When did stereo systems become popular?

British engineer Alan Dower Blumlein paved the way for two channel recording in the 1930s. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that stereo technology was incorporated into movie theaters, radios and television sets.

Why do old radios sound bad?

This is likely due to the fact that the audio frequency signal chain and speaker of an antique radio are not capable of reproducing higher frequencies. These recordings were meant to be played on radios from the era in which they were recorded.

When did surround sound become popular?

Although most consumers look upon surround sound as a relatively new technology, the very first surround sound experiments date back to the 1930s. The technology really came into its own in 1940, when legendary entertainment innovator Walt Disney released his revolutionary film Fantasia.

Which company has the best audio quality?

1. Bose. When you are looking for the best possible sound quality and craftsmanship, this is the company to go with. Bose has been making high-quality headphones and speaker systems for over five decades, so their reputation is impressive.

Do you prefer vintage or modern audio equipment?

Though the old equipment might not reproduce the music as accurately as modern gear, the listener might prefer the sound from the vintage equipment. In general, though, I think if you choose carefully you can get better sound with modern equipment than with vintage.

Where can I find vintage music equipment?

On top of the avenues modern tech opens to replicate the sounds of the past, websites like eBay and Craigslist make finding vintage equipment easier than ever. Vintage may find its way into popular music every now and then, but it’s in the alternative and indie scenes where it’s most prevalent.

Do old turntables sound better than new ones?

You can get much more speaker for your dollar than you could years ago. Most modern turntables will sound better, too, but much of that is by virtue of their newness. Old turntables can have worn platter and tonearm bearings, which seriously degrade the sound.

Why is vintage music so popular?

The reason for this, as with most indie music, boils down to rebellion. Rather than the dulcet tones of the over-produced pop sensations that fill the airwaves, creating a vintage sounding piece of indie music gives artists a way to really stand out from modern pop music.