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Hitachi model TRK-W530E (BS)

Radio
1989-1992 (made)
Artist/Maker
Hitachi (manufacturers)
Place of origin
Japan (designed)
Singapore (manufactured)

Hitachi was founded in 1910, when founder Namihei Odaira was just 36 years old. Part of the era before the iPod and the MP3 player, the 'boom box' enabled people to take the tech of an audio system with them outside. Hitachi's portable sound system, with a double cassette deck, dubbing, continuous play and a five-band equalizer provided the user with tone control and the functionality to customise their listening experience. The boombox became instrumental in the rise of the hip hop music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, its ability to deliver more bass and volume than a standard speaker made it ideal for the rise of a new musical genre.



Object details

Categories
Audio Equipment
Plastic
Entertainment & Leisure
Object type
Radio
Titles
  • Hitachi model TRK-W530E (BS) (manufacturer's title)
  • Portable component system (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Polystyrene case
Polystyrene
Plastic
Brief description
model TRK-W530E (BS); Des. Hitachi, Japan 1989 man. Singapore
Physical description
A portable sound system made from black plastic with two speakers and the facility to play two cassette tapes. The unit includes a radio, aerial and a series of dials and buttons to adjust the sound.
Dimensions
  • Height: 21.7cm
  • Width: 43cm (including speakers)
Production typeMass produced
Gallery label
(1992)
[20th century gallery]

HITACHI PORTABLE SYSTEM MODEL TRK W530E(BS)
Designed by Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Made in Singapore, from 1989; still in production
Polstyrene case
Given by Hitachi Sales (U.K.) Ltd.
W.14-1992

This is a portable system, using standard mass-produced components. The prominent five-band graphic equalizer tone control is among the 'high-tech' features intended to suggest that the user can nevertheless exercise the same creative control over his listening as a sound engineer using expensive professional equipment.
Credit line
Given by Hitachi Sales (UK) Ltd
Object history
Given by Hitachi Sales (UK) Ltd. [93/183]. On entry to the Museum its condition was noted as 'sound'.
Subjects depicted
Radio
Speaker
Sound System
Summary
Hitachi was founded in 1910, when founder Namihei Odaira was just 36 years old. Part of the era before the iPod and the MP3 player, the 'boom box' enabled people to take the tech of an audio system with them outside. Hitachi's portable sound system, with a double cassette deck, dubbing, continuous play and a five-band equalizer provided the user with tone control and the functionality to customise their listening experience. The boombox became instrumental in the rise of the hip hop music in the late 1980s and early 1990s, its ability to deliver more bass and volume than a standard speaker made it ideal for the rise of a new musical genre.



Collection
Furniture and Woodwork Collection
Accession number
W.14-1992

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O321338/hitachi-model-trk-w530e-bs-radio-hitachi/
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