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Originally founded in Berlin in 1903 as a joint venture between Siemens & Halske and AEG (Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft) under Kaiser Wilhelm II's command, Telefunken pioneered wireless telegraphy technology. The name combines 'Tele' (Greek for distance) and 'Funken' (German for spark). Historic Telefunken created legendary audio equipment including the world-renowned U47 large diaphragm vacuum tube microphone (1947) and ELA M 251 (1959-1962), considered among the best sounding microphones ever made. After various ownership changes and ultimately ceasing production in 1985, the brand was revived in 2001 when Telefunken Elektroakustik was incorporated in South Windsor, Connecticut by Toni Fishman. Founded from the desire to remake restoration parts for iconic recording instruments, the modern company was awarded rights by Telefunken Holding AG to use the Telefunken Elektroakustik name for microphones and audio equipment in 27 countries. The 21st-century revival maintains the legacy of the original 1903 company while producing high-quality reproductions of classic Telefunken microphones and modern audio equipment. Telefunken's historical contributions include vacuum tubes considered among the world's best (1950s Hanover factory), the sought-after VF14 steel tube (1946-1957), and pioneering work in high-fidelity stereo equipment that established the brand's enduring reputation in professional audio recording.