If only electronics were for life and not just for Christmas. The relentless pressure to upgrade and enhance, plus the lack of repairability are the Achilles’ heel of too much modern technology. Our top 10 audio products of 2023 err towards the long-lasting, combining high-quality sounds and well-crafted hardware.
Top 10 audio of 2023: Jonathan Bell’s picks
01. The Dark Side of the Moon Turntable
The Dark Side of the Moon Turntable by Pro-Ject Audio Systems
Pro-Ject’s Dark Side of the Moon turntable is an intriguing 50th-birthday spin on Pink Floyd’s 1973 masterpiece.
02. Tivoli SongBook
SongBook by Tivoli Audio
Tivoli’s rugged SongBook range adds an authentically rugged edge to the Bluetooth speaker genre, with the added bonus of a built-in guitar amp.
03. Ruark Audio R410
Ruark Audio R410 Music System
Ruark’s impeccably stylish R410 is at home in the smartest interior, with walnut finishes and a huge range of audio sources to choose from.
04. Linn Sondek LP12-50 turntable
Linn Sondek LP12-50 turntable
A passion project combining Jony Ive’s love of vinyl with Linn’s long-standing classic, the LP12-50 is a supremely stylish way of celebrating a half century.
05. Wrensilva Standard HiFi Record Console
Wrensilva Teak Console
Another entrant in the hi-fi-as-furniture category, Wrensilva’s hand-made teak Standard HiFi Record Console will hook with Sonos and add warmth to any room.
06. Loutd Musegg speaker
Loutd Musegg speaker
Austrian manufacturer Loutd piqued our interest with the upgradeable Musegg, a standalone speaker that stood out in our round-up of sculptural soundmakers.
07. Nocs Mini speaker
Nocs Mini speaker
Nocs in another company investing in solid hardware that encourages longevity and repairability. The Nocs Mini is the company’s latest Bluetooth device.
08. Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8
Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8
B&O’s approach needs no introduction, and the Beolab 8 is just one of a range of devices that look as good as they sound. The Danish legend delivered yet again with the wooden-finned Beolab 8.
09. Denon PerL Pro earbuds
Denon PerL Pro earbuds
Of all the earbuds that crossed our desks in 2023, Denon’s PerL Pro were both sleek looking and exceptionally advanced. The Adaptive Acoustic Technology tailors the sound for your ears.
10. A.bsolument Prodige Bluetooth speaker
A.bsolument Prodige speaker
A.bsolument’s Prodige speaker was a pleasant diversion from the status quo, featuring Focal components and a minimal, recycled aluminium fascia.
-
Year in review: top 10 audio acquisitions of 2024, as chosen by Wallpaper’s Jonathan BellThe best audio technology of 2024, from pocketable earbuds to room-filling speakers
-
Tech Editor, Jonathan Bell, selects six new and notable Bluetooth speaker designs, big, small and illuminatingThese six wireless speakers signal new creative partnerships and innovative tech approaches in a variety of scales and styles
-
Bang & Olufsen brings the noise with its second audio-visual collaboration with FerrariThe new Ferrari Edition collection of components from Bang & Olufsen includes speakers, a soundbar and a Beovision Theatre TV
-
Lasting impressions: the latest Beoplay H100 headphones from B&O are for keepsBang & Olufsen’s head of design, Tiina Karjalainen Kierysch, talks us through the new Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100, headphones designed to last a lifetime
-
Bang & Olufsen’s Recreated Classics series continues with a CD player revivalBang & Olufsen’s Beosystem 9000c music system brings the original digital compact disc format back to life and pairs it with the latest in speaker design
-
The Beosound A9 x MonoNeon brings bold colour to the ultra-refined Danish speaker systemBang & Olufsen’s Beosound A9 limited-edition speaker with musician MonoNeon sees the brand continue its collaborative streak
-
Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8 is a stunning standalone speakerThe new Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8 speaker can be used on its own or in a pair, or even as part of the ultimate home cinema set-up
-
Bang & Olufsen teams up with Ferrari for an exclusive collection of its best audio productsThe Bang & Olufsen Ferrari Collection – combining B&O’s audio heritage with the car maker’s extrovert sporting style – offers enthusiasts of both brands a new way to explore their passions
