The Braun SK-4, designed in 1956 by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot, revolutionized the world of stereo systems with its minimalist design and plexiglass cover. This pioneering model combined modern aesthetics with high functionality, marking a turning point in audio equipment design. Its innovative design, featuring transparent plexiglass that provides a clear view of the internal components while protecting the device from dust, profoundly influenced 20th-century industrial design and had a lasting impact on how we conceive and use consumer electronics.

The Verner Panton 3300 Stereo, designed by the eponymous designer, is a masterpiece of audacity. Launched in the 1960s, it broke with the conventions of the time thanks to its futuristic shape and advanced technical features. This model not only challenged traditional aesthetic norms but also anticipated the concept of radical design applied to audio, making it a pioneer in the integration of form and function and a symbol of progress and creativity in the hi-fi world, influencing subsequent generations of designers.

The piece was acquired by the SF MoMA Acquisitions Committee, through exchange, thanks to a donation from Michael D. Abrams.

Launched in the 1960s, the RR126 Stereo System by brothers Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni, produced by Brionvega, stands out for its modular and compact design. This system not only enhances the listening experience but also transforms the home audio setup into a piece of furniture. The Castiglioni brothers' innovative approach revolutionized the aesthetics of stereo systems, leaving a lasting mark on industrial design and making the stereo an essential element in Italian living rooms. 

The piece was acquired by the SF MoMA Acquisitions Committee, through exchange, thanks to a donation from Michael D. Abrams.

The Pop Automatic Record Player by Mario Bellini brought a new dimension to turntable design. Introduced in 1970, this model is known for its elegant cylindrical shape and innovative design, which simplified the use of the turntable, making vinyl listening a modern and effortless experience. Constructed with high-quality plastic and metal, the turntable features a compact form that makes it not only visually appealing but also easy to carry and position in various environments. The intuitive functionality, combined with advanced materials, has made the Pop Automatic a success for its performance and distinctive visual impact, marked by its colorful and attractive casing. 

The item was bequeathed by the George R. Kravis II Collection to the SF MoMA.

The Rosita Vision 2000, designed by Thilo Oerke and Rosita Tonmöbel and launched in 1970, is distinguished by its modular design, slanted front panel, and ergonomic controls that made user interaction particularly intuitive. Technically, the model integrated a high-fidelity amplifier and a radio tuner, offering superior sound quality for the era, available right at home. However, its impact goes beyond performance: as early as 1967, the Rosita Vision 2000 appeared in Jacques Tati's film "Playtime," featured in a futuristic and modern setting that reflects the period's perception and its role as a symbol of innovation. 

The piece was acquired by the SF MoMA Acquisitions Committee, through exchange, thanks to a donation from Michael D. Abrams.

The Concrete Stereo by Ron Arad, designed in 1986, is a pioneering example of how unconventional materials can revolutionize audio design. Made entirely of concrete, this stereo challenges traditional norms with its square, minimalist form. The choice of concrete not only provides the device with unique robustness but also enhances sound quality by reducing unwanted vibrations. With its bold design, the Concrete Stereo integrates art and technology, influencing industrial design and demonstrating how alternative materials can transform the audio industry. 

Accessions Committee fund purchase.

Designed in 2019, Yuri Suzuki's Arborhythm is not just an audio device but an interactive work of art that combines visual design and music elements. Arborhythm uses sensors and algorithms to transform environmental data, such as leaf movement, into sound, creating a unique and immersive auditory experience. This approach not only reflects Suzuki's commitment to blending design and technology but also explores new dimensions of listening, focusing on the interaction between the user and the surrounding environment. 

Acquired via exchange, thanks to a donation from Peggy Guggenheim.