))
From Crackle To Clarity: The Rise And Fall Of AM Stereo
Manage episode 519852975 series 3654641
Forget the crackle. We dive into the secret life of AM stereo—the late-night rabbit hole that led us from a Wyoming station’s YouTube clip to the engineering that once promised FM-grade sound on an “old” band. We break down AM versus FM in plain terms, then follow the 1970s and 80s race among Motorola, Magnavox, Harris, and Khan to deliver true stereo on AM without abandoning listeners with mono radios. The result is a story of elegant design, messy standards, and a pivotal FCC misstep that left drivers and DJs caught between systems.
You’ll hear how Sequam became the most practical path to AM stereo, why the Harris AMS G1 exciter made upgrades almost plug-and-play, and how a handful of stations proved music on AM could feel big, warm, and alive. We talk through the lawsuits, the car radio confusion, and the quiet truth that many “limits” of AM were set by policy choices and crowded dial conditions, not the raw capability of the gear. With real-world examples—from KEVA’s stereo oldies to pockets of Canada, Australia, and Japan—the episode paints a vivid picture of what might have been if the industry had moved faster and agreed sooner.
If you’ve ever wondered why AM sounds thin, or if it has to, this tour flips the narrative. Great processing, smart exciters, and clean spectrum can turn AM into a surprisingly immersive listen, especially for classic rock and soul that rely on stereo space. Stick around for a candid takeaway on timing, standards, and how technology wins only when it meets listeners where they are. If this story made you rethink AM radio, follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, drop a rating or review, and share your own radio memory—does your dial still hide a stereo surprise?
Send me a text message with your thoughts, questions, or feedback
Visible Wireless by Verizon
Same Verizon coverage, way cheaper bills. No contracts or hidden fees. $20 off for both of us.
If you enjoyed the show, be sure to follow Fully Modulated and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app—it really helps more people discover the show.
Fully Modulated is not affiliated with or endorsed by any station, media company, or network. All opinions are solely my own.
Chapters
1. AM’s Reputation Gets Challenged (00:00:00)
2. Discovering AM Stereo On YouTube (00:01:15)
3. Why AM And FM Sound Different (00:02:05)
4. The 1970s Push For Stereo (00:03:20)
5. Sequam And Competing Systems (00:04:35)
6. FCC Chaos And Market Confusion (00:06:50)
7. Inside The Harris AMS G1 (00:08:20)
8. Great Tech, Bad Timing (00:10:05)
9. AM’s Limits Are Mostly Rules (00:11:00)
10. Surviving Stations And Global Pockets (00:12:00)
11. The Listener’s Car Experience (00:13:05)
12. What Could Have Been (00:14:10)
13. Final Reflections And Wrap (00:15:20)
14. Visible Wireless Listener Offer (00:16:45)
35 episodes
Share
