A/V Product Reviews

Anthem has launched a new series of advanced, multi-zone audio distribution systems aimed at audiophiles who want great-sounding music all around their homes. The MDX Series features Anthem’s ARC Genesis room correction as well as the ability to add subwoofers with custom bass management settings for every zone. The series includes the 8-zone, 16-channel MDX-16 ($2,999) and the 4-zone, 8-channel MDX-8 ($1,999). Both units are shipping now; read on to learn more.

Revel had a good loudspeaker platform in the Performa3 line. In fact, the basic design was so good that Revel decided to see what would happen when that design was upgraded to its full performance capabilities by using some of the highest-end components available such as air-core inductors, polyfilm capacitors, anodized aluminum woofers, and even a Beryllium tweeter. Read our detailed review of the Performa M126Be hot rod bookshelf speakers to see how much these premium components added to an already solidly engineered design.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 represent a completely new physical and acoustic design with new drivers and improved noise cancelling capabilities compared to its predecessor. This wireless bluetooth headphone allows the user to choose how much noise to block out or let in, depending on the requirements of the listening environment. Other key features include compatibility with Bose’s unique augmented reality platform and the ability to gain new features via over-the-air updates.

We were so impressed by the Paradigm Defiance X12 review that we asked Paradigm to send us its bigger sibling, the X15, so we could see how much further the Defiance platform can be pushed. Paradigm happily complied, and in for review today, we have the massive Defiance X15. This thing is a beast in size, but is it a beast in performance as well? Does the X15 live up to the expectations set by the X12? Read our in-depth review to find out!

Pro Audio Technology has introduced three new multipurpose loudspeakers designed for “ultimate accuracy, resolution, and unrestricted dynamics.” PRO claims that its new S and SR Series speakers can produce surprisingly full-range, visceral sound, despite their relatively modest cabinet sizes. The speakers all feature unique elliptical horns and wide-bandwidth “Ultra-Purity” high-frequency compression drivers, mated with 12-inch woofers. They promise BIG sound, and full performance metrics for better integration.

The YG Acoustics InVincible 21.2 is a monster subwoofer with twin 21-inch “BilletCore” drivers milled from solid slabs of aircraft-grade aluminum. The $100,000 InVincible 21.2 stands nearly six feet tall and weighs in at 462 pounds. With 6,000 watts of power on board, this sub promises to be the ultimate bass foundation for the world’s best stereo and surround sound systems. Read on to learn more.

The price range between $1.5k and $2k seems to be a sweet spot for tower speakers from many of the major speaker manufacturers. There are hundreds if not thousands of choices in this range. Recently, Audioholics reviewed five of what we consider to be some of the better speakers in this category. In this article, we take an overview of these five speakers and look at what each one brings to the table. Read our round-up of tower speakers in this range and watch our related YouTube video discussion to see if one of these makes a good fit for you.

With CEDIA just around the corner, audio manufacturers are scrambling to get their newest products ready for fall releases. Denon has one upped them by not only releasing information on their newest receiver, the AVR-X3600H, but also that it's shipping now! At $1,100, the new AVR-X3600H has 9CH of amplification and 11CH of processing to do a full 7.1.4 speaker system with the addition of a 2CH external amplifier. This is one of the least expensive AVR's on the market with 11CH of processing making it a compelling product to use as an inexpensive prepro with all the latest in HD audio and video processing.

Monitor Audio has completely redesigned its MASS satellite/sub speaker system. The 5.1-channel package includes 5 diminutive satellite speakers and a compact subwoofer, all wrapped in stylish woven fabric. At $950 for the package, the MASS speaker system promises a more cinematic experience than the faux surround provided by sound bars. Does it have what it takes to live up to that claim? Read on to learn more.

The Integra DRX-4.3 AV receiver sports the latest in HD audio and video with 9 amplification channels on-board and the ability to add an external 2CH amplifier to run a full 7.1.4 speaker configuration. It's a feature laden AVR with some excellent custom integrated tools that help differentiate it from its Onkyo lineup counterpart. In this review, we bench tested the older DRX-4.2 AV receiver and tested its HDBaseT system by running HD audio and video to a different room in the Audioholics Showcase home. We looked at what the newer DRX-4.3 successor model offers in comparison and discussed any potential shortcomings of both products.

SVS has launched a new flagship of their Prime series in the new Prime Pinnacle tower speaker. The Prime Pinnacle is a beefy-looking three-way tower speaker that uses three 6.5" woofers and a glass fiber 5.25" midrange driver, and a 1" aluminum dome tweeter. This new speaker isn't just simply a more powerful version of the Prime towers; there is also some new innovations in the basic design that sets it apart from any other speaker SVS has released. Read our full review to see what surprises SVS's newest creation has in store.

Dayton Audio has followed up their enormously popular MK402 bookshelf speaker with a floor-standing speaker version: the MK442T. The MK442T is more than just the MK402 with an extra woofer and larger cabinet. Dayton Audio decided to try something different and has used a transmission line enclosure to shore up bass frequencies instead of the standard vented design used by virtually every other speaker in this category. Transmission line designs are not very common, and at Dayton Audio's asking price of $228/pair, totally unheard of. Read our full review of the MK442T to see how Dayton Audio managed to pull this off.

During the first ever Sound United North America Dealers Conference in New Orleans, Marantz announced the latest versions of its popular slimline AV receivers. The 5.2-channel NR1510 ($599) and 7.2-channel NR1710 ($749) both deliver a modest 50 watts of power per channel, limited no doubt by their compact chassis. New features for 2019 include Apple AirPlay 2 support, enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (on the NR1710). Read on to learn more.

The small and elegant NAD M10 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is a streamer, dac, and an integrated amp all squeezed into one small and stylish package. The $2,747 M10 features an MQA-capable ESS Sabre DAC and a Hypex nCore amplifier stage delivering 100 real-world watts per channel. Built-in room correction via Dirac Live helps the M10 sound its best even in less than ideal acoustical environments. Read on to learn more.