As an integral mid-century product of the 1960s and 1970s, the RM110 marked a shift in personal music consumption by making records more accessible, portable, and socially engaging. Additionally, playing music in the home was inherently a communal experience, shared by all household members. This lack of privacy made traditional record players less appealing to younger consumers, who increasingly sought autonomy and personal agency in their music consumption through more individualized listening experiences. The RM110 offered an alternative listening experience, distinct from the dominant household auditory systems of its time. 

While portable record players were neither unique to CGE nor exclusive to a single manufacturer, CGE’s model, alongside those produced by various other companies, became increasingly adopted by individual listeners. This trend was particularly strong among youth and teenagers, who were emerging as a distinct consumer demographic during this period, driven by increased disposable income, exposure to media, and shifting cultural attitudes toward personal entertainment. Understanding the motivations behind its design, marketing, and adoption offers valuable insight into who this product was intended for and its persisting cultural significance as a time-tested artifact of mid-century music culture. 

Trace the evolution of teenage music consumption and the RM110’s impact on consumer culture. Explore key historical events, from the rise of the teenage market to the resurgence of vinyl, in an interactive timeline that reveals how shifting economic forces, technological innovation, and marketing strategies shaped personal listening habits.

Click below to journey through the defining moments of music and consumer history:

Timeline Display