Awesome Audio

Audio experts Focal teamed up with automaker Bentley to create these ultra-luxe, closed-back cans. They feature full-grain leather, an aluminum yoke, diamond-motif grilles, along with the Bentley wings logo and copper accents. Their 1-5/8″ drivers kick out rich and dynamic sounds with deep bass and clean mids and highs.

Next time you’re throwing a party, kick out the biggest and best audio with JBL’s oversize Bluetooth sound system. It cranks out a massive wall of sound via its two 6.5″ woofers and three 2.25″ tweeters, and can run for up to 18 hours on battery. It’s also got mic and guitar inputs, and you can pair two together for true wireless stereo.

Designed for filtering out dust, bacteria, and other particulates while being active, this high tech mask also incorporates a pair of bone conduction speakers, which let you listen to music without wearing headphones. It supports Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity and has a microphone for making calls too.

Altec Lansing’s rugged Bluetooth speaker is waterproof, snowproof, and shockproof. It has built-in Qi wireless charging and a USB charge port for your smartphone, and LED lighting which can sync with your tunes. It offers 20-hours of playtime per charge, though if you need more, there’s a 30-hour version, the Super LifeJacket Jolt.

Need to find a sound effect for a recording project? Freesound.org is a collaboratively-managed database of sounds you can use under one of several Creative Commons licenses. We found all kinds of unusual noises there, from a growling ogre, to creepy atmospheric music, to a delightfully ASMR pencil scribbling on paper.

More and more devices have done away with the headphone jack, insisting on a wireless connection. But if you want the sound quality of a hardwired connection, grab this stainless steel adapter from ddHiFi that converts the USB-C port on mobile devices into a 3.5mm audio jack. They also make a Lightning version.

Audiophiles looking for great sound often turn to headphones with planar magnetic drivers. SendyAudio’s cans incorporate this tech for crisp, clean, and natural sound with stellar frequency response. They feature real zebra wood housings, and come in a leather carrying case. Special price from Drop through 7.13.20.

The latest version of Harman Kardon’s Aura Bluetooth speaker features an undulating, wave-like design under its dome that not only helps produce enveloping, 360º audio, but produces beautiful ambient lighting effect. It packs in six mid-high drivers, and a subwoofer, along with two 15W amps and one 100W amp.

This top-rated Bluetooth speaker is perfect for outdoor use – even in the swimming pool. The Barnacle Vibe 2.0 is completely sealed from water, and can play music with or without a sound source, thanks to its built-in 8GB of iTunes-compatible storage. Runs for up to 8 hours on a charge, and mounts just about anywhere.

This useful desktop accessory gives your computer display a 3″ lift, while also boosting your audio. It’s got a USB-powered amplifier, two 2″ high/mid drivers, and a 4″ woofer, all in a single box that costs less than 40 bucks. Holds monitors and all-in-one computers weighing up to 22 lb. It also has headphone and mic jacks on front.

Helm Audio took the high-end audio of a THX-certified AAA amplifier and crunched it down into a pocket-sized gadget. The DB12 AAAMP boosts power for planar magnetics and high-impedance headphones with a bare minimum of distortion. It’s ideal for smartphone and laptop users, and runs for up to 6 hours on a charge.

Audioengine’s powered bookshelf speakers crank out 150 watts of power, and feature aramid fiber woofers and silk tweeters for crisp, punchy, and clean audio. They come in wired or Bluetooth wireless versions, with black or white lacquer or natural bamboo finishes. They’re especially awesome as computer speakers.

Milwaukee Tool’s 2951-20 job site audio system features a rugged housing that’s water and dust resistant. It has AM and FM radio tuners, a backlit LCD clock, and Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices. When plugged in, it doubles as a charger for M12 batteries for Milwaukee’s cordless power tools.

X-Creation likes to put speakers into a kinds of unlikely places. After building a wheelbarrow boombox, he created a stereo sound system by making cutouts in a pair of gas cylinder bottles, and installing speakers, crossovers, wiring, and sound-reactive lighting inside.

Planar magnetic drivers are known for their precise and detailed sound reproduction, but they’re typically reserved for big over-the-ear headphones. Linsoul brings the tech to an in-ear monitor, offering an incredible 5Hz to 50kHz frequency response range. Special price available from Drop for a limited time.

Sonos’ soundbar kicks out immersive home theater audio, with an ultra-wide soundstage and Dolby Atmos support. Its Trueplay tech optimizes it to the acoustics of your room, and it’s got AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant built in. Pair it with a Sonos Sub for more boom, and two One SL satellites for even deeper surround.

SIVGA’s headphones offer exceptional sound and style for less than a hundred bucks. Their open back design produces a wide soundstage, and and they have real wood shells, detachable audio cables, a padded leather headband, and swivel earcups which can rotate up to 180º for single-ear monitoring.

Skullcandy’s basic Bluetooth headphones are such a bargain you can keep several spare pairs in case you lose one. They offer up to 6 hours of playtime per charge, kick out clean and crisp sounds, and have an inline microphone for making phone calls. Save 56% in The Awesomer Shop.

While you’re working from home, you might not be thinking too much about the gear you’ll need when you eventually head back out into the world. But Everyday Carry has some great ideas for items that are useful both at home and in the field, along with some great productivity tips for WFH living.

Victrola’s turntable audio system features linen-wrapped wooden enclosures for both its record player and stereo speakers. It offers 50-watts of amplification, and can play vinyl at 33 1/3, 45 and 78 speeds. You can also stream music to its speakers via Bluetooth. It’s also available in oak and white variants directly from Victrola.

Based on the 1984 classic lightweight headphones, Koss and Drop teamed up to build a new version, designed for better durability, with modern components, and an inline mic for calls. They weigh just 2 ounces, and have an adjustable comfort band, and offer an impressive 15 Hz–25 kHz frequency response.

Give your ears a treat with GSK’s lightweight in-ear headphones, which offer clean sounds without wires. With Bluetooth 5.0 + EDR connectivity, you’ll get clear audio, and 4 to 6 hours of playtime per charge. They’re a great, low-price alternative to AirPods, and 70% off their original price in The Awesomer Shop.

Luxury electronics maker Bang & Olufsen presents a special edition of its Beoplay A9 living room speaker. Designed in collaboration with pop artist Daniel Arsham, this model takes advantage of its circular shape, replacing the solid color face with an image inspired by the artist’s cratered blue moon globe.