The first "audiophile"?


When was the term "audiophile" coined, by whom, and what systems were the first audiophiles using?

I'm 52 and fairly new to hi-end audio. I purchased a system in 1968-69 while I was serving in the Navy in DaNang, Vietnam. It consisted of a Pioneer receiver, turntable, CS88 speakers, and a Teac real-to-real tape deck. In those days, we thought that was a great stereo.

I'm now putting together a new system for my home office/listening room which includes a Linn Ikemi, Plinius 8150, B&W Matrix 803s, Onkyo T9090II tuner and good ICs and cables.

Just wondering how this madness actually got started.
Joel
joeldoss

Showing 1 response by albertporter

I looked this up, and the word "audiophile" originated in 1951.

The date coincides with the general publics awareness of the high fi revolution. The term "audiophile" was coined to refer to the poor creatures (like ourselves) who enjoy it to excess.