Audio Video News

SVS SB-2000 Pro Subwoofer: $899 (piano gloss black), $799 (black ash)

Disciples of deep bass will not be surprised that SVS has once again boosted its reputation as a premier builder of subwoofers, this time with a bass box guaranteed to wow enthusiasts. Reviewer Michael Trei was won over by the SB-2000 Pro’s ability to deliver clean, hard-hitting bass for a reasonable price and he loved being able to tweak its performance to a fare-thee-well from his smartphone. Instead of having to bend over or squat to make critical adjustments, the companion app puts a fully featured parametric EQ and other useful controls at your fingertips — something you don’t find in every sub.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Big bass punch from a small form factor
Excellent value
Versatile control app
Minus
No auto-calibration/room EQ feature

Full Review Here

Andover Spinbase Turntable Speaker System: $299

The Spinbase is a unique all-in-one powered speaker that doubles as a turntable platform. You might think of it as a music-focused soundbar that replaces the added complexity of (and space consumed by) two speakers with a single box that actually sounds good — a clever alternative to a component-based, entry-level system. We know what you’re thinking: Isn’t the top of a speaker the last place you should put a turntable? Absolutely, which is what makes this bar so amazing. Andover employs a remarkable technology it calls IsoGroove Feedback Elimination to ensure the top surface is well-damped and free of vibration. Longtime audiophile Michael Trei was astonished by the speaker’s ability to deliver open, room-filling sound without any obvious sonic downsides. “I'm not sure what DSP tricks are being used, but the image was expansive without sounding unfocused or out-of-phase.” Adding to its appeal, the Spinbase supports Bluetooth streaming and is dead simple to set up and use.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Very good performance
Exceptional ease of use
Accommodates typical turntables
Minus
No remote control

Full Review Here

To browse all Sound & Vision-recommended AV gear, broken out by category, visit our Top Picks page.

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