Audio Video News

Listen up disc aficionados: If you're in the market for a 4K Blu-ray player that can do everything you want, and plenty of things you didn't know you wanted, Panasonic’s flagship model is a technical tour de force guaranteed to impress you. Beyond supporting all of the high dynamic range (HDR) formats — including HDR10+ — the DP-UB9000 is THX-certified and provides a number of unique audio and video settings, including dynamic tone mapping — it even generates its own metadata to ensure optimal picture quality. Veteran reviewer Tom Norton called it “unequalled by any other video disc player on the market.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Unique adjustability
Outstanding overall performance
Tank-like construction

Minus
Complex adjustments
Won't play SACDs

Full Review Here

 

Monoprice Monolith THX-365T 5.1.4 Speaker System: $2,900 (as tested)

Monoprice has cemented its reputation of delivering high quality AV gear at great prices with the Monolith THX-365T home theater speaker system, a THX-certified suite of speakers that will accommodate a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround setup without compromising music playback. As reviewer Michael Trei put it, “I'm not sure who designed these speakers for Monoprice, but that person is clearly a big home theater enthusiast. At the same time, they made some smart decisions that allow the system to sound great with music, too.” If you’re looking for a serious theater/music setup that won’t require a second mortgage, start here.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Lively and dynamic sound
Optimized for movies
Outstanding value for money
Minus
Awkward form factor
Drab cosmetics

Full Review Here

 

Naim Audio Mu-so 2 Wireless Music System: $1,599

If you think it’s impossible to get audiophile sound from a one-box system, think again. U.K.’s Naim Audio breaks all the rules with a newly upgraded version of its spectacular Mu-so system, which made our Top Pick list in 2015. The impeccably constructed Mu-so 2 supports wireless multiroom streaming via AirPlay and Chromecast and provides integrated access to Spotify, Tidal, and internet radio. There’s even a remote control if you don’t want to bother with the app. You won’t believe your ears when you hear the balls-to-the-walls dynamics this svelte system is capable of producing.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Stupendous build quality
Dead-waking dynamics from a single box
Balanced, audiophile-quality sound
Minus
Limited bass extension
Pricey

Full Review Here