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Audio products that make you say 'wow' (pictures)

Gorgeous design plays almost as big a role as performance for all types of high-end products, including exotic audio gear.

Steve Guttenberg
Ex-movie theater projectionist Steve Guttenberg has also worked as a high-end audio salesman, and as a record producer. Steve currently reviews audio products for CNET and works as a freelance writer for Stereophile.
Steve Guttenberg
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1 of 10 Parrot Zik

Parrot Zik Bluetooth headphone

The Parrot Zik headphone ($400) is simply gorgeous, and when you hold it in your hands, it's hard not to be impressed with its solid build quality. Oh, and it's the first Bluetooth headphone that actually sounds good.
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2 of 10 Michael Trei

Thorens TD 124 turntable

The Thorens TD 124 turntable was introduced in 1957, and is still sought after by audiophiles all over the world. Great audio never gets old.
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3 of 10 KEF

KEF LS50 monitor speaker

The LS50 is a special KEF 50th anniversary commemorative monitor. The LS50 employs revolutionary technology, namely a "Uni-Q" driver that has a tweeter in the center of its woofer.
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4 of 10 Raidho

Raidho C1.1 speaker

The Raidho C 1.1 has been hailed as one of the world's highest-resolution loudspeakers, so I'm looking forward to hearing it at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October.
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5 of 10 NuForce

NuForce DDA-100 stereo digital integrated amplifier

NuForce consistently makes great-sounding components, with many priced under $100. The DDA-100 ($549) is a stereo 75-watt-per-channel amp, and has three digital inputs.
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6 of 10 Jeff Rowland Design Group

Jeff Rowland Reference Criterion preamplifier

This battery-powered preamplifier is housed in a chassis precision-machined from solid ingots of aircraft-grade aluminum. The preamp offers unrivaled sonic transparency and clarity. Rowland is based in Boulder, Colo.
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7 of 10 Acoustic Signature

Acoustic Signature Ascona turntable

This 176-pound German turntable is causing quite a stir among well-heeled audiophiles all over the world. It features a 50mm thick solid aluminum platter, and the external platter drive unit has three motors built into one housing.
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8 of 10 Nagra

Nagra PL-P stereo preamplifier

The Nagra PL-P caused quite a stir when it was introduced in 1998, but the battery-powered, vacuum tube preamp deserved the attention. It's a true classic, and is still in production.
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9 of 10 Ultrasone

Ultrasone Edition 10 headphones

The Edition 10 is the first open-back Ultrasone Edition headphone. The wings of a butterfly inspired the design.
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10 of 10 Zanden Audio

Zanden Audio Model 2000T

For a few lucky audiophiles, the Zanden Model 2000T is the ultimate CD player. It can be used with Zanden's Model 5000 Mk IV/Signature digital-to-analog converter. Zanden was founded in 1980 in Japan.

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