Sound Design traces the development of audio design by decade, from the LP record, the birth of hi-fi and the first transistors in the 1950s, through the Japanese hi-fi boom of the 60s and 7Os, the CD and the Walkman in the 80s to the MP3 and DVD players of today. A specification is provided for each piece, along with a history of the design and its place in the development of both the audio industry and contemporary music. In addition, special features are included in each chapter on the music and culture of the time, highlighting the ongoing relationship between hi-fi design and popular culture.