Audio & Visual Gear

Koss Pro4S Full Size Headphones Let You Go Pro for Under $150

My first over-the-ear headphones were made by Koss. That’s going back almost 40 years. The Koss Pro4S headphones hearken back to those headphones for just $149.99. More importantly, these full size, over-the-ear headphones are super-comfortable and sound fantastic. Designed for professionals but priced for the consumer market, I’ve been more than mildly impressed by them. Let’s check them out!



Denon’s HEOS 1 and Go Pack Make for a Fine Wireless Speaker

The Denon HEOS 1 Wireless Speaker is an attractive network and Wi-Fi connected speaker that delivers good sound anywhere in your house for $199.99. With the HEOS app, you can stream music to the speaker using a few different music services. The HEOS 1 Go Pack adds Bluetooth connectivity, splash proofing, and a 6-hour battery for $99.


Soundfreaq Sound Kick 2 Kicks Out the Sound for Just $100

At $100, Soundfreaq Sound Kick 2 is bound to impress. The speaker is powerful, portable, and water-resistant. Better still, while looking to update the original Soundfreaq Sound Kick speaker, the company made sure to stay focused on their main objective: small speakers offering great sound. In the process, they created a speaker that can go anywhere — including the shower.


808 Audio XS Wireless Stereo Speaker: A Small Yet Powerful Boombox

Just about everyone has a portable Bluetooth speaker anymore, right? So it takes something special to set one apart from the others, and that’s what 808 Audio is trying to offer with their XS Wireless Stereo Speaker. Available in black, blue (with a black grill), or white (with a gold grill), the ~$60 speaker packs a lot of sound in a super portable package.


Sol Republic SHADOW Wireless Earphones Review

I’ve tried wireless headphones that have a band that sits around your neck while wired earbuds extend up to your ears. I’ve never been all that impressed with the comfort of the approach… Until I tried the Sol Republic SHADOW Wireless Earphones. They are comfortable, light, hold a wireless connection well and, best of all, the sub-$100 headphones are comfortable.




The Polk Audio Omni S2 Is Wireless Sound That Goes with Any Decor

Polk Audio describes the Polk Audio Omni S2 wireless speaker as “The First Great-Sounding Wireless Music System.” That’s a bold claim for a wireless speaker that costs under $180 and comes with multiple grills. If the claims ring true the S2 is a great deal. The key of course is, “If the claims ring true…” According to Polk Audio the Omni S2 offers “unparalleled sound.” As they explain: “The Omni S2 is an ultra-compact speaker that lets you put Polk’s widely respected signature sound in any room of your home. The Omni S2 comes with both black and white swappable…


808’s Performer Bluetooth Headphones Are Best Used With It’s Cable

It’s always fun being able to review Bluetooth headphones over here at Gear Diary, so it was exciting to be able to review 808’s Over-The-Ear Audio Performer BT Bluetooth Headphones.   I will be the first to say this…I hate cords. Wearing a sling bag daily to and from work, I really despise having to pull my phone out of my pocket to change a tune or check a notification. Yes, first-world problems. The 808 Audio Performer BT’s are able to be used wirelessly for those of us who enjoy being cable free, or if you just have to have…


Bayan Audio soundbook GO Sounds Great on the Go and at Home

The portable Bluetooth speaker market has exploded in recent years and it is more and more difficult to stand out in such a crowded field. Bayan Audio has found a way to do just that with the soundbook GO, however. This small speaker sounds great, has a built-in stand that doubles as a cover and is under $140!


Braven LUX HD Wireless Speaker Review: A Most Elegant Audio Source

Looking suspiciously like an evening clutch that I would love to own, the new Braven LUX HD Wireless Speaker is much more than a fashionable portable sound system. Measuring 6.5″ long x 2.6″ wide x 21.8″ deep, this 11.8 ounce speaker offers 12 hours continuous battery life and it can even top-off your phone’s battery.


Sorry Beats, but AKG Y55 Headphones Do the Same Thing

Designed to compete with the likes of Beats By Dre, I will admit, I was skeptic when I saw the AKG Y55 Headphones arrive at my door. As a self-proclaimed audiophile, I’ve been unimpressed with headphones that just attempt to be bass heavy. But I’m glad I took a few days to test these bad boys out.





NYNE Aqua Review: A Submersible Speaker Ready for Aquatic Fun!

Enjoying music while you splash in the pool is a summer luxury; making it happen so that you done have to deal with sand in your ports, dunking your device, or overheating your phone can be tricky. One great solution is leaving your phone in your beach bag, and using the submersible NYNE Aqua; you’ll get great sound without caveats.