Recent AV Gadget Reviews

Fluance has followed up its successful 2016 entrance into the turntable business with four new models. The RT82 ($300), RT83 ($350), RT84 ($450), and RT85 ($500) offer industry-leading build quality and high-end components at reasonable prices. All built upon a common shared platform, the four models are distinguished by the different platters and cartridges that come as part of the package. We compare the differences to help you decide which one is right for you. Read on.

We’re still seeing a trend of the reintroduction of vinyl in the audio market as evidenced by Denon’s release of two new turntables, the DP-450USB and DP-400 at the 2018 CEDIA show in San Diego. With advanced built-In phono equalizers for easy use, and an integrated sensor to help control precise speed, these new turntables from Denon might be worth the time to dust off your old albums and put the new retro chic hipsters to shame.

If you want a complete and cohesive smart home experience, you need a home automation controller to run the show. Industry leader Control4 offers four different automation controllers: the CA-1, the EA-1, the EA-3, and the EA-5 compared in this article. Which one is right for your smart home? Read on to find out and be sure to check out our YouTube video discussion for more details about Control4 products.

Monoprice Monolith series of products attempt to elevate the brand as evident with their latest USB DAC Headphone Amp, Portable Headphone Amp and DAC with THX AAA Technology, and M565C/M1060C Over-Ear Closed-Back Headphones . Most of these are available now, but the Portable Headphone Amp and DAC with THX AAA Technology have yet to be released. Read on to determine if these items are products of interest or "one hit wonders".

We’ve seen our share of wireless adaptors through the years, but like upfiring Atmos speakers, some of them get the job done but we usually only recommend them when you can't use the real thing. Knowing the engineers at SVS though they’ve probably upped the ante on these wireless adapters to do wireless sound without compromise. Get the details to see if it's time to cut the cord once and for all.

Are You strapped for cash and in desperate need of a cheap but good microphone to do podcasting in hopes of becoming the next late night talk show host or YouTube internet sensation? The following article goes through the top five budget friendly microphones for recording vocals that you can purchase easily and still have plenty of money left over to focus on building your recording studio or taking vocal coaching lessons.

Looking for a high end turntable to spin your vinyl? Look no further than the new № 515 Turntable from Mark Levinson. With help from VPI Industries this ultra precise turntable incorporates a 3D printed tonearm, precision-machined pulley and triple belt drive, and a a highly damped vinyl-wrapped composite and aluminum sandwich main chassis. If money is no object and you have the $10,000 to spend on a really fancy record player then this might be the unit for you.

Introducing the new MHA50 Portable Decoding Amplifier from McIntosh. One of the most coveted names in home audio is doubling down on the headphone market, not long after launching its MHP1000 headphones, McIntosh is supporting its new cans with a high-end portable headphone amplifier and DAC. McIntosh says the MHA50 is designed to help you get the best possible sound out of your headphones. Is it worth a whopping $700? Only a true McIntosh fan may be able to answer that question.

I'll admit it, when Sony last year announced plans to release their own virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 4 -- a five-year-old console -- I was skeptical. As positive press about the product started rolling in, I finally decided to purchase a unit earlier this year. But, despite all the great reports let's take a closer look and see if it's worth the significant investment.

The ALO Continental V5 portable amp has been the result of a long-time collaboration between audio manufacturers ALO Audio & Vinnie Rossi. With a plethora of features and options for customizability, this amp offers a richly detailed sound bringing the best of the solid state and tube amplifier sound. At $799, the V5 features a single triode tube with an output power of 325 mW per channel and 9 hour playback. Read our review to find out more about this great device.

Media streaming is a must have feature these days for a modern home theater. Many Blu-ray players and HDTV's do a poor job serving this function, so external devices are usually the way to go. We look at the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Fire TV media streaming devices to see how they handle popular streaming services like Netflix, and Amazon Prime, as well as gaming apps. Check out our YouTube Video review for a detailed overview of these products and a tour of their navigation menus to see how they work.

Looking for a super light weight super high quality portable player? HiFiMAN may have just your thing with their new SuperMini digital audio player. In addition to offering exceptional sound quality, the HiFiMAN Supermini supports all lossless file formats including DSD. With expandable memory up to 256 GB via micro SD card, 22 hours of playtime, and a MSRP of $399 this might be the best all around lightweight DAP. Read on to find out more.

The MicroZOTL2.0 is a tube amp which represents the latest configuration of the previously adored MicroZOTL by David Berning. The amp, although unconventional in its tuning, shares an agile and intelligible character which make tracks sound incredibly engaging and involving. The clear acrylic top and respectable build also add a touch of premium manufacturing and showcase quality engineering. To find out more about this $1,100 creation, read on…

The QP1R is the latest flagship DAP of Questyle Audio, a company striving for audio perfection in the already crowded arena of portable players. Featuring a 2.35 inch screen, beautiful aesthetics and hi-fi charm, the QP1r reinvigorates your audio files by instilling detail, speed and dynamism in its arsenal of sonic prowess. Will this $899 DAP be the end-game for your portable needs? Read the review to find out.