Déjà vu All Over Again: The New Old Look of Sound

I’ve never been a big “sound system” kind of guy. (I know, big shocker). You know, giant black speakers, speakers mounted to the wall, having the house wired for sound (although, that does sound kind of fun.) However, I love music. So, I set out to find a system-of-sorts that would both meet my needs and still look sleek, sexy, and aesthetically pleasing.

In my search, I came across a great, vintage-inspired line of audio equipment by Crosley Radio. Crosley pairs fun, timeless, vintage designs with modern technology and crystal clear sound. I wanted something small that I could put on the kitchen counter and rock out while I get my cook on in a big way, but once again, wasn’t looking for anything too big, too expensive, or that was going to require me to under mount it, run a bunch of cords, etc. I feel in love with the Crosley Solo AM/FM Radio (small black unit pictured here). I love the vintage look, the small, compact size, and the great sound. The best part, it comes with the jumper cable you need to easily plug in any IPod. Simply turn the auxiliary dial, and you’re rocking the IPod. The icing on the cake? I had this very small radio playing with my IPod at a Holiday cocktail last year, and a colleague of mine asked where the music was coming from and if I had a built-in, surround sound system in the kitchen ceiling. The speaker is located on top and provides great, amplified sound. Not to mention, it’s just fun looking, and people always ask about it. I liked it so much, I bought a second one to put on one of the nightstands in the master bedroom. Once again, small, clean, chic, ready for the IPod, and beats having some silver boom box with blue buttons and a green light-up display sitting next to the bed. You can buy this guy directly from the Crosley website, or you can get it for 20 bucks cheaper at Target. (Around $75.00).

As part of the vintage line, Crosley also does a great line of turn tables/record players. I love this turquoise two tone tolex turn table available at Urban Outfitters. They actually have this one in the Charlottesville store downtown, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market. It’s a fun way to break out those old LPs at the holidays and year ‘round. The best part? It’s portable, USB ready, Mac and PC compatible, and comes with software so if you get bored, you can ditch the Lawrence Welk and start spinning the tracks on your IPod. This guy retails for $160.00.

So, if you’re in the market for some sound, and you aren’t ready to buy the Bose, check them out. It’s not your parents’ stereo, but then again, it kind of is.

Be Well,
Ed

Photo Credits: http://www.crosleyradio.com/
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/