The French company We Are Rewind has made a bold claim: “The cassette player is back!” Drawing inspiration from the original Sony Walkman, their portable cassette player combines vintage charm with modern features. With its sleek metal design, it quickly became a popular item at Richer Sounds last Christmas.
The device boasts classic tactile buttons, a side-mounted volume control, a headphone jack, and a line input for recording. A significant upgrade is the USB-C rechargeable battery, addressing the old hassle of frequent battery changes. While it offers Bluetooth connectivity, the wired option is recommended for optimal sound quality. Despite its bulkier build compared to competitors, the emphasis on durability and sound quality will appeal to audiophiles.
The player includes a semi-automatic stop function, but users should exercise caution when rewinding or fast-forwarding to prevent belt damage. A nostalgic touch is the inclusion of a pencil for manual rewinding, though its size may not be ideal.
Sound tests with mid-range hi-fi headphones revealed a balanced and punchy audio experience, with a warm analogue feel. The player handles various music genres well, though some frequencies might be lost. Its recording capability is solid, with automatic level control to prevent distortion.
However, the analogue mechanism can produce noticeable tape hiss, especially with high-quality headphones or at high volumes. Cheaper headphones may further distort the sound. Despite these minor setbacks, the We Are Rewind player remains one of the best-sounding options available. Investing in quality headphones or speakers enhances the listening experience.
The cassette player also offers a range of colorful designs, making it a fun and stylish gift option. For those interested in experiencing its capabilities firsthand, demonstrations are available at local Richer Sounds stores.
