The cassette player revival continues with the Coolgeek P1, a new model that combines the traditional tape format with several modern features. The device has just been presented on Kickstarter, although it is not yet available for immediate purchase.
Coolgeek says the P1 is designed as more than a copy of older cassette players. Its transparent construction lets users see the tape spinning during playback, while its industrial appearance takes inspiration from tangible technology from the 1970s and 1980s. The design contrasts with the pastel colors and rounded shapes common among other retro-inspired cassette players.
For wireless listening, the P1 includes Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, allowing cassette playback through compatible headphones. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio. A USB-C port is included for charging, while a small HD display is primarily used to manage the Bluetooth connection.
Images of the player also show a colorful LED indicator column. Coolgeek has not specified exactly what information the lights represent, although they appear to be related to the device’s controls, such as volume.
The P1 has a standard suggested price of $179, approximately £130 or AU$260. Kickstarter supporters can access a lower price during the campaign’s early stages, with the Super Early Bird tier set at half the standard price before prices gradually increase.
The company says the product appears to be relatively advanced in development, although the delivery timeline was not specified. Coolgeek previously introduced an RGB-lit turntable and is now applying a similarly modern approach to the cassette player format.
Sources: TechRadar.