Types of audio tech
While most of us listen to music through headphones (or sometimes just our phone), there’s nothing like the room-filling set up that you get from speakers. Whether you want to chill out in the garden with something portable, or hook up your home with the latest smart multi-room speakers, you’ve come to the right place. It’s a muso must!
Types of speaker
Don’t fuss with cables – Bluetooth speakers let you wirelessly stream your favourite playlists and tracks. All you need is a compatible device like your smartphone or tablet to easily play a song, switch between tracks and stop the music without having to touch the speaker. Bluetooth speakers are great for sharing music - your friends and family can stream their music too.
Bluetooth speakers often offer a range of connections, so that you can link to other speakers, your phone or your PC. From NFC (Near Field Communication), to USB or a standard headphone port, you can find a simple way to stream your music and connect devices.
If you want to take your speaker outdoors, portable Bluetooth speakers are often water, shock and even dustproof, so you can play music on the beach or by the pool without worry.
Some Bluetooth speakers can even be used to set up a complete multi-room system in your home using your WiFi network.
Things to consider when buying bluetooth speakers
With a wireless smart speaker system, your favourite songs, podcasts and radio stations can literally follow you around the house. Using your WiFi network or Bluetooth, smart speakers can receive audio from your smartphone, tablet, computer or home theatre system. You can control everything using a free-to-download app. Using Smart sound speakers you can play the same song in every room or a different song in each space. And because you can connect to digital music libraries, compatible CD players, radios and even turntables, there’s no limit to what you can listen to. If you have a smart sound bar, subwoofer and rear speakers you can also create a virtual surround sound experience. Start with one speaker and grow your system as you like.
You only need one wireless speaker to start streaming music. Set up takes seconds using the helpful app, and all you have to do is plug the power cord in to get started. If you want to connect extra Sonos speakers, you can add them to your system at the push of a button.
Using the app you can pick tracks from a number of sources, and then select the room that you want your music to play in. You can control music in different rooms or play the same song around the house – all from your phone or tablet using the dedicated app.
Things to consider when buying a smart sound speaker
Party audio is categorised as any high powered speaker system (normally above 100 W), with unique features like a CD player, DJ and Karaoke functionality, or even flashing lights. They usually have Bluetooth compatibility, so you and your guests can select songs and choose music from your phones.
Enhance your night with friends using Party Audio, a variety of unique features designed to make any gathering feel like a party. From DJ and Karaoke functions to flashing lights, Party audio lets you customise the sound of your tracks, control your music with an app or stream songs via Bluetooth.
Things to consider when buying party speakers
For powerful sound in a classic format, Hi-Fi systems feature large speakers and additional features like CD players, radio stations, Bluetooth streaming and more. If you pick a Hi-Fi system with an app you can even pair your smartphone for easy music streaming. Some models can be wall mounted to make the most of your space.
Hi-Fis give you more ways to listen to your music, often including a CD player, Bluetooth connectivity or a FM/DAB+ radio. A Hi-Fi will also have a range of connectivity, options like RCA ports, 3.5 mm jacks and even WiFi access.
Things to consider when buying a traditional Hi-Fi
No matter what you like to listen to, radios offer the ability to listen to all your favourite stations and programs. Choose between classic and vintage inspired styles, FM and DAB options or portable models with built-in batteries to suit any home or occasion.
Things to consider when buying a radio
Turntables (or record players) are back, so you can enjoy the distinctive sound of your vinyl records in their original format. Some models let you convert vinyl into a digital format, so that you can listen to your favourite tracks wherever you are.
Things to consider when buying a turntable
Enjoy your favourite music in style with our wide range of headphones. If your focus is comfort and quality, on ear and over ear styles deliver great sound. In-ear headphones are incredibly lightweight and fit easily in your pocket – ideal for your everyday commute. Want to block out distractions? Noise-cancelling headphones let you tune out the world around you so you can focus completely on your music. And if you need music to work out, sports headphones offer sweat protection and designs that won’t restrict your movement.
