Here are twelve affordable gifts for the music or hi-fi lover. We suggest printing this list and strategically placing it on your fridge or the kitchen bench, or you could just leave this page up on every computer and tablet at home; anywhere it's likely to be spotted by an unsuspecting loved one!

1. Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design

As with anything, having a good understanding of a subject only enhances your appreciation for it even more. And that's where Gideon Schwartz's book, Hi-Fi: The History of High-End Audio Design, comes in. 

With illustrations and history lessons on gramophones, amplifiers, radios, speakers and more, this book covers the progression of hi-fi audio from the 1950s all the way to the 21st century, making for an insightful read on the history of audio equipment and its design. 

Priced at $150, it's available on Phaidon's website here. 

2. Audiovector QR1 Bookshelf Loudspeakers

Suppose you're looking to get some better-quality audio at home. In that case, the Audiovector QR1 Bookshelf Loudspeakers is a good, compact option handmade in Demark and offers excellent performance for its size. 

With an in-house designed and manufactured gold leaf AMT tweeter and 125mm mid/bass unit, the QR1 has a fast, uncoloured and transparent sound that is precise and controlled while delivering a spacious, accurate soundstage.

Retailing at $2,400, you can find more information on the Audiovector QR1 Bookshelf Loudspeakers on their website. Read our full review here.

3. FiiO R7 All-in-One Streaming Amplifier

For the space-conscious or more compact homes, this all-in-one streaming amplifier from FiiO pulls quadruple duty as an amplifier, a streamer, a decoder and a player. The FiiO R7 is small enough to sit on a desk or a shelf and provides more than enough juice to power headphones and speakers; if you have wireless gear, it'll stream over Bluetooth as well. 

If you're looking to improve a sound system without buying a full separate system, this might be a good option.

Priced at US$749, more information on the FiiO R7 can be found on FiiO's website. Read our review of the R7 here.

4. Chord Electronics Mojo 2

This one almost always makes our gift lists and for good reason. If you're looking for a DAC/amp that can be used both at home and while on the go, the Chord Mojo 2 is one of the best on the market. Building on the excellent original Chord Mojo, the Mojo 2 uses the latest generation of Chord Electronics FPGA-based Pulse Array DAC and Watts Transient Aligned (WTA) filter, with the conversion and filtering algorithms done completely in-house by Chord.

It can even be paired with Chord's Poly streamer module for Roon support, Micro SD card playback, Apple AirPlay and more connectivity options. 

Priced at $799, the Chord Mojo 2 is a beautiful portable headphone amplifier that brings out the best of one's high-res music collection. More information can be found on Chord's website, and our full review can be read here.

5. Electric Love Blueprint - A History of Electronic Music

Taking a short break from products, let's look at this stunning blueprint poster showcasing the history of electronic music mapped out in the blueprint of a theremin's circuit board. If you're wondering what a theremin is, it's one of the first electronic musical instruments invented and works without physical contact, requiring the performer to simply move their hands close to two metal antennas, using one hand to control pitch and the other to control volume.

With over 200 inventors, musicians, composers and more included in this print, you'll see familiar names like Daft Punk, Depeche Mode, LCD Soundsystem and more. Electronic music not your thing? There are other blueprints like the Rock and Roll Love Blueprint, which features singers like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Arctic Monkeys and more. 

The prints are a fun gift that can be framed and displayed at home as a work of art that celebrates the long and rich history of different genres of music, and certainly can double up as a conversation starter at a party! More information on the Electric Love Blueprint and the Rock and Roll Love Blueprint can be found here and here, with the full range of blueprints here and prices starting from £40.00. 

6. Soundwaves Art

If the blueprints aren't your cup of tea, how about some cool soundwave art instead? Soundwaves Art Foundation prints these limited edition prints of uniquely generated artwork from the soundwaves of songs, with the option for hand-signed prints that will definitely delight fans.

Profits from these sales go to charities like War Child UK, Notes for Notes, and other charities and causes, with over US$7.5 million raised in over 91 countries so far. There's also a wide variety of singers and bands to choose from, ranging from classics like Duran Duran and Def Leppard to more modern options like Fall Out Boy and Billie Eilish. 

Prices range from US$75 for a mini-sized unsigned print to over US$6,000 for original prints, and more information can be found on Soundwaves Art Foundation's website. Read more about these prints here.

7. Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 Turntable

Returning to some audio gear, we're now looking at analogue equipment. The vinyl resurgence is now in full swing, which means we're getting more frequent equipment releases, and now including more connectivity options. Building on the original Cambridge Audio Alva TT turntable released in 2019, the Alva TT V2 offers the same features like a high output moving coil pickup cartridge, built-in phono stage and aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity.

However, the phono stage and Bluetooth are now switchable, allowing for the use of an external phono stage. Additionally, there's a new tonearm and a detachable headshell. Reviewing the Alva TT V2, we found it was impressively stable and solid, with good tracking and detail. 

The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 turntable is an excellent product at a keen price, well-made and easy to use with great sound. Retailing at US$1,999 or AUD $3,699, more information is available on Cambridge Audio's website. Read our full review here.

8. Solidsteel VL-3 Vinyl Library Hi-Fi Rack

Continuing on the analogue train, the Solidsteel VL-3 Vinyl Library Hi-Fi Rack is another solid recommendation. Instead of keeping your precious records hidden away in a box, why not display them in a rack that's also designed to accommodate your hi-fi components?

This three-shelf rack uses material-dampened anodised aluminium legs and three 22mm-thick polymer-laminated MDF shelves, each being tested to take up to 120 kg of weight per shelf. Compared to standard flatpack furniture from IKEA, the VL-3 offered a more natural presentation thanks to being a less resonant, better-coupled platform with improved separation during vinyl playback.

For vinyl enthusiasts, the Solidsteel VL-3 is a contender for those looking to house their hi-fi and records together. Retailing at US$1,149 or AUD $1,599, more information can be found on Solidsteel's website. Read our review here.

9. Pro-Ject VC-S3 Record Cleaning Machine

Vinyl is a great medium, but it has its shortcomings. One such con is keeping records clean to avoid crackles and pops during playback. With special solutions, brushes, cloths and more that are advertised as providing the best cleaning system, it can be a hassle if you have a massive collection. 

That's where the Pro-Ject VC-S3 Record Cleaning Machine comes into play. Equipped with a vacuum motor and a two-way rotational motor in the cabinet, the VC-S3 also comes with magnetic clamps and self-adhesive arm strips to better improve the interaction between the record and vacuum arm. 

Priced at US$799, the Pro-Ject VC-S3 is a great record-cleaning machine for vinyl enthusiasts that have a large collection. More information is available on Pro-Ject's website, and our full review can be read here.

10. Audio-Technica Sound Burger