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AV News & Editorials

AV News

New ‘Mixed On Focal’ Playlists Deliver Immersive Holiday And Classical Music

— December 10, 2024 00:15

New ‘Mixed On Focal’ Playlists Deliver Immersive Holiday And Classical Music

Focal Naim America has launched a series of “Mixed on Focal” playlists including two new playlists featuring Classical selections and Holiday favorites in Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

DALI Loudspeakers Wow Listeners With High‑End EPIKORE Series Demo

— December 02, 2024 00:00

DALI Loudspeakers Wow Listeners With High-End EPIKORE Series Demo

DALI’s new EPIKORE series, priced $15K–$60K per pair, delivers some of the best looks and sound in their class. With striking design and precision craftsmanship, these Danish-made speakers impressed us.

Trade Show Coverage

10 Audiophile Reviewer Observations from Capital Audiofest 2024

Jerry Del Coliano — December 06, 2024 19:00

10 Audiophile Reviewer Observations from Capital Audiofest 2024

Capital Audiofest 2024 showcased a variety of high-end audio systems and innovations! Despite the event's success, concerns were raised about the aging demographic of attendees. Read on.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Preview

Wharfedale’s Upgraded ‘Super Linton’ Speakers: Style And Substance?

— November 25, 2024 00:30

Wharfedale’s Upgraded ‘Super Linton’ Speakers: Style And Substance?

The Wharfedale Super Linton ($2,499/pair) retains its classic look but features an improved cabinet, upgraded drivers and crossovers, delivering significant performance upgrades over the 2019 model.

AV News

Bose Reveals New 901 60th Anniversary Edition Speakers

— December 02, 2024 14:00

Bose Reveals New 901 60th Anniversary Edition Speakers

Bose reimages its 901 speakers with a 12-pair 60th-anniversary limited edition. Fans enjoy the nostalgia, critics debate the direct/reflecting sound, but we'd love a demo to assess any real improvements.

AV Receiver Reviews Review

Onkyo TX‑RZ70 11.2CH AV Receiver Review

Mark Vignola — November 21, 2024 00:00

Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2CH AV Receiver Review

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 11.2CH AV receiver boasts 140 watts/ch, 8K HDMI inputs, Auro 3D, FREE Dirac Live and the BEST bench test results we’ve seen in its price class. Is this the best AVR at under $3k?

AV News

2024 Audioholics Black Friday Home Audio Gear Deals

— November 28, 2024 00:30

2024 Audioholics Black Friday Home Audio Gear Deals

Audioholics' Black Friday 2024 features top deals on speakers, AV receivers, subs, and TVs from brands we’ve reviewed like Sony, Yamaha, and Focal, etc. Limited-time offers from affiliates—act now!

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Review

Focal Aria Evo X No.4 Loudspeaker Review

— November 13, 2024 00:00

Focal Aria Evo X No.4 Loudspeaker Review

We reviewed the Focal Aria Evo X No.4 ($6k/pair) 3-way floorstanding speaker with dual 8" flax bass drivers, a 6.5" midrange, and 1” aluminum-magnesium tweeter to see if its performance matched its looks.

AV News

New Firmware Brings Improved Functionality & Dirac Performance to Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer AVRs

— November 27, 2024 00:00

New Firmware Brings Improved Functionality & Dirac Performance to Onkyo, Integra, Pioneer AVRs

Premium Audio Company, parent company of Onkyo, Integra, and Pioneer/Elite, released a firmware update for its AV Receivers which improves audio streaming quality and Dirac functionality and much more.

Headphone Reviews Preview

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 & Pi6 Wireless IEM Review & Comparison

— November 08, 2024 00:00

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 & Pi6 Wireless IEM Review & Comparison

Bowers & Wilkins’ new true wireless earbuds, the affordable Pi6 and flagship Pi8, feature hi-res Bluetooth and active noise cancelling. Discover which offers the best sound in this comparison review.

AV News

Bose Acquires McIntosh Group

— November 23, 2024 00:00

Bose Acquires McIntosh Group

Bose acquires McIntosh Group, home to McIntosh and Sonus faber, stepping into luxury audio. A bold move, but what’s next for these iconic high-end brands?

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Preview

Klipsch And Devon Turnbull Launch Limited‑Edition kO‑R1 Speakers

— November 04, 2024 00:00

Klipsch And Devon Turnbull Launch Limited-Edition kO-R1 Speakers

Klipsch teamed up with Ojas to design a limited-edition loudspeaker, the Klipsch + Ojas kO-R1. At $8,498/pr it is a 2-way speaker with a 12" woofer and a Turnbull horn for the highs.

DIY Audio and Wiring

A Guide to Turntable Isolation Platforms: Materials and Benefits

Xavier Burgos — November 11, 2024 00:00

A Guide to Turntable Isolation Platforms: Materials and Benefits

This article discusses the crucial role of isolation in achieving high-fidelity turntable playback, offering methods to minimize unwanted noise and resonances for the purest possible sound.

Wireless & Computer Speaker Reviews Preview

Marantz Readies Horizon and Grand Horizon High‑End Wireless Speakers

— October 28, 2024 08:00

Marantz Readies Horizon and Grand Horizon High-End Wireless Speakers

Marantz released information on their Horizon $3,500ea and Grand Horizon $5,500ea single-unit, multi-driver speakers. Both come with high-end finishes, custom GaN FET amplification, and built-in subs.

Audio Amplifiers

Audioholics Petition to Reopen FTC Final Amplifier Rule of 2024

— October 30, 2024 00:00

Audioholics Petition to Reopen FTC Final Amplifier Rule of 2024

Our petition urges the FTC to reconsider its August 2024 Amplifier Rule, which expands power output regulations to ALL audio products. The broad, retroactive scope and blanket approach risk industry disruption.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Review

Aretai Contra 100S Bookshelf Speaker Review

Don Dunn — October 22, 2024 00:05

Aretai Contra 100S Bookshelf Speaker Review

We reviewed the Aretai Contra 100S, a 2.5-way bookshelf speaker featuring dual 6” midbass drivers and a 1.75” ring radiator tweeter housed in a custom-built waveguide horn positioned atop this unique speaker.

Trade Show Coverage

T.H.E. Enterprises Acquires The New York Audio Show

— October 28, 2024 00:00

T.H.E. Enterprises Acquires The New York Audio Show

T.H.E. Enterprises acquired the New York Audio Show and will launch T.H.E. New York International Audio Show on Oct 24-26, 2025. T.H.E. Show is America's longest-running HiFi show.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

NAD M10 V3 Streaming BluOs Amplifier ‑ Best Audiophile Meets Modern Audio Product?

— October 19, 2024 00:05

NAD M10 V3 Streaming BluOs Amplifier - Best Audiophile Meets Modern Audio Product?

The NAD M10 V3 Streaming BluOs amplifier ($2,500) sports the ESS9030 DAC, Dirac Live Bass Control, and HybridDigital nCore Class D amplification. Best audiophile meets modern audio product on the market?

Editorials

Oasis’s 1994 Debut Album ‘Definitely Maybe’ Now Available In Spatial Audio With Dolby Atmos

— October 23, 2024 00:00

Oasis’s 1994 Debut Album ‘Definitely Maybe’ Now Available In Spatial Audio With Dolby Atmos

Definitely Maybe, the 1994 debut album from Oasis, has been re-released on Vinyl and CD to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Apple Music is offering a new way to experience this record in Dolby Atmos.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier Review

— October 16, 2024 00:00

NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier Review

The NAD M23 is a 200wpc stereo amplifier utilizing the SOTA Class D Purifi 1ET400A to push the envelope of performance and efficiency. Is this the best amplifier we’ve reviewed in our 25 year history?

AV News

Sonus faber Custom Designs Audio System for Lamborghini

— October 21, 2024 00:00

Sonus faber Custom Designs Audio System for Lamborghini

Sonus faber has custom designed a new audio system for the Lamborghini Revuelto. The new Revuelto sound system boasts 7 independent speakers, powered by a formidable 750 watts of amplification.

Headphone Reviews Preview

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100: True Wireless Meets True Lossless

— October 09, 2024 12:55

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100: True Wireless Meets True Lossless

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 ($219) is a true wireless earbud featuring aptX Lossless audio and active noise cancellation. The earbuds and charging case can deliver up to 52 hours of playback!

DIY Audio and Wiring

What are the BEST Isolation Materials for Turntables?

Xavier Burgos — October 18, 2024 13:00

What are the BEST Isolation Materials for Turntables?

Selecting the right materials for isolating your turntable is essential for maximizing its performance. We'll help you find the BEST ways of isolating your turntable to get better sound.

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.

Editorials

DTS Launches ‘Clear Dialogue’ Feature to Improve Dialogue Intelligibility

— October 15, 2024 00:15

DTS Launches ‘Clear Dialogue’ Feature to Improve Dialogue Intelligibility

DTS has developed an AI-based audio processing feature called Clear Dialogue. An on-device solution for TV OEMs, DTS Clear Dialogue identifies, separates, and enhances spoken dialogue for TV audio.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.