Terrific Vintage Hi-Fi Brands That Didn’t Make It
For many of us, music streaming services and cutting edge Bluetooth devices have become the go-to way to listen to our favorite tunes. But when it comes to true audio aficionados, nothing quite beats the sound of vintage hi-fi systems. The warm, immersive sound of classic audio equipment has a rarity and charm that can’t be replicated.
Unfortunately, many of our favorite vintage hi-fi brands have gone the way of the dodo. And even though these brands won’t appear at your local retailer anymore, their remarkable contributions to the audio industry should still be cherished by audiophiles and music lovers alike.
What Are Vintage Hi-Fi Brands?
Vintage hi-fi brands refer to audio equipment manufacturers that existed before the modern age of technology. These brands specialized in creating hi-fi equipment with the intention of reproducing sound faithfully and with the highest quality possible. From turntables and amplifiers to speakers and tape decks, these classic audio brands were responsible for creating some of the most sought-after audio equipment of all time.
These iconic brands achieved greatness with their incredible commitment to engineering and sound quality. Moreover, their sophisticated designs often fused classic aesthetics with modern components. Some even made use of select precious materials like marble and brass to give their products a luxurious look. As a result, they were often considered the crème de la crème of the audio world.
Unfortunately, many of our favorite vintage brands are no longer around. A lot of them have been bought and sold, moved manufacturing operations, or went out of business altogether. Whether it’s for financial issues or a lack of demand, these classic audio brands have all but disappeared from the scene. But that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the remarkable history and legacy of these cherished audio manufacturers.
Spectacular Brands from a Radiant Age of Audio
Though these brands have gone the way of the dodo, their beloved products still endure. We take a look at some of the iconic vintage hi-fi brands that audio aficionados still can’t forget:
• Dynaco: Founded in the 1950s by Eugene Cafritz and David Hafler, Dynaco was one of the first makers of audio equipment in the US. Their products were made to be simple and affordable, making them popular among DIY hobbyists. The company also sold kits that allowed users to build their own Dynaco systems. It’s most famous product was the Stereo 70 amplifier.
• Marantz: Named after founder Saul Marantz, Marantz was a manufacturer of hi-fi components which focused on looking as beautiful as they sounded. The company’s most iconic product was the Model 10 tuner amplifier that was released in 1958. It had a distinct design and boasted a powerful output.
• Fisher: Founded in 1945 by Avery Fisher, this brand was a leader in the audio industry in the 1950’s. Famous for its tube amplifiers and futuristic designs, Fisher also had a knack for making turntables that could pick up distortion-free sound from a vinyl record. The company also produced its own electronic organ called the Fisher-Price.
• McIntosh: Founded by Frank McIntosh, this audio equipment manufacturer was well known for its powerful and reliable amplifiers. These products combined stylish design with industrial engineering to create some of the best audio products of the era. The company’s most renowned product was the MAC 1700 amplifier which featured tube technology.
• Tandberg: Founded by Christian Tandberg, this Norwegian audio equipment manufacturer made some of the best sounding amplifiers and speakers of the vintage hi-fi era. Some of the company’s most acclaimed products included the 6006 and 601A amplifiers, as well as its TR-2055 cassette deck.
• Telefunken: Founded in Germany in 1903, Telefunken was a renowned audio equipment manufacturer that made anything from radios and TVs to telephones. The company’s biggest breakthrough, however, was its introduction of the ELK tube and tube amplifiers. They also released the EL 95 turntable which was considered the best turntable ever made.
• Thorens: Founded in 1938 by Willi Thorens, this Swiss audio equipment manufacturer is well known for its high-end, world class turntables. The company’s most iconic product was the TD124 turntable which featured a unique suspended sub-chassis and was considered one of the best-sounding turntables of its era.
• JBL: Founded by James B. Lansing in the 1940s, JBL specialized in making powerful and reliable audio equipment. The company gained fame with its first product, the D130 loudspeaker, which was considered revolutionary at the time. JBL also released the iconic 4430 and 4331 speakers, as well as the 900 and 1000 amplification series.
• Eastone: A long time favorite of audio aficionados all over the world, Eastone was a Japanese audio equipment manufacturer based in Tokyo. The company made classic amplifiers, receivers and turntables that set the benchmark for high-end audio equipment. Some of their most beloved products included the SRM-50 receiver, the AT-95 turntable and the TA-20 amplifier.
• Garrard: Founded by Rober Benson Garrard in London in 1810, Garrard is one of the oldest audio equipment manufacturers in the world. The company specialized in making high-end turntables with advanced engineering and sophisticated designs. One of the brand’s most revered products was the Lab 80 turntable which featured a servo-controlled tone arm.
The Legacy of Irreplaceable Vintage Hi-Fi Brands
These vintage hi-fi brands have all disappeared from the avant-garde of modern audio companies. But their timeless products will go on to be cherished by audio enthusiasts for many years to come. Whether it’s in a well curated music album, an impromptu dance party, or the occasional sonic exploration, their legacy of wonderful audio equipment will live on in our hearts and homes.
After all, it’s these products that have shaped the way we listen to our favorite tunes. And that’s why we’re still clamoring for vintage hi-fi gear even today.