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1857

Scott de Martinville invents the Phonautograph, the first device to "draw" sound waves on paper, though it couldn’t play them back.

1877

Edison unveils the Phonograph, capable of recording and reproducing sound on tin foil-wrapped cylinders.

1887

Scott de Martinville invents the Phonautograph, the first device to "draw" sound waves on paper, though it couldn’t play them back.

1906

de Forest invents the Audion tube, enabling amplification of audio signals and laying the groundwork for modern sound systems.

1925

Western Electric pioneers electrical recording with microphones and amplifiers, drastically improving sound fidelity.

1931

Alan Blumlein patents stereophonic sound, creating the foundation for two-channel audio recording and playback.

1948

Columbia introduces the 33⅓ RPM long-play (LP) record, offering extended playtime and quieter playback with vinyl.

1957

Stereo LPs debut, transforming how music is heard, with instruments and voices separated across channels.

1963

Philips launches the compact cassette, a portable and recordable tape format that reshapes personal audio.

1970s

Silver-faced stereo receivers from brands like Pioneer and Marantz dominate, signaling the golden age of home hi-fi systems.

1982

Sony and Philips release the Compact Disc (CD), offering digital “perfect sound” and durability over analog formats.

1991

Fraunhofer releases the MP3 format, making digital compression feasible and laying the groundwork for the music-sharing boom.

1999

Napster introduces peer-to-peer file sharing, disrupting the music industry and democratizing access to digital audio.

2001

Apple releases the iPod, enabling people to carry thousands of songs in their pocket with a sleek design.

2008

Spotify launches, popularizing music streaming and offering access to vast libraries with instant playback.

2010s

High-end personal audio grows, with planar magnetic headphones, advanced in-ear monitors, and boutique DACs gaining popularity.

Modern Era

Wireless audio achieves high fidelity with advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX and LDAC, bridging quality and convenience.