History of the hi-fi stereo system
Aug 10, 2016 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
How perfect is this? Photo: Dan Johansson
There is something extra-special about vinyl: listening to your favorite record can take an average weekday evening from frazzled to zen. Then there’s the rush of finding a cool, old record in the back of the bargain bin at Goodwill! I think perhaps this is one of my all-time favorite collecting genres. Unlike my obsession with pottery, which are treasures that bring me joy from just seeing them, with vinyl I have an interactive experience. I get to immerse myself in a personal concert whenever I want.
Recently I’ve been jamming out to a nice portable record player. At the time I couldn’t find anything vintage, so this little gem was found on Amazon. It’s been a solid investment, but during my trip to grandma and grandpa’s house I was gifted with their beautiful hi-fi stereo cabinet (which by the way also has an RCA Victor TV in the middle!); my audio game is definitely on point now. In celebration of this new addition, I wanted to dive in on the history of the hi-fi stereo system with one distinct question in mind: why did this wondrous audio experience fall out of fashion? Certainly I can’t be the only one longing for the days of dinner parties with Frank Sinatra in the background! Excited to hear your comments – now let’s get started.
The hi-fi stereo system really took off following WWII which makes perfect sense. The post-war rise of the consumer middle class, fueled by clever marketing campaigns, gave rise to many home-centric accessories. Building a paradise in the suburbs became the American dream and when you combine that with an interest in hobby electronics (supported by veterans training programs), the hi-fi stereo system found its footing.
Look at how happy she looks! Photo credit: NARA
Much like Lane helped the humble cedar chest transcend its utilitarian beginnings, the stereo cabinet became an aesthetic feature in living rooms across the nation. As the technology developed from the 1940s to the 1950s, people took a lot of pride in having the latest and greatest in audio experiences to offer their dinner party guests. This article perfectly captures the importance of these cabinets to the suburban consumer. Having a high-quality hi-fi stereo system meant sophisticated culture was now at your finger tips! It’s the Amazon Echo of its day. Which leads me back to my original question – if there was such an appetite for this product – what happened? This was such an ingrained part of family culture (estimated demand has been clocked at half a million purchases per year) and it seemed to suddenly fade away. Obviously the technology has adapted with the times, but I feel like the art of music appreciation has shifted. Is it for the better? Am I just being cranky and allowing my love of vintage to blind me to necessary change? I kept digging…
Long answer short: people aren’t as picky about their audio experience anymore. We’ve entered the age of convenience. And let’s be honest, tastes in musical styles plays a role. Genres like jazz or classical are meant to be appreciated on a sensitive system while rock or hip-hop can be enjoyed on a range of systems (you’ll still feel the core of the music regardless of platform). These developments are a natural evolution – the times, they are a changin’ and that’s a good thing. Progress, right? But the vintage maven in me shouts an emphatic no! I am excited to defy the modern marketing scheme. Keep your iPods – I’m going to take my Amy Winehouse beyond YouTube and have a hi-fi concert. Who’s with me?
Me! Miss the rounded, deep sounds of vinyl!!