Chris Byrne, a longtime consumer electronics industry veteran who helped launch the compact disc before co-founding NHT (Now Hear This) speakers with Ken Kantor, passed away in Napa, CA, on December 5, 2025. His family shared no cause of death.
Chris was born August 5, 1947, in Altos, Oklahoma. He graduated Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA, where he earned a BA in Environmental Studies. However, after graduating in 1975, Chris turned his attention to the audio market, accepting a position with Pacific Stereo in Riverside, CA, where he served as Merchandise Manager for five years.
In 1982, Chris was appointed VP of Marketing at Pioneer Electronics. It was here that his reputation for innovation and sales & marketing prowess became known throughout the A/V electronics industry.
As noted by author Greg Milner in his history of recorded music, “Perfecting Sound Forever” (Faber and Faber, Inc., 2009), Chris was part of an “unprecedented corporate alliance” that coalesced to introduce the compact disc (CD) in 1982. Competing manufacturers formed the Compact Disc Group, with Chris representing Pioneer. As such, he became an essential part of marketing efforts to finalize the format’s characteristics and introduce it to the recording industry and, subsequently, the consumer market.
“It was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” commented Chris in the book, referring to how electronics manufacturers and record companies each wanted explicit assurances that the other would support the fledgling format.
Chris segued from his position at Pioneer Electronics to his defining role in audio when, in 1986, he and engineer Ken Kantor joined forces to create NHT, a high-end boutique audio company specializing in consumer and pro audio speakers, though other products were included in their mix. Founded and based in Benicia, CA, NHT is lauded for products that challenged the notion that the very best sound reproduction must come at a premium price.
“Chris and I were first introduced by phone in the mid-80’s and soon realized that we had very similar ideas about the future of the audio business,” says Mr. Kantor. “Chris proved to be a remarkable human who touched many lives in a positive way, certainly including mine. He balanced his deeply intelligent insights with playfulness and his consummate professionalism with authentic empathy and kindness.
“The road we would travel together building NHT was not always an easy one and I can’t imagine how we could have survived it without his gentle strength and unwavering support. Above all, Chris was a great friend to me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have known him and shared our adventures together.”
Chris remained at the helm of NHT until 2020, navigating the brand through successes and challenges posed by corporate mergers and acquisitions. After moving on from NHT, he eased up on his work-life, becoming a management consultant for a variety of audio and music companies while spending time with his family and friends in Napa, CA.
Chris is survived by his wife, Michele Byrne, his daughters Kelly and Shannon, and two grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held at a future time.