http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:15:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/portables/marantz-tt42-preThe Marantz TT42 may be a very basic turntable, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good one. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the high-priced offerings, it also doesn't have the price tag. At $330, you can have a brand new, high-performance, turntable for exploring your old LPs and some of the new ones that are being released. It is a bit to expensive to be an impulse buy but, for those that are wondering what the fuss is all about, it could be the perfect solution. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:15:00 -0000/reviews/portables/marantz-tt42-prePortables & MediaPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/projectors/acer-h9500bd-3d-videoAudioholics has reviewed 3D projectors in the past, but this one is from Acer, a company well-known for their notebooks, netbooks and PCs... but they also have a line of excellent projectors. Well, excellent if you're really into black levels and have a budget of around $1500. But let's back up. We took on this review because Acer is a company we've had a lot of contact with in the past. Let's face it, they make some really excellent products in the PC world and they have a reputation for value. What we didn't know was how well the H9500BD would hold up to the rather wide playing field of competitive products - I mean, there are a lot of projectors in that price range.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:09:39 -0000/reviews/projectors/acer-h9500bd-3d-videoProjectorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/furniture/racks-stands/sanus-bfv157-preAt $330, the Sanus BFV157 isn't the a cheap piece of AV furniture but it does have a lot going for it. With an open design allowing for maximum flexibility in gear placement and size, the ability to hold up to a 60" display, and integrated storage, the BFV150 should appeal to the AV crowd. At the same time, the mid-century, minimalistic aesthetic is sure to win over many spouses. This is a win-win for the furniture company. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:05:00 -0000/reviews/furniture/racks-stands/sanus-bfv157-preRacks & StandsFurniturehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/architectural/paradigm-designer-series-preThose of us that have not only a need for in-ceiling speakers, but a desire for something that has been designed to sound as good as possible, the new Designer Series In-Ceiling speakers from Paradigm are enticing. Looking at the improvements they've made in the different lines, it is clear that they are thinking about the specific use of the speaker (from the improved output and clarity of the top of the line Guided Soundfield Models to the improved performance and longevity under any condition of the Marine Models). Add to that the overall improvement of the Designer's Series ability to go unnoticed with their smaller bezel and Paradigm is really trying to give you what you want.Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/architectural/paradigm-designer-series-preArchitectural & OutdoorSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/headphones/thinksound-ms01-earphones-videoYou know what's fun? Going to an intimate live outdoor concert and then listening to the live CD afterwards. It was fresh in my mind - and putting on the ms01's I was quickly impressed by how accurately the sound closely resembled what I had heard. This was especially made possible since the artist, Tom Conlon, uses the same RE20 mic for recording as well as his live performances. The ms01's were voiced by Aaron Fournier, who is the CEO of thinksound, but also an audio engineer. And he involved several Grammy winning musicians and producers in the process, which is pretty cool. The goal was to design a truly full-range studio in-ear monitor. After listening to a variety of music, we'd have to say they really pulled it off, and without the hassle of some of the more finicky in-ear phones that require precised placement. The ms01's were easy to throw in and you immediately got crisp clear highs and percussive bass that felt, at times, as if I had a tiny kick drum in my ears.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:45:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/headphones/thinksound-ms01-earphones-videoHeadphonesSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/cables/netgears-home-theater-internet-connection-kitNetgear's Internet Adapter for Home Theater (XAVB5004) is a powerline solution much like the Belkin we reviewed last year except that it amps up the throughput to 500 Mbps and includes both a powerline 4-port router and a powerline AV500 "gigabit" adapter. The system is designed to deliver flawless HD video streaming and is capable of connecting up to four Internet-ready home theater devices, such as HDTVs, Blu-ray players, IPTVs, TV set-top boxes, media players or game consoles to the Internet - it's even 3D-capable. The kit includes one 1-port adapter to connect to the router and one 4-port adapter to connect to the TV and your various peripherals. The solution’s four ports are conveniently color coded for simple setup and the entire system is really plug-in ready from the minute you unbox it.Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 -0000/reviews/cables/netgears-home-theater-internet-connection-kitCables & SwitchersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/pb12-nsdSVS has long been known for high performance subwoofers and the PB12-NSD while the most cost effective vented subwoofer in the current line up, still musters up a hefty amount of room filling bass. (Also offered is the PC12-NSD cylinder version which is said to have nearly identical performance.) Tipping the scales at 66lbs the heart of the PB12-NSD is a quality 12" long throw, aluminum cone driver vented through a 4" diameter flared port, all housed in a large, well braced, black vinyl wrapped enclosure, which happens to be the only finish option available. The brains of the operation come from a 400 watt version of SVS's Sledge amplifier platform. This combination available shipped to your home for $769, provides extension with authority to 20Hz and perhaps a bit lower in some rooms. Build, performance and parts quality for this price range were all found to be exceptional. While the PB12-NSD is short on finish options and may not have some of the extra bells and whistles offered by other subwoofers on the market, what it does do very well is the task of producing accurate and powerful bass with depth and finese that most other subs in this price range cannot match, as evidenced by the PB12-NSD achieving the Audioholics Large Room rating. At the end of the day that is what a subwoofer is supposed to do and the PB12-NSD does not disappoint. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:05:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/pb12-nsdSubwoofersSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/emotiva-xmc-1-preThe new Emotiva XMC-1 is, according to the company, the "first product in a new generation of high performance digital audio products". Emotiva has been promising a new processor for years, and this is their fulfillment of that promise. Frankly, with the level of technology we're seeing in the Emotiva XMC-1 Processor, we're surprised such a small company can put develop such a product. But such technology comes at a cost. The new XMC-1 doubles the price of the older, UMC-1 Processor (on sale for $500 from Emotiva). But to say the XMC-1 Processor is an "upgrade" from the UMC-1 is a huge understatement. With tons of improvements and a new TACT room correction system, anyone looking for a processor should take a look at the new Emotiva XMC-1. Emotiva is offering a 40% discount for current UMC-1 owners wanting to upgrade to this new baby. If that provide enough incentive to upgrade your system, we don't know what will.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:15:00 -0000/reviews/processors/emotiva-xmc-1-preA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/axiom-audio-vp160Axiom Audio has added another center channel to round out its comprehensive center lineup. The VP160 (MSRP $570 shipped) is based on the well established W(T/M)W arrangement of drivers which is done to improve off-axis response compared to conventional horizontally mounted MTM designs. We like the direction Axiom Audio is taking with this new center channel. They built the product on a well established design principle to ensure good on and off-axis performance while also designing it to be a tonal match to their M60v3 floorstanding speakers. The VP160 is front ported and includes gel like rounded feet to help decouple it from panel resonances if placed inside an entertainment center. Initial feedback from forum users on the Axiom website and our forums indicate the VP160 is off to a successful start. Many users have made the upgrade from the VP150 claiming MUCH better vocal intelligibility on and off axis.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:15:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/axiom-audio-vp160BookshelfSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/toshiba-revamps-led-tv-lineup-announces-4k-glasses-free-tvWhile the 55", 4k, glasses-free 3d, back lit LED display stole the show, Toshiba is looking to catch the attention of those without $10,000 burning a hole in their pocket with their new LED lineup. The edge lit displays should impress with their thin profile, the back lit LED with its deep blacks, and the new Aero Family aesthetics and Audyssey Sound Enhancement features should give consumers reason enough to give Toshiba another look. While none of the features of the LED line up are all that spectacular (120Hz, no 3d, etc.), if the prices are right, they may be big sellers. We'll have a wait a few months to find out.Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:45:00 -0000/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/toshiba-revamps-led-tv-lineup-announces-4k-glasses-free-tvFlat PanelsTelevisions & Displayshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/projectors/projector-screens/elite-cinetension2-electricElite Screens has produced an almost innumerable variety of screens. In that way they have something for nearly any application you can imagine. But what's really amazing is that they typically price their products at a considerably higher value than some of the other major custom-installer-centric manufacturers. The CineTension2 Series is one of their more user-friendly models, appealing to both the professional user and the enthusiast. It's, as the name implies, a tab tensioned screen. That is to say that it has a tensioning system that pulls rigidly along the loops that come out from the sides of the 2" black surround material of the screen. This keeps the screen from curling up along the edges as well as from waving in the middle and makes for an extremely flat (and thus more enjoyable) viewing experience. When you're wanting to lose yourself in the movie experience, and a motorized solution is required, tab-tensioned screens are where it's at.Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:30:00 -0000/reviews/projectors/projector-screens/elite-cinetension2-electricProjector ScreensProjectorshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/projectors/benq-w7000-preThe BenQ W7000 sports a lot of the technology found in the bigger, more expensive BenQ projectors. But that doesn't mean it is cheap. With a MSRP of just under $4k, it could be a wallet-buster for an Audioholic on a budget. We've already seen the projector's street price $1500 less than that, so make sure you shop around. Incorporating many of the latest technologies, including DLP Link for syncing the active glasses, tons of features for making placement easy, REC 709 True Color, and ICFccc certification, the BenQ W7000 certainly looks to have a lot of features for the money. We'd love to see what this projector can do. We're betting it will be impressive.Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/projectors/benq-w7000-preProjectorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/audio-technica-at-lp1240-usb-preTurntables have transformed from pieces of audio gear to listening room bling. Luckily, some companies are still making turntables for those that actually use them. The Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB has just about everything you'd want in a turntable - integrated preamp, a high-torque multi-pole direct drive motor, a stroboscopic platter with a speed accuracy indicator, and much more. Plus, you can connect it to your computer and transform your vinyl into bits. Built with the DJ in mind, the Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB is so tough it may be the last turntable you buy...unless you win the lottery.Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:00:00 -0000/reviews/transports/audio-technica-at-lp1240-usb-preDVD/Blu-ray PlayersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/samsung-bd-e6500-preWhile we don't think the Samsung BD-E6500 will be the next Audiophile Blu-ray player, it very well may be our next Blu-ray player. The new Samsung includes dual HDMI inputs for connecting two different pieces of gear to it, and then running a single HDMI cable to your receiver/display. The BD-E6500 has Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming from DNLA devices and access to Samsung's Smart Hub. Most interestingly (though you may never use it), you can register (for a fee) your DVDs on UltraViolet from the player. The only thing we don't know about the player and the UltraViolet service? Price. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:30:00 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/samsung-bd-e6500-preBlu-ray PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/pioneer-steez-prePioneer is betting that "serious" dancers won't be able to live without one of their new STEEZ portable music players. Equipped with dance-specific features like tempo control, 8-Beat skip control, manual cue setting, and an auto Dance Battle mode, what "serious" dancer could live without a STEEZ? Powered by either the mains or batteries, you can Bring It wherever you want, even to Beat Street. Now, you don't have to set a time and date for a dance-off; with STEEZ, you can get your groove on wherever you want. We just want you do to it a little farther from our lawn. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/pioneer-steez-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/jbl-synthesis-s4700-preWe've heard the JBL Synthesis Project Everest speakers in person and they certainly are impressive. If the JBL Synthesis S4700 speakers sound anywhere near as good, consumers may look at that $20k price tag as a value considering they are getting some measure of the performance of the other two, higher priced, speakers. Releasing more budget (comparatively speaking) speakers makes a lot of sense in the current economy. We expect a lot of interest in these speakers and hope to get a chance to demo them ourselves soon.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/jbl-synthesis-s4700-preFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/procella-audio-p860-preWe may never be able to afford a pair (much less full set) of Procella Audio P860 Biamplified Full-Range Extremely High-Output Reference Speakers. But that's okay. In the world of expensive audio, we often encounter companies that are talking up their heritage and custom finishes rather than what their speakers can do. Not Procella Audio. With extension down to 40Hz, output high enough to fill a mid-sized commercial cinema, and included amps, there isn't a lot to complain about (other than their looks). If you have a HUGE theater and a pile of cash to burn, Procella Audio should be on your short list.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/procella-audio-p860-preFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/headphones/audio-technica-ath-w3000anv-preOf course, the thing that caught your attention was the "wooden" part of the title. We were hoping for petrified-wood cone drivers but alas, it is only the outer coverings. For the ATH-W3000ANV, Audio-Technica has decided that their commemorative 50th anniversary logo could only placed on strikingly beautiful, traditional Japanese Echizen lacquer-finished Hokkaido Asada cherry heartwood. The Audio-Technica ATH-W3000ANV employ large 53 mm aperture drivers featuring specially built 2-part magnetic circuits that produce high speed magnetic streams plus "numerous additional refinements" which were not specified.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/headphones/audio-technica-ath-w3000anv-preHeadphonesSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/projectors/epson-home-cinema-5010-videoWe seem to be hitting a lot of projectors this year, but it's no surprise since most manufacturers are releasing new 3D models that can do justice to the newest 3D Blu-ray movies. The Home Cinema 5010 is Epson's 1080p 3D projector that targets the enthusiast... make that the premier enthusiast. The 5010 is the highest model in Epson's Home Cinema lineup and it's designed to produce the richest blacks, the highest contrast ratios and the most detailed picture possible. We utilize the company's 9700UB, which is the professional model of the 8700UB, which this projector replaces. The 5010 ups the output of its predecessor to 2400 lumens. Now while we don't typically need that much light in home theaters, in 3D mode you lose a significant amount of the brightness due to the way the glasses are constantly closing and opening over each eye. With 2400 lumens and custom calibration options for 3D, Epson takes care of that and lets you calibrate the set for optimal 3D performance.Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:45:00 -0000/reviews/projectors/epson-home-cinema-5010-videoProjectorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/aperion-intimus-4t-videoI'm 6' 5". So, I'm just not sure I'm the right guy to be photographed with these speakers. You see, this is the Aperion Audio Intimus 4T Speaker System. And while Aperion makes lots of, shall we say, "normal" sized speakers, the 4T system, is really designed for the person looking to get that great Aperion Audio sound, but with a much smaller footprint and a lower price point. You can, for example, get this entire 5.1 system, with the 4T towers, 4B bookshelf speakers, 4C center channel and Bravus IIA 8D subwoofer, for just $1,350. Shipped. That's not bad, and this is the kind of system that sounds much bigger than it is. And really... it better. It's perfect for those looking to place speakers in a way that doesn't take over a room. And, yes, I suppose they'd be great for short people... What?Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:35:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/aperion-intimus-4t-videoFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/processors/mark-levinson-no.-52-preThe Mark Levinson No. 52 Reference Dual-Monaural Preamplifier has just about every available technology to ensure an uncorrupted sonic experience. This fully analogue preamp has separated the audio and control portions into two distinct chassis connected by two separate DC power cords and a dedicated control cable. While you won't find Internet streaming, iDevice support, or any feature released in the last five years, what you will find is a dedication to signal purity that boarders on the insane. The question is, are you willing to pay $25,000 for that level of insanity?Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:50:00 -0000/reviews/processors/mark-levinson-no.-52-preA/V ProcessorsPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/revel-performa3-preIt's all fine and good to read about speakers that cost more than your car but it is nice to remind yourself that there are quality speaker offerings well within your budget. Harman's Revel brand is looking to do just that with their new Performa3 line. This new line of speakers has a large range of offerings at different price points for the Audioholic that is looking to step up in performance and looks from their initial, budget system. They really seem to be aiming for the consumer that is ready to get serious about their home theater and, we think, they've hit the nail on the head.Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:45:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/revel-performa3-preFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/goldenear-triton-threeA little over a year ago the GoldenEar company was launched with the debut of their Triton Two tower speakers. These tall but slim speakers garnered a lot of industry attention and press. The question that was in everyone's mind at the time was "could Sandy Gross (Formerly of Definitive Technology) launch another successful speaker company?" He gambled on yes and so far it appears to be paying off. The new Triton Three Tower speaker system is said to have most of the performance virtues of the Triton Two but in a smaller more affordable package. You still get the internal powered subwoofers and acclaimed driver technology from its bigger sibling. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:05:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/goldenear-triton-threeFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/sony-str-da3700es-videoToday we're looking at the new Sony STR-DA3700ES Receiver. We're actually pretty excited about this one because we got to see it up close and personal at this year's CEDIA event in Indianapolis. What's the big deal? Well, Sony has completely redesigned the GUI on-screen display and setup system. They haven't just redesigned the setup menu, they've took an axe to the whole way you connect and engage music, video and streaming media. In all honesty, we had to restrain ourselves from lifting up the receiver to look for an Apple logo. Sony is back in the game, except that they never really left, they just haven't been pushing the envelop over the past several years. Now other manufacturers are going to have to sit up and take notice.Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:50:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/sony-str-da3700es-videoA/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/paradigm-shift-earbud-preGiven the wide variety of offerings on the market, we might have expected Paradigm to lean on their name and fans to sell much higher priced offerings. Even at double the price, we could see the Paradigm SHIFT earbuds selling. At these price points, and with this level of performance, the Paradigm SHIFT earbuds are sure to be a hit. If you are looking for a pair of earbuds, you'd be crazy not to put these on your short list. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:15:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/paradigm-shift-earbud-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/mcintosh-xr-series-loudspeakers-previewWhile the specifics of the XR speaker line are lacking, the core of the message is clear: McIntosh is trying to get into more living rooms and home theaters. They had a strong loudspeaker heritage back in the day and it looks like they are trying to reclaim it. While $16,500 might seem like a lot for a 5.0 system, in the world of high end audio, that is less than the price of some power cables. With the McIntosh name behind the XR line, we're expecting these to do well for the company. In the current economic climate, more affordable options are always popular and we think this is a good, strategic move for McIntosh. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:40:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/mcintosh-xr-series-loudspeakers-previewFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/panasonic-32bit-3d-bdPanasonic put out six (6) new Blu-ray players at this year's CES 2012. They include four 3D models (DMP-BBT01, DMP-BDT500, DMP-BDT320, DMP-BDT220) and and two networking 2D models (the DMP-BD87 and the DMP-BD77). All four of the 3D models include Panasonic’s proprietary IPTV platform, VIERA Connect, while the 2D models feature IP VOD, a service that is different, but still offers a limited, though targeted, selection of such sites as Netflix, Vudu, CinemaNow and YouTube. What got us, though was the fact that three of these players feature 192kHz/32bit Audio DACs (not available on the DMP-BBT01). On top of that, the BDT500 includes high grade audio parts – gold plated terminals, high grade electric capacitor, better insulators... Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:24:48 -0000/reviews/transports/high-definition-dvd-players-hd-dvd-blu-ray/panasonic-32bit-3d-bdBlu-ray PlayersDVD/Blu-ray Playershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/lg-google-tv-smartLG finally jumped into the Google TV bandwagon at CES 2012, bringing the familiarity of Google's Android OS to the convenience and tiled interface of its 3D and Smart TVs. Together, the combination offers consumers a new and attractive home entertainment option, not to mention a ton of streaming media and online content options. Possibly the nicest aspect of LG's implementation of Google TV is the mixing of its Android-based user interface with the Magic Remote Qwerty. LG's Google TV user interface and main screen have been designed for convenient browsing and content selection and the latest iteration allows for multitasking, so search, social networking and TV functions can be run simultaneously. The user interface can be directly accessed using the Magic Remote Qwerty which, as the name implies, combines the user-friendly benefits of LG’s Magic Remote with a QWERTY keyboard.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:46:06 -0000/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/lg-google-tv-smartFlat PanelsTelevisions & Displayshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/architectural/niles-cm4pr-compact-ceilingWe reviewed hands-on the new CM Series Ceiling Mount Loudspeakers from Niles and found them to be excellent - both in quality and ease-of-installation. Rather than simply update over time, Niles continues to innovate, and their latest model was revealed this week at the Hilton. It's the compact CM4PR. The CM4PR is the company’s first-ever compact ceiling mount loudspeaker and it comes with only a four-inch footprint. It's Niles' first small, designer-friendly loudspeaker to deliver its signature audiophile grade performance while being able to locate itself in aesthetically pleasing, unobtrusive areas. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:22:49 -0000/reviews/speakers/architectural/niles-cm4pr-compact-ceilingArchitectural & OutdoorSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/headphones/klipsch-sues-china-manufacturers-over-counterfeit-headphonesKlipsch Group, Inc. (KGI), the parent company behind Klipsch, Energy, Mirage and Jamo declared war today, in the form of legal action, against 23 Chinese manufacturers selling counterfeit Klipsch Image S4 and Klipsch Image S4i headphones under the Klipsch brand name. On December 16, 2011, the company received an order from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York allowing the suspension of service to domains and sellers on trade boards selling counterfeit Klipsch headphones. In addition, the order allows for restraint on funds in the payment processing and bank accounts of those selling the counterfeit products. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:47:55 -0000/reviews/speakers/headphones/klipsch-sues-china-manufacturers-over-counterfeit-headphonesHeadphonesSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/elan-s1616a-multi-zoneELAN was at the Hilton today, unveiling its new S1616A, a 16-channel multi-zone amplifier/controller that combines the functionality of the ELAN D16 amplifier and S128P multi-zone controller into one new component. It's pretty cool and should simplify installations and lower the total cost for dealers and their clients. The new ELAN S1616A Amplifier/Controller, which is designed to integrate exclusively with the ELAN g! System, will be available for delivery in the United States this month (January 2012) for $3600. The new ELAN S1616A is available in single- and dual-chassis versions, both of which include high-pass and low-pass crossovers, RCA inputs, speaker level and banana plug outputs, and feature level, bass and treble adjustment for each output channel.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:27:44 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/elan-s1616a-multi-zoneAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/lg-1mm-thin-tv-bezelsLG Electronics is touting its new Cinema Screen design at the 2012 CES and it is, in a word: fabulous. I don't think I've ever used that word in a sentence before, but I don't know how else to describe a 1mm thin bezel that truly gives a flat panel LED backlit TV the appearance of a true edge-to-edge display. This is something really new and it's got people all riled up and really interested. What's really exciting is that several of LG's high end 2012 Cinema Screen Smart TV models are going to look like this. In fact, so far there are three models that include the 1mm thin bezel, but more are certain to come. All of these TVs are 3D and the company has also released new Cinema 3D glasses for 2012. There are three models and they are 20 percent lighter than previous Iterations. Now if only they could "lighten" the obligatory 3D headaches... Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:10:58 -0000/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/lg-1mm-thin-tv-bezelsFlat PanelsTelevisions & Displayshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/mcintosh-50th-mc275-tubeMcIntosh popped out a new 50th Anniversary edition of its popular MC275 tube amplifier. This edition features the same great quality of the MC275, but also comes in an elegant gold-toned chassis. As we learned with teh now all-but-extinct 100th Anniversary Edition Denon products, the specially created amp is being offered in a very limited quantity. The amp will come with a commemorative history book and deluxe packaging. But that's not all the 50th Anniversary Edition delivers, there are some other improvements as well. First off, the Limited Edition MC275 comes with a gold-toned chassis and features the classic 1961 tube circuit design of the original, but there are "under-the-hood" improvements as well. The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition McIntosh MC275 tube power amplifier is available from authorized McIntosh dealers for a suggested retail price of $6,500.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:54:01 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/mcintosh-50th-mc275-tubeAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/status-acoustics-8tGot $50k to splurge on a new sports car? Status Acoustics is hoping you'd spend it on loudspeakers instead. The new speaker is named the Status 8T and it is Status Acoustics most radical design yet, incorporating a two-piece design that places the midrange and treble cabinet floating above the bass cabinet. With the 8T, function follows form. One of the design goals was to minimize cabinet resonances that color sound. With the 8T’s two-cabinet design, the low and mid frequency enclosures are effectively isolated from each other, nearly eliminating cabinet resonance in the speaker system. The three 10" high excursion aluminum cone bass drivers combined with the four 6.5" Beryllium cone mid woofers and 1" Beryllium dome tweeter ensures this speaker system will play true full-range sound effortlessly at any playback level. Standing at nearly 6ft tall and tipping the scale at over 300lbs, we have little reason to doubt its output capabilities. We look forward to taking these beauties for a test drive to see if they truly deliver Ferrari like performance at Corvette pricing.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:05:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/status-acoustics-8tFloorstandingSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/lg-55em9600-oled-tvLG Electronics unveiled "the future of home entertainment" - and you know what, we'd have to agree. I know, OLED has been rearing its head for years, but both LG and Samsung have all but promised large-format models that will come out this year. The 2012 CES was where LG chose to reveal (literally at the very end of their press event) their new 55EM9600 55-inch OLED HDTV. The new TV is incredibly thin - just 4mm, in fact and is powered by LG’s TRIPLE XD Engine. Picture quality has been pretty advanced with LED backlit TVs - and it's only been getting better, but OLED ups the ante, with self-lighted organic pixels. This means that OLED TVs can exhibit precise color, absolute contrast and blazing clarity. LG gives the 55EM9600 OLED TV a contrast ratio of over 100,000,000:1, claiming it is fifty times greater than that of LED/LCD display panels. Honestly, the point is that the pixels, when of are, well... OFF. So the contrast ration is actually infinite - in which case they might as say the ratio is a google-to-one (I mean, why not?)Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:30:55 -0000/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/lg-55em9600-oled-tvFlat PanelsTelevisions & Displayshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/furniture/accessories/cineak-motorized-headrestLean back in any reclined theater chair and you'll soon appreciate the importance of an articulating headrest. Add motorization to that and it might just be the most perfect feature we've ever come across. When seated in the reclined or inclined position while watching movies, one of the key elements to comfort is the ability to adjust the position of your headrest. In my Berkline chairs, one of the problems I have is that my neck is not properly supported. Watch a 2 hour movie and you will often come away with a neck ache (and yes, we're desperately trying to keep this all in its proper perspective, still). An articulating headrest will allow for proper neck support while viewing an image on the screen no matter what recline position the back rest is in. As we've found, the lack of such feature can result in back and neck pains and a greatly diminished movie-watching experience.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:42:07 -0000/reviews/furniture/accessories/cineak-motorized-headrestSeating and ChairsFurniturehttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/samsung-super-oled-55-tvOLED is here... well, almost here. Samsung and LG have both released new OLED televisions. Of course, since LG released OLED, Samsung has released/announced "Super OLED". That's super better than plain-old OLED, we suppose. The OLED TV will be produced from a single pane of glass and uses Samsung’s Super OLED technology to deliver the ultimate in picture quality and thinness. And it is super thin - just around 1/4" thin at it's smallest point. In all seriousness, there is an element to the "Super" designation in Super OLED. Samsung's version has apparently eliminated the need for a color filter as the OLED pixel unit comprises self-emitting RGB sub-pixels laid directly on the display panel. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:25:00 -0000/reviews/televisions/flat-panels/samsung-super-oled-55-tvFlat PanelsTelevisions & Displayshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/audiocontrol-avr-4-hdAudioControl announced the launch of their new Concert AVR-4 HD Home Theater Receiver. The Concert AVR-4 HD is said to fill a gap in the market for an audiophile quality receiver, at a great price, that does not compromise on the quality of its components, delivering a stunning movie experience rich in top tier audiophile sound quality and video performance. With a high efficient Class H 120wpc x 7 (all channels driven) amplifier design, the AVR-4 HD seems like it will deliver oodles of power for upscale home theaters while remaining cool in operation making it an ideal choice for rack mounting. The AVR-4 HD supports all the latest in HD audio and video decoding including 3D video pass-thru. We look forward to learning more about the new AVR-4 HD Home Theater Receiver from AudioControl when info becomes available.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:40:00 -0000/reviews/receivers/audiocontrol-avr-4-hdA/V ReceiversPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/bel-canto-c7r-integrated-ampBel Canto asks the question: Why choose different components for your music downloads, computer, CD player, turntables, cable/satellite box or game consoles? Their answer is to "keep things simple" with Bel Canto's compact, powerful C7R Receiver! The C7R, which is more like an integrated amp, tuner, and DAC all rolled into one, is loaded with inputs including two 24/192 SPDIF, two 24/192 TOSLINK, and one 24/96 USB, MM Phono and Analog Line Level inputs. Output connections are via upgraded WBT NEXTGEN Speaker Connectors plus RCA Line Out and a Headphone Output.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:10:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/bel-canto-c7r-integrated-ampAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/moon-810lp-phono-preampSimaudio introduced the Moon 810LP Phono Preamplifier at the Venetian, their latest addition to the Evolution Series of audio components. The 810LP features a dual-mono fully balanced differential design, and represents the company's “all out assault” on phono preamplification. They describe the preamp as an "ultra-refined audio circuit" which they have mounted on top of a floating suspension. As with many audiophile products, the Moon 810LP is also highly configurable, with selectable gain, impedance loading, capacitance loading and equalization curves. These can all be tweaked using DIP switches located on the bottom of the device. The goal is to make sure the Moon 810LP works with, and more importantly - sounds good with - virtually any available phono cartridge on the market.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:40:10 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/moon-810lp-phono-preampAmplifiersPro Reviews