The Best Men's Gear
While the majority of current Bluetooth speakers are selling loudness and more bass (mostly distorted) BenQ has been focusing on a more balanced sound by utilizing audiophile grade electrostatic technology. Their newly designed BenQ treVolo S Electrostatic Bluetooth Speaker ($199) it the world’s smallest Electrostatic Bluetooth Speaker. Electrostatic speakers are know for providing crisp and … [Read more...]
If you consider yourself an audiophile then you have to take a look at the Astell&Kern ACRO L1000 Desktop Headphone Amplifier ($900). AStell&Kern has made their name building high-end portable audio devices. They've now taken they expertise and created their first desktop headphone amplifier. The ACRO L1000 has some incredible specs including dual high-end AK4490 DACs, PCM playback up to … [Read more...]
The Google Home Max Smart Speaker ($399) is Google's newest home smart speaker. It was created to provide all the services we've come to expect out of smart speakers, but with high fidelity audio. The speaker starts with an acoustically transparent fabric that covers dual 4.5" woofers for deep balanced bass. There are custom tweeters for crystal-clear highs. While the dampened housing delivers the … [Read more...]
The Sharkk Bravo Hybrid Headphones ($30) uses the same technology as some of the most expensive speakers on the planet. They have a hybrid electrostatic technology that delivers clear highs, warm mids, and powerful bass. Sharkk’s Bravo Headphones feature an ultrathin film. When a static electric charge is placed on the film, the headphones emit an exceptionally vibrant, natural, and ultra-dynamic … [Read more...]
If you're trying to go the minimalism route with your furniture, there's not better way than to kill two birds with one stone. The JLA M1 Audio End Table ($995) lets you do just that it. It's an 18" cube that includes a HiFi audio system. That system is made up of an amplifier, an 8" aluminum cone full-range driver, and a 1 1/8" Ferrofluid cooled silk dome tweeter. The frequency response is a … [Read more...]
Designed for individuals with an appreciation for both fine music and exquisite design, the Ruark's R7 MK3 ($2950) is an interior designers dream. Featuring a multi-format CD player, high-definition Bluetooth capability, Spotify Connect and wireless syncing functions, this sleek sound system can be transformed into the ultimate household addition with the option of a TV mount. Analogue and digital … [Read more...]
Inspired by retro design and offering an alternative to its plainly dressed competitors, the Meters Ov-1 Headphones call out to the modern music lover. Developed by a company renowned for their bass and guitar amps, these sleek headphones feature a VU meter similar to a professional mixing desk while the over-ear design has Automatic Noise Cancelling. The headphones are covered in a protein … [Read more...]
Experience music like never before when you're on the move with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 ($299). Their wireless in-ear design coupled with their compact shape still feature the Bang and Olufsen Signature Sound and have been crafted with high-quality, premium materials. Easy touch controls allow you to interact with your smartphone while the New Field Magnetic Induction and Transparency … [Read more...]
If you're not in the mood to pay $200 for a pair of wireless headphones, then your next best choice is going the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2 Wireless Headphones ($79). Coming in at under $100 with great sound quality is going to be hard to beat. These bad boys have all the bells and whistles of the big guys including Bluetooth connectivity, 40mm drivers, 10-12 hours of play time, hard … [Read more...]
Back in the day, Technics was the king of audiophile gear and their turntable that sat on the throne was the SP-10. To pay homage to this vintage superstar Technics is releasing the Technics SP-10R ($TBA). It features a burly 7-kilogram platter made from brass and a power supply housed in a separate unit to minimize sonic interference from vibrations. To create the smoothest play it will utilize a … [Read more...]
The Klipsch Capitol One Speaker ($300) takes Bluetooth Wireless technology and wraps it in a luxury retro package. Besides world class Klipsch acoustics, the Capitol one utilizes luxury materials like real wood veneer, and tactile copper switches and knobs to bring your music to life. Additional features include a 3.5mm analog audio input, 8-hour rechargeable battery, and two would veneer options. … [Read more...]
Released as part of a capsule collection, the Master & Dynamic MW60 Headphones for 0.95 ($549) pay homage to the world's fastest aspherical lens. Presented in a black metal and black cowhide leather design, these stylish wireless headphones have a comfortably curved head band and are well padded throughout. Featuring the '0.95' identification on each ear, the headphones are also fitted with … [Read more...]
Anyone with a passion for music will be drawn to the Even H2 Wireless Headphones ($299). Fitted with unique technology that analyses your hearing and tailors the music to suit the way each user hears. The H2's store your Earprint to ensure each experience is personalized. With a 20-hour battery life and 40mm Beryllium drivers, the H2 headphones have a stylish walnut design with animal-friendly … [Read more...]
Those who favor minimalistic tech will love the Titan Concrete Bluetooth Speaker ($299). Constructed from durable and hard wearing concrete, this block-style speaker is hand made in Budapest and has both Bluetooth functionality and a 3.5mm jack for direct connections. The concrete build promises low resonance and zero sound coloration while also being visually unique based on the pigments and … [Read more...]
Designed for those who appreciate both exceptional design and reliable function, the B&O Beolab 5 Loud Speaker ($26,260) boasts a design unique to its own. Designed to stand proudly within any room, this luxury 2,500-watt speaker packs a powerful punch to deliver clear and crisp audio at any level. The 180-degree sound dispersion allows music to be heard with the same intensity from anywhere … [Read more...]
Discrete design plays with high performance to deliver the Shinola Bookshelf Speakers ($1500). Those seeking classic design with modern features will not find themselves wanting with these bookshelf speakers that slip seamlessly onto any bookcase. They are designed and handcrafted by Alex Rosson and the Shinola audio team. This double set features two American Oak Composite box speakers with … [Read more...]
Turning the quietest nights into unexpected parties the Addon Portable Speaker ($249) travels with you to any event. Providing exceptional sound quality that promises clear and crisp notes anywhere. The simple design of this speaker paired with its 30-hour battery life makes it an ideal choice for the most avid of music lovers. From a brand that specializes in compact products that still deliver … [Read more...]
So, If Porsche designed a speaker what would it look like? Well, now we know the answer to that very intriguing question. The Porsche 911 Speaker ($570) is built from the original exhaust pipe from the 911 GT3 and comes with some pretty respectable features. These include an aluminum body, 4.0 Bluetooth, apt-X technology, 60-watts of performance, and 24 hours of battery time for your music … [Read more...]
If you're going for a minimalist interior, then your audio should match that aesthetic. The Miniot Wheel Turntable ($710) is the most minimalist record player you could buy. It's just, well a wheel. Just place your record on the wheel and it'll be played from the bottom via the Wheel’s linear tonearm. The tone arm is built around the beautiful AudioTechnica AT95E cartridge which offers a warm, … [Read more...]
Most audiophiles know the more rigid the speaker case, the less resonance you get, leading to a neutral sound that replicates the audio as the artist intended. The Master & Dynamic MA770 ($3600/pr) takes this concept all the way with a case that's built from a hand finished concrete composite. But you need more than a 35 lb case made out of concrete for great sound. You need great drivers. … [Read more...]
The HiFiMAN HE-400s Planar Headphones ($300) may be the best sounding headphones you'll ever buy. The planar drivers and open back of these headphones deliver the clarity, detail, and sound staging of much more expensive speakers. The HE-400s feature 98 dB sensitivity which basically means they can be driven by almost any device, including your favorite smartphone. They weight just 350g or 12.3oz … [Read more...]
Joey Roth is one of our favorite speaker designers and he's gotten together with Grovemade to help design the Grovemade Wood Speakers ($599). The speakers harness the acoustic properties of wood and create beautifully clear and nuanced sound. The speakers are machined out of solid wood and are mounted on a leather clad stainless steel stands. The wood enclosure isn't just for looks. It is … [Read more...]
Being one of the first “big name” tech companies to announce that it’s going after the much sought after and long awaited wireless ear buds/ headphones market, Samsung announced the Samsung Gear IconX Earbuds ($200). They look like they could be the ones to beat. Priced at $199 the Gear IconX could finally be the product to replace the more traditional wired head/earphones we so often see today. … [Read more...]
The Chinese smartphone company Meizu have really pulled out all the stops for their latest device the Gravity Speaker ($199). Designed with the award-winning and famed Buddhist designers Hironao Tsuboi the Gravity Speaker is balanced atop a transparent block to give the speaker a weightless look. While light flows around the rest prism-like structure for a dynamic and eye-catching style and don’t … [Read more...]
New Normal’s Wireless In-Ear Headphones ($149+) have fully transcended the traditional style and look of in-ear headphones to create an ultra-modern and super stylish product. With two distinctive styles Suit and Sweat, these trendy headphones are ideal for all kinds of situations. As you can probably guess the Suit variant is designed for executives in their business suits and ties while Sweat is … [Read more...]
The Atmo Sfera Platterless Turntable ($1010) was designed by a team of Italian Engineers who wanted to take the smooth, warm sound of vinyl to the next level. To start, they took a classic design and revolutionized it by concentrating on only the vital components and by using the highest-quality materials. The focus of their design was to reduce energy stored into the turntable base and … [Read more...]
BoomCase is a Sacremento, CA. based company whose owner built the first BoomCase back in 1999 because he was sick of replacing 12 "D" batteries in his boom box. He's been building portable battery powered speaker systems ever since. BoomCases are handmade. Each one is one of a kind, so no two are alike. His latest offering is the Signal Corps By BoomCase ($575) that's made from a vintage US Army … [Read more...]
We all love our Bluetooth speakers. It's difficult to beat the convenience. The ability to fire up your favorite device, hit play, and instantly have music playing, whether you're out by the pool or cooking dinner, is a definite bonus. The biggest issue has to do with sound quality. The miniature size of some of these units dictates their frequency response and their ability not to sound like … [Read more...]
From the company that's brought us some of the most iconic guitars, comes a line of in-ear monitors ($99+). They feature a new patented technology and engineering that provide an immersive listening experience at every price-point. The higher-end models in the line feature a 3D-printed Digital Hybrid Technology (DHT) housing that is derived from scanning thousands of ears for a perfect fit. Fender … [Read more...]
The Fern & Roby Cube Speakers ($1650) are the brand's flagship speaker. Fern & Roby are known for working with reclaimed wood for much of their product line and the Cubes are no exception. The speakers are machined from a solid beam of 100-year-old heart pine salvaged from a late 19th-century Virginia factory. Working with audio engineers they created the perfect enclosure giving it the … [Read more...]
Sometimes I'll go to my local Best Buy just to check out the latest and greatest. When I'm there, I always walk into the high-end area, get my phone out, and play some tunes through the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker ($700). Beside that fact that is looks so cool, the sound the emanates from it is spectacular. The Zeppelin is the definitive high-end Bluetooth speaker. Well B&W … [Read more...]
The Devialet Phantom Implosion Speaker ($1990) measures 13.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches and has a frequency response of 16Hz to 25Hz. You can't get much better than this. Most stand alone subwoofers will only get you down to 20Hz. It weighs 35 pounds and operates anywhere from 750-3,000 watts. All of this while producing crystal clear sound with no saturation and no background noise. The Phantom … [Read more...]
The Omnidirectional MLTL By Joey Roth ($450) takes a small 2" speaker and wraps it in a beautiful package that delivers incredibly natural sound. So why a transmission line speaker? Most mass produced speakers are housed in either sealed boxes or boxes with ports/vents. Both of these setups colors sound as a result sound waves bouncing off the cabinet walls and hitting the bass driver. These … [Read more...]
