Audiophiles tend to have discerning tastes, but one thing they all have in common? They appreciate great audio. Of course, one could argue that when you get down to the more subtle nuances, it’s subjective. But the difference between subpar audio and great audio are night and day. If you want to get them a gift that will meet their exacting standards, here are some ideas.
This gift guide was originally published on November 17, 2025 and updated on December 11, 2025 to feature new gift suggestions.
Top Picks
1. Origin Acoustics Ambisonic Speakers
The Origin Acoustics Ambisonic speaker line, available in Canada through Sherpa Technology Group, feature the brand’s proprietary Planar Magnetic Ribbon driver technology. It purports to deliver “rich, high output sound that is evenly distributed throughout the listening area.” The unique waveguide design allows for wide dispersion with excellent stereo imaging, while efficient, high-impact subwoofers deliver the deep, low-end power that rounds out Ambisonic’s signature sound.
The focus is on landscape speakers and subwoofers, surface mount speakers, bollard, and reference cinema speakers. They’re available exclusively through professional custom integrators, but once installed, you’ll enjoy an audiophile listening experience indoors and/or out.
2. iFi Audio GO Pod Air Wearable Bluetooth DAC/Amp
The iFi Audio GO Pod Air is a more compact and affordable version of its predecessor, but in a lighter, more travel-friendly form. Engineered to liberate wired in-ear-monitors (IEMs) from their cables, the idea is to connect your favourite IEMs to one of the ear loops and voila! You have hi-res Bluetooth compatibility, intuitive touch controls, and noise-free calls. Each pod features Hi-Fi inspired circuitry, balanced amplification, and intelligent impedance matching. So, no matter what IEMs you’re using, the GO pod Air will make sure you’re hearing them at their best. They support 24/96kHz Hi-Res wireless audio, are lightweight, and come with dual mics and noise suppression technology.
iFi offers a selection of interchangeable ear loops to suit almost every IEM imaginable. Two-pin and MMCX ear loops are provided as standard, with T2, A2DP, and Pentaconn ear loop options also available. The GO Pod Air’s intelligent impedance matching is also tailored to three different levels: 16, 32 and 64 ohms. Simply connect your IEMs, place the pods in their charging case for a moment, and the system will automatically detect the IEMs’ impedance and adjust to the best match with no manual setup required.
The GO Pod Air is IPX5 rated and offers seven hours of playback on a single charge, with the lightweight travel case extending this to a total of 15 hours. Get them from Gemsen for $369. Buy the iFi GO Pod Air.
3. Bluesound Powernode Wireless Music Streaming Amplifier
The Bluesound Powernode wireless music streaming amplifier brings high-resolution performance and simplified AV integration into one modern component. There’s an updated circuitry design with signal path improvements, Bluesound’s latest DirectDigital amplification and gallium nitride (GaN) transistor technology, delivering 100 watts per channel in stereo mode and 80 watts per channel in a 3.1 system configuration. It’s designed for people who want powerful sound in a simple, streamlined package and a way to stream music and enjoy TV without the clutter and confusion of multiple boxes, remotes, or wires.
With support for HDMI eARC and the ability to add a centre channel speaker alongside left and right channels, the Powernode eliminates the need for bulky AV receivers. You can add Bluesound Pulse wireless speakers and a Pulse Sub+ to build a full 5.1 surround system.
As with all Bluesound products, the Powernode is built with BluOS, the multi-room streaming platform. BluOS supports more than 20 streaming services including Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer and provides access to high-resolution formats up to 24-bit/192kHz, MQA, and DSD256 playback. Stream your personal libraries, listen to internet radio, or sync music across multiple rooms using other BluOS-enabled products. The BluOS Controller app, available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, offers a seamless and intuitive way to browse, control, and enjoy music from anywhere in the home. Full glass touch panel with proximity sensor and five programmable quick touch presets.
The Bluesound POWERNODE is $1,399 and comes in black or white, available through Lenbrook Canada. Buy the Bluesound Powernode.
4. Meze Audio Poet Headphones
John Thomson calls the Meze Audio Poet headphones a “simple joy to experience.” The luxurious open-back headphones offer enveloping sound and magnetic earpads with a hand-braided copper cables. They ooze class with a suede leather headset and sound downright fantastic.
With Thomson calling them “stunning in every way,” appreciating the polycarbonate hard shell case that he finds reminiscent of luxury luggage and the overall design, which he describes as being the “most beautiful headphones I have ever seen.” Serious listeners will appreciate the braided cable, which he connected to listen to high-quality vinyl pressings. He found a level of detail that amplified emotions, handling even bass-heavy instruments with effortless ease.
At $2,800, available through Erikson Consumer, they aren’t a small investment. But they’re worth it for an audiophile who will appreciate them. Read our review. Buy the Meze Audio Poet headphones.
Other Gift Ideas
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition Wireless Headphones
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition wireless headphones were developed in collaboration with McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula 1 Team, and just scream luxury. From the signature McLaren Papaya finish to the Anthracite Grey, McLaren Speedmark on both the headband and earcups, and memory-foam cushions and headband trimmed in soft, luxurious Nappa leather, they are ultra-premium. With upgraded bespoke 40mm Carbon Cone drive units that are carefully angled to the listener’s ears to ensure a consistent distance from every point across the surface of each driver to each ear, you get better imaging and stereo spaciousness says B&W. The headphone also features Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive 24/96 wireless technology and aptX Lossless plus Bowers & Wilkins-developed DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to deliver 24-bit / 96kHz high-resolution sound quality. Configure and control them using the B&W Music app, where you can adjust noise cancellation, monitor battery life, choose EQ settings, and more. They can run for up to 30 hours per charge, and you can recharge them for 15 minutes to get an additional seven hours. They sell for US$899. Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S3 McLaren Edition.
Campfire Audio Portable DAC Wallet
A neat accessory to consider for the audiophile, and something they likely don’t have already is the Campfire Audio Portable DAC Wallet. Made of leather, it attaches to the back of your phone to house a DAC like a mini backpack. You can insert any DAC that will fit from any brand. It includes a custom USB-C cable for reducing tangles and preventing “dongle DACs” from dangling. If you don’t know if they have a phone with built-in magnetic support (or a magnetic case), don’t worry because it comes with an adhesive magnetic ring they can use if needed. At US$59, it’s a nice, affordable gift.
Campfire Audio Time Link Cable
Use the Campfire Audio Time Link cable with smartphones, laptops, digital audio players, and more. Six conductors of high-purity copper and silver-plated copper channel your signal into the swappable termination of your choice, including a powerful, Cirrus Logic, USB-C DAC. The six conductors include three copper and three silver-plated copper and swappable terminations: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and USB-C DAC. Get it for US$299.
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB Speaker
The Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB ($4,900) is not only a hifi marvel, it’s also a sight to behold. Available in Deep Forest or Light Pearl finishes, it combines features like the ADH New Gen (Analog Digital Hybrid) analog Class A amplification with digital Class D, optimized energy management, improved thermal dissipation, and extended amplification, all powered by a new intelligent processor. Unique features include Speaker Active Matching (SAM), which accurately reproduces sound waves, Heart Bass Implosion (HBI) for reaching ultra-low frequencies for booming bass, and Adaptive Volume Level (AVL) for automatic adjustment of the sound level based on content type. The frequency range is from 14 Hz to 35 kHz (+/- 6 dB) for a total amplification power of 1,100W. Buy the Devialet Phantom Ultimate.
FiiO QX13 Pocket DAC and Headphone Amp
The FiiO QX13 pocket DAC and headphone amp can be used with phones, laptops, game consoles, or any audio source with USB-C. It can fully decode MQA music and is compatible with studio master file formats like DSD512 and 768Hz/32 Bit tracks. A 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone socket ensures wide compatibility with all headphones. The body is made with 21 layers of carbon fibre for a lightweight yet durable build, and it has an extra-large 1.99-inch colour hardened IPS display. It’s equipped with an ESS Sabre Pro ES9027Pro DAC, a chip that features a fully differential audio architecture design with eight channels that is paired with two ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators for precise output matching on each audio channel. The QX13 uses four wafer-level precision-integrated INA1620 chips, with a specially designed internal layout to significantly reduce crosstalk. This means no interference between channels. Two low-noise, low-distortion OPA1692 chips are employed to ensure excellent dynamics under various load conditions, adds the company. The FiiO Control app (iOS, Android) allows 10 band PEQ adjustments and firmware updates. It’s US$219. Buy the FiiO QX13 pocket DAC.
Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 Turntable
For vinyl lovers, the Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 turntable is upgraded to include the company’s AT-OC9XEN moving-coil phono cartridge. Made from transparent acrylic, a material that combines contemporary aesthetics with vibration-damping properties to reduce unwanted resonances, the turntable features a 30 mm acrylic chassis and 20 mm acrylic platter for improved rotational stability. Speed accuracy at 33-1/3 and 45 RPM, meanwhile, is maintained by means of an optical sensor positioned under the turntable spindle. The power supply and controls are housed in a separate unit away from the turntable itself, which isolates the turntable motor from electrical interference and ensures ultra-quiet operation. It comes with an AT-OC9XEN moving-coil phono cartridge pre-mounted to a machined aluminum headshell for easy set-up. A lightweight, anti-resonant carbon fibre tonearm includes an adjustable VTA, azimuth, and anti-skating adjustments. It’s supplied with two counterweights (110 and 130 grams) that allow the use of a wide variety of phono cartridges. Heavy-duty height-adjustable isolation feet ensure solid, stable vinyl playback. Shipping with a removable hinged dust cover, 45 RPM adapter, RCA connecting cable and other accessories, including a pair of white gloves to keep the turntable clean during setup, it’s US$2,000.
Focal Bathys MG Bluetooth Headphones
The Focal Bathys MG are Bluetooth headphones that have active noise cancelling and are fitted with magnesium speaker drivers with “M”-shaped domes, manufactured in France by Focal. They deliver high-fidelity sound that is rich, natural and ultra-precise, with powerful bass and crystal-clear treble. Focal engineers have also incorporated new microphones with optimized active noise cancelling, for better soundproofing of voices and perfect control over the environment through the elimination of unwanted background noise. USB-DAC mode delivers high-resolution sound at up to 24 bits/192kHz. The use of premium materials such as aluminum and magnesium in the yoke delivers a combination of lightness and robustness. The genuine leather headband and ergonomic foam earpads are designed for comfort over an extended, compromise-free listening experience. Get 30 hours of battery life in wireless mode, 35 hours in jack mode, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode. Pricing for a pair is $1,699. Buy the Focal Bathys MG.
iFi Audio iDVD Valkyrie Portable DAC/Amp
The iFi audio iDSD Valkyrie portable DAC/Amp is designed for customization with K2HD Technology, DSD Remastering, six digital filters and iFi’s signature analogue processing. With quad-DAC architecture, 5,700mW peak output, lossless Bluetooth, and 18-hour battery life, it’s a perfect addition to an audiophile’s gadget collection. You can choose between the ‘Normal’ setting, in which DSD signals pass directly to the DAC and PCM signals go through a user-selected digital filter, or ‘Remastering,’ with options to remaster to DSD512 or DSD1024. Similar to the technology used in Sony’s mastering studios, DSD Remastering improves the audio quality of any file by increasing resolution, reducing distortion, and delivering a richer, more detailed sound that’s akin to a professionally remastered recording. The Valkyrie also offers six digital filters – Apodising, GTO, Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, and Transient Aligned – and features advanced analogue processing that’s unique to iFi such as XBassII that adds back lost bass frequencies, XPresence that adds a touch of mid-presence to the sound to deliver more upfront midrange and XSpace, also found across iFi products, enhances the audio by creating a spacious sound field, adding depth to the more two-dimensional two-channel experience. The Valkyrie is built around four Burr-Brown DACs in a hybrid multi-bit configuration, drawing from iFi’s long-standing experience with the multi-bit Philips TDA1541A and as pioneers of Lossless Bluetooth, iFi has equipped Valkyrie with the latest flagship Qualcomm chipset to deliver CD-quality audio via aptX Lossless, and Hi-Res playback via LDAC. To power all its advanced features, the Valkyrie battery configuration consists of four 5,000mAh lithium-ion batteries, totalling a 20,000mAh for up to 18 hours of playback on a single charge. The batteries are charges via USB-C taking just 2.5 hours to recharge. Get it from Gemsen for $2,499.
Nothing CMF Buds 2 True Wireless Earbuds
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are one of several Nothing earbud models to integrate Dirac’s advanced digital audio optimization. Dirac Opteo is the Swedish company’s premium headphone audio optimization solution that leverages proprietary audio algorithms to overcome inherent acoustic limitations in headphone hardware. By correcting impulse and frequency response in real time, it purports to deliver a more accurate and natural soundstage, deeper bass, and improved clarity, says the company. Beyond that, the CMF Buds Pro 2 feature 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation with Clear Voice Technology 2.0 and transparency mode, six HD mics with wind noise reduction, spatial audio, Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, and an 11mm custom driver and 6mm micro-planar tweeter. With up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge (6.5 with ANC on) and up to 43 hours with the charging case (26 with ANC on), they are IP55-rated for light dust and water resistance. They come with a cool charging case, too, that has a dial on the side you can use to control them. They don’t, however, ship with charging cable but use standard USB-C. They sell in Canada for just $90. I’m currently reviewing these earbuds: stay tuned.