Dyson Zone Headphones
Dyson have announced a new headphone concept called the Dyson Zone. These hybrid headphones are part sound system, part air purification device. Through their numerous projects, Dyson have developed an expertise in noise cancellation technology and have turned that wealth of knowledge towards audio. Built into the structure of the headphones is a removable visor that directs purified air towards your nose and mouth.
Available at Dyson.
Kreafunk aBOOM+, €249.95 (approx. £220)
With a name that sounds like an underground wave of disco music, Kreafunk is a Danish audio brand that specialise in portable and wireless sound systems. Unfortunately, while busting down to some Kreafunk music sounds fun, the name is actually a combination of the Danish words for ‘creative’ and ‘functional’, two concepts the brand embodies well. The aBOOM+ is their largest Bluetooth speaker with a 20-hour run time and splashproof design.
Available at Kreafunk.
Boom Bocs Studio, £129.99
In this era of retro nostalgia, the Boom Bocs Studio scratches your 80s itch perfectly. It’s inspired by the aesthetics of vintage boom boxes with fresh colours and a clean shape. However, operating via wi-fi or Bluetooth it has all the utility of a modern device, compatible with a variety of streaming services including Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music. With a 12 to 15-hour battery life, it’s perfect for supplying atmosphere to sunny picnics, poolside barbeques and more.
Available at Boom Bocs.
Sonos Sub Mini, £429
Sonos have introduced the Sub Mini, delivering a rich low end sound without taking up too much space below your TV or sound system. It has a sleek cylindrical design with inward facing speakers that cancels out distortion and interference. Plus, with Trueplay tuning technology it will actively adapt to the acoustics of its surroundings, and with wireless connectivity, those surroundings can be virtually anywhere.
Available at Sonos.
Naim Mu-So 2, £1,299
The first Mu-so was one of the first success stories in all-in-one streaming speakers from the audiophile big boys, and the second generation amps up the ante. Its neat, compact appearance is at odds with the rich sound it can produce, and while it’s more expensive than the older version, it’s worth every penny. The system can stream online or offline with both wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, and an HDMI ARC socket for a wired connection, which are all controllable through Naim’s multi-room functional app. Consider this a sequel more in line with Empire Strikes Back than Speed 2.
Available at Naim.
Ruark R5, £1,099
Retro to a charming fault, the Ruark R5 is an aesthetic blast from the past in the best possible way, a modern equivalent of the post-war radiograms your parents probably grew up with. Not only does it have an integrated CD player, but it has a detachable DAB-FM antenna and a mechanical feeling dial to operate. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s outdated though. It supports most streaming services, including Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music, and offers excellent sound across the board with a pair of full-range drivers and an integrated subwoofer. It’s neo-retro streaming at its finest.
Available at Ruark.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin, £699
One of the most visually arresting pieces of audio equipment on the market, the B&W Zeppelin looks ready to take off. With built in Alexa functionality it’s one massive upgrade to your Echo Dot – and massive is right. It’s a heifer, but one whose unique shape makes sense from an audiophile standpoint, too. Tweeters are positioned at either end, with midrange nearer the middle, creating a crisp soundstage. It’s not as fantastic to listen to as other all-in-one wireless speakers, but it’s also not the most expensive, making it the sculptural value-for-money option.
Available at Bowers & Wilkins.
