LOOP EARPLUGS FOR CONCERTS

One of the best purchases some of our editors (and many of our readers) made over the last year is Loop earplugs for concerts. The brand, which has been on a rocketship trajectory, not only made concert earplugs better but also made them cool. The jewelry-like ‘plugs reduce the volume to a safe level without sacrificing detail, letting you enjoy the music (and even chat with people) without ear damage down the road. A few Loop models work great for concerts, but we suggest the Switch 2 for customizable noise reduction.

Listening Bars

The resurgence of vinyl is no secret, but it is surprising that it doesn’t show signs of slowing down. Take listening bars — a new crop of cocktail bars and cafes that emphasize vinyl. The trend started in Japan, but has increasingly taken root in the US, from Eavesdrop in New York to Gold Line in Los Angeles. Some listening bars prioritize a quiet listening experience, while others are informal gathering places to chit-chat while great music plays. In either case, listening bars are a testament to the analog experience in an era of digital disconnection.

DOLBY X MERCEDES

The car is one of the best places to listen to music, which is why auto manufacturers spend so much effort crafting the best possible sound for the unique challenges of an automobile. But Mercedes, in partnership with Dolby and Universal Music Group, took things a step further last year with a partnership that asked: what if you could make music in a car? The Dolby Atmos-enabled Mercedes-Maybach lets artists plug in their laptops and begin mixing right from the backseat, an innovation they showed off alongside Grammy-winning songwriter Finneas and producer Aron Forbes. Even if you’re not a producer or recording artist, Mercedes x Dolby highlights the potential of the automotive audio experience at its best — as an immersive escape.