For every trend there’s a countertrend. We live in a digital world, sure, but many audiophiles are nostalgic for the days of physical media. Gadhouse looks to meet this demand with its new Eric CD Player, which lets music nerds enjoy their old CDs in a portable device fitted with a number of modern features, too.
Cleverly hidden beyond the traditional segmented LED display and physical controls is a retro-looking CD player with some very modern enhancements. Measuring 16.9 x 13.6 x 3.2, the player sports an ivory colourway, with other colours expected to arrive in 2027.
The Eric CD Player supports both CD and HQCD, while also sporting Bluetooth connectivity for more modern playback, with a 3.5mm headphone output and an aux output for the simple integration of the unit with home systems, for example.
The device also features four hours of battery life – chargeable via USB-C – and the ability to play CD-R, CD-RW, WMA and MP3 files, too.
“Eric was born from a love of the days when every listen meant something,” says Petch Watcharaphon, co-founder of Gadhouse. “Choosing an album, opening the case and reading along with the liner notes was part of the experience. To Gadhouse, the CD is a time machine that brings back the excitement of early digital culture.”
Along with the modern enhancements, the Eric CD Player also features an FM radio, and anti-skip technology, which prevents hiccups if the device gets bumped on the go, for example. However, while designed to be a portable unit, you may prefer to leave the Eric at home. It weighs just 308 grams and is wall-mountable, with holes on the underside for positioning on a suitable wall.
As Watcharaphon enthuses: “Eric is packed with modern features but at heart he is an invitation to fall in love with physical media again.”
The Eric CD Player is available now for $84.50/£59.99. Learn more at Gadhouse.
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