Sound advice: Ten awesome tech toys for music lovers

Regardless of the kind of music you prefer -- be it light classical or death metal, or something in between — there's no shortage of high-tech gadgets created to enhance your listening pleasure.

From wireless speaker docks and noise-cancelling headphones to music-centric smartphones and Wi-Fi radios, this summer is a great time to treat yourself (or a loved one) to something new.

On that note, the following suggestions might be music to your ears.

This ain't your daddy's alarm clock: the Aluratek Wi-Fi Internet Radio Clock Radio ($149.99) lets you go to sleep or wake up to nearly 15,000 radio stations from around the world -- from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. No monthly fees or subscription costs are required. Once this unique beside companion connects to your wireless router (required), simply search by country or music genre and then bookmark your favorite stations for easy access. This clock radio can also wirelessly play digital music stored on your computer elsewhere in the home. Two programmable alarms let you wake up to Internet radio, FM radio, digital music or alarm tone.

Delivering a lot of bang for not a lot of buck, the latest iPad nano ($129 for 8GB) is a small, square and touchscreen media player that holds more than 2,000 songs (with album artwork), plus the lightweight device supports podcasts, audiobooks and photos; has a built-in FM radio with presets; and includes a pedometer to count your steps. Available in multiple colors, the 6th generation iPod nano also has 18 watch faces to choose from -- including a classic Mickey Mouse design -- and snaps into many supported wristbands to turn it into a hands-free wristwatch, of sorts.

App it up

Is it time to replace your aging car stereo? The AppRadio 2 ($499.99) from Pioneer Electronics is an in-dash deck with a 7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen, integrated Bluetooth to sync with your smartphone and GPS navigation with live traffic updates. As the name suggests, AppRadio 2 also works with a number of free iPhone and Android smartphone apps, including AUPEO! Personal Radio (access to more than 120 Internet radio stations that can stream to your vehicle) and Pioneer CarMediaPlayer (flick through your smartphone's music library).

Don't dock it

A speaker dock for a smartphone, tablet or iPod is a great idea — but most require you drop in your device and walk away. But what if you want to read email, play a game or browse the web at the same time? Logitech's Ultimate Ears Air Speaker ($399.99) works with Apple's AirPlay technology, therefore you can stream music to the speaker over Wi-Fi from an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. This sleek, piano-black speaker delivers loud, clear and well-balanced audio. If you need to charge up your iGadget, pop open the hideaway drawer to reveal a connector.

It's no secret satellite radio offers a number of advantages over terrestrial radio: CD-quality and commercial-free audio on music channels, coast-to-coast reception and a number of talk, news, comedy and sports broadcasts. The SiriusXM Lynx Portable Radio ($249.99, plus subscription) is the most advance sat radio to date: the Tune Start feature automatically starts the song from the beginning; you can save up to 200 hours of programming to listen when you want; and the radio includes Wi-Fi (to listen when in a hotspot and to download updates) and Bluetooth support to wirelessly sync with Bluetooth headphones, speakers and car systems.

Whether they're for music purists or to cut out engine roar on airplanes — or both -- the Bose QuietComfort 15 noise-cancelling headphones ($299.95) are Bose's quietest yet. This successor to the QuietComfort 2 over-the-ear headphones delivers both "passive" and "active" noise-reduction technologies -- the latter uses microphones and electronic algorithms to cancel out incoming noise. While pricey, these headphones sound extraordinary, and ships with an airplane jack and carrying case. One AAA battery powers the QC15s for about 35 hours of use.

OK, so this one isn't a gadget, per se, but it works on one. GarageBand ($4.99) for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is based on the popular Mac version, which lets you connect real instruments to record and mix music, plus there are a number of virtual instruments ready for play including numerous piano sounds (including organs and synthesizers), drums, guitar, bass and strings. Heck, you can even sing into your iOS device to add vocals, too. Eight-tracking recording and easy editing, sharing and live jamming make this a steal at under $5.

If you'd rather listen to your music collection away from your computer, the Sonos Play:3 ($299 per room) is a wireless music system that lets you stream your tunes to any room in your home (or different music to each room, if you like), and also supports many popular online radio services. Want to change tracks or tweak volume? Pull out your iPhone, iPod or iPod touch, launch the free app and control your music wirelessly. Resembling a docking station, the compact five-driver speaker system — housing two tweeters, two midrange drivers and a built-in single woofer — fills up each room with full, well-balanced sound.

Resembling large rocks, SpeakerCraft's Ruckus 8 One ($479 each) are single 120-watt stereo speakers — measuring 11 5/8" x 15 5/8" x 12 3/4" apiece -- designed to be enjoyed in large listening environments, such as a spacious backyard. The Ruckus speakers have an incredibly durable U.V. and weather-resistant lacquer coating on top of a reinforced, color-matched polyresin enclosure. Therefore, even if the outer coating becomes chipped over time, the material underneath is the same color and will maintain its rock-like appearance. Available in gray granite and sandstone colors, these two-way, coaxial speakers feature woofers made from weatherproof nylon frames that stop the magnets from rusting, while encased rubber in the woofers and tweeters keep water and moisture from entering the voice coil.

Why does iPhone always get all the love? Those on an Android device can now pick up the iHome iC50 FM Stereo Alarm Clock Radio ($59.99), a relatively inexpensive "clock dock" for your night table that not only lets you wake up to your favorite songs but you can listen to audiobooks and podcasts through the powered speakers. A sliding SmartSlide miniUSB connector fits most Android phones, vertically, plus there's a bundle USB cable for those who want to lay it horizontally (idea for watching video). Along with the ability to charge up your phone for the next day, the iC50 is also compatible with the free iHome Sleep app for Android.