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AV News & Editorials

AV News

Panasonic TVs Are Back In The USA!

— October 10, 2024 00:30

Panasonic TVs Are Back In The USA!

Panasonic is back in the USA with a new lineup of OLED and Mini-LED TVs. The Z95A OLED, Z85A OLED, and W95A Mini-LED TV all use Amazon’s Fire TV streaming platform. Read on.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Focal $40K DIVA UTOPIA Active Streaming Wireless Speakers for 21st Century Audiophile

— October 03, 2024 00:25

Focal $40K DIVA UTOPIA Active Streaming Wireless Speakers for 21st Century Audiophile

Focal releases its first all-in-one active streaming speaker, the DIVA UTOPIA ($40K/pair). The DIVA UTOPIA uses Ultra Wideband tech to establish a high-res wireless connection between the speakers.

AV News

THX Finds A New CEO In A‑Volute Founder Tuyen Pham

— October 05, 2024 00:00

THX Finds A New CEO In A-Volute Founder Tuyen Pham

THX has appointed a new CEO, industry veteran Tuyen Pham. Pham previously co-founded and led audio software company A-Volute. What can we expect from THX now? Read on.

Subwoofer Reviews Preview

SVS New 17‑Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer Series Their Best EVER?!?

— October 02, 2024 00:00

SVS New 17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer Series Their Best EVER?!?

The new SVS subwoofer series, 17-Ultra R|Evolution, includes the PB17 ($2,500) and SB17 ($3,000). Both feature a 17" driver and 2,800 watts of amplification, making them the highest-performing subs ever!

Trade Show Coverage

Munich’s HIGH END Show Moves To Vienna In 2026

— September 30, 2024 00:20

Munich’s HIGH END Show Moves To Vienna In 2026

For the audio world, Munich has been synonymous with the annual HIGH END audio show for the last two decades. But starting in 2026, the HIGH END will have a new home in Vienna.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Arendal Sound’s New Flagship 1528 Series Is Finally Here!

— October 01, 2024 09:00

Arendal Sound’s New Flagship 1528 Series Is Finally Here!

Arendal Sound’s 1528 series is their top performing 3-way loudspeaker line with advanced technologies. The 1528 Tower 8(MSRP: $9,500/pair) weighs 174lbs/ea and delivers class leading fidelity.

AV News

Dirac Names New CEO as Co‑Founder Mathias Johansson Departs for Harman

— September 25, 2024 00:00

Dirac Names New CEO as Co-Founder Mathias Johansson Departs for Harman

Anders Storm, a semiconductor industry veteran, brings deep technical knowledge to Dirac as its new CEO. Meanwhile, Dirac co-founder Mathias Johansson is leaving the company to join Harman.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Preview

Monitor Audio Studio 89: Inspired By The 80s, Engineered For The Future

— September 27, 2024 00:00

Monitor Audio Studio 89: Inspired By The 80s, Engineered For The Future

Monitor Audio’s new Studio 89 speakers ($2,500/pair) celebrate the brand’s iconic Studio Series from decades past while incorporating all of the latest technology that the company has to offer.

Trade Show Coverage

Perlisten 14 Subwoofer Trinnov Waveforming Ultimate Demo Experience!

— September 24, 2024 00:00

Perlisten 14 Subwoofer Trinnov Waveforming Ultimate Demo Experience!

Perlisten and Trinnov built a 13.14.6-channel theater system with 14 subwoofers and Trinnov’s WaveForming technology for perfect bass in every seat, and the best demo experience at CEDIA 2024.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Review

RBH Sound Impression 85‑i Floor‑Standing Loudspeaker Review

— September 20, 2024 00:30

RBH Sound Impression 85-i Floor-Standing Loudspeaker Review

RBH Sound proves you can get big sound out of a small speaker with their Impression Series 85-i tower. They have an 8" bass driver tuned for deep bass without the need for a external sub.

AV News

Is the FTC War on Fake Reviews Doomed to Fail?

— September 18, 2024 00:00

Is the FTC War on Fake Reviews Doomed to Fail?

FTC to enforce new prohibitions on fake reviews, testimonials and other deceptive practices. FTC 16 CFR Part 465 rules (effective Oct 21,2024) will be backed-up by hefty fines. But can it be enforced?

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

New Marantz Model M1 & M4 Multi‑Room Audiophile Streaming Amplifiers!

— September 17, 2024 00:00

New Marantz Model M1 & M4 Multi-Room Audiophile Streaming Amplifiers!

The Marantz Model M1 ($1,000) is a compact streaming amp in a Sonos/Bluesound form-factor while the Model M4 ($3,500) is a four-zone distributed audio amp to deliver audiophile grade whole home audio.

AV News

Netflix House: Inspired Entertainment Venue to Open in Multiple Cities, 2025

— September 12, 2024 00:00

Netflix House: Inspired Entertainment Venue to Open in Multiple Cities, 2025

Ready to battle a Gorgon from Stranger Things or have high tea at Bridgerton? The popular streaming service Netflix is set to open two 100,000sf locations called Netflix House.

Home Theater Projector Reviews Preview

Sony BRAVIA 8 & 9 4K HDR Laser Projectors With XR Processor

— September 10, 2024 00:30

Sony BRAVIA 8 & 9 4K HDR Laser Projectors With XR Processor

The new Sony BRAVIA HDR Laser Projector 8 ($16K) & 9 ($32K) are designed to bring a professional-grade cinematic experience into the home. They are the first to use Sony’s new XR Processor.

Trade Show Coverage

What Are the Best Audiophile Consumer Shows to Attend?

— August 26, 2024 00:05

What Are the Best Audiophile Consumer Shows to Attend?

The educated consumer is a better consumer and a trip to an audio show can make you much more experienced in audio. Which ones are our favorites and which ones should you avoid? Read on to find out.

AV Receiver Reviews Preview

Denon AVR‑A10H 13.4 Ch 150W 8K AV Receiver Tech Overview

— September 06, 2024 00:00

Denon AVR-A10H 13.4 Ch 150W 8K AV Receiver Tech Overview

The 150 wpc Denon AVR-A10H ($4,699) is a scaled-down version of the $6,500 AVR-A1H 8K AV receiver with 13.4 channels instead of 15.4. We explore what features you sacrifice by choosing the AVR-A10H.

AV News

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 & Pi8: All‑New True Wireless Earbuds!

— August 21, 2024 03:30

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 & Pi8: All-New True Wireless Earbuds!

Bowers & Wilkins launches a dynamic duo of true wireless earbuds Pi6 and Pi8. Featuring all-new designs Pi6 replaces Pi7S2 for less, while Pi8 pushes sound beyond anything previously thought possible.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

New Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amp Tech Overview

— September 05, 2024 00:30

New Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amp Tech Overview

The Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amp($15,000) is the most powerful single-box amp the company has ever made. Co-developed with Purifi, the power amp section delivers 250w into 8 ohms.

AV News

LG Study Says OLED TV Leads To Better Sleep

— August 19, 2024 00:15

LG Study Says OLED TV Leads To Better Sleep

A new study from LG Display and South Korea’s Kookmin University finds that watching an OLED TV leads to better sleep compared to blue light emitting LCD TVs with LED backlighting.

AV Preamp and Processor Reviews Preview

McIntosh Launches $6K MX200 11.2CH A/V Processor w Missing Features?

— September 04, 2024 00:35

McIntosh Launches $6K MX200 11.2CH A/V Processor w Missing Features?

The new McIntosh MX200 A/V Processor is a small 11.2-channel pre/pro that offers improved HDMI capability and adds Dirac Live room correction. Perfect processor for brand enthusiasts or overpriced?

AV News

‘Art of Noise’ Exhibition Features Audio Design At San Francisco’s MOMA

— August 12, 2024 00:30

‘Art of Noise’ Exhibition Features Audio Design At San Francisco’s MOMA

“Art of Noise” is an exhibition running through August 18th, 2024 at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. It explores how design has shaped our music experiences over the last 100 years.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Review

Dayton Audio OPAL1 Bookshelf Loudspeaker Review

— August 30, 2024 16:00

Dayton Audio OPAL1 Bookshelf Loudspeaker Review

Dayton Audio's OPAL1 achieves subwoofer-like bass from 5.5” woofers in a compact bookshelf speaker. Priced at $800/pair, they stand without peer for their bass performance and exceptional build quality.

AV News

Dirac Live Is Coming To Bluesound!

— August 07, 2024 00:00

Dirac Live Is Coming To Bluesound!

Dirac has announced that Dirac Live room correction will be coming to select Bluesound products. Future Bluesound products will come Dirac-ready, requiring only the purchase of a Dirac Live license.

Headphone Reviews Preview

The Meze Empyrean II Headphone is a Masterclass In Design

— August 29, 2024 00:00

The Meze Empyrean II Headphone is a Masterclass In Design

Meze Audio is back with a new-and-improved version of the Empyrean. The Empyrean II headphones betters its predecessor from 2018 in terms of detail retrieval, and offers a more neutral tonal balance.

DVD-A, SACD and CD Music Reviews

Audiophile Modern Music to Attract Next Generation Listeners

Xavier Burgos — July 28, 2024 00:15

Audiophile Modern Music to Attract Next Generation Listeners

The audiophile industry must embrace the dynamic world of modern music to stay relevant and engaging, but what is the best way to cultivate a new generation of audiophiles? Read on to find out.

Subwoofer Reviews Review

$300 RSL Speedwoofer 10E Subwoofer Review

— August 23, 2024 20:30

$300 RSL Speedwoofer 10E Subwoofer Review

RSL's Speedwoofer 10E is an entry-level sub that still has a beefy 10" driver, an intricate enclosure, and a 300-watt amp. Is this the best sub money can buy for $299 shipped? Read our review to find out!

Trade Show Coverage

JBL NEW Stage 2 Speakers & MA Series AV Receivers First Impressions

— July 25, 2024 00:00

JBL NEW Stage 2 Speakers & MA Series AV Receivers First Impressions

JBL unveiled more than 13 new products recently at a press event in Hollywood, Ca. The MA (Modern Audio) AV receivers and Stage 2 loudspeakers were the hit of the show! Read on to see what we thought.

Wireless & Computer Speaker Reviews Preview

Cambridge Audio Evo One Streaming Speaker Redefines Category?

— August 17, 2024 00:45

Cambridge Audio Evo One Streaming Speaker Redefines Category?

The Cambridge Audio Evo One Streaming Speaker ($1,499) is a game-changer with a walnut wood top, color screen, and 14 drivers powered by 700 watts. Check out our overview for details and impressions.

Editorials

Rumor: Is Apple Plotting a Sound United Buyout From Masimo?

— July 22, 2024 21:00

Rumor: Is Apple Plotting a Sound United Buyout From Masimo?

Apple may have a plan to buy Sound United audio brands including: Denon, Marantz, Bowers&Wilkins;, etc from Masimo. But how far does Apple's plans go to resolve the ongoing patent disputes with Masimo?

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Review

RBH Sound Signature 61‑SFM/R Floor‑Standing Loudspeaker Review

— August 14, 2024 00:10

RBH Sound Signature 61-SFM/R Floor-Standing Loudspeaker Review

We reviewed RBH Sound's 61-SFM/R modular loudspeaker, which upgrades their premium bookshelf to a full-range tower featuring a top-notch AMT tweeter, a 6.5" midrange driver, and dual 8" bass drivers.

AV News

Audio Advice Buys The Audio Lab, Opens New Wilmington NC Showroom

— July 20, 2024 00:00

Audio Advice Buys The Audio Lab, Opens New Wilmington NC Showroom

Audio Advice has acquired The Audio Lab, a Wilmington, NC store that served audiophiles for over 30 years. Audio Advice is now positioned to better serve customers up and and down the east coast.