Muzen OTR Retro FM Radio/Bluetooth speaker: The Muzen OTR was very popular last year and a new wood finish and a notable deal make it newsworthy again, especially around the holiday season. There is nothing else like it, and everything it does, it does extremely well.

The Muzen OTR is a small Bluetooth speaker with uncommonly good sound for its tiny size. What really sets it apart are the rotary controls, including a backlit tuner dial for the built-in FM radio and knobs for source selection and volume control. When you use the included antenna the radio reception is excellent, and the surprisingly strong and clear sonic output for its size makes it ideal for listening to sports and talk radio. It runs on a rechargeable battery, which makes it a good choice for radio listening at sporting events and tailgate parties. The impossibly cool retro design alone is practically enough reason to buy it, especially now that it comes in a beautiful wood finish that perfectly completes the vintage effect.

The Muzen OTR was $139.99 at time of introduction. The list price was gradually reduced to $109.99, and the Muzen OTR in wood or metal is currently on sale for $89.99. Using the code XMAS20 on muzenaudio.com reduces the price another $20 to $69.99 with free shipping. The FM radio, sound quality, style and solidity all come together to make it a standout value.

Reader D.E of Eureka, California, summed it up concisely in a message to me about his satisfaction with the Muzen OTR, saying, "That little speaker is gold, Don. I love it." I wish I would have come across this a bit sooner this holiday season, but for under $70 it is well worth purchase any time of year. Even if you don't want or need one, it is worth checking out online just to see the neat design. Having dials for volume and source selection is something I would like to see other manufacturers emulate. Like the retro design, sometimes the old ways just work better and are better.

Q. I purchased the Fosi amp for my 13-year-old son for a starter system. Could you recommend speakers for it? Given his age he doesn't need super expensive speakers, and he has a small room. Can I get something for around $100?

—P.C., Apple Valley, Minnesota

A: Micca is a speaker brand sold on Amazon that specializes in just what you are looking for, good little speakers that sell for around $100/pair. All Micca speakers get good marks from owners, but the one that looks like the best fit for you is the Micca MB42X G2, which sells for $119.99/pair and has a 4.6/5 rating with over 4,600 reviews.

I think you would be satisfied with the Miccas, but if you can spend a bit more the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES10 is available factory refurbished with a two-year warranty for $189/pair at accessories4less.com. The Polk Signature Elite line has very fine, smooth sound, and when your son has a bigger listening space he could add a subwoofer to fill in the bass for full-range reproduction. (He could add a subwoofer to the Miccas, but they are not in the same league and I would probably recommend just starting over with new speakers when he moves to a bigger space.)

The Polks would make a fine match to the JBL receiver I mentioned last week, either in a pair for stereo or two pairs for surround sound without a center channel. Add a subwoofer and your A/V sound system is complete.

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