Dr. M. startin' it up with Audio-Technica's ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Heaphones

The current economic slump needn't put a damper on your gift giving or holiday party plans.  We have searched high and low for the best gifts for those audiophiles on your list AND for equipment to create your own private club atomosphere right at home!  You can invite lots of friends, pop some popcorn and be your own DJ for the evening.  Need a gift idea?  Nearly everyone wants an MP3 player.  We've got the top gifts for you right here!

SanDisk Sansa 6 GB MP3 / Video Player 

Someone say iPOD?  You don't have to pay Apple prices for a high quality, MP3 & video player.  The SanDisk 6 GB MP3 Player goes the others one better.  It also has a built in recorder so that you can capture a live performance on the fly.  I recorded some of my Bluegrass friends jamming and the playback was so clear, it sounded fantastic.  The SanDisk retails for around $169.00 and does not require MAC software.  Uploads were pretty simple.  This MP3 charges while docked at your computer and the battery life, depending on use is about 19 hours.  The 6 GB easily holds 1,500 songs. 

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3 in ear earphones

Pair this great MP3 player with Audio-Technica's ATH-ANC3 Quiet Point Noise Cancelling Headphones and your favorite audiophile will be totally set.  The ATH-ANC3 offers in-ear comfortable tips and a Noise Cancelling feature that truly puts you in your own world.  Better still, the case that comes with the ATH-ANC3 is big enough to store the Sandisk 6 GB MP3 player!  You'll really enjoy your music, videos and recordings with these high quality earphones.  Available in black or white, they make the perfect accessory to any MP3 player. 

These high quality earphones surpass other models costing so much more and are certainly better fitting than the earphones that come with the SanDisk.  Step up to amazing sound and comfort with the ATH-ANC3 Noise Cancelling Earphones by Audio-Technica.  List price: $169.95 http://www.audio-technica.com/

Earphones for Women Audiophiles

If you have women sound afficionados on your list, check out the Audio-Technica line of women-specific earphones!  One of the downfalls of most MP3 players is their lack of attention to providing high quality, comfortable fitting earphones with the unit.  Available in four high fashion colors, the ATH-CK6W will compliment any color MP3 player in style.

Children with MP3 players will also like these color choices and the assorted sized earpieces that come with the ATH-CK6W.  They can change out the size that best suits their comfort level and all the Audio-Technica in ear, earphones we've reviewed come with extra, interchangable ear pieces in small, medium and large.  These take into account that not everyone has the same sized ear canal.  We're glad someone finally noticed!  So with the ATH-CK6W you can have it all.  Comfort, color and great sound all in one.  List price: $79.00

http://www.audio-technica.com/

Perfect pair...the SanDisk 6 GB MP3 player and Audio-Technica's ATH-ANc3 Noise Cancelling earphones.  Wool hat by Turtle Fur, Alpental jacket by ExOfficio.

 The ATH-M50 Monitor Headphones can be used for DJ work or just comfortable listening.  Available with a coiled or straight cable, it has a gold plated mini-plug with a screw on 1/4 adapter.  Collapsible design makes it easy to stow and transport.  Use with an MP3 player, amp, CD workstation or DJ turntable.  Super soft earpads rotate for side address listening.  These will complete any DJ's rig in style with the high performance audio fidelity you've come to expect from Audio-Technica!  List price, $199.00

Photo: Audio-Technica's ATH-M50 Monitor Headphones.

   Photo: AT-PL120. Now YOU can DJ your own party!  Holiday parties are a snap with this Direct Drive Professional Stereo Turntable, AT-PL120 by Audio-Technica.  3 speed fully manual operational turntable is ready for scratching.  Turntable base is heavy die cast aluminum complete with strobe dots.  There is even a pop up stylus target light for operation under low lights.  Pitch adjust slide / button and direction button are also included.  Get the total underground club atomosphere going with this professional stereo turntable from Audio-Technica!  List Price: $399.00

http://www.audio-technica.com/

Photo: Havaleena Lights - The perfect accent to your holiday entertaining.  These are safe, beautiful alternatives to smokey candles and hot bulbs.  These battery operated lights will burn for 22 hours and make a wonderful party centerpiece or lighting accents around the room.  Comes with interchangable color lenses so you can create your own color light-bouquet.  Purchase them at:

 http://www.lampcraft.com/