Top audio and headphones picks coming this fall
Here's a preview of what to expect this fall from the world of hi-fi.
RHA Dacamp L1
Price: $549.95
Availability: October
The outlook: Never used a headphone amplifier before? If you're serious about audio quality and already subscribe to a lossless streaming service like Tidal, there's no reason not to invest in one. RHA just debuted its own amp and DAC combo, the Dacamp L1. It has three level gain control, a 10-hour battery life and it also works as a power pack for your device on the go.
RHA CL750
Price: $139.95
Availability: October
The outlook: Made to partner with RHA's recently announced Dacamp L1 headphone amplifier, the CL750 in-ear headphones are rated with an impedance of 150 ohms. The hooks coming off the buds are flexible and designed to wrap around the back of your ears for a secure fit.
Dali Katch Bluetooth speaker
Price: $430
Availability: October
The outlook: It's a lot to pay for a portable speaker, but Danish design of this caliber never comes cheap. The aluminum Katch by Dali is powered by two 18-watt amplifiers that drive a pair of 21mm soft-dome tweeters and two 3.5-inch aluminum woofers. In addition to the Bluetooth connection, it also has Apt-X support and can reportedly play music for a full 24-hours on a full battery.
Grovemade Walnut Speakers & Amp
Price: $599
Availability: September
The outlook: When was the last time you've seen a PC speaker set look this good? Portland-based audio company Grovemade partnered with designer Joey Roth to shape this natural walnut set. It includes a pair of horn speakers along with 2-inch drivers and a 2x25-watt amplifier for what the company calls "an acoustically rich sound."
Pioneer PLX-500
Price: $350
Availability: September
The outlook: The Pioneer PLX-500 turntable looks almost identical to the original Technics SL-1200 deck, minus the absurdly high price tag.
But there's one new feature that really sets the PLX-500 apart from legacy turntables: It has a USB-out port so you can digitize your entire record collection using the company's rekordbox application.
Bose SoundSport Pulse Wireless
Price: $200
Availability: September
The outlook: The SoundSport Pulse Wireless has an integrated heart-rate monitor that's compatible with Runkeeper, Endomondo and other fitness apps.
As you might expect, the headphone is sweat and water resistant and there's an inline mic and remote that lets you skip songs, adjust the volume, and take and make calls. Bose is touting its quality as headset for making calls, as well as how reliable the Bluetooth connection is.
Bose QuietControl 30
Price: $300
Availability: September
The outlook: The Bose QuietControl 30 is the ultimate neckband-style Bluetooth headphone. With impressive sound and active noise cancellation, the headphone also fits very comfortably in the ear.
Battery life is rated at 10 hours, which is decent for this type of Bluetooth headphone, and protective carrying case is included. While Bose doesn't advertise that the headphone is sweat-resistant, it is, and this headphone is suitable for gym use and maybe even running if you don't mind the feel of a having something around your neck while running.
Braven 105
Price: $49.99
Availability: Now
The outlook: The Braven 105 is a compact, hockey-puck shaped Bluetooth speaker that's waterproof and can be attached to belt loops, bike handle bars and more using the included elastic strap.
Jabra Sport Coach Special Edition
Price: $120
Availability: Now
The outlook: Jabra's next-gen Sport Coach Bluetooth headphone includes automatic rep counting thanks to a built-in TrackFit motion sensor, making it the world's first headphone with this feature.
Sennheiser PXC 550
Price: $399
Availability: Now
The outlook: Geared toward the "discerning" business traveler, the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless features impressive Bluetooth sound, active noise cancelling technology, and works very well as a headset for making cell-phone calls.
Sony Glass Sound Speaker
Price: $799.99
Availability: Now
The outlook: The beautifully designed Sony Glass Sound Speaker is a high-end wireless Bluetooth speaker and accent light that uses organic glass to create clear and realistic sound.
Lucid Audio AMPED Bluetooth Neckband
Price: $129
Availability: September
The outlook: Unlike other noise-canceling headphones that only tune out ambient noises, the AMPED Bluetooth Neckband earbuds by Lucid Audio have a volume control for outside noise control, so you can dial-in exactly how much or how little you want to hear.
Marantz SR6011
Price: $1399
Availability: September
The outlook: Marantz has a reputation for stylish components which deliver high-quality sound. The new SR6011 offers compatibility with most audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X plus a plethora of internet-features.
Sony MDR-Z1R
Price: $2199
Availability: November
The outlook:The Sony MDR-Z1R is the company's new flagship headphone. It has some quirky design touches -- such as a Fibonacci curve imprinted on the driver grille -- but based on listening tests its a high-end headphone worth looking at.
Emotiva Airmotiv B1
Price: $299
Availability: Now
The outlook: Emotiva has made affordable professional and hi-fi gear for many years, but the company is now combining the two worlds with the Airmotiv B1. The B1 is a passive version of the Airmotiv 5S monitor and designed to be used in a home theater environment. It could be a winner based on our experiences with the powered version.