Our 2013 guide to Holiday Tech Gifts continues with 11 of the coolest audio gifts for audiophiles. There is so much amazing stuff out this year we hardly know where to start. Or wait, actually we do. We start with the Jambox Mini.
Jawbone Jambox Mini ($179.99, Jambox)
In 7 gorgeous colors from Purple Snowflake to Blue Diamond (yes, they sound a little like new Lucky Charms Marshmallows) there is one for everyone. Probably more than one. If you’re like us, at least, and have trouble choosing.
Wooden Troubador Headphones ($150, LSTN Headphones)
We’re thrilled to have found this headphone collection totally handcrafted from real wood. Not only is the audio quality truly fantastic, for each pair sold the company helps restore hearing to a person in need through the Starkey Hearing Foundation. So that’s a second way you’ll feel good when you’re wearing them.
Crosley 45 Turntable Adapter ($14.95 for Fab.com members)
For your old school (or so hip-it-hurts) friends who still value their 45 LPs, this gorgeous adapter from Crosley is just the thing. Or heck, use it on your desk as a paperweight. It’s that pretty.
Sonos Play: 1 ($199 at Target with free $49 Sonos Bridge router)
This is the perfect new affordable entry to the Sonos brand, and about the best wireless audio system you can get for under $200 for so many reasons. It works through its own proprietary WiFi network and not Bluetooth, it’s controlled by your iOS or Android device, or even your desktop. Plus the system is modular so you can start with the Play:1, but if you’re splurging, there are so many fun options like the Sonos Playbar for your home entertainment system, or the Sonos Sub subwoofer to truly amp up the sound.
Belkin Thunderstorm for 4th gen iPads ($199.99, Belkin)
This iPad speaker case is bar none the most amazing amplifying case for anyone who turns to their iPad for entertainment. Whether for music, gaming, or best of all, movies and shows, you will never be able to listen to regular old iPad speakers again. Sorry, no iPad Air version just yet.
Beats Pill Speaker in Nicki Minaj Pink ($199.95, Beats by Dr Dre)
There are so many gorgeous colors out now for the super hip Beats Pill, but with so much neon and black around, we’re charmed by this pretty pink in what has to be one of the smartest tech collaborations since Lady Gaga teamed up with Polaroid.
Soundfreaq Sound Spot Wireless Speakers ($69.99 at Amazon, Target; $59.99 in pink/white only at Toys R Us)
We already adored the Soundfreaq Recharge as well as the Soundfreaq SoundStep compact wireless speaker and dock, so we are thrilled to see Soundfreaq’s latest launch, the super affordable Sound Spot speakers. Wirelessly stream music or movies from any device and you’ll find more powerful sound than you’d expect from the small size.Plus we love the mid-century inspired look that will look great in any room of the house.
Dac Magic XS USB Headphone Amp from Cambridge Audio ($189, Amazon)
Smaller than a matchbox and weighing not much more, this brilliant little hub connects your headphones to a PC or Mac USB port to make music sound the way it’s meant to sound. Reviews are phenomenal, and a serious audiophile will be thrilled.
Adapt Bluetooth Headphone Adapters ($39.95 from Outdoor Technology or for Fab.com members)
This rubberized, rugged little clip turns any device with a 3.5mm audio jack into a Bluetooth-enabled one. Just pair your phone, laptop, or tablet with it, plug in even your old headphones, and suddenly they behave like fancy new Bluetooth ones.
Beats by Dr. Dre Wireless Headphones ($251.95, Beats)
If you know someone dyyyying to upgrade from those cheap earbuds, any Beats headphones are an instant wow. Especially now with a wireless over-ear headphone that lets you plug or unplug; stream audio from any Bluetooth device within a 30-foot range, including Smart TVs and tablets. In our world, that means watching Orange is The New Black or Game of Thrones without waking up the kids.
Google Play or iTunes Gift Card ($ varies)
Who would turn that down?
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