The Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth Radio brings vintage charm and modern sound to any room. It has a classic wooden design that looks right out of the 1950s, yet it can stream music from your phone via Bluetooth.
This little radio has a tuning dial for AM/FM stations and built-in stereo speakers with adjustable bass and treble. Users say it fits neatly on a shelf or nightstand and adds character to the space. Imagine it on your kitchen counter or bedroom table: it plays old-fashioned radio or your favorite podcast with crisp, clear sound.
Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth Radio Review
Vintage Design and Build
The Willow model of Victrola’s Retro Wood Radio is handcrafted with a walnut finish wood case that feels sturdy. It has a timeless wooden look and a rotary dial that brings nostalgia. Victrola highlights its 115-year craftsmanship, noting the stylish retro wood finish and strong build quality.
One user review even says this radio “is small and retro styled” and looks great wherever placed. In short, it’s a durable, attractive gadget – perfect if you want a piece of décor that’s also a radio.
Classic AM/FM Radio Tuning
This radio lets you listen to traditional AM and FM stations easily. It has a rotary AM/FM tuning dial and a volume knob that doubles as the power switch. Tuning feels very analog – like old kitchen radios – and many fans enjoy that feel.
In fact, the product description says it “neatly disguises its modern day Bluetooth” behind the “classic AM/FM Dial”. Users report FM reception is very clear, although AM stations can be weaker.
One reviewer noted the FM sounded “pretty good” while AM was a bit faint. But because it streams via Bluetooth too, most people just use the wireless option for perfect sound.
Bluetooth Wireless Streaming
Aside from radio, this Victrola model has built-in Bluetooth to play music from phones or tablets. The Bluetooth pairs quickly with smartphones or laptops. Once connected, you can stream music, podcasts, or radio apps from your device through the radio’s speakers.
Victrola says you get “unlimited wireless streaming” and can play audio from any connected source. This means you enjoy modern convenience: no cords between your phone and the radio.
One review highlighted that the Bluetooth feature made any AM/FM reception issues irrelevant – since you can just stream clear sound instead.
Sound Quality and Tone Controls
The Victrola radio has built-in stereo speakers (3 watts) that deliver surprisingly rich audio for its size. The sound is clear and balanced, with users praising the full, crisp sound. One reviewer said the sound “is awesome” and notes it can get quite loud even without turning the volume high. There is also a bass and treble knob.
These let you tweak the tone – for example, turning up the bass for a warmer feel. Victrola mentions you get “full range crisp sound reproduction” with vintage tonal quality. Thanks to these controls, you can adjust the sound to suit different rooms or music styles.
Easy-to-Use Controls
Operating the Victrola radio is simple and intuitive. It has large, easy-turn knobs for power/volume, tuning, bass and treble. All controls are right on the front, so you don’t need a remote or app. Many customers mention the knobs feel solid and have a nice old-fashioned click.
One reviewer said “All the dials and knobs are easy to use” and that the radio is very user-friendly. In practice, using it is straightforward: plug it in, click the power knob, and tune with the rotary dial. This makes it a great gift or gadget for anyone who prefers simple, vintage-style devices.
Pros:
- Charming vintage wood look
- Streams music wirelessly via Bluetooth
- Clear, full sound from built-in speakers
- Adjustable bass and treble knobs
- Simple, nostalgic analog tuning
Cons:
- AM radio reception can be weak
- No headphone jack or aux input
- Requires power outlet (no batteries)
- Short power cord length
FAQ for Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth Radio Review
Q: Can I connect my phone to it?
A: Yes. It has built-in Bluetooth for streaming. The Bluetooth pairs quickly with phones or tablets, so you can play music or podcasts from your device.
Q: Does it need batteries?
A: No. This radio is plug-in only. It comes with an AC adapter and must be plugged into a wall outlet. There’s no internal battery, so keep it near a power socket.
Q: Is there a headphone jack or aux input?
A: No. The Victrola Retro Wood Radio does not have a headphone jack or line-in. It plays sound only through its built-in speakers or via Bluetooth.
Q: What are the dimensions?
A: It’s about 9.5 inches wide, 6.3 inches tall, and 4.9 inches deep. That compact size means it fits easily on a shelf, desk, or nightstand without taking much space.
Q: How is the sound quality?
A: It’s quite good for a small radio. Victrola promises “full range crisp sound reproduction,” and many users say it sounds clear and awesome. You can adjust bass and treble to suit your taste. It won’t rattle the walls, but it’s louder than it looks.
Q: How does the AM/FM radio work?
A: You tune it manually with the dial. FM reception is generally strong and clear. AM reception can be spotty depending on your location – some reviewers noted AM stations sounded weak. Fortunately, if AM isn’t clear, you can always switch to Bluetooth streaming.
Q: Does it come in different colors?
A: Yes. The Willow radio comes in Walnut (brown) or Espresso (dark brown/black) finishes. Both have the same features and design.
Final Verdict
The Victrola Retro Wood Bluetooth Radio is a fun mix of old and new. It looks vintage but lets you play digital music easily. Thanks to its solid build and balanced sound, it’s a great conversation piece for your living room or bedroom.
Fans love the nostalgic dials and the fact that it still picks up AM/FM radio (FM especially). It’s not portable – you must plug it in – and the AM antenna isn’t its strongest point.
However, as a stylish wireless speaker and retro radio, it delivers good audio quality and simple charm. If you want a bit of 1950s style on your shelf with modern Bluetooth music, this Victrola radio is a delightful choice.