A new crowdfunded book aims to celebrate 70 years of Sony’s personal audio legacy. Titled “Sony: Personal Audio – A Visual Journey 1955–2025,” the project from ObsoleteSony has launched via a Kickstarter campaign, promising a richly photographed tour through the devices that helped define portable sound for generations.
Curated by author Eddy, the square-format hardcover measures roughly 8.3 by 8.3 inches and spans about 220 pages. Inside are more than 100 images of personal audio products from across seven decades, tracing how the brand rose to global prominence and shaped listening on the go. The project team includes publisher Sandeep (2 Old 4 Gaming), designer Jason Maddison (@PlaySushiUK), and cover artist Javier D’Amico (@Javpixel).
This release follows the earlier title “Sony: Year by Year, A Visual Journey,” with bundle options available for collectors who want the complete set. Interest is already strong: within the first hour of the announcement, backers had pledged about one-third of the roughly $32,000 funding goal.
Key details at a glance:
– Format: Hardcover, approximately 8.3 x 8.3 inches
– Length: About 220 pages with more than 100 device images
– Timeline: Production slated to finish between December 2025 and February 2026; release planned between March and June 2026
– Price: Around $49 for the hardcover (excluding shipping and potential import fees)
– Funding: Contributions will be charged on November 26 if the campaign succeeds
As with any crowdfunding effort, usual risks apply, including potential delays or changes. But for fans of classic audio gear, industrial design, and the evolution of portable music, “Sony: Personal Audio – A Visual Journey 1955–2025” looks like a compelling, collector-friendly tribute to an era-defining lineage.
