Recent AV Gadget Reviews
Kaleidescape Launches Terra Prime Movie Server with Massive 96TB Storage
The Kaleidescape Terra Prime 96TB movie server ($26,995) is the movie collector’s dream source component. The Terra Prime can store up to 1,600 4K movies with reference video and lossless sound.
New Emotiva DACs and Class D Amplifiers Preview
Emotiva was at the 2015 AXPONA show displaying their latest in headphone/portable audio products; the Little Ego and Ego DACs as well as hinting at new Class D amplifiers to replace their UPA line.
Line 6 AMPLIFi TT Guitar Effects Processor Review
The Line 6 AMPLIFi TT guitar effect processor is a groundbreaking product that allows any musician to connect to their home theater system or take a portable solution to their gigs. Read our review.
Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 V2 Preview
The Cambridge Stream Magic 6 v2 isn't just a media streamer. It is a standalone DAC and preamp as well. With digital inputs, 3 USB ports, WiFI, and an Ethernet port,it's ready for your digital files.
OmniMount OE120IW In‑Wall TV Mount Preview
The OmniMount OE120IW is the simplest in-wall TV mount we've seen, and at $299 it's a good deal too. Read on for our full impressions.
VidOn Box XBMC Digital Media Player Preview
Preview: The VidOn Box is a value priced media player built on the XBMC platform. Boasting full HD output capabilities and a unique menu navigation system, it has the potential to replace your HTPC.
Marantz NA8005 Network Audio Player & DAC Preview
Preview: Marantz's NA8005 network audio player is priced at $1,199 and offers a variety of streaming audio options, as well as outboard DAC functionality.
Cable Keeper Review: A Hip Cable Organization Solution
Product Review: The portable Cable Keeper is a functional and stylish cable organization and transportation solution for audio buffs, installers, and electronics junkies. Click to read more.
Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI Version) Review
Review: Roku's Streaming Stick now comes in a regular HDMI version with options for USB power or a conventional wall plug. Click to read (and watch) our impressions.
Radial Engineering Tonebone PZ‑Pre Acoustic Instrument Pre‑Amp Review
The Radial Engineering Tonebone PZ-Pre is a two channel acoustic instrument preamplifier loaded with features in a heavy duty 14 gauge steel chassis. Click to read all the details.
Amazon Fire TV Preview
The Amazon Fire TV is very competitively priced streaming and gaming all-in-one box at $100 though it doesn't undercut anyone. Roku and Apple TV are the same price and the streaming sticks are less.
MuxLab's HDMI over IP Extender with PoE (Power over Ethernet) Review
Product Review: MuxLab's HDMI over IP Extender with PoE isn't inexpensive at $700, but it claims to reliably deliver a 1080p signal to a point over 600' away from the source. Click to read the review.
OPPO HA‑1 Headphone Amplifier Preview
Preview: OPPO's HA-1 headphone amplifier, priced at $1,199, is more than meets the eye, boasting an advanced DAC, preamplifier functions, and a Bluetooth receiver. Click to read all the details.
Roku Streaming Stick, HDMI Version Preview and Chromecast Comparison
Preview: The Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI version) is their answer to the Chromecast. It has access to just about every streaming service on the planet rather than Google's limited streaming offerings
The African Tongue Drum Goes Electronic Review
The African Tongue Drum with electronic pickup system allows one to connect to a loop pedal to do background drum effects. Check out our review of this unique product.
iHome iBN97 Bluetooth Clock Radio Preview
The new iHome iBN97 Bluetooth clock radio adds NFC to an alarm clock. Of course, it also includes Bluetooth for wireless connectivity from virtually any mobile device. Check it out.
Denon DA‑300USB DAC Preview
The Denon DA-300USB DAC has top-notch circuitry, proprietary Advanced AL32 Processing and High-Precision 32 bit, 192 kHz digital to analogue conversion, analog line outputs, and four digital inputs.
Seiki U‑VISION 4K Upscaling HDMI Cable Preview
Seiki's U-VISION 4k upconverting HDMI cable will take a 1080p signal and scale it up to 4k or a 720p signal and scale it to 1080p as well as other image improvement features for only $40.
Pioneer AVH‑X7500BT and SPH‑DA210 AppRadio Review
I got a chance to test out two of Pioneer's latest in-dash receivers, the 1-DIN AVH-X7500BT and the 2-DIN SPH-DA210. Both are $500 units that have a 7" WVGA touch screen with AppRadio capabilities.
Audio Interconnect and Speaker Cable Myths and Facts Revealed
Audio interconnects and speaker cables myths and facts are revealed in this informative interview. What makes a good AV cable, and the real science behind them is discussed here.
Emotiva XPS‑1 High Performance Phono Preamp Preview
The Emotiva XPS-1 is an high-quality, in-line phono pre-amp for the bargain price of $149. If you have a turntable you can't use because you lack the correct inputs, the XPS-1 is the solution.
Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS USB DAC Review
Review: The Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS. Cambridge Audio has a number of DacMagic offerings, currently three on their website, and this is by far the smallest and the least expensive.
Emotiva Stealth DC‑1 DAC/Preamp Review
Review: The Emotiva Stealth DC-1 is a two channel preamp, DAC, and headphone amp all in one. The $500 price tag would be worth it for any 2 of those but Emotiva gave you all 3. Highly Recommended!
DVDO Air3 Review: Wireless 3D HDMI for All!
Review: DVDO Air3 Wireless HDMI Adapter. We ran it through its paces passing 3D HD audio and video. Results? It's not perfect, but is arguable the best wireless HDMI solution we have ever reviewed.
Samsung GX‑SM530CF Smart Media Player Preview
The Samsung Smart Media Player takes Samsung's Smart Hub and puts it in a standalone box with a twist - CableCARD support. Will combining cable and streaming convince people to buy the $150 Player?
DISH Anywhere App Adds Transfers
One of the coolest things you can do with the latest DISH content, is view it on your iPad or smart phone or mobile device. Now, however, DISH is readying an upgrade to its DISH Anywhere app.
Akiko Audio Tuning Stick Spectral Preview
A late night visitation brings on horror as one of our reviewer's systems is infiltrated by the Akiko Audio Tuning Sticks. Audioholics everywhere - beware! Check your cables! Don't let them in!
Yamaha NX‑P100 Portable Wireless Speaker Preview
Preview: The Yamaha NX-P100 is a Bluetooth speaker from Yamaha that has speakerphone and Siri support, apt-X for CD quality streaming, is splash resistant, and can even charge your phone. $200.
VIZIO Co‑Star LT Streaming Box Preview
The VIZIO Co-Star LT has almost all the functionality of the original Co-Star but costs $20 less. It has tons of apps, can connect wirelessly, stream 1080p and 3D, and pass through 5.1 audio.