In a shift from novels to desirable items, LUXUO has curated a selection of sought-after gadgets and devices perfect for gifting to tech-savvy friends and family this festive season. Spanning luxury home appliances to the latest in speaker technology, these gift ideas cater not only to home decor but are perfect for those who will be hosting festive gatherings and evening events. Discover this tech gift selection that elegantly combines innovation and aesthetic appeal.
Ruark Audio R-CD100 and Revo SuperCD
The introduction of the R-CD100 CD player by Ruark Audio signifies more than just a trend; it marks a noteworthy transition for the brand. As a new accessory to Ruark’s 100 Series standalone music players, it reflects a shift in direction. Typically, devices like the R410, R610, and R810, boasting digital and analogue radio tuners alongside comprehensive streaming service integration, are retained as separate units.
Crafted from premium components for silent playback, the compact R-CD100 is made from a combination of fused walnut and machined aluminum akin to its substantial counterparts. It connects via USB for both power and functionality, automatically syncing with the display and operating system of its 100 Series counterparts.
Ruarkaudio.com
Marantz Horizon Wireless Speakers
Featuring top-tier materials, an eye-catching design, and considerable power, the latest Marantz Horizon and Marantz Grand Horizon elevate wireless speaker technology. The two spherical Horizon speakers exemplify superior sound quality through their high-end materials. The line is available in three distinct finishes: Midnight Sky, Moon Ray, and Marantz Champagne. Drawing inspiration from automotive design, Marantz has introduced a sustainable fabric known as “Marantz Radiance 360-degree Seamless Ecofiber,” made from ocean plastics, enriched with gold lurex threads for a luxurious glimmer that complements the distinctive finishes.
The optional American walnut tripod floor stand (or wall brackets for preferred installation) is included, with each color featuring a unique natural marble base. Managed by Begüm Tomruk, Marantz’s Industrial Design Director, the Horizon collection sets a new visual benchmark for the brand. On the technical side, the unique circular shape pays homage to Marantz’s iconic “porthole” style and serves as a core part of the subwoofer driver system. Interactive lighting around the edge indicates volume levels, while touch-sensitive controls allow for easy volume adjustment.
The Grand Horizon features a subwoofer measuring 200mm (8 inches), while the Horizon includes a 165mm (6.5 inches) subwoofer. The more substantial Grand Horizon also comprises four 76mm midrange drive units, contrasting with the Horizon’s three 50mm (2 inches) units. Enhanced by Marantz software through the HEOS app, users can fine-tune the sound equalization for optimal room-filling audio.
www.marantz.com
Satechi Mac Mini Stand & Hub
The latest USB hub from accessory maker Satechi is tailored for Apple’s newest Mac mini. In essence, the latest Mac mini features a complete redesign, driven by the latest M4 and M4 Pro processors, and is notably more compact than its predecessor. However, due to its size constraints, the latest iteration lacks USB Type-A ports, which may be inconvenient for users of USB-A peripherals like keyboards and mice. This is where Satechi’s Mac mini Stand & Hub with NVMe Enclosure comes into play, serving as a practical solution. This aluminum hub is seamlessly designed to fit atop the Mac mini, offering a front-facing SD card reader and three USB-A ports.
Featuring USB 3.2, users can achieve speeds of up to 10Gbps; however, only two ports offer USB-A support, while the third port accommodates slower speeds of 480 Mbps due to its USB 2.0 capability. Additionally, due to its ability to support M.2 SSDs, the hub also acts as a means for storage expansion. The manufacturer claims the hub is compatible with M.2 2230/2242/2260/2280 SSDs up to 4TB, supporting speeds up to 10Gbps. Initial assessments indicate that the Satechi Mac mini Stand & Hub with NVMe Enclosure effectively addresses the key limitations of the new Mac mini, specifically the absence of an SD card reader and USB-A ports. Moreover, with Apple’s steep costs for storage expansions, the added storage capacity is certainly a bonus. Its design is likely an appealing factor as it harmonizes perfectly with the Mac mini.
https://satechi.net
Cassina Radio
The design of the Radio in Cristallo, created by Franco Albini in 1938, was inspired by a disassembled radio that Albini received as a wedding gift. The original’s electrical components were repositioned between two panes of glass, and now it is made by Cassina, retaining its contemporary style. The In Cristallo radio captivates viewers with its lightness, with a combination of wood and glass that highlights visible metal parts available in satin or white-lacquered stainless steel. Dimensions of the radio are 72 x 66 x 28 cm. Now available at W. Atelier, the FM and DAB Radio in Cristallo features built-in Bluetooth and an optional WLAN subwoofer for connectivity with Android and iOS devices.
Pro-ject Vertical Turntable
This sleek Pro-Ject VT-E turntable boasts numerous features designed to elevate your listening experience. An exceptional silicone belt minimizes vibrations caused by the turntable’s motor during operation, complemented by a low-vibration synchronous motor for enhanced sound purity and playback quality. Unlike the Fuse record player which uses the Audio Technica cartridge, this Pro-Ject device has an 8.6” aluminum tonearm paired with a pre-mounted Ortofon OM 5E cartridge. The tonearm effortlessly follows the grooves of your records, secured by a threaded clamp and a specialized tracking mechanism that keeps the record firmly in place on the vertical platter. The turntable comes pre-adjusted, requiring no major modifications; tracking and anti-skating forces are already set by the manufacturer. Designed for both left- and right-handed users, it is available in two product variations and can be wall-mounted or placed on a table. It supports playback at speeds of 33 and 45 RPM.
This upright record player includes a phono preamplifier for seamless wireless connectivity to speakers or headphones. Overall playback quality is impressive, highlighted by hushed operation. The bass is rich without being overwhelming, the highs are crisp, and the sound quality is warm and clear. You’ll fall in love with the tonal quality of vintage records played on this turntable!
https://pro-jectusa.com/product/vt-e/
Dyson WashG1
Dyson’s latest entry into the home cleaning market, the WashG1, is engineered to clean up to 3,000 square feet of hard flooring in a single charge—both wet and dry. It functions for up to 35 minutes on one battery charge, tackling tough spills, stains, and even dried residue. The technology utilizes two powerful motorized counter-rotating microfiber rollers that simultaneously remove both dry and moist dirt. Dyson’s innovation allows the rollers to clean themselves as they operate, replenishing water during each rotation while thoroughly rinsing off dirt. The lightweight design promotes easy maneuverability, enabling users to clean low, awkward, and hard-to-reach spaces effectively. The standout feature is its innovative technology that enables a touchless, automatic disposal system for debris from the soiled water.
www.dyson.com
Bose 901 Speakers
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Bose’s iconic 1960 speakers, New York-based furniture designer Mark Jupiter, along with the American brand Kith, has reimagined these speakers housed within sophisticated wooden enclosures and metal bases. Kith was chosen to redesign the speaker’s casing, collaborating with a Massachusetts-based audio engineering firm to provide a modern twist on a design that has captivated audiences since its 1968 launch. Only twelve pairs of these newly reengineered speakers were created, making the limited collection particularly sought after. Remarkably, these speakers utilize backward-facing drivers that reflect sound off walls, creating a surround sound effect.
This gear is designed within wooden enclosures to showcase their capabilities as a decorative element. There are two unique wood choices for the speakers: natural air-dried walnut and white-finished ash. The speakers emerge from the wooden bases and are supported by hand-rubbed brass pronged pedestals, giving the product a contemporary vibe. Overall, the speaker system retains a similar silhouette to the original, and Kith found the grey-tone fabric for the fronts from the 1968 model.
www.bose.com
Samsung Premiere 9 and Premiere 7 4K Laser Projectors
Samsung has upgraded its Premiere projector, which debuted in 2020. The 4K ultra-short-throw laser projector formerly boasted a bulb life exceeding 20,000 hours, resulting in much admiration. Initially available in two models (the LSP7T and LSP9T), it supported screen sizes of 120 and 130 inches, with peak brightnesses of 2,200 and 2,800 ANSI lumens, respectively, and DCI-P3 gamut coverage of 83% and 147%.
The latest Premiere models, the Premiere 9 and Premiere 7, have advancements that include a maximum brightness of 3,450 ISO lumens and 2,500 ISO lumens, respectively, with support for HDR10+. Samsung claims this new brightness level exceeds earlier generations by approximately 23% and 14% based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. The Premiere 9 provides a remarkable 154% color gamut coverage, while the Premiere 7 aligns with the full 100% DCI-P3 standard coverage. They maintain the same screen dimensions as their predecessors.
The main distinction between the Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 is the laser technology they incorporate. While the Premiere 7 employs Smart Laser technology, the Premiere 9 distinguishes itself with Smart Triple Laser technology. The difference is most apparent in color representation; triple laser technology directly produces primary colors, resulting in images that are brighter and more color-accurate than those produced by single laser systems.
It’s impossible to overlook the infusion of AI upgrades these days, and The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7 present AI Upscaling and Vision Booster features. Samsung’s Vision Booster intelligently adapts brightness and contrast according to various lighting conditions for enhanced picture quality. Simultaneously, AI Upscaling ensures content is delivered at 4K resolution, regardless of its original quality.
Audio capabilities are also a highlight of both models; the Premiere 7 features 30W 2.2-channel speakers, while the Premiere 9 boasts 40W 2.2.2 channel upfiring speakers. As with earlier models, both Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 come equipped with Samsung Tizen OS Home. With built-in voice assistant compatibility, users can command the projector and other connected devices effortlessly through voice commands. Streaming services accessible include Samsung TV Plus (which might not be available in Singapore), Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, among others. Users can also stream content from their smartphones using Tap View and Mirroring functionalities.
The projectors are enhanced by Samsung’s innovative technologies. The Samsung Gaming Hub allows gamers to access cloud-based games directly through the projector, enabling gameplay without a console. Note that this service may not be readily available in Singapore. With Custom Ambient, users can create nostalgic mood videos from personal memories to display on the projectors. The SmartThings app enables users to combine images, videos, and widgets freely and control other Samsung smart home devices from the projector interface. Both The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7 are available for purchase through Samsung’s U.S. website, priced at US$5,999.99 and US$2,999.99, respectively.
www.samsung.com
JBL Modern Audio (MA) AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers
With its new launch of Modern Audio (MA) AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers, JBL Singapore is raising the bar in personal audio. This innovative JBL Home Theatre Solution, tailored for the upcoming generation of movie buffs and music enthusiasts, delivers an integrated audio system that harmonizes affordability, quality, and expandability.
These cutting-edge devices simplify the home theatre experience by leveraging JBL’s profound expertise in cinematic sound, utilizing patented loudspeaker technology and digital amplification. Many consumers find navigating home theatre component purchases to be daunting and overly complex. The JBL MA AV Receivers and Stage 2 Loudspeakers eliminate this confusion with straightforward, turnkey solutions that are easily installable and user-friendly.
Users can personalize the system to fit their specific space in just a few minutes using the mobile app. Wi-Fi-enabled AVRs with “Works with SmartThings” compatibility enable users to program automatic routines that control other IoT devices with a simple button press. The system accommodates multiple audio platforms, ensuring seamless and fluid audio whether streaming from Spotify, pairing devices via Bluetooth, or utilizing Apple AirPlay or Chromecast for music playback. Available at select JBL authorized retailers, JBL MA AV Receivers are priced from SG$699 to SG$2,499, while JBL Stage 2 Loudspeakers range from SG$599 to SG$2,199.
https://www.jblonlinestore.com/
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