Most Bluetooth speakers look like black plastic boxes. The Vintage Retro Bluetooth Speaker is different: wood, a gold-tone grille and real metal knobs make it look like a radio from the 1960s.
Design and build
The wooden cabinet feels solid, and the gold-tone accents look premium on a shelf, sideboard or kitchen counter. The top panel has three knobs for volume, bass and treble, plus status lights for Bluetooth and AUX.
On the back you will find the power input and a bass port. There is no battery, so it has to stay plugged into a wall socket. Think of it as a home speaker, not a portable one.
Sound quality
With 40 W of power, it easily fills a bedroom or a mid-size living room. Vocals are warm and clear, which suits Bollywood classics, ghazals and acoustic music. The bass knob adds useful punch for pop and EDM, though it will not rattle the windows like a large party speaker.
The separate treble control is a nice touch. Turn it down for bright recordings, or up for podcasts and spoken word.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth for your phone, tablet or laptop
- 3.5 mm AUX input for a TV, record player (with a preamp) or older music player
- USB port to charge your phone while it plays
What we like
- Stunning retro looks
- Loud, room-filling 40 W sound
- Hands-on bass and treble controls
- Charges your phone while playing
What could be better
- No battery, so it is not portable
- Heavier than typical Bluetooth speakers
- No stereo pairing with a second unit
Verdict
If you want a speaker that looks as good as it sounds and will stay in one room, the Vintage Retro Speaker is an easy recommendation. If you need something to carry to the beach, look at a rugged portable model instead.
Want to see how it stacks up? Read our comparison of the retro speaker and the Large Portable Speaker, or browse all Bluetooth Speakers.
