Tag Archives: sound quality

Noble Sceptre Review – Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love

There’s a quiet frustration that many of us never quite articulate.

You buy excellent headphones. You invest in something genuinely special. Then you discover that the weakest link in the entire chain isn’t the drivers, the tuning or the comfort… it’s the Bluetooth chip inside your phone or laptop.

The Noble Sceptre arrives as a rather elegant solution to that problem.

Noble Sceptre Review - Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love
Noble Sceptre Review – Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love

Launching at £64.99, this compact Bluetooth transmitter promises to bypass the limitations of built-in wireless hardware and deliver high-resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive to virtually any compatible device .

And in typical Noble fashion, it does so without fuss.


What Exactly Is It?

At first glance, the Sceptre looks like a small, understated USB-C dongle. No flashing lights. No oversized branding. Just a compact metal unit designed to disappear into your setup.

But internally, it’s built around Qualcomm’s QCC5181 chipset with Bluetooth 5.4 support . That’s the important bit.

Rather than relying on whatever Bluetooth radio your phone, tablet or laptop happens to include, Sceptre handles the transmission itself. It becomes the brains of your wireless link.

The result? Access to advanced codecs including:

  • LDAC
  • aptX Adaptive
  • AAC
  • SBC

In practical terms, that means cleaner transmission, better detail retrieval and more consistent audio quality.

Noble Sceptre Review - Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love
Noble Sceptre Review – Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love

Why This Matters

Modern smartphones, particularly some iOS devices, are notoriously restrictive with codec support. Even on Android, implementation can be inconsistent.

Sceptre effectively levels the playing field.

Plug it into a USB-C device and suddenly you’re no longer at the mercy of whatever the manufacturer decided to include. It supports iOS, Android and Windows platforms , and it’s compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth headphones, true wireless buds and even powered speakers.

For anyone running premium wireless IEMs or high-end Bluetooth headphones, that’s a significant upgrade path without replacing your existing gear.

Noble Sceptre Review - Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love
Noble Sceptre Review – Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love

Real-World Use

What impressed me most is how practical it feels.

There’s a charge-through USB-C port, meaning you can power your phone or laptop while using Sceptre . That makes it viable for long commutes, flights or desk use. No battery anxiety.

Bluetooth profiles supported include HFP, A2DP and AVRCP , so calls and media control work as expected. Transmission range is rated at up to 20 metres , which in everyday terms means stable connection across a room, through a couple of interior walls, or around a typical office.

Setup is handled via the Noble app for the initial pairing, after which it behaves like a proper plug-and-play device .


Design and Build

The design language is classic Noble.

Minimal. Purposeful. Compact.

It doesn’t scream “audiophile accessory”. Instead, it feels like a professional tool. Something you carry because you know what it does, not because you want attention.

It’s lightweight enough to live permanently on a laptop. Small enough to disappear into a pocket alongside your phone. And crucially, it doesn’t add clutter.

Noble Sceptre Review - Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love
Noble Sceptre Review – Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love

Who Is It For?

This isn’t aimed at casual listeners.

It’s for:

  • People who own serious wireless headphones
  • Commuters who stream lossless or high-quality audio
  • Gamers who want more consistent wireless performance
  • Anyone frustrated by codec limitations on their device

If you’re perfectly happy with standard SBC streaming, this probably isn’t essential.

But if you’ve invested in quality audio and feel your source is holding you back, Sceptre makes a compelling case.

Noble Sceptre Review - Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love
Noble Sceptre Review – Unlocking Proper Bluetooth Without Replacing the Kit You Love

The Bigger Picture

Noble built its reputation on handcrafted in-ear monitors and distinctive true wireless designs. With Sceptre, they’ve moved upstream into the signal chain itself .

That’s clever.

Rather than asking customers to buy new headphones, they’re enhancing what people already own.

At £64.99 / $69.99 / €69.99 , it’s positioned accessibly for a performance upgrade that could genuinely transform a wireless setup.


Gadget Man Verdict

The Noble Sceptre is one of those devices that solves a problem many people don’t realise they have.

It doesn’t try to be flashy. It doesn’t attempt to reinvent wireless audio. Instead, it quietly improves the weakest link in the chain.

And in audio, the chain matters.

If you’ve invested in quality Bluetooth headphones and want to hear what they’re truly capable of, this small dongle may well be the missing piece.

Compact. Practical. Sensible. And surprisingly impactful.

Exactly the sort of understated gadget I rather enjoy discovering.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

At CES in Las Vegas, Edifier continued its push beyond traditional desktop audio with the announcement of the M90 Compact Active Speaker. Building on the design thinking behind the M60, the M90 is positioned as a flexible, high-resolution audio solution for desks, bookshelves, and TV setups alike.

The M90 reflects a broader shift in how speakers are expected to perform. Rather than serving a single purpose, it is designed to move comfortably between work, gaming, music, and home entertainment.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Compact design with serious output

Despite its relatively small footprint, the M90 delivers a combined 100 watts RMS of output, split across a bi-amped 2.0 configuration. Each speaker combines a 4-inch long-throw aluminium mid-low driver with a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, driven by high-efficiency Class-D amplification.

Measuring just 133 mm wide, 212 mm high, and 225 mm deep per speaker, the M90 is compact enough for desktop use while offering sufficient output to fill a room. This balance of size and power is central to its appeal, especially in multi-use spaces where equipment needs to stay discreet.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

End-to-end high-resolution audio processing

At the core of the M90 is a fully digital signal path supporting 24-bit, 96 kHz high-resolution audio. The system uses an active crossover with dynamic range control to maintain smooth transitions between frequencies and balanced sound reproduction at different listening levels.

Both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications underline Edifier’s focus on fidelity, whether audio is delivered via wired connections or over Bluetooth.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

HDMI eARC and wide connectivity

One of the most notable features of the M90 is the inclusion of HDMI eARC, a connection typically associated with soundbars and AV receivers rather than compact active speakers. This allows the M90 to connect directly to compatible TVs for high-bandwidth audio transmission, simplifying setups and reducing the need for additional hardware.

Alongside HDMI eARC, the M90 offers optical, USB-C, and analogue AUX inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including computers, media players, and turntables. A dedicated subwoofer output is also included for users who want to extend low-frequency performance with an external sub.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Modern Bluetooth and app control

Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 6.0 with support for the LDAC codec, enabling high-resolution audio streaming at up to 990 kbps from compatible Android devices. Bluetooth multipoint is supported and can be enabled through the EDIFIER ConneX mobile app, allowing easy switching between multiple sources.

Physical control is managed via a rear-mounted control knob for power, volume, and source selection, complemented by a 2.4 GHz omnidirectional remote. When connected via HDMI eARC, HDMI CEC allows volume and power control directly from a TV remote.

Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90
Edifier brings HDMI eARC to active speakers with the new M90

Customisable sound for different uses

The M90 includes three preset sound modes accessible via the remote, with further sound shaping available through a 9-band EQ in the EDIFIER ConneX app. Users can tailor the sound to suit music, gaming, or TV viewing, and manage inputs, playback, and settings from a single interface.

A clear signal of where active speakers are heading

With the M90, Edifier is clearly positioning compact active speakers as central audio devices rather than accessories. By combining high-resolution processing, HDMI eARC connectivity, modern Bluetooth, and app-based control in a compact form, the M90 points toward a future where a single pair of speakers can handle most everyday listening scenarios without compromise.

Sonos Arc Ultra Review: With Sub 4 and Ace: a system that finally feels complete

There was always something quietly impressive about the Sonos Arc Ultra. Even before the latest software updates, it delivered an expansive, room-filling Dolby Atmos experience from a single, discreet soundbar. What has changed is not how it looks, or even fundamentally how it sounds, but how finished the entire system now feels.

This is no longer just a very good soundbar. It is the centre of a genuinely flexible home cinema and personal listening system.

Design and presence

Arc Ultra remains a masterclass in restraint. Its slim, curved profile and matte finish allow it to sit beneath large televisions without shouting for attention. It does not block bezels, it does not dominate the room, and it blends in far better than most high-end audio hardware.

Sonos Arc Ultra Review: With Sub 4 and Ace: a system that finally feels complete
Sonos Arc Ultra Review: With Sub 4 and Ace: a system that finally feels complete

That calm design language continues into daily use. There are no flashing lights, no distracting displays, and no sense that you are living with a piece of “tech” rather than a home product.

Sound quality: wide, controlled, and confident

On its own, Arc Ultra delivers a convincing 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos presentation. Sound does not simply fire forwards; it spreads across the room, with effects placed to the sides and above in a way that feels natural rather than exaggerated.

Dialogue is consistently clear, helped by Sonos’ enhanced Speech Enhancement options. Voices cut through dense mixes without sounding artificially boosted, and the balance of music and effects remains intact. It is one of those features you quickly stop thinking about because it just works.

Bass performance from the soundbar alone is impressive thanks to Sonos’ Sound Motion™ woofer, but pairing Arc Ultra with the Sub 4 (£799) transforms the experience. Low frequencies gain genuine physical presence. Explosions hit harder, music gains weight, and the overall soundstage feels more grounded. Importantly, the Sub integrates seamlessly. It never draws attention to itself.

Sonos Ace: the update that changes everything

At £399, Sonos Ace headphones were already strong, but the recent major software update fundamentally changes their role in the system.

TrueCinema is the standout. Instead of collapsing sound into your head, it recreates the acoustic character of your room inside the headphones. Watching a film feels like you are still sitting in front of the TV, just privately. It is not a gimmick. It is genuinely convincing.

The updated TV Audio Swap for two is equally important. Two people can now listen to the same TV audio simultaneously on their own Ace headphones, perfectly in sync. Late-night viewing, shared spaces, or simply different listening preferences suddenly become non-issues.

Noise cancellation has also been refined, adapting in real time to glasses, hair, or hats, while call quality feels more natural thanks to improved voice handling and SideTone.

Why software matters here

This is where Sonos quietly pulls away from many rivals.

None of these improvements required new hardware. Arc Ultra, Sub 4, and Ace simply became better through software. Features that would normally justify a new product launch arrived overnight, free of charge.

This matters because it changes the value equation. You are not just buying hardware as it exists today. You are buying into a platform designed to evolve.

In a market obsessed with fast churn, this feels refreshingly grown-up.

Short verdict

The Sonos Arc Ultra system now feels complete.
With Sub 4 adding authority and Ace headphones transformed by TrueCinema and dual-listener TV Audio Swap, this is no longer just a soundbar setup. It is a flexible, future-proof home audio system that adapts to how people actually live.

Sonos Arc Ultra (with Sub 4 and Ace)
9.5 / 10

Pros

  • Exceptional Dolby Atmos performance from a single bar
  • Seamless integration with Sub 4
  • TrueCinema on Ace is genuinely transformative
  • Dual-listener TV audio is brilliantly practical
  • Software updates meaningfully improve value over time

Cons

  • Premium pricing
  • Full experience requires buying into the ecosystem

Final thoughts

At £999 for Arc Ultra, this is premium territory. Add the Sub 4 and Ace and the investment grows. But unlike many premium systems, this one earns its place over time.

This is not about excess or spec-sheet bravado. It is about refinement, flexibility, and sound that adapts to real life.

Sonos has not reinvented home audio here.
It has quietly perfected it!

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

There is something rather special about great audio gear. Whether it is a cherished pair of bookshelf speakers from the seventies or a hefty amplifier that once powered many late nights, older kit carries a charm that refuses to fade. The trouble is that modern streaming rarely considers this history. We juggle apps, fight with compatibility issues, and often end up restricted to one manufacturer’s ecosystem.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Atonemo, a young company based in Stockholm, has stepped in with a refreshingly simple answer. Their new device, the Streamplayer, aims to bring every speaker you own into the streaming age. It works with speakers of any brand, size, or era and gives older equipment a modern purpose again.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Listening to music used to be an uncomplicated affair. You pressed play, and the sound travelled through a cable without any fuss. Today, we navigate multiple services that do not always get along. Streamplayer strips away that complexity by giving you a single, universal way to stream music across your home.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

The concept is brilliantly straightforward. Streamplayer is a compact wireless audio streamer that connects to any speaker or amplifier. Once it joins your Wi Fi network, you can play music through AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, or Tidal Connect. Your vintage hi fi becomes wireless. Your modern speakers can work side by side with your older favourites. You can even synchronise completely different speakers into one unified system.

Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

For fans of classic audio equipment, this is especially exciting. Many older speakers sound superb but lack the streaming features that modern life expects. Atonemo’s mission is to bring them back into everyday use, turning beautiful old gear into fully capable modern systems.

Atonemo’s Approach

The company was founded by two childhood friends, one a mathematician and the other a designer. Their shared passion for music and frustration with over engineered audio systems inspired them to create products that feel human, simple, and purposeful. Their philosophy focuses on clear communication and design that does exactly what it needs to do without clutter.

Key Features

Streamplayer is small, but the specification is impressive:

  • 24 bit 192 kHz audio
  • Gapless playback
  • AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
  • Analogue line out and optical S PDIF out
  • Wi Fi 6 with WPA2 and WPA3 security
  • USB C power
  • Works with active speakers, amplifiers, hi fi systems, and vintage audio gear
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life
Streamplayer: The Little Box That Brings Every Speaker Back to Life

Everything about it is built around compatibility and convenience. It arrives with a USB C power cable, an AUX cable, and a simple quick start guide, making setup as painless as possible.

A Simple Idea with Real Impact

The launch of Streamplayer feels like a moment for anyone who loves audio but dislikes unnecessary complication. It brings your favourite speakers back into daily use, unifies the systems you already have, and avoids locking you into any single brand.

For anyone with a cupboard full of forgotten gear or a cherished pair of speakers that deserve to be heard again, this little box might be one of the most appealing products of the season.

More information is available at atonemo.com.

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

The cassette tape’s resurgence has been one of the most joyful twists in personal audio. After years of streaming convenience running roughshod over the tactile pleasure of physical playback, along comes something that finally bridges the gap without losing the charm that made tapes brilliant in the first place.

The Curtis GB001 from We Are Rewind is a premium cassette boombox built for the modern era. Designed in France, it carries the unmistakable spirit of the classic ghetto blaster, but with a refined materials palette and contemporary engineering that make it feel purposeful, not kitsch.

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For
We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

It has presence in the way only proper hardware can. A hefty aluminium frame meets real walnut panelling. There’s a solidity to the unit that suggests it belongs on a shelf, in a studio, or under a Christmas tree without ever feeling incongruous or overdesigned. This is a product that’s been considered, prototyped and built with genuine affection for the medium.


Big, Bold Sound from a Single Cassette Deck

Curtis is built around one high quality cassette deck. No double deck accoutrements or tape dubbing circus here, just a single drive that plays tapes with real fidelity. That’s not a compromise, it’s a statement: great sound comes from focus.

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

The playback is warm, dimensional and immersive, the sort of audio experience that makes you forget how sterile compressed streams can sound. Bluetooth 5.1 is onboard for those odd occasions you don’t have a tape handy, but the headline act is the tape mechanism itself, delivered through a stereo driver architecture that extracts every bit of depth your recordings have to give.

Controls are gloriously physical. Buttons push with reassuring resistance. Dials turn. The unit is rechargeable and portable, but it doesn’t lean on portability as its personality. The GB001 earns affection by being good at what it is.


In and Out Options for Every Listener

The input choices are refreshingly sensible and fully modern where they need to be: USB C for power delivery, RCA input for proper audio gear, and 3.5mm line in for plugging in almost anything with a headphone jack.

We Are Rewind Curtis GB001: The Cassette Boombox Renaissance We’ve Been Waiting For

It’s a ghetto blaster that doesn’t discriminate on age or audio source. If you grew up making mixtapes, you’ll love it. If you’re new to tapes but want a boombox that looks as good as it sounds, you’ll love it. And if you just want a premium Bluetooth speaker that happens to play cassettes, you’ll love it too.


A Christmas Gift with Longevity

There are only a handful of tech gifts that genuinely transcend trends. The Curtis GB001 belongs in that rare group. It doesn’t chase a fashion cycle. It nods to an era and elevates it.

If 2025 is truly the year of the cassette boombox revival, this is one of the few units that feels ready to lead the charge. It’s distinctive, memorable, supremely listenable and built with an exacting eye for design and sound quality.


Final Thoughts

The Curtis GB001 from We Are Rewind is an honest, confident cassette boombox debut for 2025. One deck. Big sound. Proper materials. Bluetooth onboard. Inputs present and correct. And most importantly, it rekindles a love for a format that never should have been sidelined in the first place.

Premium? Yes. Unnecessarily so? Not a chance. This one has earned its space.

Edifier R1 – Clever, Comfy and Surprisingly Capable Open-ear True Wireless Earbuds

 

Edifier R1 – Clever, Comfy and Surprisingly Capable Open-ear True Wireless Earbuds
Edifier R1 – Clever, Comfy and Surprisingly Capable Open-ear True Wireless Earbuds

I’ve been testing out the Edifier R1—that’s what they’re called here in the UK (elsewhere known as the Comfo C)—for the past few weeks, and I’ve got to say, they’ve been quite the surprise.

First impressions? Confusion, honestly. I spent longer than I’d like to admit trying to work out which bud went in which ear. Turns out, you don’t need to. These clever little things auto-detect left and right channels. Very smart indeed.

The case is worth a mention—it’s smooth, rounded, and shimmers like a large pearl. It’s not only elegant but practical too, featuring USB-C charging and a magnetic lid that snaps shut with a satisfying click. The earbuds also stay in place magnetically, which is a nice touch.

Comfort-wise, the R1 is excellent. The clip-on design feels light and barely noticeable. I’ve even slept in them—no discomfort whatsoever. That alone makes them stand out in a crowded market.

Sound quality? It’s surprisingly good. You won’t get deep, rumbling bass like you would from sealed in-ear buds, but what you get is crisp and well-balanced sound. There’s no noise isolation by design, so you’re still connected to the world around you, which can be a big plus.

Call quality is solid too. Voices are clear, and switching between paired devices like my phone and MacBook was seamless—just press play or take a call and the R1 handles it smoothly. Pairing was quick using the EDIFIER ConneX app (a separate install if you’ve used older Edifier devices).

Edifier R1 – Clever, Comfy and Surprisingly Capable Open-ear True Wireless Earbuds
Edifier R1 – Clever, Comfy and Surprisingly Capable Open-ear True Wireless Earbuds

Battery life really impressed me—up to 7 hours on the buds alone, with another 21 hours in the case. Even using them overnight, I woke up with charge to spare.

There’s even a clever water drainage mode that plays high-frequency tones to help clear moisture. Not something you see every day!

At around £59, the Edifier R1 offers great value—especially if you’re after comfort, clarity, and awareness while listening. A truly refreshing take on wireless audio.

Grab yourself a pair of Edifier R1 Earbuds from Amazon

Edifier R1 – Available in Grey and Ivory

  • Innovative open-ear clip-on design for all-day comfort and a secure fit.

  • Smart audio channel detection allows interchangeable use of left and right earbuds.

  • Directional acoustic technology reduces sound leakage and enhances audio clarity.

  • 12mm dynamic drivers with titanium-coated composite diaphragms produce rich, detailed, and powerful sound.

  • AI-powered noise reduction ensures crystal-clear phone calls.

  • IP56-rated dust and water resistance for reliable performance in various environments.

  • Multipoint connectivity for seamless switching between multiple devices.

  • Automatic wear detection to pause and resume playback effortlessly.

  • Bluetooth® V5.4 delivers stable connections and smooth audio streaming.

  • Fully compatible with the EDIFIER ConneX App for extra features like earbud locator, personalised controls, and drainage function.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar – Planar Magnetic Drivers Bring True Wireless to a Whole New Level!

At The Gadget Man, I’m always on the lookout for tech that genuinely pushes boundaries — and Edifier’s latest release has me seriously impressed. Say hello to the Edifier NeoBuds Planar – a new generation of premium True Wireless earbuds, packed with tech that promises (and delivers!) an incredible listening experience.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar – Planar Magnetic Drivers Bring True Wireless to a Whole New Level!
Edifier NeoBuds Planar – Planar Magnetic Drivers Bring True Wireless to a Whole New Level!

Why the NeoBuds Planar?

Unmatched Sound with Planar Magnetic Drivers

Most true wireless earbuds use dynamic drivers, but Edifier has taken a different path, packing planar magnetic drivers into the NeoBuds Planar. The result? Absolutely crisp, immersive audio. Whether you’re blasting your favourite playlist, tuning into a podcast, or taking an important call, these earbuds deliver an unbelievably rich and detailed soundstage.

Next-Level Noise Cancelling

Noise cancelling is no longer just a luxury – it’s essential. The NeoBuds Planar feature advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, cutting out distractions whether you’re commuting, working in a noisy office, or just zoning out at home. Simply put, they create a cocoon of beautiful sound around you.

Premium-Quality Wireless Audio

Powered by Qualcomm® QCC5181 Bluetooth® audio SoCs and supporting the full Snapdragon Sound™ Technology Suite, the NeoBuds Planar are a true audiophile’s dream. They handle a variety of HD codecs including aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ Lossless, Snapdragon Sound™, LDAC, and LHDC – all of which combine to deliver an extraordinary audio experience across any device.

And yes, they come with Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification — meaning they meet the highest standards for wireless audio quality. This isn’t just marketing hype; the difference is tangible.

Edifier NeoBuds Planar – Planar Magnetic Drivers Bring True Wireless to a Whole New Level!
Edifier NeoBuds Planar – Planar Magnetic Drivers Bring True Wireless to a Whole New Level!

All-Day Power and Crystal-Clear Calls

When it comes to convenience, Edifier hasn’t cut corners. Six high-sensitivity microphones combined with Qualcomm aptX™ Voice technology mean your voice comes through clearly during calls or when speaking to your favourite virtual assistant. And with up to 30 hours of total playtime (including the charging case), they’ll easily keep pace with your busy day.

Smarts to Match the Sound

The EDIFIER ConneX app unlocks a host of smart features, including automatic music pause/play when you take them out or put them back in, and full customisation to tweak your audio to perfection.


Final Thoughts

The Edifier NeoBuds Planar aren’t just another pair of wireless earbuds – they’re a serious step forward in audio technology, offering planar driver performance in a true wireless form factor. If you’re serious about sound — and you want freedom from wires without sacrificing quality — these could well be your next favourite gadget.