Iconic design: Crosley Voyager CR8017B Portable Turntable, £99.99

If you’re dabbling with vinyl for the first time or simply enjoying rediscovering the classic analogue sound, Crosley’s Voyager makes a great entry-level option. The fruit of 100 years of rich audio history, record collectors love this model thanks to its vintage-style aesthetic and clean, feels-more-expensive sound. Spin 33 1/3, 45 or 78 RPM records – or connect with your other devices through Bluetooth – and ride the sound waves of a musical icon.

On a budget: Mixx Revival 55 Vinyl Record Player, £79

Offering a listening experience at a pocket-friendly price, this nostalgic design offers Bluetooth input and output, plus three vinyl speeds with pitch-control, and an auto-stop feature. The chic suitcase-style, available in a wide array of colours, make it a hit with trendy teens, and whether you’re savouring a classic record or belting out a curated digital playlist, this budget buy is very much one to consider.

For an upgrade: Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2, £599

If you are at the stage where you want to dip your toes into high-end vinyl playback, this giant of the audio world makes a savvy investment. The original model, Debut PRO, has been prised by music lovers across the globe since its introduction back in the late 1990s, and this new arrival, Debut Evo 2, draws from the same refined industrial design, but benefits from a range of updated technology, from a new improved cartridge and platter to updated tonearm and stronger chassis.

For beginners: House of Marley Rise Up Bluetooth Turntable with Built-In Stereo Speakers, £179.99

For pop pickers looking for an easy gateway into the joy of vinyl, this popular model is just the ticket. With built-in speakers and the option of using Bluetooth, it comes ready to play straight out of the box and gives high quality sound. Combining sustainable materials with a clean, contemporary design, Rise Up is ideal for anyone looking to build an enviable vinyl collection, without forking out too much cash.

For serious audiophiles: Technics SL-1300 G, £2,799.99

The post You spin me: five record players for old-school listening appeared first on Checklists.

1. Jabra Evolve2

Jabra built this headset with powerful leak‐tolerant 40mm speakers and powered it with their most advanced digital chipset ever. With Evolve, Jabra brought you great music while you work. With Evolve2, they’re taking audio quality to a whole new level. It’s a professional headset, but not as you know it.

The audio company used a state-of-the-art sound lab to simulate a noisy office environment, with an office speech soundtrack played back through a speaker in a dummy head. Jabra tested each product in exactly the same way as the same office soundtrack played, recording the microphone performance, to show how the call would sound to whoever you’re talking to.

Find out more at jabra.co.uk

2. Dali Audio IO wireless headphones

World-famous Danish loudspeaker manufacturer, DALI, enters the headphone market for the very first time with their new wireless headphone range; DALI IO.

Offering class-leading battery life, quality build and excellent sound performance, DALI IO lets you listen to your favourite music on the go with no compromise on comfort or sound quality.

Using a large custom made 50mm paper fibre driver, DALI IO delivers unrivalled sound performance. As well as the wireless Bluetooth connection, DALI IO also supports wired connections through the USB-C and the 3.5mm mini-jack input.

The range consists of two models; IO-4 and IO-6. The IO-6 offers active noise cancellation (ANC) and 30 hours of battery life. The IO-4 doesn’t include ANC, but offers an incredible class-leading 60 hours of battery life. Both models are available in two stunning finishes; Iron Black and Caramel White.

Find out more at dali-speakers.com

3. Mixx Audio JX2 headphones

The JX2 Bluetooth wireless headphones from MIXX Audio are the perfect travel companion for yourself or a gift for a loved one. Available in black, space grey and rose gold, the JX2 not only look stunning, they also sound great thanks to their dynamic stereo which provides a more refined and immersive listening experience.

The JX2 boast an impressive 14-hour battery life which makes them ideal for regular commutes or long journeys. If the juice does start to run out, simply plug in the 3.5mm audio cable included so the music doesn’t have to stop. With integrated headphone controls, the phone can stay safely in the pocket as calls can be taken hands-free and songs skipped, paused or turned up and down as desired.

MIXX Audio understands that comfort is paramount while travelling, so the JX2 have bigger, extra soft and comfortable faux-leather ear pads that tilt to fit the contours of the head for the ultimate snug fit.

Find out more at mixxaudio.com

4. Blue Aura

Enjoy the warm, detailed and natural sound that valve amplification offers with the Blackline v40 amplifier from Blue Aura, designed and engineered in our Cambridgeshire HQ.

Part of their Blackline range, the v40 is an audiophile’s dream: an integrated stereo amplifier that allows you to connect all your source devices: CD players, TVs, laptops, tablets, DVD/Blu-ray players and smartphones.

The inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX allows all Bluetooth-enabled devices to connect effortlessly for optimal wireless streaming.

Acoustically and aesthetically matching PS40 loudspeakers are available separately.

Established in 2010, the team behind Blue Aura has over thirty years experience of working within some of the UK’s best-known audio companies. Their aim is to harness that experience and employ it in the development of new and innovative products that we hope will help ignite your enthusiasm for listening to music.

Find out more at blueaura.co.uk

5. Pioneer headphones

Pioneer has upgraded their affordable HDJ-X5 DJ headphones, adding Bluetooth® wireless technology to create the HDJ-X5BT. The new over-ear DJ headphones are ideal for DJing in the club and monitoring tracks on the move and are available in three colours: metallic black, metallic red and gloss white.

Power up and pair with your Bluetooth device to start enjoying your beats. You’ll get around 20 hours of playback from a three-hour charge, but if you use your headphones for DJ monitoring or you simply forget to charge them (we’ve all been there) you can also listen via the included 1.2m coiled cable. Thanks to the built-in microphone, you can also talk hands-free on calls when the headphones are connected to your phone.

Find out more at gak.co.uk

6. Yamaha MusicCast record players

Yamaha bring you closer to the artist, and with 130 years of experience in making music, who better to bring you true sound?

Meet the new MusicCast family. Yamaha is proud to introduce a brand new range of multi-room audio solutions, which means enjoying your favourite music around the home has never been easier.

Unlock a world of music with the MusicCast 20 and MusicCast 50; where style meets versatility. Stream what you like, wherever you like, using the MusicCast app.

If you’re looking to dust off an old record collection, or excited to discover some new ones, the MusicCast VINYL 500 has it covered. Whether it’s through streaming content from YouTube or playing your favourite vinyl records. The MusicCast VINYL 500 debuts as the world’s first network turntable, perfect for music lovers everywhere. From the hi-fi buff to the casual music listener, there’s an option for you.

Find out more at yamaha.com

7. Master & Dynamic

Featuring handcrafted acetate and a stainless steel charging case, the MW07 PLUS True Wireless Earphones feature a standout design as well as advanced tech.

The 10mm Beryllium drivers provide a rich, expansive sound that resembles a live performance. Best-in-class Bluetooth 5.0 has connectivity of up to 30 meters. Patented silicone Fit Wings offer an unparalleled acoustic seal and comfort during extended listening and with 40 hours of total playtime between the earphones and charging case, you’ll never be without your music. Available in six colours, the MW07 PLUS is available online and in stores.

Master & Dynamic is a New York City-based premium audio brand obsessed with building beautifully crafted, technically sophisticated sound tools.

Find out more at masterdynamic.co.uk

8. Vox

The VOX SDC-1 mini electric guitar provides the sound and feel of a full-sized guitar in a compact format.

It’s perfect for both kids and adults and its handy size makes it the ideal guitar to have both in the home and on the move.

VOX have been making quality guitar amplifiers and guitars for over 60 years. Today, VOX products are used by countless musicians around the globe spanning a wide range of musical styles. Now you can have a slice of that heritage in your own home, with this mini guitar range.

The Vox SDC-1 features a classic double-cutaway electric guitar shape which grants easy access to the upper frets – perfect for high-flying guitar solos. Plus, it just looks cool.

Just pair the SDC-1 mini guitar with your favourite guitar amp from VOX’s range and you’re ready to rock.

Find out more at voxamps.co.uk

9. Kirmus Audio vinyl restoration system

For the recent revival of vinyl, you may be bargain hunting to find pre-loved records on the cheap, looking for those amazing bargains. But a lot of these records can be dirty or even damaged and need to be cleaned properly to recover their complete audio quality and lustre.

Records over time become noisy and dull due to surface contamination. Kirmus Audio undertook over three years of research, design and engineering to bring their patented and award-winning ultrasonic record restoration system to the industry.

Professors, record curators, engineers, designers and audio professionals are astounded by what they are achieving.

Proven to safely remove fungus, mould, soap and chemicals left by other cleaning products and systems in vinyl, shellac and glass records. It restores 2 x 12″, 1 x 10″, 1 x 7″ records simultaneously – and at an affordable price.

Find out more at kirmussaudio.net

10. Devialet’s Phantom Reactor

This is Phantom Reactor, a new breed of wireless speaker. By stretching size and performance beyond reasonable limits, Devialet engineers have brought to life the only ultra-compact home sound system capable of delivering high fidelity and physical impact, whatever volume you listen to. Insanely powerful. Defiantly small. You won’t know what hit you.

Lose yourself in Devialet’s immersive, ultra-dense sound and experience its physical impact. Meet the most extreme concentration of high technology known to any sound system: 981 parts protected by over 160 patents.

Phantom Reactor is the first home speaker designed to take you deeper into sound. Blending into your space makes it all the better to invade it.

From 18Hz to 21kHz, feel every note with phenomenal purity, precision and richness. Zero distortion, zero saturation and zero background noise mean you get nothing but audiophile-grade playback. That’s a habit you won’t want to quit in a hurry.

Find out more at devialet.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The 10 products to optimise your sound and listening experience appeared first on Checklists.

1. Sony CMT-X3CD Bluetooth Flat Micro System

At the entry-level end of the micro system spectrum, we have this flat-design, space-saving unit from an ever-reliable maker, Sony.

This compact offering comes in at a size of: height 17.3cm, width 34cm, depth 9cm.

This Bluetooth box features a host of features, including an AUX line-in, and FM tuner, with 20 station presets and memory, a concealed 64 track programmable CD player (so no need to ditch the discs just yet), MP3 playback facility, a sleep timer, a headphone socket and 1 USB port for connectivity and device charging.

It packs all this into a discrete-looking box with a decent-for-its-size power output of 20 watts.

Visit argos.co.uk

2. JVC UX-D750 Wireless Traditional HiFi System

While the name might conjure up images of tweed jackets and gramophones, this little box from Sony is far from it.

Wirelessly stream your content from your smartphone using Bluetooth or pair with just a tap using NFC. Plug in a USB stick to playback saved music or choose from DAB and FM radio stations and one of their 50 presets. Chuck in a CD and pick from 5 preset EQ options to best suit your taste.

This mini offering comes in at a size of: height 15.5cm x width 16cm x depth 27.5cm, with speakers of size: height 20.5cm x width 13cm x depth 20cm.

This mini Hi-Fi from Sony boasts an output power of 100 watts.

Visit currys.co.uk

3. Denon D-T1 HiFi System

One of the most sophisticated mini-systems on the market, Denon’s D-T1 was designed to fit discretely into your living room, kitchen counter, home office, or anywhere else space might be of consideration.

Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to compatible devices, listen to FM/AM radio and play CDs and MP3s through this tiny unit’s 2-way speakers (12cm woofer and 2.5cm soft dome tweeters).

Connect your TV, gaming console, or media player to the D-T1 with an optical cable and amplify your gaming experience or bring other content to life.

This space-age-looking unit comes in at a size of: width 21cm x depth 29.5cm x height 10.5cm.

Visit petertyson.co.uk

4. Pure Evoke

This Evoke C-F6 music system from Pure combines digital and internet radio, front-loading CD player and wireless connection for portable devices giving you a huge choice of listening options, all in a stylish wooden-looking case.

Controllable by app, this unit comes with WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack, and 3.5mm aux-In connectivity. It also features DAB+ radio, FM Tuner, Internet radio, and facilities to listen to other streaming services such as Spotify.

With a compact design and integrated speakers, this unit has a footprint of height 14.5cm x width 38cm x depth 22.3cm.

Visit hughes.co.uk

5. Denon D-M41 + KEF Q150

From hi-end retailer, hifigear.co.uk, comes this cool-looking bundle of specially chosen separates for your home mini system.

The Denon DM41 is a high-quality micro-system that integrates a range of design improvements on its predecessor that allow for superior sound quality and a more flexible level of connectivity and functionality.

Visit hifigear.co.uk

6. Technics SC-C70MK2

This serious-looking box covers a footprint of: height 14.3cm x width 45cm x depth 28cm and features an impressive sound stage for its size.

This is Technics’ premium compact wireless speaker system and it really delivers, no matter where it’s placed thanks to its ‘Space Tune Auto’ feature, which achieves perfectly-balanced sound at the push of a button by automatically adjusting the audio output according to its position in the room.

Technics have specially developed an 8cm diameter woofer unit and a 2cm dome tweeter for the SC-C70MK2, which features an acoustic lens, optimised for the newly-developed speakers, providing a more powerful and high-resolution output, perfect for filling a large room.

Visit johnlewis.com

7. Rega Planar 1, Rega IO & Monitor Audio speakers package

This awesome package is a micro system for the turntable enthusiast, so vinyl lovers pay attention!

This bundle features the brilliant Rega Planar 1 turntable and the and Rega IO Integrated Amplifier, especially complemented by the Monitor Audio Bronze ’50s speakers and two 2m lengths of QED 79 strand speaker cable – everything you need for an outstanding vinyl playback system.

This bundle features the brilliant Rega Planar 1 turntable and the Rega IO Integrated Amplifier, featuring the Monitor Audio Bronze ’50s speakers and two 2m lengths of QED 79 strand speaker cable – everything you need for an outstanding vinyl playback system.

The table’s simple plug-and-play design means you can get it set-up in less than 30 seconds and features a UK hand-assembled tonearm, a low vibration motor, and a carbon moving magnet cartridge. The amp features an IR remote control, phono input stage, two line-level inputs for connection to a CD player or network streamer, and a high-quality headphone output.

The amp’s dimensions are: width 18cm x depth 29cm x height 6.8cm. The speaker dimensions are: height 28.1cm x width 16.6cm x depth 26.8cm. This little package is capable of kicking out a decent 30 watts per channel.

Visit hifigear.co.uk

8. Ruark R5

The Ruark R5 is a fabulous-looking DAB, DAB+, FM, Internet radio, CD, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless all-in-one music system equipped with a room-filling sound and gorgeous looks.

This statement piece features a full complement of wireless and wired connections, truly making it an exemplary all-in-one system for both music and design enthusiasts everywhere. Stream music from your device over its high-quality Bluetooth, or access streaming services with the built-in Wi-Fi.

For the traditionalists, you can also play CDs, or tune into radio stations from all over the world. It’s multi-room ready, and boasts the beautiful design and high fidelity audio that Ruark are renowned for.

The Ruark Link App allows for full control of the R5 from your tablet or smartphone.

This awesome-looking unit comes in at a size of: height 14.2cm x width 52cm x depth 30cm.

Visit johnlewis.com

9. Naim Mu-so Wood Edition

Here we have something altogether different! This piece of art will look amazing in your home and will get your guests asking ‘what is it?’

Well, this is the premium wood addition of the award-winning Muso twice-generation wireless speaker system. It features expertly lacquered, sustainable Ayous hardwood and a unique woven speaker grille, which makes it ideal for homes with classic or contemporary interiors.

It combines Naim’s British, authentic audio expertise with the latest music-streaming technology and easy playback from all your devices. Finely tuned by engineers in Salisbury, it combines 45 years of their Hi-Fi mastery with top-of-the-range streaming technology and premium design quality.

Despite its size, this treasure is rated at 450 watts power output.

Dimensions of the unit are: height 12.2cm x width 62.8cm x depth 26.4cm.

Visit johnlewis.com

10. T+A Caruso All in One Music System

The name Caruso is now a byword for compact all-in-one systems, as the system offers top-flight, impressive features and sound quality despite its compact size. If you want the best of the best then look no further.

The Caruso caters for all modern music sources: it integrates streaming from a network or the Internet, Spotify Connect and AirPlay, as well as the classic CD, DAB+ and VHF radio receivers. It even includes a bidirectional Bluetooth module and inputs for analogue and digital sources such as TV sets.

This easy-to-use unit reproduces sound from all these sources in outstanding quality via its seven integral loudspeaker systems. Three power amplifiers with 100 watts continuous power for the subwoofer system and 50 watts each for the mid / highrange units are coupled directly to the loudspeaker chassis.

This means several different sound characteristics are available, ensuring that the system always delivers excellent sound quality, regardless of its positioning. For a device this small – the sound experience is incredible.

Dimensions of this box of tricks are height 27 x width 29 x depth 29cm.

Visit petertyson.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The top 10 Hi-Fi micro systems appeared first on Checklists.

Here’s Checklist’s selection of the top 10 best computing accessories.

1. Razer Viper Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse

For those who need ultimate responsiveness in their mouse, or for those who just want a ‘bulletproof’ and high-quality piece of kit for their home office set-up, then this accessory is one of the best.

With a super hi-spec optical sensor with 99.6% resolution accuracy, hyperspeed wireless technology and eight independently programmable buttons, it won’t let you down in the heat of the moment. The Razer’s switches are even rated for a ‘lifetime’ of 70 million clicks.

The Viper also has a true ambidextrous shape, so good for both left and right hands, a gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel with sensitivity adjustment, and the ability to store your own user profiles in its onboard memory, so it can adjust itself to your personalised user settings each time you’re ready to work.

It also comes with a manufacturer’s two-year guarantee, so you know you’re in safe hands.

Visit argos.co.uk

2. Sandstrom Cable Management Sleeve

Perhaps not the most exciting bit of kit on this list but certainly one of the most useful, the 183cm Sandstrom SCMS214 Cable Management Sleeve is specially designed to help to keep your cables organised in a neat and tidy fashion; perfect for sorting out those under-desk, foot-tangling environments.

The sleeve is reversible and features velcro fasteners that make it simple to separate and secure your cables in place, whilst the numerous entrance and exit points mean that you can have the cables branching off, right where you need them, and at the right length.

So, whether you’re tidying up those home-office wires, or organising round the back of the telly, the Sandstrom cable management sleeve helps you to keep things ship-shape.

Visit currys.co.uk

3. Targus Chill Mat

The Targus Chill Mat is a quiet and portable cooling pad for keeping your over-worked laptop at optimum performance, and also for protecting your lap.

It boasts a fan speed of 1900RPM and provides a comfortable and ergonomic work surface for laptops 15 to 17 inches in size.

The mat simply rests on your lap, plugs in via USB and disperses laptop heat via its dual fans.

Its ergonomic tilt makes typing easy while the soft neoprene surround provides cushioned comfort for your lap, as heat is dispersed through its special open-ventilation design.

Visit amazon.co.uk

4. Acer Nitro 49’’ Double Full HD Ultra-Wide Curved Gaming Monitor

Now that’s a mouthful. But just take one look at this beast of a monitor and you’ll see why. Get yourself totally immersed in the action with this huge 49 inch DFHD curved monitor from Acer.

Expand your field of view to encompass large action sequences and wide gaming vistas in glorious DFHD. Even with the increased screen size of this hulking monitor, the details stay sharp and colours remain accurate thanks to its 3840 x 1080 resolution, 1800R curved screen and 32:9 aspect ratio.

AMD Radeon FreeSync 2, which supports HDR content and dynamic refresh rates, means that the monitor’s refresh rate is synced to your computer’s framerate, allowing for the smoothest, most seamless experience possible.

Experience ultra-smooth, lag-free gameplay with faster frame rendering with a rapid refresh rate you can overclock to 144Hz. More frames per second mean better 2D action scenes and outstanding image fluidity.

For those in an office environment, you can multitask with PIP (picture-in-picture) and PBP (picture-by-picture) functions, whereby you can make use of the monitor’s massive real estate.

Visit amazon.co.uk

5. G-Technology 4TB External Hard Drive

G-Technology’s 4TB ArmorATD, a rugged, shock-proof and water-resistant external hard drive allows you to go through the extremes and be safe in the knowledge that anything you have saved on your drive is totally secure.

This drive has triple-layer shock resistance for added durability alongside a rain-and dust-resistant enclosure with a 1000lb ‘crush rating’. So you can be sure it’ll survive attacks from rogue monster trucks and/or escaped elephants. It’s USB-C ready and USB-3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible, with no set-up required for operation with Mac and Windows.

Visit amazon.co.uk

6. Sabrent 16-port USB 3.0 data hub and charger

You’re busy, you’ve got more devices than you can carry, and everyone wants to borrow a charger. What do you need? You need the Sabrent 16-port USB 3.0 data hub and charger with individual switches of course.

This super-useful bit of kit allows you to attach your collection of USB devices to one super-speed hub, quickly expanding any available USB 3.0 port into 16 USB 3.0 ports by simply plugging into your computer, with no drivers or software required.

Individual power switches provide device independence and allow you to preserve power and prolong the lifespan of your various devices by not overusing them while they are plugged into the hub.

Each USB 3.0 port is capable of delivering up to 1.1mA of current with transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps and the block itself has short-circuit, over-current, over-voltage, and over-heating protection.

Visit amazon.co.uk

7. Logitech HD Pro Webcam

The latest webcam from Logitech is the HD Pro which allows for full-HD video calling, operating in full-HD 1080p video at 30-fps.

Connecting to your computer via USB, this device allows for the crispest video quality, giving you that professional touch to your Zoom calls or other content creation.

The full-HD glass lens captures a wide 78-degree field of view with the five-element glass lens allowing for premium auto-focus capability.

Its automatic HD autofocus and light correction fine-tunes to your lighting conditions to produce bright, well-contrasted images – even if you’re in a dim office setting or under strong artificial lights – and the dual microphones capture natural stereo audio while filtering out background noise.

Visit amazon.co.uk

8. Hcman RGB Gaming Mat

Probably the best computing accessory you didn’t realise you needed – this gaming pad from Hcman is designed to deliver high precision, optimal comfort and response when gaming.

Not only does it add an extra element of practical usage to your set-up, but the RGB soft mouse pad has a true RGB backlit effect with 10 lighting modes – lighting up your life like never before.

With a size of 80cm by 30cm it will fit your desktop keyboard and mouse perfectly, provide ample movement space.

The soft, cloth surface and non-slip rubber base ensure precise, accurate mouse control and consistent stability and comfort on your desk. It is powered by plug and play USB, with a one-touch control.

Visit amazon.co.uk

9. SteelSeries Apex Pro – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Steelseries say the Apex Pro is ‘the biggest leap in mechanical keyboards since the invention of the mechanical Switch over 35 years ago’. And it’s easy to see why!

Each key can be adjusted to meet your preferred sensitivity level, whether it’s for gaming, work, or anything else you might be doing on your screen. Its integrated OLED smart display, with on-board storage, becomes your command centre for on-the-fly info and settings from the online world.

With a 100 million keypress guarantee and an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, built for a lifetime of durability, means this is one bit of kit that doesn’t mind getting bashed about. The Omni point adjustable mechanical switches allow for customisation of ‘press’ distance from 0.4mm to 3.6mm and the premium magnetic wrist rest provides full palm support and long-term comfort.

Visit amazon.co.uk

10. Elgato Stream Deck XL – Live Content Creation Controller

The Elgato Stream Deck XL Live Content Creation Controller is perfect for live streaming, presentations, gaming or almost anything else you can think of. It allows for enhanced ‘live’ production and experiences, whereby you can easily control your favourite tools and platforms from the 32 customisable keys – instantly triggering unlimited actions with a tap.

Once set up you can use its one-touch operations to change scenes, launch media, switch cameras, tweak lighting, adjust audio, post tweets, or anything else you can think to assign to the keypad, on-the-fly.

It features powerful platform integrations: Elgato Game Capture, OBS, Streamlabs, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Mixer, Spotify, Philips Hue, Vmix, VoiceMod and more, and interfaces via USB 3.0 directly into your computer.

Visit amazon.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10: Best computing accessories appeared first on Checklists.

1. Thodio EcoBox

Not only does this speaker box look brilliant, but it’s also the most sustainable bluetooth speaker in the world.

The EcoBox is carved out of compressed wheat residue, an agricultural waste product, which is normally incinerated. Due to this, instead of having a low carbon footprint, it actually has a negative carbon footprint.

The speaker itself has a very efficient, strong and crisp sounding 2x15w class-T Tripath amplifier, up to 18hrs battery life, 5’’ coaxial glassfibre speakers with softdome tweeters and an HD lossless aptX/AAC bluetooth receiver, which boasts up to 300% more reach compared to other bluetooth speakers.

Including a 2 year warranty and fully handmade in Amsterdam, this speaker is even shipped for free worldwide!

Price: £303.54 store.thodio.com

2. Transparent Speaker

This stripped-back, minimalist looking speaker includes only the essential elements, surrounded by glass panels on each side that allow you to view the inner technology at work: “A statement of timeless, modular electronics that blends into any environment” say the makers – and we think it looks awesome too!

Transparent tune their speakers to achieve as true a reproduction close to the actual recording from the studio as possible, with an aim to channel the true intention of the musicians through to the listener, enlisting the world’s best audio engineers to tune the digital sound processor to reach full transparency.

With a power output of 140w and a frequency response of 35Hz – 20kHz, the custom designed 6’’ woofer creates a very controlled reproduction of sound, allowing you to wirelessly play your favourite music using Bluetooth and dual speaker streaming.

Price: £775 transpa.rent/en

3. Gradient Helsinki 1.5

Gradient Helsinki are designed and handbuilt in Finland by professional craftsmen and may be customised with numerous options of colours and real wood veneers to suit your taste.

These amazing looking speakers are tailored to produce the most beautiful sound in all environments, by directing more of the speakers’ high and mid-range frequencies to the listener and less to the reflecting surfaces of the room, the listener hears more of the original recording.

These speakers are designed to be adjustable, with the bass response/reprodcution of the Helsinki being easily adjusted via tilting the speaker. The more you toe-in, the stronger bass you will get! Perfect for showing off to your friends.

Price: €4016 gradient.fi/en

4. Deluxe Acoustics DAF-350

With production located in Saint-Petersburg, Russia and distributed via their partner in Hamburg, Germany, Deluxe Acoustics is a truly global designer brand. Producing high quality spherical Hi-Fi speakers with a unique design and top-flight sound, Deluxe Acoustics are handmade from the best premium materials and innovative technologies.

Thanks to their unique spherical shape and patented technologies, the sound that comes through these speakers is airy, bright, rich and multidimensional.

Available in numerous colours and models, including floor standing, desktop, wall-mounted and shelf models, their ‘soft-touch’ covers means reduced sound distortion and improved medium and high frequency ranges.

Price £1540 deluxe-a.com

5. Bossa Moonraker

One for all those James Bond fans out there; kit out your secret base in futuristic audio style with these cool looking floorstanders from California based loudspeaker designer and manufacturer, Bossa.

Their Class D amplifiers are rated at 150 watts RMS each: one for bass 50 watts RMS x 2, the other for treble 25 watts RMS x 2. These Moonrakers work wirelessly with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR with AAC and aptX connectivity.

Bossa say their “engineered low-diffraction, low-resonance speaker offers exceptional acoustic properties attributable to the Moonraker’s curved polymer shell design”, which basically means owning these means you can look good and sound smooth just like 007 himself!

Price: £1740 bossasound.com

6. OM Audio ONE Levitating Speaker

This speaker takes ‘isolating a speaker from its stand’ to the enth degree. OM Audio’s ONE is an innovative electromagnetic design compromising a levitating driver designed to eliminate all external distortion by isolating its 3.6″ diameter speaker from its base. The OM/ONE connects to mobile devices and computers via Bluetooth 4.0 and has a range of 33ft.

The speakers can be linked in pairs for room-filling sound, with each speaker capable of creating 100dB of noise from just a 3W amp for up to 15hrs on one charge.

Price: £180 / amazon.com

7. Spinnaker Design

High end technology meets innovative design to create this utterly modern bookshelf speaker. With its Viking horn shaped design, flat sturdy base and elegant dome shaped remote, this crazy state-of-the-art technology will be a natural conversation starter when added to your home!

This bookshelf speaker not only won the Consumer Electronic Show Innovations Design and Engineering award, but is also loaded with features that make it standout from the crowd. Packing powerful, robust volume and clearly detailed audio with DSP technology, the 2.6” silk-domed front-facing tweeters and 2.75” midrange drivers reinforced with 4” subwoofers deliver a punchy soundstage.

Available in black or burgundy, this artistically different, yet high quality audio kit will surely make a mark in room!

Price: £217 modernspeakers.com

8. Jarre Aerotwist Wireless

This AeroTwist Bluetooth Speaker from Jean Michel Jarre’s Jarre Technologies is constructed to be twisted on to attachable to anything it can fit around, such as a bag strap, arm or bicycle frame.

Packing aptX and A2DP wireless connectivity, including NFC, this high-quality unit can delievr 10hrs playback on a single charge. The AeroTwist includes a 3.5mm audio jack built in, so it can also be connected via a cable to most things the analogue way.

This speaker even has a built-in microphone so it can be used as a speakerphone with your mobile, whether on the beach, in the car or anywhere else you might choose.

Time to get cool for the summer!

Price: £99 selfridges.com

9. Bang & Olufsen Emerge

This slim design WiFi speaker is built to fit in anywhere in your home with full-range, ultra-wide sound.

Its revolutionary driver configuration, finely tuned by Bang & Olufsen engineers, means its tiny drivers have been specially arranged to create a full-range audio experience, with clear and punchy clarity.

The 4″ woofer produces omnidirectional low frequencies no matter where it is pointing, an ultra-slim profile with a book-inspired design delivers a footprint of only 6.7cm.

Price: £669 bang-olufsen.com

10. Estelon Extreme

This handcrafted cabinet comes in a sleek two-tone finish, making this speaker system a true statement piece, but one that doesn’t need to shout about its achievements!

With a frequency response of 20-45 000Hz and a power rating of 500w, these impressive speakers will fill your home with rich, warm sound.

Price: £173,000 estelon.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top 10: Designer audio speakers appeared first on Checklists.

In 2020, we all got a reminder of how fundamental a role technology plays in our lives. We also got a reminder that in some areas, it’s not as advanced as we’d like to think. On an individual level, think about how many times your connection dropped or your video calling service of choice failed to work properly as your friends screamed at you, “I can’t see you! Are you on mute?” But on a wider scale, we discovered greater shortcomings. Countless industries – from fruit picking to commercial logistics to packaging – were disrupted during the pandemic. If we had the right technology and data, we could come up with ways around the disruption: automate jobs more easily, predict where demand is going to come next, build redundancies into the system so if there’s an unexpected event, it can keep going.

Over the next few years, the big developments in tech are going to be about addressing that shortfall: creating a society that is connected, transparent and shock-resistant.

Searching for connectivity is a familiar experience for many of us, as we try to boost our Wi-Fi signal ahead of another succession of video chats. At industrial or societal level, it’s actually a similar concept, just on a larger scale. The roll-out of the 5G network gives connectivity to significantly more people and businesses, even in remote areas. In fact, it’s not just telecom providers getting involved: major companies are now investing in their own 5G networks, on which manufacturing or research campuses can run. They offer seamless connectivity across a larger area than Wi-Fi, which in turn offers more opportunities for automation, as businesses can unleash drones or self-driven vehicles across their factories or warehouses, without fear of losing them.

When we move further out into the supply chain, that’s where transparency comes in. Blockchain technology has come to be associated with online currencies such as Bitcoin, but the tech itself is more versatile – essentially, it’s an algorithm that distributes security data throughout a network, rather than keeping it at a centralised hub, meaning it’s easier to verify transactions. The next few years could see blockchains become mainstream – even Google is getting involved. For businesses, this could make for a more trackable supply chain. For individuals, it means the likelihood of your online delivery disappearing off the face of the earth is greatly reduced.

Computing power is always increasing, but what’s really notable is a shift in where that computing takes place. Cloud computing – where technological functions are supplied on demand by a third-party provider – and edge computing – an intermediary stage between users and the cloud – will be huge growth areas, as more and more people and business embrace them. It’s all in aid of flexibility and shock-resistance: it means everything is backed up and accessible from everywhere, minimising the risk of a data deletion disaster, or going into the office to discover you left all your important files at home.

The overall outcome of these changes? Building a society that’s healthy. And health tech itself will accelerate in the coming years. We saw it begin in 2020 with the rise of virtual appointments with doctors – that started a trend for healthcare functions moving away from traditional locations, like hospitals. Medical data centres are analysing health imaging in real time, and AI is helping accelerate vaccine creation. ‘Roaming doctors’ equipped with handheld scanning equipment will become more common. Finally, there’s a rise in technology enabling people to take care of themselves, from wearable tech to wellness apps.

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