Features

Audyssey MultEQ Pro room equalization (Included with many A/V receivers and preamp-processors; reviewed by Kalman Rubinson, Vol.31 No.5, May 2008 Review)
Shure SE530 in-ear headphones ($430; reviewed by Wes Phillips, Vol.30 No.12, December 2007 Review)

Runners-Up (in alphabetical order)
AcousTech The Big Record Brush ($29.95; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.31 No.9, September 2008)
Bag End E-Trap active bass trap ($1500; reviewed by Kalman Rubinson, Vol.31 No.7, July 2008 Review)
Meridian F80 portable music system ($3000; reviewed by Wes Phillips & John Marks, Vol.31 Nos.4 & 10, April & October 2008 Review)
Ultimate Ears UE-11 Pro in-ear headphones ($1150; reviewed by Wes Phillips, Vol.31 No.5, May 2008 Review)

Our writers' passionate votes were scattered among the diverse contenders in the Accessories category, but two very fine products led the bunch. Shure's top-of-the-line in-ear headphones pack two woofers, a tweeter, and a crossover network into a discreet, ergonomically efficient shell weighing just over an ounce. Their modular cables, volume attenuator, variety of isolating sleeves, and handy carrying case make the SE530s exceptionally versatile. Couple that with their extended bass and smooth top end, and you can understand why the SE530s quickly became Wes Phillips's everyday choice for listening on the go.

Back at home, however, audiophiles struggle with the imperfections of their dedicated listening rooms. The Audyssey MultEQ Pro room-equalization software, designed for use with Audyssey MultEQ XT–enabled audio/video receivers and preamp-processors, provides user-friendly digital room correction, thus eliminating the need for costlier architectural changes or obtrusive room treatments. With AudysseyPro, you and your loved ones can sit back in the comfort of your own home and enjoy your favorite music, resonant room modes be damned.