Father’s Day Electronics Gift Guide 2014

Time seems to fly by, and once again it’s that time of year to show appreciation for the father figure in your life. So what do you get for the man of the hour? We think it’s fair to say about the last thing Dad needs is another tie or bottle of cologne. On the other hand, most guys like shiny new electronic gizmos. Of course, not just any gadget will do; to that end, we’ve compiled a list of goodies that are sure to please Dad on his special day. Glance through our selections, and don’t forget to wish Dad a Happy Father’s Day this Sunday!

DD Audio: DXB-03 Studio Grade Headphones
Buy It Now

Currently on sale for $99, the DXB-03 Studio Grade Headphones are a bargain that’s hard to deny. Let Dad enjoy a nice walk or a relaxing afternoon listening to his favorite tunes. The DXB-03 has an ergonomic design that easily fits and molds to the ear. The naturally finished Bubinga wood housing adds a high end look to complement the DXB-03’s wide soundstage and perfect balance between warmth and crystal clear detail. These cans are pleasing to listen to, and quite remarkable for their price range.

RBH Sound EP2 Noise Isolating Earphones
Buy It Now

Overall we really liked RBH’s EP1 in-ear headphones when we reviewed them in 2012; they offered excellent sound quality at an affordable price. However, the EP1’s were just plain Jane headphones. The EP2 (MSRP: $179) changes that, retaining the same great sound quality of the EP1, but adding a control module for answering calls, as well as controlling music and video playback. The module also includes a built in microphone, making it a useful accessory for a mobile phone in addition to a high end sound reproduction system. If Dad likes his music on the go, the RBH EP2’s are hard to beat for the money.

Folding Lawn Chair with Adjustable Tablet Stand
Buy It Now

Meet the new Folding Lawn Chair with Adjustable Tablet Stand. Now there aren’t any excuses for Dad to avoid joining the fun with the family outdoors. The chair comes with its own bag with strap upon arrival, and is easy to unfold and ready to go. The Tablet Stand is extremely easy to rotate, move, and contour as needed. Its grippers are easy-to pull apart, and can grab a range of 7”-10” devices with or without a cover. A sturdy steel frame, durable coated fabric and comfortable wide seat provide great support for extended outdoor use.

Oppo BDP-103 Universal 3D 4K Blu-ray Player
Buy It Now

If you’ve got a little more to spend, then surprise Dad on his special day with the Oppo BDP-103 Universal 3D 4K Blu-ray Player. Capable of playing physical media like Blu-rays and SACDs as well as boasting internet video streaming services like Netflix and Vudu, the BDP-103 is a one stop shop for all your A/V playback needs. We can’t think of any other players in its price range that can offer the same range of content, ease of use, and great reliability. Check out our video review for more details.

Roku 3 Streaming Player
Buy It Now

Priced at $99.99 the Roku 3 is the cord-cutters dream. With content available from Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, Hulu Plus, and over a thousand entertainment channels, it’s unlikely you’ll run out of things to watch. There’s also a Roku app available for mobile devices, allowing you to stream movies, music, and photos to your A/V system from your smartphone/tablet. Yes, technically you could get all that in the $50 Roku 1, but the Roku 3 has a few additional perks worth mentioning. Its remote includes a headphone jack for private listening as well as motion control for gaming (Angry Birds Space is included). The “3” also features Roku’s fastest processor, ensuring a smoother experience than the lesser models can offer.

Tivoli Audio Music System Two
Buy It Now

Have a Dad that’s into the latest and greatest gear, but prefers retro styling? The Tivoli Audio Music System Two might be the perfect choice. Priced at $599, the Music System Two looks like a classic table radio, and includes an AM/FM tuner with RDS (radio data system). However, in a modern twist, the Tivoli also includes a Bluetooth Antenna, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from mobile devices. In terms of sound quality, the SpacePhase™ wide mode promises an expansive soundstage, while dual rear firing ports help deliver extended bass response.

Yamaha YAS-103 Sound Bar
Buy It Now

Want to add a taste of surround sound without breaking the wallet? Yamaha’s YAS-103 sound bar is the answer. The YAS-103 has an MSRP of $299.95 and features dual built-in subwoofers for rich bass, a single-cable connection to your TV, and Bluetooth® wireless technology that lets you quickly stream music from your mobile devices. The simple and easy to use remote contains features such as an App Button, TV remote repeater, and easy to use learning function buttons. Whether Dad wants to stream his favorite tunes or watch a movie, the YAS-103 will get the job done.

NHT 2.1 Super Stereo System
Buy It Now

Currently priced at $499 (MSRP: $600), the NHT Super Stereo features a pair of SuperZero bookshelf speakers along with the Super 8, an acoustic suspension subwoofer with an 8” driver. A compact 2.1 system well suited for smaller spaces, the Super Stereo has no problems delivering rich, full range sound that blows cube systems away. This setup is perfect for fathers looking to build a second system for music listening, as well as those who want a high quality starter package to build up to a full surround setup later.

Denon S-Series A/V Receivers
Buy It Now

Priced from $249 to $599, Denon’s new S-Series A/V receivers pack a lot of features for relatively little cash. Even the entry level AVR-S500BT offers HDMI 2.0 so Dad can watch his movies in Ultra High Definition, as well as a Bluetooth antenna for wireless streaming. Higher end models step things up with more channels of audio, more power, an integrated WiFi antenna, and other goodies. If Dad’s receiver is a relic from a bygone era, Denon’s S-series will provide a great upgrade in functionality, not to mention compatibility with the latest video standards.

KEF X300A PC Desktop Speakers
Buy It Now

With an MSRP of $799/pair, it’s fair to say the KEF X300A’s aren’t your average computer speaker. With so many cheap boxes to choose from at your local big box store, the KEFs stand apart in one key area: sound quality. Yes, these are computer speakers that actually sound great, as opposed to the multitude of mediocre offerings at your local big box store.  The X300A’s have everything an audio-lover could ask for in a compact package: good tonal balance with crystal clear mids and highs, bass that doesn’t dig extra deep but offers plenty of punch, and enough output for Dad to rock out.