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, which is why it was Sound & Vision’s 2019 Top Pick of the Year in the Blu-ray/source component category. 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.” Available through Crutchfield.com>.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Unique adjustability
Outstanding overall performance
Tank-like construction
Minus
Complex adjustments
Won't play SACDs

Full Review Here

Pioneer UDP-LX500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player: $1,000 (originally $1,099)

Last year Pioneer stepped up to fill the void left by Oppo, which stopped making Blu-ray players in 2018. Aimed squarely at die-hard enthusiasts, the UDP-LX500 boasts first-rate HDR (high dynamic range) tone mapping for projector setups, custom presets with sliders for HDR conversion, and the ability to play hi-res music files as well as SACDs and DVD-Audio discs. All in all, it’s a versatile player built to deliver breathtaking 4K images. The UDP-LX500 has been around for more than year so supplies are limited but we’ve confirmed that it is available at bhphotovideo.com for $1,000, $100 less than its original price.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
High-quality HDR to SDR conversion
SACD and DVD-Audio disc support
Detailed Info screen
Minus
No streaming apps or wireless connectivity
Somewhat tedious user interface
Occasional playback glitches

Full Review Here

Receivers and Integrated Amps

Denon DRA-800H Stereo Network Receiver: $499

If you need to bring a beloved two-channel setup into the modern age or are looking to assemble a second hi-fi system with a spare set of speakers, Denon’s DRA-800H combines the best of the old and the new in an excellent sounding 100 watts/channel stereo receiver. Besides an AM/FM tuner and a host of familiar analog and digital audio inputs, it supports HDMI video switching, hi-res audio playback up to 32 bits/192 kHz, wireless connectivity (including AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth), and provides direct access to Tidal, Pandora, Amazon Music, and other music services through the Denon’s HEOS multiroom platform. Reviewer Rob Sabin called the receiver “highly capable with music” and a “kick-ass AV platform for music and movies,” which explains why the DRA-800H was one of our 2019 Top Pick of the Year finalists in receivers. Available through Amazon for $488.75 with free shipping.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Audiophile-quality sonics
Easy access to networked and internet-streamed music
Extensive HDMI switching
Minus
Non-backlit remote

Full Review Here (posted Dec. 24, 2019)

NAD D 3045 Integrated DAC/Amplifier: $749

At a glance, NAD’s D 3045 could easily be mistaken for its predecessor, the D 3020 we reviewed with accolades back in 2013. But looks are about as far as the similarity goes. Power output has been doubled and a number of features added, including aptX HD-enabled Bluetooth streaming, MQA processing, an HDMI-ARC input, moving-magnet phono input, and line-level preamp/subwoofer outs. Given its compact size, the D 3045 — one of our 2019 Top Pick of the Year finalists in integrated amps — is best described as a powerful integrated amp with the bonus attraction of an eminently capable onboard DAC that will be at home on your desk or in your component rack.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive power and sonics from a sub-compact design
Useful Bass EQ/subwoofer filter options
Minus
Digital conversion does not extend to 32-bit/384kHz

Full Review Here (posted Feb. 27, 2019)