Nostalgia continues to shape consumer audio, and the latest entry in this trend is a cassette-playing boombox with a modern twist. The GB-001 from French company We Are Rewind revives the bulky charm of 1980s street sound systems, but updates the experience with Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable power, and a handful of practical upgrades that make it more than just a retro novelty.
Designed to look and feel like a traditional cassette boombox, the GB-001 doesn’t just play tapes—it also records them, just as its predecessors did. But unlike the battery-hungry models of the past, this one runs on a 3,000mAh rechargeable battery, offering up to 10 hours of playback through its speakers and up to 15 hours via headphones. And because the battery is user-replaceable, it avoids one of the key limitations of sealed portable audio devices.
Bluetooth 5.4 support means you can stream music wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet, while a 3.5mm input lets you connect other external audio sources. There’s also a mic input for those who still enjoy the tactile process of recording onto magnetic tape. Though clearly designed for cassette culture purists, the GB-001 balances that nostalgia with the convenience today’s users expect.
In terms of output, the unit offers 104W of Class D amplification—significantly louder than most vintage models ever managed. It includes dynamic power control to help reduce distortion at higher volumes, along with Dolby B emulation to improve playback quality on compatible tapes. Tape support includes both Type I and Type II formats, offering a broader range of media than many modern devices with tape decks, which often limit compatibility.
Physically, the GB-001 is hefty enough to feel solid without becoming a burden. Weighing just under 15 pounds (6.81kg), it’s transportable without sacrificing durability. The twin VU meters on the front panel—a hallmark of classic audio gear—are fully functional and add a satisfying touch of analog feedback.
While some might balk at the £379 / €449 price tag (around $505 USD), it’s a cost that reflects the combination of classic mechanical components and newer audio tech. That makes it more of a serious piece of audio gear than a fashion accessory. Whether you’re revisiting the cassette era or discovering it for the first time, the GB-001 provides a tactile, screen-free way to engage with music that digital platforms simply can’t replicate.
Unveiled at the High End Munich 2025 show, the GB-001 doesn’t yet have a confirmed shipping date, but it’s likely to attract interest from both vintage audio enthusiasts and those drawn to its hybrid design. It’s not trying to change the world of audio—it’s just giving one of its more iconic artifacts a second life.
