Before getting into this too deeply, I want to make clear off the top that this is not a guide to specific Black Friday deals. Forbes Finds has you nicely covered for the latest and great Black Friday bargains. Instead, this is a carefully curated list of audio gear I’ve reviewed and highly recommend. Each of these is a great option, even at regular retail prices. While you’re doing your Black Friday shopping (either online or in-store), keep an eye out for these products and if you see one at a good price, grab it — it’s worth it.
Sony 1000X M3 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The third generation of Sony’s highly regarded WH-1000X series of wireless noise-cancelling headphones is a big upgrade over previous versions, with increased comfort, increased battery life, and USB-C charging. I tested the Sony 1000X M3 headphones poolside at packed waterpark with a rollercoaster blasting by overhead every five minutes, and they performed spectacularly. The regular MSRP is $349.99 and I’ve already seen them getting marked down for Black Friday at several retailers.
Jaybird Tarah Pro Wireless Earbuds
True wireless earbuds like Apple’s AirPods are all the rage, but I still prefer wireless — with a Bluetooth connection to the audio source (likely your smartphone) but a thin wire connecting the two buds. This design eliminates the cord that gets tangled, but offers much better battery life and makes it a lot harder to lose or accidentally drop an earbud.
Jaybird’s Tarah Pro are my favorites in this category. They are tough (they survived me submerging them in three feet of water), they are extremely comfortable to wear, they stay firmly in place even during intense physical activity, they sound great and can be customized with Jaybird’s app, and they deliver incredible battery life. Jaybird says 14 hours on one charge, but in testing I got closer to 15 hours. I thought the Tarah Pro wireless earbuds were a great value at their regular $159.99 price.
PSB Alpha P5 Bookshelf Speakers
Canada’s PSB released an all-new version of its iconic Alpha P5 Bookshelf speakers this year and I had the opportunity to test them. Paired with my vintage Pioneer receiver and the awesome Fluance RT 85 turntable, the audio was sublime. So good in fact, that I stashed my own bookshelf speakers in the closet and bought the review units. At $349 pair they are very reasonably priced, and if you can pick them up at a Black Friday sale, you won’t regret it.
Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Bluetooth Speaker
After years of evaluating portable Bluetooth speakers, I’ve come to the conclusion that no-one does it better than Ultimate Ears — especially when you want to take the music outdoors. The Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 is the latest version of the company’s compact cylinder speaker with 360-degree audio, 15 hour battery life and an IP67 dust and waterproof rating. I’ve already seen the BOOM 3 Bluetooth speaker discounted from its $149.99 MSRP for Black Friday. If you can find a good deal on one, it’s a nice little speaker and would also make a great gift.
Fluance RT85 Turntable
The first turntable I reviewed in 2019 still stands out, despite a year that has seen some compelling new product releases. The Fluance RT85 carries a $499.99 price tag, but if you are serious about listening to records, that is a real bargain. This is a hefty, 14.1 pound belt drive turntable with a solid audio-grade MDF plinth and an S-shaped aluminum tone arm. Specs are impressive, thanks to a 2-speed servo-controlled DC motor with 0.10% speed variation, and just 0.07% wow and flutter. You won’t need to upgrade this turntable because it’s already equipped with premium components that are usually costly extras, including a 12-inch acrylic platter and an Ortofon 2M Blue nude elliptical cartridge.
I don’t know if you’ll be able to find a deal on one or not — Fluance was having a hard time keeping up with demand through much of the year — but if you do, put it in your cart before it sells out…
