Anyone who has spent any time in the production space will tell you that B&H Photo is the place to go for all the latest gear at stellar prices. They have been around for years and years. What some people don’t know is that they also offer a boatload of audiophile grade products as well as pro side recording that span the gamut from SD cards to high end headphones. Here is a list of top 12 favs from this year’s catalog, just in time for the holidays.
Audeze LCD-4
If you have the budget for it, this pair of headphones easily represents pinnacle of planar dynamic technology in its current state. While not the lightest pair of headphone ever created, the punchy bass and oodles of resolution keep this pair of cans as our current reference.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1188250-REG/
Astell and Kern AK70 II
This portable digital media player lands somewhere in the middle of AK’s diverse DAP line. The mark 2 separates the left and right channels from input to output, adding even a separate DAC chipset for each channel. Powered with dual CS4398 chips and higher headphone output (4.0 Vrms via a balanced 2.5mm connection) the player tops out the feature list with 24/192 decoding, double rate DSD and can act as an external DAC via USB.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1367130-REG/
Zoom H4NSP Portable Recorder
A staple for mobile A-D, the Zoom H4N has been considered a classic recording device for years. Offering solid on board mics as well as multi-track recording, this device allows you to capture your favorite acoustic moments in 24/96 high resolution, with a footprint no bigger than the palm of your hand.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1116977-REG/
Elac Uni-Fi UB5 Bookshelf
Andrew Jones’ latest creation may have sustained some time in the market since its release a few years ago, but its no less relevant as one of hifi’s greatest bargins than it was when it first hit the scene. Sporting a 3-way design with a concentric mid/tweeter assembly, this $500 value has been a standout piece with big air and resolute transparency.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1367477-REG/
Sandisk 128GB MicroSDXC
Need a place to store all those DSD and high res files for your AK player? When it comes to storage bigger is always better and like an LCD TV prices continue to fall for the audiophile friendly micro size. In case of the 128GB here, rates are down to a mere $.36 a gig.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1174739-REG/
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable
A solid foundation to build an analog system around, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon comes with stainless steel platter bearings and a DC motor to help reduce wow and flutter. The tone arm is carbon fiber and comes equipped with a Ortofon OM10 cartridge and integrated MM phono pre. It even connects to a computer via USB, just don’t tell your hard core audiophile friends.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1258360-REG/
Audioquest Dragonfly Red/Black
A tiny package with big sound. The Dragonfly series plugs directly into the USB port of your computer and delivers 3.5mm analog output to your stereo or direct to a pair of headphones. The newest generation of these popular DACs has receintly been upgraded with revised internals and, in the case of the red model, a hearty 2.1v on the output. A truly great place to start for better sound at home or even on the go.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1244852-REG/
10.5″ iPad Pro
The go-to choice for server interfaces at audio shows. The iPad jives well with almost everything audiophile, the newest edition to the ever-updating lineup has a slightly smaller bezel and therefore larger screen at this size. Its the remote control you’ve always wanted, but never needed.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1342170-REG/
Nikon D850 DSLR
The venne diagram of high end audio and photography has a overlapping section that spans miles. A new round of cameras from Sony, Nikon and Cannon are hitting the streets this quarter and the D850 has been received with some quality fanfare. Equipped with a impressive 45.7MP sensor, 153-point autofocus, 4k video at 30 fps and still bursts up to 7fps, the latest Nikon will let you properly scoff in the direction of any phone snapper at your next concert or local show.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1351688-REG/
V-Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless
For those rare occasions where you can’t be bothered to be hardwired to your source. This Crossfade 2 offers more than just a pretty interchangeable face (plate), it sports the upgraded aptX protocol for better sound from the 50mm dual diaphragm driver. Foldable, controllable, and even regular old wired options make the latest round of updates V-Moda an even spicier proposition for those moments away from your home rig.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1330386-REG/
Benchmark DAC3-HGC
Straddling both sides of the audio game, Benchmark’s latest DAC series includes the newest round of ESS Sabre silicone, DSD compatibility and plenty of ins and outs, all on a relatively small half-sized footprint. Perfect for a full sized setup or just a computer-sourced desktop, the DAC3 can act as a preamp or source (via its passthrough capabilities) and even includes two 1/4 inch headphone jacks.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1296912-REG/
Etymotic Research ER20XS Earplugs
Its an item ofter overlooked, but just as essential as any piece of audio gear. Ear plugs give you the protection you need to keep your music receptors operating properly well into the age where you can finally afford some really good gear. The ER20XS delivers 20db of discreet sound reduction, flat across the spectrum. Using a proprietary design, these high fidelity pieces are constructed with a low profile (doesn’t protrude from the ear) that reduces volume without sacrificing quality.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1127533-REG/