Audio Video News

As we get ready to usher in April, it’s fun and informative to look back at our Top Pick posts in March, which as it turns out was a very good month for great gear. Over the past five weeks we’ve had the pleasure of recommending three video projectors, an outstanding projection screen, a high-value AV receiver, a collapsible on-ear headphone, a suite of compact home theater speakers that can be had for $1,500, one of the sexiest self-contained wireless speakers on the planet, and a true 21st Century turntable.

BenQ HT4050 DLP Projector, $1,399

At $1,399, you’ll have a better chance of finding Waldo than another projector that equals the HT4050’s package of color accuracy, image clarity, and overall fidelity. High-grade optics provide edge-to-edge sharpness and precision calibration controls and ISF modes are guaranteed to wow enthusiasts. Summing up, reviewer Michael Hamilton wrote: “The BenQ HT4050 provides a stable platform of stellar performance for novice users as well as for experienced hobbyists.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Excellent, Rec. 709 color palette for long-term, fuss-free accuracy
High-grade optics provide edge-to-edge sharpness
Precision calibration controls for hobbyists; ISF modes for the pros
Minus
Short throw ratio and limited vertical offset require careful planning for permanent installation
Not stealth fighter quiet (but not “arrest me!” loud, either)
3D glasses optional

Full Review Here

B&W Zeppelin Wireless Music System, $699

Bowers & Wilkins has revised, revoiced, and updated the popular Zeppelin speaker it introduced in 2008 (and updated in 2012) to eliminate the iPhone/iPod dock in favor AirPlay and Bluetooth connectivity—and it sounds better than ever. “The Zeppelin Wireless isn’t the cheapest wireless speaker out there—and that’s pretty much the point,” wrote reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “It’s for someone who would rather pay a little more to get the best than buy something uninspiring to save a buck. It sounds gloriously musical, and without the dock, it looks more elegant than ever.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
AirPlay, Bluetooth, analog input
Redesign reduces cabinet resonance
Unique cosmetics
Minus
No iPhone/iPod dock

Full Review Here

JVC DLA-X550R 3D D-ILA Projector, $3,999

With four-star ratings across the board, JVC’s DLA-X550R continues the company’s streak of producing high-value projectors that deliver high-contrast images and, in this case, one that accepts 4K Ultra HD and high-dynamic range content. “This is a projector I could get used to living with,” wrote veteran reviewer Al Griffin. “Among its benefits are sufficient brightness to make pictures look good in both dim and dark rooms, satisfying contrast, accurate out-of-box color…and a Multi Pixel Control menu that helps to improve image clarity, particularly with streamed content.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Very good brightness for the price
Excellent contrast
Fully motorized lens controls
Minus
Slight enhancement artifacts

Full Review Here