Retro revival: Maxell reveals compact cassette player with Bluetooth and USB-C
The brand-new Maxell MXCP-P100 measures 4.8 x 3.6 inches, which means that it’s about 0.6 inches wider and 1.1 inches taller than a compact cassette. With a thickness of 1.5 inches and weight of 7.4 oz, the music player should fit comfortably in most pockets.
As is typical for modern cassette players, the range of features is somewhat limited compared to older high-end devices in this category. The MXCP-P100 only supports stereo tapes up to C90 with a playback time of up to 45 minutes per side. The manufacturer also only guarantees compatibility with Type 1 cassettes, features like Dolby Noise Reduction are not supported. This clearly targets customers who prefer convenience over audio quality. That being said, a brass flywheel is intended to ensure consistent playback speed.
For this group of customers, the Maxell MXCP-P100 offers Bluetooth 5.4 for connecting wireless headphones as an alternative to the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. However, this port only has an output of 1 mW, so it’s only suitable for less demanding headphones. Moreover, the built-in battery lasts seven to nine hours, depending on whether Bluetooth or wired headphones are used. Charging takes place via USB-C and at up to 5 watts.
Price and availability
The Maxell MXCP-P100 cassette player costs ¥13,000 in Japan, which are roughly $89 at the time of writing. While Maxell has not confirmed a global launch, the cassette player should be orderable via import on platforms like Zenmarket. Even with shipping and import fees, the player is likely cheaper than the We Are Rewind, which currently retails for $159 on Amazon.
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