The History of CineMag Audio Transformers

CineMag/Reichenbach Engineering Inc. was incorporated in 1975, but it started doing business in 1971 when its founder, Edward Reichenbach set up the business.

Starting from the beginning:

Ed’s career in transformer engineering and electronic design began in September 1943 going through September 1947 at Altec Lansing.  While there, he was the production manager for audio amplifiers and frequency dividing networks (equalizers).  He designed audio and power transformers and cross-over networks for speakers.

From there, Ed Reichenbach went to North American Aviation where he designed electronic instrumentation for the Air Force, and oversaw optic systems.

By 1967, he ended up at Triad Corporation at Glendale, California.  He was responsible for the design and fabrication of various electro-optical devices, inverter power supplies, etc.  Several patent disclosures were submitted on behalf of Triad.

In March, 1969, Ed went to Electrodyne.  While there, he was the in-house engineer and manufacturer for their transformers, inductors, and even audio Hall-effect attenuator (those ended up at MoTown).  He and David Geren worked together, developing and incorporating the magnetics and circuits for new and updated Electrodyne products.

When Electrodyne shut down in 1971, Ed set up Reichenbach Engineering and CineMag.  (CineMag actually is the concatenation of the words Cinema and Magnetics.  It started out making tape heads for the movie industry.)  The prior owner of Electrodyne created Sphere Electronics and needed a source for their audio transformers and inductors.  Numerous other companies also wanted what he manufactured.  Reichenbach Engineering was formally incorporated in 1975. 

Being good friends and being passionate about audio transformers, David spent many hours with Ed even after Electrodyne shut down, learning from the master about the technology and the business.  They shared the same passion: audio magnetics.

In 2000, after Ed passed away, David purchased the assets of CineMag/Reichenbach Engineering.  The objective was to build upon Ed’s technology and extend the company’s capabilities.