LATEST ADDITIONS

Hi-res audio specialist Astell&Kern (A&K) has announced a more upscale, second generation version of its Kann high-resolution music player, one of Sound & Vision’s 2018 Top Picks.

Digital audio specialist Antelope Audio, the company that pioneered the adoption of atomic clock generators in audio, has announced that its “mastering-grade” Amári analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog (AD/DA) converter is now shipping.

As someone who has spent the past two-plus decades writing about and reviewing TVs, projectors, and associated gear, I have to say that the addition of high dynamic range to video is among the more impressive developments I’ve encountered. Not since high-definition TV took over the airwaves back in 1999 and then made its way to Blu-ray (and HD DVD) discs a few years later have video enthusiasts been treated to such a massive leap in visual quality. Oh right, there was the launch of Blu-ray 3D back in 2010, a format that required a new player and TV, goggles, and a 50 percent hit in screen brightness, but…oh, never mind.

Speakers are without a doubt the most important link in the audio chain — the component that will more than any other define the character of the sound you hear. Through the end of March, we reviewed eight speaker systems, ranging from a $179 wireless speaker that’s portable and splash-resistant to a killer Atmos-capable soundbar system that will make your head spin to a high-end 5.4.2 suite of home theater speakers from one of audio’s most revered brands. All are Top Picks and worthy of consideration — especially our three Top Value Picks. Let’s review…