Gadget of the month

Stax’s OTT electrostatic earspeakers

The new Stax SRS-4170 electrostatic earspeakers are expensive and eccentric, but if you can get past the stigma/awesomeness of looking as if you have two wartime mics strapped to your head, they also deliver class-leading audio. Plug them into the SRM-006TS amp – they won’t work unless connected – and the electric current passes through a membrane in their cups, creating sound waves without the disruption of moving parts. The result? Limitless frequencies and an empty wallet. $3,499, brookfieldaudio.com.au