Even if you’ve been living under a rock, you know the devices we use to listen to music have evolved considerably from the ‘80s and ‘90s to today. And while there is a quality benefit, if not a cachet, to reverting back to old-school CDs over streaming, our headphones have certainly changed for the better in today’s world. It’s one of the reasons why there hasn’t been much of a push to go back to those thin, often flimsy on-ear monitors of yesteryear.
That hasn’t stopped retro-inspired newcomer km5 from trying. Following the collab with BEAMS on its cool transparent Instant Disk CP1 CD player from this past December, the Japanese firm has unveiled some new headphones that would’ve paired well with your old Walkman — but with some modern-day tech for 2025.
MIDDLE GROUND MUSIC
On one end of the current headphone market you have the wireless in-ear monitors that can be beneficial for their portability and daily practicality but are far from the soundstages of their over-ear counterparts. On the other end, larger over-ear models can obviously give you impressive soundstages and marathon battery life but aren’t always the easiest to wear for hours at a time on your head. With the exception of a few outliers, thinner, on-ear monitors have struggled to bring the true middle ground we took no issue with back when we were kids.
A New-Old Headset
Not just your throwaway airline headset, km5’s Hp1 addresses the inherent limitations that made our vintage models obsolete by blending the form of their ancestors with the function of their contemporaries. Tipping the scales at a barely-there 103g (~3.6oz), these minimalist cans feature a highly slim stainless steel headband that still provides enough tension to keep itself securely positioned on your head during use.
Meanwhile, the cleverly designed magnetic ear cushions allow for color swapping depending on your mood or outfit (replacement pads are included with each purchase). This system also solves the durability issues of vintage on-ears, where cushion wear often meant replacing the entire headset.
TECH EVOLUTION
What separates the Hp1 from vintage headphones is the modern tech packed into that svelte frame. Active noise cancellation in such a compact design defies conventional wisdom, which typically relies on sealed ear cups for effective sound control. Each ear cup functions as a discrete unit rather than a bilateral setup, creating exceptional stereo imaging but also (this is a big “also”) requiring both sides to be charged individually. Perfect for urban use or commuting, there’s also the desirable transparency mode that lets you tune into your surroundings without needing to take off the monitors.
For the audio itself, the unit houses high-quality 40mm drivers that strike a sensible balance, delivering “clear, wide and powerful sound from low to high tones.” These are a common driver size featured in many high-end over-ear headphones so it will be interesting to see how the tech translates to a smaller package like this one.
While the Hp1 boasts a very modern Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with an impressive 24 hours of playback and 3-hour charging time, there’s a USB-C wired option included as well. Not only does this ensure you’ll never face a dead-battery situation but it can also lean into the retro-inspired vibe these headphones are going for.
DESIGN ETHOS
km5’s approach with the Hp1 mirrors their CD players, which doubled as display pieces for album artwork. Where many brands push toward invisibility, km5 celebrates hardware as objects worthy of attention. Their transparent CD player with BEAMS exemplifies this philosophy, proudly displaying components rather than hiding them, while also feeling decidedly ‘90s.
Priced at approximately $153 USD, the Hp1 occupies intriguing territory between mass-market products and premium luxury. And while established audio brands battle over incremental tech improvements, few address the stylistic monotony that’s overtaken the headphone landscape.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Hp1 Lightwear Headphones
Type: On-ear
Weight: 3.6oz
Drivers: 40mm
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 or USB-C wired option
Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
Features: Active noise cancellation, transparent mode
Price: ¥22,000 (~$153)
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Available in either black or white base colors, the Hp1 Lightwear Headphones are currently available for pre-order through km5’s website for ¥22,000 JPY (~$153).
Recap
km5 Hp1 Lightwear Headphones
Finding middle ground between in-ear and over-ear, Japanese brand km5 made these ’80s/’90s-style headphones feature modern tech like noise cancellation, transparency mode, and Bluetooth wireless listening.
