Why is vintage audio equipment booming?

Published On Dec 2, 2024, 7:01 PM

The article highlights the resurgence of interest in cassette tapes and vintage audio equipment in the UK, particularly at Mars Tapes in Manchester, the only shop dedicated to selling cassette tapes. The owner Alex Tadross reports booming sales, especially in Oasis music and 80s artists like Kate Bush, driven by nostalgia and new generation interests. The trend extends beyond sales as there is a noted increase in the repair of vintage audio equipment, with repairs growing alongside a predicted doubling of the electronics repair service market between 2021 and 2033. This trend reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards experiencing music through older, more personal devices rather than modern digital alternatives, emphasizing the sentimental value of such equipment. The article suggests a broader societal movement towards a circular economy, where items are kept in use longer rather than discarded.