Home Theater News & Reviews
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AV News & Editorials
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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