A suppressed carrier audio system can include a modulator having an input configured to receive an audio signal having audio content and configured to modulate the received audio signal onto an ultrasonic carrier to produce a modulated signal; a bandpass filter to receive the modulated signal and suppress or remove the carrier from the modulated signal, and further configured to pass a sideband of the modulated signal thereby creating a suppressed carrier signal; and a first ultrasonic transducer having an input coupled to receive the suppressed carrier signal, the ultrasonic transducer configured to emit the suppressed carrier signal in a direction toward an intended listener. The system can also include a demodulator having a signal generator configured to generate a carrier signal and a second ultrasonic transducer having an input coupled to receive the carrier signal and to emit the carrier signal in a direction toward the intended listener.