ListenUp’s Guide to the Best Grad Gifts of the Year
April 30, 2025
Graduation isn’t just a celebration—it’s a launchpad into an exciting new chapter. Whether your grad is heading to college, starting a career, or embarking on new adventures, they deserve something special to mark the moment. That’s why we’ve rounded up the ultimate grad gifts that will make their next chapter sound amazing. From retro turntables to cutting-edge headphones and portable speakers, these picks from ListenUp are designed to elevate their audio game wherever life takes them.
This fun, compact turntable is a revival of Audio Technica’s beloved '80s classic. With its portable design and wireless capabilities, the Sound Burger is ideal for grads who want to enjoy vinyl without committing to a bulky setup.
Why they’ll love it:
Whether they're chilling in a dorm or hosting a small get-together, the Sound Burger brings style and soul to their sound.
A more traditional option for vinyl lovers, the Denon DP-29F is sleek, straightforward, and perfect for beginners. It’s ready to plug and play, thanks to a built-in phono equalizer that works with most modern amplifiers and speaker setups.
Top features:
This turntable is ideal for grads who are just starting their vinyl journey but want something that sounds—and looks—serious.
Lightweight and discreet, the LinkBuds S are perfect for grads who are always multitasking. Whether commuting, studying, or working out, these earbuds offer premium features in a compact design.
Key advantages:
A smart choice for grads who want convenience without sacrificing audio quality.
These headphones are consistently rated among the best in their class. If your grad needs to focus, unwind, or just enjoy top-tier audio, the WH-1000XM5s are the way to go.
Why they stand out:
From Zoom meetings to long flights, these headphones make every moment more enjoyable.
These compact yet powerful speakers strike the perfect balance between design and performance. With multiple input options and built-in amplification, Kanto YU4 speakers are ready for laptops, turntables, and even TVs.
Highlights:
An excellent choice for grads setting up their first apartment or personal studio space.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos (3.1.2) – $499
Help your grad upgrade their movie nights and gaming marathons with this immersive sound bar. The Klipsch Flexus Core 100 delivers room-filling sound in a slim package that looks great in any space.
What sets it apart:
Perfect for creating a true home theater feel—even in a small living room.
This is the ultimate party speaker for grads who love outdoor hangouts and travel. The Boombox 3 is rugged, loud, and lasts all day on a single charge.
Standout features:
Whether they’re headed to the beach, the mountains, or just the backyard, the Boombox 3 keeps the good times rolling.
For grads who appreciate versatility and smart tech, the Sonos Roam is a game changer. It transitions seamlessly between WiFi and Bluetooth, and integrates effortlessly into any Sonos system.
Why it’s a winner:
From podcasts on the patio to playlists in the park, the Roam does it all with style. Be sure to also check out the Sonos Roam 2. With a slightly higher sticker price, the Roam 2 offers longer battery life, higher max volume, and improved usability.
ListenUp expands to Loveland with the purchase of Timberline Audio Video, bringing premium AV and smart home solutions to Northern Colorado and Wyoming.
Selecting the right headphone amplifier is crucial to unlocking the full potential of your headphones, enhancing your listening experience significantly. We made this comprehensive guide to help make the decision easy.
A DAC, or Digital-to-Analog Converter, is a crucial component in modern audio systems. It takes digital data—a stream of 1s and 0s—and converts it into analog sound waves that our ears can interpret. While DACs are technically small processing chips embedded in many electronic devices, the term is also used to describe dedicated external audio components designed specifically for high-performance digital-to-analog conversion.
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