Walkman - KEITH | Gray (Merchandise)
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Product description
What's this all about? To keep it simple, we've decided to bring back the cassette player. Why? Because the cassette tape is back!
Remember, the very first Sony Walkman, the TPS-L2, was released in 1979. This device sold over 220 million units and became a cult favorite, even today, thanks to films like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy and the Netflix hit series Stranger Things.
It's this sense of nostalgia and renewed interest in the '80s and '90s that got us thinking. What if, just like vinyl, the cassette player made a comeback? In an age of digital music, where everything is accessible in seconds, the magnetism and romance of an audiocassette remain intact. Audiocassette sales have been on the rise since 2012: the signs are clear...
Now we need to create a cassette player worthy of the name. We were able to rely on the expertise of French engineers with over 35 years of experience in analog (particularly within Thomson) by partnering with ORA, a company specializing in the development of high-quality audio and sound equipment. The goal is simple: create a high-end cassette player with a simple and refined design inspired by the first Sony Walkman.
But besides the difficulty of finding the mechanical parts needed to (re)manufacture cassette players (almost all factories closed their doors more than 10 years ago), the problem arose of regularly replacing the batteries. The solution was quickly found: the player now works thanks to an internal rechargeable battery .
More practical, more environmentally friendly, and a world first . And to let everyone listen to their own music, this 2.0 player also features Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Listening to your old tapes with or without a cable, that is the question...
Oh yeah, we've also added a recording function so you can create your own mixtapes... the most romantic Valentine's Day gift. We Are Rewind represents a different approach; to give nostalgics, music lovers, design enthusiasts, and anyone who believes music is meant to be touched, an incomparable listening experience!
Cassette Player 2.0 – What's Improved?
- The playback frequency response from 100Hz-5500Hz to 30Hz-12500Hz +- 3dB
- The recording circuit for automatic level control by adding a biasing oscillator for less distortion
- The engine speed controller
- The wow & flutter of the cassette mechanism by designing a heavier brass flywheel (instead of a plastic wheel + metal ring) and adding strict quality control
- The signal-to-noise ratio during playback is achieved by using a shielded magnetic head and a double-shielded motor
- The "anti-pop noise" for quieter operation when pressing Play - Stop
Bluetooth transmitter
We integrated the Bluetooth transmitter under the battery to reduce background noise in the analog preamplifier circuit. This part is made of plastic to optimize the performance of the Bluetooth antenna, allowing for reduced TX power and increased range.
Paint and materials
By improving the anodization of the aluminum components, we've achieved a good color match between the different parts of the case. We also chose this anodization method because it offers the best resistance to wear and tear.
We designed the aluminum components with a thickness of 1 to 2 mm for optimal mechanical robustness. This results in a heavy player that conveys a sense of quality.
Design
We wanted to create a cassette player that would add a touch of modernity to the vintage charm of this iconic device. That's why we drew inspiration from Dieter Rams's famous "Less is more" principle. Sleek design, simple lines, high-quality materials, and meticulous detailing create a timeless aesthetic that embodies both the past and the present.
