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AV News & Editorials

Audio Amplifiers

Audioholics Petition to Reopen FTC Final Amplifier Rule of 2024

— October 30, 2024 00:00

Audioholics Petition to Reopen FTC Final Amplifier Rule of 2024

Our petition urges the FTC to reconsider its August 2024 Amplifier Rule, which expands power output regulations to ALL audio products. The broad, retroactive scope and blanket approach risk industry disruption.

Wireless & Computer Speaker Reviews Preview

Marantz Readies Horizon and Grand Horizon High‑End Wireless Speakers

— October 28, 2024 08:00

Marantz Readies Horizon and Grand Horizon High-End Wireless Speakers

Marantz released information on their Horizon $3,500ea and Grand Horizon $5,500ea single-unit, multi-driver speakers. Both come with high-end finishes, custom GaN FET amplification, and built-in subs.

Trade Show Coverage

T.H.E. Enterprises Acquires The New York Audio Show

— October 28, 2024 00:00

T.H.E. Enterprises Acquires The New York Audio Show

T.H.E. Enterprises acquired the New York Audio Show and will launch T.H.E. New York International Audio Show on Oct 24-26, 2025. T.H.E. Show is America's longest-running HiFi show.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Review

Aretai Contra 100S Bookshelf Speaker Review

Don Dunn — October 22, 2024 00:05

Aretai Contra 100S Bookshelf Speaker Review

We reviewed the Aretai Contra 100S, a 2.5-way bookshelf speaker featuring dual 6” midbass drivers and a 1.75” ring radiator tweeter housed in a custom-built waveguide horn positioned atop this unique speaker.

Editorials

Oasis’s 1994 Debut Album ‘Definitely Maybe’ Now Available In Spatial Audio With Dolby Atmos

— October 23, 2024 00:00

Oasis’s 1994 Debut Album ‘Definitely Maybe’ Now Available In Spatial Audio With Dolby Atmos

Definitely Maybe, the 1994 debut album from Oasis, has been re-released on Vinyl and CD to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Apple Music is offering a new way to experience this record in Dolby Atmos.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

NAD M10 V3 Streaming BluOs Amplifier ‑ Best Audiophile Meets Modern Audio Product?

— October 19, 2024 00:05

NAD M10 V3 Streaming BluOs Amplifier - Best Audiophile Meets Modern Audio Product?

The NAD M10 V3 Streaming BluOs amplifier ($2,500) sports the ESS9030 DAC, Dirac Live Bass Control, and HybridDigital nCore Class D amplification. Best audiophile meets modern audio product on the market?

AV News

Sonus faber Custom Designs Audio System for Lamborghini

— October 21, 2024 00:00

Sonus faber Custom Designs Audio System for Lamborghini

Sonus faber has custom designed a new audio system for the Lamborghini Revuelto. The new Revuelto sound system boasts 7 independent speakers, powered by a formidable 750 watts of amplification.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier Review

— October 16, 2024 00:00

NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier Review

The NAD M23 is a 200wpc stereo amplifier utilizing the SOTA Class D Purifi 1ET400A to push the envelope of performance and efficiency. Is this the best amplifier we’ve reviewed in our 25 year history?

DIY Audio and Wiring

What are the BEST Isolation Materials for Turntables?

Xavier Burgos — October 18, 2024 13:00

What are the BEST Isolation Materials for Turntables?

Selecting the right materials for isolating your turntable is essential for maximizing its performance. We'll help you find the BEST ways of isolating your turntable to get better sound.

Headphone Reviews Preview

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100: True Wireless Meets True Lossless

— October 09, 2024 12:55

The Cambridge Audio Melomania M100: True Wireless Meets True Lossless

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 ($219) is a true wireless earbud featuring aptX Lossless audio and active noise cancellation. The earbuds and charging case can deliver up to 52 hours of playback!

Editorials

DTS Launches ‘Clear Dialogue’ Feature to Improve Dialogue Intelligibility

— October 15, 2024 00:15

DTS Launches ‘Clear Dialogue’ Feature to Improve Dialogue Intelligibility

DTS has developed an AI-based audio processing feature called Clear Dialogue. An on-device solution for TV OEMs, DTS Clear Dialogue identifies, separates, and enhances spoken dialogue for TV audio.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Focal $40K DIVA UTOPIA Active Streaming Wireless Speakers for 21st Century Audiophile

— October 03, 2024 00:25

Focal $40K DIVA UTOPIA Active Streaming Wireless Speakers for 21st Century Audiophile

Focal releases its first all-in-one active streaming speaker, the DIVA UTOPIA ($40K/pair). The DIVA UTOPIA uses Ultra Wideband tech to establish a high-res wireless connection between the speakers.

AV News

Panasonic TVs Are Back In The USA!

— October 10, 2024 00:30

Panasonic TVs Are Back In The USA!

Panasonic is back in the USA with a new lineup of OLED and Mini-LED TVs. The Z95A OLED, Z85A OLED, and W95A Mini-LED TV all use Amazon’s Fire TV streaming platform. Read on.

Subwoofer Reviews Preview

SVS New 17‑Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer Series Their Best EVER?!?

— October 02, 2024 00:00

SVS New 17-Ultra R|Evolution Subwoofer Series Their Best EVER?!?

The new SVS subwoofer series, 17-Ultra R|Evolution, includes the PB17 ($2,500) and SB17 ($3,000). Both feature a 17" driver and 2,800 watts of amplification, making them the highest-performing subs ever!

AV News

THX Finds A New CEO In A‑Volute Founder Tuyen Pham

— October 05, 2024 00:00

THX Finds A New CEO In A-Volute Founder Tuyen Pham

THX has appointed a new CEO, industry veteran Tuyen Pham. Pham previously co-founded and led audio software company A-Volute. What can we expect from THX now? Read on.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Preview

Arendal Sound’s New Flagship 1528 Series Is Finally Here!

— October 01, 2024 09:00

Arendal Sound’s New Flagship 1528 Series Is Finally Here!

Arendal Sound’s 1528 series is their top performing 3-way loudspeaker line with advanced technologies. The 1528 Tower 8(MSRP: $9,500/pair) weighs 174lbs/ea and delivers class leading fidelity.

Trade Show Coverage

Munich’s HIGH END Show Moves To Vienna In 2026

— September 30, 2024 00:20

Munich’s HIGH END Show Moves To Vienna In 2026

For the audio world, Munich has been synonymous with the annual HIGH END audio show for the last two decades. But starting in 2026, the HIGH END will have a new home in Vienna.

Bookshelf Speaker Reviews Preview

Monitor Audio Studio 89: Inspired By The 80s, Engineered For The Future

— September 27, 2024 00:00

Monitor Audio Studio 89: Inspired By The 80s, Engineered For The Future

Monitor Audio’s new Studio 89 speakers ($2,500/pair) celebrate the brand’s iconic Studio Series from decades past while incorporating all of the latest technology that the company has to offer.

AV News

Dirac Names New CEO as Co‑Founder Mathias Johansson Departs for Harman

— September 25, 2024 00:00

Dirac Names New CEO as Co-Founder Mathias Johansson Departs for Harman

Anders Storm, a semiconductor industry veteran, brings deep technical knowledge to Dirac as its new CEO. Meanwhile, Dirac co-founder Mathias Johansson is leaving the company to join Harman.

Floorstanding Speaker Reviews Review

RBH Sound Impression 85‑i Floor‑Standing Loudspeaker Review

— September 20, 2024 00:30

RBH Sound Impression 85-i Floor-Standing Loudspeaker Review

RBH Sound proves you can get big sound out of a small speaker with their Impression Series 85-i tower. They have an 8" bass driver tuned for deep bass without the need for a external sub.

Trade Show Coverage

Perlisten 14 Subwoofer Trinnov Waveforming Ultimate Demo Experience!

— September 24, 2024 00:00

Perlisten 14 Subwoofer Trinnov Waveforming Ultimate Demo Experience!

Perlisten and Trinnov built a 13.14.6-channel theater system with 14 subwoofers and Trinnov’s WaveForming technology for perfect bass in every seat, and the best demo experience at CEDIA 2024.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

New Marantz Model M1 & M4 Multi‑Room Audiophile Streaming Amplifiers!

— September 17, 2024 00:00

New Marantz Model M1 & M4 Multi-Room Audiophile Streaming Amplifiers!

The Marantz Model M1 ($1,000) is a compact streaming amp in a Sonos/Bluesound form-factor while the Model M4 ($3,500) is a four-zone distributed audio amp to deliver audiophile grade whole home audio.

AV News

Is the FTC War on Fake Reviews Doomed to Fail?

— September 18, 2024 00:00

Is the FTC War on Fake Reviews Doomed to Fail?

FTC to enforce new prohibitions on fake reviews, testimonials and other deceptive practices. FTC 16 CFR Part 465 rules (effective Oct 21,2024) will be backed-up by hefty fines. But can it be enforced?

Home Theater Projector Reviews Preview

Sony BRAVIA 8 & 9 4K HDR Laser Projectors With XR Processor

— September 10, 2024 00:30

Sony BRAVIA 8 & 9 4K HDR Laser Projectors With XR Processor

The new Sony BRAVIA HDR Laser Projector 8 ($16K) & 9 ($32K) are designed to bring a professional-grade cinematic experience into the home. They are the first to use Sony’s new XR Processor.

AV News

Netflix House: Inspired Entertainment Venue to Open in Multiple Cities, 2025

— September 12, 2024 00:00

Netflix House: Inspired Entertainment Venue to Open in Multiple Cities, 2025

Ready to battle a Gorgon from Stranger Things or have high tea at Bridgerton? The popular streaming service Netflix is set to open two 100,000sf locations called Netflix House.

AV Receiver Reviews Preview

Denon AVR‑A10H 13.4 Ch 150W 8K AV Receiver Tech Overview

— September 06, 2024 00:00

Denon AVR-A10H 13.4 Ch 150W 8K AV Receiver Tech Overview

The 150 wpc Denon AVR-A10H ($4,699) is a scaled-down version of the $6,500 AVR-A1H 8K AV receiver with 13.4 channels instead of 15.4. We explore what features you sacrifice by choosing the AVR-A10H.

Trade Show Coverage

What Are the Best Audiophile Consumer Shows to Attend?

— August 26, 2024 00:05

What Are the Best Audiophile Consumer Shows to Attend?

The educated consumer is a better consumer and a trip to an audio show can make you much more experienced in audio. Which ones are our favorites and which ones should you avoid? Read on to find out.

Audio Amplifier Reviews Preview

New Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amp Tech Overview

— September 05, 2024 00:30

New Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amp Tech Overview

The Marantz Model 10 Reference Integrated Amp($15,000) is the most powerful single-box amp the company has ever made. Co-developed with Purifi, the power amp section delivers 250w into 8 ohms.

AV News

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 & Pi8: All‑New True Wireless Earbuds!

— August 21, 2024 03:30

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 & Pi8: All-New True Wireless Earbuds!

Bowers & Wilkins launches a dynamic duo of true wireless earbuds Pi6 and Pi8. Featuring all-new designs Pi6 replaces Pi7S2 for less, while Pi8 pushes sound beyond anything previously thought possible.

AV Preamp and Processor Reviews Preview

McIntosh Launches $6K MX200 11.2CH A/V Processor w Missing Features?

— September 04, 2024 00:35

McIntosh Launches $6K MX200 11.2CH A/V Processor w Missing Features?

The new McIntosh MX200 A/V Processor is a small 11.2-channel pre/pro that offers improved HDMI capability and adds Dirac Live room correction. Perfect processor for brand enthusiasts or overpriced?

AV News

LG Study Says OLED TV Leads To Better Sleep

— August 19, 2024 00:15

LG Study Says OLED TV Leads To Better Sleep

A new study from LG Display and South Korea’s Kookmin University finds that watching an OLED TV leads to better sleep compared to blue light emitting LCD TVs with LED backlighting.