A Brief History of…
Audio Technica
Audio Technica are a Japanese brand who started manufacturing a combination of Hi-Fi goods and Studio equipment pieces when they started in 1962. Audio Technica has been a brand that has delivered a value of price, with superb engineering in their pieces to show for this.
Audio Technica has always been a brand which doesn’t make a huge fuss of their selves. This is a nice thing as they always make great performing products at prices which almost anyone can afford. However, Audio Technica has become a favourite of the studio engineer, as well as the budding Hi-Fi enthusiast who demands premium performance at wallet-friendly prices.
They started making milestones when they started to manufacture radio microphones and Bluetooth devices, as well as components that don’t accept interference from mobile phones and similar devices. However, in terms of Hi-Fi, Audio Technica delivered in the form of high-end headphones and record deck cartridges.
As record players had to cope with more sonically accurate music, Audio Technica released their range of stereo and mono cartridges to help retrieve all the musical data from the disc as efficiently as possible. Their current and most basic cartridge, the Audio Technica AT-91 has to be the cheapest branded cartridge on the Hi-Fi scene. However, it sounds far better than its miniscule price would indicate. As you go up, through the range, Audio Technica also features the Goldring Elan rivalling AT-95 E. On from there, the range really exceeds to standards that an audiophile won’t expect Audio Technica; the AT-F3III delivers depth, clarity and accuracy that its more expensive counterparts often deliver at a steeper price tag. Yet, the flagship has to be the Audio Technica OC9-ML3 Moving Coil Cartridge, where quality is only what is featured on this premium quality cartridge.
Also, as Audio Technica moved on to the turntable scene, their flagship AT-LP120 USB Turntable gives stunning performance by incorporating digital functionality, as well as traditional analogue operation in a modern, digital world. Its looks are just like Technics’ legendary SL-1200; but the sound is easily as good, if not better in some opinions, depending on the fitted cartridge and tone arm, than the expensive Technics alternative.
For those who want a set of headphones, a complete turntable or just a superb cartridge, look no further than the friendly prices found with Audio Technica at Hifi Gear.
Tom Parker,
Sales & Website Admin
