New-age sound, tech and portability with a vintage-inspired look.
Tivoli Audio SongBook speaker
The appeal of vintage-looking audio gear is obvious. They have tactile knobs and switches and are made of materials (like wood, cloth and leather) that make them stand out rather than blend in; something that many of today’s minimalist-designed speakers and components are missing.
Brands know this. Today, many of the biggest audio manufacturers produce new gear — such as loudspeakers, amplifiers, and turntables — that pack modern tech and sound, but look like they straight out of the 70s.
As far as portable Bluetooth speakers, a category dominated by small, colorful speakers by the likes of Ultimate Ears, Bose, JBL and Sony, a vintage-inspired aesthetic is a bit more rare. But if you look hard enough, they are out there.
Below, we’ve rounded up five of our favorites.
Tivoli Audio SongBook
Tivoli Audio SongBook
Specs
Tivoli Audio is a Boston-based audio company that’s well-known for making modern speakers with retro aesthetics. Its SongBook — and larger sibling, the SongBook Max — is a prime example. It’s a portable Bluetooth speaker that takes the shape of a boombox. It has a bunch of fun tactile knobs, sliders and switches. It also, uniquely, has analog connections and can work as an amp for an instrument (like an electric guitar) or a speaker for your computer or turntable.
Crosley Montero
Crosley Montero speaker
Crosley Montero
Specs
Crosley, the company known for its super affordable turntables, also makes portable Bluetooth speakers. The Montero is arguably its most striking. It has an antique-looking grill and faux leather body — available in either white or black finishes. The tactile buttons control playback and switching sources (between Bluetooth, aux or USB connections). And there’s a built-in LEDs that indicate battery life.
Fender Indio 2
Fender Indio 2 speaker
Fender Indio 2
Specs
Fender’s Indio 2 takes on the appearance of the company’s iconic amplifiers. It’s a larger and more powerful portable Bluetooth speaker than others on this list, weighing over eight pounds and capable of pushing out 60 watts of power. On its top are playback controls, a fun power switch, and three tactile knobs for adjusting volume and EQ. It’s available in two finishes, black or tweed (shown), the latter of which is $20 more expensive.
Marshall Emberton III
Marshall Emberton III speker
Marshall Emberton III
Specs
The Emberton III is a third-generation ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker that, like its predecessors, resembles Marshall’s legendary amps. The tiny speaker can output 20 watts of power and has a high IP67 water-resistance rating, but its standout feature is its exceptional battery — the company rates it at over 32 hours. It’s available in two finishes: black/brass or cream (shown).
Bose SoundLink Home
Bose SoundLink Home Portable Speaker
Bose SoundLink Home
Specs
Bose seems to be in a nostalgic mood. Not only did it recently revive its classic 901 loudspeakers (although you can’t buy them), but its newest portable Bluetooth speaker has a rare vintage look. It has a metal body and fabric grille and, unlike many modern Bluetooth speakers (including others made by Bose), it’s not compatible with any app compatibility, so it feels a bit old school, too. It’s available in silver or dark grey (shown) finishes.