All posts in “Music”

Ian DeLucca’s Object No. 1 AirPods Flaunt Diamonds And White Gold

Even though there are true-wireless earphones out there with more features and an impressive spec sheet, Apple still reigns supreme. Perhaps it’s the whimsical notion that products from the Cupertino tech outfit are far superior to others. Nevertheless, we cannot deny that the AirPods are insanely popular since its release in 2016. It’s gotten to a point wherein whether we like it or not, consumers can now purchase a pair with a generous helping of diamonds. Behold the Object No. 1 AirPods by Ian DeLucca in all its shimmering splendor.

A lot of you are probably thinking that this is totally unnecessary, but the affluent folks among us will beg to differ. Perhaps in the name of art, these extravagant pair of earbuds are a unique canvas that exemplifies the height of fashion and luxury.

Ian DeLucca, a designer working in Los Angeles, is aptly naming it Object No. 1. Furthermore, it is the perfect platform to kick off his “NEW MATERIALISM” campaign. Only 25 examples are going up for sale and at $20,000 each, rich and famous will be snapping these up in no time.

The privileged few who can afford the Object No. 1 are in for a lavish treat. The Object No. 1 AirPods ditch the familiar white plastic of the original in favor of something grander. It flaunts a white gold shell with 1,000 natural-mined individual VVS diamonds. The opulence does not end there because the set even includes a marble charging stand. We just want to point out that this is not the first time an Apple product gets this type of treatment.

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Images courtesy of Ian DeLucca

Sony WF-1000XM3

Can Sony topple the reign of AirPods? We can’t answer that. One thing we do know, however, is that its new WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds are on par, if not better, than Apple’s ultra-popular option.

Especially in Audio, Sony is a formidable name. No surprise, then, that the company is vying to eclipse Apple’s tight grip of the first place and ascend to the throne as the king of wireless earbuds. Of course, that’s not easy talk. Not only do you have to excel in the sound quality department (which Sony has and, better to put, does), it also has to cobble up a marketing campaign to the level of Apple’s. That’s much harder — the Apple brand has become, by sheer cultural osmosis and consistently great, if decent products, synonymous with undeniable reliance.

Sony has all that to reckon with, but we won’t get into that. The headphones themselves, however, are great, at least on paper. They’re noise-canceling ones, which the AirPods aren’t. They also feature a 0.24-inch driver unit that delivers crisp audio. Plus, they come equipped with DSEE HX to upscale compressed music files, resulting in better audio in theory, though we’ll have to test if the gains are noticeable.

With a battery life enough for you to squeeze six hours of playback on a single charge, the Sony WF-1000XM3 is a modestly designed wireless option for those who care most about sound quality than other gimmicks. And yes, they do come with a charging case, which packs three full charges. They’re a tad bit more expensive than the AirPods, though, at $230. But that’s the price you have to pay for good sound.

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Fitbit Flyer Bluetooth Earphones

Years of polishing its skills on crafting fitness trackers, Fitbit is finally making a move to join the wireless audio market. Although this comes as a big surprise for a lot of its consumers, feedback is mostly positive. It’s important for companies to branch out elsewhere eventually, and the direction it’s taking appears to be on the right track. It’s high time for it to shake up the wearable tech segment with something totally different. The Fitbit Flyer is the brand’s first venture into the world of Bluetooth headphones.

Among fitness trackers, Fitbit quickly comes to mind for a lot of people. On the other hand, this is the first time the brand is investing in something other than activity trackers. Nonetheless, longtime users of its products will be glad to finally own a pair of wireless earphones to match their wearable. Let’s begin by pointing out that this is more of a traditional design. You have two earbuds with a wire connecting both ends. This could be a deal-breaker for those who are after a true-wireless experience but does not affect performance.

In order to match your active lifestyle, the Fitbit Flyer is resistant to all types of moisture that come with the territory. Moreover, the package includes several ear tips and accessories that you can combine together for a secure fit. Therefore, you can be sure that it will survive even the most grueling workouts in your menu. Sound quality is likewise top-notch with the right blend of bass, dynamic range, and distinct clarity. A full battery lasts up 6 hours, while the quick charge feature gives you an hour of juice after a 15-minute charge.

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Images courtesy of Fitbit

This Special Edition Fender Guitar Is Now Surprisingly Affordable

Without a doubt, Fender is best known for making the iconic Stratocaster guitar. But the Arizona-based company also produces quite a few other models worth checking out. One of it’s lesser known styles is the Jaguar, an instrument with an offset body, originally produced between 1962 and 1975.

During that time, it was popular with surf rock guitarists, but after it went out of production, it became an onstage staple at punk, alternative and indie shows. During the ’80s, Fender produced a Japanese-made version of the instrument, and in ’99, due to the Jaguar’s underground popularity, the brand began producing the style again in earnest.

If you’re looking to add this unique guitar to your arsenal, head over to Guitar Center today — currently you can save $50 on a Fender Special Edition Standard Jaguar guitar. The instrument comes in a Surf Pearl finish (an homage to the Jaguar’s early days) and has an alder body, a 22-fret maple neck and a Pau Ferro fingerboard. Unlike some of the single-coil models produced a half-century ago, this guitar has two humbucking pickups and a modern C shape neck.

Normally $600, this guitar now costs $550 and includes free shipping.

A Bunch of Fender Guitars Are Now on Sale

Now at Guitar Center, you can save up to 30 percent on a bunch of Fender Guitars. For the July 4th sale, you can choose from Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jaguars and more — but act fast, because these deals will be gone soon. Start Saving

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

TOKK Reactor Speakers

Buy the TOKK Reactor Speakers if you want some wireless audio companion that’s like nothing else in the market. Not only do these speakers feature rich stereo sound, they’re also pocket-sized so you can take them anywhere.

With a built-in battery offering up to eight hours of listening time, you can enjoy your favorite playlists without missing a beat. The real highlight here, however, are the magnetic wireless halves that affix together and to other magnetic surfaces. That means these can attach to any metallic surface thanks to its magnetic ability.

As for the sound, it features 4W RMS — just fancy talk that means the speakers can deliver loud and high-definition sound. Unfortunately, it’s still stuck with Bluetooth 4.2. That severely limits its capabilities, sadly. However, you should have no problem connecting it to your devices. You can even use it to take a call or talk to Siri if you pair it with an iPhone. Google Assistant is also supported, of course, as is other select smart assistants.

And before we forget: this thing’s also waterproof. IPX5, to be exact. That means you can use it for poolside hangouts and not have to worry about occasional splashes. Just don’t dip it into the water for very long.

Perfect for traveling, camping, or anything, the TOKK Reactor Speakers are a sleek pair of feature-rich speakers that will accompany you with your favorite tunes as you go about. The package comes with a lanyard and carabiner for easy carry, and a microUSB cable.

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Save Over $100 on These Classic Fender Guitar Amps

Now at Guitar Center, you can save over $100 on a range of classic Fender guitar amps. The Silverface ’68 Custom reissue line — a Princeton Reverb, a Deluxe Reverb, a Vibrolux Reverb and a Twin Reverb — is currently discounted. These classic tube amps recreate styles from a transitional year in Fender’s amp production: the tones were classic Fender — warm and bell-like — but they were also noticeably dirtier than amps produced in the mid-‘60s. The amps also presented a new aesthetic with a silver-and-turquoise front panel and an aluminum grille-cloth trim.

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These ’68 Custom amps feature cabinets made from birch-maple plywood, Celestion speakers and all-tube circuitry with Groove Tubes preamp tubes and power tubes. Each model also includes custom-made Schumacher transformers, tube-driven spring reverb and a 2-button footswitch. Wattage ranges from 12 in the Princeton to 85 in the Twin Reverb, so there’s something for every player and situation. Rarely on sale, these amps have open-box discounts of up to $156 — hard to argue with that for brand-new gear.

’68 Custom Princeton Reverb by Fender $900 $792

’68 Custom Deluxe Reverb by Fender $1,050 $924

’68 Custom Vibrolux Reverb by Fender $1,200 $1,056

’68 Custom Twin Reverb by Fender $1,300 $1,144
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

John Mayer Played This $1.9 Million Guitar with Dead & Co. in NYC

On June 23 at Citi Field in NYC, John Mayer played Jerry Garica’s famous Wolf guitar onstage with Dead & Company. This was the first time Mayer performed with one of Garcia’s instruments. “It wasn’t time until it was,” he said in an Instagram post. “NYC, we were all holding Jerry’s guitar tonight. I cherished the responsibility.”

The guitar was built by California luthier Doug Irwin and first used by Garcia at a private party for the Hell’s Angels in NYC in 1973. The instrument was made with a purpleheart and curly maple body, a 24-fret neck and an ebony fingerboard inlaid with African ivory (except for the first fret which is mother-of-pearl).

Irwin built the guitar with a plate system for mounting pickups so Garcia could experiment with traditional Fender Stratocaster pickups and humbuckers — the guitar now has humbuckers in the bridge and middle positions and a single-coil in the neck. To control the pickups, the guitar has a five-position selector, tone controls for the front and middle pickups and a master volume control (two mini-toggle switches control pickup coils). The guitar also has two output jacks: one went directly to the amp and another went to an effects loop (another mini-toggle switch brought the effects loop in or out).

Garcia used the instrument throughout the ‘70s and then used it to experiment with MIDI synthesizer technology in ’89. He last played it onstage with the Grateful Dead in Oakland in 1993.

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In 2017, the guitar sold for over $1.9 million at a Guernsey’s auction benefiting the Southern Poverty Law Center. Brian Halligan, the Boston-based CEO of HubSpot, placed the winning bid with intentions that the guitar be played. “I think it is best served by being played, so I plan to do so,” he told Rolling Stone. “I plan to lend it out to the Garcia family whenever they want it.”

Mayer’s Signature PRS Guitar

John Mayer’s new Paul Reed Smith signature model takes cues from vintage ’63 and ’64 Strats. Blending the precision PRS is known for with the best qualities of the vintage guitars, this is a magical instrument. Read the Story

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 True-Wireless Earphones

Wireless audio products are here to stay to the chagrin of audiophiles who preach that wired is the only way to go. We have to understand that the digital audio formats of yesterday and wireless platforms had room for improvement. The majority will argue that sound is analog by nature so analog is the best way to go. However, modern Bluetooth technology and audio codecs have turned the tables against the traditional format.

Now, we are seeing the influx of true-wireless earphones with the Apple AirPods leading the way. Other brands are following suit just like the Cambridge Audio Melomania 1, which seeks to take the game to another level. High-end audio companies can spot a winning horse if they see one and true-wireless is the way to go.

We recently featured a follow-up model from Bose called the Earbuds 500 as well as another one with noise-canceling technology coming in 2020. It’s no surprise that this British audiophile-centric brand is jumping in to grab a piece of the pie.

The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 features a pair of true-wireless earbuds that pack a 5.8 mm graphene driver. Experts claim that these produce exceptional bass and treble. Its battery performance offers up to 9 hours on a full charge. Due to the compact nature of true-wireless earphones, most models tout shorter usage times than their conventional cousins. That’s why most brands are throwing in charging cases for that extra juice when you need it. The Melomania 1’s accessory adds another 36 hours on top, which is good for another 4 charges.

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Images courtesy of Cambridge Audio

Sennheiser GSP 670 Wireless Gaming Headset

Gaming can start off as a hobby that helps you kill time solo or with buddies. Depending on the type of game you’re playing, you can play against a friend side by side. However, when you’re taking the action online, there are ways to have an advantage over other players. First of all, you’re going to need gaming-grade accessories such as keyboards, mice, controllers.

Input lag can mean victory or defeat, so a lot of gamers prefer to use ones with wires. On the other hand, new wireless models are now available that overcome that limitation. One of those is the Sennheiser GSP 670—a wireless gaming headset that promises a lag-free experience.

Exceptional eye and hand coordination is the skill that turns players into winners. Nevertheless, the majority of professionals who have almost flawless records claim that audio is very important. Audio cues help them stay aware of what’s going on in the background as well as communicate with teammates. Wired headsets are commonly used but the cables can actually get in the way. Wireless is the obvious solution, but latency is always the downside.

The Sennheiser GSP 670 on the other hand, is making a bold claim that its wireless headset is virtually lag-free. What makes this possible is the proprietary technology that maintains a low-latency connection between the headphones and the USB dongle. Moreover, the microphone’s noise-canceling system lets you maintain crystal clear communication with your team. A full charge will reportedly offer 20 hours of non-stop usage using Bluetooth. This goes down to about 16 hours using the GSA 70 wireless dongle. With all of these features on the table, $396 is a small price to pay for superior audio performance.

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Images courtesy of Sennheiser

Bose Earbuds 500 True-Wireless Earphones

We all know that Apple was not the first tech company to release a pair of wireless earphones. Nevertheless, with the help of stellar brand recognition and a superior marketing approach, the AirPods are on top of everybody’s list. In the meantime, there are consumers who do not want to join the brand’s ecosystem. Thankfully, there are better alternatives out there that are worth your consideration. Let’s take a look at the Bose Earbuds 500 and find out what makes it better than the competition.

For those of you who already caught a glimpse of the Bose Sleepbuds might have an idea of what the new ones offer. While the former only played a preset number of relaxing sounds, the latter is a Bluetooth audio device. This new model reportedly a follow-up to the SoundSport Free, which was their first foray into the true-wireless market. Sadly, despite its exceptional features, the chunky design, physical button controls, and larger-than-life charging case were deal-breakers for potential buyers.

It looks like the company is learning from its mistakes and making the Bose Earbuds 500 sleeker and more compact than its predecessor. Furthermore, the true-wireless earphones are packing Bose AR technology. This is a new system of motion sensors that detects head orientation and other movements. We can’t wait to see how it enhance the user’s listening experience later on. Voice controls are likewise on the table with support for Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. Additional specifications and details will be available soon. Meanwhile, for those of you who are not in a hurry, a noise-canceling model is apparently on the way next year.

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Cambridge Audio AX Range Affordable Hi-Fi System

It’s daunting to even begin thinking about entering the world of Hi-Fi audio. There are all sorts of super pricey equipment you need to buy, firstly. Plus, the number of audiophiles who’ll gnaw at you for making wrong decisions is endless. No surprise, then, that the audiophile seems like an elite club of highly secretive misanthropes.

But Cambridge Audio wants to make Hi-Fi systems more accessible for a wider range of people. With its latest AX Range, you can take the plunge with little fear going in. Not just because this system is one of the most affordable in the market. But it’s also not as intimidating as other gear.

Perfect for Hi-Fi novices, the Cambridge Audio AX Range consists of two CD players, two integrated amplifiers, and two stereo receivers. All these are fairly priced, mind you. The design takes cues from Cambridge Audio’s more expensive CX range and the upmarket Edge system.

Let’s talk about the parts. The AXC25 CD features one stereo analog RCA output, a remote control, and is available in both Lunar Grey and plain Black. The second CD player is called the AXC35, which has the analog RCA output of the AXC25 but also gets the option of a coaxial digital output.

The two integrated amplifiers are called the AXA25 and the AXA35, the latter of which offers additional connectivity and 35W of output. The final two pieces in the range are a couple of stereo receivers, the AXR85 and AXR100.

Learn more by visiting the link below.

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Photos courtesy of Cambridge Audio

ASTRO A40 TR + MixAmp TR Wired Headset

Looking for the right audio device entirely depends on what you need it for. Take for example for traveling, which usually needs headphones that have excellent ambient noise reduction. Moreover, models that come with active noise cancellation are on high on the list. Next, users who live an active lifestyle will need ingress protection to keep moisture and dust out. Finally, content creators, streamers, and competitive gamers require accurate audio, which the ASTRO A40 TR + MixAmp TR will gladly deliver.

Just like noise-canceling headphones that frequent travelers use for the long-haul trips, comfort is the key. Gamers, streamers, and content creators normally wear these for long periods of time. There was a time when Turtle Beach was the brand of choice, but Astro is gaining popularity for good reason. This $249.99 set is a complete package that is compatible with the Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One, Mac, and PC. The soft cloth cushions on each ear cup are made of breathable fabric for superior ventilation.

Other than its versatile compatibility, the headphones actually look good. The mix of heavy-duty plastics and metal makes it quite durable. Furthermore, it features ASTRO Audio V2 tuning for exceptional acoustics that offers an immersive experience. Meanwhile, the included microphone is removable and can be attached on either side. The mixamp even features multiple ports and controls, which you can even digitally daisy chain. The large metallic dial knobs allow precise adjustments so you can hear every sound in detail. Finally, the Dolby Digital Surround sound processing makes the ASTRO A40 TR + MixAmp TR a cool combo.

Experience and audio treat with ASTRO

Images courtesy of ASTRO Gaming

U-Turn Orbit Special Turntable

Vinyl sales are on the up on up, in case you didn’t know. The buyers are part of merely a small niche, to be sure, but the classic format is well and alive. Which means, of course, that crate-digging for rare sleeves has long eclipsed hipster territory. Record-collecting is cool again; some major artists even release LPs of their latest tracks.

But what to play them on? That’s the tough question. Why not this ultra-chic U-Turn Orbit Special Turntable? Which, lucky for you wood fans, comes in a special hardwood material. Beyond its clean, minimalist aesthetic, this high-performance audio player will do well introducing you to the world of vinyl. LP Neophytes will love the refined plinth, machined from your choice of solid rift walnut or flat cut maple.

This U-Turn Orbit model comes equipped with a gimbal tonearm bearing an Ortofon 2M Red elliptical diamond cartridge/needle. As newcomers to the vinyl scene, you probably don’t know what that is. Let’s just say you can expect crystal clear playback every time. No resonance or feedback at all. Just topnotch, clean audio each listen.

Perhaps the most noted thing about U-Turn’s players is their quiet motors. The same can be said of this model. Whether you’re playing at 33 or 45 RPM, you’ll hear nary a peep. It’s also got a Pluto preamp, which enables you to connect it to your sound system right out the gate. Audiophiles will beam at this.

Both walnut and maple versions are available for $549 apiece. That drops down to $479 if you’re okay to forego the preamp.

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Photos courtesy of U-Turn Audio

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i

About a week ago, Bang & Olufsen surprised us with the introduction of its Motion lineup of audio products. The E6 and E8 are the brand’s first Bluetooth earphones that embrace an active lifestyle. This time, it’s creating something that it does best, which is a high-end pair of Bluetooth headphones. Let’s meet the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i–a sleek and luxurious item that boasts superior comfort. This is an on-ear model with a distinct aesthetic touch that can only come from the company’s designers.

You’re looking at a premium item that only settles for the best ergonomics, comfort, and materials. The stunning aesthetics of the H8i uses anodized aluminum and natural leather, which is always a fashionable combination. Put these on and prepare to enjoy an acoustic treat from the two 40 mm electro-dynamic drivers on each ear without any distractions. The active noise cancellation (ANC) system filters out background noise so that it’s just you and the music. Moreover, you can toggle this function off anytime when you need to hear your surroundings.

When Sony and Bose are not the brands for you, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i will gladly accompany you on your travels. Long-haul flights are not a problem since you’re getting 30 hours of Bluetooth with ANC. The non-removable 1,110 mAh lithium-ion battery lasts even longer with Transparency Mode, which offers up to 45 hours. Additionally, built-in proximity sensors automatically pause audio when you take off the headphones and resumes once you wear them again. You can get these in Natural or Black colors to match your style.

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Images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000 Hi-Res Music Player

Serious audiophiles demand only the best when it comes to their gadgets. Years of listening to high-definition music are training their ears to appreciate subtle nuances. By now, we know that the quality of the headphones or earphones really matters. However, without the aid of a capable audio player, you might as get a regular pair of cans. The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000 is a premium piece of equipment that delivers top-notch music playback.

When it comes to performance and features, this flagship model is ready to deliver. Within its metallic shell resides two Asahi Kasei AK4499EQ DACs for superior audio reproduction. It sports a 5-inch 1,280 x 720-resolution touchscreen with a metal housing crafted from stainless steel or copper. We think the latter version just oozes a classy vibe that accentuates the angular form factor of the frame. On the right flank sits an analog volume knob that matches the shade of the body.

The Astell & Kern A&ultima SP2000 comes with a 512 GB internal memory, which is more than enough even for lossless audio formats. Nevertheless, just in case you need more space, the device supports microSD card expansion up to 512 GB. Meanwhile, a full charge offers up to eight hours of continuous playback. Moreover, it supports fast charging technology to completely fill up its 3,700 mAh battery from empty in just 2.5 hours. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are likewise available just in case you need it. Finally, with an asking price of around $3,499, it’s a pricey investment for portable audio bliss.

Order yours from Astell & Kern

Beats Powerbeats Pro Goes Fully-Wireless

After Apple acquired Beats, it took a while before the Cupertino-based tech firm released a product bearing its name. The Powerbeats 3 is a pair of Bluetooth earphones that look like any other model of its kind. You have the noticeable earhooks that secure them in place during workouts and other activities. Shortly after its release, we now have the Beats Powerbeats Pro, which apparently draws inspiration from one of Apple’s popular audio products.

Just like the AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro is a pair of true-wireless Bluetooth earbuds. You can think of it as a sportier take on the AirPods 2. Unlike the latter, it is ready to accompany users to the gym or outdoors. If you already own the Powerbeats 3, we don’t think that you’ll miss out on anything other than the true-wireless feature. In fact, both models look almost the same except for the wire connecting the older model.

Similar to its wired cousin, the Beats Powerbeats Pro relies on the same earhooks for a secure fit. Working in tandem with the correct fit of the silicone tips, users don’t have to worry about the pair falling off. Being fully-wireless, there no cable that can potentially snag on equipment, hence users enjoy the freedom of movement. Instead of the W1 chip of the original AirPods, Apple is equipping it with the newer H1. This means that pairing is faster and power management gets a significant boost as well. You’re getting 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, which goes up to 24 hours with help of its stylish charging case.

Own a pair for $249.99

Images courtesy of Apple

Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay Motion Bluetooth Earphones

For a while now, Bang & Olufsen provides high-end audio products with premium and stylish aesthetics. It has been doing so for years now, which is why it comes as a surprise that it’s branching out elsewhere. The company is releasing two Bluetooth earbuds that are ideal for consumers who live an active lifestyle. These two models are the first two products to launch the Motion catalog of audio products and both look good.

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E6 Motion is the model with the longer battery life. Its form factor is that of your average Bluetooth earbuds with a wire connecting the two ends. It comes in a sleek white finish and features two magnets to keep it on your neck when it’s not in use.

The tips come with silicone clips that secure the buds in your ears while you’re moving around. Additionally, the in-line controls use a three-button layout for volume and track controls. Thanks to its IP56 rating, the earphones can withstand a lot of moisture.

Next, we have the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Motion, which is the true-wireless model on the bunch. Just like most models of its kind, the set includes a fancy leather and anodized aluminum case. It definitely looks more premium than what the competition can offer.

Moreover, it is compatible with wireless charging accessories like the Beoplay Charging Pad. Meanwhile, in order to keep up with your various activities, it boasts an IP54 rating. Just note that battery life is on the short side for the E8 at just four hours.

Bang & Olufsen

Images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen

Master & Dynamic MW65 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones

Looking at the available top-tier options right now, it might seem that Bose and Sony have a monopoly over active noise-canceling headphones. Yet, it looks like an upstart is cooking up a plan to upstage the competition. Master & Dynamic is pushing forth the MW65, a classy pair of wireless cans that blocks external noise. Looking at its design, it’s clear that the brand is marketing this as an upscale alternative for consumers.

Sources confirm that this is the company’s first foray into the active noise-canceling headphone market. Despite being the initial entry, it’s clear that the MW65 oozes premium form every angle. You’re getting a stylish pair crafted out of lightweight anodized aluminum and leather. Moreover, the plush over-ear lambskin cushions are user replaceable for convenience.

Not only does it block out unwanted noise, but the dual microphones also filter ambient sounds so that your voice remains clear. Within each earcup sits custom 40 mm beryllium drivers for superior audio reproduction. The combination of its active noise-canceling system and comfortable ear cushions deliver superb acoustics for the user.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 can connect to your media player via Bluetooth 4.2 or through a 3.5 mm cable. It supports AptX and SBC codecs for impressive digital audio streaming. Since most users use active noise-canceling headphones during flights, the package also includes an adapter. Moreover, Google Assistant compatibility means you can enjoy hands-free control anytime. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, a quick 15-minute charge gives you 12 hours of playback time.

Order yours here

Images courtesy of Master & Dynamic

Sandvik Smash-Proof Guitar

If you’ve been to old-school rock and roll performances, there are a few memorable moves that are notably awesome. We’re talking about stage dives, mosh pits, a few fans invited up on stage, and more. In fact, attendees often expect any or all of these to happen during each show, which most bands glad to oblige. Meanwhile, on the of the most iconic moves is the guitar smash, which as the name implies ends badly for the instrument. However, one company is out to change that with an electric guitar that will smash other objects instead. The Sandvik smash-proof guitar is one durable music apparatus that can double as an instrument of destruction.

According to the manufacturer, it is the world’s first electric guitar that can withstand extreme abuse. The engineers behind its creation reveal that conventional models have a critical weakness. Their research shows that the joint where the neck meets the body is the point that normally breaks. Hence, the solution is to machine the neck and fretboard from recycled stainless steel. Understanding that a solid block would be too heavy, the team is integrating an impressive lattice framework to keep weight to a minimum.

Next up is the equally impressive body, which uses 3D printing technology to build layer upon layer. The Sandvik smash-proof guitar flaunts a beautiful titanium frame that’s a visual treat to look at. Finally, to test how it stands up to rock star abuse, Swedish guitar master Yngwie Malmsteen steps up to the plate. The verdict, the instrument can definitely survive anything that you throw at it or throw it at.

Learn more about it here

Crosley RSD3 Mini Turntable

In celebration of Record Store Day, Crosley is releasing a special budget turntable — the Crosley RSD3. Unfortunately, because it’s so tiny, it won’t be able to play full-size vinyls.

That means you’ll need to grab special 3-inch records, which the folks behind Record Store Day are putting up a bunch of to purchase. Each record comes in an artsy sleeve, to boot. To make this minute turntable, Crosley worked closely with Toyokasei, a vinyl manufacturing plant in Japan. It will go on sale on April 13 for $70.

The device is powered by either via USB or a battery. It features a built-in speaker, pitch control, and an aux out. The limited inputs and outputs are reasonable considering how small it is. But it does come with a clear dust cover, just like a typical Technics SL-1200. It also boasts a full-sized Audio Technica moving magnet cartridge. It’s probably not going to provide Earth-shattering audio quality, but it’s a nice novelty. If nothing else, it’s a fun, quirky item perfect for celebrating Record Store Day.

Of course, it’s not the only miniature record player. You can find other models aplenty on eBay or elsewhere. There’s a bunch out there, like the highly sought-after 8-Ban systems. Crosley’s tiny player is a bit classier, sleeker, and closer to modern players in terms of aesthetics. But if you’re looking for a more retro vibe, then you should definitely cop an 8-Ban. Hit the link below to visit Crosley’s site and find out more.

VISIT CROSLEY