Audio Video News

SVS PC-4000 Subwoofer: $1,800

In a sea of bulky black boxes, the tube-shaped PC-4000 stands apart as a decidedly unconventional subwoofer — one that will be a godsend for enthusiasts who demand subterranean bass but have limited floor space. The tall, slender tube has a circular footprint that’s only 16.5 inches in diameter yet it can rumble down to well below 20 Hz. “This is one fantastic subwoofer, and if floor space is an issue for your system, it’s well worth auditioning using SVS’s 45-day in-home trial,” wrote reviewer David Vaughn. “Better yet, get two to enjoy effortless-sounding output and more even coverage in your listening environment.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding bass response
Onboard parametric EQ
Useful remote and smartphone app
Uncommon form factor
Minus
Lacks auto-calibration
Uncommon form factor

Full Review Here

 

GoldenEar Technology Invisa Signature Point Source In-Wall Speaker System: $7,250 (as reviewed)

GoldenEar’s Invisa Signature Point Source speakers are proof that you can build an attractive, non-intrusive in-wall speaker offering performance that rivals that of an equivalently priced freestanding speaker. Throw in a SuperSub X subwoofer and there’s no turning back. “I’m not sure you can find another speaker at the $1K price point that sounds anywhere near as fantastic as the Invisa SPS in-wall does — whether it’s for a two-channel or multichannel system,” concluded reviewer Darryl Wilkinson. “Once again, GoldenEar has set a new high for the performance-to-cost ratio. More important, they’ve created an in-wall loudspeaker that just might convince a die-hard in-room speaker fan.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Rotatable pleated tweeter for horizontal orientation
2½-way design
High performance-to-cost ratio
Minus
Horizontal installation requires modification of wall stud

Full Review Here

 

Naim Uniti Atom Wireless Music Player: $3,000

A follow-up to Naim’s outstanding Mu-so Qb Wireless Music System — one of 2017’s Top Picks of the Year — the Uniti Atom is a gorgeous and impeccably-built 21st Century remake of the classic integrated amp, melding hi-res streaming capabilities with a high-performance 2 x 40-watt power amplifier. “I loved almost everything about Naim’s Uniti Atom stream-plifier,” wrote reviewer Daniel Kumin. “Everything, that is, except the price. Which is not to say that $3,000 is unfair for so beautifully conceived, engineered, and executed a product.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding sound quality
Very high standard of fit, finish, and industrial design
Generally excellent ergonomics with well-conceived app
Minus
Premium pricing may scare off some buyers
Occasionally slow volume-control response via iOS app

Full Review Here

Monoprice Monolith 12" and 15" THX Ultra Subwoofers: $800, $1,300

If you’re looking for serious bass but have limited funds, you owe it to yourself to take one of Monoprice’s new THX Ultra-certified Monolith subwoofers for a test drive. They won’t win any beauty contests but these subwoofers will deliver just the sort of deep, clean, controlled bass you would expect from a speaker that has survived THX scrutiny. “I truly enjoyed my time with both of these subs and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to a friend,” wrote resident bass guru David Vaughn, “but I would add to this my usual adage: Two is better than one, because, well...there’s never such a thing as too much bass!”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clean, copious, and articulate bass
Outstanding build quality
Five-year replacement warranty
Minus
No parametric equalizer
No app control
Extremely heavy

Full Review Here