If you intend to buy smartphones, tablets or
laptops for you and your loved ones this holiday season, you are likely to make
sure that most of them will not make the good sound quality when left to their
built-in devices. That is the reason why we are here to highlight some of the
portable audio devices that will help you enjoy at home and on the road with
interesting sonic clarity. We have narrowed down the wired headphones, wireless
headphones and wireless speakers that mix styles, portability and, of course,
quality to please many music enthusiasts.
Wired headphones
V-MODA
M-100
Created with the ideas from the audio
enthusiasts at Head-Fi, the M-100 is a hybrid between V-Moda's M-80 on-ears and
LP2 DJ headphones. The result is a headset that focuses on fashion, portability
with HiFi DNA. The construction is in the military grade, with interchangeable
cables, replaceable leather earpads, customizable ear plates and folding
earcups, which helps ensure that these over-ear (but still small) headphones
will also be ready for your everyday public transport trips. The M-100s will
not be available until the end of this season, but you are able to pre-order.
Main specifications: Cliqfold earcup hingers, ultra-durable
MIL-STD-810G metal construction, carrying case, two cable inputs, earcup panels
can be customized and replaced, Kevlar-coated cable with a one-button remote /
mic, foam earpads.
Price: $300 to $310 from V-Moda
Wired
headphones
You might also like...
Klipsch
Image S4i Series II
It has been many years since Klipsch
introduced the S4 in-ear headphone series, and we still think they are among
the best headphones for approximate $100. Its latest version has the flat cable
system and updated remotes, but the rich sound and comfortable fit remain the
same.
Price: $99 on Amazon
Bowers
& Wilkins P3
Downsided from the leather-coated P5
headphones of B & W, the P3 is a pair of luxury headphones for your ears.
They feature folding earcups and foam earpads. Best of all, the cable system
has the iOS remotes / mics and earpads that are replaceable.
Price: $239 on Amazon
Wireless headphones
Zik
Parrot by Starck
Really, you are unable to go wrong with the
Parrot Zik by Starck Bluetooth headphones as a gift for audio enthusiasts in
your life. They are not only good-looking thanks to Philippe Starck's synthetic
leather-and-metal design, but also offer everything from a touch control on the
right earcup to support NFC and active noise reduction. Is it impossible to
wrap it around your head? Please check out the imposing specifications list
below, and you will understand why we recommend these high-end headset suites.
Just select a secondary battery for $ 30, since you will only have the average
of six hours per charge with the wireless and ANC functionality enabled
Main specifications
NFC, active noise reduction, touch-enabled
gesture control, Jawbone sensor, dedicated speech microphone, replaceable
Li-ion battery, Parrot Audio Suite applications, Bluetooth 2.1,
pressure-sensitive head detection.
Price: $399 on Amazon
A
pair of wireless headphones
You might also like...
Harman
Kardon BT
This is a set of headphones you should look
to dip a toe if you wish Bowers & Wilkins would produce wireless versions
of its headphones. A luxurious metal-and-leather, retro-inspired design
combines with modern Bluetooth wireless streaming and iOS-compatible on-ear
controls to experience high-end luxury mobile listening.
Price: $ 250 from Apple
Jaybird
Freedoom Sprint
Jaybird clearly understands when it comes
to audio device focused on exercise. Freedom Sprint delivers performance
similar to its JF3 in-ear headphones in a package that is 40% smaller.
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR streaming and secure-fitting earbuds will help ensure you
will not be entangled during your workouts.
Price: $130 on Amazon
Portable wireless speakers
Beats
by Dr. Dre Pill
Dr. Dre thinks that it is time for a new
regulation when it comes to strengthening your mobile sound needs in a small
speaker. With four 1-inch drivers, a mini speaker suite inspired by this
medication provides sound beyond other portable Bluetooth speakers in this
price range, supporting Apt-X and AAC codecs. The rechargeable lithium ion
battery will allow you to hear for about seven hours, while tap-to-pair NFC can
be connected to your smartphone easily.
Main specifications: Small size, four 1- inch drivers, NFC, built-in microphone, Apt-X
and AAC support, Bluetooth 2.1, 3.5mm input and output jacks, micro-USB
charging.
Price: $200 on Amazon
A
portable wireless speaker
You might also like...
Logitech
UE Mobile Boombox
The UE mobile is 10.51 ounces heavy, but it
still creates about 10 hours of use from the battery inside. It charges via
micro-USB, although a 3.5mm input is available if you prefer to avoid the
wireless streaming. It also has many colors, so you're sure to find one that
matches your mood.
Price: $100 on Amazon
Libratone
Zipp
Libratone Zipp is quite large for a
portable speaker, but it has an available important trick: AirPlay Direct.
Adding a bit of Scandinavian style, this specific wool grille can be removed
and swapped with two additional colors included in the box.
Price: $449 from Libratone
