Part 4/11:
As the 1950s arrived, America’s suburbs expanded, bringing with them a new obsession: hi-fi. Consoles grew larger, more ornate, and more central to family life. RCA's Victrola series continued to dominate, often doubling as furniture and symbolizing wealth—like Perry Como crooning in stereo while flaunting polished wood and glowing dials. The creation of stereo receivers like Harmon Kardon’s all-in-one units and the debut of acoustic suspension speakers (e.g., AR-1) expanded the listening experience, delivering real bass and clarity accessible to middle-class families. The era’s technological and aesthetic innovations converged, making hi-fi a community centerpiece.