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Hear and Now

We don’t often deliberately close our eyes for a product review, but this time it makes sense as we listen to the latest audio products

Many of us can’t live without music. It pushes us when we exercise, relaxes us in our living room and makes us dance like there’s nobody watching in the shower. But it has to sound good: no one needs a tinny screech when you’re practising your best moves. Here at Abu Dhabi Week, we have highlighted some of our favourites for delivering just one thing – stunning sound.

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Bose SoundTrue headphones

Choosing headphones today is a little like browsing in a candy store; bright colours, funky designs and plenty of shapes and sizes to choose from. But are headphones being picked for fashion over function? Thankfully the 2014 SoundTrue headphones from Bose aren’t here to look pretty; they aim to impress in another way.

Apart from a touch of colour on certain models, the styling remains simple. As always with Bose, the focus is on the sound. The speakers have been engineered with TriPort technology, which means the need for artificial bass is eliminated; whatever you are listening to sounds natural and as lifelike as it was when it was recorded. Digital Surround Sound adds an extra dimension to your experience, with external sounds going virtually unnoticed. For the plane, train, game, or even chilling in your living room when you get home, these should be on your wish list.

Price: AED 799

From: Bose at www.bose.ae or 800 BOSE

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Home theatre

The market offers some incredible home theatre systems, and they don’t come much better than the Samsung HT-F5550K. Four Tall Boy speakers, a central speaker and a subwoofer blast an impressive 1000w of crystal clear sound – enough to enjoy Iron Man 1, 2 and 3, or even make your neighbour think Tony Stark is actually coming through their wall.

Apart from all the HDMI connections, Blu-Ray player and Wi-Fi connection, what we are really impressed with is the 3D Surround Sound. The new system adds more depth in isolated areas, like a living room, giving the impression of being in the cinema itself. Movies at home may start to be more realistic than before, especially at this price.

Price: AED 1,099

From: Plug Ins at www.pluginsme.com or 800 PLUG INS

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Jambox

For speaker manufacturers, the portable device market looks so attractive a playground that the market is flooded with handheld or mini-size speakers. The tradeoff is that sound quality plays second fiddle to styling and design on many of the speakers available – but not all. That’s why we vote for the Jambox by Jawbone. Yes, the design is edgy and clean, but the power and clarity this little box produces is outstanding. Coming in two sizes, Mini and Big, this is the perfect pocket rocket for all your poolside parties and lazy beach days. Connect via Bluetooth and your Marvin Gaye is ready to play.

Price: AED 699

From: www.souq.com

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Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A8

Bang & Olufsen offers products that are in a league of their own for both style and performance; and the BeoPlay A8 offers sound that will astound you in a package that looks very slick. Sharp, circular speakers form the foundation of the unit that somehow manages to pump out treble and a booming bass like we’ve never heard before from a docking station. The central bar offers a connection for iPod, iPhone and iPad, as well as AirPlay or DNLA.

The A8 produces exceptional textures of bass that allow the sound to travel further and remain impressive, so it can sit comfortably indoors, or happily venture outside for an al fresco gathering.

Price: AED 5,400

From: Bang & Olufsen Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road: 02 644 0587

 

 

Top 3 Kids’ sound devices

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Skullcandy Uprock headphones

Let your little ones plug into their tablet or MP3 with these funky headphones. With a variety of styles, your little tykes will have plenty to choose from. Good sound, cool design, affordable price.

From $29 at www.skullcandy.com

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JBL Clip

Wearable, lightweight and powerful. A great piece of kit here with a built-in audio cable to click straight into your MP3 player – or you can use Bluetooth for wireless connection. Clip it to your belt, bag, bike or wherever you see fit.

$49.95 from Amazon

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IDUCK

How to make bathtime really fun! Connect your phone to the Bluetooth egg, which will then transmit your tunes to the iDuck, a waterproof speaker that bobs in the bath with your youngster. You can even control volume and playback from the duck itself.

AED 158 from www.desertcart.ae

Jack Dignum

 

 

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