Philips Revives ’80s Aesthetic with New Moving Sound Audio Collection

Philips is making a splash in the audio world with its new Moving Sound collection, a range of Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and earbuds inspired by the bold designs of the 1980s. The collection, launched to celebrate Philips’ 100 years of audio innovation, blends retro aesthetics with modern technology, offering a nostalgic experience for audiophiles.

A Blast from the Past

The Moving Sound collection draws inspiration from Philips’ audio gear of the 1980s, characterized by bright colors and chunky designs. As The Verge reports, the new line aims to recapture the spirit of that era while incorporating contemporary features.

The Lineup: Speakers, Headphones, and Earbuds

The Tube (MS80) – A Modern Boombox

Dubbed “The Tube,” the MS80 speaker is a nod to the classic boomboxes of the ’80s. Priced at €349.99 (approximately $403), this speaker boasts 140W of power, driven by two 5-inch woofers and two 1.5-inch tweeters, along with dual passive radiators for enhanced bass. It features Bluetooth 5.5 with Auracast support, an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and a 24-hour battery life. A color LCD screen displays a stylized animation of spinning cassette reels, adding to the retro feel. What Hi-Fi? notes its dimensions are 51 x 20 x 16.5cm, and it includes a carry handle and shoulder strap.

The Roller (MS60) – Portable Power

The MS60, or “The Roller,” is a more portable option, priced at €179.99 (around $207). It delivers 60W of power through two woofers, two tweeters, and two passive radiators. Like The Tube, it offers Bluetooth 5.5 with Auracast, IP67 water and dust resistance, and 24-hour battery life. Yanko Design highlights its contoured look and smaller footprint.

The Ringo Duo (MS1) – Retro Headphones

The MS1, nicknamed “The Ringo Duo,” harkens back to the early Sony Walkman headphones with its colorful foam cushions and spring steel bracket design. These headphones connect to modern devices via Bluetooth or USB-C and are available for €35.

The Buds (MS3) – Wireless Earbuds with ANC

The MS3 earbuds offer a modern twist with active noise cancellation (ANC) at a price of €80.

The Janet XL (TA-V2500) – Retro Radio

The TA-V2500, named “The Janet XL” after Janet Jackson, is a retro-designed radio that also functions as a Bluetooth speaker. It’s available in versions that receive VHF (FM) radio or both VHF and DAB+ digital radio.

The Stevie Pro (TA-V5000) – All-in-One Record Player

The TA-V5000, “The Stevie Pro,” is a revised version of Philips’ existing record player, featuring built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity. It will be available in September for €250.

The Fidelio TA-FA7 – Stereo System

The Philips Fidelio TA-FA7 is a small stereo system with built-in CD player, radio (including DAB+), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. It will be released in the fourth quarter for €600.

The Fidelio L5 – Premium Headphones

The Fidelio L5 headphones aim to compete with leading brands like Bose and Sony, offering padded over-ear cups, active noise cancellation (ANC) with five microphones, Bluetooth with LE Audio and LDAC, and Auracast support. They are scheduled for release in October for €200.

Sustainability Focus

Philips emphasizes sustainability in the Moving Sound range, featuring replaceable batteries, RCS-certified plastics, and FSC-certified plastic-free packaging. Yanko Design highlights this commitment to environmentally conscious design.

The Moving Sound collection represents Philips’ commitment to both innovation and nostalgia, offering a unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern audio technology.