Featured Articles

The $1000 Bare Bones System Looking for an entry level home theater system? This is what we recommend for $1000. It will keep you from getting ripped off by the big box stores and deliver more than the average home theater in a… Read More

How to Shop for Televisions & Displays We’ve received numerous emails, and indeed they come in almost daily, inquiring about the best televisions, which format is better and how to determine if Set A is better than Set B. These seem to be… Read More

Recently Reviewed

Audioholics Store $750 Audio System
Clint DeBoer — last modified September 16, 2009 13:37

From time to time the Audioholics Store puts together systems it feels are simply excellent purchases for our readers and which represent an excellent value for consumers. The $750 system, while it won't include such niceties as a display or power conditioner, will present an excellent upgrade of audio and video capabilities for those looking to make the move into a true 5.1 home theater system.

Audioholics Store $1000 Audio System
Clint DeBoer — last modified September 16, 2009 14:16

The $1000 system from The Audioholics Store delivers a solid surround sound experience for a bargain price. While the $1000 system won't include a flat panel display, it does add upgraded features & components such as a power conditioner and a more capable A/V receiver. This level of system will present a more than subtle upgrade of the audio and video capabilities of a television or even a soundbar. For those looking to make the move into a true 5.1 home theater system, this is going to be a major upgrade.

How to Skew a Blind Listening Test
Tom Andry — last modified September 08, 2009 23:15

Setting up a blind test is easy right? Or is it? While many people will take the most well known precautions, they often forget or don't know about some of the others than can seriously affect the outcome of the test. Here are some lesser known things to remember when you set up your listening test for comparing loudspeakers.

2009 $500 Receiver Comparison Guide
Tom Andry — last modified August 04, 2009 10:20

In a continuing effort to demystify your receiver choices, we come to a price point that is probably one of the most popular - around $500. In this comparison, we'll be looking at receivers from Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha. At the near $500 price point, manufacturers have a bit more room to play with features and their design philosophies become pretty apparent.

2009 $750 Receiver Comparison Guide
Tom Andry — last modified July 27, 2009 18:40

In this comparison article we look at receivers around the $750 price point. We have offerings from Yamaha and Harman Kardon at $649, Pioneer at $699, and Denon, Marantz, and Sherwood Newcastle at $799. While you'd think that the differences in receivers at this price point would be a matter of inches, you'd be wrong. Manufacturers are trying pretty hard to differentiate themselves. The question is - what do you need?

2009 Entry Level Receivers Comparison Guide
Tom Andry — last modified July 21, 2009 11:54

In a budget receiver, you are looking for the most bang for your buck. What you will need to focus on is what you actually need. Many of the receivers are limited in their compatibility and functionality based on price point. The trick is to clearly know what you need so that you are getting it all in the receiver you choose. These units from Denon, Harman Kardon, Onyko, Pioneer, and Yamaha represent the first tier in their receiver lines.

Digital Converter Box Comparison & Shootout
Jim Robbins — last modified May 03, 2009 20:17

Looking for a digital TV converter box can be a daunting task as every store seems to have their own brands. And with a proliferation of boxes on the internet, which ones work with those $40 government coupons… If so, how well do they work? Features? Quality? Ease of use? Affordability? Audioholics compares five popular boxes to analyze the facts and details and help you make the best choice!

Rock Band & Guitar Hero Instrument Compatibility Guide
Clint DeBoer — last modified April 06, 2009 12:03

Rock Band and Guitar Hero are two games we enjoy very much at Audioholics. But there are four platforms for the game, a number of instruments, and now third party hardware. Add it up and you have a compatibility matrix worthy of the best mathematicians in the country. We wanted to know what instruments would work with what games... and on what platforms. Unlike the gaming industry, which thinks I actually care about the hardware or which brand of game I'm playing, I'm all about the MUSIC. If I am an Aerosmith fan I want to pick up my guitar and play Aerosmith. I don't care whether or not that band signed with Harmonix or Activision. I may care that they left off some of their greatest songs and that the game doesn't allow me to play drums or sing...

2008 Consumer Excellence Award Winners
Clint DeBoer — last modified March 18, 2009 16:37

The consumer electronics industry is awash with an influx of new products. Each year it seems that every manufacturer is on a quest to outdo all others in a race to integrate more features and advanced technologies into their products. The prestigious Consumer Excellence (CE) Awards program recognizes the most advanced and forward-thinking products in crucial CE categories. Awards are given to products which serve consumers directly and also those products which serve to improve the business and success of the custom installer. The CE Awards is a clear benchmark award for the products which will make an impact in the coming year.

Technical Article : Setting up a Speaker Shootout or Component Comparison the Right Way Tom Andry — last modified February 24, 2009 14:15

Technical Article : Audioholics 2008 Product of the Year Awards Gene DellaSala — last modified July 23, 2009 16:57

Technical Article : Audioholics Showcase Home Overview Gene DellaSala — last modified August 25, 2009 16:56

Technical Article : The $3500 Balanced AV System Gene DellaSala — last modified May 05, 2009 20:30

Technical Article : The $25k Home Theater System Clint DeBoer , Gene DellaSala — last modified April 04, 2008 19:48

Technical Article : The $1000 Bare Bones System Clint DeBoer — last modified April 07, 2008 17:20

Technical Article : Recommended Reference Audio Books Clint DeBoer — last modified July 24, 2008 12:18

Technical Article : What Size Screen or Television Do I Need? Clint DeBoer — last modified February 21, 2008 08:43

Technical Article : How to Shop for an AV Receiver Gene DellaSala — last modified February 15, 2008 19:16

Technical Article : Audioholics 2007 Product of the Year Awards Gene DellaSala — last modified February 27, 2008 19:46

What to Buy

The following sub-folders are contained in this folder:

• Recommended Systems
• Stores & Manufacturers
• How to Shop
• What We Use
• Calibration & Test Gear
• Product Awards and Gift Guides