Combining the nostalgia of cassette tapes with modern connectivity, CoolGeek’s new portable player features Bluetooth 5.3, an HD display and a transparent, mechanical-inspired design.
The cassette player revival has largely been defined by nostalgic designs, from the EDITH WE-001 to the FiiO CP13. But as interest in physical music formats continues to grow, manufacturers are exploring more contemporary interpretations of classic audio devices.
CoolGeek is the latest company to enter the space with its new P1 Cassette Player, a high-tech portable model that moves away from the pastel colors and rounded edges common among modern retro-inspired gadgets.
The company, which previously attracted attention with its RGB-lit turntable, is introducing the P1 through a Kickstarter campaign. Although it is not yet available for immediate purchase, the device appears to be relatively advanced in development.
The player has a suggested retail price of $179, approximately £130 or AU$260. Early supporters can take advantage of the campaign’s Super Early Bird offer, which cuts the price by around 50 percent. The cost is expected to increase as the campaign progresses.
(Image credit: CoolkGeek)
A cassette player with modern features
At its core, the CoolGeek P1 does exactly what its name suggests: it plays cassette tapes. However, it also incorporates several features designed to make the traditional listening experience more convenient.
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity allows users to listen through wireless headphones, while a 3.5mm headphone jack provides support for wired alternatives. The device also includes a USB-C port, although this is reserved for charging.
A compact HD display is integrated into the design, primarily to manage Bluetooth connections. Product images also reveal a colorful LED indicator column, which appears to provide additional visual information, possibly relating to volume. CoolGeek has not yet confirmed precisely what the lights represent.
The transparent casing is another distinctive feature, allowing users to watch the cassette rotate during playback. It brings a visible mechanical element to the listening experience while giving the player a contemporary appearance.
Industrial design sets it apart
Rather than simply recreating the look of an old Walkman-style device, CoolGeek says it wanted the P1 to have its own design identity.
That approach is evident in its more mechanical styling. While many recently introduced cassette players feature playful colors, curved edges and soft retro details, the P1 takes inspiration from the industrial character of consumer technology from the 1970s and 1980s.
Its transparent construction and visible moving components give it a distinctly different personality from the pastel-colored alternatives appearing across the market.
For music enthusiasts who enjoy the tactile experience of cassette tapes but are less interested in the usual vintage-inspired aesthetic, the P1 could offer an appealing alternative.
With wireless and wired headphone support, USB-C charging and a high-definition display, CoolGeek is combining old-school music playback with selected modern conveniences. The Kickstarter campaign is now underway, with early backers able to secure the player below its expected $179 retail price.