By Ron Aiken
From headphones to speakers to home-entertainment sound systems, technology has improved the quality of sound and the way we listen. Tune in to some of the latest sonic electronics.
HOME THEATRICS
Surround Me
As televisions grow to the size of movie screens, the sound quality keeps pace, along with the pricing. The Klipsch Ebony RP-150 Home Theater System is on the lower end of premium systems, doesn’t require a movie-theater-sized room to house it and boasts sound enhancements that bring movie soundtracks to life. $1,805.
888-250-8561; klipsch.com
Speak to me
Any way you like it — wired to your old-school turntable, if vinyl is your thing, or streaming music from your computer, tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth — the Audioengine HD6 Premium Powered Speakers deliver a premium sound experience at an affordable price. $749.
910-408-5557; audioengineUSA.com
SAFETY SOUNDS
WHO’S THERE?
Ring Video Doorbell Pro keeps the traditional ding-dong chime but transforms your hard-wired doorbell into a video-alert system. A built-in surveillance camera lets you see who’s at the front door without leaving your chair, and two-way audio lets you speak with visitors. Download the Ring app to get alerts on your mobile device, even from remote locations. $249.
800-466-3337;
homedepot.com
SOUND OFF
Loud noises get the attention of anyone within hearing range, and that’s exactly what you want when you feel your personal safety threatened. Sabre’s Personal Alarm with Key Ring looks as inconspicuous as a memory stick, but when you need it, it screams out a siren at 110 decibels (as loud as a car horn) to scare off aggressors. $10.
800-325-9568; sabrered.com
SOOTHING SOUNDS
PEACEFUL WATERS
The gentle trickle of moving water adds a serene element to indoor spaces. The Mini Moonshadow Tabletop Water Fountain fits nicely in any room, and you don’t have to worry about water spills or water bills. $110.
888-839-3597; soothingcompany.com
SLEEPY TIME
Babies like lullabies. So do you, until you’re four songs in and there’s no sleepy in sight. Let the Graco Sweet Slumber Sound Machine soothe your little one to sleep with 12 different calming sounds, a soft-glow nightlight and an MP3 input portal for playing your child’s favorite songs. Power with batteries or AC plug-in. $45.
800-345-4109; graco.com
WHITE NIGHTS
Grown-ups sometimes need a little help drifting off to sleep or just screening out unwanted sounds. The Marpac Dohm-SS Sound Conditioner sends out just as much white noise as you choose to drown out a snoring spouse, loud apartment neighbors or the pesky thoughts in your head. $45.
800-966-6546; walmart.com
Ron Aiken is a freelance writer from Columbia, South Carolina. His monthly column also appears in South Carolina Living, the statewide electric co-op magazine of the Palmetto State. Product inclusion on this page does not imply endorsement; product availability and prices are subject to change.
