So, your best man is an audiophile? Lucky for you, there are plenty of gift options out there for people who are obsessed with high-quality sound and music. But before you buy, you should know that audiophiles can be very particular about their gear, so unless your best man has given you specific instructions about what to get him, you might want to avoid buying him audio equipment. Instead, consider getting him a gift card to a store that sells audio equipment, or concert tickets, or even a book about acoustics and room treatment. If he's into vinyl, you could also get him a subscription to Vinyl Me, Please, a record club that delivers exclusive albums to your door every month. Or, if he already has an extensive collection, you could get him a record-cleaning kit or some inner record sleeves. If you're set on getting him a piece of equipment, you could try something like a pair of wireless headphones, a turntable, or a speaker.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Speakers | Ultimate Ears Boom 4, Tribit StormBox 2, Sonos Five, Marshall Stanmore III, Tivoli Audio Revive, Google Nest Audio, Klipsch, KEF LS50 Wireless II, Technics, Yamaha NS-6490, Yamaha NS-777, Yamaha NS-2000A |
Headphones | Sennheiser HD650, Sony WH-1000XM4, Yamaha YH-5000SE |
Turntables | U-Turn Audio Orbit, Gearbox MKII Transparent Turntable, Pro-Ject EVO 2, Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT, Yamaha TT-S303, Pro-Ject EVO 2, Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BTRW |
Amplifiers | Yamaha R-S202, Yamaha A-S701, Yamaha R-N2000A, Yamaha C-5000, Yamaha M-5000, Yamaha NS-2000A, Yamaha 5000 Series, Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier, Audiolab 9000Q Pre & 9000P Power |
Accessories | Grovemade Wood Headphone Stand, Garmin Venu Sq 2, Sony NW-A306 Portable Audio Player, Sonos Premium Immersive Set With Arc Ultra, DJGearIX Record Weight, Koeppel Design The LP Block, Loop Volume Adjustable Earplugs, Acoustic Sound Panels, Yamaha YH-5000SE Headphones |
What You'll Learn
Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest addition to Sony's flagship wireless headphone line. It features class-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), an excellent 30-hour battery life, and a new ergonomic design that makes it comfortable for long hours of wear. The sound quality is exceptional, with good clarity and bass performance, and it can be further refined using the Sony headphone app. The only drawbacks are the high price and the slightly larger packed footprint due to the lack of a hinge at the earcups.
Bower & Wilkins PX8
The Bower & Wilkins PX8 offers a luxurious design and exceptional sound quality. It combines crafted aluminum with genuine Nappa leather, resulting in a premium look and feel. The sound is a step above the Sony WH-1000XM5, with crystalline highs, excellent separation, and imaging. The bass delivers good depth levels while remaining fast and controlled. The PX8 also introduces new 40mm carbon drivers and a polished app with custom EQ for a personalised listening experience. However, the high price and limited availability may be a deterrent for some buyers.
Bose QuietComfort 45 (QC45)
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is an updated version of the popular QC35, featuring improved sound and noise cancellation. It retains the comfort that made its predecessor famous, with a lightweight design and spacious earpads. The sound is more refined, with better bass and extension into the treble. It also folds down small and comes with a carry case, making it ideal for travel. The battery life is slightly lower at 24 hours per charge, and the quick charge function provides only 3 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge.
Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Copper
The Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Copper is a legendary headphone company's entry into the wireless space. They have taken the sound quality that made their wired headphones popular and successfully transitioned it to a wireless model. These headphones are ideal for home use or work but may be too bulky for travel. They support high-resolution codecs like APTX HD for better sound quality and have a meagre latency response time. The sound is very accurate and lifelike, picking up micro details in your music. The only downside is the price, which is well over $500.
Focal Bathys
Focal, known for its forward-thinking design and sound quality, has entered the wireless headphone market with the Focal Bathys. These headphones look stunning and perform exceptionally well. They offer audiophile-grade sound that competes with wired headphones in the $5000-$6000 range. The Bathys also include features such as ANC, 30 hours of battery life, and physical button and switch controls. They are a bit pricey, but the performance and looks make them worth the investment.
Mark Levinson No. 5909
The Mark Levinson No. 5909 is the only wireless headphone option that truly delivers wired-standard sound quality. While they don't quite match the sound of similarly priced wired headphones, they outperform the class-leading wireless headphones by a substantial margin. They also include decent active noise cancellation and physically block sound due to their substantial build and solid clamp force. The design may not appeal to everyone, and the on-cup buttons feel a bit cheap. However, the build quality is impressive, and they offer the convenience of wireless connectivity and ANC without sacrificing too much sound quality.
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Speakers
Wired Speakers
Wired has a list of the best speakers for under $1,000. The Focal Theva No. 1 bookshelf speakers are a top choice, known for their smooth and buttery sound, warm low end, and detailed high end. Another option is the Audioengine HD6 Wireless Speakers, which offer versatile streaming options and are well-designed.
Bluetooth Speakers
For a wireless option, the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 is a great choice. It offers 360-degree listening, bold and detailed sound, and excellent wireless range. It's also durable and water-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor use.
In-Home Stereo Speakers
The Sonos Five is a powerful in-home stereo speaker that can be set up horizontally or vertically, depending on your space and needs. It combines three high-excursion subwoofers and three precisely angled tweeters to deliver an immersive sound experience.
Floorstanding Speakers
If your best man has the space, floorstanding speakers can provide a more powerful and refined listening experience. Yamaha's NS-777 floorstanding speakers, paired with the A-S701 integrated amplifier, offer increased power and can fill a larger room with sound.
Bookshelf Speakers
For a more compact option, bookshelf speakers can provide impressive sound without taking up too much space. The Klipsch speakers, when connected via HDMI to a TV, can elevate the sound of both music and movies.
Portable Speakers
For a portable option that can be taken on the go, the Sony SRS-XB100 is a great choice. It's small and lightweight, yet delivers impressive power and volume. It's also water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use.
When choosing speakers for an audiophile, it's important to consider their specific needs and preferences. Do they have a dedicated listening room, or will the speakers need to integrate into a multi-use space? What type of music do they typically listen to? By considering these factors, you can choose speakers that will bring them closer to the music they love.
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Streaming Devices
Network Music Players
These devices play music wirelessly and are designed to deliver high-quality sound. They typically support various streaming platforms and offer extensive connectivity options, such as HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet. Some popular options include:
- Bluesound NODE—This device stands out for its combination of features and design. It has a built-in 32-bit/384kHz digital-to-analog converter (DAC), dual-band Wi-Fi, and support for various streaming platforms and voice assistants.
- Cambridge Audio CXN V2—This streamer offers a sleek design and impressive sound quality. It supports streaming platforms like Tidal and Spotify Connect, and has a 4.3-inch screen that displays track information.
AMPs for Streaming
These devices are designed specifically for streaming music and often include features like Bluetooth and AirPlay support. Here's one option:
Yamaha WXA-50—This streamer is known for its reliability and practicality. It uses ICEpower class-D amplifier modules and offers a specified power output of up to 105Wpc into 4 ohms. It supports Apple AirPlay and AirPlay 2 for multi-room audio playback.
All-in-One Network Music Players
These devices combine a DAC, amplifier, and streaming capabilities into a single unit. They are versatile and can be the centrepiece of a high-end audio system. Some options to consider:
- Bluesound POWERNODE—This device offers a 32-bit/384kHz DAC, an 80W HybridDigital amplification system, and support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, and Alexa Voice Control. It can store up to 200,000 Hi-Res files and showcase album art.
- Naim Uniti Star—This streamer includes a CD player, aptX HD Bluetooth, AirPlay, UPnP, and embedded support for Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal. It has a generous spread of analog and digital inputs, including HDMI ARC.
Audiophile Music Server
This type of device includes an internal hard drive for storing music files and is ideal for those with large music collections. An example is:
Bluesound Vault 2i—This music server has 2 TB of hard disk memory and can rip CDs directly to its internal storage. It supports PCM formats up to 24-bit/192kHz and MQA files. It also supports AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth with aptX HD for short-range wireless streaming.
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Vinyl Accessories
If your best man is an audiophile, there are a variety of vinyl accessories that could make a great gift. Here are some ideas:
Record Cleaning Kit
A vinyl record cleaning kit is an essential accessory for any audiophile. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on vinyl records, causing scratches and reducing sound quality. A good cleaning kit will include a soft brush, cleaning fluid, and a stylus brush to remove dust and dirt from the record grooves and stylus. Some kits also come with a storage pouch or case, which can be handy for keeping everything together.
Record Sleeves
Record sleeves are a great way to protect vinyl records from scratches and dust. They are also useful for organising and storing records. Look for high-quality, anti-static sleeves made from durable materials like polypropylene.
Turntable Mat
A turntable mat can improve the sound quality of a vinyl record player by reducing vibration and static. Cork mats, in particular, are known for their ability to extend the life of records and cut down on vibration. They also come in a variety of designs to suit your best man's taste.
Record Weight
A record weight is a small weight that sits on top of a record while it plays, adding stability and reducing vibration. They can improve the sound quality and fidelity of the record player, especially on affordable turntables. Look for one with a soft felt bottom to avoid scratching the record label.
Record Stand
A record stand is a great way to display your best man's vinyl collection and keep his current record selection within easy reach. Look for one with enough space to hold multiple records and a unique design that will complement his home decor.
Record Player
If you're feeling generous, you could consider gifting your best man a new record player. Even if he already has one, a different model can offer a unique listening experience. Look for a player with built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a headphone jack for silent listening.
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Noise-Cancelling Devices
- Headphones: Headphones are a popular choice for noise cancellation and can be very effective at reducing background noise. Over-ear headphones tend to offer the best noise cancellation as they create a tight seal around the ears, but on-ear headphones are also an option if comfort is a higher priority. Some top-rated noise-cancelling headphones include the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony WH-1000XM5, and Marshall Monitor III ANC.
- Earbuds: For a more compact option, earbuds can also provide noise cancellation. True wireless earbuds, such as the Sony WF-1000XM5, offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality. Other options include the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Apple AirPods Pro 2.
- Speakers: If your best man prefers speakers over headphones, there are options with noise-cancelling features. The Sonos Five speakers offer a combination of subwoofers and tweeters for powerful sound, while the Marshall Stanmore III Speaker delivers full immersion and consistent sound quality.
- Turntables: For audiophiles who are into vinyl, a turntable could be a great gift. The U-Turn Audio Orbit Turntable and Gearbox MKII Transparent Turntable are stylish options that offer noise-reducing features and high-fidelity sound.
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