The Audio Beatnik’s Christmas Gift List

It’s a little less than two weeks before the big day, and this year “Silent Night” may have more to do with being in lockdown. Still, here are some last-minute suggestions for your holiday gift list or for spending some extra Christmas cash you might be lucky enough to get. We’ve provided information on where to find these items so that you can shop from home.

Gift List of Audio Accessories

Let’s start with a gift list for the audiophile who is hard to shop for or to treat yourself.

DS Audio ST-50 Stylus Cleaner – $80.00

Ken Redmond reviewed it here. This is force-free, stress-free, and liquid-free cleaning at its best – ensuring no damage to your cartridge since you won’t risk brushing it the wrong way or using a solvent that dissolves the bonding material. When ST-50’s transparent pad gets dirty, simply remove it from the metal casing, rinse in water, and voila – you’re ready to go. Order online from musicdirect or call them at 800-449-8333.

BOSCH 165-10 Blaze One Laser Measure – $39

This is a must have for any audiophile. With a simple push of a button you can easily set up your speakers. End the struggle with that old-fashioned tape measure.

The BOSCH 165-10 is compact enough to fit in any pocket and has a back lit color display that enables you to easily read measurements, even in dark areas.

You can find this with free shipping on Amazon.

DEKIRU Acoustic Panels Bass Traps (8 pack) – $30

If you are serious about sound, acoustic products are part of your system setup. Bass traps in particular are a must. You would be hard-pressed to add something else for $30 that can make as big a difference in your sonics. You can find them on Amazon.

Musical Surroundings FOZGOMETER – $249

The FOZGOMETER is a small portable battery-powered meter used in conjunction with a test record to measure channel separation, channel balance, and signal direction quickly and accurately. This is a must have to adjust the Azimuth of your cartridge. You can find this with free shipping on Amazon.

Dr. Feickert Next Generation Protractor $249

This is the best solution for accurately aligning your cartridge with a wider variety of tonearms. It is accurate, compact, more versatile and even easier to use than the previous model. This is what the advertising says. What we can tell you is that if you have a tonearm and cartridge, you need this device. We found it with free shipping at The Cable Company. Call 800-328-9973.

Gift List for Upping Your Sound

Now here are some ideas to improve the sound of your system.

IsoAcoustics Component and Speaker Isolators – Starting at $49.95

You won’t understand what isolators do unless you are an audiophile. Believe us, they can make a world of difference in the sound quality of your system. Take a look at the IsoAcoustics site and then find what you are looking for on Amazon. You will find their products in sizes to match audio components and speakers.

Audience Forte F3 PowerChord – Starting at $149

There is something about how a system sounds with Audience cables that makes us want to listen more to the music than to the system itself. Our system features all Audience cables and Jack reviewed it here.

All Audience products are available from The Cable Company.

Audience forte V8 Power Conditioner – $895

“The more articulate and dynamic sound of the forte V8 Power Conditioner appears to open up space for more details to come through.” That’s what our reviewer Adam LaBarge said in his review. We think so too and saw the same improvement in our system. You will find it at The Cable Company.

Something to Listen To

Oh, and you have to have something to listen to. Here are a few ideas to add to an audiophile collection.

Isabeau Corriveau’s – A Leap of Faith – Starting at $17

If you attended the Florida Audio Show last December, you may have heard this amazing Canadian harpist play. Here’s her latest CD.

It’s also available as a download and in various other formats. You will find it on her website.

Blues Live at Lincoln Center – $55

Two legends, Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton join together for one awesome night at the Lincoln Center. The deluxe edition featuring both a CD and a DVD is almost like being there in person. Kick back and enjoy two legends every time you play this music. Eric Clapton once said…. it was the most intimidating group of musicians he had ever played with.

Newvelle Presents: The New Orleans Collection – $200

This set of four new recordings features the breadth and legacy of New Orleans jazz from the greatest generation of New Orleans artists. Recorded in the spring of 2020, each album is now available exclusively on vinyl. Find out more here.

Gifts That Keep On Giving

When it seems like you are playing the same music over and over again, it’s time to break out and find something new. Gift subscriptions to streaming services can help with that. Here are a couple to consider.

Blue Coast Prime Membership – $50/year

Give a gift of high-resolution music with a year-long subscription to Blue Coast Music. In addition to a 15% discount for all recordings for one year, subscribers also get 15 PRIME Episodes FREE, that’s 45 songs recorded in DSD. Show your support for high-resolution music with a gift to your favorite music lover!

Qobuz Subscription – $12.49 per month (3, 6 or 12 months)

Try a Qobuz subscription for holiday gifting, and treat yourself or your favorite audiophile to unlimited streaming. Both The New York Times and USA Today recommend a Qobuz gift subscription – see here: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/offer-qobuz. Subscriptions start at $12.49 per month for unlimited Hi-Res streaming. You can choose a gift subscription for 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months.

Whatever you choose for yourself or someone else, have a very happy holiday season. We know it’s a little different this year, but hang in there. And as always, your gift to us is that you continue to read and comment on The Audio Beatnik. Stay well!