This hasn't released yet but the linked write up claims it's a contemporary take on a Sony Discman. Bluetooth, wired, and can be integrated into a larger audio system. Drops in a couple months.
Astronord—not portable, but I thought it looked cute.
NINM Labs—another portable bluetooth CD player, but can't speak to the quality. This Hong Kong company has been on my radar a while because they make interesting things. Never purchased from them though.
Retrospekt—no bluetooth, but nice looking vintage items. You'll probably be paying a premium over shopping on ebay, but it at least takes the guesswork over the quality of the items.
Jul 31, 2024
Related Recs
just got this little gadget — as something of a spiritual successor to the iPod. Highly recommended! Small, touchscreen, SD card, no apps, HIFI listening options, bluetooth
$85 on Amazon (USA) with onsite coupon code
Dec 29, 2024
I love my wired headphones and IEMs, I hate dongles. It's not their fault. I'm pretty hard-wearing on tech in general with my overstuffed pockets, and after my most recent emergency dongle purchase broke less than two songs in and started playing/pausing a track at like 15 times per second as an edible kicked in way harder than I had planned, I swore off the solution entirely.
thankfully my HiBy was already in the post. I actually love it. It's a lossless Bluetooth amp that fits on my keyring. In other words, it is everything great about wired and wireless headphones combined - the freedom to walk around while my phone's charging, to not have to worry about batteries (you can charge them and listen simultaneously, and I usually have a powerbank in my bag). It's on my keys! It goes everywhere with me! Yes, I'm not really a HiFi snob by any means, and I can't really tell my wavs from my mp3s, but there's something nice about the convenient solution also being the one with quality assured on a technical level. (see also - I use Qobuz for my streaming rather than Spotify because it pays artists the most - they also give me lossless streaming)
One of these and a pretty nice pair of wired IEMs will run you the price of your airpods or whatever, and to be honest, with a nice fitting pair and music playing, I don't miss the noise cancellation side.
I got the HiBy for free in the Linsoul Easter Sale with a set of ZiiGaat Odyssey IEMs, all in for about €150. That's not bad considering the ZiiGaats are seen for €220 and the HiBy for €50 most of the time. Linsoul is a weird website. (There was this weird sale feature where you'd buy a "reservation card" that added up to a €50 discount in the sale and a €50 gift card. I don't understand why they did this, but it means I have the best audio experience of my life?)
May 10, 2025
if you ask me, the correct thing to do is return to wired headphones. they aren't going to hurt you after a few years like every pair of true wireless headphones do. lately I've been rocking the Singolos through a lil Fiio Cable and the bass is life-changing again in a way that I haven't felt since everything went bluetooth. I've heard that the Hexa is like, as good as spending hundreds on earphones used to be, for like $70, although I haven't gotten to try them yet.
but that's not what I'm here to talk about. I got my pair of Space Travels for like, $20. they sound fucking incredible for $20 and I swear I never have to charge them. as someone who's had problems with most bluetooth buds I've owned, this is both the least I've spent on a pair while also being comparable to any of them performance-wise. the noise cancellation isn't great, so if you find yourself relying on that for travel or whatever, then this might not be for you. I don't really notice much once there's music playing! they absolutely punch way above their weight for their price, and are a good backup if you find the cabled life isn't the one for you
Jan 10, 2025
Top Recs from @lucius
Alright y'all, standards have gotten a little lax around here and rec quality has taken a dip (I'm including myself in this). Here are some pointers for High Rec Standards.
ANATOMY OF A REC:
TITLE—This is the rec or recommendations. This is NOT a lead in. Type exactly what you're recommending here. What appears in the Title should finish this sentence, "I recommend _____."
BODY—This supports the rec and anything goes. Supporting statements, supporting essays, additional recs, you can get silly, you can pontificate. You can do anything you want. Except putting the main rec down here. Where does it go? That's right. In the Title 👆
IMAGE—No rules. Add one to preference. It can be relevant or a non sequitur.
LINK—I highly recommend links but it's not as important as the Title or Body. If you are recommending something that has an online presence (music, movies, websites, products, etc.), Piffies want to click on it immediately. Don't make us google. Be kind a leave a link.
EMOJI—No rules. Express yourself.
ANTI-RECS:
They exist and they are valid recs. "Anti-Rec: _____" clearly communicates this is something best avoided. But a better way format this type of Rec is to use a modifier or verb that flows with "I recommend _____." Ex. I recommend... Not Eating Tacks, Avoiding Area X, Leaving Off the Anchovies, etc.—(Formatting Anti-Recs this way first recommended by tyler the Creator)
ANATOMY OF AN ASK:
TITLE—This is the question or topic of the Ask. Asks can solicit advice or start a discussion. You have some flexibility here because the Ask is expected to be expounded upon in the body if it needs more context. Just be clear. Again, this is not a lead in. Be direct and ask the question or state the topic.
BODY—Provide more context. Narrow the recommendation field. Add relevant links. Remember, the Ask goes in the Title 👆
EMOJI—No rules. Express yourself.
ANSWERING AN ASK—Recs on Asks can break style as dictated by the Ask. If the Ask is looking for Recs, give Recs following style. If it's asking for opinions, give your opinion. Asking for links? Give links! Respond however you would respond some someone IRL. Asks start a conversation so you can be more conversational. But keep in mind that these Recs will appear in the main feed. So where you can maintain Rec style, do so.
Example: WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT LETTERBOXD TOP 4?
A response to this with High Rec Standards would look something like this:
TITLE—Lists your current Letterboxd top 4. You are recommending these four movies.
BODY—Free reign here. Drop your Letterboxd @. Talk about the movies. Make a quip. Emoji. Relevant links. Nothing.
IMAGE—Optional. Screenshot of your top four. Frame from a movie. Dealer's choice.
LINK—Add your Letterboxd profile only if you want to be found.
EMOJI—Whatever. But it'd be nice if it was relevant.
DISCLAIMER:
This is a living community document! These are only my recommendations for a foundation. Debate and Discussion of proper style are Encouraged. Any editions and changes to the PI.FYI STYLE GUIDE will be notated with attribution.
Changelog:
07.26.2024—Clarified a Rec is not limited to one recommendation. Recs can recommend multiple things. Thanks to shegoestoanotherschool for identifying the issue. / Added guidance for Anti-Rec format.
02.11.2025—Moved SpongeBob Bubble Blowing Technique video link from the top level into the body ("some pointers") so the embed wouldn't override the High Quality instructional graphic.
Jul 25, 2024
May 27, 2025
🐸
This combo has just been here the whole time?!
Feb 6, 2025