Science & Technology
/Knowledge
Sound Advice: Strike now for best prices and stereo receiver recommendation
The time to buy is now: I have been asked multiple times if tariffs that may be coming in 2025 will make electronics more expensive. No matter what happens with tariffs, it is often in the first quarter of the year that manufacturers raise prices. Even items that are manufactured in the United States use parts from all over the world, so the ...Read more
Sound Advice: Last-minute stocking stuffer ideas and CD player bargain
Here are three last-minute stocking stuffers under $30 to round out this year's holiday gift coverage.
Muzen OTR Magnetic Speaker, $21.99: This tiny, thin retro-styled Bluetooth speaker is a 3D refrigerator magnet. It reinforces the sound using the surface it is mounted on, and owners are attaching them to refrigerators, washing machines and ...Read more
Sound Advice: Great gift ideas under $60
Great gifts under $60: Listed in ascending price order, here are some wonderful gift ideas under $60. Most are heavily discounted, one of them by a whopping $100.
Intoval 140W 8-port USB charger, $29.99: I love these 140W chargers for their eight charging charging ports (four of them USB-C,) high performance and the long AC cord that makes them...Read more
Sound Advice: Bluetooth turntable a great record player for under $500
Q. Who makes that $349 Bluetooth turntable you mentioned in the article about the Q Acoustics M40 wireless speakers? Where can I buy it?
—A.P., Milwaukee
A. One of last year's most popular holiday recommendations was a $499 Bluetooth turntable, and this year's recommendation might become even more popular. The $349 TEAC TN-280BT-A3 Bluetooth...Read more
Sound Advice: Home entertainment holiday gift ideas at a discount
Home entertainment holiday specials: These offers are readily available, not a "limited quantity doorbuster." I do not know how long the various promotions run, but the industry buzz is we will see repeats between now and Christmas so if you miss the deal first time around, keep checking. There is a good chance you will see it offered again.
...Read more
Sound Advice: Holiday sale makes compact soundbar extra appealing
Q. You have written a lot about soundbars that help with voices and dialogue. I am more interested in fantastic sound for music and movies, as I really enjoy streaming shows like "The Orville," "Invincible" and "Game of Thrones," and movies like "Star Wars" and the "Lord of the Rings" series. My wife likes these too, as well as musicals with ...Read more
Sound Advice: Wireless streaming speaker simple to use with beautiful display
Q. I read your review of the ZVOX AV455 soundbar and it reminded me of the new Evo One streaming audio system Cambridge Audio is releasing soon. It has optical and HDMI-eARC inputs to pair it with a television, and the specs look impressive. Have you had the opportunity to hear it at one of the trade shows you attend? I'm curious to hear your ...Read more
Sound Advice: Another earbud bargain and small speakers with big sound
Q. I missed out on the $39 earbud deal you wrote about recently. Any other recommendations?
—P.C., Kansas City, Missouri
A. That was for the EarFun Air 2 NC earphones. I now have an even better EarFun recommendation for you, the flagship $89.99 EarFun Air Pro 4. You can now get them in the black color for $59.99, only $20 more than the Air 2...Read more
Sound Advice: FM radio/Bluetooth speaker now easy to recommend at lower price
Tiny, fun and funky FM radio/Bluetooth speaker: This week I continue my holiday gift coverage with a product I have long admired, but previously thought was too expensive to get behind and recommend. Fortunately, that has changed!
I first saw the Muzen OTR Metal Wireless Portable FM Radio Bluetooth Speaker at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)...Read more
Sound Advice: A gift idea to brush up on and a great 4K projector
A great gift for $17.50: The most popular product I covered so far this year was the Oclean X Pro Elite electric toothbrush. Praise from readers was effusive, though I received a few comments from those who found the product to be complex or thought the documentation could have been better. This week’s gift idea should overcome those ...Read more
Sound Advice: A headphone gift idea and turntable, TV tips
Bone conduction headphones for the active life: Starting off my holiday gift idea coverage is a perennial favorite, the Mojawa Run Plus Bone Conduction Headphones. These headphones fit around the ear and allow outside sounds to be heard, making them perfect for sports, those with sensitive ears, those who do not like in-ear earbuds or anyone who...Read more
Sound Advice: Remember 4 Ps and speakers worth going over budget for
Remember the Four Ps and protect yourself from fraud and scams: There are a great many phone, text and email scams circulating right now and remembering the Four Ps — pretend, problem, pressure and pay — will help keep you safe. If someone is pretending to be someone, saying there is a problem and then applying pressure to pay, it is almost ...Read more
Sound Advice: Holiday deals coming soon and AI to the rescue for TV audio
Holiday specials and audio gear deals: October is here and the holiday season will soon be upon us. Until the end of the year, in addition to the usual Q&A I will often have a product highlight or two at the beginning of the column. The industry buzz is that there are going to be some exceptional items and bargains offered over the next few ...Read more