Audio Video News

Klipsch Reference Theater Pack Speaker System: $999

Klipsch has made a few compromises in redesigning its bestselling sat/sub system — now on its sixth generation and named the Reference Theater Pack — but it still produces excellent sound with the distinctive clarity and superb efficiency its horn-based speakers are known for. “These Klipsch horns really communicated,” wrote reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “Dialogue and other elements in the soundfield were well imaged, with strong outlines, but not without a modicum of shading. Tonal balance, while slightly forward, was certainly not too aggressive or sizzly; things that were supposed to sound warm sounded warm.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Klipsch’s classic horn-loaded sound at a budget price
Minus
Enclosure adds some coloration

Full Review Here

 

NAD T758 V3 AV Receiver: $1,300

NAD has honored its rich audio legacy with a thoroughly modern update of the award winning T758 it introduced back in 2011. This V3 edition boasts an anti-obsolescence modular design and cutting-edge room correction from Sweden’s Dirac. “Putting aside challenges with learning to use Dirac, it's an empowering tool for the questing audio tweaker who wants the flexibility to experiment with room correction parameters,” wrote reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “Coupled here with this fine-sounding receiver, the audible results are beautiful.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Modularity allows upgrades
Dirac room correction
BluOS audio streaming
Atmos 7.1.4 capable with external amplification
Minus
Only three HDMI inputs
No DTS:X (yet)
Dirac execution more complex than most auto room EQ

Full Review Here

 

Apple HomePod Wireless Smart Speaker: $349

HomePod may be late to the smart speaker party but it’s an instant contender featuring outstanding build quality and best-in-class sound. Calling it “a shining triumph of audio engineering,” reviewer Rob Sabin cautioned that some smart-speaker shoppers will find the HomePod’s Apple-centricity to be limiting. “If you’re already deep into Alexa and Google territory, you may be used to certain features or music services that simply aren’t available. On the other hand, if you’re just dipping your toe into smart speakers and aren’t put off by the monthly commitment to Apple music, you need to ask yourself what you really plan to use your smart speaker for.” Either way, HomePod is a great lifestyle speaker well worth the asking price.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb sonics with extraordinary bass
Great build quality
AirPlay capable
Easy setup
Minus
Integrated music streaming restricted to Apple Music
No Bluetooth
More limited smarts versus competition
No wired input for TV viewing

Full Review Here

 

Parasound Halo A 52+ Amplifier: $2,995

Parasound engaged noted designer John Curl to create the Halo A 52+ amplifier, a less expensive follow-up to the company’s popular but expensive A 51. And it shows. The five-channel amplifier is an all-around versatile performer with input and driver stages that operate in pure Class A mode and a Class A/AB output stage capable of delivering clean power with ample headroom for movies and music alike. “Listening with the Halo A 52+ was a pleasure,” concluded reviewer Al Griffin. “Parasound’s new five-channel amp delivers clear, dynamic sound and has plenty of headroom to handle the explosive effects in movie soundtracks.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Ample power for all channels
Dynamic sound
Affordable
Minus
Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy

Full Review Here