Most-wanted home audio and headphones for fall

Price: $260

Availability: Now

The outlook: For many years, designer Andrew Jones' budget Pioneer SP-PK52FS speakers have been CNET's go-to recommendation for entry-level home theater systems. But it was only a matter of time before another company tried to beat Pioneer at its own game. Enter Polk with its T series.

The T50 floor-stander is a 2.5-way speaker which offers three 6.5-inch drivers and a 1-inch tweeter. There are also a T15 bookshelf ($100) and a T30 center channel ($130). Polk claims its speakers rival Pioneer's for sound quality so these could be worth looking out for.

Price: $299

Availability: September

The outlook: Multiroom music is in, and Bluesound is making a splash with its V2 series. While most Bluesound products live outside of the budget realm, the Pulse Flex is the first affordable speaker in its range. Unlike Sonos, Bluesound offers both analog and Bluetooth inputs in addition to true 24-bit/192kHz replay for up to seven wireless zones.

Price: $199

Availability: Now

The outlook: Have an existing set of speakers but looking to update to Atmos? The cheapest option we've seen so far is the Pioneer SP-T22A add-on module for $199.

While it's designed to pair with the BS-22-LR speakers, it will work with almost any front-mounted speakers by adding height information to compatible soundtracks.

Price: $500

Availability: September

The outlook: Yamaha has updated its 2015 line of audio devices with a new multiroom music system called MusicCast, and this includes the YSP-1600. This speaker uses Yamaha's Digital Sound Projector system to beam sound around your room for the some of the best simulated surround sound we've heard, and the sound bar is compatible with 4K Ultra HD sources.

Price: $200

Availability: October

The outlook: The G933 has a 2.4GHz wireless rapid-burst USB adapter built into the ear port that links to your phone or analog audio source, and there are two additional analog inputs for a total of three potential device connections.

In terms of audio technology, the G933 incorporates two proprietary surround-sound processes by way of DTSD Headphone:X and Dolby 7.1 for a reported increase in stereo imaging and a more realistic multichannel audio experience.

Price: TBD

Availability: TBD

The outlook: Onkyo just announced this beefy Bluetooth speaker featuring a robust silver aluminum body housing four mid-bass drivers, two tweets, and two passive radiators.

Its 10-hour battery life means you'll be able to stream wireless music to it for your next outdoor gathering, but you can also load lossless files onto a USB drive and plug it into the USB port for high-resolution tunes.

Price: $49.99

Availability: October

The outlook: Sick of getting your earbuds tangled up? Spend more time listening and less time unraveling with the S500i, the latest earbud from RHA Audio.

The bottom half of the wire features a braided fabric that's resistant to tangles, and the entry-level headset sounds promising with an angled housing that should fit a variety of ear shapes and sizes.