Ah, music — famous for soothing the savage beast, which is a cliché but is nevertheless true. There are dozens of devices that play music, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and old-school MP3 players; but if you want to hear your favorite jam loud and clear, you need more than just a device. Almost everyone you see has a set of earbuds, but if you think those are the only audio accessories at your disposal, you’re doing a huge disservice to your ears and your favorite artists because there are so many other possibilities!
Portable Speakers for Loud Tunes Anywhere
UE MEGABOOM Charcoal Black Wireless Mobile Bluetooth Speaker (Waterproof and Shockproof)
Portable speakers are easily one of the best audio inventions ever created. They’ve been popular since the olden days when people relied on Walkmans and Discmans to listen to music. Portable speakers plug into your device’s earphone jack and amplify your music. The key is that you absolutely have to look for a good set. Buy an inexpensive pair from the drugstore and you’ll end up with a soft, tiny sound that isn’t much better than trying to use a set of personal headphones as speakers by turning up the volume.
Choose a pair of speakers that allow you to adjust bass, treble, and noise. You need something that gives off a rich, full-bodied sound — that way you can share your music with friends, and they can actually hear and appreciate it. You’ll also enjoy the versatility of portable speakers because you can use them with your phone, watch movies with “surround sound” on your tablet, or plug them into your computer.
A Versatile Docking Station
Bose SoundDock Series III Digital Music System with Lightning Connector
Docking stations are must-haves if you have a mobile device. They’re different from portable speakers because a great many of them charge your device while also working as speakers, amplifying your music, audiobook, or movies. Your best option, again, is to choose something versatile, such as a docking station that uses a power source as well as batteries — that way you can set it up wherever you like and listen to music no matter where you are.
Noise Canceling Headphones for Some Privacy
Sony MDR10RNC Premium Noise Canceling Headphone
There are headphones, and then there are good headphones — every music lover knows they aren’t created equally. You don’t want your music to compete with loud voices, street noise, traffic, crowds, or anything else that disrupts the pure sounds of the beats that soothe or excite you. Sony’s noise cancelling earbuds are the answer to that problem.
They’re ideal on planes because they cancel the drone of the engines, making it easier to sleep, as well as listen to music or a movie soundtrack. On public transportation, they make it easier to relax during endless trips or long commutes. They keep the distractions at bay and allow you to focus on the music instead of straining to hear your favorite lyrics or riffs.
An Amplifier for Louder Music
TOPPING TP21 Class T Digital Mini Amplifier
Get an amplifier for your mobile device and it will soon sound like a state-of-the-art stereo system. Mobile devices are small but they pack a big punch in terms of sound — and sound quality. However, if you want them to reach their full potential, you need an accessory or two. Hook up your device to something like the Topping TP21 Amplifier, for instance, and you can share your music with entire crowds of people.
Waterproof Buds for Workouts
Jaybird X2 Sport Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Do you like to listen to music while you work out? Whether you run every morning or hit the gym three days a week, you probably know that music is extraordinarily motivating, especially when your stamina dips. However, when you sweat, your headphones get slimy, wet, and potentially stop working. Consider snagging a pair of sweat-proof earbuds. Certain models even allow you to swim, which certainly marks an evolution in headphones.
People rely on their mobile devices to talk, to stay in touch, to watch movies, and definitely to listen to music. To get the full effect of the songs you love most, whether you adore Dave Matthews or Social Distortion, you need accessories designed to produce or amplify crystal clear sounds. How else can you get your groove on properly?
