The best way to enjoy music is with high-quality sound. Whether you’re listening at home or on the road, there are many options for upgrading your hi-fi system! Here’s a list of the coolest new speakers, headphones, amps, and other components designed to improve your experience.
Audioengine DAC3 Headphone Amplifier/DAC ($149)
The Audioengine DAC3 is a portable USB DAC and headphone amp that will enhance your hi-res streaming experiences. It features a 32-bit digital-to-analog converter chip from ESS (ES9281A PRO) and a headphone amplifier that drives headphones with impedances of 12 ohms or higher. It also supports several hi-res audio formats, including MQA, PCM, and DSD.
SpinBase MAX Turntable Speaker System ($499)
SpinBase MAX is a follow-up to Andover Audio’s top-selling SpinBase. It builds upon the original’s success (with its feedback-free sound and built-in phono pre-amp), by providing several upgrades requested by customers. That includes two-way Bluetooth, so you can play music out to wireless headphones, a new heathered fabric wrap, and larger speaker drivers for a bigger sound. The built-in amp also has double the amp’s power inside the original Spinbase.
KEF Mu7 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones ($399)
Designed by British designer Ross Lovegrove, who also worked with the KEF on their flagship Muon loudspeakers, the KEF Mu7 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones feature a sleek, minimalist aluminum design that folds flat for easy storage. They also feature touch controls to access many functions with simple swipes and taps.
Additionally, Bluetooth 5.1 and the Qualcomm aptX™ HD codec are available for stable, high-bitrate audio, plus they have Clear Voice Capture (cVc) technology for phone call clarity.
From an audio standpoint, they aim to offer high-quality sound via 40mm full-range dynamic drivers mounted inside.
Not only that, they have sophisticated active noise cancellation technology to filter out unwanted sound. The tech uses multiple filters to capture external noises before applying a special algorithm to target specific frequencies.
According to KEF, the Mu7 provides up to 40 hours of full use from a single charge and 8 hours of use from a 15-minute fast charge.
Sivga Oriole Rosewood Headphones ($199)
Sivga is known for making beautiful wood headphones, and their new Sivga Oriole Headphones have meticulously crafted earcups made from lacquered rosewood. Those earcups enclose a 50mm dynamic driver, and the Oriole also has a detachable cable that connects to your device via a 3.5mm jack.
On the audio front, the Oriole headphone is tuned to provide a balanced, natural, and accurate sound with a wide sound stage and excellent separation.
They also have large memory foam earpads and a padded headband for comfort during long listening sessions.
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