Audio-Technica, a producer of innovative audiophile experiences for more than 60 years, recently opened TECHNICA HOUSE – New York, a unique marketing salon dedicated to connecting the various artistic communities — music, art, fashion, cuisine, and more — that make the city sing. This one-of-a-kind collaboration space, located in the heart of SoHo, sparks creativity by celebrating both the Japanese aesthetic and Audio-Technica’s human-centered “Always Analog” philosophy.
Inside TECHNICA HOUSE, guests will discover the AT-ONE Studio, home to AT-ONE Radio, an original podcast series for and about creators. Specially designed to foster authentic human connections, the studio is equipped with Audio-Technica’s BP40 broadcast microphones and critically acclaimed ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones. The studio is isolated from the bustling SoHo neighborhood with a wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor sound treatment, providing an ideal recording environment for podcasts.
Invited guests are also welcome to enjoy a well-appointed listening lounge, which features a large vinyl library along with a variety of Audio-Technica headphones, turntables, and even the company’s high-end NARUKAMI headphone amplifier. Visitors can unwind with others by listening to records through room speakers or use any of the Audio-Technica headphones for a more personal experience.
Less expected for many, no doubt, will be the salon’s AT-ONE Kitchen, a demonstration space for Audio-Technica’s sushi machine brand — AUTEC, a leading manufacturer of commercial sushi robots. Starting with the turntable-inspired ASM50 Nigirikko, the world’s first automatic sushi maker for home use, AUTEC has grown to produce a full line of robotic devices to meet the needs of sushi businesses throughout the world.
Collectively, these energizing spaces seek to bring diverse, creative people and ideas together as one — AT-ONE, a name derived from Audio-Technica’s original product, the AT-1 phono cartridge. Just as that product revolutionized the music industry in 1962, TECHNICA HOUSE aims to cultivate a new era of collaboration among NY creatives.
Currently open to invited guests only, the recently inaugurated TECHNICA HOUSE – New York plans to offer rental opportunities in the future. To learn more about this singular marketing salon, please visit technicahouse-nyc.com.
The History of Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica is a respected Japanese audio equipment manufacturer that has been a significant player in the audio industry since its founding in 1962. Established by Hideo Matsushita in Tokyo, Japan, the company initially focused on developing high-quality phono cartridges, which would become the cornerstone of Audio-Technica’s growth and success. The company’s primary objective was to create precision audio equipment that could meet the demands of both professional and consumer markets, particularly in terms of accurate sound reproduction and reliability.
Audio-Technica’s first major product was the AT-1 phono cartridge, released in 1962. The introduction of this cartridge helped the company establish a foothold in the high-fidelity audio market. The AT-1’s innovative design and attention to detail were well-received, and it set the stage for Audio-Technica’s future in developing high-performance audio components. Over the years, Audio-Technica would build on this success by developing a variety of phono cartridges, including moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) designs. These cartridges became widely respected for their clarity, low distortion, and ability to reproduce sound with accuracy, making them favorites among audiophiles, record collectors, and audio professionals alike.
Throughout the 1970s, Audio-Technica began to expand its product offerings beyond phono cartridges, entering the headphone market. The company quickly gained recognition for producing headphones that delivered clear, accurate sound, exceptional comfort, and durable construction. Audio-Technica’s ATH-series of headphones, introduced in the late 1970s, became widely popular, particularly in professional environments like radio and recording studios. These headphones gained a reputation for being capable of delivering a balanced sound signature and being built to withstand heavy use. As demand for high-quality headphones grew, Audio-Technica’s reputation in the audio industry also expanded, particularly in professional fields that required reliable and high-performance audio monitoring.
In the 1980s, Audio-Technica continued to diversify its product line, adding professional microphones and other audio equipment to its offerings. The company’s microphones, such as the AT2020 and AT2035 models, quickly gained a strong presence in both studio and live sound settings. Known for their clear, natural sound reproduction and affordability, these microphones became popular with audio engineers and musicians. Audio-Technica’s commitment to high-performance and accurate sound helped solidify the brand’s position as a respected player in the professional audio world, alongside its growing presence in consumer markets.
By the 1990s, Audio-Technica’s headphones became widely known among both professionals and consumers. A key milestone in the company’s headphone development came with the introduction of the ATH-M50 in the mid-2000s. This model became one of the company’s best-selling headphones and remains a staple in Audio-Technica’s lineup to this day. The ATH-M50 earned a reputation for delivering balanced sound, comfort, and durability at an accessible price point. It quickly became popular with music producers, audiophiles, and casual listeners alike, praised for its ability to deliver accurate sound without distortion, whether used in the studio or for everyday listening. The ATH-M50’s success helped further cement Audio-Technica’s status as one of the leading manufacturers of headphones globally.
During the 2000s, Audio-Technica also made a notable return to the turntable market. At a time when digital formats were dominating the audio industry, vinyl records were experiencing a resurgence. Audio-Technica responded by releasing high-performance turntables, starting with the AT-LP120. The AT-LP120, a direct-drive turntable, was designed to provide high-quality sound reproduction, with features that made it accessible to both new vinyl enthusiasts and experienced audiophiles. The turntable gained praise for its solid build quality, reliability, and ease of use. Audio-Technica’s efforts helped revive interest in vinyl records and reintroduced new generations of listeners to analog audio playback.
