RHA T10i Headphones
Highly technical in-ear headphones are fighting back against the trend for hefty over-ear cans. These new headphones from the specialist British manufacturers RHA offer handmade components and injection moulded metal, together with the ability to tune the unit to your precise tastes. The T10i are designed for use with Apple devices and come complete with three-button remote, over-ear hooks and elegant packaging.
RHA T10i, £149.95, www.rha-audio.com/uk
Writer: Jonathan Bell.
Finisterre Radio
Mixing up digital radio with retro styling, the new Finisterre Radio from Ted Baker is a handsome slice of modern electronics. Blending brushed aluminium and leather with Bluetooth streaming as standard, the Finisterre is part of a new collection named for the evocative, wind-swept areas cited in the shipping forecast (it's joined by the Fastnet speaker, and Rockall and Dover headphones). DAB and DAB+ are partnered with a traditional FM radio for that authentic crackle and the three-way speaker system delivers a punchy sound to cut through the coastal chatter.
Finisterre Radio, £199, www.tedbaker.com
Writer: Jonathan Bell.
Braven Lux Speaker
You can’t move for new Bluetooth speakers so a bit of character helps to stand out from the pack. Braven’s Lux goes for maximum impact with its patterned grille, three metallic colours and the ability to soak up the odd splash of water without stuttering to a stop. The Lux offers up to 12 hours of playtime and can be paired with any device, and you can pair two together for a true stereo sound.
Braven Lux, $99, www.braven.com
Writer: Jonathan Bell.
Aedle VK-1 Serie Edition
French masters Aedle have created a modern classic in the VK-1 Valkyrie. The mix of leather and brushed aluminium make these our everyday headphones of choice for simple, straightforward listening pleasure.
Aedle VK-1, €390, www.aedle.net
Writer: Jonathan Bell.
AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular
If you like your tech to be slightly interactive, then Danish design company AIAIAI have the perfect headphones. The TMA-2 Modular is packaged to perfection, offering up a complete kit of elements from which you assemble your ultimate personalised headphones. Choose between speaker unit, headband, earpad and cable and whichever way you go, you’ll have an excellent listening experience as the end result.
AIAIAI TMA-2, from €145, www.aiaiai.dk
Writer: Jonathan Bell.
Audeze EL-8
If you like your fidelity high and your headphones hefty, Audeze’s new EL-8’s offer some of the most advanced sounds around. Your eye might be drawn to the wood veneer and the quality of construction, but your ears will thank you for delivering details you never even noticed before. Ensure every step of your audio chain is at maximum quality to get the best of out of these.
Audeze El-8 Open-back headphones, $699, www.audeze.com
Writer: Jonathan Bell.
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