MODERN CLASSICS NEW TECH THAT’S OLD SCHOOL
Retro technology never truly goes out of fashion. These gadgets, in which modern flair meets dreamy nostalgia, prove that old school can still be cool
1 LEICA D-LUX 7
This stunner of a micro four-thirds camera, the Leica D-Lux 7, lets you reap the benefits of digital photography, including autofocus, optical image stabilisation and 4K video shooting, while still enjoying the look and feel of a 35mm film camera. Just because you’re switching to digital, that doesn’t mean you have to make do with that unappealing homogeneous design many DSLRs are sporting these days. £1,075, uk.leica-camera.com
3 BARISIEUR COFFEE ALARM CLOCK
Add a touch of nostalgia to your mornings with a coffee maker that looks as if it came straight out of Doc Brown’s laboratory. More than just an alarm-clock-cum-kettle, this electronic barista crafts your daily brew as if it’s its own artisanal coffee shop, complete with a mini milk cooler and elegant glassware to keep your coffee fresh and full-bodied. £345, joyresolve.com
2 MARTIN LOGAN ELECTROMOTION ESL X
Martin Logan’s ElectroMotion ESL X prove that misunderstood electrostatic speakers far outshine their legacy. These combine amazing fidelity in the mids and highs with booming bass thanks to their traditional built-in subwoofers for a sound that’s out of this world. And thanks to their translucent panels, these speakers are a stunning, ultra-modern looking addition to any room. £4,995, hifilounge.co.uk
4 AZIO RETRO CLASSIC BT
You might say that the Azio Retro Classic BT is a triple threat in its vintage appeal. It is, after all, a mechanical keyboard with a typewriter-esque design and an industrial steampunk finish. That makes it a boon for retro lovers that spend a lot of time on the computer. That’s especially because of the modern comforts it offers like backlit keys, Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging. £259, aziocorp.com
1 MIGHTY VIBE
The ’00s might not be as retro now as the ’80s or even the ’90s, but throwbacks to the glory days of the iPod still give many a pang of nostalgia. Enter the Mighty Vibe, which combines the fun colours of iPod Minis with the portability of iPod Shuffles. For a touch of the new, it lets you play Spotify, Amazon Music and podcasts. £79.99, mightyaudio.co.uk
2 DALI RUBICON 2 C
The Dali Rubicon 2 C’s walnut veneer harkens back to the days when classy bookshelf speakers were the preferred way to listen to music. Hiding under that veneer, however, is something else entirely. Each speaker is not only wireless, but also hides two 250-watt amplifiers. That’s enough volume to truly envelop you in glorious sound. £3,839, audioaffair.co.uk
3 FLUANCE RT81
With a high-quality turntable like the Fluance RT81, not only do you get that warm sound, but you also get a crystal-clear representation of your vinyl, thanks to its superior record tracking and high-quality components. To boot, you can get it in a gorgeous walnut veneer reminiscent of the sound systems of yesteryear. £250, fluance.com
4 JLAB REWIND
Remember when we went around with a Walkman and inexplicably slim headphones? JLab’s Rewind Wireless Retro Headphones will let you live out those days again, complete with those iconic orange earpads. New features include wireless connectivity, EQ controls and a rechargeable battery with up to 12 hours of playtime. £20, amazon.co.uk