Category: Gadgets and Tech

Heading to market very soon is a stylish retro radio that uses vintage technology for its audio output – the  2B Tube Amp Radio by Jonas Damon.

Its outer shell is reason enough to give it a closer look, but the selling point is inside, with the radio using three old school vacuum tubes for sound, which are said to be warm, resonant and free of distortion.

It’s not about the past though – there’s also connectivity for your iPod. The current models are prototypes, but it will be going on sale via Areaware soon – no price confirmed as yet.

Areaware website

Via Cool Hunting

A couple of years back, Dualit introduced its retro DAB radio, which had the looks, but also carried a seriously hefty price tag. Thankfully, that price has been cut for the new Dualit Lite.

The look’s the same, even if some of the detailing is slightly different – a few extra knobs and a slightly larger overall shape seem to be the main cosmetic differences. Aside from that, there’s DAB and FM radio, a 6w speaker, kitchen timer, alarm clock, snooze button and battery/mains power.

And that price? A much more easier to swallow £85.

Find out more at the Dualit website

Some of you might remember the Panasonic RP-HTX7 retro headphones that we featured on Retro way back in 2006.

If you’re looking for the fantastic looks of those cans, but can’t quite stump up the cash, then these lookalikes from Fred Flare are worth a look. They feature the same chunky build, with a leather strap that gives it the retro feel.

These Stiloso Rojo headphones have a decent spec too, including an iPhone compatible adapter. They cost a very reasonable $50.

Find out more from the Fred Flare website

Regular readers will know we’re suckers for a nice wood finish on our gadgets, so we’re already sold on the newly-launched Vita Audio R4 tabletop audio system.

It’s not the cheapest audio system on the market, but it’s one of the more stylish and useful, offering a dock for your iPod, a CD/MP3/WMA disc player on the front, DAB/FM radio, alarm clock, USB port, a detachable RotoDial remote control and 80w of audio output. Not to mention that rather cool walnut finish.

You can pick one up for around £500 from early June. If wood isn’t your thing, a glossy white version is also available – for another £50.

Find out more at the Vita Audio website