Awesome Audio

There are lots of really cheap speakers out there, and most of them sound like garbage. YouTuber Jisaku kōbō shows us how a pair of $3 speakers can sound much, much better when placed into a pair of proper wooden enclosures. Of course, skilled labor is the real cost here.

The AirLoop wireless earphones have optional sportband and neckband cables. The cables reduce the risk of losing the earphones and increase the earphones’ battery life. The earphones have touch controls, including for voice assistants.

This carry-on suitcase doubles as a sound system. It packs a removable Bluetooth speaker unit with two 6″ x 4″ woofers, two 22mm tweeters, and a 25-watt amp. Features a durable hard shell construction, a TSA combination lock, and 360º rotating casters.

This portable, rechargeable lantern not only provides a warm, flickering glow that simulates a flame, but it doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, making it the perfect light source for a romantic night on the beach, or a dinner party out on the deck.

Cavalier Audio’s Air is a Bluetooth speaker and device charger wrapped in a beautiful leather and wood case. It supports Amazon Alexa and can also connect via Wi-Fi to various streaming services. It also has a USB charging port. Sadly, it doesn’t have a 3.5mm input.

Carry your favorite tunes everywhere with this durable Bluetooth speaker. It’s IPX6 rated to resist splashes, and rubberized to cushion shocks. Plays for up to 24 hours at 80% volume too. Save an extra 15% in The Awesomer Shop with code MADNESS15. (through 3/31/19)

After creating the HE-350, Massdrop teamed up once again with HiFiMAN to create a new and improved pair of entry-level audiophile quality headphones. The HE-35X features an open back design, 50mm dynamic drivers, and angled velour and faux leather ear pads.

Naim’s audiophile streaming box is a compact all-in-one music player. It can play audio from USB, Ethernet, optical, RCA, HDMI, Bluetooth, Spotify, Tidal, Chromecast and AirPlay. It comes with a remote but it works best with its remote control mobile app.

These over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones help isolate your ears from unwanted outside sounds. They offer touch-based controls, automatically pause music when removed, and can be set to pass through ambient sounds. Save 32% in The Awesomer Shop.

These compact earbuds produce crisp and clean sounds for up to 8 hours on a charge. They’re sweatproof, and come with a charging case good for up to 50 hours without plugging in. Save an extra 15% with promo code SEMIANNUAL in The Awesomer Shop.

Thin and flexible plastic bags are deemed non-recyclable in the UK. Gomi collects these bags from the beaches of Brighton, then melts and molds them into speaker cases. Each case is made from 100 plastic bags. The Bluetooth 4.0 speaker lasts up to 18h per charge.

Logitech’s 2.0 speakers have looks and sound quality well above their price tag. Their Easy Switch technology conveniently lets you swap sound between a wired device and up to two devices paired via Bluetooth. They also have motion-activated touch controls.

Based on the highly-advanced power armor from the wasteland, this blacked-out Bluetooth wireless speaker is sure to make a statement sitting on your desktop. It stands 7″ tall, and features a gesture control system, much like the one you’d find in a 6-figure BMW.

Did you know can play a record without need for a turntable at all? The RokBlok is basically a wooden mini vehicle that drives around on top of your records, following the groove, and playing music through its built in speaker, or wirelessly over Bluetooth for more volume.

Based on a classic 1965 design by architect Marco Zanuso, Brionvega’s 11″ tall audio skyscraper is now a Bluetooth speaker and FM/DAB/DAB+ radio, and also has a 3.5mm input. Available in an exclusive orange at the MoMA Design Store, and other colors here.

An oversize tribute to the classic boombox. It cranks out 440 watts of power, and supports Bluetooth, 3.5mm, guitar, microphone, MicroSD and USB audio sources. Measures a whopping 35.5″ across and weighs 26 lb, including its built-in rechargeable battery.

Q Acoustics’ Concept 300 speakers marry form with function. Its beautiful cabinet and tripod stand are designed to eliminate vibration, with technologies such as a gel separating each speaker cabinet’s layers and springs on the stand mount. Drops 3/2019 for $4,499.

The successor to Jaybird’s Run true wireless earphones. The Run XT offers the same customizable fit and sound as well as battery life of its predecessor, but with added IPX7 water- and sweat-resistance. It also uses Bluetooth 5.0 for a more stable connection.

The Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker is as thin and light as a smartphone. It’s just 0.43″ thick yet packs a battery that lasts up to 8h. It’s compatible with Siri and Google Assistant and pairs via Bluetooth 5.0, NFC and USB-C. Drops 3/2019 for $149. More here.

JBL’s Link Bar is a soundbar that has Android TV and Google Assistant built-in, which means it pairs well with all HDTVs, even ones without built-in smart features. It lets you use your voice to search for shows, switch inputs, ask questions, control your smart devices and more.

This high-fidelity audio system offers everything you need to fill a room with big and bold sound. It’s got six drivers, including dual 8″ subwoofers, 280 total watts of amplification, has a built-in AM/FM radio, and supports Bluetooth, 3.5mm, and digital optical inputs.

Jabees‘ wireless earphones let you decrease the volume with just a couple of taps so you can hear your surroundings in a snap. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 for quick and stable connection, one-touch access to voice assistants, and a built-in microphone.

Massdrop worked with Sennheiser to make an understated and affordable version of the latter’s Game One gaming headset. The PC37X uses the same drivers as the HD 598 and HD 600 headphones. They are also very comfortable and have a noise-canceling mic.