Audioholics Reviews and News from Audioholics

2026 Dolby Atmos AV Receiver Buying Guide

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0000

At Audioholics, we’ve spent years testing AVRs on the bench, and one lesson stands out: spec sheets often tell a better story than the truth. This 2026 Dolby Atmos AV receiver buying guide cuts through marketing hype to help you choose the right AVR based on real performance, not inflated claims. We focus on processing channels, amplifier performance, HDMI 2.1, room correction, and preouts for future expansion. The goal is simple—help you make a smarter buying decision based on engineering reality, not advertising.

Our Top Six $700/Pair Bookshelf Speaker Picks for 2021

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 05:20:00 -0000

Scaling up in price for our recommendations for bookshelf speakers, we now hit the $700 range. Our top choices for $700 bookshelf speakers spans a range of different designs, but one thing they have in common is that they all sound great. There are some brands you might expect in a list like this, but there may be a couple surprises too. Read on to find out what bookshelf speakers we think are the best for $700/pair and why we think that.

Best Powered Subwoofers Under $1,500 for 2021

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0000

If you have a healthy budget and are starting to get serious in making a powerful home theater or heavy-duty music system, we have selected a group of subwoofers that deserve your attention. We regard these subs as some of the best in their price range, and they are all knock-out performers which will get you a nice collection of noise citations in short time. Read on to see what we think some of the best subs are the among the fierce competition in $1,300 to $1,500 price range.

6 Best Powered Subwoofers Under $1,000 for 2020

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 02:00:00 -0000

Looking for a subwoofer that doesn't tip the price scale over $1,000? We have just the guide for you! In our < $1,000 sub round-up, we go over our six top choices for powered subwoofers based on performance and features. Read on to find the perfect subwoofer for you when shopping in this highly competitive price range.

6 Best Powered Subwoofers Under $500 for 2020

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 05:00:00 -0000

$500 is one of the most common budget ranges for shoppers looking for subwoofers. Perhaps that is because the $500 range seems to be the entry point to true high-fidelity in subwoofers where buyers can get low-distortion, serious extension, and good build quality. Audioholics has refreshed its recommended $500 subwoofer list to reflect newer models with leading-edge innovations, so check it out if you want to see what the value leaders are at this price point.

All-in-One Remote Controls for the Smart Home of 2019

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Whether you're looking for a universal remote for your home theater system or interested in smart home options available for 2019 this guide will come in handy. Get briefed on some of the latest control tech, from high-end professionally installed, household control systems to DIY home automation using your smartphone and everything in-between.

Audio Video Cable Budget Guidelines

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 03:00:00 -0000

We continue to receive numerous emails about how one should budget their spending on audio and video interconnects, HDMI and speaker cables and power cords. This cable budget guideline gives you some advice on this very topic for each type of cable to get the most out of your home theater without falling prey to cable snake oil. Be sure to check out our recently added YouTube discussion for further perspective.

4 Free Audio Recording Software For a Mac Compared

Mon, 21 May 2018 00:00:00 -0000

Own a Mac computer? Then this is your lucky day! Today we’ll be going over four free audio recording software for the Mac. All of the products in our list are free and the best part about these audio recording programs is how incredibly easy they are to use so you won't find yourself getting overwhelmed with how to set them up. Read on to find out the ins and outs of our Top 4 Free Audio Recording Software.

Programmable Universal Remote Control Comparison

Wed, 03 Aug 2016 04:00:00 -0000

There are many programmable universal remote controls available at a wide range of prices and capabilities. This short list of products sheds some light on the various products available your local electronics store or through an authorized vendor. We briefly look into a few of these jacks-of-all-trades and give them a rundown for your convenience. Some are a little more expensive than others, but these are all still considered “budget” items. Read on for more information.

Turntable Buying Guideline

Thu, 25 Feb 2016 13:00:00 -0000

Want to know which turntable to buy? With the current resurgence of vine-yule records, turntables are again a hot item. And while most of the turntables floating around out there are survivors that were manufactured years ago, there are plenty of new ones in all price ranges from a few hundred dollars to “don’t ask”. Read the following article to get a handle on what's still good from the past and when to say goodbye to an old friend and get something new.

Internet Direct Speaker Brand Comparison

Sun, 06 Dec 2015 22:00:00 -0000

Internet direct (ID) speaker manufacturers are often considered to provide the ultimate value in audio. However, sometimes there are hidden costs associated with their products that may nullify the advantage of cutting out the middle man. Such costs include premium drivers and finish options, and return shipping if you don't like them. This article and recent YouTube Video discussion compares the policies of most of the major Internet direct brands in an effort to help consumers make an informed decision about what they buy and whom they buy it from. You may be surprised at what we found. Please share your experiences with these brands in the dedicated forum thread for this article. Last updated 12/05/15.

Does Price Determine Quality in Home Theater Equipment?

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:00:00 -0000

People often think "you get what you pay" for is an absolute. In consumer audio there is often more fluff than substance in terms of marketing claims. So, does this old adage still hold true when dealing with home theater equipment? In order to answer this we have broken the argument into categories (ie. cables, speakers, receivers, amplifiers and source components). Be sure to also check out our YouTube video discussion and please give us your thoughts in the dedicated forum thread.

How to Shop for Speaker Stands - A Buying Guide

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 13:00:00 -0000

Weight rating, construction materials, top plate construction, base and feat, height, and cable management capabilities should all be considered when shopping for speaker stands. Ignoring these aspects may affect more than just aesthetics, it could result in compromised performance or worse a busted speaker and other equipment if a speaker tumbles off the stand. Read on to learn why the six topics listed above should be considered when buying speaker stands.

Home Theater Budget & Shopping Guidelines

Sun, 05 Jul 2015 13:00:00 -0000

When planning out a home theater system, it's import to define a budget based on your goals, needs and requirements. The average consumer will budget for a display, speakers, receiver, Blu-ray player, and cables. But that leaves out a large portion of expenses that can drive up the price of the project significantly. We've come up with a 30/30/30 as a starting point where the extra 10% left over can be put towards miscellaneous expenses or recombined back into what are perceived as the most important components needed in your installation. Check out our recently added YouTube video discussion which goes into more detail on how you should plan out your spending on a new home theater system.

Best $500/Pair Bookshelf Speaker for 2015

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 11:00:00 -0000

Passive speakers will generally be the go-to choice for use with entry-level AV Receivers for use in a home theater or living room setup. We've put together a collection of some of the best bookshelf speakers from the likes of Ascends, Jamo, Phase Tech, Aperion, and SVS and NHT for someone just looking to get the best performance within a budget of $500/pair! Each of these options should provide great sound reproduction, and their availability through different channels means at least a few of them can be for trial or audition. We're confident you will discover the right speaker for your room and your tastes!

2014 Audioholics Sound Bar Roundup

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:00:00 -0000

There are many reasons you might want a sound bar: maybe you have no room for a conventional surround setup, or you just don't want to deal with a mess of wires. Whatever the reason, Audioholics is here to help you out. We've compiled a list of our favorite sound bars from 2014, from sub-$500 entry level models to high end >$1,000 units. If that's not enough, we've also got a spoiler alert inside for a new sound bar coming in 2015. Don't settle for the lousy sound of your HDTV. Get one of these sound bars instead IF you can't install a discrete surround sound system.

When Should I Upgrade My AV Receiver?

Sat, 13 Dec 2014 13:00:00 -0000

We often get asked by our readers if they should upgrade their A/V receiver. Some of them asking this question bought a new receiver as little as a few months ago, while others are still pimping a vintage 1970’s era silver-wood panel wonder with quadraphonic stereo. This helpful guide and our Youtube Video attempts to answer this question in the best possible way to accommodate your circumstances.

Best $500 AV Surround Receivers Compared

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:00:00 -0000

Are you in the market for a new A/V receiver? Do you happen to have roughly $500 to spend? This is the article for you. We've taken a look at five different models from Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, Sony, and Yamaha, and determined which models offer the most value to the consumer. To make it so easy even a caveman can do it, there's also a handy chart. Want to know which receivers should be on your short list? Read our 2014 $500 AV Receiver comparison article to find out.

6 Free Software Every Audiophile Should Download

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 13:00:00 -0000

How often is it that you can get something for your system for nothing? Almost never. This article covers our six favorite free pieces of software that we think every audio enthusiast should download and try out. From CD ripping to improving your ability to critically listen, this list has something for everyone. This list doesn't cover everything out there, so read through and let us know what your favorite software is.

2013 Midpriced AV Receiver Comparison: The Best AVR for $1,000?

Sat, 28 Dec 2013 15:00:00 -0000

In the market for a midpriced A/V receiver this holiday season? Curious what $1,000 can get you these days? As luck would have it, Audioholics has done some of the legwork for you, comparing and contrasting the feature sets of seven $1,000 receivers (+/- $100) to help guide you to the best solution. Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Sony, Onkyo, Harman/Kardon, Pioneer, we've got them all here compared side by side. Use our guide to help spend your XMAS bucks wisely. Happy hunting!

2013 Budget AV Receiver Comparison: The Best AVR for $500?

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 15:00:00 -0000

$500 is a good chunk of change; you could use that dough to purchase roughly 2400 BIC Cristal Pens from Amazon, or alternatively splurge on a foot or two of your favorite snake oil infused speaker cable. But just how far does $500 go in the world of A/V receivers in 2013? As it turns out, you can get quite a lot for your investment with a bit of careful shopping. Our top three picks were the offers from Sony (surprised?), Pioneer, and Yamaha. Harman Kardon almost made it up there, but we're a little wary of their switch mode power supply. Which receiver is right for you will depend on your specific needs and wants, but with this comparison we aim to help you find that perfect fit. Use this AV Receiver Guide to make a wise purchasing decision with those after XMAS specials.

Best Subwoofers for Under $500

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 12:00:00 -0000

$500 is a pretty tough price point to find a subwoofer that doesn't make huge compromises in both performance and aesthetics. However, we've found six subs that do their best balancing act to provide good value. Each one offers a unique mix of traits that may suit you better than the others, but we feel all six represent the cream of the crop at this level. Keep reading to see who our contenders are and what they bring to the table.

Ditch the Soundbar: 7 Great Compact Speaker Systems for Any Budget

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 13:00:00 -0000

We get it, large speakers that have all of the aesthetic value of a refrigerator aren’t necessarily what every home theater enthusiast is looking for. To some folks, a small and attractive setup is much more palatable, especially if a spouse is in the picture. But, building a compact, clean looking system without making big sacrifices in performance can be a challenging task, especially when real world budgets are taken into consideration. Every system recommended here (a total of 7) uses a particularly compact receiver/amp that should be easy to place in any room, and bookshelf speakers to save even more space. Some have a sub, others rely on bookshelf speakers with above par bass response. Somewhere in the mix, nearly anyone should be able to find a system they would be happy with.

Hi-Res Music Playback Software Comparison

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 13:00:00 -0000

Choosing the right audiophile playback software can be a daunting task. While audible differences can occur in going from an entry-level software like iTunes to one of the audiophile playback engines mentioned below, the transition between high-end software boils down to a preference between real cherry flavor and artificial cherry flavor. However, the differences in supported file formats, file management systems, user experience vary greatly. Read on for our hands on impression of 7 of the most popular playback software for hi-res music files.

9 Great Soundbars For Any Budget: TV Speakers Be Gone!

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 12:25:00 -0000

Are you intrigued by the form factor of the soundbar, but mystified by the abundance of options out there? We might just have some answers for you. In this article we take a gander at some of the best soundbars for the money, ranging from entry level units costing as low as $300 to much more expensive top shelf systems. If you're looking for an improvement over your TV's built in speakers, and don't want to deal with receivers, speakers, and a mess of wiring, keep reading.

How to Choose a Flat Panel TV Wall Mount

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 05:05:00 -0000

Choosing a TV wall mount can be a difficult decision because there are many different sizes, brands, and types of mounts. This guide breaks down the three most common types of mounts, full-motion/articulating, tilting, and low-profile, and then provides a few tips on what to look for in a good wall mount. Ultimately, as long as the wall mount you purchase is rated to handle your TV you shouldn’t worry about the TV falling off the wall. All of the extra features we talked about are great to have, but not always necessary. The real trick is knowing how to install the TV so it is secure and looks good. There are a lot of specialty mounts not covered in this article. The best place to find detailed information is on the manufacturer's website. If you take a look at some of the major manufacturers like Peerless, Sanus, Chief, and Omnimount you should be able to find a solution that fits your needs.

How to Pick the Right Loudspeakers

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:01:48 -0000

This is a simple, direct (but accurate) guide about everything an inexperienced shopper needs to know when choosing speakers for their home theater system. We discuss the various speaker options that are best suited for particular applications or budgets along with citing examples. If you’ve got an family member or friend that needs advise on a pinch, just print this article out and hand it to them. It even has nice pictures to supplement the text making for a more pleasant read. Your brother-in-law will be so grateful that he’ll buy you dinner (for once!) and you’ll look like the pro that you are for explaining it so clearly and thoroughly. Help a budding Audioholic today by empowering them with the knowledge of choosing the right speaker system for their needs.

Buying the Right Kindle Cover

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:20:00 -0000

So you bought a Kindle. Welcome to the new way to read. The Kindle is a phenomenal product that is revolutionizing the way we read and store books. On top of that, it's gaining even more traction as "cloud computing" becomes more and more mainstream and consumers look to digital consolidation for all of their reading materials. This is especially true for students and those who would need a large amount of reference material. But like all new implementations of portable electronic technology, the Kindle needs to be protected - unless you don't mind having to buy a new one if you drop it accidentally. We surveyed the landscape of Kindle covers and located 5 solid solutions that we really feel top the charts for users of all different walks of life.

LED Lamps to Replace Incandescent Bulbs - But When?

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:10:00 -0000

Have you been keeping up with the LED lighting movement? I'd even go so far as to call it a "transition". The future is here - it's just a tad expensive right now. What is driving consumer and professional fascination with LED bulb technology is that it lasts longer, uses less power and should, eventually, cost less. LED lamps produce more light than heat - and that means they are more efficient. They are also safer - both for you (they don't shatter) and for the environment (they are toxin-free). You can also run LED lighting with existing dimmers. Right now they have a higher threshold for dimming than their incandescent counterparts, but they do indeed dim. The other thing we like about LED lighting is that it doesn't require the expense or bulk of a ballast system. That's less to troubleshoot, and less to pay for. It also makes LED lamps smaller - giving them the potential of being used in some pretty creative and compact scenarios where fluorescent technology fell flat on its face. For home theater, LEDs represent the next logical step for projectors - and they've already made their way into the backlighting systems of flat screen televisions.

2011 $2000 A/V Receiver Comparison Guide

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:00:00 -0000

You asked for it, and now you have it. The new AVENTAGE RX-A3010 from Yamaha has got a lot of people asking, "How does it stack up?" Well, we'll tell you. We took the top offerings in the $2000 price point from Denon (AVR-4311CI) and Onkyo (TX-NR3008) and weighed them up. While we didn't really find any of them lacking, we're sure you have an opinion on them.

2011 $600 A/V Receiver Comparison Guide

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:50:00 -0000

It's that time of year again and we're taking a look at the new receivers. At the $600 price point we have offerings from Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer, Marantz, Denon, and Harman Kardon (the TX-NR609, RX-V671, VSX-50, NR1602, AVR-2112CI, and AVR 2650 respectively). Most of these are within $50 of the target price though we gave a slight edge to the Harman offering by choosing an $800 offering. Will they crush the comparison with their extra MSRP? Things to expect at this price point - 3D, Audio Return Channel, HDMI upconversion, networking, tons of power, and two zones of audio.

Loudspeaker Double Blind Test and Demo Flaws

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0000

What is the point of a listening test? For the listener, the intent is easy to identify. They are (often) thinking of buying a product. But when a short demo isn't enough, what options do you have? The obvious solution is third party validation. Manufacturers will often try to sell you the line that their speakers are as good as speakers many times their price. They'll even run their own tests (often Single or Double Blind) to prove that the participants couldn't hear a difference between their and another speaker. But what are they really saying? We break it down for you and show how these claims prey on people's lack of statistical understanding.

iPhone 4 Case Roundup and Buying Guide

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 06:00:00 -0000

With the announcement that the iPhone is likely coming to Verizon shortly, there is sure to be an influx of new iPhone 4 users in the next quarter. Those users will come from one of two places: either new users who are jumping ship from AT&T to experience iPhone use on the Verizon Network, or existing Verizon customers who are going to take advantage of renewing their contracts with an iPhone 4. In either case, there are going to be lots of new iPhone 4 consumers who will need to protect their new investment. We solicited cases from most of the major players and experienced a near-full array of what's available for the iPhone 4. Some cases really impressed us. Others came across as more or less standard fare and nothing short of what you'd expect for any new smart phone. To make this process simple, we'll list each case here and talk briefly about our experiences, giving an overall opinion as well as the general pros and cons of each product.

2010 $1000 A/V Receiver Comparison Guide

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:50:00 -0000

For many years now, you could say you weren't really playing with the big boys until you stepped up to a $1000 receiver. All of these receivers will have HDMI 1.4 inputs and outputs, all of which support 3D. You're going to get an onscreen display over HDMI standard and can expect video upconversion and scaling from analogue to HDMI 1080p. While your entry level receivers have to cut a lot of corners and at the $500 price point you find manufactures picking a focus, here, you get a lot more. Networking, multizone, THX certification, auto setup and calibration, and tons of extras. To help you out with your decision, we're taking a close look at offerings from Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer, Sony, and Harman Kardon.

2010 Entry Level A/V Receiver Comparison Guide

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0000

While we tend to think that the sweet spot in receivers is the $500 price point (hence the reason we started with that comparison article), the fact is, some people are just looking for something. Anything. Maybe it's for them and they are on a serious budget. Maybe it's for their parents or their kids or some other secondary use. The key is that it has to be cheap. While a few years ago, the entry level receivers had little more than stereo inputs and Dolby ProLogic, these days you can get 3D capable HDMI inputs, discrete amps, and onscreen displays. We've again hit all the major players (except for Harman Kardon, their "budget" surround receiver was in the $500 comparison) with Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Onkyo, Pioneer, Sherwood, and Sony in the mix. Prices range from a low of $229 to a high of $399.

2010 $500 A/V Receiver Comparison Guide

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:00:00 -0000

We love a good comparison so you'll forgive us if we got a little exuberant with this one. The ~$500 price point is a popular one for A/V receivers and just about every manufacturer has a receiver around that price. Instead of leaving out manufacturers that had a receiver a little under or over the price point, we just included everyone's offerings.This year's models range in price from a low of $479 to a high of $599. While that's only a $120 variance, it's an over 20% difference. If you'd paid 20% more for your car, you'd expect a serious improvement. Hitting the ~$500 price point means that the convenience features are going to be key since manufacturers will have to pick and choose what is most important to them. Read on for our take on the receiver offerings around $500 from Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo, Harman Kardon, Sherwood, Marantz, Yamaha, and Sony.

How to Skew a Blind Listening Test

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:15:00 -0000

Setting up a blind test is easy right? Or is it? While many people will take the most well known precautions, they often forget or don't know about some of the others than can seriously affect the outcome of the test. Here are some lesser known things to remember when you set up your listening test for comparing loudspeakers.

2009 $500 Receiver Comparison Guide

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0000

In a continuing effort to demystify your receiver choices, we come to a price point that is probably one of the most popular - around $500. In this comparison, we'll be looking at receivers from Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha. At the near $500 price point, manufacturers have a bit more room to play with features and their design philosophies become pretty apparent.

2009 $750 Receiver Comparison Guide

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:25:52 -0000

In this comparison article we look at receivers around the $750 price point. We have offerings from Yamaha and Harman Kardon at $649, Pioneer at $699, and Denon, Marantz, and Sherwood Newcastle at $799. While you'd think that the differences in receivers at this price point would be a matter of inches, you'd be wrong. Manufacturers are trying pretty hard to differentiate themselves. The question is - what do you need?