It doesn’t do DSD, it isn’t WiFi or Bluetooth-capable, and it certainly isn’t portable. It’s big, ugly, and, for most people, it’s almost entirely useless. But the TEAC W-890R ($299) plays cassettes! Why cassettes?!

Because cassettes are awesomethey’re often beautifully made in ridiculously limited editions and they often contain fascinating, adventurous music that has been recorded to no other format. And I want to hear that music. That’s why. The TEAC W-890R dual cassette player/recorder offers variable pitch control, a headphone output, and a bi-directional double-deck for continuous playback.

Also on display from TEAC was the AI-1000 integrated amp ($999) and matching CD-2000 CD player ($1199). Rated to deliver 85Wpc into 8 ohms, the AI-1000 offers six analog inputs, a headphone amp, and preamp out. The CD-2000 plays CDs, SACDs, and CD-Rs; uses a 24-bit/192kHz CS4398 chip; and has balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. It doesn’t play tapes, though. Do you?