Think about the song that was playing the first time you met someone. For a music lover, that track can mean more than any box of chocolates. The MorningBlues Record R1 speaker is a record-inspired speaker gift designed to keep those songs in the home, pairing a vinyl-inspired body with album artwork and animated lyrics.
The circular body resembles a record, with the screen sitting where a label would be. Solid walnut legs and acoustic fabric give it the look of a piece of furniture. There is no spinning platter, but a recipient who grew up with record sleeves may notice the reference before the first note plays. As a record speaker, it works as a conversation piece as well as a speaker.
Given as a gift, the R1 offers nine dynamic lyric scenes that place the words where everyone in the room can read them. An after-dinner playlist becomes a sing-along. A misheard line from a favorite chorus can be settled in seconds.
The roughly 12.8-inch circular display shows album artwork, too. A parent might recognize a particular record they remember buying and tell a story you have never heard. A partner might be reminded of the album that played on your first road trip together.
How this speaker sounds
The R1 combines a 6.5-inch subwoofer with separate midrange drivers and tweeters. Those parts form a five-driver, 2.1-channel system developed with audio expert Jamo. Everything sits inside one enclosure, so there are no separate speaker cabinets to place around the room.
If the five-driver sound system has you curious about other ways to hear music, Nothing’s headphones with triple drivers and a see-through design offer a portable alternative worth a look.
Playback runs over Bluetooth. The MorningBlues app handles setup and the lyric experience. A playlist of songs you have shared over the years could be part of the speaker gift, and the two of you could work through it on a quiet afternoon.
After the guests leave, the R1 can take on a quieter role. A favorite album playing beside a reading chair makes for a different evening than another round of television. Clock mode fills the display between listening sessions, so the speaker stays useful when no music is playing.
Other MorningBlues options
For someone who prefers an unexpected design, the Lyric SonicGlass A1 has a transparent body and a 21.5-inch display. Its dynamic lyrics appear to float in the air, which turns a favorite song into a visual performance. It suits a friend who likes to share new music and wants something to watch as well as hear.
For a bedside companion that also tells the time, Copenhagen’s e-paper alarm clock with warm lighting and offline features shows how a quiet display can share the nightstand.
The Stereo Frame Lyrics Speaker T2 takes a gallery-inspired approach. It pairs a paper-like screen with artwork and personal photo albums, which suits someone who enjoys decorating. The Cabinet S1 Stereo Nightstand Speaker suits a different person, one who unwinds in a bedroom. It offers warm ambient lighting, built-in audio and wireless charging, so the evening routine needs no extra devices.
With this gift in mind, the present can start with a song rather than a list of features. You might choose the album a parent used to play on Sunday mornings, then hand over the playlist. Long after the wrapping paper is gone, the music could be what keeps everyone in the room.
Disclosure: This guide covers MorningBlues products. Promotional pricing and coupon offers from the original copy have been removed.
Via yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
How big is the MorningBlues Record R1’s circular display?
The MorningBlues Record R1 has a roughly 12.8-inch circular display that shows dynamic lyrics and album artwork. The screen sits where a record label would be on the speaker’s vinyl-inspired body.
Does the MorningBlues Record R1 connect to devices over Bluetooth?
Yes, the MorningBlues Record R1 plays audio over Bluetooth. The MorningBlues app handles its setup and the lyric experience.
What speaker drivers does the MorningBlues Record R1 use?
The MorningBlues Record R1 combines a 6.5-inch subwoofer with separate midrange drivers and tweeters. These form a five-driver, 2.1-channel system developed with audio expert Jamo, all housed in one enclosure.
Does the MorningBlues Record R1 show anything when no music is playing?
Yes, the speaker has a clock mode that fills the display between listening sessions. This keeps it useful when no music is playing.
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