Here are a few stunning shots of a Barber & Howard stereo integrated amplifier, and tuner. We could find almost nothing about this brand online – the company was founded in 1930, was located in Westerly, Rhode Island during part or all of their existence, and was around long enough to offer a stereo preamp, but that’s all we’ve got. Can any readers give us more information? Photos by Howard Kneller, courtesy of The Audio Classics Collection.
Here’s an oldie but goodie: a do-it-yourself amplifier, circa 1940s. From the collection of the Science Museum in London; the creator of this is unknown. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Science Museum London/Science and Society Picture Library.
This 1960s Philco ad featuring soprano Patrice Munsel notes that you can add spaciousness to any sound with reverb! I wonder what listening to Dick Dale was like on this rig.
Which one to choose? She can listen to any format she wants, as long as it’s round and analog. Popular Electronics, October 1956.
Howard Kneller’s audiophile adventures are documented on YouTube (The Listening Chair with Howard Kneller) and Instagram (@howardkneller). His art and photography can be found on Instagram (@howardkneller). He also posts a bit of everything on Facebook (@howardkneller).
