Dynamic Technology

COOLEST GADGETS: PERSONAL AUDIO

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Beautiful headphones where form follows function and music docks with outstanding build quality.

Parrot Zik

With a price that proves that the combination of form and function doesn’t come cheap, the Parrot Zik headphones, designed by Philippe Stark, feature cutting-edge technology in a pretty package. The headphones are armed with gesture driven touch controls that’ll change the volume or track, or let you take calls, at the flick of a finger. Parrot’s also thrown in noise cancellation head detection – simply take the headphones off to pause the music – and NFC connectivity.

V-Moda TrueBlood Revamp

Co-branded with the HBO hit series True Blood, the V-Moda Revamp is one of the best sounding headphone sets on the market. While the high-quality metallic finish and thick cables make it a rugged choice for daily use, where it really shines is in its outstanding low-frequency response and bass boost. The best price-to-performance headphones we could find.

B&W Zeppelin Air

Bowers & Wilkins’ products usually satisfy even the most difficult-to-please audiophiles, and the Zeppelin Air is no exception. It may look like an oversized egg (or for aviation enthusiasts, an undersized Zeppelin), but it features outstanding build quality, all the ports you need (auxiliary, component, USB, ethernet, power, dock connector) and AirPlay support so that streaming that hot new Rihanna track from your iDevice is hassle-free. Even cooler: an egg-shaped remote and a surprisingly low price tag that’s rare for products from the British hi-fi specialist.

Diesel Vektr

Even as you unpack the Vektr, you know you’re in for a treat, because everything is just so beautifully presented. The on-ear headphones are easily among the most striking sets we’ve ever seen – its angles and shadows remind us of a stealthy Lamborghini Reventón. And Diesel’s partnership with Monster Cables ensures that the Vektr sounds like a dream, too.