Wireless! Portable! OUTDOORS! If those three words are getting you excited then we all know what that must mean. Summer time is fast approaching! And that means swapping your floorstanders for wireless actives and your separates system for an adorable little portable headphone amplifier. Because even audiophiles have to go outside sometimes… but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your hi-fi with you!
That’s right, pure high fidelity goodness is now achievable from almost anywhere, as long as you have the proper equipment and accessories to match of course. Luckily we think about this sort of thing all the time so you don’t have to. Which means we can share our favourite portable hi-fi accessories with just enough time for you to order them – and get your butts in the sun!
1. FiiO X3 II / X3K Portable Music Player
Portable music players are not what they used to be – they’re so much better! Sure, you still have the option of whacking 80,000 low res mp3s on a player, but if you’re after hi-fi that is now a possibility too. Introducing the FiiO X3 II / X3K! Hot off FiiO’s production line, and blazing a trail right to our hearts. This is an upgraded and reimagined version of the hugely popular X3, and it’s already wowing critics with its prowess. Practically, it looks very good on paper. It can support five main music formats and original master copy at 192K/24BIT. It’s lightweight and pretty and boasts high quality HD sound and a whopping 128GB Memory. So long mp3 – we won’t be missing you.
Of course, for a decent music player you’re going to need…
2. Oppo HA-2 Headphone Amplifier / USB DAC
… something like this! Oppo as an amplifier-manufacturer began a single product ago with the phenomenally successful HA-1 separate headphone amplifier (a real favourite among several of the Audio Affair crew). Not only does it look good (and sound as good as it looks) it boasts a few other nifty features, such as OPPO VOOC rapid charging with 3000mAh lithium battery built-in. This incredibly advanced battery supports power bank functionality. This means you can charge your mobile device from the HA-2 itself, a true companion for music on-the-go.
And with these two fine devices, you will definitely be needing…
3. Sennheiser Momentum Headphones
… a pair of awesome high-fidelity headphones, that’s what. What makes these beauties really stand out is the fact that they are perfect for use both at home and on the move. They’re durable and floexible – but the sound quality never suffers! We love them as much for how they look as how they feel; combining luxurious design and texture – and a good dollop of comfort too. The headband and earpad leather is sourced from the traditional English tannery Pittards and the earpieces are adjustable to ensure they are just right for the lucky head they rest upon. And yes, they sound great too. Paired with the right player, and a nifty little portable amp, they will take you far.
Don’t want to keep your music to yourself? Then why not try…
4. Libratone Zipp Wireless Speaker
Hi-fi garden party anyone? The Libratone Zipp may not look like much – but it packs a whole lot in. It is an innovative portable wireless speaker that can greatly improve the sound of any portable device or audio source. The Zipp features a rechargeable internal battery, letting you take your speaker anywhere, and enjoy great sound wherever you are. It has lots of nifty features too – on top of room (or – hey – garden) filling sound. When you go outside, you need good sound to compensate for the lack of insulating walls. And this fuzzy little unit (with changeable covers – of course!) does exactly that.
But if its fuzziness is perhaps a little too contemporary, why not try…
5. Roberts Revival Blutune DAB
Radio has made a big comeback lately – and the popularity of DABs has soared with it. Thanks to the nature of the radio, you can almost always take it outside with you. It’s very rare that they don’t come with a rechargeable battery, so you can pretty much take your pick. However: if you like your look classic – but your technology cutting edge – the gorgeous Roberts Revival Blutune is worth your consideration. This beautiful unit features Bluetooth AptX, excellent sound quality and over 120 hours battery life. Perfect for the beach, and for the home,
Need any advice on how to hi-fi up your summer? Just give us a shout. We love this kind of thing.