STACK #214 August 2022

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FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

COOL COLLECTIBLES

The Godfather Vito Corleone

LISTEN UP Whether dad is a dedicated audiophile or just likes to chill with a playlist, podcast, audiobook or sports broadcast, your search for the right gift just got easier. And if he’s still an analogue type, an introduction to the wonderful wireless world of digital audio and smart tech is a great gift in itself. Wireless headphones, earbuds (aka in-ear headphones) and speakers conveniently connect using Bluetooth, and have in-built mics for taking calls. Cans and buds also feature noise cancellation to eliminate external racket, while smart speakers can be added to a smart home ecosystem to deliver music, news, and more. Soundbars add an immersive soundscape to movies and shows, and if dad’s old record collection is gathering dust in the attic, a belt-drive turntable and speaker combo is just the thing for a vinyl revival. When gifting audio tech, consider where dad will use it most – indoors, outdoors, the gym, or commuting. And check the IPX rating for water and dust resistance when choosing earbuds and portable speakers – the higher the number, the more protection.

Black and White Pop! VHS Cover

A gift dad can’t

refuse! Iconic poster art and a monochrome Pop! of the infamous movie Don. Star Wars: The Mandalorian Helmet Desktop Light This is the way to make dad’s day! Light up his desk with Mando’s distinctive helmet.

STACK ’s PICKS

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones These premium cans feature noise cancelling that utilises multiple

There’s plenty of boom for buck here with 360 degrees of spatial sound and a large woofer for thumping bass. Encased in super tough fabric and with an IP67 rating, the MEGABOOM 3 is virtually indestructible and

microphones to block out more unwanted sounds

than ever, and Precise Voice Pickup and AI-based noise reduction for call clarity. Battery

will even float if accidentally dropped in the pool. Battery life is a massive 20 hours from a single charge, and extra BOOM and MEGABOOM speakers can be added to party up! Google Nest Audio

speakers can be added for multi-room audio, and there’s Wi-Fi connectivity, AirPlay2 support and voice control with compatible devices. Optical cable connection provides compatibility with older TVs without an HDMI port. Audio-Technica LP60XSPBT Fully Automatic Bluetooth Turntable with Speaker This fully automatic belt-drive turntable ticks all the boxes. It features a switchable built-in preamp, dual speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, and includes a compatible Bluetooth speaker with a battery good for 12 hours of continuous playback. Full range audio is delivered wirelessly, and there’s also the option to connect using an RCA cable.

life is a massive 30 hours per charge with NC on, and up to 40 when off. Naturally, the sound is the ultimate feature – 30mm driver units deliver natural and detailed audio, with advanced music upscaling. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 ANC In-Ear Headphones These ergonomically designed buds deliver incredibly clear and punchy sound, with a built-in EQ for customisation. There’s Adaptive Noise Cancellation that auto-adjusts based on outside noise levels, and high quality voice pickup for calls. Add wireless charging (seven hours per charge), intuitive touch controls and IPX4

This compact smart speaker delivers rich, room-filling audio and powerful bass, and will auto-adjust for optimal listening. The Google ecosystem makes accessing music, news, weather, et al, as simple as saying, “Hey Google…“ The Nest can also function as an intercom, and adding multiple Google speakers allows music

to be pumped throughout the home, or follow the listener with a voice command. Sonos Ray Soundbar

An entry-level soundbar tuned by Hollywood experts to deliver wall-to-wall audio, clear dialogue and strong bass. Forward-facing speakers allow the unit to sit within an enclosed cabinet or bookshelf, while TruePlay tech adjusts the sound to best suit a room’s configuration. Extra Sonos

splash resistance, and dad has the full kit to enjoy personal audio.

66 AUGUST 2022

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