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Home Theater News & Reviews

Reviews & Previews

AV News & Editorials

Headphone Reviews Preview

Focal’s Bathys Review: First Wireless Headphone w/ ANC

— October 05, 2022 00:25

Focal’s Bathys Review: First Wireless Headphone w/ ANC

Bathys is Focal’s first Bluetooth wireless headphone with Active Noise Cancelling. For $799, these audiophile headphones offer superb audio and a USB DAC Mode that must be heard to be believed.

Home Theater Projector Reviews Preview

Epson Introduces New Projectors for Fall 2022

— October 04, 2022 00:30

Epson Introduces New Projectors for Fall 2022

At the 2022 CEDIA Expo, Epson launched 4 new projectors aimed at different potential customers. The Home Cinema 2350 4K PRO-UHD, EpiqVision Ultra LS800 4K PRO-UHD, and 2 EpiqVision portables. Read on.

Editorials

Six Tips To Consider Before You Invest In a Home Automation System Today

— September 26, 2022 00:45

Six Tips To Consider Before You Invest In a Home Automation System Today

Thinking of investing in an expensive home automation system? You need to do research before you take the plunge. Here are SIX tips to consider before you invest in a new home automation system.

AV Receiver Reviews Preview

Marantz New Cinema Series 8K AV Receivers, Dirac Live & 4 Subs!

— September 28, 2022 16:40

Marantz New Cinema Series 8K AV Receivers, Dirac Live & 4 Subs!

Marantz new Cinema lineup of 8K AV Receivers and separates for 2022! The Cinema 40, 50, 60, and 70s receivers feature 8K video and the top 3 models are upgradable to Dirac Live with 4 sub outs!

Editorials

The High Art of Selecting Music For AV and Audiophile Reviews

— September 16, 2022 01:00

The High Art of Selecting Music For AV and Audiophile Reviews

In this editorial, we discuss the art of selecting music from a reviewers perspective and how it can also influence your own decisions when evaluating audio gear.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Monitor Audio Radical ‘Concept 50’ Loudspeaker, Premium ‘Cinergy’ Home Theater Line

— September 28, 2022 00:05

Monitor Audio Radical ‘Concept 50’ Loudspeaker, Premium ‘Cinergy’ Home Theater Line

Monitor Audio showed their Premium “Cinergy” home theater line and Concept 50 speaker with a unique array of 6 small midrange drivers nestled around an AMT tweeter, and 2 pairs of woofers in a futuristic cabinet.

Editorials

Three Overlooked Lessons from The Mo-Fi Analog Master Tape Dumpster Fire

— September 12, 2022 00:10

Three Overlooked Lessons from The Mo-Fi Analog Master Tape Dumpster Fire

We broke the news about Mobile Fidelity NOT using master analog recordings when making new vinyl albums, but did we miss something? 3 important issues are discussed that impact the future of analog.

Soundbars and Surround Speaker Reviews Preview

Bluesound Serves Up New Wireless Audio Gear, Sonos Killer?

— September 27, 2022 00:40

Bluesound Serves Up New Wireless Audio Gear, Sonos Killer?

Bluesound updated its Node streamer-$549 amd Powernode streaming amp-$899 with powerful new processors, new DACs, HDMI eARC, and more. The new Pulse Soundbar+ for $899 has Dolby Atmos support. Read on

Editorials

FDA Approved OTC Hearing Aids: A Win for Hi-Fi Audio?

— September 06, 2022 00:00

FDA Approved OTC Hearing Aids: A Win for Hi-Fi Audio?

FDA finally issued its “final rule” that creates a new category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without a prescription. What will this mean for aging audiophiles? Audiophile hearing aids?

AV Receiver Reviews Preview

New Denon 2022 8K AV Receivers with DIRAC!

— September 23, 2022 00:00

New Denon 2022 8K AV Receivers with DIRAC!

Denon released SEVEN new 8K AV receivers for 2022. The top models will include Dirac Live room correction AND 4 sub outs and the lower models start at only $400! Read on.

Audio Technologies

Mobile Fidelity’s Digital Vinyl Debacle: Are your records really analog?

— August 31, 2022 00:05

Mobile Fidelity’s Digital Vinyl Debacle: Are your records really analog?

Mobile Fidelity has been caught in a lie. After years of claiming to produce pure analog vinyl, it's been revealed that the company regularly uses digital DSD transfers in the production of its remasters.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Bowers & Wilkins 700 S3 Series Loudspeakers Demo Report

Brian Kahn — September 22, 2022 00:25

Bowers & Wilkins 700 S3 Series Loudspeakers Demo Report

We did a listening demo comparison between the Bowers & Wilkins’ new 700 S3 vs S2 Series of loudspeakers. The 8 new models include upgrades like new cabinet designs, crossovers, plinths, & driver mounts.

Room Acoustics

Will Dirac’s New Spatial Room Correction Technology Revolutionize Audio Optimization?

— August 29, 2022 00:50

Will Dirac’s New Spatial Room Correction Technology Revolutionize Audio Optimization?

Dirac Live is looking at "spatial" room correction to let all speakers work together to correct each other allowing you to manipulate the spatial qualities of a system and overcome acoustic problems.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

NAD M23 Master Series Stereo Amplifier Test Report

— September 20, 2022 00:50

NAD M23 Master Series Stereo Amplifier Test Report

The NAD M23 is a 200wpc stereo amp that utilizes the SOTA Class D Purifi 1ET400A reference design to push the envelope of performance and efficiency. Is this the best measuring amp in our 23+ year history?

Editorials

Reclaiming the Term ‘Audiophile’

— August 25, 2022 00:10

Reclaiming the Term ‘Audiophile’

Do you identify as an audiophile? In this article we discuss the many connotations of the word “audiophile,” and what needs to be done in order to reclaim it for the whole audio community.

Headphone Reviews Preview

Focal NEW Utopia 2022 Headphone Review: Are These Endgame?

— September 18, 2022 00:20

Focal NEW Utopia 2022 Headphone Review: Are These Endgame?

Focal new Utopia 2022 review: Focal has tweaked its flagship bringing light design updates including the M-shaped grille to better match the diaphragm and a new copper/aluminum voice coil.

Audio Video Cables

Should You Use Audio Cables as Tone Controls?

— August 19, 2022 00:15

Should You Use Audio Cables as Tone Controls?

Some believe that different cables lend different sounds to your system. Does that mean that you could use cables as a sort of tone control, to tweak the sound of your system? Read on to find out.

Subwoofer Reviews Review

Perlisten R212s Powered Subwoofer Review

— September 13, 2022 10:55

Perlisten R212s Powered Subwoofer Review

Has Perlisten created similar magic of the D215s sub with their new R212s dual-12” 1kwatt more budget-friendly sealed subwoofer at half the price? Read our review of the R212 sub with measurements.

Editorials

Google Strikes Back at Sonos; SmartSpeaker War Gets Ugly

— August 16, 2022 09:30

Google Strikes Back at Sonos; SmartSpeaker War Gets Ugly

Google vs Sonos, in a new patent infringement suit against independent connected-speaker manufacturer. Sonos' struggle against big tech that dates back to Apple & Steve Jobs in 2004.

AV Preamp and Processor Reviews Preview

Denon AVR-X3800H 11.4CH Receiver: The Ultimate Afffordable AV Preamp?

— September 09, 2022 00:25

Denon AVR-X3800H 11.4CH Receiver: The Ultimate Afffordable AV Preamp?

The Denon AVR-X3800H has 11CH of processing, HDMI 2.1 full support, 4 independent subwoofer outputs, preamp disconnect and DIRAC upgradability. For only $1,700, could this be the ultimate AV preamp?

Trade Show Coverage

Audioholics to Participate in Audio Advice Live Aug 19-21

— August 12, 2022 00:30

Audioholics to Participate in Audio Advice Live Aug 19-21

Audio Advice Live is hosting a 3-day event in Raleigh, NC, August 19-21, 2022. We will be there checking out the demo rooms and moderating a discussion panel on optimizing your home theater room.

AV Preamp and Processor Reviews Preview

Marantz AV 10 & AMP 10 16CH HDMI 2.1 Separates Details Leaked!

— September 07, 2022 18:25

Marantz AV 10 & AMP 10 16CH HDMI 2.1 Separates Details Leaked!

The new Marantz AV 10 16CH AV Processor and matching AMP 10 amplifier feature DIRAC room correction, 4 independent sub outs, 200watts x 16 Class D amplification and full HDMI 2.1 support on every input.

Trade Show Coverage

Bowers and Wilkins Release New Products at a Hip New Venue

— August 08, 2022 00:45

Bowers and Wilkins Release New Products at a Hip New Venue

Bowers and Wilkins released their over-the-ear Px7 S2 wireless headphones in a cool Los Angeles event. With influencers and hipsters packed-in the space, is this the wave of future of audio shows?

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

Starke Sound Fiera4 4 Channel Amplifier Benchmark Test Results

— September 05, 2022 00:25

Starke Sound Fiera4 4 Channel Amplifier Benchmark Test Results

The Starke Sound Fiera4 is an exciting new four channel Class D amplifier. It provides plenty of power (130wpcx4) to juice your home theater in a light weight and energy efficient package. Read on.

Editorials

Focal Naim System Bundled Deals & Store Overview

— August 01, 2022 00:50

Focal Naim System Bundled Deals & Store Overview

To celebrate 10 years, Focal and Naim released a $48k, 10th Anniversary Edition system that includes the Sopra N°2 speakers, an array of Naim electronics. We visited the store and reported on Youtube.

Subwoofer Reviews Review

REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator II Sealed Subwoofer Review

— September 02, 2022 14:10

REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator II Sealed Subwoofer Review

The REL Acoustics HT/1510 Predator II is a 1,000 watt, 15” woofer, sealed bruiser. REL touts their subwoofers as being fast & musical. We evaluate that claim with measurements & associated trade offs.

Loudspeaker Design

Can Active Streaming Speakers Really Replace a High-End Stereo System?

— July 19, 2022 00:15

Can Active Streaming Speakers Really Replace a High-End Stereo System?

Will hardcore audiophiles ever replace their two-channel rigs with all-inclusive active streaming speakers? These compact setups have become very popular so there’s clearly a market for them. Read on.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Preview

Epos Loudspeakers Are Born Again Under Karl-Heinz Fink

— August 23, 2022 00:05

Epos Loudspeakers Are Born Again Under Karl-Heinz Fink

Karl-Heinz Fink bought Epos Loudspeakers and is rebooting the brand with new designs of old models, like the ES14N. The new ES14N features all new technology inside and out. Read on.

Editorials

How to Build a Budget Audiophile System with an Upgrade Path

— July 06, 2022 00:00

How to Build a Budget Audiophile System with an Upgrade Path

In this editorial, we advise a friend building an audiophile system on a budget for under $5k that also has an upgrade path with video support for streaming and subwoofer for extended bass.

AV Receiver Reviews Preview

Arcam Launches 4 New 8K-Ready AV Receivers for 2022

— August 17, 2022 00:15

Arcam Launches 4 New 8K-Ready AV Receivers for 2022

Arcam’s 2022 AV receiver lineup includes the AVR11($3,050), AVR21($4,700), and AVR31($6,900). All offer 8K video passthrough, Dirac Live room correction, and support almost every audio format.

Headphone Reviews

Bowers & Wilkins Launches Px7 S2 Bluetooth Headphone, Upcoming Wireless Flagship Px8

— June 29, 2022 12:00

Bowers & Wilkins Launches Px7 S2 Bluetooth Headphone, Upcoming Wireless Flagship Px8

Bowers & Wilkins demos new wireless Bluetooth headphones in Px7 Series2 successor to the Px7 and a newly designed flagship luxury wireless headphone in Px8, and all-new integration with B&W; Music App