101 Gadgets You Can't Live Without

- Alex Cox & David Nield

# Smarter sound

#01

UE WonderBoom 2

UE’s second-gen WonderBoom is bassier and louder, particularly if you activate its outdoor boost mode. But the sound isn’t really the point. It’s the versatility that makes it essential: the ball-shaped WonderBoom is as at home on your shelf as it is bobbing around in a pool. Capable of pumping out 360-degree sound for 13 hours, you can now hook a pair of them together for true wireless stereo. £89.99, utimateears.com

#02

Flare Audio PRO 2HD

Built to last, built to blast out sound, and built to best even cans with huge drivers, Flare’s PRO 2HD are earphones you can really rely on. From the acoustic lens that ensures precise sound reproduction, to the extra-large 5.5mm beryllium drivers, there’s a tremendous amount of detailed engineering on display – and Flare’s Jet tech means musical detail takes centre soundstage. £399, flareaudio.com

#03

Audiolab M-DAC Nano

DACs are traditionally about improving audio resolution, and with its low-power 32-bit/384kHz converter the M-DAC nano certainly has chops in that department. But it’s a DAC that puts convenience just as high on the list. It charges wirelessly, gets its signal via Bluetooth 4.2, and is so incredibly small you can drop it into any pocket while leaving your phone slung in a bag. Ingenious. £150, audiolab.co.uk

#04

Ruark Audio R5