Top at-home speakers for an elevated cinematic experience

As the pandemic forces us to spend more time indoors, there is a huge interest in elevating the sound system at home. Choosing the best audio set-up can be tricky — whether you’re creating an at-home theater system of your dreams or simply upgrading the built-in smart speakers, we’ve got options and easy on the wallet too. Scroll on…

Best All-Around Smart Speakers

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen

First on the list is Danish audio luxury brand Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay A9 4th Generation. Adding to its predecessors’ existing features, such as a full-range of connectivity, multi-room synchronization and a seven-driver-strong build with a high-performance engine, the 4th Gen Beoplay wireless home speaker comes with active room compensation technology that adapts to the ambiance of the room. It balances bass, treble and mid-range outputs outstandingly with no distortion. But even more striking here is its stunning Scandinavian design that highlights a minimalist aesthetic and its elegant solid wood legs.

Price: HK$25,800
Pro: Clean and loud audio; elegant design
Cons: B&O setup app could use improvement
Find out more here.

Best for Home Cinema

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Presented in sleek 104.5cm x 5.81cm x 10.7cm, the Smart Soundbar 900 by American audio tech company Bose, although slim in structure, does not skimp on quality. Subtly mount it underneath your flat screen or upon a shelf — no matter its position, the intelligently engineered sound system creates an immersive soundscape making you feel like the action is happening right in your own living room. Bringing details to life, the smart soundbar highlights the brand’s exclusive TrueSpace audio processing technology that analyses non-Atmos content (such as stereo or 5.1) and up-mixes the sound quality to create a more dynamic and multi-layered cinematic atmosphere. And for a truly immersive audio experience at home, the device synchronises any Bose smart-home headphones and smart speakers via SimpleSync.

Price: HK$10,000
Pro: Impressive clarity and details; supports Dolby Atmos; slim and subtly fits on the shelf or underneath the TV
Cons: It’s only flaw is that it is slightly larger than its previous 500 model
Find out more here.

Best for 360-degree Audio

Top at-home speakers for an elevated cinematic experience gafencu pantheon I — (Photo: Panteone I)

Pantheone I

At first glance, one might think that the Pantheone I is an sculptural piece set to elevate the aesthetic of the home, and perhaps that is exactly what the Australian design firm had aimed for in creating this high-performance audio accessory. Fusing form and functionality while powered by state-of-the-art technology that boasts impressively loud output and deep base without fall short on audio quality. Sound and modern art come together in its smooth and robustly curvaceous structure and impressive engineering that allows its hidden hardware to produce exceptional 360-degree soundstage. Good enough to fill a large room.

Price: HK$22,206
Pro: It has an impressive volume and sound quality for its size and structure; doubles as a sculptural piece for the home.
Cons: It is heavy (25kg) and design may blend easily in every home.
Find out more here.

Best for Streaming

Bowers Wilkins Formation Wedge

British manufacturer Bowers Wilkins delivers room-filling audio systems. If you think the Formation Wedge looks good, just wait until you read what it has under its hood. Strategically placed and angled for optimum sound quality, its drivers (two 2.5 cm aluminum dome tweeters, a 9 cm woofer underneath, and a 15 cm subwoofer) provide outstanding sound clarity without any interference among the drivers, despite its relatively small stature — providing excellent high-resolution audio quality. In place of physical controls, the Wedge features illuminating touch-sensitive controls for volume and play/pause modes.

Price: HK$8,999
Pro: Supports integral stream services; stylish design and excellent sound quality
Cons: No remote control; dedicate app and streaming services are
Find out more here.

Best for Power

Devialet Phantom I 103 dB

There’s nothing like moving to your favourite track, and with French audio expert Devialet’s Phantom, you can rest assured that audio quality on this device will not fall short. Boasting an immense output from it powered by high-fidelity and ultra-dense sound in a compact design. It is digitally powered, analog-grade audio technology pumps out ultra-deep bass, thanks to its HBI® Heart Bass Implosion, and produces stunning clarity — capturing every detail and bringing the concert to your home. Moreover, it arrives in a gorgeous glass fibre polycarbonate casing that presents a modernist style fit for any stylish home.

Price: HK$12,990
Pro: Powerful and outstanding bass and clarity even at high volume; captures the slightest details that lower-end speakers cannot
Cons: Not the most subtle external design for minimalist homes
Find out more here.

Nature’s Music: Bose’s new Smart Soundbar 900

Close your eyes and imagine: the rustling of tall grass in the wind while birds chirp their melodic sing-songs in the background; whispers in the crowd or the dramatic low-tones of the bass in a musical concert. Sound is nature’s way of speaking to us.

Bringing to you a stylish at-home audio system that sits discretely underneath any 49″ and wider smart TV, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers a cinematique experience that goes well beyond your usual Netflix and chill. Whether you’re watching the latest binge worthy TV show or relaxing to your favourite musical playlist, renowned audio expert Bose offers a state-of-the-art smart audio device for the home.

Presented in a minimalist yet sleek white / black aesthetic, the details that go into its design is as beautiful as its engineering feat. Measuring at a lean 104.5cm x 5.81cm x 10.7cm, tempered impact-resistant is laid atop the device; its body is beautifully wrapped around with a metallic grille which pumps out an immersive soundscape.

Although slim in structure, this smart Soundbar performs with the utmost immersive sound quality thanks to its intelligently engineered sound system. Supporting Dolby Atmos content as well as boasting the brand’s exclusive TrueSpace — the company’s proprietary audio processing technology. The device analyses non-Atmos content (such as stereo or 5.1) and up-mixes the sound quality to create a more dynamic and true-to-life soundscape in the comfort of your own home.

The soundbar transports your perception of space by isolating each instrument, dialogue and special effects, producing multiple layers of crispy clear details through its multi-directional drivers, delivering ultra realistic details and an unparalleled sound quality.

Its wireless connectivity allows users to connect to their device via Bluetooth, WiFi, and Apple AirPlay 2. What’s more, its Bose Music app ADAPTiQ audio calibration system synchronises any Bose smart-home headphones and speakers via SimpleSync for a truly harmonious at-home listening experience.

For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3ILerSv

Bose’s robust speakers for all the summer adventures

If music is food for love, then quality speakers are the key to play on… Shakespeare couldn’t have been more right– music is the easiest way to transport yourself but in 2021 just music won’t cut it. You need ultimate sound quality to take the experience to the next level.

Internationally renowned audio technology giant, Bose has launched a slew of ultimate, slick sound systems which are perfect to fill your summer gatherings, pool-side jaunts or BBQ parties with seamless, pristine sound. The price is a real steal too, go ahead, pick one up and have your friends guessing where you got your sound system installed from…

For a day out in the sun:

Sharing a space with friends means an experience together – especially if that means creating memorable moments in the great outdoors – none sets the vibe better than the SoundLink Revolve+ II. It’s water and shock-resistant portable speaker that offers a truly immersive 360° listening experience for the whole party.

Clearly designed with on-the-go listeners in mind, its flexible fabric handle was deliberately created to make the tote-friendly gadget easy to hold and comfortable to carry. The device also boasts a water-resistant design – move your music anywhere – in the shower or by the pool or even a boat. Further adding to its defences are shock-absorbent bumpers to take on any inevitable bump or fall.

But don’t let this petite miniature amplifier fool you, pint-size as it may be, it is billed as the brand’s best-performing portable Bluetooth speaker. Boasting a powerful hardware that allows for truly immersive listening experience of up to 17 hours with all-around deep bass thanks to its full-range transducer and 360° omni-directional acoustic deflector — providing crispy clear details in every direction.

Featured in two shades: Triple Black and Luxe Silver, it flaunts an elegant outlook with a finely detailed front grille.

Promotion Price: HK$2,299

For the perfect companion indoors:

Rainy day in or choosing to cosy up on your couch – take your Netflix streaming sessions to the next level by losing yourself in a cinematic soundscape that transforms your living room.

Bose has pulled out all the stops with its sleek and slender Bose TV Speakers, featuring two full-range drivers — angled for wide spatial acoustics, and a centre tweeter that isolates verbal dialogues. The outcome of its engineering design is a sound system that delivers a rich and balanced home theatre experience.

Measuring at only 5cm, the simple and modest-looking sound bar does not fall short on performance thanks to its two optional audio modes: Bass and Dialogue. With a simple press of a button, Bass mode enables an even deeper bass level while Dialogue mode analyses the programmes you watch to adjust its configurations and provide clearer verbal dialogues for a cleaner and life-like listening experience.

The device is easy to install and small enough to subtly blend into the home, whether under the television or on a wall shelf. It also comes with a dedicated remote to effortlessly toggle between modes, adjust volumes and wirelessly pair with any smart device via Bluetooth —seamlessly switching from your smart TV to a musical playlist or podcast of choice. Perfect for any home!

Promotion Price: HK$1,899

For more Bose audio solutions, please visit this page.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: Gafencu’s top picks for every dad

Make this Father’s Day memorable with a gift that speaks volumes about the beloved man in your life. With the special occasion just a week away, we’ve made shopping for dear dad easier with a curated list of gift ideas for every possible type of father. From whisky lovers to well-dressed gentlemen, these are Gafencu’s top picks for Father’s Day gifts…

For whisky lovers:
A Father’s Day special Johnnie Walker Blue Label masterminded by award-winning Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his team makes the perfect personalised gift for whisky-loving dads. Featuring a limited-time only complimentary engraving service to customise each bottle of this exceptional tipple — making your heartfelt gesture everlasting. The blend boasts an exceptional combination of flavour and character, revealing fruity, citrusy notes punctuated with spice and vanilla sweetness with every sip and finally round out in a smoky chocolate finish.
Price: HK$1,350
Where to get it: liquidgold.com.hk

For the well-dressed father:
If you’re at a loss for gifts to give the fashionable dad in your life this Father’s Day, then look no further than American luxury house Harry Winston‘s Zalium cufflinks. Fashioned from white gold and Zalium — one of the lightest and most durable material — and set with round-brilliant diamonds. It is the perfect blend of modern sophistication and cutting-edge style to dress the mighty father with a tender heart.
Price: HK42,900
Where to get it: harrywinston.com

For the writer:
Let the writer in your life know how special he is with an exceptional writing tool that will inspire him to embark on his writing journey with awe. Introducing a classy and sophisticated fountain pen courtesy of German luxury goods manufacturer Montblanc‘s Meisterstück Around the World in 80 Days collection — perfect gift to mark this Father’s Day as a memorable one.
Price: HK$15,400
Where to get it: montblanc.com

For the father on the go:
Get the leading man in your life a gift that he won’t see — or hear — coming. The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are a pair of sleek ultra light and comfortable audio accessory that is sure to impress the fatherly audiophile. Featuring an impressive patented Acoustic Noise Cancelling mode that is effortlessly adjustable on three levels, from complete noise cancellation to full transparency, by simply double tapping on the left earbud. Available in triple black or white soapstone colour.
Price: HK$2,299.00
Where to get it: bose.com

For the watch enthusiast:
There’s no better way to let dad know you love him by supporting his passions. Swiss watchmaker Tudor recently launched the Black Bay Ceramic, a combination of the brand’s most beloved models’ design cues from vintage Tudor dive watches, noticeably the watchmaker’s hallmark angular hands — coined as “snowflake” hands and its familiar domed dial with applied hour markers. Powered by Manufacture Calibre MT5602-1U, the self-winding bidirectional chronometer boasts distinctive performance within a 41mm matte black ceramic case — a unique hue for the Black Bay collection, offering the passionate watch-loving dad a sleek, lightweight addition to his stock of precious timekeepers.
Price: HK$35,500
Where to get it: tudorwatch.com

For nature lovers:
Introducing a sumptuous elemental fragrance for the nature-loving father in your life, the Bvlgari Man Glacial Essence by Italian luxury brand Bulgari liberates with a breath of fresh air. Featuring a rejuvenating crisp and icy olfactory experience, this eau de parfum lends its alp-inspired aromatic expression to active dads who love to triumph over the rough landscapes of nature. Previous aromatic expressions in the brand’s line of mens perfumes are the sensual, neo-oriental Fire and Wood, a dynamic interplay of fresh, sparkling and spicy notes.
Price: HK$975 /100ml
Where to get it: bulgari.com

Back-to-Work Wares: Must-have gadgets for the city’s on-the-go urbanites

With social distancing regulations relaxing once more, city dwellers can once again venture forth from the confines of their abodes, ready to tackle the world with a renewed zeal. Seeking to help kick start your productivity, the innovative must-have gadgets below will ensure you greet the wider world with your best face forward…

A smart thermal mug
Starting your morning on the right foot can get you ahead in the day and there’s no better way to do so than a hot cuppa to get you up and running. The Ember Travel Mug² not only sets your drink to an exact temperature, but it also keeps it at a consistent temperature for up to three hours, saving time spent downing your fresh brew as you’re rushing out of the house. It can also be connected to your phone to customise preset settings for your favourite drinks, and send notifications when the desired temperature is reached.
Price: $1,528

A stylish set pair of headphone sunglasses
Eschewing the bulkiness of typical headphones, moving with your music even when on the go has become even more stylish courtesy of audio giant Bose’s Bose Trames Tenor. Don’t be fooled by this stylish pair of shades as it subtly hides audio ports on the outside and underside of the temple of the sunnies and delivers wafer-thin acoustics via its intelligent Bose Open Ear Audio technology. An intelligent two-in-one design, this is one gadget that’s truly a stylish amalgam of sound and vision.
Price: $2,099

A portable phone sanitising charger
Did you know that your phone is dirtier than a toilet seat? Fear not, though, because Utah-based company PhoneSoap has come up with an innovative portable phone sanitising charger to help fix this unwanted problem. When the average wet wipe and alcohol spray just doesn’t cut it, this innovative case provides an alternative, incorporating a UV-C light that is clinically proven to kill up to 99.99 percent of all unwelcomed bacteria in less than five minutes. It’s also apparently twice as effective (and works twice as quickly) than any similar products currently on the market. What’s more, the sanitising unit also doubles as a convenient compact charger.

Price: $950

A mind-relaxing headband
Clearing your mind may be the last thing on your priority list when you’re facing a full schedule, but several scientific studies have shown that taking a twenty-minute break between tasks boosts productivity throughout the day and refreshes the system and refuels the mind’s creative juice. This makes the Muse 2 Meditation headband by Toronto-based company InteraXon appealing for professionals who could benefit from a much-needed recess from mentally-demanding tasks. The device, fit with multi-sensors around the band, uses neurofeedback features and artificial intelligence to guide users through relaxation techniques and stress-relieving soundscapes. The smart accessory also allows users to track their mindfulness progress through real-time displays of brain activity and feedback reports via cellphone.
Price: $1,939

Introducing: Bose Frames Rondo Audio Sunglasses 2-in-1 headphone/sunglasses

Blending summer chic with a seamless on-the-go audio experience, the new Bose Frames Rondo Audio Sunglasses are the perfect accessories for the summer season. Boasting an innovative two-in-one design, its sleek sunglass frames feature an in-built miniature speaker system that sits comfortably above your ears, enabling you to enjoy your audio experience while still being able to hear ambient noises around you.

Boasting an easy-to-use design, the mini speakers of the Bose Frames Rondo Audio Sunglasses are controlled with just one button. Whether you want to turn the sound on or off, accept or reject calls or play or pause your music, all that’s required is a single click. What’s more, the spectacles are even Siri- or Google Assistant-enabled, allowing users even greater control over their mobile devices.

The frames, meanwhile, are equally intelligently designed. Not only are the rims scratch-resistant, the lenses are also shatter-proof and coated with UV protection to preserve the health of your eyes under even the strongest rays. So whether you’re relaxing by the pool or undertaking a strenuous hike in the mountains, the US$199.95 Bose Frames Rondo Audio Sunglasses will ensure you’re suitably musically entertained and protected from the sun.

To purchase your own pair of Bose sunglasses, visit the Bose website today.

Sweet dreams: Could Bose’s noise-masking sleepbuds be the answer to a good night’s sleep?

Have you ever experienced those nights when you just can’t sleep because of snoring, traffic, loud neighbours or the alike? Yes, we’ve all been there.

Luckily, though, we may have just found the answer to our problems with Bose’ latest creation – noise-masking sleepbuds. Designed meticulously to help you sleep, the tiny wireless sleepbuds promise to delivery uniquely engineered sounds that will mask unwanted noises and lull you to sleep. Rather than streaming music, choose from 10 pre-loaded soothing sounds, some of which are optimised for masking while others, for relaxation.

Ensuring maximum comfort, the masterminds at Bose have even designed the tiny earbud nodule and soft StayHear + Sleep tips (available in three sizes) with side sleepers and toss-and-turners in mind. So whether you are snuggling into your pillow, curling up on your side, or stretching out, your sleepbuds will remain secure in your ear, all night long.

What’s more, using the Bose Sleep app, you can set wake-up alarms that only you can hear. For those on the go, the included charging case is a convenient place to store and protect your noise-masking sleepbuds. The case also provides one additional full charge when unplugged, making it the ideal companion for travel.

Enjoy the rhythm of rolling waves crashing on a beach, or feel the crackling comfort of a fire as you fall asleep and stay asleep! Wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day with Bose’s latest innovation.

While the official launch date for Hong Kong is yet been confirmed, the nifty headphones are available for sale in the US (USD $249.95) and will hit the UK in Autumn.

For more information, click here or check out the video below.

Images courtesy of Bose