Audio-Technica have much to offer for this year’s gift giving season and we will get to all of the highlights below. But first, let’s take a look at what we believe is a Christmas gift stand out: the inimitable AT-LP60SPBK-BT.
Sure, the product name is a bit of a mouthful but that is deservedly so because this system is packed with features. Read on……
Audio-Technica has made giving and receiving the ‘gift of great sound’ easy for music lovers and gaming enthusiasts.
Power, play/pause, volume and hands-free calling buttons are located on the top of the speaker for easy access, with the built-in mic (for making calls via a paired smartphone) conveniently located on the front of the speaker next to the power LED. A 3.5 mm (1/8″) jack and TF card slot are available on the back of the speaker, allowing you to listen to audio from a wired device or from files saved on a TF or microSD card.
The new AT-LP60SPBK-BT wireless turntable and speaker system makes a perfect gift for anyone who wants to get started with vinyl listening or rediscover their record collection. The AT-LP60SPBK-BT (SRP: 299.99$CAN) comes with everything needed to listen to records including a fully automatic AT-LP60-BT turntable with pre-mounted Dual Moving Magnet high-quality cartridge plus a Bluetooth stereo rechargeable speaker and accessories.
The turntable provides 33-1/3 and 45RPM vinyl playback through the included speaker, which can be placed up to 30 feet away and even in another room. The turntable will also play records through other compatible Bluetooth wireless speakers, headphones and playback devices. The AT-LP60BT can also be used as a conventional wired turntable and has a built-in switchable phono preamp for compatibility with the widest range of audio systems.
Although we weren’t fortunate enough to receive other A-T products, we certainly know about them and wouldn’t have been disappointed with Audio-Technicas wireless QuietPoint® noise-cancelling over-ear ATH-ANC700BT, Solid Bass® ATH-CKS550XBT in-ears or their Pure Digital Drive ATH-DSR5BT in-ear headphones. Both offer outstanding wireless sound in a choice of styles. For everyone into gaming (which means just about everyone these days), the ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 closed- and open-back gaming headsets take game audio to the next level.
The compact rechargeable speaker features two 1.75-inch full-range drivers and a passive radiator in an aluminum enclosure for clear, powerful sound with enhanced bass. The speaker has buttons for controlling music playback and a mic that allows making calls from a smartphone. It includes a stand, AUX audio jack and a card slot for playing music from a TF or microSD card.
Audio-Technicas ATH-ANC700BT QuietPoint over-ear wireless active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones offer an unmatched combination of comfort, wireless convenience and improved ANC technology. The noise cancelling operates in a wider frequency range than typical ANC designs, yielding a major advancement in noise-cancelling performance and audio quality.
The ATH-ANC700BT (SRP: 279.99$CAN) features a handy touch and swipe control system for answering calls and controlling music playback. It employs large 40 mm drivers for impactful sound and supports Bluetooth codecs including aptX® and AAC for improved wireless audio. The ATH-ANC700BT is Hi-Res Audio compatible (when connected with the included cable). It provides up to 25 hours of battery life and can also be used in wired mode. Available in a matte black finish, the ATH-ANC700BT comes with a pouch, USB charging cable and a 3.9-foot (1.2m) cable with a 3.5 mm jack.
For some listeners its all about the bass.
Audio-Technicas Solid Bass ATH-CKS550XBT in-ear wireless headphones offer powerful low-frequency performance along with clear, detailed midrange and treble. The ATH-CKS550XBT (SRP: 99.99$CAN) features a comfortable ergonomic design and is equipped to answer calls and control music playback. Its NFC functionality allows easy pairing with other devices. Available in black/gold and white, the ATH-CKS550XBT employs a 9.8 mm Dual Magnetic Field Multiple-Transition driver and a special bass venting system for exceptional bass reproduction, and includes aptX sound-improvement technology. It comes with XS/S/M/L eartips, a USB charging cable, and a cable for use if the battery runs out.
Is there a discerning listener on your holiday gift list?
If so, they will be sure to appreciate the ATH-DSR5BT wireless in-ear headphones with Pure Digital Drive (SRP: 579.99$CAN). This rave-reviewed, exclusive Audio-Technica technology keeps the audio signal completely digital from source to driver, using a dedicated chipset to eliminate the sonic degradation that can be caused in traditional D/A converters and amplifiers. The result is remarkably pure, detailed and natural wireless audio quality.
The ATH-DSR5BT supports aptX, aptX HD, AAC and other wireless formats up to 24-bit/48kHz signals in Bluetooth transmission. Its rechargeable battery provides approximately eight hours of continuous use (500 hours standby). For listeners who prefer over-ear headphones, Audio-Technica also offers its smartphone-compatible ATH-DSR9BT wireless model with Pure Digital Drive (SRP: US$549.00), which incorporates ultimate-performance features including large 45 mm True Motion Drivers, 4-core voice coils and other refinements for natural music reproduction with extraordinary resolution and dynamic impact.
Games are always popular holiday gifts and the gaming experience just is not complete without clear and powerful sound. Audio-Technicas high-performance ATH-PG1 closed-back and ATH-PDG1 open-back headphones deliver an immersive, richly detailed sonic environment. The ATH-PG1 and ATH-PDG1 (SRP: 189.99$CAN each) offer a host of gaming-centric features including a flexible gooseneck microphone with detachable cable, smartphone cable, extension cable and a lightweight comfort-fit design. The headsets large-diameter drivers deliver intense sonic involvement with an expansive sound space that draws listeners completely into the playing field.
