Audio-Technica Always Listening. In 1962, with a vision of producing high-quality audio for everyone, Audio-Technica’s founder Hideo Matsushita created the first truly affordable phono cartridge, the AT-1 in Shinjuku, Japan. Since then, Audio-Technica has grown into a world-renowned company devoted to Hi-Fi Audio Excellence at every level. Audio-Technica’s commitment to the user experience and their devotion to only the highest quality design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution has placed them at the forefront of the industry for almost 60 years.