TIRED Online order form straight out of GeoCities. Old-school looks did not pass the lady test. To the man cave, Robin!

$450, humanspeakers.com

2. Raysonic SP-200

WIRED With warm, bright sound that puts a sonic shine on vinyl and lossless audio, this 100-watt integrated amp even smooths the harsh notes of low-bitrate MP3s. Completely groovy stereo imaging, man.

TIRED It’s all about the midrange—very little low thump or ultrahigh splash. Be careful around those eight KT-88 tubes: They run hot enough to shatter if you get greasy fingerprints on them, and replacement will set you back about three bills each.

$2,990 (as tested), raysonicaudio.com

3. Technics SL-1200MK2

WIRED This club-favorite turntable has more street cred than 2Pac—all of our most trusted vinylphile friends spin it. Supersturdy aluminum chassis and platter. Simple to operate without spilling your Coors. Just like 1979: High-torque direct-drive motor is dead steady and easily transitions from Supertrampin’ to scratchin’ and beat matchin’.

TIRED Pitch control and adjustable tonearm overkill for the home user. Stylus sold separately.

$550, technics.com

4. Solid Tech Rack of Silence ROS4 EVO

WIRED This pipsqueak paparazzo is outfitted with a 5X zoom seemingly made for a bigger model. The G-series lens—the moniker Sony uses for its top digital SLRs—is capable of opening up to f/2.4, but you have little control over it. The WX5 does offer one great noob-friendly feature—a Background Defocus mode that sets the lens to a wide aperture so you can focus attention on your subject.

TIRED ‘Spensive. Spikes harshed our mellow: Unless you have carpet, you’ll have to shell out another $400 for hardwood-friendly feet.

$1,795, solid-tech.net

5. Tributaries T100

WIRED Ceramic-encased resistors in this power conditioner keep dangerous voltage spikes out of your pricey gear. (Hooking a high-buck system to a standard surge protector is like serving steak on a Kleenex.) Handy front-side USB charging port. Puts all components under the command of a single power button.

TIRED That button is frustratingly finicky. Voltmeter display refuses to turn off; constantly blinks 120 … 119 … 120. OK, we get it!

$350, tributariescable.com

See Also:

• Guitar Amp Is Fountain of Youth for Your Old Ax
• Realistic Rock Band Guitar Lends Cred to Your Shred
• Digital Studios Make Tracks On the Go
• Chameleon-Like Ax Co-Opts Sounds From Dozens of Great Guitars …
• Maverick Guitar Builder Makes Music Out of Steel and Weather …

Authors: Joe Brown

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