Just in case you didn’t get the memo… Christmas is coming! Getting caught up in the hullabaloo of buying presents, wrapping presents, writing cards, sending cards and scurrying about with the kids – means sometimes planning the more intricate details of the day itself can sometimes fall to the wayside. Namely – your hi-fi needs. Sure, you’ve planned the dinner right down to who sits where, you know how to carefully arrange the presents under the tree so the best ones are saved for last – but what about the sound?
If you’re passionate about hi-fi, and Christmas Day is an important one in your world – have you considered how hi-fi will accompany it? There’s a set pattern to a traditional British Christmas Day goes. And from room to room, hi-fi can be a part of every single bit of your day. Further adding to that cheery, festive atmosphere (… and maybe providing a little escapism, when required!)
1. The Bedroom
When you’re snuggled up warm in bed on Christmas Day, it can often be tempting to stay there! But it’s important to wake up in time and start the day fresh and energised. Especially if you have kids! Before you know it, they’ll have rushed in in a whirlwind of excitement. We think it’s much nicer being awoken by the gentle tones of some hi-fi radio – or music streamed wirelessly from your mobile. And we have the perfect suggestions…
The Roberts Radio Stream 93i (£150) and the Revo Superconnect (£249) are both excellent things to wake up to on any morning. But especially on Christmas Day! Both feature DAB and Internet Radio and have plenty of streaming options, and they both have very easy to use alarm functions. But the best part is the sound. They both offer room-filling, high fidelity sound that’s both lovely background music and a good mood setter for the day ahead. Whatever you want to wake up to – these gorgeous radios have you covered.
2. The Kitchen
Okay, you’re up and dressed and the kids have been satiated, it’s time to get the dinner on! The sensible among you will have prepped the night before, but if you haven’t don’t fret, a DAB will help move things along and keep you entertained in the flurry of chopping, stuffing and basting. And the guests will probably pop in for the occasional sherry too – best be prepared!
Just remember to defrost the bird the night before. Alright?
The PURE Evoke D2 (our price £81.90) is the perfect little kitchen DAB. It features kitchen timers and a surprisingly loud and clear sound, so you’ll hear it in even the busiest kitchen. If you want to listen to your own music too, we recommend the Geneva Model S (£329). High fidelity streaming from any Bluetooth compatible device and acts as a versatile wireless system, taking care of everything so you can focus on the food. And the cleaning up after – it’ll provide some momentum there too!
3. The Dining Room
So, the food is ready, the guests are seated, crackers have been pulled and paper hats have been donned. Out comes the food – but what about the music? The last thing you want to be doing is getting up to change CDs (etc.) between courses, so why not let a multi-room streamer do the hard work for you?
It wouldn’t be Christmas 2014 without one! The Naim Mu-So is a glorious bit of kit that takes all of the hassle out of streaming. We would recommend lining up a Christmas Playlist on Spotify – or maybe creating one of your own! Whatever you use it for, the Mu-so promises to handle it beautifully.
It’s high on all of our Christmas lists. We can’t lie!
4. Living Room: Opening Presents
Christmas dinner is polished off… which means it’s time for the best part: the presents! Of course you’ll want some sort of musical accompaniment, and seeing as this is the most important bit of the day – why not break out the crème de la crème of the hi-fi formats?
Of course, it’s vinyl. Play some of your favourite records while the kids tear through wrapping paper and the grown ups sip their bucks fizz. If you don’t have the set up yet – or you wish to upgrade – we know just the thing. A Pro-Ject Essential II Turntable (£209) partnered with an Arcam A19 Integrated Amplifier (£649) is a formidable combo. Gloriously detailed sound that will melt set the scene beautifully. And if you need some speakers to match, the Q Acoustics 2050i Speakers will finish the set up beautifully. Now, get back to those presents.
5. Living Room: Watching Christmas Films
With the presents unwrapped and the dinner digesting, it’s time to break out the wine and cheese and pop on a cute Christmas film to lull the kids (and the parents) to sleep. There aren’t many better feelings than snuggling up together to watch a fi;m on a cold dark winter night, and on Christmas it’s extra special. If you don’t have the luxury of a full blown surround sound system, we know just what you need.
The Q Acoustics Media M4 Soundbar (£399) and the Yamaha YSP-2500 Digital Sound Projector (£799) are both multiple award winning soundbars that offer gorgeous, room filling sound that you could swear was genuine surround sound (but without the bulky cabinets!) Perfect for escaping into a winter wonderland. And if you don’t fancy using them for the television? Well, they are both excellent for wireless streaming too!
6. The Study
Okay, everyone is asleep (or at least in some sort of post-xmas trance!) now is the time for some ‘you’ time. Seclude yourself in your study and listen to exactly what you want to listen to – not what you think you should listen to. You’ve worked hard, so it’s time to escape and let the say settle behind you. And the perfect way to do that is with some encompassing high end headphones.
The Grado SR325e Headphones combined with the Audiolab M-DAC are the perfect pairing for some digital-to-analogue high fidelity listening. Sit back, relax and let them turn your favourite tracks into something even more magical.
Sound nice? Well, Christmas is just around the corner, so if you want the above to be a reality get your orders in quick! Need some help? Just give us a shout!
Until then… Merry Christmas!