) MAX technology, supercharged speaker drivers and amplifier hardware, eARC connectivity, Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X™, Dolby Vision™ and aptX™ HD. This all-new, fully upgraded version of the top-rated Shockwafe soundbar guarantees unmatched 360° surround and bass performance. Find out more here ![image of Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC system](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fabout-us-shockwafe-92-earc-launch.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2022 ### **Nakamichi Shockwafe Soundbars are the #1 Rated Dolby Atmos and 4K Soundbars in America (\*Based on Amazon and Best Buy Customer ratings)** Since 2017, Nakamichi Shockwafe soundbar systems have attained 2 prestigious titles in the industry - being the #1 Rated Dolby Atmos Soundbar and #1 Rated 4K soundbar by customer ratings in two of the largest consumer electronics retailers in America (Amazon and Best Buy). These were the result of our soundbar systems' exclusive SSE technology and acoustic superiority, unbeatable price-to-performance and world-class customer service. Click here to read user reviews of our soundbars. ![no.1 rated soundbar graphic](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fabout-us--%25231-rated-2020.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2019 ### **Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Soundbar System Wins 2019 Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Battle** Hosted by Brian Tong, ex CNET Tech Editor, the public was invited to participate in a blind listening comparison between the Dolby Atmos flagship soundbars of Nakamichi, Samsung, Sony and Vizio. All of the soundbars, subwoofers and surround speakers were covered in black cloth, so no one knew which system was being played at any point in time. The result? Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE was voted as the Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar. ![soundbar battle brian tong](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F07-2019-soundbar-battle-brian-tong-2019.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2019 ### **Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Soundbar System Named CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree** The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the largest and most influential tech event in the world. A prestigious annual program that celebrates outstanding design, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE was chosen over competing soundbars by a panel of judges including designers, engineers and members of the tech media to walk home as a CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree. ![ces award for Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Soundbar System](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F08-2019-ces-award-honorary-2019.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2019 ### **Nakamichi Announces 2019 Lineup Incorporating Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision & Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) Processing Technology** In 2019, Nakamichi added 3 new models to the Shockwafe family - the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE, Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 SSE and Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4 SSE. While retaining the hardware and acoustic features of its 2018 models, the 2019 models were integrated with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision and proprietary Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) processing technology, furthering our already rated #1 soundbar to entirely new levels. Owners of the 2018 Shockwafe were also able to download a FREE firmware upgrade to add the same new features found in the 2019 Shockwafe to their current soundbars - an unprecedented move in the audio industry. ![shockwafe-sse-series-2019](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F09-2019-shockwafe-sse-series-2019.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2018 ### **Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 DTS:X Soundbar System Wins CES 2018 Best High-End Soundbar Battle** During CES 2018, over $10,000 worth of the best soundbars in the market were brought into an untreated room for an unprecedented series of blind "listening battles" involving over 200 CES attendees, including press, industry veterans, audiophiles and general consumers. The series also included 2 exclusive sessions for the most discerning ears - members of the San Francisco Audiophile Society. The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 DTS:X took home 81% of the votes for Best Performance Soundbar, and 99% for Best Overall Value Soundbar. ![image of multiple soundbars going head to head](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F10-2018-best-soundbar-battle-2018.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2018 ### **Nakamichi Introduces 4 Models to its Shockwafe Lineup, Including the Industry's 1st Soundbar Systems with Dual Subwoofers and Quad Modular Surround Speakers** In 2018, Nakamichi further expanded its Shockwafe Soundbar line up. The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 and Elite 7.2 were the first and only soundbars in the world to feature dual subwoofers - ensuring listeners cinema-like bass experiences right at home. The flagship Ultra 9.2 was also the world's first soundbar with 9 Discrete Surround Channels and quad modular surround speakers that unlocked unprecedented customizability for all types of living room shapes and sizes. Together with DTS:X compatibility, these soundbars became popular for merging plug and play simplicity with cinematic experience. ![image of the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 and Elite 7.2](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F11-2018-Brand-Story-Milestone.webp&w=1280&q=80) 2016 ### **Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 is Born - the Industry's 1st Soundbar with 7 Discrete Surround Channels and Outward-Firing Surround Effects Tweeters** In 2016, Nakamichi launched the Shockwafe Pro 7.1, the first soundbar of the Shockwafe series. With 18 months of R&D, it was the first soundbar system with 7 discrete surround channels that brought true high-end home theater elements into the small footprint of a plug-and-play soundbar. It also featured revolutionary side-firing front surround effects tweeters that enlarged the soundstage by 35%, redefining soundbar expectations. ![image of shockwafe pro](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F12-2016-shockwafe-pro-2016.webp&w=1280&q=80) 1990s Onward ### **Launch of the Nakamichi Dragon CD Player** The Nakamichi Dragon CD player was a rare and exquisite Flagship masterpiece: Featuring a 7 Disc CD Changer, exotic Rosewood panels and Nakamichi’s Music Bank Mechanism – a ground-breaking innovation that minimized vibration and ensured high quality CD audio playback. It is highly sought after by audio purists and collectors even to this day. ![nakamichi-dragon-CDplayer](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F13-1990sOnward-nakamichi-dragon-CDplayer-1995.png&w=1280&q=80) 1989 - 2001 ### **Launch of Nakamichi x Lexus** Toyota chose Nakamichi to manufacture the audio systems for its range of Lexus automobiles. The Nakamichi unit was the flagship audio system offered to Lexus buyers. This partnership marked the birth of high end car audio systems, being the first of it's kind, where high end car manufacturers worked together with high end audio companies to create a luxurious experience. This partnership lasted from 1989 to 2001. ![nakamichi-lexus-caraudio](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F14-1989-2001-nakamichi-lexus-caraudio-1992.png&w=1280&q=80) 1986 ### **Launch of the Nakamichi CR-7 Cassette Player** The Nakamichi CR-7 boasted superb head and transport design, incorporated highly-refined features such as the discrete 3-head system and a direct drive dual capstan transport mechanism that ensured high-quality cassette tape audio playback. It was one of the reference cassette players in its time and is still eyed by collectors worldwide. ![nakamichi-cr7-cassette-deck](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F15-1986-nakamichi-cr7-cassette-deck-1986.png&w=1280&q=80) 1983 ### **Launch of Nakamichi TX-1000 Computing Analog Turntable** The Nakamichi TX-1000 Computing Turntable incorporated the revolutionary 'Absolute Center Search System'. This technology revolutionized the way music was heard on vinyls, ensuring unparalleled pitch stability and accuracy. The result? Extra-detailed and fine-sounding audio reproduction that few or even no other vinyl record player in the market could match. ![nakamichi-tx1000-computing-analog-turntable](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F16-1983-nakamichi-tx1000-computing-analog-turntable-1982.png&w=1280&q=80) 1982 ### **Launch of the Nakamichi Dragon Audio Cassette Deck** Introduced in 1982, the Nakamichi Dragon was the first Nakamichi audio cassette deck engineered with a bi-directional replay capability and the world's first production tape recorded equipped with an automatic azimuth correction system. Decades later, it is still sought after by audio collectors, with well-maintained models fetching as much as $6000 in the used market. ![nakamichi-dragon-cassette-deck](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F17-1982-nakamichi-dragon-cassette-deck-1982.png&w=1280&q=80) 1981 ### **Launch of the Nakamichi 1000ZXL Limited Cassette Deck** The Nakamichi 1000ZXL Limited was a re-run and further improves on Nakamichi's Flagship Cassette deck. It featured state of the art technologies such as custom designed record and playback heads, and on-board processing to further optimize music quality. This Technology was then infused with exquisite design, featuring a gold-plated chassis and rosewood enclosure. It is highly sought after by tape collectors today. ![1000-zxl-limited-1982](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F18-1981-1000-zxl-limited-1982.webp&w=1280&q=80) 1981 ### **Launch of the Nakamichi NR-200 Noise Reduction Processor** The Nakamichi NR-200 incorporated the revolutionary Dolby-C and Dolby-B noise reduction systems, and was an external processing unit designed to be used in tandem with tape recorders to reduce noise and improve playback. This noise reduction technology was so popular and widely-adopted that in later years, it became the de-facto standard of all high performance cassette decks. ![nakamichi-nr200-noise-reduction-system](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F19-1981-nakamichi-nr200-noise-reduction-system-1982.png&w=1280&q=80) 1977 ### **Launch of the Nakamichi 550 Cassette Stereo Recorder** With the new Model 550 Dual Tracer Cassette System, Nakamichi extended their revolution in cassette technology to field recording, featuring 3 microphone inputs and Dolby-B noise reduction system to ensure high-quality recordings could be made by music artists such as Jon Hammond, even when performing outside a dedicated recording studio. ![nakamichi550-cassette-deck](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F20-1977-nakamichi550-cassette-deck-1974.png&w=1280&q=80) 1973 ### **Launch of the Nakamichi 700 and 1000 Cassette Decks** The flagship Nakamichi 1000 Tri-Tracer was the first cassette deck to utilize a three-head recording technique - resulting in class-leading audio reproduction, as well as the ability to monitor tape recordings during the recording process. The Nakamichi 700 was also lauded by audiophiles as a cassette deck that provided a high cost-to-performance ratio. ![nakamichi700-cassette-deck](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2F21-1973-nakamichi700-cassette-deck-1973.png&w=1280&q=80) 1948 ### **Nakamichi Research Corporation Ltd** Nakamichi Research Corporation Ltd was founded by Etsuro Nakamichi in Tokyo, Japan. The company was originally established as a research and development firm in electronics and optics but later became known as a legend in creating high end audio products. ![nakamichi-logo](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2Fabout-us-nakamichi-logo-1948.webp&w=1280&q=80) ## READY TO REDEFINE HOME CINEMA? **VIEW OUR SOUNDBARS** [![DRAGON with Quad 12" Subwoofers](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FBFCM%2520Quad%252012_%2520LE.webp&w=1536&q=80)**DRAGON **with Quad 12" Subwoofers](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/products/dragon-quad-12) [![DRAGON with Dual 12" Subwoofers](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FBFCM%2520Dual%252012_%2520LE.webp&w=1536&q=80)**DRAGON **with Dual 12" Subwoofers](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/products/dragon-dual-12) [![DRAGON with Single 12" Subwoofer](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FBFCM%2520Single%252012_%2520LE.webp&w=1536&q=80)**DRAGON **with Single 12" Subwoofer](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/products/dragon-single-12) [![DRAGON with Dual-Opposing 8" Subwoofers](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/v2-assets/_vercel/image?url=https:%2F%2Fmain-site-cms-topaz.vercel.app%2Fapi%2Fmedia%2Ffile%2FBFCM%2520Dual%25208_s%2520LE.webp&w=1536&q=80)**DRAGON **with Dual-Opposing 8" Subwoofers](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/products/dragon-dual-8) [View All Models](https://www.nakamichi-usa.com/products) ## WHY BUY DIRECT FROM NAKAMICHI? 45-Day Risk Free Trial Return within 45 days for a full refund. Exclusive to nakamichi-usa.com. 45-Day Price Guarantee Find a lower price within 45 days? We'll refund the difference. Free Shipping and Returns Ships in 2 business days. Free return shipping from the original delivery address. California-Based Concierge Support Personalized guidance from specialists who know our systems inside and out. ## Join Our Newsletter Hear what's next.