TechAudioChristmas gifts for music lovers: 5 stylish presents they’ll love this yearCrystal clear sounds and stunning looks tooWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechAudioChristmas gifts for music lovers: 5 stylish presents they’ll love this yearCrystal clear sounds and stunning looks tooWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Crystal clear sounds and stunning looks too
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: T3)
(Image credit: T3)
Anyone who claims they wouldn’t appreciate a piece of quality audio tech is likely kidding themselves. Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves playing their favourite tunes or experimenting experimenting with a few beats themselves, these gadgets are perfect for every music enthusiast.
Below, you’ll find a selection of top audio brands, each offering innovative and impressive tech that’s sure to impress.
1.Ruark R610
Well appointed, as is everything Ruark produces, the R610’s throwback attitude makes a lot of sense in today’s hi-fi world. It’s an amp, a streamer, a host to your turntable or TV, and ready for Ruark’s forthcoming USB CD player too. Just add sDRIVEpeakers to the set-up – and why not make them the delightful matching Sabre-R bookshelf set (£700 a pair)?£1,200 (around $1500),ruarkaudio.com
Well appointed, as is everything Ruark produces, the R610’s throwback attitude makes a lot of sense in today’s hi-fi world. It’s an amp, a streamer, a host to your turntable or TV, and ready for Ruark’s forthcoming USB CD player too. Just add sDRIVEpeakers to the set-up – and why not make them the delightful matching Sabre-R bookshelf set (£700 a pair)?£1,200 (around $1500),ruarkaudio.com
Well appointed, as is everything Ruark produces, the R610’s throwback attitude makes a lot of sense in today’s hi-fi world. It’s an amp, a streamer, a host to your turntable or TV, and ready for Ruark’s forthcoming USB CD player too. Just add sDRIVEpeakers to the set-up – and why not make them the delightful matching Sabre-R bookshelf set (£700 a pair)?£1,200 (around $1500),ruarkaudio.com
Well appointed, as is everything Ruark produces, the R610’s throwback attitude makes a lot of sense in today’s hi-fi world. It’s an amp, a streamer, a host to your turntable or TV, and ready for Ruark’s forthcoming USB CD player too. Just add sDRIVEpeakers to the set-up – and why not make them the delightful matching Sabre-R bookshelf set (£700 a pair)?£1,200 (around $1500),ruarkaudio.com
Well appointed, as is everything Ruark produces, the R610’s throwback attitude makes a lot of sense in today’s hi-fi world. It’s an amp, a streamer, a host to your turntable or TV, and ready for Ruark’s forthcoming USB CD player too. Just add sDRIVEpeakers to the set-up – and why not make them the delightful matching Sabre-R bookshelf set (£700 a pair)?£1,200 (around $1500),ruarkaudio.com
Well appointed, as is everything Ruark produces, the R610’s throwback attitude makes a lot of sense in today’s hi-fi world. It’s an amp, a streamer, a host to your turntable or TV, and ready for Ruark’s forthcoming USB CD player too. Just add sDRIVEpeakers to the set-up – and why not make them the delightful matching Sabre-R bookshelf set (£700 a pair)?£1,200 (around $1500),ruarkaudio.com
2.Meze Audio Alba
We’ve fallen in love with Meze’s almost playful approach to high-end headphones in recent years, so the growing Romanian company’s debut IEMs had us excited. Featuring a build which encourages thick bass while giving every other frequency the room it needs to breathe, they’re the perfect gift for the budding audiophile looking to try out pro-level in-ears.£159/$159,mezeaudio.eu
We’ve fallen in love with Meze’s almost playful approach to high-end headphones in recent years, so the growing Romanian company’s debut IEMs had us excited. Featuring a build which encourages thick bass while giving every other frequency the room it needs to breathe, they’re the perfect gift for the budding audiophile looking to try out pro-level in-ears.£159/$159,mezeaudio.eu
We’ve fallen in love with Meze’s almost playful approach to high-end headphones in recent years, so the growing Romanian company’s debut IEMs had us excited. Featuring a build which encourages thick bass while giving every other frequency the room it needs to breathe, they’re the perfect gift for the budding audiophile looking to try out pro-level in-ears.£159/$159,mezeaudio.eu
We’ve fallen in love with Meze’s almost playful approach to high-end headphones in recent years, so the growing Romanian company’s debut IEMs had us excited. Featuring a build which encourages thick bass while giving every other frequency the room it needs to breathe, they’re the perfect gift for the budding audiophile looking to try out pro-level in-ears.£159/$159,mezeaudio.eu
We’ve fallen in love with Meze’s almost playful approach to high-end headphones in recent years, so the growing Romanian company’s debut IEMs had us excited. Featuring a build which encourages thick bass while giving every other frequency the room it needs to breathe, they’re the perfect gift for the budding audiophile looking to try out pro-level in-ears.£159/$159,mezeaudio.eu
We’ve fallen in love with Meze’s almost playful approach to high-end headphones in recent years, so the growing Romanian company’s debut IEMs had us excited. Featuring a build which encourages thick bass while giving every other frequency the room it needs to breathe, they’re the perfect gift for the budding audiophile looking to try out pro-level in-ears.£159/$159,mezeaudio.eu
3.Activo P1
Activo is a new name in the portable music space, but it’s not exactly starting from scratch.A sister brand of market leader Astell&Kern, Activo is designed to offer premium products, while A&K looks after the luxury end. The P1 doesn’t miss the mark. It’s impeccably constructed, features a transparent and expansive soundstage, and it won’t break the bank.£399/$429,activostyle.comView Deal
Activo is a new name in the portable music space, but it’s not exactly starting from scratch.A sister brand of market leader Astell&Kern, Activo is designed to offer premium products, while A&K looks after the luxury end. The P1 doesn’t miss the mark. It’s impeccably constructed, features a transparent and expansive soundstage, and it won’t break the bank.£399/$429,activostyle.comView Deal
Activo is a new name in the portable music space, but it’s not exactly starting from scratch.A sister brand of market leader Astell&Kern, Activo is designed to offer premium products, while A&K looks after the luxury end. The P1 doesn’t miss the mark. It’s impeccably constructed, features a transparent and expansive soundstage, and it won’t break the bank.£399/$429,activostyle.comView Deal
Activo is a new name in the portable music space, but it’s not exactly starting from scratch.A sister brand of market leader Astell&Kern, Activo is designed to offer premium products, while A&K looks after the luxury end. The P1 doesn’t miss the mark. It’s impeccably constructed, features a transparent and expansive soundstage, and it won’t break the bank.£399/$429,activostyle.com
Activo is a new name in the portable music space, but it’s not exactly starting from scratch.A sister brand of market leader Astell&Kern, Activo is designed to offer premium products, while A&K looks after the luxury end. The P1 doesn’t miss the mark. It’s impeccably constructed, features a transparent and expansive soundstage, and it won’t break the bank.£399/$429,activostyle.com
Activo is a new name in the portable music space, but it’s not exactly starting from scratch.A sister brand of market leader Astell&Kern, Activo is designed to offer premium products, while A&K looks after the luxury end. The P1 doesn’t miss the mark. It’s impeccably constructed, features a transparent and expansive soundstage, and it won’t break the bank.£399/$429,activostyle.com
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4.AKG N9 Hybrid
AKG’s return to headphones had to be something special, and it looks like the Samsung subsidiary has nailed everything that matters. Fully wireless, with a USB dongle for hi-res 2.4GHz signal transfer as well as Bluetooth, they’re striking to look at and packed with features like pin-sharp ANC and spatial audio. An instant competitor in a mature market.£299/$325,uk.akg.comView Deal
AKG’s return to headphones had to be something special, and it looks like the Samsung subsidiary has nailed everything that matters. Fully wireless, with a USB dongle for hi-res 2.4GHz signal transfer as well as Bluetooth, they’re striking to look at and packed with features like pin-sharp ANC and spatial audio. An instant competitor in a mature market.£299/$325,uk.akg.comView Deal
AKG’s return to headphones had to be something special, and it looks like the Samsung subsidiary has nailed everything that matters. Fully wireless, with a USB dongle for hi-res 2.4GHz signal transfer as well as Bluetooth, they’re striking to look at and packed with features like pin-sharp ANC and spatial audio. An instant competitor in a mature market.£299/$325,uk.akg.comView Deal
AKG’s return to headphones had to be something special, and it looks like the Samsung subsidiary has nailed everything that matters. Fully wireless, with a USB dongle for hi-res 2.4GHz signal transfer as well as Bluetooth, they’re striking to look at and packed with features like pin-sharp ANC and spatial audio. An instant competitor in a mature market.£299/$325,uk.akg.com
AKG’s return to headphones had to be something special, and it looks like the Samsung subsidiary has nailed everything that matters. Fully wireless, with a USB dongle for hi-res 2.4GHz signal transfer as well as Bluetooth, they’re striking to look at and packed with features like pin-sharp ANC and spatial audio. An instant competitor in a mature market.£299/$325,uk.akg.com
AKG’s return to headphones had to be something special, and it looks like the Samsung subsidiary has nailed everything that matters. Fully wireless, with a USB dongle for hi-res 2.4GHz signal transfer as well as Bluetooth, they’re striking to look at and packed with features like pin-sharp ANC and spatial audio. An instant competitor in a mature market.£299/$325,uk.akg.com
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5.WiiM Ultra / Amp Pro
When WiiM drops a consumer pairing like this it’s vital we stop and listen. Both present ample streaming options, with the Amp Pro (£399) adding Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to a hot amp with a superb 32-bit/384kHz DAC suitable for passive speakers and the Ultra (£349) keeping the DAC but omitting the amp in favour of a 3.5in touchscreen.From £349/$329,wiimhome.comView Deal
When WiiM drops a consumer pairing like this it’s vital we stop and listen. Both present ample streaming options, with the Amp Pro (£399) adding Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to a hot amp with a superb 32-bit/384kHz DAC suitable for passive speakers and the Ultra (£349) keeping the DAC but omitting the amp in favour of a 3.5in touchscreen.From £349/$329,wiimhome.comView Deal
When WiiM drops a consumer pairing like this it’s vital we stop and listen. Both present ample streaming options, with the Amp Pro (£399) adding Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to a hot amp with a superb 32-bit/384kHz DAC suitable for passive speakers and the Ultra (£349) keeping the DAC but omitting the amp in favour of a 3.5in touchscreen.From £349/$329,wiimhome.comView Deal
When WiiM drops a consumer pairing like this it’s vital we stop and listen. Both present ample streaming options, with the Amp Pro (£399) adding Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to a hot amp with a superb 32-bit/384kHz DAC suitable for passive speakers and the Ultra (£349) keeping the DAC but omitting the amp in favour of a 3.5in touchscreen.From £349/$329,wiimhome.com
When WiiM drops a consumer pairing like this it’s vital we stop and listen. Both present ample streaming options, with the Amp Pro (£399) adding Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to a hot amp with a superb 32-bit/384kHz DAC suitable for passive speakers and the Ultra (£349) keeping the DAC but omitting the amp in favour of a 3.5in touchscreen.From £349/$329,wiimhome.com
When WiiM drops a consumer pairing like this it’s vital we stop and listen. Both present ample streaming options, with the Amp Pro (£399) adding Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to a hot amp with a superb 32-bit/384kHz DAC suitable for passive speakers and the Ultra (£349) keeping the DAC but omitting the amp in favour of a 3.5in touchscreen.From £349/$329,wiimhome.com
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$329View at Amazon
$329View at Amazon
$329View at Amazon
$329View at Amazon
$329View at Amazon
6.Cambridge Audio Evo One
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$1,499View at Dreamedia$1,499View at Cambridge Audio USCheck Amazon
$1,499View at Dreamedia$1,499View at Cambridge Audio USCheck Amazon
$1,499View at Dreamedia$1,499View at Cambridge Audio USCheck Amazon
$1,499View at Dreamedia
$1,499View at Dreamedia
$1,499View at Cambridge Audio US
$1,499View at Cambridge Audio US
Check Amazon
Check Amazon
7.Audio Technica AT-LP8X
Direct-drive turntables don’t come much sharper than the AT-LP8X. It’s semi-automatic and built to repel noise and unwanted vibrations. The cartridge can be switched out for any other in A-T’s VM95 series, meaning vinyl afficionados can play with stylus profiles or make the most of the direct drive to play back 78rpm discs. A versatile wonder.£859/$999,audio-technica.comView Deal
Direct-drive turntables don’t come much sharper than the AT-LP8X. It’s semi-automatic and built to repel noise and unwanted vibrations. The cartridge can be switched out for any other in A-T’s VM95 series, meaning vinyl afficionados can play with stylus profiles or make the most of the direct drive to play back 78rpm discs. A versatile wonder.£859/$999,audio-technica.comView Deal
Direct-drive turntables don’t come much sharper than the AT-LP8X. It’s semi-automatic and built to repel noise and unwanted vibrations. The cartridge can be switched out for any other in A-T’s VM95 series, meaning vinyl afficionados can play with stylus profiles or make the most of the direct drive to play back 78rpm discs. A versatile wonder.£859/$999,audio-technica.comView Deal
Direct-drive turntables don’t come much sharper than the AT-LP8X. It’s semi-automatic and built to repel noise and unwanted vibrations. The cartridge can be switched out for any other in A-T’s VM95 series, meaning vinyl afficionados can play with stylus profiles or make the most of the direct drive to play back 78rpm discs. A versatile wonder.£859/$999,audio-technica.com
Direct-drive turntables don’t come much sharper than the AT-LP8X. It’s semi-automatic and built to repel noise and unwanted vibrations. The cartridge can be switched out for any other in A-T’s VM95 series, meaning vinyl afficionados can play with stylus profiles or make the most of the direct drive to play back 78rpm discs. A versatile wonder.£859/$999,audio-technica.com
Direct-drive turntables don’t come much sharper than the AT-LP8X. It’s semi-automatic and built to repel noise and unwanted vibrations. The cartridge can be switched out for any other in A-T’s VM95 series, meaning vinyl afficionados can play with stylus profiles or make the most of the direct drive to play back 78rpm discs. A versatile wonder.£859/$999,audio-technica.com
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8.Q Acoustics 3020C
Bigger sound from smaller speakers, thanks to Q Acoustics’ brand new C3 cones and a host of design ideas drawn from the company’s Concept series.A mechanically isolated and sealed high frequency driver ensures the thickness of the main woofers never takes over, and braced cabinetry minimises reverberation. Basically they’re on point, and nicely priced.£399/$499,qacoustics.co.ukView Deal
Bigger sound from smaller speakers, thanks to Q Acoustics’ brand new C3 cones and a host of design ideas drawn from the company’s Concept series.A mechanically isolated and sealed high frequency driver ensures the thickness of the main woofers never takes over, and braced cabinetry minimises reverberation. Basically they’re on point, and nicely priced.£399/$499,qacoustics.co.ukView Deal
Bigger sound from smaller speakers, thanks to Q Acoustics’ brand new C3 cones and a host of design ideas drawn from the company’s Concept series.A mechanically isolated and sealed high frequency driver ensures the thickness of the main woofers never takes over, and braced cabinetry minimises reverberation. Basically they’re on point, and nicely priced.£399/$499,qacoustics.co.ukView Deal
Bigger sound from smaller speakers, thanks to Q Acoustics’ brand new C3 cones and a host of design ideas drawn from the company’s Concept series.A mechanically isolated and sealed high frequency driver ensures the thickness of the main woofers never takes over, and braced cabinetry minimises reverberation. Basically they’re on point, and nicely priced.£399/$499,qacoustics.co.uk
Bigger sound from smaller speakers, thanks to Q Acoustics’ brand new C3 cones and a host of design ideas drawn from the company’s Concept series.A mechanically isolated and sealed high frequency driver ensures the thickness of the main woofers never takes over, and braced cabinetry minimises reverberation. Basically they’re on point, and nicely priced.£399/$499,qacoustics.co.uk
Bigger sound from smaller speakers, thanks to Q Acoustics’ brand new C3 cones and a host of design ideas drawn from the company’s Concept series.A mechanically isolated and sealed high frequency driver ensures the thickness of the main woofers never takes over, and braced cabinetry minimises reverberation. Basically they’re on point, and nicely priced.£399/$499,qacoustics.co.uk
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