Audio Video News

Best AV Gifts of 2019 Page 2

Fluance Ai40 Powered Bluetooth Speakers System: $200/pair


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
You might not expect much from two-hundred-dollar-a-pair speakers but the Ai40s from Canada’s Fluance exceed expectations in every way with solid build quality, great looks, and impressive sound. Enthusiastically recommended by veteran reviewer and music connoisseur Al Griffin, these speakers are not only a cinch to set up but support the convenience of aptX-enabled Bluetooth streaming with enough onboard power to play loud and clean. If you’re on a limited budget, this is a no-brainer. And if you don’t like them, send ’em back within 30 days without paying a dime.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive sound and build quality for price
Good looks
Easy to set up

Minus
Limited connection options
Analog input can be noisy

Full Review Here

Audioengine A2+ Wireless Speaker System: $269


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
There’s a lot to like about Audioengine’s A2+ speakers. For starters, they're built like little tanks, with emphasis on “little” — they’re only 6 inches tall and take up hardly any space, whether you put them on your desk or on a shelf or cabinet. Add to that the convenience of aptX Bluetooth streaming, plenty of onboard power, and — most important — their ability to convey sound that is warm, detailed, and spacious. If you decide you wanna show ’em off, no problem: just order the fire-engine red or white-gloss finish.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Warm yet detailed sound
Ultra-compact form factor
Bluetooth streaming
Minus
No front panel volume control
USB input support maxes out at 24/48

Full Review Here

Klipsch The One II Bluetooth Speaker: $289


Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
The One II is a Bluetooth-only follow-up to Klipsch’s excellent Three wireless speaker designed for folks who want a simple, self-contained music system they can stream to from a smartphone or laptop/tablet. There’s no Wi-Fi-based multiroom capability but there is a minijack input for direct connection to an audio source. The speaker delivers surprisingly robust sound from a compact cabinet that will complement any décor. It just might be the perfect gift for that special someone on your shopping list.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Elegant retro design
Excellent sound

Minus
No remote control
No internet radio or app
No multiroom capability

Full Review Here

AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt Headphone Amplifier/DAC: $299


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
Don’t be fooled by the Cobalt’s size. This latest addition to AudioQuest’s DragonFly line of mini headphone amp/DACs is fully capable of delivering sound quality that rivals standard-size components. It’s a refined version of the popular DragonFly Red (one of our 2016 Top Picks) that sounds better and handles MQA-encoded files. As veteran audio reviewer Dan Kumin put it, “I was very impressed with just how ‘high-end’ the best hi-res music sounded via AudioQuest’s pocket wonder.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding sound from compact solution
Ample dynamics for a broad range of headphones
Minus
96 kHz maximum PCM sampling rate
Requires extra-cost adapter for use with Apple Lightning devices

Full Review Here

Meze Audio 99 Classics Headphones: $309


Performance
Build Quality
Comfort
Value
The 99 Classics from Romania’s Meze Audio check all the right boxes. Apart from being beautifully built (those solid walnut earcups are to die for), the headphones are light, extremely comfortable, and deliver outstanding sound. And if three-hundred bucks is more than you were planning to spend, no worries. Check out the near identical 99 Neos, which forego the wood earcups for textured plastic, at two-thirds the price ($199 on amazon.com with free shipping).

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Rich, detailed sound
Solid bass
Elegant fit and finish
Light and comfortable
Minus
A little pricey

Full Review Here

Sonos Move Portable Wireless Speaker, $399


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
It’s taken a decade and a half, but wireless speaker pioneer Sonos has finally ventured outside of the home with Move, its first battery-powered portable speaker. It does not disappoint. Apart from being waterproof, dustproof, and built to withstand a 6-foot drop, the stylish speaker is equipped with Sonos’ proprietary Trueplay calibration technology and supports voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant and streaming via Airplay 2, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, making it ideal for use out on the patio or deck. More to the point, Move is one of the best sounding portable speakers you will find.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Fabulous sound quality
Replaceable battery
Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
Convenient charging base
Minus
Mono playback
Audio input limited to wireless
No phone capability

Full Review Here

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