By Jess Peterson
Got some records for Christmas, but nothing to play them on? Maybe a bit of green from granny and grandpa? Has your post-holiday indulgence restriction not kicked in yet? Want some playful hi-fi equipment for yourself because you’re pushing an age you’re uncomfortable with and all everyone gave you this Christmas was like, socks and shit? Perfect – this one’s for you.
Let’s start at the beginning: speakers, of course. Rule of thumb is that you should spend half your setup budget on speakers.
Speakers
Cost-and-Space Budget
Audioengine A2+ wireless speakers (available at Wax Trax!) – $279
One of the most versatile speaker sets I’ve come across, these will fit neatly on a bookshelf next to your turntable and still be heard clear across your apartment. Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm jack and USB inputs – you could hook these up to any device you’ve got. 2.75” aramid fiber woofers and 0.75“ silk dome tweeters in a sleek MDF cabinet.
Sensitive Ears and Cash to Burn
Dali Kupid Bookshelf Speakers – $600
Genuinely one of the more affordable Dali pieces, these bookshelf speakers not only sound incredible (26mm soft dome tweeter, 4.5 in woofer), they come in a variety of colors, including a cheerful yellow and charming blue.
Turntables
You’re a little too mature and refined for those suitcase toys, don’t you think? Let’s talk about turntables.
Retro and On-The-Go
Audio-Technica Sound Burger (available at Wax Trax!) – $200
Originally released in 1983, this cult classic made its way back to the AT catalog in 2022 and has consistently sold out since. Affordable for a first turntable, available in a few colorways, and a profile unlike anything else available on the market. Pair with a small set of portable speakers and take your records to Cheesman for a picnic or out camping for some fireside tunes.
Person Who Knows How A 401k Works
Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB (available at Wax Trax!) – $450
Impressive…very nice…let’s see Paul Owen’s turntable. Sleek and sexy, available in a few very mature colorways – this model of Pro-Ject is perfect for deciding you’re serious about this hi-fi thing, but you’re kind of afraid of the whole pre-amp/amp/receiver thing. No shame, man – there’s a built in MM phono preamp here. Glass platter, belt drive, no plastic involved in the base. How’d a nitwit like you get so tasteful?
BONUS: Cassette & CD Players
Cassettes and CDs are so back. Is the sound quality as good as an LP? Course not, nothing is, but that’s not the point. Portable, cheap, and really making a comeback with the kids, these hardy physical alternatives to streaming should not be overlooked. Here’s our recommendations:
We Are Rewind Portable Cassette Players (Available at Wax Trax!) – $180
Long standing cassette fans such as myself remember that extremely rough period of time when the only players available were broken 80s portables and cheap new-makes. No more do we suffer – We Are Rewind portable players play and record and are compatible with both Bluetooth and wired headphones, all housed in a sturdy all-metal casing.
MOONDROP DiscDream2 Portable CD Player – $180
Super stylish, rechargeable with a 9 hour battery life, and good enough sound quality to take on the go or integrate into your current analog system. Double shock absorption means no skipping when you’re on the move. Get to it!
We know where you’re at right now – sick to death of leftover ham and ready for your darling family to return from whence they came. Do something nice for yourself – investing properly in your hi-fi setup can last you for decades to come! And don’t forget to visit your friends at Wax Trax for some shiny new LPs, CDs, and cassettes to spin on all that fresh equipment.
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