Honoring Emery Kertesz: The Visionary Behind Pure Resonance Audio

At the heart of Pure Resonance Audio’s story lies an extraordinary individual whose vision, passion, and dedication transformed the commercial audio industry and touched countless lives along the way. Emery Kertesz, the founder of Pure Resonance Audio, was more than an innovator—he was a man who led with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Emery’s journey in commercial audio began with a simple yet revolutionary idea. In the 1980s, while installing countless sound systems, he saw how challenging it was for customers to understand and select the right audio solutions for their unique needs. Determined to make commercial audio more accessible and user-friendly, Emery designed the SuperDispersion® ceiling speaker array in his garage in Pennsylvania. This patented, omnidirectional ceiling speaker would go on to become a staple in classrooms, offices, restaurants, and retail spaces worldwide, setting a new standard for commercial audio.

But Emery’s legacy goes far beyond his groundbreaking innovations. He built Pure Resonance Audio not just on the foundation of great products but also on the principles of kindness, collaboration, and a deep respect for the people he worked with. Whether mentoring his team, solving customer challenges, or supporting his community, Emery’s generosity and compassion shone through in everything he did.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Emery remember him as a brilliant inventor, a visionary leader, and a man who valued people above all else. He was known for his ability to inspire others, recognizing their potential and encouraging them to dream big. He approached every challenge with determination and creativity but never lost sight of the human side of his work. Emery’s sense of humor and perspective brought levity to even the most stressful situations—reminding everyone, as he famously said, “We sell audio equipment, not heart-lung machines.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Emery was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family deeply and took pride in their accomplishments, always sharing stories of their successes with warmth and joy. His compassion extended to his community, where he quietly supported families and shelters in need, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Emery’s passing in 2021 was a profound loss, but his legacy lives on in every product, every innovation, and every relationship Pure Resonance Audio builds. The company he founded continues to honor his vision by creating commercial audio solutions that are as innovative as they are practical, always guided by the values he instilled—kindness, integrity, and excellence.

Thank you, Emery, for everything. Your vision and spirit will forever guide us as we continue the work you started.

Special thanks to Merry Grant for helping to craft this heartfelt tribute to Emery Kertesz and his enduring impact on the Pure Resonance Audio family.