A time that those under 20 cannot know. Before smartphones, television, and the Internet, radio was the preferred medium for listening to music and getting information. Despite the spectacular development of mobile phones, the radio has never fallen out of use and continues to be a popular product among the public. Many modern transistor manufacturers are now choosing to navigate the nostalgia by offering models with an old design, but covered in the latest features.
These vintage connected radios allow you to give an aesthetic “old school” touch to your home while you enjoy, for example, the possibility of listening to music from online streaming platforms integrated into these devices or from the music library from your smartphone through a bluetooth. Connection. To help you choose, Tech&Co has identified five vintage connected radios capable of satisfying your wants and needs.
The BFMTV newsroom made this selection independently. BFMTV may receive compensation when one of our readers makes a purchase through the links in this article.
Roberts iStream 3 Revival
A connected radio that smells of the 50s. Wooden speaker covered in leather, elegant lines and fine onion finishes: the iStream 3 is designed for lovers of timeless aesthetics who are looking for a device equipped with recent technologies. In this context, the Roberts transistor perfectly fulfills its function. Compatible with Internet FM, DAB, DAB+ and Wi-Fi, it gives you access to more than 20,000 Internet radio stations and thousands of podcasts from around the world.
Prefer to listen to music through music streaming services? The iStream 3 integrates, among others, Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Prime Music. And thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream your music from your smartphone. With its USB port, useful for recharging your various devices, its ability to read files of different formats (MP3, FLAC, WMA, WAV and iTunes), its headphone jack and its Jack input and output, this transistor available in various colors ( sky blue, white, pink, black…), provides a very satisfactory connectivity that allows you to listen to music in different ways.
The Roberts connected radio also takes care of its ergonomics. Its 1.71 kg are easily moved thanks to the presence of a handle. The device also incorporates a battery powered by the mains, but it is possible to recharge it for outdoor use. In addition, its color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate the interface. For added convenience, the device can also be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa. The audio part is not far behind with a powerful and precise sound reproduction. Excellent value for money for less than 300 euros.
Anna Belle Epoque 1908
Comprised of an authentic solid wood cabinet with impeccable finishes and fabric upholstered speakers, the Belle Epoque 1908 sports a delightfully vintage design that’s hard to miss. In this sense, this device will appeal to nostalgic listeners who want to break free from dematerialized music media and enjoy their collection of CDs, audio cassettes or vinyl.
Versatile, the Belle Epoque 1908 combines the best of the past and the future, offering a wide range of possibilities for listening to the radio or music: from the most classic (FM-AM-DAB radio, cassette player, CD player, vinyl) to the most modern (DAB+ tuner, Bluetooth compatibility for streaming music from a smartphone, tablet or computer, USB interface for connecting MP3-compatible USB sticks and MP3 players).
The icing on the cake: the device allows you to burn CDs, vinyl and audio cassettes directly to a USB key, in the form of MP3 files, so you can take your favorite songs on the go. Endowed with quite satisfactory sound quality for a device of this price, the Belle Epoque 1908 also offers intuitive ergonomics by providing a remote control or through its control panel with LCD screen.
Anna Belle Epoque 1908. Available from 164.99 euros
Victrola Nostalgic Wood Countertop Jukebox
Do you want to decorate your living room or kitchen with a connected radio with an original look? Then head back to the ’50s with the Victrola Nostalgic Wood Countertop Jukebox. As its name suggests, this connected wooden radio is distinguished by its unique jukebox-shaped lines that will revive old memories for both the elderly and lovers of Pop Art.
Compact to fit any space (11″ x 6.75″ x 12″), the Victrola radio features 5 color-changing LED tubes that allow you to vary lighting settings. In terms of functionality, this jukebox compatible with FM and AM radio frequencies is capable of streaming music from your smartphone (iOS, Android), tablet or computer thanks to its compatibility with Bluetooth.
To increase your connectivity, the Nostalgic Wood Countertop Jukebox also comes with a 3.5mm aux jack so you can connect any device. Ergonomic and well-constructed, the Victrola radio also offers warm, well-tuned sound. Arguments that make it a relevant choice.
Victrola Nostalgic Wooden Countertop Jukebox. Available from 82 euros.
roberts renaissance petite
Revival Petite is the ideal retro connected radio for those who prefer compact and portable devices. It must be said that weighing 430 grams, 8 centimeters long and 12 centimeters wide, this transistor, which literally fits in the palm of your hand, can easily be carried with you. However, don’t be fooled by its size: despite its modest size, the radio available in different colors (black, yellow, orange, etc.) offers a rich and powerful sound.
In terms of functionality, Revival Petite includes 20 preset digital or FM radio stations for ease of use. Also take advantage of its Bluetooth connectivity to connect your devices and listen to your playlists directly. With a superb vintage design, it has beautiful leather finishes and sophisticated ergonomics with its colored dial that allows easy navigation through the menus.
For nomads, the Revival Petite is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery that provides just over half a day of autonomy. Among the welcome features, note the presence of a detachable antenna, which improves your radio signal, as well as a headphone jack if you want to listen to something quietly in your corner.
Sharp DR-450
In the clock radio category, ask about the Sharp DR-450. Not content with sporting an elegant retro design made of wood and stainless steel, this vintage connected radio, available in three colors (black, grey, light brown), offers a practical alarm clock function to help you get up in the morning.
With this model, you receive digital radio (DAB, DAB+, FM) to enjoy radio stations from all over the world. The DR-450 allows you to store up to twenty of them and, like other models, you can connect it via Bluetooth to your devices (smartphone, computer, tablet) to listen to your personal music content.
The connected radio also provides quality, rich and warm sound without distortion. Its easy-to-read LCD screen provides good ergonomics and its standby power consumption is less than 1W, making it an energy-efficient device.
Pure Evoke Home
It might be the least vintage device in our selection, but it packs its own retro twist with the presence of a top-mounted CD player. Something to delight the nostalgic who have saved all their old records. The Evoke Home is above all a complete and versatile music system with FM/DAB+ radio, Spotify Connect integration, multiple Internet radio stations from around the world directly on board, or the possibility of setting two alarms. The device also has a Bluetooth 4.2 connection to stream content from any compatible device, but also an auxiliary input, a headphone output and a USB port.
In terms of design, Evoke Home is elegant and, available in different colors, the rather powerful speaker (100 W) blends into any interior. It comes with a remote control to go with the multitude of buttons on top, the small screen that shows the commands, and the various menus.
Source: BFM TV
