The History of Magnavox Stereos

The Magnavox company started in 1915 when friends Edwin Pridham and Peter L. Jensen invented the first moving coil loud speaker. The company was the first to focus on developing consumer electronics, for entertainment purposes, without any industry connection or "practical" scientific connection. While Magnavox didn't use stereo technology until 1958, they were the first to develop a phonograph loudspeaker.

  1. Significance

    • Advancements in consumer electronics industry paved the way for American's pursuit of leisure activities and further embrace frivolity. The Magnavox home stereo was representative of an easy, comfortable life symbolic of the American Dream. When the Magnavox home stereo was introduced, it was an affordable, futuristic luxury that changed media forever.

    Time Frame

    • The Magnavox company started in Napa Valley, California. In 1974, the Philips Company bought out their consumer electronics division, including the famous Magnavox stereos. In the 1990s, they marketed some products under the name "Philips Magnavox," but consumers were confused by the name and sales went down. Now, they market the Philips line and the Magnavox line separately. In Australia, the rights to the Magnavox name are owned by Minstral, LTD, a Hong Kong company.

    Benefits

    • Worldwide, both Philips and Minstral have marketed the Magnavox product as affordably priced, high quality stereos. By marketing directly to middle class consumers, they retain a very high market share. Continuity between the Minstral and the Philips company lends Magnavox credibility and consistency in an increasingly worldwide market.

    Types

    • The Magnavox console stereo of the 1960s was perhaps the most popular product. These enormous pieces of furniture rivalled a couch in size and contained two speakers housed in a wooden cabinet with a record player and an AM or AM/FM radio built in. Later models also had 8 track cassette players. They also made "portable" stereos, then in the 1990s, more modern home stereo equipment. Their current product line mimics the Bose line in sleek appearance, with a low price tag to appeal to consumers on a budget.

    Features

    • Stereos were the predecessor to surround sound and are still very popular. Before the Magnavox stereos, consumers had one horn-like "speaker" to amplify the sound. Listening in stereo made a huge difference in the sound quality and Magnavox was very popular because of it.

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