About this episode

This episode explores how the arrival of stereo changed our experience of sound, featuring insights from audiophile David MacRunnel.

The advent of stereo dramatically changed our experience of sound. St. Louis audiophile David MacRunnel provides a primer on that audio development: how it works, why it took off in the U.S. in particular, and what makes stereo different from — not necessarily better than — monophonic sound. MacRunnel and his partner Katie Cahill will talk in-depth about stereophonic tech, show early-era equipment, and play full albums by Miles Davis, the Beatles, and the Reiner/Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the St. Louis Science Center’s 21+ event “Up Late: Experience Sound” on July 25. *This episode is best listened to with headphones or earbuds, or in a car with dual speakers.

People in this episode

Guest: David MacRunnel

Topics covered

• stereo sound
• audio technology
• music experience
• monophonic sound
• audiophile culture

Keywords

• stereo
• sound experience
• audiophile
• music technology
• monophonic

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: St. Louis Science Center

Books & works: Miles Davis, the Beatles, Reiner/Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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