Get wired: the best wired earbuds, headphones and hi-fi gifts
OK, so they've gone all-in on the retro music trend — at least, you think they have?
<![CDATA[ <article> <p>OK, so they've gone all-in on the retro music trend — at least, you think they have? </p><p>Tells include (but are not limited to) shunning Spotify in favor of rifling through thrift store CD and cassette tape piles, re-watching <em>Stranger Things</em> to see what 80s audio gear Max was actually wearing when she fought Vecna, spending Sunday afternoons at an independent record store, or re-organising their room ready to accommodate a set of tower speakers, turntable and hi-fi stack. </p><p>Maybe they've expressed an interest in a set of wired earbuds? That is great! Why? Because as a gift, they're perfect — provided you know what they'll be plugging them in to. If the headphones (or earbuds) are going straight into their phone or tablet, you'll almost certainly want something that ends in a USB-C connection, such as the <strong>Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds</strong>, the oh-so-business <strong>Sennheiser CX 80U </strong>or, for a more retro look, the delightfully 1979-esque <strong>Sony MDR-3R</strong>. </p><p>If, however, they want a DAC to get better quality audio from their phone — I've suggested the inexpensive and excellent <strong>iFi GO Link 2</strong>, which connects to your device via USB-C and sports a 3.5mm jack at the other end — you can select a set of headphones that terminates in good old 3.5mm. Here, you simply cannot go wrong with the <strong>Sennheiser IE 200 </strong>(Sennheiser's most<strong> </strong>affordable, modern classic IEMs) or the cheap-and-cheerful <strong>1More Triple Driver </strong>earbuds, which even come with a USB-C adapter. </p><p>For visibility, I'll continue explaining my recommendations below the roundup. Scroll on down if you came here for players of speakers… </p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-the-best-wired-audio-gifts-of-2026"><span>The best wired audio gifts of 2026</span></h2> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="7e9dfb0a-dea2-11f1-8f7f-6981a59e6c18"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-Headphones-line-One-Button-Remote/dp/B0GFXJY36H/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V9Q5D534SZWE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gKUrBgyq5JqmfzmNd-Ccg6_60BWIzpKT-qQK_Fif6QoyrDuRlineMcTgMBlE6c6ZRchaQTM8mgRyTu-3gxLDOpuriYvNFSb_1N9Ncd7Xp-8XhT-yJwNlsKcTUfkb7suKWQ6Lq2iBO06xCEplHgws9Lgi5Tb7f0rENDCOdAw9eemeoxRjk1arISC6yy05iGXoPv_4GGwEt2B9RbCjCDdfBEM1ARfC52UTX8-0XuQXcgg.LYN5nKxAfpf9t_tyqAQcP-R5ryQGKDKhsNbD1nFGAhk&dib_tag=se&keywords=sennheiser%2Bcx%2B80u&qid=1794489957&sprefix=Sennheiser%2BCX%2B%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-1&th=1" data-model-name="Sennheiser CX 80U" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iU6ATKdn58k7K8Y5iwLP3D.png" alt="Sennheiser CX 80U earbuds and wire, showing the inline mic and USB-C connector" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Sennheiser</div> <div class="featured__title">CX 80U</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>We've written odes to these inexpensive little beauties with a USB-C termination, just see our feature: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/wired-earbuds-are-trendy-right-now-and-this-budget-friendly-pair-from-sennheiser-are-so-good-that-id-spend-my-own-money-on-them">Wired earbuds are in right now, and this budget-friendly pair from Sennheiser are so good I’d spend my own money on them</a></p><p>Or, read our full review: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/sennheiser-cx-80u-review">I tested Sennheiser’s new USB-C wired earbuds and was wowed by their stellar sound, luxurious looks, and legendary low price</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="c61da3d0-de99-11f1-8368-33cfdb1f7ccb"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maxell-Wireless-Bluetooth-Cassette-Player/dp/B0GMXZHM34/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2H08CQISPN2NR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bgC5rQKTpeBiPUsFuhxwpGPoJDFw4BRjawmUpD4ACWZMR5MpDgtsmrVTpaj_S0NFl0PFLrZqdpsEc9yMzIQngLKdxyoIFBfpX_hf_aVJHg6hwz00VANhV6b-W98S8YJc_rfCtYvc6qPNF82i3sxycVpY9YH2gASbNJg3aofrMykLFKLsZq8nxgCiCDP2D8tQYp-aZtuA5mC-8sUSNnkwk6ccXPuIFI7iuHEaKnUzmZk.pdhMpcBqeXKtAd0BQxvb7BjZvmgqoBIsJN30gSuQTR8&dib_tag=se&keywords=maxell+cassette+player&qid=1794483857&sprefix=Maxell%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1" data-model-name="Maxell Wireless Cassette Player" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pvsWG78Vs9Jy2P426ceKRU.jpg" alt="Maxell Wireless Bluetooth Cassette Player, Usb-C Fast Charge | Play Cassette Tapes Over Bluetooth - 11 Hours Playtime, Optional Headphone Jack, Fast Usb-C Charging" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Maxell</div> <div class="featured__title">Wireless Cassette Player</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Another player that boasts about being 'wireless' (and there is Bluetooth 5.4 onboard) but really, we know you'll be using its 3.5mm jack…</p><p>Read our full review: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/maxell-wireless-cassette-player-review">'A blast from the past': The Maxell Wireless Cassette Player is a magic carpet ride of audio nostalgia</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="7e9dfb96-dea2-11f1-9d6b-1764e03b5d41"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/iFi-Link-Max-Headphone-Balanced/dp/B0GYNDWJN8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TXVNDJK882WY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-CEzFCEL7iZTq-ZQuKYmWkglu6l1O6Vzshfu82OpGQYEOPEHU69fmvWDAmr6haw6Q9KI8QApWN4Civz-fX5N3mT8X5clzlLRPCzKC1F96nCUi5ksgA2lNZbvtTknzeRd1F4rm0U3i5KsDS5NjfMrU4AGcq_YwSxuRSyiQyev5WAbFnW3YM18_Wijid_gF-wsrNA2lG8nmAgQRK4fAw8OTphtzkA-p5E3sprEVbXZsoc.VDH_qCGYYOxKQA1WUMHh2ZFhoQT6CK7yAFktMrXWQw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=iFi+Go+Link+2&qid=1794489837&sprefix=ifi+go+link+2%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-1" data-model-name="iFi Go Link 2" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:62.60%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4AMARQiKNcStjKTXpQjmGg.jpg" alt="Ifi Go Link 2 Max Usb Dac Headphone Amp, Dual Ess Sabre | 241mw Balanced 4.4mm Output, Hi-Res Audio, Low Noise, Portable Dac for Phone Laptop Pc-Pcm 384khz/dsd256" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>iFi</div> <div class="featured__title">Go Link 2</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>What if they've got the USB-C source device (phone, tablet, laptop and so on), they've got a set of wired 3.5mm headphones or earbuds, and they want to bridge the gap between the two while levelling up the audio? </p><p>Answer: this little beauty. What you need to know is, it's simple to use (simply plug the USB-C end into your device, your 3.5mm headphones into the other and hit play as you normally would) and it works — but do consult our full <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/dacs/ifi-go-link-2-review">iFi Go Link 2 review</a> for further details. </p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="c61da43e-de99-11f1-8963-d9e3b9037bf7"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bose-Noise-Cancelling-Wired-Earbuds-Dewdrop-Mint/dp/B0HHN2VCL8/ref=asc_df_B0HHN2VCL8?mcid=99ef93f077de31b3b1919e8d9e4cf7e1&th=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=828451353983&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9018697297777818909&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9218161&hvtargid=pla-2504388857025&hvocijid=9018697297777818909-B0HHN2VCL8-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1" data-model-name="Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3au52qr5PEQ6LUDyQzF3bg.jpg" alt="Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds - In-Ear Headphones, Usb-C Connection, Included Carry Case, In-Line Remote and Microphone, Dewdrop Mint" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Bose</div> <div class="featured__title">Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>They're so new, our full review is incoming. But Bose has worked extremely hard on this passion project — and I predict a huge hit. </p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/boses-latest-anc-earbuds-come-with-something-you-probably-wouldnt-expect-it-begins-with-w-and-rhymes-with-tires">Bose's latest ANC earbuds come with something you probably wouldn't expect (it begins with W and rhymes with 'tires')</a></p><p><a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/theres-definitely-been-a-return-to-less-technologically-driven-products-bose-president-raza-haider-talks-releasing-usd99-wired-earbuds-with-no-app-or-ai-and-why-theyre-only-here-because-his-daughter-thinks-theyre-cool">‘There's definitely been a return to less technologically driven products’: Bose president Raza Haider talks releasing $99 wired earbuds with no app or AI, and why they're only here because his daughter thinks they’re cool</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="c61da2ea-de99-11f1-9eb8-911ae6972c81"> <a href="https://www.sony.co.uk/headphones/products/mdr-3r?sku=mdr3rs.ce7&medium=176013&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=176013&awc=34013_1794412273_4f65a6b16b720a5adf41f3ab6fdb97eb" data-model-name="Sony MDR-3R" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:98.29%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JmqKNPuNpnw6dNpK2UxTti.png" alt="Sony MDR-3R headphones on white background" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Sony</div> <div class="featured__title">MDR-3R</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/sony-wants-to-take-you-back-to-1979-with-its-newtro-updated-mdr-3-wired-headphones-built-to-match-the-original-walkman-and-theres-even-a-stranger-things-edition">Sony wants to take you back to 1979 with its ‘newtro’ updated MDR-3 wired headphones, built to match the original Walkman — and there’s even a Stranger Things edition</a></p><p><a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/portable-media-players/sony-launches-two-new-elite-walkman-devices-then-teases-a-retro-inspired-third-walkman-adjacent-release-which-im-far-more-excited-about">Sony launches two new elite Walkman devices, then teases a retro-inspired third Walkman-adjacent release (which I'm far more excited about)</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="7e9dfc18-dea2-11f1-b858-6fdf8d7fa8d4"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-200-Ear-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B0BRPR38JR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13AYGNGQCH52V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t6fPUkyWvqWVaPxX7CYgiIAoITGGMMw6OFB0fP3a6RL3ZFwxtNqgOjsIfh5SgmZ9F1_QOIQOJmKsK3r1q6knNiGgZbD6C1GJooi6cxoo_zd8a8aFYWzHsGeSvId-wBCB2jswyO3xUJZLHt1ks--Aq_mAXZAm9yImBHvC7-cDFO34s-YduObmGNoMjefPHoyjA2uM7ZDNCO8S7JfOOErPAwqcnmWScCWEsNtuEBarmgU.oPWvcnP1v4PjFONH2lLsLANHj9TMjeO9sXQ0A4tf87I&dib_tag=se&keywords=Sennheiser+IE+200&qid=1794489880&sprefix=sennheiser+ie+200%2Caps%2C286&sr=8-1" data-model-name="Sennheiser IE 200" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wrpJsN6HQoM8JuomVVeZ7X.jpg" alt="Sennheiser IE 200 in-ear monitors" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Sennheiser</div> <div class="featured__title">IE 200</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>This set of wired IEMs launched in Sennheiser's revered IE lineup in 2023, and quickly became firm audiophile-on-a-budget favorites — so they landed long before the wired renaissance really took hold. </p><p>I own these wired earbuds and I love them, especially since the earpieces are nice and small and that cable <em>will not</em> tangle, no matter how much I dance around while wearing them. And if that's not as comprehensive a review as you'd like, there's a full review to follow: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/earbuds-airpods/sennheiser-ie-200-review">Sennheiser IE 200 review: affordable wired earbuds but with audiophile-grade sound</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="c61da27c-de99-11f1-8eb1-4b948624afa4"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/km5-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Neonyellow-Portable/dp/B0GWHPSGMF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JKPQGJ23073S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KscSk4yyhDK3y9YBS9aPhMQxsmsovLMnR_f50DX-2aoGFwVI8KKRhSHT7AwKG_fnhqI4Qy5iwFfBc-iCocMfqQbRR3y14jkB91FuIqdCfFiV2ApQ-487l5jwNFfoQS-OHsDVbygXJ-vm6D9oIeV7Z4V7OdOTV0TX--btb8Jj4B3a90tyc4uFgveTLQMA3EUT3VKQ30msv_eQCzJUEUAmHA.cNCLu92k2KfLRvc6a9rAEXRk-_PGm6Ugp2hsspcPxgQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Km5%2BCP1&qid=1794480874&sprefix=km5%2Bcp1%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1&th=1" data-model-name="km5 CP1" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/upVWD3jPH59vQe8vFpiBQB.jpg" alt="[ Km5 ] Rechargeable Cd Player With Bluetooth [ Instant Disk Audio Cp1 (neonyellow) ] Hi-Fi Audio Portable Cd Player for Car" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>km5</div> <div class="featured__title">CP1</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Yes, there's Bluetooth, but there's also a lovely 3.5mm jack, for use with some of the other wired headphones in this gifting guide (not the Sony MRD-3R or the Bose Noise Cancelling Wired though — they sport USB-C terminations, which this player only uses for charging). </p><p>This portable CD spinner comes in various shades, but isn't this neon option a looker? Or there's even an <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/portable-media-players/no-shade-sony-but-hideo-kojima-is-celebrating-his-love-of-physical-discs-with-a-new-limited-edition-version-of-my-favorite-mini-cd-player">official <em>Death Stranding 2: On the Beach </em>version of km5's CP1</a>, in the same orange as the game's 'BB Pod' (the glowing jar that contains the adorable baby), if white or black are too boring — and that variant even also comes with stickers to complete the look. </p><p><a href="https://km5.co.jp/en-us/products/instant-disc-audio-cp1-death-stranding" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">View the CP1 Death Stranding 2 Model at km5</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="7e9dfc90-dea2-11f1-a9ee-d7e75c982d75"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/1MORE-Triple-Driver-Headphones-Earbuds/dp/B0GXB2S5XX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UO0R65OM2MKJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d8wvrnxolJJIHn8SWtxMmU2u-G22gf6NSyPdR4g59_G_gLQw_bIkxPkLP_FAPjNgSXESJhXacGHsYiesux359Y7KG7-BEG5KYFdsBJahrCV5nMlEOW78jT3d0ozVI3jVs2apTVkOJ6ifQ4iEcJy_6f84Uz0MiUyz8co2Ue8wpdHLveKTtBfWSKn2ypV8AVATM9kLz2ypxbGUGfWaODQ_vvCw7vCEmgzd7U4moorx7zY.XXhES6ePV3SOa0hvMOhEdVC7pkzG9eSp_Wf-xRB3gjg&dib_tag=se&keywords=1More%2BTriple%2BDriver&qid=1794485792&sprefix=1more%2Btriple%2Bdriver%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1&th=1" data-model-name="1More Triple Driver" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QFVtGJtouDw9vKxPCdnMHf.jpg" alt="1more Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones Hi-Res Wired Earbuds With Mics | Hi-Res, Dynamic Driver + 2 Balanced Armatures, Mems Microphone, Wired Iem, for Audiophiles Gaming Music Video Calling" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>1MORE</div> <div class="featured__title">1More Triple Driver</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>An option that'll now work for 3.5mm <em>and</em> USB-C source devices, but for budget money! We initially reviewed these in-ear wired headphones way back in 2017, and while 1More has now added a USB-C connector to the package, otherwise they're unchanged — and when they sound is this good for this little, we don't mind it. </p><p>Read our <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/1more-triple-driver-in-ear-headphone">1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone review: great value for money</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="c61da4c0-de99-11f1-8d10-ef27c75150c8"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gadhouse-Cassette-Player-Bluetooth-Built/dp/B0GY5FSRPC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=5R49VD428DAL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Sg0YkX2IBrNYG2xLOZNA2g.Nds6OEBpybEXwmPvjtEo5qLClISVmks4Ffx6qmEyeNE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Gadhouse%2BEric&qid=1794411822&sprefix=gadhouse%2Beric%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1&th=1" data-model-name="Gadhouse MIKO" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G5tuKtk86GLSCtg42mqKjg.jpg" alt="Gadhouse Miko Cassette Player With Bluetooth 5.3 - Portable Cassette Tape Player With Transparent Design, Usb-C and Battery Power, Built-In Mic, One-Touch Recording, Aux-In and 3.5mm Jack" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Gadhouse</div> <div class="featured__title">Miko</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Again, there's Bluetooth, but the real flex is going full analog when listening to cassette tapes. Grab a set of wired headphones that end in a 3.5mm termination — the Sennheiser IE 200 or 1More Triple Driver options in this list might be perfect. </p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/everyone-seemingly-hates-modern-tech-this-brand-new-retro-cassette-player-proves-the-hipsters-right">'Everyone seemingly hates modern tech': this brand new retro cassette player proves the hipsters right</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="c61da358-de99-11f1-920d-03e763fc5b2e"> <a href="https://hifonix.co.uk/detail/heddphone-d1-dynamic-headphone/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=665410460&gbraid=0AAAAADozehIWJIZBVoo-zc1Ymqq0zjCFp&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5NXXBhDEARIsABAJhdI9pQbElPDOxWoyvNeNMWuFt6-3CjBtgHJEcr704hIWxeDBT5_BI7IaAuaPEALw_wcB" data-model-name="HEDD HEDDphone D1" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JRrrcBcGApLX8UrgMZvtmA.webp" alt="Heddphone D1 Dynamic Headphone" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>HEDD</div> <div class="featured__title">HEDDphone D1</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>What a set of headphones these are! They terminate in 3.5mm, but you get a 6.35mm screw-on adapter in the case. They're also open-back cans, which means they'll leak a fair bit of sound — but oh, the sound you'll be hearing! </p><p>Read our full review: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/hedd-heddphone-d1-review">'Can't fault the HEDDphone D1 in any meaningful way': HEDD's progeny are emphatically excellent wired headphones at a not-unreasonable price</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="7e9dfd12-dea2-11f1-8e42-791476a07903"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Astell-Kern-Resolution-Digital-Player-Silver/dp/B0HKJ9TRSV?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=AC1MKGSAQ8BQO" data-model-name="Astell & Kern PD5" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:80.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7X6f3HQpZBtHav2wubDWDR.jpg" alt="Astell&kern Pd5 High Resolution Digital Audio Player - Silver" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Astell & Kern</div> <div class="featured__title">Astell & Kern PD5</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Although that price may seem high (because it is, relatively speaking), this is very much entry-level territory for A&K, a company that has been making high-end digital audio players (or DAPs) for a long time now. </p><p>This is the company's latest and most 'affordable'. We've reviewed it and we have to agree; if you've got the budget, they'll love it… <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/portable-media-players/astell-and-kern-pd5-review">Astell & Kern PD5 review: the most 'sensible' player yet from A&K visually — but sonically it soars above the competition </a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="c61da524-de99-11f1-b7ee-4d825432dbe8"> <a href="https://www.richersounds.com/ruark-audio-talisman-r-fused-walnut/" data-model-name="Ruark Talisman-R" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:65.63%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YCJxWgaZDm8w2gAXZU6iRj.webp" alt="Ruark Audio Talisman-R (fused Walnut)" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Ruark</div> <div class="featured__title">Talisman-R</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Does the person you're buying for have their own place? And if they don't own a set of standalone passive speakers (but they <em>are</em> looking to get a traditional hi-fi stack), will anybody living with them mind inviting such a thing into the home? </p><p>All important things to consider. But take it from us: provided all of those requests and potential pitfalls can be answered properly, the talent of this particular set of Ruark speakers should be accepted without question.</p><p>Read our fully star-rated review: <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/speakers/ruark-audio-talisman-r-review">I thoroughly recommend these discreet passive speakers' impeccable design and detailed sound — you just need a relatively small room to enjoy them properly</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div><p>The three physical music players in this guide — the <strong>Maxell Wireless Cassette Player</strong>, the <strong>Gadhouse Miko</strong> (also a portable cassette spinner) and the <strong>Km5 Cp1</strong> CD spinner — all accept 3.5mm wired headphones or earbuds, and wouldn't that look special? </p><p>Finally, let's briefly get into audiophile adjacent 'big present' territory, just in case. The <strong>Astell & Kern PD5</strong> digital audio player is a step above (hi-res files only, mind — no discs or tapes here) that'll accept 3.5mm headphones/earbuds and balanced 4.4mm alternatives. Or, if they've got an elite player already, the best headphones I've heard all year are the <strong>HEDD Heddphone D1</strong>; they're open-backed, gloriously huge — and not at all cheap. Lastly, the <strong>Ruark Audio Talisman-R</strong> passive stereo speakers are among the best traditional hi-fi stereo towers for fledgling audiophiles. And they'll absolutely work in smaller apartments, too. </p><div style="min-height: 250px;"> <div class="kwizly-quiz kwizly-O9RYJX"></div> </div> <script src="https://kwizly.com/embed/O9RYJX.js" async=""></script> </article> ]]>
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