audio erotica book explores the quirkiest hi-fi brochures through the years

Audio Erotica: Hi-Fi brochures 1950s–1980s

Spanning from austere post-war Britain to vibrant pre-millennium Japan, the Audio Erotica: Hi-Fi Brochures 1950s–1980s book offers a nostalgic journey through the quirkiest and most pivotal period in hi-fi brochure history. Organized alphabetically from Aiwa to Zenith, the volume features iconic brands like Braun, JVC Nivico, Nakamichi, and Sony, among others. The publication by Jonny Trunk—an English writer, broadcaster, DJ, and the founder of Trunk Record— and published by FUEL, promises an immersive journey through the eclectic world of vintage audio. 

all images courtesy of FUEL

A Graphic Journey through Audio History by Jonny Trunk and FUEL

Tracing the journey through audio history, the pages of Audio Erotica, published by FUEL (find more here), take readers from the classy 1950s with its pipe-smoking, high-end gear, through the swinging 1960s Dansette record players. The volume then goes on to explore the metallic music centers of the 1970s, and the sleek stack systems of the 1980s. Along the way, readers encounterthe aerobic stereo sound portability facilitated by the boom-box, and that final high-fidelity, hardware hurrah: the compact disc. Amidst it all, there’s plenty of retro fashion and shag-pile carpeting to evoke the era. 

Through the prism of these evocative audio sales brochures, Jonny Trunk’s Audio Erotica charts the graphic history of the domestic sound from the 1940s to the 1990s, showing the development of audio equipment before the digital download, while simultaneously revealing the way hi-fi was marketed to the listening public.

Akai late 1970s

Bush Arena Hi Fi

Saba 1983

Fairfax Speakers

Sony Music In Motion Walkman

Southwest 1973

Braun 1957

JVC Home

Dual Catalogue 1970

Philips Tape recorders

Koss Headphones

The Scottie

Schneider Hi Fi

project info:

name: Audio Erotica: Hi-Fi brochures 1950s–1980s
author: Jonny Trunk
published by: FUEL