ArcaMax

HyperX has made a name for itself with its over-the-ear headsets that offer solid sound with exceptional comfort, but earbuds are quickly becoming the form factor that wireless fans desire. They’ve become ubiquitous thanks to Apple, and other companies including HyperX have taken notice, releasing their own earbud offerings.

The latest in ...Read more

Q. I missed out on the $39 earbud deal you wrote about recently. Any other recommendations?

—P.C., Kansas City, Missouri

A. That was for the EarFun Air 2 NC earphones. I now have an even better EarFun recommendation for you, the flagship $89.99 EarFun Air Pro 4. You can now get them in the black color for $59.99, only $20 more than the Air 2...Read more

Tiny, fun and funky FM radio/Bluetooth speaker: This week I continue my holiday gift coverage with a product I have long admired, but previously thought was too expensive to get behind and recommend. Fortunately, that has changed!

I first saw the Muzen OTR Metal Wireless Portable FM Radio Bluetooth Speaker at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)...Read more

A great gift for $17.50: The most popular product I covered so far this year was the Oclean X Pro Elite electric toothbrush. Praise from readers was effusive, though I received a few comments from those who found the product to be complex or thought the documentation could have been better. This week’s gift idea should overcome those ...Read more

Bone conduction headphones for the active life: Starting off my holiday gift idea coverage is a perennial favorite, the Mojawa Run Plus Bone Conduction Headphones. These headphones fit around the ear and allow outside sounds to be heard, making them perfect for sports, those with sensitive ears, those who do not like in-ear earbuds or anyone who...Read more

Remember the Four Ps and protect yourself from fraud and scams: There are a great many phone, text and email scams circulating right now and remembering the Four Ps — pretend, problem, pressure and pay — will help keep you safe. If someone is pretending to be someone, saying there is a problem and then applying pressure to pay, it is almost ...Read more

Holiday specials and audio gear deals: October is here and the holiday season will soon be upon us. Until the end of the year, in addition to the usual Q&A I will often have a product highlight or two at the beginning of the column. The industry buzz is that there are going to be some exceptional items and bargains offered over the next few ...Read more

HumminGuru automatic record cleaner: Ultrasonic record cleaning machines are considered the best, but my past experience turned me off to them even though I liked the results. The process was complicated and time-consuming, made up of multiple lengthy sessions in the cleaner alternating with spraying and brushing the record between each ...Read more

Q. About four years ago I bought a ZVOX SB380 soundbar to use with a Samsung Series 8 TV. The soundbar recently failed after a power surge, so I'm looking for a new one. Is there wisdom in pairing a Samsung soundbar with a Samsung TV? I’ve looked at the Samsung soundbar options and most of them come at a higher price point. Is it possible to ...Read more

Q. Currently I have an old plasma TV from Panasonic and love the television, but the Netflix app no longer works because it is out-of-date and cannot be updated. I know I can buy a streaming box to get Netflix, but it is probably time to upgrade to 4K anyway. I would like to stick with a Panasonic TV, but they are no longer available. What do ...Read more

Q. I followed your electric toothbrush recommendation several years ago and have been very pleased with it. Can you recommend a water flosser?

—J.B., Minneapolis

A. After my positive experience with the Oclean toothbrush I bought the Oclean W10 Water Flosser and have been very pleased with it. I will expand on that later, but first would ...Read more

Q. Earlier this year you highlighted the TEAC AD-850-SE Cassette Deck CD Player, which also has a USB port for recording to USB flash drives. I am considering buying one, but do you know if it possible to use it with a turntable and record to the USB port, like you can record to USB from the integrated cassette deck and CD player? I would like ...Read more