![[Top8] Best Vintage Speakers – Retro Speaker Reviews 1](https://headfonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Best-Vintage-Speakers-950x500.png "[Top8] Best Vintage Speakers – Retro Speaker Reviews 1")
There have been a lot of discussions on the best quality speakers, but how about getting your hands on speakers that not only sound good but also look amazing? This is a listing of the Best Vintage Speakers to prove that they are the sole items missing from your sound system and house décor.
After careful consideration and research of 25hours, we have brought forward a number of the Best retro Speakers that are out there.
As digital music dominates the audio industry, audiophiles are looking for alternative music gear that would add clarity, brightness and looks to any stereo set up. And on mutual consent, Vintage speakers have won the draw.
Among our top eight picks for 2020, the first one is the Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth Speaker. Among the numerous brands, Marshall Stanmore has made a name for itself in the audio industry and is our prime choice too.
In A Hurry? This Is The Best:
- Larger than life sound: it's perfect for any room, big or small. Built...
- Bluetooth 5.0 aptX technology provides lossless wireless sound at a...
- Use the Marshall Bluetooth app or the analog controls on your...
- There are more ways to connect than just Bluetooth 5.0. Plug into the...
- This speaker features multi-host functionality so you can easily...
The second in running is the Wolverine RSR100 Bluetooth Speaker, which is also a radio. It is very high quality and can be your something retro.
Next in line is the Tesslor R301 that is another retro-style tabletop speaker, which comes with built-in radio, bass, and treble controls.
Skullcandy Air Raid Portable Speakers are also on our list, which delivers a remarkable range of sound without sacrificing quality. It offers a water-resistant, drop-proof body, with Bluetooth connectivity.
3 Best Vintage/Retro Speaker Reviews 2020
Marshall Stanmore 2 Bluetooth Speakers
- Larger than life sound: it's perfect for any room, big or small. Built...
- Bluetooth 5.0 aptX technology provides lossless wireless sound at a...
- Use the Marshall Bluetooth app or the analog controls on your...
- There are more ways to connect than just Bluetooth 5.0. Plug into the...
- This speaker features multi-host functionality so you can easily...
The Stanmore II is a new compact active speaker that yields clean and precise sounds even at high levels. This trendy design would fit anywhere, but don’t think for a second that its small size can come anywhere near when compared to its big sounds.
It’s vintage looks remind you of the rock n roll days, so plug it right in and relive the old days. The design truly belongs to the former days but the features are very modern. It has latest Bluetooth connectivity with auxiliary input for you to connect your music devices and enjoy music non-stop.
At the top is the control panel, with golden knobs, metal frame body along with the iconic script logo.
Moreover, there is also an RCA input for connection to DVD’s. TV or gaming console. Aside from the wider variety of devices that can be connected, the Stanmore has two standby modes, power saver and standard to minimize the environmental impact when not active.
It is one of the most desirable vintage speakers of all times and we would definitely not miss a chance to grab one for ourselves.
What We Liked
- classy design
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Good sound quality
What We Didn’t Like
- RCA and Optical input cables not included
Wolverine RSR100 Retro Table Top Bluetooth Speaker
- Retro Style Bluetooth Speaker and AM/FM Radio Combo
- Handmade Wood Cabinate
- Digital AM/FM Tuner
- 8 Preset Stations
- AUX-IN Audio Jack
The Wolverine looks like an old-fashioned radio, which would comprise of two huge dial knobs at both ends to tune into different stations. But in reality, this is the hybrid of a modern day speaker and FM radio, where you can choose between eight different channel options.
The handmade wooden body is very retro looking and contains knobs and buttons for changing stations, volume controls, and Bluetooth power button.
There is also a digital screen for displaying the station numbers. The outer casing of his speaker is also for producing better acoustics because of its wooden structure.
Behind the simplicity of the Wolverine, lies the modern day technology, such as Bluetooth for wireless connection to smartphones, laptops, tablets etc. Aux-input of the standard 3.5mm jack.
This speaker incorporates two drivers with a long throw for higher sound reproduction and clarity due to which it can take down any speaker of its match.
So sit back and enjoy a trip down the memory lane while listening to the soothing music playing on the Wolverine RSR100.
Things We Liked
- Cool retro design
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual drivers
Things We Didn’t Like
- No RCA input
Tesslor R301 Retro Style Table Top Speaker
This older day speaker but with modern features is the Tesslor R301, which is a speaker plus radio. It is a high quality, durable handmade design which holds radio, bass, treble and volume controls.
It was designed with elegance and class and has an appearance that would never be out of style and would work with any setting modern or vintage.
For tuning in into different radio stations, this design has internal and external antenna selection option. This is for catching any strong or weak signals to provide the user with flawless radio sounds.
It is an absolute darling to listen to, with its 4” speakers, flawless radio sounds and specially made acoustic chamber.
It will provide you with distortion-free, full and rich sounds as a reward to your 24-hour working ears.
It offers a back-lit frequency dial and 0-120 minutes sleep timer. The RCA input makes it easy for external music sources to connect to this speaker for example DVD, TV, cassette player, smartphone etc.
The Tesslor R301 also features an amplified speaker for playing tunes at high volumes with crystal clear audio. Besides the volume controller, this mini speaker offers bass and treble controls for adjusting the music to your liking.
It virtually has all and would look great sitting at the top of your table, playing your favorite tunes on the radio.
Things We Liked
- Great looks
- Bass and treble control
- Internal/external antennas
Things We Didn’t Like
- No built-in Bluetooth
Factors to consider before buying a Vintage Speaker
Buyers are attracted to vintage speakers because they offer some unique features that modern-day speakers have not yet availed. These features include the sound quality plus the unique look that they carry. However, there are a number of factors to consider before going in search of the Best Vintage Speaker out there for you.
This would not only increase your knowledge but also help to make a confident buy.
Drivers
Most vintage speakers contain a single driver, which is a circular device which produces the sound waves. These drivers come in multiple shapes and sizes for example dome, cone, ribbon or horn. But all drivers fall into three
Groups
Tweeter drivers are built to produce high frequencies; these crisp and clear treble frequencies can go as high as 2000Hz. Tweeters are best for music which is made using string instruments or drums.
Midrange drivers are the second type of drivers which are ideal for frequencies between 200-2000Hz. These drivers enhance the vocals of the singer, so someone who wants to hear the singing should opt speakers with this driver.
Woof drivers are installed for handling low frequencies and for songs that have a lot of bass.
So buyers need to look out because vintage speakers rarely incorporate all three drivers, so choose wisely which driver you need in your speaker.
Grill
Vintage speakers have a mesh-like grill which is built to protect the driver from dust and lint. Sometimes it’s built leaving a considerable space between the grill and driver and some are fixed right after the driver, which makes it impossible to reach to the driver without removing the grill. If the grill is too close to the driver then it may affect the sound quality, it can be a non-existent problem for some but for others who feel the difference can choose a more spaced out model speaker.
Voice Coil
It is one of the most important and handy components of a speaker. It receives the electrical signals from the amplifier and in turn, makes the driver vibrate through the signals. It is directly involved in the production of the sound waves and so should be kept in excellent condition. So users beware not to overload the speaker or otherwise it would damage the voice coil permanently.
Wattage
Audio power is measured in wattages. So make sure your speaker and audio source are the same wattages. The wattages control the volume and sound quality and the more the wattages of the receiver the louder the sound will be. But a word of caution, if you use a higher wattage receiver with lower wattage speaker then chances are that your voice coil and other components will get damaged.
Durability
The material used to build modern speakers is plastic; whereas the vintage speakers are made with wood and metal. These materials are durable and make the speaker sturdy enough to withstand its own vibrations. Look for speakers with wooden panels, which is the most desirable material to be used in speakers, as it enhances the sound quality and also adds beauty to your room. Another advantage of vintage speakers is that they are pretty straightforward and the buyer can easily repair them themselves.
Cleanliness
It is a good idea to carefully inspect the product before making a purchase. Look out for broken wooden panels, rust on the metal components or overall cleanliness of the speaker because that can affect the sound output.
Advantages of Vintage or Retro speakers
High Quality: one of the major advantages of vintage speakers is there high quality. The word ‘vintage’ represents a time where quality was preferred over profit margins. Modern music gear cannot compete with the sweet sound characteristics, finesse, and class of a vintage amplifier.
Durability: Another great attribute of vintage speakers is there durability. The vintage speakers that one buys are already 25+ years old but are still up and running.
Look: the look that vintage items have is one of the most important reasons for their popularity. The brushed metal fascia, metal knobs, and controls and VU meters outweigh today’s dark boxes with lousy plastic controls.
Disadvantages of Retro speakers
Expensive: vintage speakers tend to be a little costly but if you want one which matches the power of an existing modern speaker, then you may have to dig deep into your wallets. But the quality is guaranteed to make you happy.
Accessible. Not really: if Vintage speakers are properly maintained and serviced then you need not worry about their lifespan. But unfortunate if you may be and you vintage speaker breaks down then new components are hard to get as they are not readily available.
The Competition: Other Awesome Vintage Speaker reviews
Skullcandy Air Raid Speakers
- It's the only portable Bluetooth speaker both loud and rugged enough...
- Bring on the elements: snow, dirt, water, you name it, just about...
- Air Raid delivers seamless integration with any Bluetooth-enabled...
Skullcandy is a tough speaker and has been inspired by vintage military gear like ammo cases and field radios, which are hefty and rugged just like the speaker design.
It is a water-resistant speaker and would be able to handle any oops moments at parties. It can take a light downpour of rain or spilling of a drink at any time of the day.
Moreover, it is drop-proof so it would be safe from all your mischiefs and shenanigans.
It has powerful dual speakers, which can easily raid a room with its sound blaster. And it does all that without sacrificing quality or clarity.
Other great features of this compact speaker are that’s its portable and has Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it truly wireless and ready to take anywhere.
Things We Liked
- Portable
- Drop Proof
- Water-Resistant
Things We Didn’t Like
- Lacks in design
Crosley Trio Stereo System
These speakers shout out vintage. It has two speakers and a radio system, which are made from hardwood and have been given a walnut finish. Dials and veneers have been added to enhance its super good looks. This shelf stereo system has been given woven grills just to add a little oomph to its vintage styling.
The Crosley Trio Stereo System incorporates two stereo speakers for enjoying music in quality and style. It produces crystal clear sounds and offers a headphone jack to entertain private listening. The PAR (Portable Audio Ready) port allows you to connect your MP3 player, Smartphone or any other gadget.
And there is always the option of listening to the FM radio, which is added in the trio stereo system. It has airplane tuning dials, volume adjuster, and is Bluetooth enabled, which catches signals from up to 25 feet distances.
So what more could you ask for in a stereo system?
Things We Liked
- Structure and design
- Speaker plus radio
- Bluetooth connection
Fluance SX6 High Definition Two-way Bookshelf Loudspeakers
- Premium components ensure serious performance, natural sound and great...
- Engineered MDF wood construction to reduce cabinet resonance; Ultra...
- Butyl rubber surrounds for increased durability and performance; Tuned...
- Banana plug and speaker wire compatible connectors on all speakers;...
- Premium crossovers feature Butterworth design for audio equalization;...
The Fluance SX6 is bookshelf sized loudspeakers that will work great with anything. It has installed Neodymium tweeter drivers for better frequency response. The tweeters are treated with Ferro- fluid to increase their life span. It features a contemporary design with exciting audio performance, which will also work great with your home theater system.
The vintage design will add to your home décor. It has premium natural beech vinyl veneer woodgrain finish. It is a banana plug or speaker wire compatible, the bass has been tuned to meet low-frequency sounds.
The SX5 is a flawless two-way designed speaker, with remarkable reproduction of even the finest details. It is a highly intense and musical system with broad frequency responses.
High volumes do nothing to affect the acoustic imaging and the sound remains free from cabinet vibrations and driver resonance.
Things We Liked
- High performance
- Simple design
Things We Didn’t Like
- No Bluetooth connectivity
Pyle Speaker System
This speaker is a classic retro designed system, which has combined the record playing design with today’s modern technology.
Firstly, it has built-in Bluetooth and external full-range stereo speakers allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your devices like smartphones, laptops, iPods, tablets etc.
Secondly, the record system is all meshed up to make one master speaker, which can be made into a centerpiece for any room adding a spark to its décor.
Thirdly, it features a unique vinyl-to-MP3 options, where you can turn your old recordings into digital MP3 files to share with all your family and friends.
Lastly, the Pyle turntable design incorporates audio jack, CD player, radio, USB and SD card reader and an old style record player, all in one for a musical experience.
Things We Liked
- Record player
- All-in-one feature
- Convert to MP3 files
Marshall Kilburn Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Unrestrained and portable active Stereo speaker
- Free from the confines of wires and Chords.Channel frequency response:...
- Maximum sound pressure level is 100 dB at 1 meter
- 20 hours of portable capabilities
- Cabinet principle: bass reflex
Marshall has a legacy of producing the best loudspeakers of all times. And here is another one with the raw, wayward spirit of rock n roll, the Kilburn takes the Marshall to new levels of cool.
It has dual drivers for managing high and midrange frequencies, with a guitar-influenced leather strap for easy transport. It is very lightweight but has set records of producing some of the loudest sounds. So crank-it-up and enjoy crystal clear wireless music on the go.
This also comes in the classic design for all Marshall Speakers, with gold metal details and iconic logo at the front. It offers Bluetooth connection and portability, where the charging stays up for 20 hours. So your speaker will be up until you are.
Things We Liked
- Portable
- Leather strap
- Bluetooth
- Long battery life
Things We Didn’t Like
- No remote control
Vintage Speakers VS Modern Speakers
Vintage speakers have visibly won by a mile over the clause of looks. They not only sound phenomenal but look terrific, with their wood panels, metal grills, and knobs. Modern speakers normally lack color; they have plastic bodies which are not very sturdy and with flimsy buttons.
After the vintage designs met some modern tinkering, out came a masterpiece. Where simplicity and quality are the main focus, after the modifications on the vintage speakers they became unbeatable. Modern speakers have features that may not even come underuse but the simple vintage designs with single or dual drivers do what they were made for.
Vintage speakers come in different sizes, some are small enough to sit anywhere and some are big enough to qualify as furniture. They are made with oak wood or walnut wood, which makes them not only stylish, worth the money but also heavy enough to take their own vibrations.
The wooden chambers are built for better acoustics, as wood has sound-enhancing properties. This feature is lacking in today’s speakers.
Modern speakers are what they are but we will always bet our money on Vintage speakers.
FAQ
Do vintage speakers sound better?
Who are the best speakers of all time?
- Magna Pan 1
- Martin Logan ‘ S Cls-Loud Speaker
- Jbl L 100.
- Bowers & Wilkins 802 Diamond.
- Wilson Audio Sophia.
Do old speakers have any value?
Why do vintage amps sound better?
What brand makes the best speakers?
- Harman International.
- Bose.
- Sennheiser.
- Sony Corporation.
- Philips.
- Dynaudio.
- Klipsch.
- Bowers & Wilkins.
Is Klipsch better than Bose?
Where can I sell old stereo speakers?
Can you scrap speakers for money?
Conclusion
Vintage is the second name for quality and this is what these best vintage speakers represent. A lot of information related to these speakers has been mentioned above to help you make a better purchase.
