ZT Amplifiers

Ken Kantor is founder and President of ZT Amplifiers. Ken is an innovative acoustic and electronics design engineer with unique insights into the worlds of business and marketing.

He began his career in audio design pioneering loudspeakers for Acoustic Research, and in 1986 founded NHT, one of the most highly-respected high-end speaker brands of all time. His classic designs like the flagship Model 3.3 and the SuperZero drew rave reviews in the consumer and pro audio press, and remain high water marks of audio engineering in the audiophile community. After selling NHT to International Jensen, he served as Corporate VP of Technology for Jensen as part of the executive team that led Jensen’s successful IPO.

Later, Ken co-founded and served as CTO of Tymphany Corporation, a venture-funded audio technology company that acquired DST Corporation in Denmark and China in 2005, and Precision Loudspeakers in 2007. Tymphany operates the Peerless, ScanSpeak and Vifa audio brands.

Ken holds patents in acoustics, DSP and audio electronics, and has been elected to Administrative Committees of the IEEE and the Audio Engineering Society. His clients and customers include Fender, Hewlett-Packard, NBC, Ford, AT&T, Altec, LG, and Microsoft.

What has always driven Ken has been the successful melding of scientific engineering principles and fundamental respect for subjective user experience and musical honesty. Ken combines a classical training in electrical engineering with a musician’s passion for free artistic expression. These qualities combine to make ZT Amplifiers a powerful and unique entry into the world of musical instruments.

Bob Hopkins is VP of Design. He makes ZT products look cool. Previously Bob has worked as Project Manager for the Taipei Design Center and for major audio and music instrument manufacturers. He has been playing guitar since age 8, and is by far the most accomplished guitarist at ZT, with more than a few rock bands in his past (and present). Bob is a talented industrial & graphic designer with many years experience in both professional audio and home audio industries.

Jim Haas is ZT’s Director of Operations. He has been a consultant to California’s Bay Area civil engineering firms for more than 20 years, and serves on the Board of Directors of FBBJ, Inc., a group dedicated to the support of Jazz music. A photographer by trade, he has also done travel and advertising photography in the Western Pacific region.

Michael Kirschmann serves as VP of Marketing. Michael has over twelve years experience in international business focused in Asia & Europe. Michael is an expert in establishing and growing brands in new markets, and is familiar with all facets of the business development cycle. He also brings the experience of being a lifelong guitarist and performing musician.

Mark Cohen serves as Director of Sales for ZT. Immediately after studying law at California State University, Mark co-founded a musical instruments store. Next, he worked five years with Fender, during which he handled not only sales, but also made many contributions to product development under new owner CBS. After leaving Fender, he formed a pro products division for SAE, and later also handled consumer electronics sales. Mark then joined start-up Fostex, again involved in both sales and product development, and during his twelve years there helped the company become one of the most successful sound recording companies in the world.

Mark has also worked extensively in the computer industry with Quad Research, Unibrain, the high-tech audio industry with Intelligent Audio Systems and Tymphany Corporation. His customers have included virtually all types, from Circuit City/Best Buy to Apple, Porsche, Nissan, Microsoft, Sharp, Sony, Sharper Image, and many others.

Jessica Liu is our Communications Coordinator for the Asian Region. She lives in Taiwan, and is an audio industry veteran of 25 years with experience in sourcing and coordination between global customers and manufacturers.