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AV News & Editorials

Editorials

Roku Avoids Disaster in Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

— March 21, 2023 00:00

Roku Avoids Disaster in Silicon Valley Bank Collapse

How did Roku fare after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank? Find out how the largest financial crisis since 2008 may have effected the future of the California-based streaming device maker.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Focal Releases Vestia Line of High Quality More Affordable Speakers

— March 16, 2023 00:00

Focal Releases Vestia Line of High Quality More Affordable Speakers

Focal released details on their Vestia line of speakers including the Vestia N°3 which is based off the Aria K2 936's but at a $3,600 price point! Read on to see the other offerings from Focal.

AV News

AV Quick Takes: Deep Bass Makes The Booty Shake

— March 17, 2023 00:00

AV Quick Takes: Deep Bass Makes The Booty Shake

This is a brief look at a scientific study analyzing the relationship between bass and dancing at live concerts. People danced 11.8% more when the very-low-frequency bass was present. Read on.

Subwoofer Reviews Preview

RSL Speedwoofer 12S Subwoofer Digs Deep to 16Hz for Only $800?!?

— March 13, 2023 00:00

RSL Speedwoofer 12S Subwoofer Digs Deep to 16Hz for Only $800?!?

RSL digs deep with their new 80lbs Speedwoofer 12S subwoofer. With a massive 12” driver and beefy 500 watt amplifier, will the 12S raise the bar on performance and value for $800 subwoofers?

AV News

AV Quick Takes: LG’s Invisible Car Speakers and Daryl Hannah’s Butt

— March 10, 2023 00:30

AV Quick Takes: LG’s Invisible Car Speakers and Daryl Hannah’s Butt

This “AV Quick Takes” series offers a brief look at what’s new, cool, and/or interesting in the AV world. Today we look at LG’s “invisible” car speakers, and Daryl Hannah’s butt from the movie Splash.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Definitive Technology’s New Bipolar Dymension Series Promises Ultimate Home Theater Performance

— March 09, 2023 00:10

Definitive Technology’s New Bipolar Dymension Series Promises Ultimate Home Theater Performance

Definitive Technology’s new Dymension Series includes 4 bipolar towers, three center-channel speakers, a wedge-shaped on-wall, and an Atmos add-on. The towers offer built in subs for true LFE performance.

Editorials

Cord Cutting Is Hard But It Might Soon Be Necessary

— March 06, 2023 08:30

Cord Cutting Is Hard But It Might Soon Be Necessary

Is it FINALLY time to cut the cord strangling your wallet from exorbitant cable fees? Are you even watching half streaming services you pay for? Read our editorial to find out how to stream smarter.

AV Gadget Reviews Preview

The OREI HDA‑939 HDMI Audio Extractor is No One‑Trick Pony

— March 06, 2023 00:00

The OREI HDA-939 HDMI Audio Extractor is No One-Trick Pony

The OREI HDA-939 ($199) is a multi-function AV tool that works as a 4K HDMI Scaler, eARC Audio Extractor, audio/video processor and much more. What CAN'T the OREI HDA-939 do? Read on to find out.

AV News

AV Quick Takes: Pricey New Headphones from Audio‑Technica and a Gaming Headset from Audeze

— March 02, 2023 00:30

AV Quick Takes: Pricey New Headphones from Audio-Technica and a Gaming Headset from Audeze

This “AV Quick Takes” series we take a quick look at some gorgeous high-end headphones from Audio-Technica and a gaming headphones with Dolby Atmos support from Audeze. Read on to learn more.

Subwoofer Reviews Review

Arendal Sound 1723 1S & 1V Powered Subwoofers Review

— March 03, 2023 00:00

Arendal Sound 1723 1S & 1V Powered Subwoofers Review

Arendal offers their 13.8” drivers and advanced 800-watt amplifiers in both sealed and vented designs in their 1723 1S and 1V subwoofers. How did they measure up to our performance standards? Read on.

Editorials

New Denon, Marantz, and Definitive Technology Products Unveiled at 2023 Press Event

Brian Kahn — February 23, 2023 00:30

New Denon, Marantz, and Definitive Technology Products Unveiled at 2023 Press Event

Audioholics attended the Masimo Consumer’s event at their Carlsbad facility where we were able to demo the new Denon 15.4CH AV receiver, Marantz 16CH separates and Definitive technology Dymension speakers.

AV Receiver Reviews Preview

Sony New ES 8K AV Receiver Lineup Offers Audio Features Others Don't!

— February 27, 2023 00:50

Sony New ES 8K AV Receiver Lineup Offers Audio Features Others Don't!

Sony released five AV Receivers all with their new 360 Spatial Sound Mapping Technology. From the $900 STR-AN1000 to their $3,300 13.2CH 48lbs STR-AZ7000ES flagship, can Sony compete with Denon and Yamaha?

Editorials

Nine Ideas To Make All‑Important Consumer Shows More Appealing To New Audiophiles

— February 17, 2023 00:30

Nine Ideas To Make All-Important Consumer Shows More Appealing To New Audiophiles

What can audio companies do at trade shows to start bringing in a new generation of enthusiasts who likely will enjoy decades of good audio? Read on to find out how to create a better demo experience.

Ultra HD Blu-ray and DVD Player Reviews Review

Marantz SACD 30n Network SACD Player Review

— February 21, 2023 00:10

Marantz SACD 30n Network SACD Player Review

The Marantz SACD 30n is a networking SACD player capable of delivering high-resolution playback performance of SACD and CDs while also serving as a networking streamer with USB DAC function.

Editorials

Home Theater Seating: Dispelling Myths for Maximum Enjoyment

— February 13, 2023 11:25

Home Theater Seating: Dispelling Myths for Maximum Enjoyment

Home theater seating is often overlooked as an important category in the hobby, but that is a mistake. Big Hollywood theaters spend a LOT on seating, and so should you. Read on to find out how.

Soundbars and Surround Sound Reviews Preview

Polk MagniFi Max AX: Their Most Advanced Soundbar Yet?

— February 19, 2023 08:05

Polk MagniFi Max AX: Their Most Advanced Soundbar Yet?

The Polk MagniFi Max AX ($800) features an 11 speaker array, 10” powered subwoofer and discrete surround speakers supporting both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and making their most advanced soundbar yet.

Audio Technologies

Trinnov Strikes Back at Dirac with New ‘Active Acoustics’ Technology

— February 03, 2023 01:00

Trinnov Strikes Back at Dirac with New ‘Active Acoustics’ Technology

Shortly after Dirac announced Dirac Live Active Room Treatment, Trinnov has responded with its own announcement: a groundbreaking “active acoustics” technology that promises similar results! Read on.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Review

Arendal Sound 1961 Tower Speaker Review

— February 15, 2023 00:00

Arendal Sound 1961 Tower Speaker Review

The Arendal 1961s tower loudspeakers are first-rate by any standard and all the more remarkable when one takes into account their reasonable $1,800/pair price and modest size. Read our review.

AV News

AV Quick Takes: Monolith MTM‑100 Powered Speakers & ‘Matter’ Smart Home Standard

— January 29, 2023 00:30

AV Quick Takes: Monolith MTM-100 Powered Speakers & ‘Matter’ Smart Home Standard

This “AV Quick Takes” series offers a brief look at a new $499 pair of Monolith MTM-100 powered speakers from Monoprice, and a new open source smart home standard called Matter. Read on to learn more.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

MartinLogan Motion XT Speakers 4th Gen Boast BIG Performance Upgrades!

— February 09, 2023 15:00

MartinLogan Motion XT Speakers 4th Gen Boast BIG Performance Upgrades!

MartinLogan released their 4th gen Motion XT Series loudspeakers. All use newly-designed waveguides to improve sensitivity and performance of their AMT tweeters and upgraded drivers for better bass.

AV News

RIP Roger B. Hassing of RBH Sound 1946‑2023

— January 24, 2023 00:30

RIP Roger B. Hassing of RBH Sound 1946-2023

Roger Hassing, founder and original owner of RBH Sound, passed away peacefully on 1/22/23 in Layton Utah. Roger considered RBH Sound a family operated business and was passionate about making great products.

AV Receiver Reviews Preview

Denon’s 15.4CH AVR‑A1H: Return of the Super AV Receiver?

— February 08, 2023 00:35

Denon’s 15.4CH AVR-A1H: Return of the Super AV Receiver?

The new Denon 15.4CH AVR-A1H ($6,499) is among its first to incorporate Dirac Live and 4 independent subwoofer outputs. The 70lb A1H brings flagship status back to the brand with sheer power and build.

Editorials

Revisiting the Acoustic Research AR9 4‑Way Legendary Loudspeaker

Tom Tyson — January 22, 2023 01:05

Revisiting the Acoustic Research AR9 4-Way Legendary Loudspeaker

In 1978, Acoustic Research introduced the AR9, a brand-new, four-way loudspeaker system. Read on to see how the AR9 was conceived and why it is considered to be the most influential speaker ever.

Subwoofer Reviews Preview

The Best $500 Powered Subwoofers for 2023

— February 06, 2023 00:05

The Best $500 Powered Subwoofers for 2023

We compared 4 of the best powered subwoofers of 2023 for under $500 based on measured performance, and sound quality for music and movies. Read our findings to see which sub is right for your system!

Editorials

Thursday Night Football Opens Up New Subscription Concerns For Cord‑Cutters

— January 19, 2023 00:00

Thursday Night Football Opens Up New Subscription Concerns For Cord-Cutters

It used to be sports enthusiasts could watch most professional games via standard cable channels. Cutting the cord makes it difficult to even get local games without hefty upgraded subscriptions.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Preview

New Andrew Jones MoFi SourcePoint 10 Concentric Loudspeakers

— February 01, 2023 00:50

New Andrew Jones MoFi SourcePoint 10 Concentric Loudspeakers

Andrew Jones and MoFi have launched the SourcePoint 10 loudspeakers ($3700/pair). The SourcePoint 10 is a large 2-way stand-mount speaker featuring a 10-inch concentric driver and 91dB sensitivity rating.

Audio Technologies

Dirac Live Active Room Treatment: One Giant Leap for Room EQ, Coming Spring ‘23

— January 09, 2023 00:30

Dirac Live Active Room Treatment: One Giant Leap for Room EQ, Coming Spring ‘23

Dirac is set to revolutionize with Live Active Room Treatment Spring of 2023. Utilizing ALL of your speakers, ART spatially optimizes your system for every seat, reducing the need for passive room treatments.

Subwoofer Reviews Review

Polk Audio HTS 12 Ported Subwoofer Review

— January 26, 2023 12:30

Polk Audio HTS 12 Ported Subwoofer Review

The Polk HTS 12 is a 12” ported subwoofer with some innovative tech that allows it to produce clean, tight bass at a retail price of $549 that bellies its specs. Read our review.

AV News

ONKYO TX‑RZ50 9.2 AV Receiver New Year 2023 Giveaway!

— January 01, 2023 12:25

ONKYO TX-RZ50 9.2 AV Receiver New Year 2023 Giveaway!

Enter our random draw FREE for a chance to WIN! From Onkyo's Flagship RZ-Series its the TX-RZ50 9.2-Ch AVR With: 8K/Ultra-HD, Dolby Atmos & DTS:X. Draw is brought to you by Audioholics & Audio Advice!

In-Wall & Outdoor Speaker Reviews Preview

Focal Brings Your Sound Outdoors With Their New Littora Line of Speakers

— January 25, 2023 00:45

Focal Brings Your Sound Outdoors With Their New Littora Line of Speakers

Focal is expanding their catalogue to include their new Littora Speakers, a series of IPX certified outdoor and architectural grade speakers that feature weather resistance even in saltwater areas.

Audio Technologies

Dolby Atmos Best Speaker Setup Practices In the Home

— December 20, 2022 00:30

Dolby Atmos Best Speaker Setup Practices In the Home

The inner workings of Dolby Atmos and how best to set up your home theater with the right number of speakers for a successful Atmos experience, common mistakes and misconceptions are all revealed.