A/V Product Reviews

SVS's massively successful 2000 series subwoofer has just underwent a big change to become the 2000 Pro series, but what makes this series pro? Major changes in amplification and driver architecture promise some significant performance increases as well as the inclusion of new features such as SVS's Bluetooth subwoofer control app for iOS and Andriod. The subs are better but the prices are a bit higher, so the question is are the improvements worth the price hike? See what these new SVS's 2000 Pro subwoofers offer to find out.

For $1,100 the SVS Prime Wireless 2.1 Speaker System is a high-quality active speaker system with an awesome subwoofer that can support a multitude of input options including lossless audio streaming for the ultimate fidelity. We always have high expectations from a company like SVS, but do they deliver the goods for the money? Read on to find out in our comprehensive review.

Yamaha gives a nod to the past while pushing sound reproduction further into the future with their NS-5000 loudspeaker. This state-of-the-art speaker uses a vintage design as a platform for some very modern audio engineering that uses cutting edge technology to solve problems with ingenuity that have traditionally been solved with brute force. At $15k/pair, they ain't cheap, but if you want the latest in speaker science in a gorgeous package that is built to last, the NS-5000 speaker might be the bargain you are looking for.

The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 represents Microsoft’s latest in flagship All-in-One CPUs. With an incredible bright hi-res display, touch capabilities and striking design, the Studio 2 offers great versatility and endless creative potential. At a starting price of $3,499, however, the device represents a significant investment for any professional or normal consumer alike. To find out more about this intriguing product, do read on…

RSL Speakers generally get rave reviews for their products, so whenever they release something new, audio enthusiasts take note. Their recent release of the CG5 and CG25 speakers raised the eyebrows in the audio industry since the buzz was that RSL was pushing into a higher-end product than they had heretofore. It was with great anticipation that we awaited a sample of these new speakers. We are excited to finally bring you a full in-depth review of both speakers. Read on to find out all about the RSL CG5 and CG25.

Control4 has released its first new remote control product since the acquisition of the Swiss home automation company Neeo earlier this year. The elegant Neeo Remote for Control4 ($600) is designed to be sophisticated enough for the power user but intuitive enough for the whole family to use. The remote features a machined aluminum body and a high-res touchscreen that unlocks the full potential of Control4’s Smart Home OS 3 platform. Read on to learn more.

Yamaha launched a new series of premium two-channel audio components called the 5000 Series. Designed to be paired with the company’s NS-5000 speakers ($15,000/pair), the new GT-5000 turntable ($8,000), C-5000 preamplifier ($10,000), and M-5000 power amplifier ($10,000) make a bold statement about Yamaha’s commitment to high-end audio. The electronics feature patented circuit designs that are “floated” from the ground in order to eliminate noise. Read on to learn more.

Focal's 300 series architectural speakers are designed from the ground up for music or cinema aficionados. Each speaker in the 300 series sports a true, tool-less design with the company's patented EQI (Easy Quick Install) system. The EQI system is a blessing for installers and DIYers alike. Featuring a Flax cone and Focal's signature inverted dome tweeter, the Focal 300 Series delivers reference performance for aesthetically demanding spaces. We took the Focals for a spin in a complete 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X configuration. Our take? Focal's 300 series proves you don't have to sacrifice performance for aesthetics.

Fluance has been making quality turntables for over 20 years, so it was with great enthusiasm that they sent out the RT85 turntable for review. This good-looking turntable had my expectation high for their new and attractive mid-level turntable. At $499 the Fluance RT85 turntable is touted to be a great bargain with amazing looks and a platform punching above its price point. Read the full review to find out if this was the case.

New speakers from Revel and JBL stole the spotlight at the 2019 CEDIA Expo. Revel added three models to its Performa Beryllium range, including a large flagship tower with an all-new beryllium tweeter. Meanwhile, JBL announced a completely new line of speakers called the HDI Series, featuring stylish curved cabinets and a new compression driver based on JBL’s professional gear. Read on to learn more and be sure to watch our detailed YouTube overview video.

Audioholics was on hand at Denver, Colorado's CEDIA 2019. In this video, Gene visits the Savant booth where the company unveiled a new product that lives at the intersection of high-performance home audio and digital home connectivity, designed for those who may not have thought much about complete home automation before. The Smart Audio soundbar may be loaded with network-connected features by Savant, but it also brings a true hi-fi pedigree with speaker designs by Cary Christie of Artison.

MartinLogan, famous for their curved panel electrostatic speakers, has recently revamped their Motion line of loudspeakers that use a more traditional enclosure. While the cabinet may be more conventional than their higher-tiered loudspeakers, the Motion speakers are still not without design distinctions that set them apart from other speakers in the same class. In for review today, we have the Motion 35XTi, the larger bookshelf speaker within the Motion series featuring a 6.5" woofer and AMT tweeter. Read our in-depth review to see what MartinLogan does to retain their signature electrostatic sound within a box-enclosure loudspeaker.

Monoprice has announced some new products that expand their Monolith THX speaker and subwoofer lines, and they look to be absolute beasts for the home theater market. Monoprice is launching their M-215 subwoofer with a 2kW amplifier and two high-excursion 15" drivers. Those who can handle these bruisers will be in home theater nirvana. Read our preview to see what monsters that the mad scientists at Monoprice have been cooking up in their laboratory. Be sure to watch our Youtube video for a surprise at the end ;)

MartinLogan has proved that you can get “flagship-class performance” from in-wall and in-ceiling speakers. The new Masterpiece CI Series speakers put on an incredible show at the 2019 CEDIA Expo. The star of the show was the flagship Statement 40XW line-source in-wall speaker ($20,000 each), which uses 40 drivers in a line array to deliver unfettered dynamics and realism. All five speakers in the Masterpiece CI Series use Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeters and new unidirectional carbon fiber cone drivers. Read on to learn more and watch our YouTube Interview.