Recently Reviewed A/V Processors
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?
Anthem ARC Mobile App Preview
Anthem's ARC room correction is available as a mobile app for iOS devices. Using the device's built in microphone, ARC Moble performs the same multi-speaker calibrations that previously required a PC.
Marantz AV7702mkII Atmos/DTS:X AV Processor and Amplifier Preview
Along with its new lineup of power amplifiers, Marantz announced the AV7702mkII AV processor capable of supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and DTS Neural:X, full HDMI 2.0a/HDCP2.2, networking and more.
Emotiva XMC‑1 7.2 Channel AV Processor Review
The USA made Emotiva XMC-1 7.2 channel AV processor is designed with audiophile performance via its fully differential two-channel analog audio section and advanced DIRAC room correction system.
Classé Sigma SSP AV Processor and AMP5 Review
The Classé Sigma SSP Processor and AMP5 multi-channel amplifier supports HD audio processing with a USB DAC for high res audio. Simple function, audiophile nirvana sound makes this combo a home run.
Marantz AV8802 & Denon AVR‑X7200W: DTS:X and HDCP2.2 Upgrades Announced!
Both Marantz and Denon have announced HDCP 2.2 and DTS:X upgrades to the AV8802 pre/pro and AVR-X7200W AV receiver, respectively. These are exciting times for Marantz and Denon owners.
Rotel RSP‑1582 AV Processor Preview
The Rotel RSP-1582 AV Processor sports the latest in HD audio (TrueHD/DTS-HD) and video sans Dolby Atmos. Rotel emphasis is on quality over quantity which the RSP-1582 appears to have in spades.
Marantz AV8802 11.2CH Preamp/Processor Preview
The Marantz AV8802 is a modern 11.2 channel pre/pro that's ready for Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D. An upgrade to a full HDMI 2.0 / HDCP 2.2 to support 4K Blu-rays. Is this AV Processor future proof?
Classe Sigma Series AV Processor and Amplifier Interview
Classe recently released their new Sigma series AV Processor and Amplifier components, and Audioholics got the full scoop on the new gear thanks to an interview with Classe's President, David Nauber.
Classe Sigma SSP, AMP2, & AMP5 Preview
The Classé SIGMA series consists of the SSP preamp/processor, and AMP2 and AMP5 amplifiers. Read on for more details.
NAD C 510 Direct Digital Preamp/DAC Preview
Preview: NADs new C 510 is a digital preamp/DAC,which can be connected directly to your computer or used with your digital equipment with HDMI, optical, coaxial, or AES/EBU. The downside is the price.
NAD Master Series Preamplifiers and Amplifiers Preview
Preview: The NAD Master Series M12 two-channel preamp and DAC and M17 seven-channel preamp aren't cheap but they do have all the latest NAD technology and a new look to boot.
Cambridge Audio Azur 851E Preamplifier & 851W Stereo Power Amplifier Review
Review: Cambridge Audio's Azur 851E Preamp and 851W Stereo Power Amplifier aren't inexpensive, but unlike flagship level products from other marques, they're actually affordable. Audiophile Separates.
Krell Illusion and Illusion II Stereo Preamplifiers Preview
Preview: Krell's $15k Illusion is an all-analog preamplifer while the $7k Illusion II adds digital inputs and processing. Made for different, but obviously wealthy, customers.
Yamaha AVENTAGE CX‑A5000 AV Processor and MX‑A5000 Amplifier Review
Review: The Yamaha AVENTAGE CX-A5000 Processor and MX-A5000 11-channel amplifier are for you if you have ever wanted reasonably-priced separates but didn't want to sacrifice features or performance.
Mark Levinson № 585 Integrated Amplifier Preview
Mark Levinson's new № 585 integrated amplifier promises the best possible performance for your digital content.At $12k, it better.
Hegel H80 Integrated Amplifier Preview
Hegel has made a name for themselves with their standalone integrated amps, amplifiers, and DACs. The H80 takes some of the top integrated amp, pre-amp, and DAC technology and puts it into one box.
Meridian G65 Surround Controller Preview
Meridian's G65 Surround Controller sports entirely new circuitry and adds Meridian Room Correction, support for up to three subwoofers, Speakerlink outputs, and analog connections for traditional amps
Simaudio Moon CP‑8 AV Processor: A Denon Receiver in Sim Clothing?
Preview: Simaudio Moon CP-8 AV Processor is a modified Denon AVR-2808CI receiver. Yet Simaudio didn't outwardly declare this in their marketing literature, or coordinate with Denon or other tech.
Yamaha AVENTAGE CX‑A5000 AV Preamp / MX‑A5000 Amplifier Separates Preview
The Yamaha AVENTAGE CX-A5000 preamp and MX-A5000 amp AV Separates represent the state of the art in home theater. At $3k/ea, the CX-A5000 has all the latest features and the MX-A5000 has 150wpc x 11.
Involve Audio Surround Master Review
This is a review of the Surround Master by Involve Audio. It's a new type of surround decoder that, well, makes a lot of claims. It converts 2CH audio to simulated surround sound. It sounds....
Parasound Halo P 5 Stereo Preamplifier Preview
Priced at $950, the two-channel Parasound Halo P 5 isn't your average preamplifier, in that it has a feature set beyond a handful of analog inputs. Nice aesthetic, good price; is it for you?
Brik Modular Audio Product Lineup Overview
We dive into the entire Brik Audio Instruments lineup to see how they "stack" up the competition. In short, they offer some really intriguing products at reasonable prices. Read on to find out more.
Classe Delta SSP‑800 AV Surround Sound Preamp/Processor Review
Review: The Classe SSP-800 AV processor is an excellent audio centric muli-channel processor/preamp that does two-channel audio and HD surround sound with unparalleled excellence.
Sherbourn PT‑7030 Surround Processor Review
Sherbourn's PT-7030 surround processor goes back to what made this hobby cool in the first place: simplicity. But that's not to say that this is some sort of stripped down, under-featured product.
M2Tech hiFace USB DAC Preview
What if you could fit an entire high resolution DAC into a USB thumb drive? That's what M2Tech's hiFace DAC promises and delivers. This DAC redefines compact. It's just 8.8" deep by 1.4" wide.
JBL Synthesis SDP‑45 Surround Processor Preview
It would easy to dismiss the JBL Synthesis SDP-45 as overpriced and under-featured. But the Synthesis line is aimed at a different consumer. If you have to ask the price, the SDP-45 isn't for you.
Emotiva XSP‑1 Preamp Review
The Emotiva XSP-1 brought something new to the world of stereo preamps this year. It's a fully differential balanced stereo preamp. To our knowledge, this is the only product like it in the market.
Meridian Explorer USB DAC Preview
A good quality and feature-rich USB DAC is an important device if you plan to use external speakers for your Mac, Windows PC or Linux laptop of desktop computer. Enter the Meridian Explorer USB DAC.