We typically don’t do product reviews but sometimes you come across something so great you want to tell others about it. This is a non-paid review. We genuinely just enjoy these products and thought any of our readers who enjoy a great audio experience might be interested in them.
There’s something special about hearing music the way it was meant to be heard: warm, textured, and alive. Whether it’s a vintage cassette of the 1980s or a brand‑new tape from one of today’s artists, the right gear can turn a simple listen into a full‑body experience.
We tested two products from We Are Rewind, a company dedicated to reviving analog listening with modern engineering: the WE‑001 portable cassette player and the EQ‑002 on-ear headphones. Together, they create one of the most immersive, nostalgia‑meets‑now listening setups we’ve tried.
The WE‑001 is built like a love letter to the classic Walkman era, but with the benefit of 40 years of technological progress. Its aluminum shell feels sturdy and premium, and the controls (play, stop, fast‑forward, rewind, record) are satisfyingly tactile. They take you right back to your bedroom leaning against paneled walls or a long car ride playing your favorite cassettes while the scenery rushes by your window.
WE-001 Specs & Features
- Aluminum body inspired by 80s portable players
- Bluetooth output for wireless listening
- 3.5mm headphone jack for wired use
- 3.5mm AUX input for recording or making mixtapes
- Rechargeable battery with up to 12 hours of playback
- Available in multiple colorways and limited editions
Sound Quality
This is where the WE‑001 truly shines. We tested tapes dating back to 1987, and the audio was shockingly vibrant: fuller, clearer, and more dynamic than what you’d ever get from the original Walkmans of the era.
Old cassettes regain their warmth without the muddiness, and newly produced tapes sound rich and modern. Whether spinning a classic WV folk recording or a fresh indie release, the WE‑001 brings out detail that feels both nostalgic and new.
If you’re someone who still treasures the physicality of tapes, or you’re rediscovering them, the WE‑001 is the best portable cassette experience available today.
The Headphones
The EQ‑002 (Freddie) headphones are designed for listeners who want wireless freedom without the discomfort of in‑ear buds. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and tuned for clarity: perfect for long listening sessions or deep‑dive album experiences. We tested them with iPads, iPhones, the WE-001 and an Audio-Technica turntable.
Listening Experience
The soundstage is immersive, almost like stepping into the center of the music. You can hear the layers of each recording: the breath in a vocal take, the texture of a bowed fiddle, the room tone of a live performance.
For a lot of West Virginia folk music especially, where acoustic nuance matters, these headphones deliver a sense of presence that feels intimate and honest. They are also loud without being distorted or headache inducing.
Connectivity Options
- Bluetooth mode for wireless listening.
- 3.5mm wired mode for zero‑latency playback (ideal for cassette players, turntables with amps, or studio use)
- Rechargeable battery
Switching between modes is seamless, making them versatile for both analog and digital setups.
Comfort & Style
The EQ‑002 comes with multiple earpiece covers (yellow, black, and orange) so you can match your style or swap them out as they wear. The on‑ear design avoids the pressure and fatigue of in‑ear buds, making them a great choice for long sessions with your favorite albums.
Final Verdict: A Fantastic Way to Experience Music Past & Present
If you want to experience music in its fullest form—whether it’s a decades‑old cassette from a local legend or a brand‑new release from an emerging artist—this pairing from We Are Rewind is a powerful way to do it.
- The WE‑001 brings analog recordings to life with clarity and warmth that outperforms the original devices that inspired it.
- The EQ‑002 headphones offer immersive sound without sacrificing comfort, with the flexibility of both wired and Bluetooth listening.
Together, they create a bridge between eras: the tactile joy of analog and the convenience of modern audio. For anyone who loves music, this setup delivers a listening experience that feels both timeless and fresh.
