Shopping for someone who loves audio can get pretty specific. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up our 2026 holiday picks for record collectors, stereo listeners, and home theater fans. You’ll find ideas for different budgets and a few tips on what will work with the gear they already own.

And if you spot something you’ve been wanting for your own setup, that counts as holiday shopping, too.

The prices shown reflect our 2026 holiday pricing at publication. Select any product to see its current price, promotions, and availability.

Gifts Under $500

DRS-1 | Differential Reference® Streamer & Media Hub

The DRS-1 is an easy addition for someone who likes the sound of their stereo and wants to add streaming. Its built-in DAC lets you connect it to an open line-level input on a receiver or preamp. Once it’s connected, use the Volumio app on your phone to choose what plays next.

BasX CD1 | CD Player & Transport

If they still have a shelf full of CDs, give them a good reason to pull one out. The CD1 plays live albums without adding pauses between tracks, and they can run it from the front panel or the remote. Connect the analog outputs to a stereo to use the built-in DAC, or use the digital outputs with a DAC they already own.

DRD-1 | Differential Reference® DAC

The DRD-1 makes sense for someone who likes their preamp and wants to bring computer or TV audio into the same stereo. A compatible TV connects over HDMI ARC with stereo PCM audio. The DAC’s outputs are fixed-level, so the preamp or another component in the system handles volume.

Gifts Under $1,000

Before you buy an external amp, take a look at the back of the receiver or processor. You’ll need a jack marked PRE OUT for each speaker channel you want the amp to power.

BasX A3+ Three-Channel Amplifier

For a theater that’s ready for an external amp, the A3+ is a good place to start. It powers the three speakers across the front of the room while the receiver still runs the system. Look for front left, center, and right pre-outs on the receiver or processor.

BasX A7+ Seven-Channel Amplifier

When the plan calls for separate power for seven speakers, the A7+ puts all seven amp channels in one chassis. There are RCA and XLR inputs for each channel, so take a look at the receiver or processor before picking up cables.

XDA-3 DAC/Preamp

The XDA-3 is for the person who wants to use the same stereo for computer audio and TV. A compatible TV connects over HDMI ARC, and the XDA-3 controls volume for a power amp or powered speakers. The headphone jack up front is handy when everyone else has gone to bed.

Gifts for Vinyl Lovers

PH-1 Phono Stage

The PH-1 is a small gift that solves a common turntable problem. It takes the phono-level signal from a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge and lets you connect it to a regular input such as AUX. If the turntable’s own phono stage is switched on, you can already use its line-level output with AUX.

DRP-1 | Differential Reference® Stereo Preamp

When a turntable shares shelf space with a few other analog sources, the DRP-1 gives you one place to switch between them and adjust the volume. It’s compact and has a built-in phono stage for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Pair it with a power amp, and use a DAC for digital sources.

BasX TA2+ Stereo Receiver

For the record collector who wants to keep the setup simple, the TA2+ handles the turntable’s phono signal and powers a pair of speakers. It supports moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, and the speakers connect right to the receiver’s speaker terminals. There’s room to add other sources when they’re ready.

Gifts for 2-Channel Lovers

DRP-1 Stereo Preamp + DRA-1 Stereo Amplifier

The DRP-1 and DRA-1 make a compact pair, and you can buy either one on its own. The DRP-1 adds source switching and volume control to a system with a power amp. The DRA-1 is the piece to pick if there’s already a preamp and the speakers need power. Starting with both? Add a music source and a pair of speakers.

Nostala LB12 Loudspeakers

The walnut veneer and fabric grilles give the LB12s the look of the speakers many of us grew up with. Each speaker has a 12-inch woofer, our HyperDome™ midrange, and a silk dome tweeter. They’re sold as a pair and backed by a ten-year limited warranty. Measure the space for both speakers and plan on an amplifier rated at 100 watts or more.

Nostala FT12 Subwoofer

The FT12 adds weight to the bass line on a favorite record, and its built-in room correction helps tune the bass to your listening space. The vintage styling goes with the LB12s, and the line-level and speaker-level inputs give you options for other stereos. Check which connection suits your system and measure where the sub will go.

Gifts for Home Theater

LXR-11 Immersive Cinema Receiver

The LXR-11 is our pick for someone who wants a receiver to handle surround processing and power up to eleven speakers. It comes with HDMI 2.1, a calibrated microphone, and the full Dirac Live suite, including Bass Control and Active Room Treatment. For a bigger theater, it can process layouts up to 9.4.6 with separate amps for the additional speaker channels.

LXP-16 Immersive Cinema Processor

The LXP-16 makes sense for someone who already has power amps they like and wants to upgrade the theater’s processing and room correction. It has HDMI 2.1 and the same full Dirac suite and calibrated microphone as the LXR-11. Its four independent subwoofer outputs are balanced XLR, so check the connections on the subs before you buy.

BasX A5+ Five-Channel Amplifier

If the theater has three speakers up front and a pair of surrounds, the A5+ can power all five from one amp. It’s a straightforward upgrade for a receiver or processor with pre-outs for those channels.

Gifts for Audio Newbies

BasX TA2+ Stereo Receiver

The TA2+ is where we’d start for someone putting together a first stereo. Connect a pair of speakers to the receiver’s speaker terminals with speaker cable, then play music from a phone over Bluetooth. A computer or turntable can come later, and a compatible TV can connect over HDMI ARC with stereo PCM audio.

BTR-1 Bluetooth System

A stereo that’s been around for years can still sound great. The BTR-1 lets you play music from your phone through it. Connect it to an open analog or compatible digital audio input, pair your phone over Bluetooth, and pick something to play.

Gifts for Audio Vets

XSP-2 Stereo Preamplifier

The XSP-2 makes sense for someone who uses the same front speakers for music and movies. Home Theater Bypass lets a compatible receiver or processor control volume for movie night, and the XSP-2 runs the stereo for music. Both use the same separate power amp. The XSP-2 also has a phono input, a headphone output, and bass management for subwoofers.

XPA-DR3 Three-Channel Amplifier

The XPA-DR3 is worth a look if they want more power in reserve for the front left, center, and right speakers. All three channels use a fully balanced differential design. If this one’s a gift, check the speaker match, connections, and space in the rack before you order.

Full Differential Reference Design Series Stack

A second listening room is a good place for a compact stereo. The full DR Stack includes the DRS-1 streamer, DRD-1 DAC, DRP-1 preamp, and DRA-1 amplifier in four matching cases. Add speakers and speaker cables to complete the setup. If the system only needs one of those pieces, each is available separately.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Cards

Emotiva Gift Cards

A gift card comes in handy when they know the exact model they want and you don’t. You can put something toward the upgrade and let them decide when they’re ready.

XHD8K HDMI Cables

A new TV or receiver is a good reason to check the cables. The XHD8K is an 8K-certified HDMI cable. Before choosing a length, measure the route it’ll actually take, especially if it has to go around furniture or through a media console.

Still need help?

If you’re stuck between a couple of picks, send us a note at sales@emotiva.com. Tell us what’s in the system now, what you’d like to add, and what you’d like to spend. If you’re shopping for someone else, a model number or a photo of the back panel can help us point you in the right direction.

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