If you are a die-hard audiophile or have a few die-hard music lovers in your life, then you know that a true audiophile just needs a few great audio devices to lift his/her spirits. All an audiophile needs is a collection of impressive audio designs to belt out his/her favorite songs. Whatever your musical needs may be, it is important to own clear, distortion-free, refined and interactive audio devices. And if you manage to get retro-style music players, then it is a whole new experience for you! Retro-style music players take you to a bygone era while still retaining some modern features. And we have put together a collection of our favorite retro music players for you. These devices are wonderfully retro, they have been designed with modern features. Their aesthetics may be from the past, but their utility is anchored in the future.
1. Black Wheel
This unique innovation, called Black Wheel, is the latest version of Miniot’s stunning Wheel design. The turntable cleverly hides the electronic and mechanical components underneath the record. All the different parts are housed in a thin, round but robust casing that disappears as soon as you put a record on.
Why is it remarkable?
When it’s upright, the Black Wheel creates a pretty obvious illusion. It has a minimalist and classic charm that draws you in immediately, even when it’s horizontal. It has a unique control system that can be felt but not seen.
What we like
- Equipped with a thin and compact housing that does not affect the audio quality
- Features a space-saving design
What we don’t like
- It has an old-fashioned charm that users of modern products may not like
2. SP3000T
Say hello to Astell&Kern’s latest portable music player, which attempts to create a modern device that looks retro on the outside but is partially retro on the inside, combining the past and the present. Dubbed the SP3000T, the device has a retro touch as it houses two vacuum tube amplifiers on the back.
Why is it remarkable?
Not only are the tube amps safe, they also function the way tube amps used to function, giving the unit an analog look and sound and offering a unique audio quality that is warm and quite soothing, something that cannot be achieved by digital sound alone.
What we like
- You can switch between analog tube amplifiers and digital op-amp mode
- Equipped with 8 GB memory
What we don’t like
- Too big and heavy for a portable player
- High price
3. FUTURAHEAD headset
Say hello to the FUTURAHEAD headset, which offers a whole new music listening experience. These conceptual headphones feature a digital screen built into the outer shell that displays playlists, videos, the user’s mood, as well as the rhythm of the music, genre or images. The square shape of the cans is inspired by the retro design of headphones of the past.
Why is it remarkable?
With the FUTURAHEAD headset, Olga wanted to create a product that combines retro looks and modern technology while ensuring maximum functionality. According to the designer, “Future Nostalgia as a visual style was a source of inspiration for this project.”
What we like
- With upbeat details and charming aesthetics
What we don’t like
- If you are a private person, you may not like the music you listen to being displayed on the digital screen
4. LEGO Radio
This LEGO radio is the perfect retro-style music player! While it can’t play your local radio station, you can play the pre-recorded tunes that come with it. You can turn on the radio and also Spotify and Apple Music. It’s equipped with an extendable antenna and tuner window to give an old-school feel.
Why is it remarkable?
The adorable LEGO radio is functional and supports Apple Music/Spotify. It has a beautiful color palette that enhances the overall nostalgic aesthetic. It measures 13 inches tall, 9 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep.
What we like
- Features a stunning vintage-inspired green and beige palette
- You can connect your smartphone in the hidden compartment on the back and play your favorite music
What we don’t like
- It does not have an actual transmitter for playing live radio stations
5. Portable CD cover player
Say hello to the portable CD cover player – a minimalist CD player with beautiful retro design, offering an excellent listening experience with the pleasure of pretty visual art. You can put the CD case or sleeve into the specially designed pocket and display your favorite CD with pride.
Click here to buy now: $199
Why is it remarkable?
The portable CD cover player is essentially the physical equivalent of displaying digital album covers, with the added benefit of being able to display your original physical CD.
What we like
- Portable and easy to transport product with a 40 mm full-range speaker and a woofer unit
- Equipped with a powerful battery that provides 7-8 hours of premium sound
What we don’t like
- You cannot synchronize it with a digital medium, it only supports analogue music listening
6. Battery-free, amplifying iSpeakers
These are the battery-free amplifying iSpeakers. They are portable and battery-free. This iPhone speaker is a novel and exciting take on the traditional smartphone speaker without power. It is made of metal, which makes it quite functional and valuable, unlike the typical speaker designs you see these days.
Click here to buy now: $179
Why is it remarkable?
The speakers are made of duralumin – an aluminum alloy used in the aerospace industry because it is resistant to vibrations. You can put the smartphone in the speaker and the sound will surround the room and you.
What we like
- Requires no electricity and is power-free
- Minimalist, elegant and unique aesthetics
What we don’t like
- Not compatible with bulky smartphone covers and cases
7. Retio
This stunning retro speaker is called Retio and is made from vintage Nixie tubes, creating a device that beautifully combines the aesthetics of yesteryear with modern utility. The Retio serves as a Bluetooth speaker and clock, and is equipped with Nixie tubes from the 70s to the 90s, giving the product a retro touch.
Why is it remarkable?
The Retio is a portable product with 6 hours of playback time. It is powered by a 6800mAh battery and the Nixie tubes have an impressive lifespan of 22 years. The speaker is equipped with a powerful 10W Class D amplifier and has been manufactured with the utmost care and attention to detail.
What we like
- Perfectly combines the past with modern functionality
- Handmade with a steampunk flair
What we don’t like
- The numbers on the clock are difficult to read from a distance
8. Floating record
This high-performance record player called Floating Record plays your vinyl vertically, with the help of built-in full-range stereo speakers. It features a walnut base and a carbon fiber tonearm. It is made from high-quality materials that will add a whole new level of class to your living space.
Why is it remarkable?
The Floating Record is essentially a reinterpretation of turntable technology that offers a visually and mechanically interesting way to experience vinyl music. It is a must-have for all vinyl lovers – from first-time record listeners to seasonal vinyl enthusiasts.
What we like
- No external equipment is needed, everything is integrated into the design
- Perfectly matches different interiors and environments
What we don’t like
- The turntable is quite fragile and can jump if you do not position the record correctly
9. VIBESPIN
Meet the VIBESPIN – a super cool portable record player. Designed by vinyl lovers for all vinyl lovers out there, this compact record player features a sleek and timeless design, spiced up with modern features and high-quality elements. It’s the perfect record player for camping trips, outdoor adventures, or even parties at your home!
Why is it remarkable?
What makes VIBESPIN unique is that it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. You can use it on a road trip or just relax at home. It features a retro vintage design and its style evokes the image of a large car from the 1950s. Despite this, the record player is quite lightweight and ergonomic.
What we like
- Takes up half the area of a 12″ record
- One of the smallest record players available today
What we don’t like
- The pen is pretty simple and has no real AUX output
10. iBoy Retro Toys
This adorable little product was designed by Classicbot and is called the iBoy Retro Toy. It is a tribute to the legendary MP3 player. It has arms, legs and earbuds. It looks like a friendly little MP3 player! The Retro Toy can be used at home or in the office and will add a touch of nostalgia to both environments.
Why is it remarkable?
The iBoy has magnetic joints that support his arms and legs. He can be put in any position you want. You can play around with the little toy and make a whole range of poses, about a thousand! It serves as a helpful play toy when you are stressed and need to distract yourself and give yourself a little break.
What we like
- Works as an adult toy with removable and lifelike headphones
What we don’t like
- The chrome is easily scratched or worn
