Maxell Unveils MXCP-P100: A Blend of Classic Cassette Playback and Modern Bluetooth Features
By HiFi Editorial24 February 2026
Key Highlights
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless audio streaming along with analog cassette playback.
Compact design with rechargeable battery offering up to 9 hours of wired listening, 7 hours wireless.
Built on Tanashin cassette mechanism, potentially with tweaks for improved performance.
Maxell has unveiled its MXCP-P100, a portable cassette player equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 functionality, blending nostalgic analog playback with modern convenience. The device caters to retro enthusiasts, offering the charm of physical cassette tapes alongside wireless audio streaming capabilities. Available in black and silver finishes, its design emphasizes portability and simplicity while retaining an air of classic aesthetic.
Measuring 122 x 38 x 91 mm and weighing 210 grams, the MXCP-P100 houses a Bluetooth 5.4 module for seamless wireless connections, complementing its analog playback system. The internal rechargeable battery provides up to 9 hours of listening when using wired headphones and approximately 7 hours with wireless options. Charging is handled via USB-C, requiring about 2 hours to fully replenish the battery—a practical feature for users planning extended listening sessions.
The player’s construction is reportedly built around the ubiquitous Tanashin cassette mechanism, a common choice for modern retro audio devices. While this mechanism is often regarded as less robust than the precision engineering of classic Walkmans, its integration here may signal some internal tweaks by Maxell to enhance performance and reliability. Paired with thoughtful modern additions like USB-C and Bluetooth 5.4, the MXCP-P100 aims to strike a balance between the nostalgia of tape media and the conveniences of current technology.
Priced at 13,000 yen (~7300 RUB / ~$87 USD), the MXCP-P100 positions itself toward enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile and analog experience of cassettes but desire features that accommodate today’s wireless headphone standards. With reviews and teardowns still awaited, questions about mechanical improvements and sound quality compared to earlier cassette players linger in the air. For fans of retro tech, though, the MXCP-P100 presents an intriguing blend of tradition and innovation in the evolving realm of personal audio.
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