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As Thomas explained his relationship with audio to me: ‘I have that problem—when I become obsessed with something, I’m obsessed.’
In the golden age of vinyl and vacuum tubes, a transformative duo emerged, reshaping not just sound systems but the very experience of music. Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, pioneers in high-fidelity audio, didn’t just build a brand; they built a legacy that continues to echo through every speaker and sound system bearing the Harman…
Paul W. Klipsch, a visionary in the field of audio engineering, made significant contributions through a series of innovative patents. These patents not only advanced the technology of their time but also laid the groundwork for future developments in loudspeaker design and acoustic engineering. Here’s an exploration of five of his most impactful patents, including…
From the PMA vault, this article was initially published in August 2022 and is worth revisiting. One of my favourite and most memorable listening experiences this year was of the state-of-the-art Dayton Wright Hommage (French for Homage) loudspeaker, a cutting-edge re-imagining and redesign of the Dayton Wright XG-10 of yore. The Hommage uses nine XG-10…
Featured image by Chitose Suzuki | AP When it comes to the titans of audio technology, Amar Bose stands amongst the greats. His pioneering work at Bose Corporation has left an indelible mark on the world of sound. From groundbreaking loudspeaker systems to noise-cancelling headphones, Bose’s patents have reshaped how we experience audio. Here, we…
Early Crescendos: The Formative Years of Antonia Brico In the rich tapestry of classical music history, Antonia Louisa Brico’s narrative is a compelling saga of tenacity, pioneering spirit, and sublime artistry. Born under the shadow of societal constraints in Rotterdam on June 26, 1902, to an unmarried Dutch Catholic mother, Brico’s journey from an obscure…
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like company Stable 33.3’s founder and head designer Sylvain Pichette. Or, more specifically—met a mind like his. That may seem a strange thing to say, until you speak with him and realize, as I did when I recently visited him at his new Gatineau, Quebec, workshop, how…
In the heart of Philadelphia, amid the echoes of American history, Amar Gopal Bose’s journey into the world of sound and acoustics began on November 2, 1929. His childhood was a tapestry woven with threads of intellectual curiosity, inspired by his father, an Indian freedom fighter, and his mother, with her French and German heritage.…
The Steyning Research Establishment, inaugurated by John Bowers in 1981, was not merely a research facility but the cornerstone of Bowers & Wilkins’ commitment to pioneering audio technology. Bowers envisioned SRE as a crucible for innovation, where theoretical acoustics and practical engineering would converge to push the boundaries of sound reproduction. This establishment was tasked…
In an era marked by stark racial divides and rigid gender roles, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm emerged as an audacious symphony of defiance and unity. Formed in the late 1930s, this all-women Swing orchestra not only challenged the prevailing societal norms but also painted a canvas of cultural diversity that was rare for its…
John Bowers, Visionary of Sound In the quaint town of Worthing, West Sussex, a story of a remarkable individual began to unfold, a story that would eventually redefine the world of audio technology. John Bowers, the founder of Bowers & Wilkins, was born into a world where technology was rapidly evolving, yet the true potential…
Of all the reasons that Taylor Swift deserves to be Time magazine’s first ever musician Person of the Year, none are bigger than her smashing victories over misogyny and the music business’s malign way of swindling artists and stealing valuable intellectual property. The particulars of her creative predicament are well known. Once a shy, teenaged…
In the annals of jazz history, few names resonate with the profound impact and meteoric rise of Scott LaFaro. His journey from a musically gifted child to a revolutionary jazz virtuoso is a tale of raw talent, relentless passion, and a groundbreaking approach to the double bass. LaFaro’s story is not just about the notes…
In the sleepy town of Altoona, Pennsylvania, during the twilight of the Roaring Twenties, a future luminary of sound, Henry Kloss, entered the world. Born on February 21, 1929, Kloss was handy with tools from a young age. In his childhood, he was known for his precocious building skills, adding fixtures and even rooms to…
Davis made over 50 studio records. Here are 8 cherry-picked tracks.