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Audioholics Featured Reviews
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Yamaha is looking to expand their top end of their receiver line with the addition of the RX-X7 - a $2700 behemoth that is touting, among many other features, near unlimited connectivity and five…
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The EMP Impression Series E5Ti speakers are the ones going for the incredibly low asking price of $400 a pair. There must be something wrong with them, right? Not based on our review.
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Recently Reviewed
Prices for home theater systems have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. The Onkyo HT-S5200 7.1-channel system is just one example of affordable surround sound. This home-theater-in-a-box includes a full A/V receiver and complete 7.1 speaker package. While clearly marketed as an entry level package, the price of the HT-S5200 makes it a compelling buy for those looking to move their way into the surround sound experience. The package includes the dedicated A/V receiver, a 10-inch powered subwoofer, Front speakers, a Center channel, and two pairs of smaller Surround and Surround Back speakers. It's a highly upgradable system, though there are some things you'll want to watch out for, and we indicate those below.
Klipsch has taken slim-line to a new level with their WF-34 Floorstanding loudspeaker system designed to take up less floorspace while still delivering the dynamic and detailed sound they are known for in their bigger boxed speakers. With three 4 1/2" woofers and dual rear ports, this tower has usable bass extension down into the low 50Hz range, perfect for blending with a pair of subwoofers to get fullrange sound for music and movies. If you are looking for a great combination of performance and aesthetics for a very modest cost, the Klipsch Icon WF series looks promising though we reserve final judgment until we can get in a pair for review.
The prices for surround sound have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. If we were proving this in a court of law, Exhibit A would have to be the Onkyo HT-S3200 5.1-channel system which includes a full A/V receiver and full suite of 5.1 speakers. The only thing entry level about this receiver is its price. The receiver features three HDMI pass-through inputs for high-definition video up to 1080p. This is a super-convenient solution that allows you to connect all of your HD video sources into the receiver for simplified switching. Since the HDMI inputs are pass-through, this means they do not retrieve the audio from the HDMI signal. With no analogue inputs, that means you'll be limited to Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals for Blu-ray discs. This also means that you'll need to run separate audio cables into the HT-R370 to get surround sound.
Want a nearly tool-less display mount with nearly unlimited adjustments? Atdec has what you want with the new Quick Shift Donut. An integrated level moves the display up and down and side to side. A wrench releases a ball joint to move 40 degrees plus rotate. A button releases the display from the mount. Adjustable? We'd say so. As more and more men are stepping up and demanding their own "man-cave", setups are getting more and more varied. While a dedicated home theater should (as far as we are concerned) be first and foremost on the man-cave checklist, there are often secondary (and tertiary) displays. These displays may live on a wall near a pool table or perhaps in a kids room. Often you are forced to place these displays so that the maximum number of areas have some sort of unobstructed view. With lower end LCD viewing angles, this can be a tricky proposition at best.
The Wireless Surround F/X builds on the SurroundBar technology Polk has be using for years but puts it in the back of the room. We are very intrigued with the Polk Audio Wireless Surround F/X rear speaker. With four 2.5" drivers, a 5.25" woofer, small transceiver that connects to a transmitter that is connected to your receiver's surround channels, powered by a multichannel digital amplifier, and a switch to indicate placement (and adjust the DSP) of the speaker - floor, table, or shelf, Polk looks to have a winner on its hands with this one.
ZAGGbox Media Server Preview
Tom Andry
— last modified February 01, 2010 09:05
What is the ZAGGbox? While it hasn't been released yet and details are a little sketchy, it looks to be a recording device with universal remote and streaming capabilities. With a terabyte of storage, 4 USB ports for more, 3 HD and 2 SD inputs, and the ability to stream to your phone, it's got a lot of people talking. But will it have a lot a people buying? For us the real problem is the complete lack of HDMI inputs - likely due to the limitations of HDCP copy protection. Without them, the ZAGGbox can never receive HD audio and most Blu-ray players don't upconvert over component. If the ZAGGbox doesn't have a guide (and we don't think it will), then how interested is the public going to be in having both a DVR and a ZAGGbox? We're not sure.
The Rotel RSX-1560, with class D amps, 4 HDMI inputs, and dual sub AND center channel outs certainly has a lot of bells and whistles for a more esoteric brand. With a few omissions that may scare off some, he question that needs to be answered is whether or not the RSX-1560 does what you need.
The new Elemental Designs EL speakers (headed by the EL8.3t Towers) represent a new direction for eD. With a higher price-point, top notch components, and solid construction, their price very well may be justified. Also in the line are the EL8.3c Center and EL6.3b bookshelf.
The 55" LD-55970Z is about an inch thick and has all the usual accouterments including full 1080p resolution, 6ms response time, 120 Hz refresh rate, selectable color temperatures, 3D noise reduction, 3:2 pulldown, and 3 HDMI inputs. Unfortunately, other than the slim design and LED buzzword, a lot of the newer technologies are missing.
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