2019 Audioholics Christmas Gift Guide
Our 2019 Audioholics AV electronics Christmas Gift Guide of AV goodies to bring you audio joy and holiday cheer is here. We selected an assortment of products ranging from soundbars, AV receivers, wireless speakers, and gaming items that will keep you entertained or secluded away from family get-togethers. Pay extra attention to the limited-time special pricing on some of the products on this list. We hope you enjoy and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
5.1 Wireless Speaker System: Enclave
CineHome II and CineHome PRO, 5.1
This holiday season, Enclave Audio has two wireless audio systems which setup with the simplicity of a soundbar, but provide the unmatched performance of a true separates based 5.1 surround sound system. The CineHome II and step-up CineHome PRO 5.1 speaker systems feature cutting-edge WiSA certified audio technology that set up within minutes. Each CineHome speaker system consists of three wireless front speakers (left, right, and center), two wireless rear speakers (left and right), and a wireless subwoofer. With WiSA compatibility, the CineHome II and CineHome PRO speaker systems can be seamlessly bundled with the Enclave CineHub or configured to work with any WiSA Certified™ transmitter or any WiSA Ready™ devices within the ecosystem. When bundled together, the CineHome PRO speakers plus the CineHub deliver a world class THX Certified experience.
Enclave systems operate on a discrete wireless network and support uncompressed 24-bit, 96kHz audio with extremely low latency and less than one microsecond of synchronization between speakers. Enclave systems instantly transform any at-home entertainment experience whether it be movies, music, or gaming.
Decorative 5.1 Soundbar: Definitive Technology Studio Advance
MSRP: $1,499 ($999 from 11/24 - 12/2) | Buy Now
Want surround sound without the clutter or eye sore? Soundbars are the hot ticket item to achieving sonic and visual bliss. Definitive Technology’s Studio Advance is an ultra-slim 5.1 sound bar system that will complement the décor of any home without cluttering your console and room with multiple speakers. Its Chromecast built-in allows users to stream music wirelessly over Wi-Fi and use voice commands via Google Assistant and Google Home app.
Audiophile Soundbar: Theory Audio sb75
(The Theory sb85 and sb65 are also available for size-matching 85-inch and 65-inch TVs respectively).
Add the perfect sound companion to that new flat screen TV this holiday season with Theory’s sb75 high-output, three-channel soundbar. Designed to perfectly match with today’s 75-inch flat panels, the sb75 offers startling acoustic performance capable of reference-level, theatrical-quality sound. Six 5-inch carbon fiber low frequency drivers and three 1.4-inch advanced polymer compression drivers are encased in a sleek, contoured, contemporary enclosure, bringing large-scale sound to rooms where interior design is #1. We heard a full Theory Audio 5.2.4 System at CEDIA 2019 and were blown away by it's performance. Audiophiles rejoice. You can have great sound with a wife approved form factor with Theory Audio.
Over-Ear Wired Headphones: Audeze LCD-1
MSRP: $399 | Buy Now
Handcrafted in California, USA, the Audeze LCD-1 has been meticulously engineered to provide unmatched audio within a compact, travel friendly package perfect for industry professionals and audiophiles. This headphone combines Audeze’s renowned planar magnetic technology with a new lightweight foldable design; the portability and sound quality of the LCD-1 make it incredibly versatile whether you’re a veteran sound engineer or a weekend audio hobbyist. If you're not ready to cut the cord and desire audiophile headphones, check these out.
5.1 4K AV Bluetooth AV Receiver: Sony STR-DH790
Do you want to set up a starter 5.1 surround system for a small space like a college dorm or den? Sony makes this quite affordable with their STR-DH790 (a model# you will soon forget after reading this). Sony is one of the biggest violators in our Truth in Power (TiP) for AV receivers but that doesn't take away from the value of this product or the fact that it has all the right features for well under $200. Their 145wpc x 7 is laughable, especially when they sum the power to 1015 watts total at the big box stores. Um, ambitious are we? Based on how Sony rates receivers these days, this model will give you an honest 90 watts/ch with 2CH driven and probably closer to 70 watts/ch with up to 5 channels driven which should be enough to fill a small room with quality sound if you use efficient 8-ohm speakers like this 5.1 Klipsch System for $548. Best of all, if you later decide to add height channels to take advantage of Dolby Atmos, you can do that with this receiver. That's about $745 for a powerful compact 5.1 system with a 4K AV receiver that supports bluetooth audio and has future expandability. This is a hard package to beat!
Sony STR-DH790 5.1 AV Receiver ($198) and Klipsch 5.1 Speaker System ($548)
SVS SB12-NSD and PB12-NSD Subwoofer Blowout
Powered Subwoofers: SVS SB12-NSD and PB12-NSD All-Time Low Price
SVS Black Friday Subwoofer Deals: SB12-NSD | Buy now @ $399 and PB12-NSD | Buy Now @ $499
SVS heard the demands, so it’s back! Starting today, factory fresh SVS subwoofers hit an all-time low price for an extremely limited time. The acclaimed SVS SB12-NSD sealed cabinet subwoofer joins the hugely popular PB12-NSD ported cabinet subwoofer for a seismic Black Friday deal. Both models are legendary for their massive and effortless output with stunningly deep low-frequency extension and pinpoint accuracy. These are truly world-class subwoofers suited perfectly for music and home theater. Both models feature high-excursion 12-inch SVS drivers and robust 400 watts RMS, 800+ watts peak power Sledge amplifiers with intelligent DSP processing. For a limited time, they’re available at nearly half the original price and FREE shipping!
Bluetooth Stereo Amplifier: RBH Sound BT-100
Want to add Bluetooth to your old speakers? The RBH BT-100 is the answer, providing the convenience of high fidelity wireless streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet or PC. The BT-100 easily connects in minutes to any pair of non-powered speakers, transforming them into the modern age with the capability to wirelessly stream your favorite music from up to 100 feet away. Also included is a handy infrared remote control that gives you the ability to mute, pause, play, or skip forward or back one track without even touching your phone. Need a desktop amplifier for your computer speakers? The BT-100 also has RCA, 3.5mm and optical inputs, allowing you to connect to any laptop or computer with an audio output. With its very small form factor, the BT-100 has the ability to power larger loudspeakers to satisfying levels without adding noise or distortion thanks to its 25 watts x2 (8 ohms) and 50 watts x2 (4 ohms) power capability.
Powered Loudspeakers: JBL 306P mkII
MSRP: $300/pr (special price: $268/pr) | Buy Now
JBL continues to earn praise for their powered monitors and the 306P mkII offers refinements (improved cabinets, drivers, and power) over its replacement model that every audiophile will appreciate. These little overachievers are packed with the very latest driver technology and legendary research of Harman, the same company responsible for the M2 monitors. From their rugged 6.5" mid bass driver to their image control waveguide and robust 56 watt Class D amplifiers powering each driver (total of 112 watts per speaker), these speakers pack serious performance. With a -3dB pt of 47Hz and ability to sustain outputs of 92dB with peaks of 110dB, these speakers can stand on their own as a powered monitor or even for professional usage on an electric drum kit. Considering they can be had for well under $300/pair, it's doubtful you can find something that offers this much performance for less money in audio in a powered monitor.
UHD Blu-ray: The Batman Lego Movie
MSRP: $29.99 (special price: $18.59) | Buy Now
So you've got a brand new home theater system that does immersive audio and 4K video. What are you going to watch on it to showcase its performance? How about Lego Batman? We simply love this movie and it's a great addition to your 4K UHD collection. Will Arnett makes a great Batman and the love/hate relationship with the Joker (Zach Galifianakis) is both comical and substantive. In fact, this move is more entertaining and meaningful than the latest round of Woke flops (ie. Terminator: Dark Fate, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) and it is certainly aging better than both. The 4K video is stunning as is the soundtrack in Dolby Atmos. Suddenly I'm having a craving for Lobster Thermidor.
Merry Christmas from Audioholics
This holiday season crept upon us rather suddenly this year. Perhaps this is because we've been so busy delivering content, we lost track of time. We'd like to take the time to say thanks to our readers for their support and encouragement to keep us doing what we love. It's the time of year when everyone should take a few minutes and be thankful for everything they've got, especially their loved ones (even Eddie). Audio is a passion of ours and we love sharing that with you to help guide you towards informed purchasing decisions that will bring you countless hours of quality entertainment from class-leading products for many years to come. In closing, we sincerely hope everyone has a great holiday season enjoying the spirit of Christmas surrounded (no pun intended) by family and friends. In the end, that's all that really matters.