Audio Technica

Audio-Technica Origins

Audio Technica, a manufacturer of turntables and other audio equipment, was founded in 1962 in Tokyo, Japan, by Hideo Matsushita. Matsushita was inspired to start the company after hosting LP listening concerts at Tokyo’s Bridgestone Museum of Art, where he observed people’s positive reactions to high-quality audio but was frustrated by the high cost of such equipment. He aimed to make high-quality audio accessible to everyone and created the first affordable phono cartridge, the AT-1, in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

The company quickly became a market leader in phono cartridges and began exporting its products worldwide in the 1970s. In 1974, Audio-Technica started manufacturing high-end gear, including microphones and premium headphones, and began producing turntables. The company’s turntable line includes models for various price ranges, from budget-friendly to professional-style models.

Audio-Technica’s turntables are known for offering excellent value for money and are straightforward machines designed for the average consumer. The company has been manufacturing turntables for nearly fifty years and continues to produce high-quality products that are accessible to a wide range of consumers.