Top Gifts for Audiophiles

Like connoisseurs of fine wine and food, there are some among us who savor beautiful music. Such are called “audiophiles” which means literally, “lovers of sound”. There are certain accessories and equipment desired by everyone who appreciates true sound reproduction. Pairing the right accessories with the right equipment makes all the difference. So here is our list of the top accessories the music lover in your life will want.

For those who are married to their MP3 players, we have…….

Nearly everyone has an iPod or other another type of MP3 player these days. They are perhaps the most visible accessory of young adults and musicians. The problem is that most of the earphones that come with these players are uncomfortable and do not stay put, especially when the wearer is out walking or jogging.

The solution is Audio-Technica’s ATH-CK7 earphones. They are phenomenal for clear, stereo sound with three sizes of ear pieces for a custom fit. These allow for an acoustic seal which helps block out ambient sound and background noise. This means you can enjoy your MP3 player at lower volume levels which saves batteries and your ears. 11 mm drivers deliver deep bass, extended treble and high fidelity. Titanium construction means less weight without sacrificing durability. Super comfortable with fantastic sound reproduction.

TrailAudio Digital Outdoor 512 MB MP3 Player by HighGear

Retail $129.00

Rugged, weatherproof and very simple to load, this MP3 player makes the rest look like crybabies. It’s harbinger clip and custom equalizing controls bring together the best of the in and outdoors. Coupled with Audio-Technica’s QuietPoint earphones and you can take off for another world while staying in this one. Amazing sound to go.

Retail $60.00

This decorative, floral designed holder for the iPod Classic, (60 or 80GB), is an elegant statement. Designed by Mike Mills who is a graphic designer and filmmaker. His graphic work has been seen on album covers, skateboards, T-shirts and fabric patterns. He has directed music videos, short films and documentaries. Mills now brings his creative talents to gracing the quintessential iPod!

 

More and more musicians are now getting into home recording since companies like BOSS have made it simple and affordable to produce radio quality CD’s…at home. The ATH-M50 model is perfect for recording, mixing, studio monitoring and overdubbing. Circumaural ear pieces swivel 180° for easy one-ear monitoring on the fly. This is one piece of equipment no budding recording artist can do with out.

• Exceptional audio quality for professional monitoring and mixing
• Collapsible design ideal for easy portability and convenient storage
• Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems
• Closed-back cushioned earcup design creates an outstanding seal for maximum isolation
• Adjustable padded headband for comfort during long mixing/recording sessions
• Single-sided coiled cable terminates to gold-plated mini plug with screw-on ¼" adapter

 Audio-Technica’s AT2010 Cardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone

List $169.00 

Audio-Technica’s AT2010 Condenser Vocal microphone is perfect for recording but shines equally in live performance. It comes through the instrumental mix allowing your vocals to stand out with recording studio impact and polish. Features the same 16 mm low-mass diaphragm found in the critically acclaimed AT2020 side-address studio condenser that recording artists use.

Solid, rugged all metal construction with unsurpassed sensitivity. Truly excels where clear, articulate vocals are needed. High SPL-handling and wide dynamic range makes this one of the most versatile condenser mics on the market. Quiet - Flex stand clamp provides ultra quiet handling and easy positioning.  Fantastic quality condenser mic.

BOSS BR1200CD Digital Recording Studio

Record, edit, master and burn radio quality CD’s onboard on ONE unit! The BR-1200CD allows you to add drum and bass effects, guitar and vocal processing on 12 tracks, (4 tracks for recording and playback in stereo). Has an onboard Vocal Toolbox for polished studio honed vocals. Allows for loop phrases, digital effects and has a Mastering Tool Kit for professional sounding CD’s. You’ll be able to record, edit, master and burn your own studio quality CD’s onboard without downloading onto a laptop. With 40 G bytes, you can do up to 120 hours of recording before you run out!

List $279.00 

Every DJ needs a set of quality “cans” to keep the music going. These are buttery soft and extremely comfortable on the ears for maximum sound isolation while delivering exceptional tone and clarity. You‘ll be surprised at what you‘ve been missing!  These pick up all the subtle nuances other headphones leave behind.

Monitoring headphones that excel in both DJ and recording studio use

Clear, well-defined trebles, rich bass response

Excellent isolation, perfect for loud environments such as clubs and house parties

3,500 mW of power handling, high SPL capability

53 mm diameter drivers, neodymium magnets

OFC (oxygen-free copper) wire cables, convenient one-side entry

Compact, easy to fold and store in provided pouch

1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo connector with 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter

These really are some of the best headphones for DJ’s as they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and offer unsurpassed noise isolation and sound monitoring.

Audio-Technica’s PRO 31QTR Dynamic Cardioid Handheld Microphone

List $69.00

Designed for up close vocals, this microphone is rugged and road ready. Perfect for DJ and Karaoke applications. You’ll especially appreciate the Magnalock on/off switch and the tough construction of the PRO 31QTR. One of the best microphones available for use when background noise can not be controlled. Great sound reproduction at an affordable price.

Close-up vocal performance microphone sets price/performance standards for intelligibility, transparent sound quality and noise suppression

Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source

Hi-ENERGY® neodymium magnet for high output and articulate vocal reproduction

Two-stage ball-type headcase for superior "pop" protection

MagnaLock™ on/off switch

Corrosion-resistant contacts from gold-plated XLRM-type connector

The NEW Gemini CDM-3600 Dual CD Mixing Console allows you to be the DJ of your own party!

List $419

NEW from Gemini!  Dual CD player and DJ Workstation means non-stop, seamless play and creative mixing. Connect a turntable and you have a complete system.  Can be used as a rack mount or tabletop system. Loads of features such as fader and stutter start, EQ, FX, programmable play lists, pitch bend via jog wheel or control, direct track access and more. Comes with RCA cables and is ready to hook up to your mixer or PA.  LED VU meter and quick search function make this the hottest Dual CD, mixing console out there.  The DJ in your life will freak over this one!  Flight case for the CDM-3600 is available for purchase.

 Gemini CDM-3600 Dual CD Mixing Console & DJ Workstation

VISIT THE COMPANIES FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE ONLINE:

WWW.AUDIO-TECHNICA.COM

WWW.ROLANDUS.COM

WWW.GEMINIDJ.COM

WWW.GOINCASE.COM

WWW.HIGHGEAR.COM