81 GADGETS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
#SOUND
#1 SONY WH-1000XM4
Sony was so tired of the XM3’s place at the top of the ANC headphone tree that it decided to knock it down itself: the XM4 marks a new high point for wireless over-ear headphones. This latest iteration is pricey, but it basically leapfrogs every other competitor – and there are many – with ANC that smashes its accomplished predecessor and audio quality that goes far beyond the usual wireless standard.
29,990, sony.co.in
#2 SHURE AONIC 3
The more wireless headphones grow, the more great-quality wired in-ear monitors work even harder justify their continued place in the market. If you’re looking for low latency, precise sound quality and great passive sound isolation, Shure’s tiny Aonic 3 buds offer it, with Shure’s studio standard sound shining through. And if you really want to go wireless in the future, these can be upgraded with a simple kit.
17,900, shure.com
#3 BOWERS & WILKINS 606 S2 ANNIVERSARY EDITION
and this seventh-generation refresh of its 6 06 standmounters declares, in no uncertn terms, that the reign of the king is far from over. The changes aren’t huge, sure – we wouldn’t replace an existing 606 setup – but they’re very apparent from top to bottom. These are tight, transparent units which perform far better than their reasonable price point might suggest.
59,900, per pair, bowerswilkins.com
#4 AMAZON ECHO
Leading a growing, improving market means making the best hardware possible – and Amazon’s 4th-gen take on the Echo is just that. It’s extra-smart, inheriting the Zigbee hub that used to be the domain of pricier Echoes. It sounds great, with a host of speakers and mics crammed into its spherical shell. And while its design is a little divisive, we think it looks amazing – for the money, this is the best smart speaker going.
7,999, amazon.in
#5 THX ONYX
There are full-sized hi-fi DACs, there are chunky portable DACs, and then there’s this: THX’s debut piece of first-party hardware, and one of the most compact DACs we’ve ever seen. Using the company’s own Achromatic Audio Amplifier tech, it pulls extra detail and power out of standard sources, reducing distortion and noise in the process. It supports MQA, too – perfect for getting the best from Tidal’s catalogue.
20,000, thx.com
#6 BOWERS & WILKINS PI7
2021’s T3 Awards cemented the PI7 as a truly standout performer, winning both the Best True Wireless Earbuds gong and the overall prize for Best Headphones, and if that doesn’t convince you of B&W’s expertise we’re certain you’ll be won over once they’re in your ears. Yes, they’re more expensive than many alternatives, but they’re worth every penny and quite a few more: this is true wireless done so, so right.
34,900, bowerswilkins.com
#7 TECHNICS SL-1200GR
Technics’ SL-1200G sequel redesigns a host of its components, like its single-rotor cogless motor (capable of 2.2kg x cm torque), its heavier platter, and custom-cooked vibration dampening. Technics hasn’t gone crazy, though: this keeps the essential tech that made its predecessor the gold standard of direct-drive reference turntables, and the classic DJ-esque styling that the SL range is known for.
1,29,900, technics.com
#8 GRADO SR325X
We love the way Grado has proven itself entirely on merit. Its headphones are minimalistically designed and distinctively Grado,
