🎧 The 15 Oldest Audio Brands: A Journey Through Sound History [2024]

Video: WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR FAVORITE VINTAGE HIFI BRANDS (akai, sansui, jbl, technics, bose).






Have you ever wondered which audio brand has been around the longest? 🤔 It’s not just about nostalgia, it’s about the legacy of innovation and quality that these companies have built over decades. We’re about to take you on a journey through the history of audio, starting with the very first companies that brought sound to life. We’ll explore the stories behind some of the most iconic brands, from the pioneers of turntables and speakers to the giants of modern electronics. Get ready to discover the roots of your favorite audio gear and maybe even find a new brand to love!

Remember that time you were at a concert and the sound was just perfect? 🎶 Or maybe you were listening to your favorite vinyl record and the music filled the room with a richness you’d never experienced before? 💿 Those experiences are possible because of the dedication and innovation of audio brands that have been around for decades. In this article, we’ll explore the history of some of the oldest audio brands, from the pioneers of the early 20th century to the giants of the modern audio industry. We’ll uncover the stories behind their success and the impact they’ve had on the way we listen to music. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey through the world of sound! 🎧

Key Takeaways

  • Thorens, founded in 1883, is the oldest audio brand still in operation today. 🏆 This Swiss company has a rich history of innovation and quality, and its turntables are still highly sought after by audiophiles.
  • Ortofon, Celestion, Bang & Olufsen, Tannoy, Roberts Radio, Wharfedale, Leak, Quad, Pioneer, SME, Sony, Klipsch, and JBL are some of the other oldest audio brands. 🎧 These companies have all made significant contributions to the audio industry, and their products are still popular today.
  • The modern audio industry has evolved significantly since the early days of audio innovation. 🎧 Today, we have a wide range of audio equipment and technologies available, from high-end speakers and amplifiers to portable music players and streaming services. 📱

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Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts

🎧 Are you curious about the oldest audio brand? 🤔 Here are some quick tips and facts to get you started:

  • The oldest audio brand is Thorens, founded in 1883. 🎉
  • Thorens started as a music box, clock, and phonograph maker. 🕰️
  • The first turntable made by Thorens was in the late 1920s. 📀
  • Ortofon, founded in 1918, is another old audio brand that specializes in phono cartridges. 🎤
  • Celestion, founded in 1924, is a British company that made a significant contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🇬🇧

For more information on these and other old audio brands, keep reading! 📚

The Earliest Days of Audio: A History of the Pioneers

grayscale photo of three women standing and sitting on rocks

The history of audio is a long and fascinating one, filled with innovators and pioneers who helped shape the industry into what it is today. 🎧 In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the earliest days of audio and the companies that paved the way for modern audio technology.

The Birth of Sound Recording

The history of sound recording dates back to the late 19th century, when inventors like Thomas Edison and Emile Berliner developed the first practical recording technologies. 📀 These early recording devices were mechanical, using a large conical horn to capture sound waves and a stylus to etch them onto a recording medium.

The Rise of Electrical Recording

In the early 20th century, the introduction of electrical recording revolutionized the audio industry. 🔌 This new technology allowed for higher fidelity and greater volume, making it possible to capture a wider range of sounds. 🎵

Thorens (1883): The Birth of a Legacy

Video: Part 1: Iconic turntables (which one makes it to our listening room?).







Thorens is the oldest audio brand still in operation today, founded in 1883 by Hermann Thorens in St. Croix, Switzerland. 🇨🇭 Initially, the company produced music boxes, clocks, and phonographs, but it wasn’t until the late 1920s that Thorens began manufacturing turntables. 📀

Thorens’ Early Years

Thorens’ early turntables were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first turntable, the TD 124, was introduced in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity among audiophiles. 🎧

Thorens’ Legacy

Today, Thorens is still a leading manufacturer of high-end turntables and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Ortofon (1918): The Danish Pioneers of Phono Cartridges

Video: Best Cartridges on a Budget.






Ortofon is another old audio brand that has been around since 1918. 🎉 Founded in Denmark, the company initially specialized in synchronizing sound and picture on film. 🎬 However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Ortofon began producing phono cartridges. 🎤

Ortofon’s Early Years

Ortofon’s early phono cartridges were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first stereo cartridge, introduced in 1959, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Ortofon’s Legacy

Today, Ortofon is one of the most renowned manufacturers of phono cartridges in the world. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Celestion (1924): The British Sound of Innovation

Video: Celestion's 100th Anniversary: History Slideshow, 1924 – 2024.






Celestion is a British company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1924. 🇬🇧 Initially, the company produced guitar speakers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Celestion began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Celestion’s Early Years

Celestion’s early speakers were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first speaker driver, introduced in the 1950s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Celestion’s Legacy

Today, Celestion is still a leading manufacturer of high-end speakers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Bang & Olufsen (1925): Danish Design Meets Audio Excellence

Video: Audio Revolution The Story of Bang & Olufsen.







Bang & Olufsen is a Danish company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1925. 🇩🇰 Initially, the company produced radios, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Bang & Olufsen began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Bang & Olufsen’s Early Years

Bang & Olufsen’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first product, the B&O Eliminator, was introduced in 1927 and quickly gained popularity among audiophiles. 🎧

Bang & Olufsen’s Legacy

Today, Bang & Olufsen is still a leading manufacturer of high-end audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Tannoy (1926): The British Sound of the Golden Age

Video: Explore the Tannoy loudspeaker factory in Scotland.






Tannoy is a British company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1926. 🇬🇧 Initially, the company produced electric rectifiers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Tannoy began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Tannoy’s Early Years

Tannoy’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first public address system, introduced in the 1930s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Tannoy’s Legacy

Today, Tannoy is still a leading manufacturer of high-end speakers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Roberts Radio (1932): The Iconic Portable Radio

Video: Roberts Revival Uno BT Review | liGo.co.uk.






Roberts Radio is a British company that has been at the forefront of radio innovation since 1932. 🇬🇧 Initially, the company produced portable radios, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Roberts Radio began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Roberts Radio’s Early Years

Roberts Radio’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first portable radio, introduced in the 1930s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Roberts Radio’s Legacy

Today, Roberts Radio is still a leading manufacturer of high-end radios and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Wharfedale (1932): The British Sound of the Home

Video: The History of the Wharfedale DIAMOND 2021.







Wharfedale is a British company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1932. 🇬🇧 Initially, the company produced speakers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Wharfedale began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Wharfedale’s Early Years

Wharfedale’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first speaker, introduced in the 1930s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Wharfedale’s Legacy

Today, Wharfedale is still a leading manufacturer of high-end speakers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Leak (1934): The British Amplifier Pioneers

Video: LEAK Brand History – Full Version.







Leak is a British company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1934. 🇬🇧 Initially, the company produced amplifiers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Leak began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Leak’s Early Years

Leak’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first amplifier, introduced in the 1930s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Leak’s Legacy

Today, Leak is still a leading manufacturer of high-end amplifiers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Quad (1936): The British Sound of High Fidelity

Video: The Story of British Sound | Cambridge Audio.







Quad is a British company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1936. 🇬🇧 Initially, the company produced amplifiers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Quad began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Quad’s Early Years

Quad’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first amplifier, introduced in the 1930s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Quad’s Legacy

Today, Quad is still a leading manufacturer of high-end amplifiers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Pioneer (1938): The Japanese Audio Revolution

Video: Japanese Audiophiles Are Going to Extremes.







Pioneer is a Japanese company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1938. 🇯🇵 Initially, the company produced speakers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Pioneer began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Pioneer’s Early Years

Pioneer’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first speaker, introduced in the 1930s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Pioneer’s Legacy

Today, Pioneer is still a leading manufacturer of high-end speakers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

SME (1946): The British Precision Engineering of Audio

Video: SME Limited-Precision Audio Turntable & Arm factory tour pt. 1.







SME is a British company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1946. 🇬🇧 Initially, the company produced scale models and parts for the model engineering trade, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that SME began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

SME’s Early Years

SME’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first tonearm, introduced in the 1950s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

SME’s Legacy

Today, SME is still a leading manufacturer of high-end tonearms and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Sony (1946): The Japanese Electronics Giant

Video: The Death of Europe's Last Electronics Giant.







Sony is a Japanese company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1946. 🇯🇵 Initially, the company produced tape recorders, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Sony began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Sony’s Early Years

Sony’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first tape recorder, introduced in the 1950s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Sony’s Legacy

Today, Sony is still a leading manufacturer of high-end audio equipment and electronics. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

Klipsch (1946): The American Sound of Innovation

Video: Klipsch Legendary American Sound.






Klipsch is an American company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1946. 🇺🇸 Initially, the company produced speakers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that Klipsch began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

Klipsch’s Early Years

Klipsch’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first speaker, introduced in the 1940s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

Klipsch’s Legacy

Today, Klipsch is still a leading manufacturer of high-end speakers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

JBL (1946): The American Sound of Professional Audio

Video: The History of JBL | From Los Angeles to Seoul.






JBL is an American company that has been at the forefront of audio innovation since 1946. 🇺🇸 Initially, the company produced speakers, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that JBL began making a major contribution to the Hi-Fi world. 🎧

JBL’s Early Years

JBL’s early products were known for their high quality and innovative design. 🎯 The company’s first speaker, introduced in the 1940s, was a major breakthrough in audio technology. 🎧

JBL’s Legacy

Today, JBL is still a leading manufacturer of high-end speakers and audio equipment. 🎧 The company’s commitment to innovation and quality has earned it a loyal following among audiophiles and music lovers around the world. 🌎

The Rise of the Modern Audio Industry

Video: From Phonographs to Spotify: A Brief History of the Music Industry.







The modern audio industry has evolved significantly since the early days of audio innovation. 🎧 Today, we have a wide range of audio equipment and technologies available, from high-end speakers and amplifiers to portable music players and streaming services. 📱

The Impact of Digital Technology

The advent of digital technology has had a profound impact on the audio industry. 🌐 Digital recording and playback have enabled higher fidelity and greater convenience, while digital signal processing has opened up new possibilities for audio manipulation and enhancement. 🎧

The Future of Audio

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the audio industry will continue to evolve and innovate. 🌟 With the rise of new technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, we can expect to see new and exciting developments in the world of audio. 🎧

Conclusion

a record player sitting on top of a wooden table

So, there you have it! 🎧 The oldest audio brand is Thorens, founded in 1883. 🎉 This Swiss company has a rich history of innovation and quality, and its turntables are still highly sought after by audiophiles today. 🏆

As we’ve explored the history of audio, we’ve seen how the industry has evolved from its humble beginnings to the sophisticated technology we have today. 🎧 From the early days of mechanical recording to the digital revolution, audio has always been at the forefront of innovation.

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the oldest audio brands and the history of the audio industry. 📚 If you’re looking for high-quality audio equipment, be sure to check out the brands we’ve mentioned. 🎧

👉 Shop Thorens on:

👉 Shop Ortofon on:

👉 Shop Celestion on:

👉 Shop Bang & Olufsen on:

👉 Shop Tannoy on:

👉 Shop Roberts Radio on:

👉 Shop Wharfedale on:

👉 Shop Leak on:

👉 Shop Quad on:

👉 Shop Pioneer on:

👉 Shop SME on:

👉 Shop Sony on:

👉 Shop Klipsch on:

👉 Shop JBL on:

Read more about audio history:

  • The History of Sound Recording: Amazon

FAQ

grayscale photo of group of women sitting on concrete bench

What is the oldest audio device?

The oldest audio device is the phonautograph, invented in 1857 by Édouard-LĂ©on Scott de Martinville. 🎙️ This device was able to record sound waves, but it couldn’t play them back.

What is the phonautograph?

The phonautograph was a device that used a vibrating diaphragm to trace sound waves onto a sheet of smoked paper. 💨 This created a visual representation of the sound waves, but it couldn’t be played back.

What are the legendary audio brands?

There are many legendary audio brands, but some of the most well-known include:

  • Thorens: Known for its high-quality turntables. 🎧
  • Ortofon: Known for its high-quality phono cartridges. 🎤
  • Celestion: Known for its high-quality speakers. 🔊
  • Bang & Olufsen: Known for its high-quality audio equipment and stylish design. 🇩🇰
  • Tannoy: Known for its high-quality speakers. 🔊
  • Roberts Radio: Known for its high-quality radios. 📻
  • Wharfedale: Known for its high-quality speakers. 🔊
  • Leak: Known for its high-quality amplifiers. 🔌
  • Quad: Known for its high-quality amplifiers and speakers. 🔌
  • Pioneer: Known for its high-quality audio equipment and car audio systems. 🇯🇵
  • SME: Known for its high-quality tonearms. 🎧
  • Sony: Known for its high-quality audio equipment and electronics. 🇯🇵
  • Klipsch: Known for its high-quality speakers. 🔊
  • JBL: Known for its high-quality speakers and professional audio equipment. 🇺🇸

Read more about “What are the legendary audio brands?”

What is the biggest audio company?

The biggest audio company in the world is Sony, based on revenue. 🇯🇵 Sony is a global electronics giant that produces a wide range of audio equipment, including speakers, headphones, and home theater systems. 🎧

Read more about “Top American Audio Companies … 🎧”

What is the world’s number one sound system brand?

There is no single “number one” sound system brand, as different brands excel in different areas. 🎧 However, some of the most popular and highly regarded sound system brands include:

  • Bose: Known for its high-quality sound and innovative technology. 🇺🇸
  • JBL: Known for its high-quality sound and powerful bass. 🇺🇸
  • Klipsch: Known for its high-quality sound and horn-loaded speakers. 🇺🇸
  • Yamaha: Known for its high-quality sound and versatility. 🇯🇵
  • Denon: Known for its high-quality sound and advanced features. 🇯🇵

Ultimately, the best sound system brand for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. 🎧

Read more about “What is the Most Expensive Car Audio Speaker? … 💸”

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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