INTRODUCING THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN AUDIO TECH FOR GROOVING TO THE MANY MELODIES OF SPRING
BY TIA KIM
Noveto N1 speaker
Meet Noveto’s recently debuted flagship: smart headphones that aren’t actually headphones at all. The N1 offers a first of its kind, private audio experience through the brand’s proprietary Smart Beaming technology, which transmits sound silently through the air, materializing in small pockets just outside the listener’s ears, while everyone around you only hears ambient noise. It’s essentially like wearing invisible headphones while taking calls, attending virtual meetings, or jamming out to your favorite tunes. $800, noveto.com
ProJect Debut Pro
This audio elitist turntable is a seminar in simplicity: a clean, unassuming exterior only available in jet black hides serious sonal muscles. Devoid of plastics, which tend to age over time and deteriorate sound quality, the machine features a new tone arm design that was forged from a single block of aluminum and plated with a sturdy, scratch resistant nickel finish. The record platter is also crafted of heavy aluminum, then hand painted with eight coats of black satin finish. The PRO ships with two different belts: a flat belt for 33 and 45rpm discs and a round belt for 78rpm records. $999, project audio.com
Urbanista Los Angeles Headphones
The USB C charging cable that comes with these over the ear headphones is mostly a formality, as the latest release from the Scandinavian audio house rejuices every time it’s exposed to light indoor or out. The world’s first self-charging headphones feature Power foyle solar cell material that converts any type of light into energy, delivering virtually infinite playtime, and the massive 80h battery reserve ensures you’ll be well stocked after dark. The headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode, Bluetooth 5.0, and Siri and Google Voice Assistant. $199, shop.urbanista.com
Symfonisk Picture Frame Wi-Fi Speaker
Speaker forms have evolved from the boxy practicality of yesteryear to easily integrate into any home aesthetic, from minimalist sound bars that blend into the background to sculptural, brilliantly hued accent pieces. The latest collaboration between home furnishings super brand Ikea and the audio geniuses at Sonos reimagined home sound systems as wall art with the Symfonisk, a two in one picture frame and Wi Fi speaker. Emblazoned with a celestial dot pattern, the speaker can be hung on or leaned against the wall and resembles modernist furniture rather than a piece of sound tech. $199, ikea.com
Sony HT A9
This high performance home theater comes in a sleek, flexible package, comprising just four small but potent wireless speakers that deliver big boned, room filling surround sound. By talking to a control box connected directly to the TV (similar to an Apple TV), the speakers convert regular audio to a crisp and nuanced 7.1.4 surround, and support 8K and 4K/120Hz pass through, Bluetooth, Wi Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2. Users can also control content with their voice via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. $2,000, electronics.sony.com
Apple Music Lossless + Spatial Audio
The second most popular streaming platform in the country (behind the Sweden based giant Spotify) sent shock waves throughout the streaming industry last summer when it launched two new features at no extra cost: lossless audio (four times the quality of the average MP3 file) for Apple Music’s entire catalog, and spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. The latter creates a concert like listening experience, with sound coming from left, right, and above. Pair the technology with Apple’s AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or third gen AirPods, as each offers Dynamic Head Tracking, which adjusts the sound as you turn your head. $9.99/month
