Audio Video News

Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital Headphone Amp/DAC: $399

Pro-Ject is best known for its impressive turntables and related phono gear but the 27-year-old Austrian company is quite accomplished at building a variety of other audio components. The versatile Pre Box S2 Digital delivers a step up in performance with low- to medium-priced headphones, especially those with a treble emphasis, but it’s more than a headphone amp/digital-to-analog converter (DAC) — it doubles as a stereo preamp that differentiates itself with dual DACs, separate left/right signal paths, and support for MQA and DSD playback. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann’s take: “You’d have to spend a lot more to improve on Pro-Ject’s Pre Box S2.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Dual mono DACs
DSD and MQA support
Can function as a preamp
Minus
Limited portability

Full Review Here

Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player: $500

Streaming is all well and good but if you want consistent reference-level performance with impeccable high-dynamic range (HDR) playback, the DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray player is the way to go. Reviewer Kris Deering called it the “first must-own player to hit the market” — one that sets a new bar for HDR playback with flat-panel TVs and projectors. Much of the credit goes to Panasonic’s unique HDR Optimizer, which draws on an assortment of brightness presets and controls to correct common HDR tone-mapping issues. “Its overall video performance is without peer,” wrote Deering, who added: “I’m sure it will improve playback of 4K/HDR on the majority of displays. A Top Pick for sure!”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Reference-level video performance
In-player tone mapping for HDR and conversion to SDR
Multichannel analog output
Minus
Image enhancement options can be overwhelming
Setup not always intuitive
No 4K/HDR streaming support

Full Review Here

PS Audio Sprout100 Integrated Amplifier/DAC: $599

In recent years PS Audio has established itself as an innovator in the burgeoning ultra-compact amp/DAC category — small integrated amplifiers that double as digital-to-analog converters. Its latest specimen, the Sprout100, is a multi-faceted marvel that rises above the competition thanks to its inclusion of a phono stage, aptX Bluetooth wireless streaming, and a generous selection of connections. All this plus an impressive 2 x 50-watt ICEpower amplifier housed in a machined aluminum case about the size of a cigar box. Reviewer Al Griffin summed it up this way: “With more power, better connectivity, an improved DAC, and, yes, a lower price than its predecessor, the new Sprout has a lot going for it.” The company even throws in a remote control.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive power from compact box
Built-in phono stage
Subwoofer output
Minus
Slightly forward sound on some tracks

Full Review Here

Vizio PQ65-F1 LCD Ultra HDTV: $2,100

A lot can happen in a few years. In 2016, Vizio’s flagship 65-inch Ultra HD set carried a woe-is-me $6,000 pricetag. Today, the P-Series Quantum LCD — the most advanced and highest-performing Smart TV in Vizio’s line — lists for $2,100. More than just a super deal, the 65-inch PQ65-F1 is a fine performing TV that excels with high dynamic range (HDR) material. As veteran TV reviewer Tom Norton put it, “Colors were rich and full-bodied, and detail left nothing to the imagination. Reference discs such as The Greatest Showman, Avengers: Infinity War, Blade Runner 2049, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 kept me glued to my seat…The P-Series Quantum set is worth serious consideration, not only for its price but for its solid performance.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exceptional value
Effective full array local dimming Brilliant HDR

Minus
Limited off-center viewing angle

Full Review Here