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Tag: audio

  • Listen to Yeule’s New Song “Eko”

    Listen to Yeule’s New Song “Eko”

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    Yeule has shared a new single called “Eko,” marking their first release since their Mura Masa collaboration “We Are Making Out” arrived earlier this year. Yeule wrote the new track in London and recorded it in Los Angeles, working with co-producer and frequent collaborator Chris Greatti. “Eko” is the first glimpse of a forthcoming project from the artist, and the new single is about love, obsession, and “a voice echoing in Yeule’s head,” per press materials. Listen to the track below.

    Yeule’s most recent studio album, Softscars, came out last year. Since then, Yeule has contributed to the soundtrack for the A24 horror movie I Saw the TV Glow, from director Jane Schoenbrun.

    Revisit Pitchfork’s Rising interview “Yeule Is Dreaming Up Their Own Cyber Universe.”

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    Madison Bloom

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  • Friko Announce 2025 Tour, Share New Song From Deluxe Album

    Friko Announce 2025 Tour, Share New Song From Deluxe Album

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    Friko:

    11-02 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Bitterzoet
    11-03 Brussels, Belgium – Les Nuits Weekender
    11-05 Rennes, France – L’Antipode
    11-07 Paris, France – Pitchfork Music Festival Paris
    11-08 Brighton, England – Mutations Festival
    11-09 London, England – Pitchfork Music Festival London
    11-10 Bristol, England – Louisiana
    11-12 Manchester, England – Yes
    11-13 Glasgow, Scotland – King Tuts
    11-14 Dublin, Ireland – Workman’s Club
    11-16 Weissenhäuser Strand, Germany – Rolling Stone Weekender
    11-19 Osaka, Japan – Umeda Club Quattro
    11-21 Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Kanda Square Hall
    12-27 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
    02-25 St. Louis, MO – Atomic
    02-26 Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
    02-27 Nashville, TN – The Basement East
    02-28 Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar
    03-01 Raleigh, NC – Kings
    03-03 Washington, D.C. – Union Stage
    03-04 Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry
    03-07 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
    03-08 Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
    03-10 Montreal, Canada – Bar Le Ritz
    03-11 Toronto, Canada – The Great Hall
    03-13 Ferndale, MI – The Loving Touch
    03-14 Columbus, OH – A&R Music Bar
    03-15 Indianapolis, IN – Turntable
    04-30 Boise, ID – Neurolux
    05-02 Vancouver, British Columbia – The Pearl
    05-03 Seattle, WA – Madame Lou’s Sun
    05-04 Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
    05-07 San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop
    05-09 Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room HLP
    05-10 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
    05-14 Las Vegas, NV – Swan Dive
    05-18 Denver, CO – Marquis Theater
    05-20 Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge
    05-21 Des Moines, IA – xBk Live
    05-22 Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line

    All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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    Walden Green

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  • The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ Solid State Earbuds Are Amazing

    The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ Solid State Earbuds Are Amazing

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    If you’re willing to spend more than $100, great headphones abound. Once Apple breached the wireless earbud dam with its initial AirPod model, excellent-sounding buds with noise-canceling, great mics, and high-fidelity sound have flooded the market. Put a list of name brands on a board, throw a dart, and buy the pair it makes that’s closest to $150. You’ll probably find something that’s reasonably good.

    That’s why I’m so impressed with a new pair of headphones from relative newcomer Soundpeats, the Capsule3 Pro+. The name might be a mouthful, but for $90 retail, these earbuds offer adaptive noise canceling and high-resolution audio via a pair of drivers, including one dynamic piston for bass and one groundbreaking solid-state driver for everything else.

    The combination of a tried and true AirPods-style design and modern technology inside the buds makes them my favorite cheap earbuds right now, and possibly of all time. I have never heard a pair that sounds this good for this cheap. The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ wipe the floor with most—not just many—more expensive models.

    Standard Looks

    Elon Musk would call these “Dark AirPods Pro,” and he’d be frustratingly right. A black AirPods Pro imitation case is perfectly paired with two black-and-gold AirPods Pro imitation headphones, right down to the little gold hinge on the back of the buds’ case. (It’s silver on the Apple model it imitates.)

    Photograph: Parker Hall

    The benefit of such blatant design reproduction is that the buds are sleek and comfortable in my ears, just like the version that’s “designed in California.” The black colorway actually makes them more discreet in public.

    I didn’t have any trouble getting a good seal in my ears, thanks to three sizes of included silicone eartips. Anyone with any experience fitting AirPods or other earbuds in their ears should have similar luck.

    Setup and pairing are as instant as you can expect of any modern earbuds. I just scrolled to find them on my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Bluetooth menu and they immediately connected.

    Amazing Audio

    The real belle of the ball is inside these otherwise bland buds. A dynamic driver works alongside a solid state xMEMS driver and Sony’s LDAC high-resolution audio codec to create some of the most lifelike audio I’ve heard from a pair of earbuds, and easily the best sound I’ve ever heard this side of $100.

    Solid-state drivers don’t have the same range of physical motion as piston-like dynamic drivers, like the ones you’re used to seeing in speakers. That means the phase and speed at which the solid-state drivers can respond is superior, which in turn gets you huge separation between instruments and the ability to really hear each sound when you focus on it. xMEMs drivers can react faster across the frequency spectrum, so you get essentially the clearest possible view into what the artist wanted you to hear.

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    Parker Hall

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  • Engadget review recap: Budget-friendly gadgets that are good

    Engadget review recap: Budget-friendly gadgets that are good

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    It’s a slower October than usual in the tech industry, thanks mostly to Google and Microsoft having held their typical fall hardware announcements earlier this year. Still, we’ve seen a fair number of companies reveal new devices in the last two weeks, while Amazon’s October Prime Day raged on. Whether you were busy shopping or watching Elon Musk talk up robotaxis and cybervans, the Engadget team continued to review recently (and not-so-recently) launched products. As usual, this bi-weekly roundup is here to help you catch up, though because I missed last week’s edition (as I was out on time off), the cadence is just a bit off.

    From Meta’s Quest 3S VR headset and the DJI Air 3S drone, to Sony’s midrange suite of audio gear, these weeks have coincidentally been about the less premium, more affordable “un-flagships,” if you will. And it turns out you don’t have to throw chunks of your retirement savings at companies to get solid devices that are well worth the money.

    by Billy Steele

    Sony

    Sony flexes its mobile audio muscle on the LinkBuds Fit, combining great sound with tons of features.

    Pros

    • Tiny, comfy design
    • Surprisingly big sound
    • Lots of handy features
    Cons

    • ANC performance is lacking
    • Battery life
    • Call quality is fine, but not great

    $200 at Sony

    The main thing I learned from Billy’s recent reviews of Sony and Bose headphones is that flagship, premium-level noise cancelation is making its way down to the midrange products. And I, for one, am happy about it. Looks like most of the things you’ll miss if you opt to save some money are features like spatial audio, head-tracking and stuff that’s supposed to be make for a more immersive, intuitive listening experience. Personally, I’m okay missing out on those things for now — I really just want decent sound, good voice quality and competent reduction of background noise.

    Definitely check out Billy’s review of Sony’s LinkBuds trio of devices even if you’re not in the market for headphones, because he put his ears through literal pain to test the strangely designed earbuds for us. In fact, a rejected headline for the review was “Why am I in pain?” We salute you, Billy.

    by Devindra Hardawar

    Meta

    The Meta Quest 3S delivers immersive virtual reality for just $300. It’s fast, comfortable to wear and it has a wealth of games and VR experiences to choose from.

    Pros

    • Fast performance
    • Comfortable to wear
    • Excellent controllers
    • Large app library
    Cons

    • Older Fresnel lenses lead to artifacts
    • No headphone jack
    • Average mixed reality cameras

    $299 at Amazon

    The Quest is arguably the industry’s leading VR headset for consumers, especially considering it costs a fraction of alternative options while offering a relatively high-quality immersive experience. Unlike the Apple Vision Pro, which costs $3,500, the new Quest 3S is much more palatable at $300. And, as Devindra observes in his review, it’s comfortable, fast and allows wearers to access Meta’s large library of VR apps and content. To quote Devindra, “It’s not Meta’s first $300 VR headset, but it’s still a tremendous accomplishment.”

    by Steve Dent

    DJI

    DJI’s Air 3S is the company’s first consumer drone with LiDAR designed to make it safer to fly at night. 

    Pros

    • Excellent image quality
    • LiDAR improves obstacle detection at night
    • ActiveTrack 360 produces cinematic tracking shots
    • Long battery life
    • Now has 42GB internal storage
    Cons

    • Sometimes fails to detect small obstacles

    $1,099 at DJI

    Continuing in the trend of excellent products that cost less than usual, the DJI Neo is an excellent drone for just $200. Calling it the best $200 drone ever made may sound hyperbolic, but we truly can’t think of any other drone that cost the same that came close to delivering similar performance as the Neo. And though one of its main drawbacks, according to our reviewer Steve, is that it sounds like a banshee, I honestly think that would be a pro for me just for the pure comedy of it all. I never thought I’d be in the market for a banshee-sounding drone but here I am thinking $200 would be a fair price to pay for the aerial videos I could get, and I could easily lay upbeat, operatic singing over the footage anyway.

    On the other end of the spectrum, Steve’s also tested the higher-end DJI Air 3S drone and Canon’s EOS R5 II, both of which will cost you a lot more money. The good news is that Canon’s EOS R5 II is now so much improved that it better takes on Sony’s rival offerings, while bringing intriguing features like eye-control autofocus. Sure, it’s still too early to be reliable. But if you have the money for these premium products, you’ll get to experience bleeding-edge tech, maybe part of the appeal is that they may not always work well.

    by Dan Cooper

    reMarkable / Engadget

    reMarkable adds a color screen to its e-paper tablet, creating a best-in-class distraction-free writing experience.

    Pros

    • Color is a welcome and useful addition
    • Backlight lets you work in dark environments
    • Vastly improved performance

    $579 at reMarkable

    I know Dan was a bit worried about giving a device as niche as the reMarkable Paper Pro such a high score, but after some discussion, we both agreed it fit. As it stands, the reMarkable Paper Pro is arguably the best e-paper writing tablet with a color screen, even after this week’s announcement of Amazon’s first color Kindle. Per Dan’s review, the Paper Pro not only levels up with the addition of color, but also got much faster and reliable in the process.

    I particularly enjoy how much care has been taken to more seamlessly blend handwriting and typed text for a more natural note-taking and annotating experience. And though it falls outside this edition’s general theme of being a less-expensive product with premium specs, I’m still incredibly tempted to find ways to cough up the $600 or so needed to bag myself a Paper Pro with the accessories Dan recommends.

    by Jessica Conditt

    I’m not the most engaged gamer, but I love learning about games from Jess. She recently reviewed sci-fi mystery Phoenix Springs and dreamy platformer Neva, with pieces written so beautifully that I can’t help but itch to check out each title so I can feel the way she clearly does about them. Phoenix Springs even follows a technology reporter and covers my favorite genres (science fiction and mystery), while Neva’s art looks simply gorgeous. I don’t yet know if I’ll ever find the time to play new games, but these two have certainly been added to my list.

    The Engadget team geeks out about a multitude of things, and as we get started on our holiday gift guide writing, we’re thinking about products we like for ourselves and our loved ones. Many of us love e-readers and writing tablets. I certainly have my eye on one of the new Kindles that were announced this week, particularly the new Kindle Scribe and possibly the Colorsoft. Those won’t be available until later this year, so for now I’ll keep hungrily eyeing the reMarkable Paper Pro. I’ll also be wondering what Amazon hardware chief Panos Panay has up his sleeves, other than cans of Diet Coke — something I learned he (like many people) enjoys when I got the chance to speak with him in an interview this week.

    Many of us are millennials and have gigantic soft spots for retro gaming. Our executive editor Aaron Souppouris talked to the folks at Analogue, and you can read his beautifully constructed piece to learn more about the upcoming Analogue 3D.

    This week, Apple sort of surprised us by announcing the new iPad mini, which has been tweaked to offer more storage and power with an A17 Pro processor. It’ll also support Apple Intelligence, of course, and though it seems like a minor update, some of my coworkers and I still love the idea of a small tablet. If only it had a better screen.

    All of those recently announced things are on our review roster, alongside things like the Google TV Streamer and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE that launched in the last few weeks. As we approach November and all the holiday shopping that brings, hopefully the hardware launches properly slow down. We’re still anticipating an Apple event for Macs, and can still remember being surprised by the announcement of Humane’s AI Pin late last year. But for now, we’re chugging along while occasionally bathing in nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.

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    Cherlynn Low

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  • This Vizio Soundbar Offers Cheap, Quality Surround Sound

    This Vizio Soundbar Offers Cheap, Quality Surround Sound

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    It shouldn’t be this cheap to thoroughly enjoy the sound of John Wick as he breaks a real-life NBA player’s neck with a book. Yet for around $200 (a penny less if on sale), you can get a 5.1 soundbar system from Vizio that lets you hear the subtle crack of his vertebrae as a mildly stabbed Keanu Reeves twists his leather-bound enemy just so, in the intro to the franchise’s third installment.

    This kind of immersion used to cost you hundreds more, if not thousands. Now, just plug in a single HDMI cable to an eARC port of a chosen screen (or in my case, the 130-inch Hisense laser projector I’m also testing) and you can be drawn further into the action than you possibly could with a single central soundbar.

    As long as you’re ok with a few stray wires from the surround speakers to the subwoofer, it’s as easy as setting this system up, plugging it in, and enjoying your favorite content with new immersion. Been on the fence about getting a soundbar because you’re saving up for a full-blown home theater? Start here and you’ll buy yourself a long time to upgrade.

    You’re Surrounded

    A slim, nondescript main soundbar that’s 33 inches long pairs with small wired surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer to create this 5.1 system. The only aftermarket thing you might need is a pair of stands for the rear speakers, unless you plan to mount them to the wall (it has included mounting holes for this).

    One benefit that is exclusive to those who have Vizio TVs is the quick fit system, which allows you to pop this bar easily onto the bottom of compatible late-model Vizio TVs. This makes this bar a particularly good choice if you are also considering a TV like the latest Vizio 4K model we just reviewed (7/10, WIRED Recommends).

    Photograph: Parker Hall

    The main downside to this system, and the reason why it costs significantly less than other options I’ve tested that produce sound of this quality, is those wires. They’re about 20 feet long, which is long enough to work in most average living rooms or apartments, but having to route cables is much more annoying than wireless systems.

    Once you get it set up, it’s as easy as plugging in a single HDMI cable from the main bar to your TV, at which time the magic of eARC takes over and you can use the bar to your heart’s content. As long as your TV is new enough to have ARC or eARC, you can use your TV remote (or in my case, a TV and then laser projector remote) to adjust the volume of the soundbar without having to touch the Vizio remote that’s included.

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    Parker Hall

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  • Charli XCX Taps Kesha for New “Spring Breakers” Remix

    Charli XCX Taps Kesha for New “Spring Breakers” Remix

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    Brat Autumn continues in full force

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    Matthew Strauss

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  • Sony’s New Linkbuds Open Have More Bass and Better Battery

    Sony’s New Linkbuds Open Have More Bass and Better Battery

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    Even after I got the fit right, I noticed a darker, fuzzier sound signature than what I experienced in the original pair. This seems to be by design, as one of the main complaints before was a lack of bass, something with which nearly all open earbuds struggle. The new buds add some more punch down low, but it comes at the cost of clarity and presence in the midrange and treble.

    Luckily, Sony’s Sound Connect app provides a capable EQ, and after some tinkering with the Excitement preset, including lowering the Clear Bass feature and raising the midrange a notch or two, I was able to squeeze out more crispness in instrumental attacks for everything from snares and guitars to vocals and horns. I still never got things as clear or vibrant as Bose’s pair, but at $100 less, that’s not all that surprising, and I think Sony gets the win for bass.

    Open Season

    You’re not really buying open earbuds for their sound quality, especially if you’re a picky audiophile like me. They’re much more about melding the vibes of your two realities: blasting podcasts or your favorite ‘80s playlist while keeping in touch with the world (and other humans). WIRED editor Adrienne So loves open earbuds for the gym or other public places where she feels more assured no one is sneaking up on her.

    They’re also great for situations where regular buds simply don’t cut it. Like my beloved Bose Frames or the Ray-Ban Meta audio sunglasses, the Linkbuds are great for staying safe while cruising on your bike or ebike on a crisp fall day, where the wind shear would naturally overwhelm the tiny microphones in traditional buds using transparency mode.

    I was also genuinely amazed at how well the Linkbuds Open suppressed exterior sounds during calls. On a recent chat with my mom, I could barely hear my own voice as I rolled the dumpsters in from the street, but she hardly noticed the bellowing of the plastic tires covering my voice–and she always lets me know when I’m too loud.

    If I could only afford one pair, I’d still choose more rounded earbuds that can snuff out or let in the ambient world with noise canceling or transparency mode respectively, like Apple’s excellent AirPods Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). I’d also consider the cheaper original Linkbuds, though the battery life is more limiting. Otherwise, if you’re looking for a pair that keeps you naturally present in virtually any scenario, and you don’t mind all the chaos that comes with it, the Linkbuds Open are a solid new option in this still-evolving segment.

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    Ryan Waniata

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  • Saya Gray Announces Debut Album, Shares New Song

    Saya Gray Announces Debut Album, Shares New Song

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    Saya Gray has announced her official debut album. Saya, which follows the 2022 project 19 Masters and her two Qwerty EPs, arrives February 21, 2025, via Dirty Hit. Listen to a new song, “Shell ( Of a Man ),” below.

    Gray said in a press release, “I move fast. Transition quick, hit change! My documentations have barely kept up.… My mind & body caught up for this album. I had to calm down for this record. I had to document the clean up. Remnants as I move from places, people & patterns we only have ourselves at the end of it all!”

    Read the Rising interview “Venture Into Saya Gray’s Alt-Pop Wonderland.”

    All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    Saya:

    01 ..Thus Is Why ( I Don’t Spring 4 Love )
    02 Shell ( Of a Man )
    03 Line Back 22
    04 Puddle ( Of Me )
    05 How Long Can you Keep Up a Lie?
    06 Cats Cradle!
    07 10 Ways ( To Lose a Crown )
    08 H.B.W
    09 Exhaust the Topic
    10 Lie Down..

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    Jazz Monroe

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  • Listen to the Cure’s New Song “A Fragile Thing”

    Listen to the Cure’s New Song “A Fragile Thing”

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    The Cure have shared a new song, “A Fragile Thing”—the second from Songs of a Lost World. Listen to it below ahead of the album’s release on November 1. Also below, see the album’s newly revealed tracklist.

    Songs of a Lost World, the Cure’s first album in 16 years, was produced with Paul Corkett at Rockfield Studios in Wales. Two other songs from the LP, “And Nothing Is Forever” and “I Can Never Say Goodbye,” will be released as a live single this November.

    Read Sam Sodomsky’s Sunday Review of the Cure’s Wish.

    Songs of a Lost World:

    01 Alone
    02 And Nothing Is Forever
    03 A Fragile Thing
    04 Warsong
    05 Drone:Nodrone
    06 I Can Never Say Goodbye
    07 All I Ever Am
    08 End Song

    All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    The Cure: Songs of a Lost World

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    Jazz Monroe

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  • MF Doom’s Mm..Food Gets 20th-Anniversary Reissue, Madlib Remix of “One Beer”

    MF Doom’s Mm..Food Gets 20th-Anniversary Reissue, Madlib Remix of “One Beer”

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    Mm..Food, the classic 2004 album by the late MF Doom, is getting a 20th-anniversary reissue. The new edition comes out November 15 via Rhymesayers Entertainment. In addition to the original tracklist, it includes rare remixes by Madlib, Jake One, and Atmosphere’s Ant, as well as unreleased interview clips with the late masked rapper himself. Check out Madlib’s take on “One Beer” below.

    The 20th-anniversary edition of Mm..Food? comes with new artwork by Sam Rodriguez, and the deluxe vinyl tacks on a bonus 7″ picture disc with the rare original version of “Kookies” and a Just Blaze remix. Additionally, the out-of-print “Hoe Cakes” 12″ vinyl will be reissued with its original artwork. Plus, Super7 Collectible is rolling out exclusive merchandise for the reissue, including an MF Doom action figure and cereal bowl set.

    MF Doom, who was born Dumile Daniel Thompson in the United Kingdom and moved back to England with his family in 2010, died in Leeds on October 31, 2020, after a severe reaction to a blood pressure medication. According to his widow, Jasmine Dumile Thompson, he was diagnosed with angioedema, a rare and sudden form of swelling that inhibited his breathing, and medics kept him on a respirator until his death. He was 49 years old.

    Following the news of his death, countless artists paid tribute to the late rapper, including Tyler, the Creator, Flying Lotus, El-P, and his longtime collaborator Madlib. Czarface dropped the new album Super What?, which he had recorded with MF Doom; the Avalanches unveiled a remix that the late rapper did of their song; and Thom Yorke honored him with his second remix of “Gazzillion Ear.” Plus Atmosphere, Your Old Droog, and IDK all shared previously unreleased songs featuring the late rapper.

    Read about MF Doom’s Operation: Doomsday in “The 150 Best Albums of the 1990s” and revisit “10 Songs That Show Why MF Doom Was the Ultimate Rapper’s Rapper” on the Pitch.

    All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

    MF Doom: Mm..Food (20th Anniversary Edition)

    Mm..Food (20th Anniversary Edition):

    01 Beef Rapp
    02 Hoe Cakes
    03 Potholderz [ft. Count Bass D]
    04 One Beer
    05 Deep Fried Frenz
    06 Poo-Putt Platter
    07 Fillet-O-Rapper
    08 Gumbo
    09 Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate
    10 Kon Karne
    11 Guinnessez [ft. Stahhr and 4ize]
    12 Kon Queso
    13 Rapp Snitch Knishes [ft. Mr. Fantastik]
    14 Vomitspit
    15 Kookies

    01 One Beer (Madlib Remix)
    02 Hoe Cakes (Ant Remix)
    03 Hoe Cakes (Jake One Remix)
    04 Hoe Cakes (Beatboxapella)

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    Nina Corcoran

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  • The Breeders’ Kim Deal Shares New Song “A Good Time Pushed”

    The Breeders’ Kim Deal Shares New Song “A Good Time Pushed”

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    Kim Deal has shared a new song, “A Good Time Pushed,” from her debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More. The track features Deal’s Breeders bandmates Jim Macpherson and Kelley Deal, with engineering by the late Steve Albini. Check out the song’s visualizer, from Mark Satterthwaite, below, ahead of the LP release on November 23, via 4AD.

    Deal, who left Pixies in 2013 and has since focused on her work with the Breeders, announced the solo album in August with an Alex Da Corte–directed video for “Crystal Breath.” Before that, she released “Coast.” Breeders’ last album was All Nerve, released in 2018.

    Read Judy Berman’s Sunday Review of the Breeders’ Pod.

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    Jazz Monroe

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  • The best Bluetooth speaker for 2024: 17 portable options for every price range

    The best Bluetooth speaker for 2024: 17 portable options for every price range

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    Choosing the best portable speaker can be a daunting task with the amount of options available today. Whether you’re gearing up for a camping trip, a beach outing, or a backyard barbecue, finding the right speaker that delivers on sound quality, durability, and portability is crucial. We’ve tested dozens of Bluetooth speakers across various price points to help you navigate this crowded market. While many of them sound impressive, comparing them head-to-head allowed us to identify the features that make certain portable wireless speakers stand out.

    If you’re looking primarily for a speaker that works with a voice assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, check out our top picks for the best smart speakers. However, for those seeking a versatile portable Bluetooth speaker, we’ve put together a selection of top performers that cater to a wide range of use cases and preferences. Whether you’re after powerful bass, long battery life or rugged design, our recommendations will help you find the best match for your needs.

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: Built-in power bank to charge other devices | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1 pound | Wireless range: 120 feet | USB charging: Yes

    If you’re just looking for a small Bluetooth speaker that can kick out some decent volume, the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 fits the bill. The audio quality here is fine; it doesn’t stand out in terms of fidelity, but the volume you get from this affordable little speaker is what makes it a good choice. If you’re bopping about outdoors on your bike or chilling in the park, it’s usually more about portability and volume anyway. The rubbery rear strap works well on relatively thin things like belts, backpacks and bike handlebars.

    While it’s small and affordable, this mini speaker features a USB-C charging port for your devices in a pinch and you can wirelessly connect two of them for party mode or stereo sound. It also supports voice assistants for both iOS and Android users, and if you want to take calls on your phone via speakerphone, that’s easy to do as well.

    $60 at Amazon

    Soundcore

    Features: IPX7 waterproof, custom EQ settings using companion app | Battery life: Up to 13 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Wireless range: 120 feet | USB charging: Yes

    Soundcore has been releasing some very able speakers lately and one of its newest is a quality personal portable. The Motion 300 is of the pint-sized variety, but offers 30-watts of punchy and bright output. It’s IPX7 rated so it can handle a bit of water, and it works with the Anker Soundcore app that allows a fair amount of customization from EQ settings to button brightness. It also supports hi-res audio using the LDAC codec for Android users with a compatible device.

    The Motion 300’s size and frequency range don’t quite allow for a ton of bass, but it’s relatively loud and thumpy, especially when it has surfaces to reflect off of. Soundcore has even extended its high-frequency range to 40kHz, and while its utility is debatable, the Motion 300 does sound crisp in the high-end spectrum. You can also enable adaptive audio, which helps optimize its sound delivery depending on the speaker orientation (on its back, standing up or hanging from its removable button-fastened strap).

    The speaker’s design merges a funky style with office-machine chic, from the playfully speckled soft touch exterior to the metallic, logo-emblazoned grille. Its 1.7-pound weight and clutch-purse size makes it better as a handheld or stowed in your bag rather than hanging from a backpack or bike handlebars. Ultimately, you get great sound in a small package with features you can tweak to your liking, all at an approachable $80 price tag.

    $80 at Amazon

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 14 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Wireless range: 131 feet | USB charging: Yes

    The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is a tiny yet powerful portable, delivering the biggest sound in its size range that we tested. It’s still a cute, barrel-shaped small speaker with a nubby little strap that probably needs a carabiner to help attach it to most things. This model offers up to 14 hours on a single change, and underneath, you can easily access the protected micro-USB port whenever you need to refill. But this refreshed model includes a couple of bright new colors, an extra hour of battery life and improved wireless range. With an IP67 rating on top of the company’s five-foot drop test durability, it can go with you almost anywhere and survive to tell the tale.

    The audio quality is punchy and bright enough for what you’d expect at this scale and price range. Although there’s no app support or connectivity with the rest of the Ultimate Ears speaker lineup, you can easily pair it with speakers like the Wonderboom 2 or Megaboom 3 for stereo sound. There’s also an outdoor mode button on the bottom that boosts the mid and high range to help the audio carry over a greater distance.

    $80 at Amazon

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IPX7 waterproof, custom EQ settings using companion app | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 2.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    This nondescript wedge of a wireless speaker could easily slip under your radar, but it’s worth a listen. It has a bright and bassy output, which is helped along by Qualcomm aptX support for hi-res audio. This Anker Soundcore device has a solid, slightly heavy build with a metal front speaker grille, a soft-touch rubberized exterior (that loves your greasy fingerprints) and IPX7 water resistance. While it’s not the lightest or most portable, it has good sound, especially for the price. Plus the app offers EQ customization, so you can fine tune to your liking.

    There’s also a 3.5mm aux input for wired connections. You can use it as a speakerphone when taking calls as well, or easily play music from your devices. That’s fortuitous, as we found that this small speaker works well as a mini soundbar alternative and the wired input offers a foolproof connection. Aside from that, you can easily charge the Motion+ thanks to its standard USB-C charging port and it should last up to 12 hours on a single charge.

    $69 at Amazon

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 1.2 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    JBL’s Flip 6 deserves high marks for overall sound quality, durability and volume considering its size, and those features make it the best JBL speaker for most people. As with most JBL speakers, it has a good dynamic range from solid lows to crisp highs with volume tipped towards higher registers. The cylindrical shape works well on its side or even standing on its end to save desk space. It has a capable carrying (or hanging) strap and raised buttons you can discern in the dark.

    The JBL Portable app gives you a 3-band EQ to customize the sound profile if desired and if you have two Flip 6 speakers, you can run them as a stereo pair. If you happen to have a mix-and-match assortment of different PartyBoost-enabled JBL devices, you can connect multiple speakers for a bigger sound. And with a USB-C charging port, it’s a versatile device that’s easy to take with you on the move.

    $96 at Walmart

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: Built-in mic for assistant support and phone calls, IP67-rated design | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Wireless range: 30 feet | USB charging: Yes

    While the $99 Bose SoundLink Micro is half the size, we found that it’s definitely worth the extra $50 if you trade up to the SoundLink Flex. While it’s still not a room filler, the speaker offers some bright, dynamic finesse to your tunes, along with a significant amount of bass for its size. It’s similar to the scale of a small clutch bag, with a very small strap for carabiner-type hanging. Much of the exterior is sheathed in soft-touch silicone, except for the powder-coated steel speaker grilles. Like others in this range, the speaker is IP67 rated so it can handle the elements and sound good doing it.

    Setup and connecting to the speaker should be done from within the aptly named Bose Connect app. You can also turn off voice prompts (which can become annoying) and pair with similar speakers for either party mode or stereo.

    Note: Some users running Android 12 may encounter connectivity issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working to resolve the problem.

    $149 at Verizon

    Photo by Billy Steele / Engadget

    Read our full Beats Pill review

    eatures: IP67 waterproof, lossless audio over USB-C | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Assistant support: Yes | Weight: 1.5 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    The new Pill has impressive bass performance due to the company’s decision to increase the size of the woofer rather than keep its previous arrangement that included two smaller ones. The speaker struggles at its loudest volumes, but it’s plenty loud enough well below that. The IP67 rating is more rugged than the Pill+ and over 24 hours of battery life will keep the tunes going for a long time. Plus, there’s lossless audio over USB-C and the ability to top off your phone or earbuds with the speaker’s battery.

    This is a solid choice for anyone seeking crisp clarity with true low-end thump if a track demands it. The addition of lossless is also nice for times you’d like a little more quality in your tunes. And you can also put two Pills together for bigger sound or use them as a stereo pair. — Billy Steele, Senior Reporter

    $130 at Walmart

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 30 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 0.26 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    The recently released Emberton II Bluetooth portable from Marshall has a bumped up set of specs that make it a better value than the previous gen. This clutchable rectangular slab still has a pair of 10-watt full-range drivers and passive radiators to deliver the brand’s signature sound. It may not be the loudest in its size range, but it focuses more on balanced output than raw power. There’s still 360 sound as well, making it a good companion for small get togethers. Although, with its 60hz low end threshold, you’ll find a better bass response when there are surfaces to reflect off of, and not so much if it’s in the middle of a table.

    This new model now offers up to 30 hours of listening on a charge (10 hours better than before) and a more rugged IP67 rating. There’s also a new ability to pair with another Emberton II or Willen II using the new “Stack Mode”. The range between them is limited, however, so stacking them probably is the best way to go. Additionally, Marshall is offering a more environmentally friendly product than before, using 50 percent post-consumer plastics in its construction.

    $100 at Amazon

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: Built-in power bank to charge other devices, IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 2.1 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    If you’re willing to spend a little more for bigger sound, more hours of battery life and a USB-C charging port to charge your devices, the midrange JBL Charge 5 is a great upgrade over the Flip 6. It has the same bright output and capable low end, but in a slightly larger package. If you’re looking for a smallish portable speaker, but something capable enough to entertain a few guests, this works.

    $145 at Walmart

    Ultimate Ears

    Read our full UE Everboom review

    Features: Waterproof, 360-degree audio, Outdoor Boost | Battery life: 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 2.11 pounds | USB-C charging: Yes

    The Everboom is a decent mid-range option in the Ultimate Ears lineup. The best features are its high durability and Outdoor Boost for better sound outside. You’ll get loud, 360-degree audio, but like a lot of UE speakers, there’s a lack of overall fidelity due to subdued mid-range tone. There’s plenty to like here, especially if you’re looking for something to take on an adventure that won’t weigh you down too much. The price is, however, a bit on the high side with the limited suite of features. But, all of the basics, and slightly more, are covered. Plus, it floats! — B.S.

    $250 at Amazon

    Orange Amps

    Features: Retro design with carry strap, 3.5mm aux input | Battery life: Up to 15 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 6.6 pounds | USB charging: No

    The Orange Box portable Bluetooth speaker from legendary guitar amp maker Orange is essentially a no-frills product with great analog sound and ‘60s-era bohemian chic. For Orange Amp fans, it’s a faithful mini-version of a classic (although you can’t plug in your guitar). It’s not particularly heavy, but it is a bit chunky and the wooden frame means there’s no waterproofing or ruggedness rating. Battery life is average with up to 15 hours run time and you’ll want to keep track of that DC power cable since it doesn’t offer a USB charging port.

    That said, we like this speaker in part for its natural charm and unique design (at least as far as Bluetooth speakers go). There’s a 3.5mm aux input, a mechanical power toggle switch, a cool domed power light and several dials for volume and EQ. The front-facing grille is audio transparent fabric emblazoned with the classic Orange logo. It’s also a proper piece of kit built for a long life, with authorized repair centers across the globe.

    Most importantly, you get both analog and digital amps pushing 50 watts of bright, clear and unadulterated output with plenty of low end, at least for nearby listeners. It also supports aptX, so if you have high-quality files or hi-res streaming, you’ll get the most out of it.

    This speaker is ideal for Orange Amps fans or those who like no-fuss operation, natural analog sound quality and generally want a mid-sized device they’ll keep close to home. Most styles of music sound great on the Orange Box, but the speaker really shines with songs that have live instrumentation or anything that can benefit from an analog touch.

    $299 at Orange Amps

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IP67-rated design, support for stereo pairing | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 3.9 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    Marshall launched the Middleton in January 2023 and positioned it as the new flagship for its portable Bluetooth speaker line. It’s the largest of the company’s IP67 rugged portables (measuring 4.3 x 9 x 3.75 inches) and offers a significantly louder output, with 50-watts of 360-degree sound. There are dual woofers and tweeters for the front and back, with passive radiators along each side. It also offers Stack Mode, which lets you pair with any other Middleton, Emberton II or Willen speakers nearby to expand your listening experience.

    The Middleton can be managed through the Marshall Bluetooth app, but it also includes most of those same controls on the top. There’s a Bluetooth button (which doubles as the Stack Mode control) and a multi-use joystick for power on/off, volume control and track selection (forward or back). You also get bass and treble controls, which are a welcome addition and a first for one of Marshall’s speakers without physical knobs.

    It has that traditional Marshall look, made with a soft-touch exterior composed of 55-percent post-consumer recycled plastic and is 100-percent PVC free. It also has a carry strap you can easily fit your hand through. Any dust, dirt or prints on the outside can be scrubbed off with a damp cloth, and even the exposed USB-C and 3.5mm input port components are waterproofed. That USB-C port can be used to recharge the speaker, or power up your other devices with its 9,600mAh battery.

    Of course audio purists should know that it only supports SBC, but the sound quality is still top notch for most people. And while Marshall devices are usually priced at a slight premium, the good sound quality and decent low-end capability definitely makes this model worth checking out.

    $250 at Amazon

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IPX4-rated design, Wi-Fi connectivity | Battery life: Up to 12 hours | Assistant support: Alexa, Google Assistant | Weight: 2.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    We did test a couple smart home speakers, including the Bose Portable Smart and I decided to compare it with its closest Bluetooth equivalent: the Revolve+ II. While that’s best suited for portability, has a loud bright sound that will carry outdoors and long battery life, its low end is a little less pronounced than its smart companion. If you’re willing to spend more and appreciate bass, the Bose Portable Smart speaker is a big improvement. It has a well-rounded low end and a bright dynamic sound with plenty of nuance that makes for a great listening experience.

    This 360-degree portable comes as a combo WiFi/Bluetooth speaker primarily geared toward smart home use with the occasional outing. It’s rated IPX4, so not the most weatherproof, but good for casual outdoor listening. The battery is rated for up to 12 hours, but since this is an always-on smart device, you’ll need to be more attentive at keeping it topped up. There’s a charging dock accessory for use around the house, but as an away-from-home portable, you should power it down when not in use. To take the odd call and use the speakerphone function, it’s easy to navigate and produces clear sound, whether you’re at home or away.

    Smart features: WiFi, voice and app control, support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Chromecast (built-in), Apple AirPlay 2 and SimpleSync connectivity with Bose Bluetooth speakers.

    Note: Some users running Android 12 may encounter connectivity issues with the Bose Connect app. The company is working to resolve the problem.

    $399 at Adorama

    JBL

    Features: IP67-rated design| Battery life: Up to 15 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 4.3 pounds | USB charging: Yes

    If you’ve enjoyed any of the smaller JBL speakers out there and are willing to spend a bit more, the Xtreme 3 is a good all-around choice. It’s big enough to warrant a shoulder strap, but still only about the size of a football. There’s a pleasant dynamic sound here with hefty lows and a lively high end that seems slightly better balanced at this size than the smaller options from JBL in this range.

    This is easily a favorite if you want something under $400 with a little more gusto than your average portable, but still being IP67 weatherproof. It has enough output to breathe life into a small soiree or backyard hang, although while it’s quite loud, it’s best when it’s close by or indoors where the bass can resonate to its fullest.

    $215 at Walmart

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IPX2-rated design, support for multi-host functionality | Battery life: Up to 20 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 10.8 pounds | USB charging: No

    If you didn’t know about Marshall’s history in amplifiers and rock music, the design should clue you in. The Tufton is the largest portable Bluetooth speaker from the company, looking much like an amp itself (as do most of them). It has physical knobs at the top and a carry strap to help move it about. While it may appear as rugged as concert gear, it’s less impervious to the elements as some with just an IPX2 rating, so it’s protected from light splashes from above.

    Whether or not you’re a fan of the brand, the rich and distinctly thumping output may make you one. We felt pulled into the sound while listening to the Tufton, a bit more than most other speakers we tested at this scale. It’s dynamic, warm and, dare we say, analog in its audio presence. It’s also multi-directional with a supplemental driver on the back along with a bass port.

    There’s no app to adjust the EQ, just the physical controls including a Bluetooth connect button, a power/volume knob and two for bass and treble. Once powered on, you can use the volume knob to set a max headroom and adjust volume on the fly from your source. The bass and treble knobs help you choose the tone of your adventure, from a purely flat soundscape to an enhanced one. We just wish you could see the dial indicators in the dark. Other features include aptX support and quick-charge capabilities that provide four hours of listening time in just 20 minutes, plus great standby battery life.

    $445 at Amazon

    Photo by Jon Turi / Engadget

    Features: IPX4-rated design, support for multi-host functionality | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 13 pounds | Wireless range: 150 feet | USB charging: No

    The UE Hyperboom is an all-arounder with good looks, portability, plenty of connectivity options and a loud and punchy (albeit compressed) output. The technical fabric exterior (which now includes a white option) lets it live among your furniture without screaming “party box,” while the optical input offers a possible TV speaker alternative. The large capacitive buttons on top let anyone adjust the volume, pause or play the music and select from two concurrent Bluetooth connections or a hardwired input (3.5mm or optical). On the edge with the silicone carrying handle there are the wired ports, plus one for charging USB devices and another for power. You can expect to get up to 24 hours of battery life, and the Hyperboom is good at holding a charge on standby.

    This capable and loud (roughly 100dB) speaker will please most people as long as the party is of primary concern over fidelity. The ability to remotely power your device on or off using the UE app is also a welcome feature. Plus you can easily expand the sound to other Ultimate Ears Boom speakers (except Wonderboom) using the PartyUp feature. The IPX4 rating means a few spilled drinks won’t hassle it, but it’s not the best Bluetooth speaker choice for all-weather adventures.

    $380 at Amazon

    SB

    Features: App connectivity with custom sound profiles, swappable battery | Battery life: Up to 40 hours | Assistant support: None | Weight: 20 pounds | USB charging: No

    The Soundboks Go is a great speaker if you’re looking for a portable Bluetooth option that provides a big sound for larger spaces, although it comes at a high price. This unpretentious black rectangle is half the size of its more professional sibling the Soundboks Gen 3. It packs one 10-inch woofer and a 1-inch domed tweeter, both powered by two 72W RMS amps for massive sound and chunky bass, even at a distance.

    At 20 pounds, this party speaker is fairly easy to lug around and looks about the size of carry-on luggage. You can even get the optional shoulder strap, which helps for longer missions. It has a flexible TPE handle on top, silicone bumpers around the edges and ABS+Polycarbonate exterior and grill. The IP65 rating also marks it as a resilient device in most environments.

    The sound makes a big statement here. Output levels are rated at up to 121dB, with clear mids and highs projecting clearly across large areas. The low end also has a significant presence at a distance, matching up with 40Hz frequency response. It’s definitely capable enough to support large gatherings.

    The speaker is easy to connect to via Bluetooth and the partner app offers EQ customization, audio profiles and OTA firmware updates. There’s a solitary 3.5mm stereo input on the Go, but its wireless expansion shines, letting you connect up to five Soundboks Gen 3 or Go speakers at the touch of a button with its built-in SKAA wireless support.

    Lastly, the battery pack is removable, swappable and also long-lasting for a speaker this size; at low to mid volume, it’s rated at up to 40 hours runtime. For transparency, Soundboks also lets you know to expect around 10 hours of play at full volume. You can also run this while charging, but there are strict warnings about keeping the volume low while doing so (it’s not recommended unless you’re desperate).

    $699 at Amazon

    IP ratings (Ingress Protection) are the alphanumeric indicators you often see in a product’s spec sheet that define water and dust resistance. It’s usually a combo of two numbers with the first indicating solid object ingress and the second being water. The former goes from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dustproof). The water-resistance rating goes from 0 (no protection) to 9 (protected against immersion and high pressure jets). When an X is used instead of a number, that means the product wasn’t tested for resistance. If it’s waterproof, it may have some innate resistance to solids, but there’s no guarantee.

    IP67 is a common rating these days indicating highly resistant and potentially rugged speakers suitable for outdoor adventures. These are safe for quick dunks in the pool or tub and should be more than OK in the rain or in the shower. They’re also good options for the beach, playground and other rough environs.

    Additionally, speakers with ports and a high rating will often include a tight-fitting cover over the charging or auxiliary ports. If you plan on using the ports, that may limit the product’s rated ability to fend off the elements.

    When looking for the best portable Bluetooth speaker, consider the IP rating and also how you plan to use your Bluetooth speaker when making your decision. It may be worth splurging on a better sounding model with a lower IP rating if you’ll mostly be using it indoors, for instance.

    The focus of this guide is on the best. portable Bluetooth speakers, and while “portable” can be a relative term, these devices are generally for people who are likely to find themselves far from a power outlet. These days, around 12 hours of runtime seems to be the baseline but obviously, the more battery life you can get out of a speaker, the better.

    That said, be careful when looking at battery specs, as they frequently list a maximum runtime (“up to” x amount of hours). This usually means they tested at a low to mid volume. If you like your tunes loud, it can often end up cutting the expected usage time in half or more. Luckily, some manufacturers also list the expected hours of battery life when used at full volume and that transparency is appreciated. Bear in mind, however, that not all of the best portable Bluetooth speakers use the same charging port. Some support USB-C charging while others use micro-USB.

    Additionally, if your Bluetooth speaker also happens to have WiFi connectivity, they’re usually designed for always-on functionality. Unlike normal Bluetooth speakers that go to sleep after a short period without use, these will usually stay awake (to listen for your commands) and slowly run down the battery. If you’re out and about, you’ll want to remember to turn these speakers off manually when not in use to maximize battery life.

    Bluetooth range is tricky business. Some companies list their product’s longest possible range, usually outdoors and in an unobstructed line-of-sight test environment. Other companies stick with a 30-foot range on the spec sheet and leave it at that, even though they may be running Bluetooth 4.x or 5.x. That’s likely underselling the speaker’s potential, but unpredictable environments can affect range and there’s little point in promising the moon only to get complaints.

    I’ve seen signal drop issues when crouching down, with my phone in the front pocket of my jeans, and barely 30 feet away from a speaker inside my apartment. I ran into this issue across several devices regardless of their listed Bluetooth connectivity range.

    If you’re hosting a patio party and duck inside, it’s wise to keep any wireless Bluetooth speakers relatively close by just in case. It’s hard to gauge what aspects of any environment may interfere with a Bluetooth signal. In general, take range specs around 100 feet or more as a perfect-world scenario.

    This is a minor mention for those out there who use a speaker for their computer output, or as a mini soundbar solution for setups like a monitor and streaming box. It’s annoying to find that your speaker’s latency isn’t low enough to avoid lip sync issues. Luckily, it seems that most speakers these days don’t often have these problems. Only a handful of the few dozen speakers I tried had persistent, noticeable lip-sync issues. Aside from occasional blips, all of our picks worked well in this regard.

    If you plan to frequently use a speaker for video playback, look for devices with the most recent Bluetooth versions (4.x or 5.x) and lower latency codecs like aptX. Also make sure the speaker is close to the source device as distance can be a factor. To avoid the issue altogether, though, consider getting one with a wired auxiliary input.

    While there’s a lot to like about the Sonos Roam, there are plenty of other Bluetooth speakers with more features and better battery life. In our review, we gave the Roam a score of 87, praising it for its good sound quality, durable waterproof design and ability to work well within an existing Sonos speaker ecosystem. But the price is just fine at $180, and we found Bluetooth speakers that offer more at lower price points. Plus, the Roam taps out at 10 hours of battery life, and all of our top picks can run for longer than that on a single charge.

    The Monoprice Soundstage3 offers relatively big sound at a midrange $250 price, with a variety of inputs rarely found on a portable Bluetooth speaker. The boxy, minimalist design is no nonsense, even if it’s more of a less-rugged, bookshelf-styled homebody. While the speaker puts out crisp highs alongside booming lows, we found the bass can overpower the rest of the output, so it’s not for everyone. And after using the speaker for many months, we also found the low-slung, poorly labeled button panel along the top can be a bit annoying to use. If you want a speaker for road trips, favor mids and highs, and plan on using physical buttons for volume control and input selections, there are better options out there.

    Fans of JBL’s bluetooth speaker sound profile who want to crank up the volume, but also want a rugged and portable option, may enjoy the JBL Boombox 3. It’s a decent grab-and-go speaker with a very loud output, although it’s not as good as some of the loud-speaker styled options for long-throw sound and big outdoor areas. However, the price for this speaker line remains prohibitively expensive compared to other options with big sound that cover a bit more ground. If the JBL brand is your thing and you like the rugged, portable form factor, we recommend looking for discounts, or shopping around and exploring the available options including the (less portable) JBL PartyBox series.

    Soundcore speakers have generally been good and often reasonably priced. The Motion X500 loosely falls into that category. It has a tall, metallic lunchbox vibe with a fixed handle and pumps out a respectable 40 watts of crisp, clear sound for its size. It can get pretty loud and serves up a good dose of bass, although its primarily a front-facing speaker.

    There’s LDAC hi-res audio support for Android users, but the main selling point on this is spatial audio. This is done through an EQ change and the activation of a small, up-firing driver. There’s a slight benefit from this if you’re up close and directly in front of it, but it’s not a total game changer for your listening experience. The original pre-order price of $130 made it a decent option in terms of bang for your buck. But it went up to $170 at launch, making it less appealing even if it’s still a good middle-of-the-road option if you want small-ish, clear and loud. If you can find one on sale for the lower price, it’s definitely worth considering. There’s also the larger and louder X600 ($200) if the overall concept is working for you.

    Bluetooth technology lets devices connect and exchange data over short distances using ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves. It’s the frequency range that’s carved out for industrial, scientific and medical purposes, called the 2.4GHz ISM spectrum band. This range is available worldwide, making it easy for companies to use with devices for global markets.

    Bluetooth speakers include this tech, which lets them communicate with source devices like smartphones, tablets or computers in order to exchange data. The two devices pair by sharing a unique code and will work within the proscribed range for the device and Bluetooth version.

    Ever since Bluetooth 4.0 was released over a decade ago, new iterations usually improve on range, use less power and offer expanded connectivity with features like multipoint (allowing more than one device to be connected at the same time, for instance).

    If you want to play music while you’re out-and-about on something other than headphones, a portable Bluetooth speaker is probably what you want. There’s a broad range of devices for all types of circumstances. Many adventurous people will want a relatively lightweight portable that’s rugged enough to handle the elements while also packing enough charge to play for hours on end. Others may simply need a speaker they can move around the house or use in the backyard. In this case, you can choose larger less rugged models that may offer better sound.

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    Jon Turi

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  • Bose Reinvented Itself Just in Time. Now Comes the Tricky Part

    Bose Reinvented Itself Just in Time. Now Comes the Tricky Part

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    The company has always had premium prices, but in certain categories the products haven’t always matched the brand’s prestige: 2010s attempts at noise-canceling earbuds were bulky, sounded middling, and had poor battery life; and it also sold a line of too-expensive Bluetooth speakers with screens that nobody needed.

    Then, after its physical storefronts were not having the billboard-like effect Bose wanted, the brand, just prior to Snyder joining, decided to dramatically pivot—a word that can so often be replaced with “panic”—to a strategy that focused on online sales and bolstering exhibits in existing storefronts such as Best Buy in the United States.

    This seismic shift meant that every single Bose store in the US, Europe, Australia, and Japan shuttered, resulting in 119 store closures and hundreds of layoffs worldwide. So far, under Snyder’s stewardship, that swerve toward online and in-store retail has, according to the company, worked out—but it could have gone the other way.

    Brands like Nike that have pivoted away from brand-owned retail stores have seen sales dives, but the key difference lies in Bose’s decision to lean into retail partners. By bolstering exhibits in places such as Best Buy and other stores, as well as leaning into sales on Amazon and other online retailers besides its own website, Bose has been able to maintain a broad reach while also not keeping retail overhead in-house. According to Snyder, this slimmed-down approach has been effective in righting Bose’s fortunes, especially when paired with excellent new products.

    Audio Exclusive

    In being a tech company that entirely focuses on audio products, Snyder says that the secret sauce at Bose is research. Engineers are constantly looking for innovation in materials, acoustics, design, production, and more. When asked about recent innovations in solid-state driver technology, for example, she isn’t shy about its prodigious market research.

    “What’s interesting about Bose is we have been an audio company for 60 years,” says Synder. “We know we’re going to be in competitive markets. We’ve always been in competitive markets, whether that’s headphones, or in the home, or in the car. What makes us different is we’re all about audio. You can be assured we experiment with everything. When we believe something’s ready, we bring it forward. We’re always looking for technology that can change the game.”

    This is particularly evident when it comes to noise canceling, which was pioneered by the brand for aviators—a market Snyder says Bose is proud to remain dominant in—rather than folks in the main cabin of the plane.

    Using the Pros

    By investigating what pilots needed to operate safely and comfortably in the cockpit, and constantly asking them for improvements and ideas, Bose was able to develop and trickle down what remain the best noise-canceling algorithms WIRED has ever tested. That makes sense, given that latest generation of Bose Quietcomfort over-ears and earbuds offer genuine professional-grade aerospace technology.

    Snyder says the brand uses professionals, or semi-professinals in the case of its PA gear for small-venue musicians, not only to improve its products but also to market to folks who are interested in higher-end audio. “They’re a professional musician. They have a great ear. They know what great sound sounds like. Those products create a sort of halo.”

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    Parker Hall

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  • The Sony Theatre Quad Is a Pricey but Discreet Way to Enjoy Dolby Atmos

    The Sony Theatre Quad Is a Pricey but Discreet Way to Enjoy Dolby Atmos

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    The Voice Mode feature is similarly effective, using Sony’s Voice Zoom 3 to elevate dialog. Like the Sound Field, it’s not always useful and can create some balancing issues between the central channel and side-channel effects (more on that below), so you may want to keep it off until necessary.

    Diving deeper into the settings lets you adjust things like compression for volume balancing, add or remove your Sony TV as the center channel, and even adjust the overall soundstage height, useful if you need to raise or lower the speakers due to setup limitations. I also appreciate the top window that reveals your current sound format (e.g., Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround).

    There are some missing features, both in the app and the hardware itself. On the app side, I was surprised to find no controls for EQ or individual channel levels. I think that’s by design, and with so much virtualization, I was happy to let Sony software take the wheel for channel balancing. Still, I’d love the ability to tweak the treble or raise the midrange to warm up the sound signature.

    Photograph: Ryan Waniata

    There are lots of available sound sources, but once again, there are some missing pieces. You can stream music over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with Spotify Connect and AirPlay, but there’s no Chromecast support–odd for a company that makes Android phones. Sony also drops the optical port, opting for HDMI ARC/eARC only, and there’s not a single analog input. There’s reasoning behind each decision; optical is an older digital connection that doesn’t support 3D audio. On the analog side, Sony likely wanted to keep the system all digital, opting not to add an analog-to-digital converter in the small plastic control box. The takeaway is you can never add components like a CD player or turntable.

    The single HDMI input also seems skimpy. Most top soundbars have at least two or three, while a traditional receiver might have five. On the plus side, the lone input supports HDMI 2.1 for gaming features like VRR (variable refresh rate) in 4K at 120 Hz, HDR and Dolby Vision pass-through, and more for connecting modern gaming systems. These features are becoming more common, but the Quad is among the first all-in-one setups to support them.

    Hello From the Dome

    The Quad is the best system of its kind I’ve ever heard when it comes to reproducing the spherical “dome of sound” for which 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos are prized. It’s particularly good at height sounds, which are often the most difficult for smaller speakers to reproduce. The pouring rain in the “Amaze” scene from my Atmos demo disc was stunningly realistic, seeming to cover the entire room in pounding droplets.

    Just as impressive is the system’s expansiveness and precision with 3D effects. Strafing starships and helicopters can be almost perfectly traced in space. Effects centralized behind me felt like I could reach back and grab them. Sound editors are given free rein with 3D formats, meaning they can move “sound objects” virtually anywhere in space, and the Quad takes full advantage of stellar test films like Ant-Man and Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s not on the same level as traditional systems with mounted speakers, but it scratches that itch well.

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    Ryan Waniata

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  • Fiio’s BT11 USB-C Bluetooth Dongle Lets Your Devices Stream Lossless Audio

    Fiio’s BT11 USB-C Bluetooth Dongle Lets Your Devices Stream Lossless Audio

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    FiiO’s BT11 is a high-fidelity audio Bluetooth transmitter for devices with a USB-C port, including smartphones, laptops, and handheld gaming PCs. It uses a pair of Qualcomm DSPs to stream up to 24-Bit 96kHz wireless audio. It supports Bluetooth 5.4 and lossless codecs such as aptX Lossless and LDAC. It will be available starting 10.8.24.

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    Lambert Varias

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  • Mount Eerie Shares New Song “I Saw Another Bird”

    Mount Eerie Shares New Song “I Saw Another Bird”

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    Phil Elverum has shared another new song from Night Palace, his first new Mount Eerie solo album in six years. “I Saw Another Bird” is the third single he’s shared from the record, following “I Walk” and “Broom of Wind.” Give it a listen below.

    “Behind the dry smirk of the title (sequelling out from A Crow Looked At Me) there are huge feelings that get opened,” Elverum said when discussing “I Saw Another Bird.” “We are ridiculous little people toiling on the ground, but the sublime darts around above us always. We can pause, chill, and resume the conversation with the big unknown. This song tells how, in a toe tapping way.”

    Night Palace arrives November 1 via his own label, P.W. Elverum & Sun. Elverum’s previous full-length record as Mount Eerie was Lost Wisdom, Pt. 2, a 2019 collaborative LP with Julie Doiron. Near the start of the pandemic, Elverum resurrected the Microphones for the 2020 album Microphones in 2020.

    Revisit Pitchfork’s feature “Mount Eerie’s Phil Elverum Starts Over, Again.”

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    Nina Corcoran

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  • We Staged a Debate to Test the Bluetooth Earrings Kamala Harris Didn’t Wear

    We Staged a Debate to Test the Bluetooth Earrings Kamala Harris Didn’t Wear

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    Just a few weeks ago, certain people in a particular corner of the internet decided they had cracked the reason Kamala Harris was doing so much better than Donald Trump in the presidential debate. Not that she was better prepared, nor that she was a better debater. No, she must be wearing a Bluetooth earpiece, carefully disguised as a pair of pearl earrings. Obviously.

    As it turns out, earbuds like this really do exist. The Nova H1 audio earrings put forward by the conspiracy theorists do bear a decent resemblance to the earrings Kamala was wearing on the night. Of course hers were, in fact, from Tiffany & Co. and not from a Kickstarter campaign from 2021, but the concept piqued our interest all the same.

    Could this so-called audio jewelry be the perfect crossover product for anyone who wants to make calls or listen to music, without a bulky pair of headphones or earbuds hanging out of their ear? We slapped them on our ears for a week to find out.

    Stylish … to a Point

    When I receive them, first impressions are promising. The Nova H1 arrive in what feels a bit like a jewelry box, a stylish detail we’re sure is no accident. Pull the inner packaging toward you, like a drawer, to slide the outer cover away, and the headphones appear against a rather striking yellow backdrop, the pearlescent square charging case adorned with Nova’s branding.

    The case is plasticky though, and the earrings sit on an equally plasticky panel that rises up to present them to you as you open the lid. That’s a nice touch, but it all looks cheap and doesn’t feel in keeping with the premium look the Nova H1 is trying to present.

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    The earrings themselves are not exactly subtle, either. The pearl, to my surprise, is actually a real freshwater pearl connected to your choice of clip-on or stud earring, but delicate it ain’t. Still, when clipped onto your ear they do at least look like jewelry—more costume jewelry than fine jewelry (our British readers may appreciate a Pat Butcher reference here), but they don’t look out of place. I have the silver ones to test, but there is also a gold option that will set you back a little more (more on that shortly.)

    The clip-on version I’m testing offers exactly the right clamp force to be secure without causing any discomfort, which is indeed impressive. I could genuinely forget I was wearing them, meaning they can simply be worn as earrings, while being ready to jump into audio action whenever you need them.

    That’s helped by the fact they will go into a dormant mode when they don’t detect any playback, and offer up to six hours in active use. That means you can pretty much get a full day’s wear out of them, plus the case offers three full charges.

    Can You Hear Me?

    When you take them out of their case, they jump into pairing mode automatically. My phone finds them without issue, and within seconds they’re paired.

    I immediately head to a playlist in Tidal and get to listening. It quickly becomes clear that audio quality is not a reason to buy these headphones—so much so that it’s almost impossible to critically evaluate the sound at all.

    Bass is weak, and music has a somewhere-in-the-distance quality, almost as if someone has the radio on across the office. It’s a unique experience, not unpleasant by any stretch but not at all as engaging as the sound quality you’ll get from something like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.

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    Verity Burns

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  • Bill Callahan and Noah Cyrus Join Everything Is Recorded on New Song

    Bill Callahan and Noah Cyrus Join Everything Is Recorded on New Song

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    Everything Is Recorded, the project of producer and XL Recordings founder Richard Russell, has united Bill Callahan and Noah Cyrus to perform what may be the most unlikely duet of the decade so far. It came about after Russell posed a question to Callahan during sessions for a new Everything Is Recorded album: “Who would you most like to write a song for?” Noah Cyrus, the actor-musician sister of Miley, was the answer, and “Porcupine Tattoo” is the result. The recording features Callahan’s vocal demo with toplines from Cyrus recorded at Los Angeles’
    Chateau Marmont. Check it out below.

    A 7″ single from XL and Drag City will follow the digital release, with “Porcupine Tattoo” backed by another Russell-Callahan collaboration, “Norm”—a tribute to the late Norm Macdonald. Russell, who previously snagged Callahan’s song “I’m New Here” for the Gil-Scott Heron covers album of the same name, has released a string of album-length compositions in the past year, named for each seasonal solstice and equinox.

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    Jazz Monroe

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  • The best soundbars to boost your TV audio in 2024

    The best soundbars to boost your TV audio in 2024

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    The built-in speakers in most TVs aren’t enough to fill your living room with immersive sound that adequately showcases the finer details of movies and TV shows. Thankfully, you don’t have to splurge for a five-speaker (or more) surround-sound system to improve your audio experience. In most cases, a single soundbar and maybe a subwoofer can often drastically improve the quality of Dolby Atmos content. To assist with your home theater shopping, I’ve compiled a list of the best soundbars in premium, mid-range and budget price ranges, along with a summary of what sets them apart from the competition. Just know going in that the more you pay, the more you’re going to get — both in terms of additional features and performance.

    When it comes to features, the more you pay the more you’re going to get in your new audio system. Most affordable options ($150 or less) will improve your television’s audio quality, but that’s about it. Step into the $300 to $400 range and you’ll find a smart soundbar with things like built-in voice control, wireless connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and even Android TV. They’re all helpful when you want to avoid looking for the remote control, but the best sound quality is usually only in the top tier and the formats those premium soundbar systems support. I’m talking about things like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and other high-resolution audio standards. These are what you’ll want to look for if truly immersive sound is what you crave for your living room setup. And not all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you’ll need to look at the finer details carefully before you break into the savings account. If you’re after the best small soundbar, size and quality become important factors, but don’t overlook streaming services support for a well-rounded experience.

    Sony HT-A7000 soundbar, SA-SW5 subwoofer, SA-SW3 subwoofer and SA-RS3S speakers.

    Sony

    This is a big one. A lot of the more affordable soundbars are limited when it comes to connectivity options. They either offer an optical port or one HDMI jack and, if you’re lucky, both. Things get slightly better in the mid-range section, but that’s not always the case. The Sonos Beam, for example, is $449, but only has a single HDMI port. Even at the higher-end, the $899 Sonos Arc still only has one HDMI port. If you want to connect your set-top box, gaming console and more directly to your soundbar for the best possible audio, you’ll likely want to look for an option with at least two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are essential for things like Dolby Atmos support, DTS:X and other high-res and immersive audio formats. And with the HDMI 2.1 spec, soundbars can support HDR, 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to make these speaker systems an even better companion for a game console.

    Another big thing you’ll want to pay attention to when looking for the best soundbar is channels. That’s the 2.1, 7.1.2 or other decimal number that companies include in product descriptions. The first figure corresponds to the number of channels. A two would just be left and right while a more robust Atmos system, especially one with rear surround speakers, could be five or seven (left, right, center and upward). The second number refers to the subwoofer, so if your new soundbar comes with one or has them built in, you’ll see one here. The third numeral is up-firing speakers, important for the immersive effect of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled units have them, but if they do, the third number will tell you how many are in play and how they contribute to the overall soundstage.

    Sony HT-A7000 soundbar, SA-SW5 subwoofer, SA-SW3 subwoofer and SA-RS3S speakers.Sony HT-A7000 soundbar, SA-SW5 subwoofer, SA-SW3 subwoofer and SA-RS3S speakers.

    Sony

    Most soundbars these days offer either Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or both. When it comes to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice control (either built-in or with a separate device), Chromecast, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. Depending on your preferences, you might be able to live without some of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are essentials, but the rest I can live without. Those two give me the ability to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps without having to settle for — or struggle with — a Bluetooth connection. For instance, Sonos speakers often offer seamless integration with iOS devices, making it easy to connect and stream music wirelessly. If you’re looking for a wireless speaker that can enhance your TV setup while also offering flexibility for audio throughout the house, it’s worth considering a multi-room system.

    This one might seem obvious but humor me for a minute. Nothing is more soul-crushing than getting a pricey soundbar in your living room only to discover you have to rearrange everything to find a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Yes, that speaker is absurdly large (and heavy), and most soundbars aren’t nearly as big. I learned a valuable lesson: Make sure the space where you want to put a soundbar will accommodate the thing you’re about to spend hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on.

    Basically, it all comes down to the TV you have (or are planning to get) and what the primary goal is for your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Do you want the best possible sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you just want to be able to actually hear your TV better? Or do you want to turn your living room into an immersive home theater system with surround sound?

    By paying attention to each of those areas, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo or a more robust setup. With that said, we’ve put numerous products through their paces at Engadget and have a few favorites for best soundbar at various price points to get you started.

    SAMSUNG

    Dimensions: 48.5 x 2.7 x 5.4 inches (main unit) | Ports: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Optical | Channels: 11.1.4

    Read our full Samsung HW-Q990D review

    Samsung’s Q990D is my top pick mostly because of its impressive, immersive sound quality. But, I also put it ahead of the pack because it’s a complete home theater setup. For $2,000, you get the soundbar, subwoofer and rear surround speakers all in the same box. While that’s pricey, putting together a comparable bundle amongst the competition will cost the same, or in some cases more.

    Across all of the various pieces, Samsung packs in 22 total drivers that create an 11.1.4-channel speaker setup. The audio is crisp and detailed for Dolby Atmos content, making movies and TV shows as close to a theater experience as you’re likely to get out of a soundbar setup. The Q990D also has additional features like Private Rear Sound that only use the rear speakers when you need to listen at a much quieter level. This is a great option for music too, with the subwoofer providing booming bass when needed and elevating finer elements of tracks along the way.

    Pros

    • HDMI 2.1
    • All-in-one surround setup
    • Excellent, immersive audio
    • Handy features
    Cons

    • Pricey
    • Not a huge update over last year’s model

    $1,059 at Walmart

    Sony

    Dimensions: 51 x 3 x 5 inches (main unit) | Ports: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Optical, 1 x Anologue, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.2

    Sony has a long track record of excellent high-end soundbars and its latest is another great-sounding product. The A7000 is a robust Dolby Atmos soundbar, capable of immersive 7.1.2 audio thanks to Sony’s 360 Sound Mapping, Sound Field Optimization, vertical surround technology and S-Force Pro front surround. There’s a lot of tech at work here, and I haven’t even mentioned 360 Reality Audio or DSEE Extreme upscaling, both handy when it comes to listening to music. Speaking of audio, you’ll have the option of using Chromecast, Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay 2 to send your tunes to the A7000. The overall soundstage is immersive, with excellent clarity for both TV shows and music.

    Two HDMI eARC inputs mean you can hook up multiple streaming boxes or gaming consoles. And thanks to HDMI 2.1 support, you can expect 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your television, so the A7000 is a great option for gamers. This soundbar is expensive at $1,198 and it doesn’t come with a separate subwoofer (though it does have one built in). However, Sony does give you multiple options for both a sub and rear satellite speakers. The SA-SW3 sub is $298 while the SA-SW5 is $699. For rear speakers, the SA-RS3S is $350 while the truly wireless speaker (and much better looking) SA-RS5 set is $598. If you’re looking to save some money on the soundbar itself, Sony offers the HT-A5000 for $999 (although we’ve seen it on sale for $798 recently). It packs nearly all of the same bells and whistles as the A7000, only in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.

    Pros

    • Dolby Atmos support and 360 Sound Mapping
    • Works with AirPlay 2
    • Includes two HDMI eARC ports
    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Doesn’t include a separate subwoofer

    $998 at Amazon

    Sennheiser Consumer Audio

    Dimensions: 70 x 10 x 6.5 inches (main unit) | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.4

    Read our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini review

    While this is the most compact of Sennheiser’s Ambeo soundbars, the Mini remains in the premium category for two reasons. First, you’ll have to add a subwoofer to maximize its potential, which adds another $600. Secondly, the Mini is already $700, so a complete package puts you at a comparable place to flagship units from the competition. Once you have both though, the Ambeo Mini is truly impressive for a small soundbar.

    The main feature is Sennheiser’s spatial Ambeo technology that first debuted on the massive Ambeo Soundbar Max in 2019. With it, the company provides more immersive sound with a mix of driver placement and 3D virtualization. On the Mini, the audio profile is more reliant on virtualization than the bigger Ambeo soundbars due fewer speakers inside. However, you’ll still get a virtualized 7.1.4-channel speaker setup that works well for movies and music. That is, so long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.

    Pros

    • Compact design
    • Excellent clarity
    • Great bass
    • Easy setup
    Cons

    • Expensive
    • No bundled sub
    • Ambeo effect is limited
    • One HDMI port

    $800 at Macy’s

    Engadget

    Dimensions: 25.63 x 3.94 x 2.68 inches (main unit) | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 5.0

    Read our full Sonos Beam review

    Solid sound quality? Check. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and easy to set up? Uh huh. Compatible with other Sonos speakers for a more robust system? You betcha. The first-gen Sonos Beam has been one of our favorites since it arrived in 2018, but there was one thing it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the big addition to the 2021 model, though it’s a bit limited since the Beam doesn’t have any upward-firing speakers. Sonos manages to make things seem more directional by tweaking audio timing and frequency instead of adding more drivers. The new Beam still only has the one HDMI port which means you won’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top box directly to this. It also means that if you have an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll need an adapter.

    Pros

    • Relatively compact design
    • Good sound for its size
    • Supports Dolby Atmos
    Cons

    • One includes one HDMI port

    $449 at Sonos

    Engadget

    Dimensions: 21.93 x 3.66 x 2.76 inches (main unit) | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 2.0 (non-surround), 5.1 (surround)

    Read our full Sonos Ray review

    Sonos’ latest bid for best soundbar may be its most affordable to date, but at $279, it’s not exactly a budget pick. Especially when you consider there are cheaper options that come with a subwoofer. Still, the compact design doesn’t command a lot of space in front of your TV or on your TV stand, making it a great option for smaller living spaces. The Ray is easy to set up and provides great sound quality for both TV and music, and it pairs seamlessly with iOS devices. There are some trade-offs when it comes to the immersive nature of the audio, but it’s a good option for upgrading your TV sound with minimal fuss.

    Pros

    • Very good sound quality for both TV and music Good bass performance for such a small speaker
    • Compact, unobtrusive design
    • Easy setup
    • Reasonable price
    Cons

    • Sound isn’t as immersive as you get from larger models
    • People with big living rooms might want a louder speaker
    • No voice controls

    $279 at Sonos

    VIZIO

    Dimensions: 24 x 7.68 x 2.28 inches (main unit) | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x USB | Channels: 2.1

    If you’re looking for a way to improve your TV sound on a budget, Vizio has some high-quality options. With the V21t-J8, you get a 2.1-channel setup in a compact soundbar and 4.5-inch wireless sub combo for $160. This would be a great choice if you don’t want your add-on TV speaker to take up a lot of space. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, but that’s really the only sacrifice when it comes to the basics. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections link to your television while a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth allow you to play music from your phone or another device. DTS Virtual:X compatibility offers some of the effect of surround sound without a bigger unit or additional speakers.

    Pros

    • Compact design
    • Includes wireless subwoofer

    $102 at Amazon

    There’s no doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, but it’s also the company’s most expensive. With a new model based on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s difficult to recommend this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works well as both a soundbar and a speaker, and the device will fit in nicely with other Sonos gear you might already have for a multiroom setup. It only has one HDMI port though, where much of the competition allows you to connect streaming and gaming devices directly to their soundbars.

    I don’t think Sennheiser’s medium-sized model offers enough to stand out from the more powerful Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is more affordable and does a solid job with immersive audio in its own right. Like the rest of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no option for satellite speakers as you can only add a subwoofer to the soundbars. However, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA input, so you can use it with a turntable if you’re into vinyl.

    It really depends on what you’re after. A soundbar is definitely a simpler, more compact solution compared to a full speaker setup. If you want better sound than your TV’s built-in setup but don’t want to deal with multiple speakers and wires everywhere, a soundbar is probably the way to go. Some soundbars can even deliver impressive surround sound effects, thanks to features like Dolby Atmos and virtual audio technology.

    However, if you’re an audiophile or want true surround sound for an at-home theater experience, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, surround speakers and subwoofer will give you a richer soundstage and more control over your experience.

    Most modern soundbars connect to your TV via HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the easiest and best option for achieving high-quality audio. If your TV supports this, all you need is an HDMI cable, and you’ll get not only great sound but also some extra features like controlling the soundbar with your TV remote.

    If HDMI ARC isn’t an option on your TV, you can use an optical cable, which also delivers solid audio quality. Some soundbars even offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and a few still have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older devices.

    Not all soundbars come with subwoofers, but many do or at least offer one as an optional add-on that you can purchase separately. A subwoofer is what gives you that deep, booming bass, so if you like action movies or want a fuller sound for music, having one can make a big difference. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, but these generally don’t provide the same punch as a separate one.

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    Billy Steele

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  • Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 Are Better AirPods Pro for Android

    Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 Are Better AirPods Pro for Android

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    Switch between your computer and cell phone, and the headphones are smart enough to know it. You can answer a call on your phone while also connected to your computer, which is super helpful for multitaskers.

    One thing I find underwhelming, as I have with all voice assistants so far, is the Gemini integration. You press the buds to ask every question to standard Gemini, including follow-ups, which is very annoying if you have multiple questions at once. Google has also integrated a wake phrase (“Hey Google, let’s talk”) to open its Gemini Live conversational AI.

    The prompt opens Gemini Live, and you can ask it anything you can think to ask an AI for—from restaurant reviews to a good workout schedule based on your current day’s activities. You can even interrupt it if you think it’s missing your point, and it will follow context.

    I’d rather use this functionality in the Gemini Live app on my phone, so I don’t have to speak them out loud, but if you are hard of sight or simply hate typing, the wake word and Gemini Live might be more impressive to you. I’d note that as long as you have the Gemini app, you can open Gemini Live and use it with any other pair of headphones. You don’t need Pixel Buds Pro 2 to use Gemini Live, it’s just to have the wake word.

    I would trade these features in a heartbeat for the myriad hearing assistance tools Apple is adding to its AirPods Pro via a software update. After all, almost any headphones with Android can connect to Gemini Live. If you’re looking for a pair of buds that might also help you hear a little better, those are still what I would choose.

    As far as a pair of headphones that do everything else you’d ask of them in all contexts, there are very few earbuds I can recommend as highly as the new Pixel Buds Pro 2. They have excellent noise canceling, work great on calls, and have long enough battery life to last an entire workday. I can see why Google raised the price by $30 over the last pair, and they’re worth the extra cash. These are probably the best high-end earbuds for Android that exist right now.

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    Parker Hall

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