This is a list of all our recommended audio gear. This is mostly high-end audio gear for a good price.
Wireless Audio Gear
Large Portable Speakers
- Sonos Move ($400) – this speaker is able to fill even large rooms without sounding overwhelmed, well-balanced sound profile when room correction is enabled, it’s able to pair with other Sonos speakers to create a group, waterproof and dustproof
- JBL Extreme 3 ($205) – this speaker plays a high volume, good sound fidelity, long battery life, waterproof and dustproof
Compact Portable Speakers
- Sonos Roam ($180) – this speaker has a clear and pleasant sound quality for its size – powerful sonic performance with prominent bass – it can be used as a portable Bluetooth speaker or integrated into a Sonos home audio system.
- JBL Flip 5 ($63) – this speaker has a IPX7 waterproof rating, allowing it to be submerged in water briefly without damage, decent sound quality for its size, good battery life, and has USB-C charging
Wireless Headphones
- HIFi Man Ananda-BT Wireless Headphone ($589) – These headphones maintain the sound quality of the original wired Ananda headphones while adding wireless connectivity. Reviewers note it delivers incredible audio performance for wireless headphones. Supports high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD and LDAC, which allow near-lossless wireless audio streaming.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones ($345) – comfortable and attractive headphones – the sound quality is praised as being ahead of other top-tier headphones – the mid-accuracy is excellent – 60 hours battery life, USB-C charging.
Wireless Earbud Headphones
- Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbud Headphones ($140) – excellent sound quality and battery life
- Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Earbuds ($180) – great sonic resolution and sound, good battery life, good noise-canceling feature.
Wired Audio Gear
Wired Headphones
- Sennheiser HD 600 ($300) – comfortable high-fidelity headphones with a neutral sound signature that is not bass-heavy, very durable construction.
- Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphone ($120) – these comfortable headphones have a warm, well-balanced sound profile, pleasant and audiophile quality, though the mid-bass is a little muddy.
Headphone Amps
- FiiO JadeAudio KA1 Headphone Amplifier – USB DAC (Type C) – provides a neutral, detailed sound presentation without coloring the sound – the amplifier can drive most earbuds and headphones – solidly built and portable as a dongle-type device.
- FiiO JadeAudio KA1 Headphone Amplifier – USB DAC (Lightning Connector) – see above.
Bookshelf Speakers
- Edifier S2000MKIII Speaker ($550) – an attractive speaker with great sound that fills a room, impressive mid-to-high frequency and low-frequency sound reproduction.
- Triangle Borea BR03 Speaker ($350) – these speakers provide sophisticated sound for their price point – reviewers feel it exceeds expectations in channel separation and individual tone reproduction.
Subwoofers
- RSL Speakers Speedwoofer ($450) – a compact subwoofer that fills the room like big speakers or a big amp would, has a transparent sound, and channels through unencumbered by impurities.
- Polk Audio HTS 10 Powered Subwoofer ($381) – a subwoofer with an attractive design – provides clean and accurate bass at an affordable price.
- SVS SB-1000 Pro Sealed Subwoofer ($600) – this an entry-level subwoofer, that puts out tight, deep bass down to 20Hz with massive output while maintaining musicality.
Stereo Receivers
- Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Ch AVR ($445) – An excellent entry-level multi-channel home theatre receiver, ideal for gamers, movie fans, and music lovers – has 7.2 channels of built-in amplification with 75 watts of power per channel, suitable for a medium-sized home theater.
- Onkyo TX-8220 2 Stereo Receiver ($245) – one of the cheapest options for a 4.1 receiver, awesome stereo sound for a simple setup.
Lightning Adapters (Splitters)
- Mixfly iPhone Adapter, Headphone Adapter for iPhone ($12) – allows users to listen to audio through headphones while charging their iPhone – it provides both a Lightning port for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Belkin RockStar Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable + Audio Charger Splitter ($25) – allows users to listen to audio through the 3.5mm headphone jack while charging their iPhone.