The Barney Oliver Amplifier

Front view of Bill Hewlett's Barney Oliver Amplifier. Enlarge
Close-up of a note attached to Hewlett's Barney Oliver Amplifier indicating it being stored at a location after a fire. Enlarge
3/4 view (front/side) of Hewlett's Barney Oliver Amplifier. Enlarge
The back of Hewlett's Barney Oliver Amplifier with numbers outputs and plugs. Enlarge
Close-up view of the interior of Hewlett's Barney Oliver Amplifier. Enlarge
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Date: 1973

In 1971, HP Labs director and R&D wizard Barney Oliver made his own amplifier for his home stereo system. The sound quality was so good that other Hewlett-Packard people wanted one of their own, and the company decided to produce the item as an “assemble-it-yourself” kit available only to Hewlett-Packard employees. The kits were produced only after working hours by employees who volunteered to make them. In all, about 400 would be ordered and produced. This one belonged to Bill Hewlett.

Tags: 1970s • 1973 • Amplifier • Barney Oliver • Bill Hewlett • HP Way

( C ) HPCA

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