(Clockwise from Left) Edifier Prisma e3350 speakers, Pioneer XW-NAC3 dual iPod dock, Bowers & Wilkins P-5 headphones, Akai ATT022U USB turntable, Sony DRC-BT60 Bluetooth Earphones Picture: John Fotiadis Source: news.com.au

BOWERS & WILKINS P-5
Price: $499.95
Rating: * * * * 1/2

THE name Bowers & Wilkins is associated with fine speakers, but the company has never produced a pair of headphones until now.

The P-5 is the result of more than 45 years of audio experience and will impress from the first listen. Their construction is designed to maximise sound quality and isolate outside noise with its closed-back design and sealed leather earpads.

The P-5s are light, comfortable to wear for extended periods and produce an accurate sound that will please music lovers. The headphones work well with portable music players and also have a mic and volume control for use with a phone.

This unique stereo also has a USB port for adding a memory stick filled with audio files, plus Bluetooth so it can stream audio from smartphones.

Pioneer's XW-NAC3 can also connect to the internet to access radio stations or play music from your home network. As far as sound goes, the XW-NAC3 uses 6.6cm full-range speakers and passive radiators to deliver a consistent range of high-quality audio. Available in white, red or black.

SONY DRC-BT60
Price: $149
Rating: * * *

WITH so many songs now on smartphones, users need portable audio gadgets to enjoy their collections. Sony uses a typical smartphone feature - Bluetooth - to produce earphones that can unleash the power of phone music.

The DRC-BT60 earphones plug into a small module that clips to a belt or clothes. This pairs with a mobile phone so listeners can roam wirelessly within a 10m radius of the phone.

This module has a rechargeable battery that can be topped up via computer. The earphones have a noise-cancelling seal and sound great, despite the wireless connection.

EDIFIER PRISMA e3350 2.1
Price: $129.95
Rating: * * * *

GOOD sound is one thing, but good looks are rare. Edifier's Prisma e3350 2.1 speaker system has both with an appearance reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House thanks to a large, white, curved subwoofer and speakers with a power output of 9W RMS.

Listeners can plug the Prisma into their computer or MP3 player for a surprisingly large sound. Control the bass with a separate dial at the rear of the subwoofer. The master volume controller is a stylish, matching rotary control with a red LED glowing halo around its dial so you're sure to see it, even in dim mood lighting.

AKAI ATT022U USB
Price: $319
Rating: * * * 1/2

VINYL records haven't disappeared, they are just hiding in people's homes in cool, dark places. In order to take that music collection with you, the Akai ATT0225U USB belt-drive turntable can be used to transform them into digital format.

Once connected to a PC or Mac it can operate at speeds of 33, 45 and 78RPM so all kinds of records from more modern releases to older discs can be played and transformed into digital files.

Once the audio files are created, included SoundSoap software can eliminate the pops, crackles and bumps inherent with vinyl playback for smoother digital listening.