- Leave the World Behind (2023): a luxurious McIntosh system
- American Psycho (2000): Harman Kardon system
- The Departed (2006): double McIntosh double
- High Fidelity (2000): the love of vinyl
- Empire (2015): B&W Diamond series
- Suits (2011): Harvey Specter’s Klipsch system
- A Clockwork Orange (1972): an exceptional turntable
- Friends (1994): Martin Logan speakers
Hi-fi systems often play a key role in film and TV series sets, embodying both the elegance of an era and the lifestyle of the characters. Whether used as narrative elements or as real protagonists that give rhythm to scenes, these exceptional hi-fi systems always captivate the attention of enthusiasts.
Leave the World Behind (2023): a luxurious McIntosh system
Leave the World Behind is a psychological thriller directed by Sam Esmail and based on the novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam. The film follows Amanda (played by Julia Roberts) and Clay (Ethan Hawke), a couple who rent an isolated house with their two children for a vacation away from the city. Their getaway takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious couple knocks on their door. They introduce themselves as the owners of the house and claim that the country is in chaos.
At the heart of the plot, a timeless moment highlights an impressive listening room where an impressive McIntosh hi-fi system is at work. The meticulously furnished room is brimming with carefully organized vinyl records and details that reflect a true passion for music. The characters gather here for a quiet moment, listening to a tune that contrasts with the growing tension outside. The camera lingers on the iconic blue gauges of the McIntosh system. Items identified include the McIntosh C2800 preamplifier, McIntosh MC275 V6 tube power amp and McIntosh MT2 turntable. Proof that a good hi-fi system makes the apocalypse more enjoyable!
American Psycho (2000): Harman Kardon system
In American Psycho, Mary Harron depicts the New York of the 1980s, an era marked by excess, materialism and an obsession with appearance. Patrick Bateman, brilliantly portrayed by Christian Bale, is the perfect reflection of the yuppie: impeccable suit, meticulous routine and a taste for all that glitters. But behind this veneer lies a deeply troubled personality, shifting between his need to conform and his violent impulses. Among the many status symbols in his ultramodern apartment, his hi-fi system takes pride of place.
The film’s most iconic scene features a remarkable audio installation in Bateman’s immaculate living room. As he prepares to commit a violent act against his colleague Paul Allen, he makes a rousing speech about the song Hip to Be Square by Huey Lewis and the News. While concealing his murderous intent behind an almost comical musical analysis, he moves around the room, donning protective gear while playing the track on his hi-fi system.
Reflecting his obsession with hardware perfection, this system consists of a Harman Kardon 700 set with Harman Kardon 770 amplifier, Harman Kardon 725 preamp, Harman Kardon EQ7 equalizer and Harman Kardon 440xm cassette player. As the film is set in the golden age of CD, a Pioneer PD-4300 CD player is also featured. A pair of vintage KEF speakers can also be seen.
The Departed (2006): double McIntosh double
In The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese, the plot revolves around a game of manipulation and deceit between the police and the Boston underworld. Colin Sullivan (played by Matt Damon), a corrupt cop working for gangster Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), leads a double life that forces him to juggle his respectable status with his criminal activities. His modern, well-appointed apartment reflects his success and his need to keep up appearances.
Sullivan’s apartment is featured several times, with his McIntosh hi-fi and home theater system taking center stage. Placed prominently in his living room, it consists of top-of-the-range kit, carefully selected by the film crew, with a McIntosh MX119 preamplifier combined with a McIntosh MC207 multichannel amp and McIntosh MVP861 DVD player. A second, exclusively hi-fi system consists of a McIntosh MA6500 integrated amp and McIntosh MCD1000 CD player. Finally, five McIntosh XLS 320 speakers are distributed throughout the room.
High Fidelity (2000): the love of vinyl
Directed by Stephen Frears, based on the cult classic novel by Nick Hornby, High Fidelity is an ode to music and human relationships, as seen through the eyes of Rob Gordon (played by John Cusack). Rob is a music enthusiast and owner of a Chicago record store, “Championship Vinyl”, where he spends his days debating his favorite albums with his employees, Barry (Jack Black) and Dick (Todd Louiso).
The film immerses the viewer in the world of vinyl and CDs, carefully crafted playlists and musical collections, while exploring the complexities of human relationships. Rob’s obsession with music reflects his quest for identity, where every song and record is linked to a memory or emotion.
In his apartment, surrounded by his impressive vinyl collection, Rob shares exceptional moments with music. One memorable scene shows him preparing a playlist on his hi-fi system, explaining the subtle art of building a perfect mixtape. His approach is meticulous, almost sacred: choose the right opening song, maintain the rhythm, create an emotional build-up and finish on an unforgettable note. In another scene, we see him listening to a record, deep in thought. The camera lingers on his hi-fi system, which becomes a silent companion. This system, often seen on screen, consists of a Marantz 110 preamplifier, with a Sansui AU-7700 amp and a NAD CD522 CD player.
Empire (2015): B&W Diamond series
Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, the series Empire takes a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry, chronicling the rise and struggles of the Lyon family. Lucious Lyon (played by Terrence Howard), music magnate and family patriarch, is a perfectionist and visionary, but also a man willing to do anything to protect his empire. His passion for music, which is at the heart of his business and personal life, is reflected in his environment, notably through his high-end hi-fi system.
Lucious Lyon’s studio is equipped with an exceptional sound system, consistent with his status as a music magnate and discerning audiophile. It consists of the luxurious B&W 801 D4 floorstanding speakers combined with a Classé Audio CP-800 preamplifier and Classé Audio CA D200 power amp. For more intimate listening, Lucious also owns a copy of the legendary first-generation B&W Zeppelin connected speaker.
Suits (2011): Harvey Specter’s Klipsch system
In Suits, Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht, represents the very essence of refinement and success. A charismatic and formidable lawyer, he is known for his impeccable taste, whether it’s with bespoke suits, luxury cars or the carefully selected objects that adorn his office.
A passionate music fan, Harvey’s fascination with vinyl is illustrated by his impressive collection, with some iconic albums appearing throughout the episodes. This passion is accompanied by a remarkable hi-fi system, subtly highlighted on several occasions.
It features a Pro-Ject RPM 1.3 Genie turntable, combined with a PrimaLuna tube amplifier and a pair of Klipsch Reference R-14M speakers. This choice of equipment perfectly illustrates Harvey Specter’s personality: a combination of elegance, performance and precision.
A Clockwork Orange (1972): an exceptional turntable
An adaptation of the novel by Anthony Burgess, Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece A Clockwork Orange is a cult film that explores themes of violence, free will and psychological conditioning. The film follows Alex DeLarge, a fascinating yet terrifying young man, leader of a rampaging gang in a dystopian society. Alex has a passion for music, especially that of Beethoven, whom he affectionately nicknames “Ludwig Van”.
Kubrick’s visual universe is essential in conveying Alex’s character and the film’s atmosphere. In Alex’s eccentric, avant-garde bedroom, a luxury hi-fi system reflects his taste for refinement. This is highlighted in a scene in which Alex enjoys Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. We discover a magnificent Transcriptors Hydraulic turntable with a gold-plated platter. It is paired with a Bang & Olufsen Beomaster 5000 amp in the film.
Friends (1994): Martin Logan speakers
Living with a roommate in a small New York apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an exceptional hi-fi system. Joey, one of Friends‘ most endearing and exuberant characters, proves this with panache. Although often short of cash and renowned for his impulsive choices, Joey doesn’t skimp on the comforts of his apartment, and that includes top-of-the-range audio equipment.
In several episodes, Joey and Chandler’s living room features a hi-fi system that stands out from the rest of the often mismatched or basic furnishings. The Martin Logan speakers, clearly visible, immediately attract attention with their unique design. They are the Martin Logan Aerius hybrid electrostatic models, which were very popular in the 1990s. Their distinctive design, with vertical panels and a base containing a subwoofer, is instantly recognizable.
Whether it’s Alex’s refinement in A Clockwork Orange, Colin Sullivan’s ostentatious luxury in The Departed, or Joey’s unexpected sophistication in Friends, hi-fi systems in cinema are almost like characters, giving the story greater dimension. These systems often embody the status, passion or even contradictions of the characters who own them. For audiophile viewers, they represent a nod to the industry, but for everyone else, they contribute to the aesthetics and narrative of the feature. What about you? Have you spotted any other outstanding hi-fi systems in films or TV series?
