The Evolution of Home Audio Systems

Here's a brief history of the home audio system. We've come a long way since record players.

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Complex Original

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We’ve witnessed the home audio space undergo numerous technological advancements over the past century. The first real breakthrough came in 1877, when Thomas Edison created the mechanical recording machine known as the phonograph (a.k.a. the record player). Fast-forward to the modern era and the turntable is still treasured as a cult instrument utilized to entertain crowds in intimate settings.

But as consumers continue to embrace the latest trends from hi-resolution sound to wireless streaming, it’s only right to look back at the audio formats that helped forge the marriage between music and technology—paving the way for the quintessential listening experience in the home sound system. From the classic radio to the smart speaker, here is a breakdown on history’s most iconic audio setups, past and present.

Record Player

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Radio

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Hi-Fidelity Receivers

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8-Track Home Deck

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Component Stereo

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Cassette Deck

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The Boombox

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CD Stereo Player

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Super Audio CD Player

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Wireless Speakers

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Whole Home Audio and Smart Speakers

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