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…