At Stereo Exchange, a bastion of audio geekery in Manhattan, Michael Toto has watched the upheavals in the audio industry firsthand. Toto recommended a few basic stereo components for entry-level audiophiles.
Cost: Around $1,000.
What it does: An all-in-one amp, preamp and digital-to-analog converter, it can be used in conjunction with a Sonos Connect or any device with a digital output, like the Apple Airport Express. "It gives a warm sound to digital files," Toto said, calling it a kind of gateway into high-end home audio. (Price varies by outer-shell finish.)
Price: Around $350.
What it does: Hook up this music streamer to a home stereo, and it will play audio from Spotify, Sirius XM Radio, iTunes and other sources. It is platform- and format-agnostic, and has an Apple-like cube design. Toto called the connect "the box of choice" and "a product for a modern music listener."
Cost: Around $1,500 (without cartridge).
What it does: This first step into high-end performance turntables is made by a small New Jersey company that has been in business since vinyl was the default format. The traveler's platter is extremely stable, producing amazing sound. It can be "tweaky" to start, Toto said, but "when you set this up the right way, it's a damn beautiful piece of equipment."
Cost: Around $350.
What they do: These over-the-ears headphones are made by a Japanese company with an audio dream team that includes a veteran sound engineer, a music producer and a disc jockey. The results are known in the audiophile world as "the holy grail of headphones" for their comfort and clear, lush sound. "We get batches in 10 at a time from Japan," Toto said, "and sell them out immediately."
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