When you hear the word ‘retro’, it immediately puts you in mind of the sepia-toned, smoke-scented, bell-bottomed, big-haired, Janis Joplin-playing era of the 70’s. Almost anything during that period suggests of freedom, idealism, recklessness, and of course, individualism. You can’t think of the 70’s, or any other era for that matter, without getting nostalgic. Maybe that is why we always long for those bygone years. We try to bring back the past by picking off bits and pieces and putting them into our clothing, hairstyles, music, and indeed, even into our music accessories.
Retro headphones are all the rage nowadays, especially for those who have a more discriminating taste. Those people who seek individualism and uniqueness hanker after these retro headphones more than the mass- produced, white earphones snaking down their fronts. There are now a lot of manufacturers who are rolling out these kinds of earphones. But it’s not all about the look either. Sound quality is, of course, more important than the aesthetics. We take a look at several brands of retro headphones and why they will always be stylish. And, of course, whether the sound is as brilliant as its design.
Panasonic RP-HTX7-G1 - One of the most reliable and inexpensive retro headsets
You will love this throwback of a headphone that does not compromise functionality and stability for style. These are lightweight headphones that are heavy on delivering true sound quality. The over-ear style is great for long listening sessions and unlike most headphones nowadays, does not exaggerate on the bass. Best of all, at a starting price of around $30, it’s one of the best values for exceptional and retro headphones.
Specifications/ Features:
• Retro style
• Over-ear headpiece design
• Lightweight
• Neodymium magnet with single-sided cord
• 3.9ft./1.2m cord
• Large-diameter driver units 40mm (1-9/16″)
You’ll love it because…
If you love your retro but cannot shell out so much cash, then these are your ideal headphones. Yes, you really do get bang for your buck! These Panasonic RP-HTX7s actually look more expensive than they are, simply because of its clean and well- polished design. It isn’t luxurious, but it darn well looks like it. The earpieces may not be made of plush leather but it is padded well enough to avoid any sound leaks, which makes it suitable for office use.
Once you put these babies on, you will definitely fall in love with the comfortable fit and relatively light weight. Its 4-foot long cord also makes it easy for those on the go. Or even just for sitting in your office.
Did you say retro?
The RP-HTX7s have indeed have that vintage, retro feel. Just take a look at its design—the perforated headbands, piano- wire sliders connecting the bands to the earpieces, and its big, plush black earpieces all harken back to jam sessions in the studios. They are available in other colours like green, red, pink, and blue. But what you may like most about them are their muted colours in black, beige, and white - really gives off that low-key retro vibe.
California on Ear Headphones
Like with all the other headphones in this review, the California Laredo headphones are reminiscent of an era gone by. Their retro style is quite evident in the aesthetics and materials used to make it. It’s definitely one of the best headphones out there with several features that will surely lure you in not only for its quality, but also for its style.
Specification/ Features:
• Retro style
• On-ear headpiece design
• Lightweight
• Authentic metal construction
• 3.9ft./1.2m knitted cord with Duo- Jack Technology
• Leather headband with zebra print cord
You’ll love it because…
Immediately, you’ll see how beautiful these headphones are. Everything about it screams retro with a classic touch. Just like the Panasonic RP- HTX7s, these headphones go easy on the bass. If you’re a headphones aficionado, then you’ll know that most manufacturers nowadays market their headphones as hip- hop brands that are heavy on the bass. California Headphones understand how some consumers are sick of this, hence their tongue-in-cheek slogan, “Stop pretending to be a rap star.”
Aside from that, their Duo Jack is pretty much amazing. Comes in really handy when you want to share your music with anyone. The sound quality is not affected or diminished in any way at all, which normally happens with other brands.
Did you say retro?
The materials they used for their headphones are of top- quality that puts you in mind of a badass World War II fighter pilot lost in the modern era. Its metal construction is modernized by using aluminium that has been brushed with a copper tint, giving that sepia- toned vibe. The heavily-stitched leather headband harkens back to a past era. And just to throw in another nod to an awesome era, the zebra- striped braided cord (which are tangle- free, by the way) evokes the feel of the 70’s.
Skullcandy Aviator
The Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviators are a standout amongst these standout headphones. The design, sound quality, and overall appearance are the definitive in retro cool. Skullcandy, quite known for their over-the-top and loud designs tones it down with the Roc Nation Aviators. Aesthetics alone will convince you that these headphones are not for the tween at heart but for those looking for a subtler, sophisticated, and refined look. Not only will wearing these headphones give you street cred but also a crisp sound quality while you listen to Elvis Presley.
Specifications/ Features:
• Retro style
• Over-ear headpiece design
• Single- sided, detachable cable
• 4.3 ft. sound cord, with plush carry case
• Foldable headpiece
• 3- button remote and mic
You’ll love it because…
Skullcandy goes out of its way to make the sound experience a memorable one with memory foam ear cushions. These feel so snug when you wear them that it’s great for long listening sessions. Aside from that, it’s great for sound isolation without letting you go totally deaf on ambient noises. Quality sound does not end there though, these babies include “attacking bass” features which basically means bass notes are powerful without being too heavy.
Other features you’ll fall in love with? It’s foldable so you can stash them in travel bags (which are included, by the way). It’s also a great companion to your iPhone or Android device because of the built-in mic with remote controls so you can skip or pause a track, talk on your phone, and change the volume. Finally, it also has a detachable cable that increases the life of your cords. So if you’re willing to shell out at around $150, then go for it!
Did you say retro?
The Roc Nation Aviators are, obviously, inspired by aviator sunglasses with their egg-shaped headpieces. It’s reminiscent of the 1950’s cool—think James Dean, Marlon Brando in Streetcar Named Desire, leather jackets, and vintage Harley- Davidson’s. These Aviators come in three-colour options, black, brown gold, and white, all of which harken back to the Golden Era. Not only do the transparent, plastic, over-the-ear cups lend elegance to it, but it also houses one of the best speakers and drivers in the market. So if you’re looking for a cross between swagger and sophistication, these are the headphones for you.
I-Mego Throne Gold
Specifications/ Features:
• Retro style
• Over-ear headpiece design
• Lightweight
• Clear audio with deep bass
• 4ft./ 1.2m cord
• Genuine leather headband
• Memory foam ear pads
• 1- button remote and mic
You’ll love it because…
The Throne Gold embraces deep bass, so if you do as well, this is the one for you. It has a built in 15dB bass boost so you really won’t experience any shortage of bass tones. These are suitable for you if you love your EDM, hip- hop or R&B music turned way up high that you can feel your car or windows vibrating. You can actually say that they are comparable to Beats by Dr. Dre – at half the price!
The memory foam ear pads are quite snug that from the first fit. These and the supple leather headband makes the Throne comfortable enough you know that these are going to be great headphones for long listening sessions. They also feature built- in controls that allow you to take calls and various playback controls. Lastly, the headphones also come with a travel pouch that is very convenient for people on the go.
Did you say retro?
Aside from its gold and black colours, which, by the way, puts you in mind of either Jimi Hendrix or Billie Holiday, the appearance of these headphones are quite eye catching. The design is reminiscent of the vintage microphones and it doesn’t get any more retro than that. It certainly has that one-of-a-kind, memorable style. The gold grills are not actually made of metal, but is of painted- on plastic material. That, however, does not make it any less durable. Whether you choose the I-Mego Throne Gold or Poison, both look so much retro that the only deciding factor will lie on the sound quality you are partial to. If you’re more retro bling, then the Gold is definitely for you.
All these headphones may differ in sound qualities, signatures and other additional features. But in the end, they all pay tribute to bygone eras. So if you want to have a piece of history with you, whether it’s the 50’s, 70’s or 90’s, take your pick amongst these headphones—they surely combine style with sound.
