Valentines Day Electronics Gift Guide 2012

If you really love your wife or girlfriend this Valentine's Day, why not give her something she'll really enjoy - like a brand new subwoofer! Um... maybe not, but there are plenty of gifts that we're sure she'd like. And, wait a second, you're not getting off easy here either, missy! That's right, it's perfectly acceptable for the female persuasion to pick up an electronics gift or two for that special husband or boyfriend. This year we found some pretty unique products that we think will make a considerable impact - no pun intended (yes it was!) Shop on, shop smart, and, heck, why not shop at the Audioholics Store if they have what you need...

For Her

Klipsch Mode M40 Noise Canceling Headphones

Price: $349 | Buy it now

Mode - as in the manner, tune, measure, or rhythm. Klipsch's new Mode headphones are, quite simply, beautiful. From the smooth curves to the high-grade leather ear cups, the Modes impress. The active noise canceling (ANC) will run for up to 45 hours on a single AA battery, and you can use the headphones passively without battery if needed. These headphones are built from the same durable materials used in high-end eyewear and cloth cables like those used in premium, hi-fi systems - and they look it. As you would expect from a Klipsch product, sound quality is never compromised. With a 15mm tweeter delivering crisp, clean highs and 2 detachable cables to fit any device, the Mode promises to sound as good as it looks. The Klipsch Mode M40 headphones also feature an Apple-based mic and three-button remote system for taking calls and controlling music on iPods, iPhones or iPads - so you're covered for all possible occasions. She'll love them.

UrbanEars Plattan Headphones

Price: $60 | Buy it now

This one is for those on a somewhat smaller budget, but who still like a bit of fun and style. UrbanEars designed Plattan to be the perfect classic headphone, utilizing innovative functions and performance with today’s technology. It is a full size headphone allowing for rich, secluded sound.  But even though it's full-size, you can still fold it down to the size of your fist for maximum mobility. Plattan also comes with a “zound plug” on the earcap, allowing for a friend to plug in and enjoy your music. This is a new trend on headphones and headphone cables and we're really digging it. If anything, it's going to start a new trend towards removable headphone cables.

Tuffwrap Shift for iPhone 4/4S

Price: $29.99 | Buy it now

Who needs mood rings. In this century XtremeMac is forging a new way to identify your mood. The newest addition to the  Tuffwrap soft line of cases is the Tuffwrap Shift. This case is unique because it literally changes color based on your temperature. An exclusively formulated material changes the case color with heat activation. The soft TPU material also conforms to the shape of the iPhone, providing a high degree of protection against dust, dirt and scratches.This is just a fun case that's certain to be both protective - and a conversation piece all in one.

Universal Remote Control RF20

Price: $39.99 | Buy it now | Audioholics Video Review

What?!? Putting a universal remote control on HER list? Absolutely. How many times have you been scolded, mocked, or otherwise harassed for having 6 remotes in the living room? Now's your chance to solve the problem with Universal Remote Control's RF20. This is a bullet-proof remote control system that's perfect for eliminating clutter and setting up macros. It's easy to program and there's no end to the love you're going to get when you hand over the remote and say "it is ready". Now, this is a gift that comes with some labor, but you'll dig the easy-to-use methodology and the end result will be so worth it.

Aluminyze Photo Frame

Price $24.95-$79.95 | Buy it now

Aluminyzed photos come alive, as vibrant colors illuminate every detail adding depth and dimension to an otherwise flat surface. When you show off you images, the photos have a presence - for example, if you drop one and you'’ll hear the sound of seriously durable, unbendable aluminum. Aluminyzed photos also require no framing for a sophisticated look on walls, tables and hallways or anywhere you want to make an impression and there are several placement or stand options available. You can order them in an 8x10", 11x14" or 16x20" size and the pricing is reasonable given the uniqueness of the product. This would be a fun way to immortalize your engagement or wedding photo for all time - now, how romantic is that?

MarWare Emmie iPhone 4/4S Case

Price: $39.99 | Buy it now

You'd think there would be more than one iPhone 4/4S Clutch purse... but there isn't. This is it - and it's pretty cool. The Emmie iPhone 4 case is a genuine leather clutch purse (not just a wallet) designed for women who prefer carrying their iPhone in a small, handled purse instead of a larger, bulkier handbag. The outside pocket is sized to fit an iPhone and works great with an uncovered iPhone or an iPhone protected by a thin shell-style case (such as Marware's MicroShell). The secure Velcro closure helps keep your phone in place while you're on the go, and a cutout on the bottom helps to quickly remove the iPhone by simply lifting the flap and pushing up through the bottom. In true purse fashion, an additional secure zippered compartment is provided and is great for storing identification, cash, cards, keys, change, hair ties, and more. My wife has one and she LOVES it. The only problem is that it seems to no longer come in black.

For Him

EMP Impression E5TiR 5.1 Tower Speaker System

Price: $1,345 | Read our Review | Buy it now

Subliminal message: Get these... Get these now... By now, you've probably heard of the EMP Impression Series E5Ti speakers, or at least your boyfriend or husband has. They are so cheap that there must be something wrong with them, right? That's what our reviewer thought at first too. But after hearing the E5Ti speakers, his mind wasn't just changed, it was blown. The E5Ti's managed to produce a very natural soundstage with articulate midrange, and silky smooth highs. They played down low enough to mate well with a good musical sub such as their own ES10i. This is a tough combo to beat at such a modest asking price especially when factoring in their free 30 day home trial and shipping both ways. Go Nike - just do it.

Apple iPhone 4S

Price: $199+ | Buy it now

Now that Apple's iPhone 4S is available for nearly every carrier imaginable there's almost no reason not to get one - unless of course you're an Android fan. If your squeeze hasn't yet gone with an iPhone, this is the time to upgrade. Just realize that the iPhone is a gateway drug to all things Mac - it's catching. The phone's apps alone are incredible in their diversity and scope, and the FaceTime video chatting is quite impressive. But you don't need me to tell you this - it's not like you don't have an annoying friend of your own who is an iPhone devotee, ceaselessly telling you about the latest app or feature that you don't have because you haven't sold your pocketbook (soul?) to Steve jobs and the Apple corporate megalith. Can you feel it? It's the pull of Apple's personality-driven cult calling out to you... buy me... buy me... buy...

Oppo BDP-93 3D Networked Blu-ray Player

Price: $499 | Buy it now

Just when you thought there wasn't a better Universal Blu-ray player on the market for under $500 than the legendary BDP-83 Universal Blu-ray Player, Oppo proves you wrong by unveiling a new successor model: the BDP-93.  Carrying the same retail price ($499), Oppo's BDP-93 has upped the bar by adding new networking/streaming features, increased performance and improved build quality. The Oppo BDP-93 will do virtually everything the BDP-83 BD player did, plus have some major feature upgrades like Netflix, VUDU and Pandora support, 3D capabilities and Wireless-N networking. Additional network streaming features will be announced once partners certify the player. Oppo has divulged several of their potential partners to us and users should not be disappointed. This is the best Blu-ray player on the market - so just get it, your man will not be disappointed.

Cadence 4-bit Chrono Watch

Price: $195 | Buy it now

The hour markings on this watch are in binary, with the least significant bit on the outside of the dial. The red hand marks the dual time to keep track of UTC, or... the current time on the  mother ship. The watch also has a chrono function lets you time your elevator pitch or your server's ping rates. This is a cool watch for the geek in all of us. The Chrono has a stainless steel case and genuine leather strap and has Japan quartz movement (Miyota FS26). It's also rated to 5ATM, so you don't have to baby it in the water. The Cadence line of watches are quickly becoming one of our favorites. They combine fun and style in a way that is fresh and unique. Pick one up and you'll have a gift that is sure to please!

Audio Technica ATH-WS55 Soliod-Bass Over-the-Ear Headphones

Price: $99.95 | Buy it now

The ATH-WS55 Solid Bass headphones are designed to deliver incredibly full and textured bass, along with the above-average clarity and fidelity. Audio-Technica’s developed the driver technology and components to deliver exceptional power handling throughout their extended range. The headphones feature 40 mm drivers for powerful sound and efficient signal transfer and a "Solid Bass" system with new double air chamber to reproduce richer and deeper bass. The acoustically sealed oval earpads help prevent sound leakage and a smooth, easily adjustable headband slider ensures a comfortable fit. We love the way these headphones sound and the way they feel when you wear them. They're also foldable, so you can port them around easily and you can get them in Black or Red/Black to add a little flair.

Audio Technica ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise Canceling Headphones

Price: $199.95 | Buy it now

We know, we know... more headphones. But these are very cool - our favorite noise canceling headphones, in fact. Perfect a long flight or train ride, the ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones really deliver. These lightweight, compact headphones effectively reduce distracting background noise by 90% while offering the superior audio quality that has made Audio-Technica a worldwide leader in electro-acoustic technology. We've used them with smart phones, iPods and even in-flight entertainment systems. We've also mowed the grass with them and found that the closed-back style allows them to deliver clear, high-resolution sound even with a high amount of ambient noise. Music comes across with impactful bass, a detailed midrange, extended treble and accurate imaging in an immersive soundfield. Their earcups have also been redesigned from the original run to provide greater comfort, with generously cushioned padding and a shape that fits easily over any ear.These are great noise canceling earphones and they are priced much lower than their four-letter-word counterpart.

Velodyne VX-11 10" Subwoofer

Price: $199 | Buy it now

Your boyfriend or husband NEEDS a good subwoofer. And while we'd love to recommend a $1000 solution, we thought we'd keep it under $200 and go with Velodyne's new VX-11. This 10" subwoofer is fast becoming a favorite entry-level speaker among Velodyne fans, and for good reason! This sub's rear port design bring distortion down so your bass is crisp, clean and powerful. It has a low frequency output range of 33 Hz to -140 Hz at 3dB down with an environmentally-friendly 150 Watt amplifier. You can't, or probably shouldn't, stick this sub into a cabinet - but we'd never recommend that anyway. The VX-11 uses an entry level, 10" driver and has a 100 watts RMS / 150 watts dynamic class-D amplifier. It's super-easy to hook up and use and delivers a magnificent amount of punch for the price.

We know there were at least a few decent suggestions in here for your significant other. Look, chocolates ad roses are nice - but for audioholics like us, nothing says "I love you" like a cool toy or gadget... Er, at least I hope so - for all our sakes!