Al Griffin

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Al Griffin  |  Apr 29, 2020  |  5 comments
Who says they no longer make Compact Disc players? Exhibit A: Japanese audio component maker Luxman just announced the availability of its new D-03X, a fully loaded digital player that handles CD playback along with MQA CDs, MQA files, and up to 11.28 MHz DSD and 32-bit/384 kHz PCM files via USB input.
Al Griffin  |  Apr 28, 2020  |  0 comments
Dirac Live, a room correction technology that Sound & Vision has evaluated recently on several preamp/processors and AVRs, is a feature that lets listeners measure and correct for room-based anomalies using a simple, yet sophisticated interface on PCs/Macs and Android/iOS devices. According to the company, Dirac Live Bass Control, an add-on for Dirac Live that provides bass management for multiple subwoofers, is now available.
Al Griffin  |  Apr 27, 2020  |  2 comments
The last time Dynaudio updated its mid-range Contour speaker lineup was back in 2016. Since then, the company launched a retooled version of its high-end Confidence series that uses all-new drivers and revamped baffle design, along with updated cabinets and crossovers. Some tech from that effort has trickled down into Dynaudio’s just-announced Contour i series speakers, which consists of the Contour 20i bookshelf ($5,250/pair), Contour 30i ($8,250/pair) and Contour 60i towers ($10,750/pair), and Contour 25Ci center channel ($3,750 each).
Al Griffin  |  Apr 24, 2020  |  0 comments
Gigaton, the late-March release from 90s grunge-rock kings Pearl Jam and the band’s first album since 2013’s Lightning Bolt, was to be preceded by a one-night-only showing of the Gigaton Theatrical Listening Experience at select Dolby Atmos theaters around the world. But then, you know, the theaters closed and Pearl Jam was forced to cancel the screenings.
Al Griffin  |  Apr 23, 2020  |  1 comments
Among the first casualties of our new social isolation culture was gyms—for good reason since packing people together in a sweaty spin class or sauna is more or less a formula for viral spread. Fortunately, many new TVs feature fitness-related apps you can use to get a guided workout in the privacy of your own home. Recognizing the sudden massive need for people sheltering in place to burn off calories (and steam), Samsung has announced a wealth of new wellness app content available to stream for free on its smart TVs.
Al Griffin  |  Apr 22, 2020  |  1 comments
Walmart-owned VOD service Vudu has announced that it is being purchased by Fandango, owner of competing digital video online storefront FandangoNow. News of the deal was sent out to registered users of the site on Monday, with details posted on the company’s blog.
Al Griffin  |  Apr 22, 2020  |  1 comments
Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,500

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Portable
Auto-focus feature
Good-quality built-in audio
Minus
Below-average contrast
Poor HDR performance
Somewhat pricey

THE VERDICT
ViewSonic's X10-4KE is a cool- looking portable projector that delivers underwhelming performance given its $1,500 price tag.

The portable video projector market is packed with options for anyone seeking a convenient, compact beamer to carry from room to room, indoors to outdoors, or home to vacation home. Most portable models top out at 1080p resolution, however, and feature only basic, and usually far from adequate, built-in audio capabilities. With its X10-4KE, ViewSonic is targeting a more discerning portable video viewer—one who expects 4K resolution and high dynamic range, along with better-than-average audio from the projector's built-in speakers.

Al Griffin  |  Apr 21, 2020  |  0 comments
With a global pandemic driving streamed news consumption to record numbers, internet radio has become an essential part of our locked-down lives. To that end, smart speaker-maker Sonos today announced the launch of Sonos Radio, a free ad-supported radio streaming service available exclusively on the Sonos platform for owners of the company’s products.
Al Griffin  |  Apr 16, 2020  |  10 comments
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I have a modest home theater in my basement that I have been slowly upgrading over the last two decades. The only component I haven’t upgraded yet is my Polk Audio subwoofer since it was a pretty decent model when I purchased it 20 years ago. Would I benefit from upgrading to a new 12-inch sub? —Cal Rempel, via email

Al Griffin  |  Apr 16, 2020  |  1 comments
Curious about Qobuz? Since its February 2019 U.S. launch, the music streaming service has dramatically ramped up its high-res (up to 24-bit/192kHz) audio catalog and added plenty of exclusive editorial content to its desktop and portable apps. If you haven’t yet investigated Qobuz, the service’s “Gimme Shelter” campaign might be just the nudge you need to make a leap to high-res and lossless streaming.

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