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JBL OnBeat Rumble
Still convinced that you need a docking speaker for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch? The JBL OnBeat Rumble ($400) isn't a bad choice. In addition to the two tweeters, it features a 4.5-inch down-firing subwoofer for deep bass. Other features include a two-tone, orange and black paint scheme, an auxiliary input for legacy devices, and Bluetooth - so as it turns out, you don't really need that Lightning dock anyway.
OD-11 Cloud Speaker
Bringing classic electronics into the modern era isn't always easy, but the OD-11 Cloud Speaker ($TBA) does so with elegance and class. Based on the original Carlsson OD-11 from 1974, this deceptively simple, roughly 10 inch cube features built-in Wi-Fi, an integrated 100W amplifier, a single woofer, and a single tweeter, all of which combine for terrific sound in nearly any room. The remote communicates with the box via Bluetooth 4, and features a magnet on the back so you can stick it anywhere you find handy. With 3.5mm and optical inputs for other audio sources and the ability to be used in pairs for left/right separation, it's a great choice for minimalist interiors.
Samsung Vacuum Tube Soundbar
Well, we didn't see this one coming. The Samsung F750 Vacuum Tube Soundbar ($650) packs a decidedly audiophile feature — an integrated vacuum tube — into the un-audiophile sound bar form factor. While the goal is warmer, more natural sound, other features — like a gyroscope to optimize sound quality based on height, rotation, and slope and a wireless subwoofer — will likely make a difference too. In keeping with the wireless theme, it also offers Bluetooth for cordlessly connecting your smartphone, tablet, or even TV if it supports that kind of thing.
Geneva WorldRadio
No matter where your travels take you, the Geneva WorldRadio ($300) should be able to find some music to play. Based on the idea of the classic world receiver, the WorldRadio features a digital color display with touch controls, a digital FM tuner with RDS and auto-search, a digital clock, a 3-inch full-range driver for full sound, Bluetooth 2.1 for connecting to a smartphone or tablet, and a 3.5 mm line-in for other audio sources. Available in black, red, or silver.
Warby Parker Gift Card and Snowman Kit
Sometimes gift-giving comes naturally, and you instantly know what to get for each person on your shopping list. For the guy that's hard to shop for, there's the Warby Parker Gift Card. Available in denominations perfect for a pair of frames or two, it's the ideal gift when you just can't decide what to give. As a bonus, each gift card comes with a Make-a-Snowman Kit, featuring everything the recipient needs — carrot, buttons, faux coal — to dress up their yard in time for the holidays.
Olive One
Tired of using various devices to access your music that's undoubtedly spread across multiple services and drives? Olive One ($500) is looking to help you out. This networked digital music player arrives in a decor-friendly glass and aluminum enclosure, and promises to consolidate your media in one place. It features Bluetooth 4.0 for direct connection to your smartphones and tablets, fast Wi-Fi for UPnP streaming, built-in access to Spotify and Pandora, and an optional internal 1TB drive for local storage. And how are you going to get all this audio out? Via the audiophile-quality dual HD amplifiers, or via Wi-Fi Miracast.
Jabra Solemate Speaker
No, it's not a speaker for your shoes. Instead, the Jabra Solemate Speaker ($160) gets its name from its sneaker-like rugged bottom tread. Powered by a rechargeable battery good for 8 hours of continuous play, the Solemate pairs with your devices via Bluetooth 3.0, and features built-in DSP for optimal sound, three front-facing speakers, a 3.5mm input for non-wireless (dumb) devices, and an included sound bag for added protection when jamming outdoors.
JBL SoundFly
Wireless, full-home audio has been getting more realistic for a while now, but until recently, if you wanted that convenience you were also filling your home with fairly large speaker systems. The JBL SoundFly ($180-$200) is here to change all of that. Boasting 20 watts of power, this diminutive speaker plugs right into an outlet, leaving your tables and countertops empty. The Wi-Fi-enabled, AirPlay-compatible version can link with up to three other units for true whole-home audio, while the Bluetooth model will let you wirelessly jam in any room you stick it.
Beats Pill
Less than 2 inches tall and around 7.5 inches long, the Beats Pill ($200) promises sound bigger than you'd expect given its minuscule size. It relies on Bluetooth, so you'll be able to change tracks directly from your phone or iPod without needing to visit a dock, and you'll be able to take calls easily using the built-in microphone. As you'd expect from any highly-portable speaker, it boasts a rechargeable battery good for all-day listening, but you might not expect the carabiner on the included carrying case, which makes it easy to clip onto a bag and go.
Joey Roth Ceramic Subwoofer
We've been more than happy with Joey Roth's Ceramic Speakers, but if you're looking for a bit more oomph than what they can provide, pair them with his new Ceramic Subwoofer ($700). Sporting the same clean white design as the speakers, the sub contains a 6.5-inch driver that's complemented by a passive radiator and is powered by a 50 watt Class D amplifier that sits in the simple stainless steel base. Available on its own or paired with the speakers for an extra $400.
McIntosh McAire
Nope, it's not a new low-calorie menu item from McDonalds — although they could probably stand to introduce such a thing. The McIntosh McAire ($3,000) is a standalone speaker system designed to let you enjoy your media wirelessly via AirPlay. The unit includes both Wi-Fi and Ethernet hookups, as well as a USB port for charging and an RCA input for non-AirPlay devices, but its the dual 4-inch woofers, 2-inch midranges, and .75-inch tweeters that are the star of the show, along with the unit's classic, premium looks.
Bad Habits Made-To-Order DJ Console
It takes skill to create a DJ console that looks as good in your house as it would in a club. The Bad Habits Made-To-Order DJ Console (£750; roughly $1,200) boasts such a look, with a simple base that harkens back to classic setups from clubs like Studio 54, plenty of racking for mixers and other components, and your choice of finishes, materials, and either two or three turntable slots.
B&O Play A9 Speaker
Producing great sound is one thing; looking good while you're doing it is quite another. The B&O Play A9 Speaker (€2,000; roughly $2,600) manages both feats thanks to a unique, saucer-like design that begs to be left out for all to see. Good looks can only get you so far, but the A9 backs them up with a two 3" midrange speakers, two .75" tweeters, an 8" woofer, and three separate amplifiers to power them. And thanks to built-in AirPlay and DLNA wireless streaming, you won't need to sully the proceedings with unsightly wires.
