All the audio you could ever need


BrZ4XgtoRK4TEq2oVEvAAi-970-80.jpg

IFA is always a great time to check out the latest in headphones, speakers, soundbars (and just about any other audio gadgets you can think of), and IFA 2019 was no exception.

We didn't see much in the way of groundbreaking, never-seen-before innovation; instead, the pervading trend at IFA 2019 was for brands big and small to build on their existing technology, making their products better than ever before.

So, without further ado, here's the very best audio technology we saw at Europe's biggest tech show this year.


The best speaker: Sonos Move
Sonos has everything from soundbars to imposing architectural wireless speakers, but until now, it's never released a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Having waited this long, Sonos needed to release something really special to fill this gap in its range, and it has – the Sonos Move impressed us with its flexibility, ranging from on-the-go portable playback to being part of an in-the-home multi room set-up.


The best soundbar: Anker Nebula Soundbar – Fire TV Edition

Not content with being embedded into smartphones, tablets, web browsers and your home's smart speakers, Amazon is continuing its push into televisions – and surprisingly, soundbars.

The Anker Nebula Soundbar – Fire TV Edition comes with Fire TV built-in, so that means you can use it to watch Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more. It also contains the smarts of Amazon's voice assistant Alexa, so you can navigate your TV with your voice alone.

Sound-wise, it's got dual built-in subwoofers, so it should sound pretty bassy, while a 2:1 channel design means you get room-filling sound.


The best turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP5x
We’ve had only the briefest of sessions with the AT-LP5x, but even at this early stage it’s hard to find fault – there’s a commitment to good materials, the ability to digitalize your records, and a flexibility for adding other audio components of your choice that makes for a turntable that will grow along with your love of vinyl.

The lack of Bluetooth connectivity may put off those who want to avoid frustrating their speaker setup with annoying cables, but even so, that wired connectivity is usually seen as a plus within the audiophile community, many of whom believe it offers a higher level of audio quality.