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AV Receiver Reviews
Onkyo TX-RZ30 Review: A 9.2-Channel Receiver That Outperforms Its Price
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 20, 2025

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $999

AT A GLANCE
Pros:
Wide soundstage with clear separation
Onscreen Menus
Endless Source Options from streaming music (onboard) to Sonos Connect
Cons:
Dirac Live setup is extremely finicky—could require customer support.
Minimal Equalizer in app—must go to onscreen menu
Some menus outdated—not intuitive—looks like old computer command line font

THE VERDICT
The Onkyo TX-RZ30 is a high-performing AV receiver with the power and precision to deliver clean dialogue, detailed sound effects, convincing instrument reproduction, and an immersive Dolby Atmos experience. With features typically reserved for more expensive models, it stands out as an excellent choice for home theater and music enthusiasts alike.

The TX-RZ30 marks Onkyo's entry-level model in its premium RZ-series AV receivers. While it isn't as powerful as the TX-RZ50 or the flagship TX-RZ70, it shares much of their DNA. Notably, it includes a full-bandwidth Dirac Live license at no extra cost—a feature that was originally an optional add-on for the RZ50.

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Special Features
2025 End-of-Year 4K & Blu-ray Blowout
Chris Chiarella  |  Dec 19, 2025
But wait... there’s more! Lest you think that the dwindling sands of the 2025 hourglass held no further physical media releases of note, the studios have staged a grand finale. Rather than a quiet drift into the new year, these final weeks have bestowed a stunning infusion of digital excitement, from long-rumored 4K upgrades to genre-defining box sets that arrived just in time to drive one last nail into our holiday budget. So, before we close the book on ‘25, check out these eleventh-hour recommendations.
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Soundbar Reviews
Klipsch Flexus Core 300 Provides the Best Dialog Enhancement and Warm Tonality
Barb Gonzalez  |  Dec 19, 2025

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,199; $499; $399

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clear dialog without sacrificing sound effects
Natural sound
Dirac Live to configure for room
Large LED display that disappears when not in use
Minus
Surround effects are only apparent in extreme action scenes
Dirac is difficult to set up
Sound bar is very big

THE VERDICT
Klipsch’s long history of speaker design shows in the Flexus Core 300. Dialog stays intelligible without flattening music and effects, and the overall balance leans warm and easy to listen to.

Introduction

Klipsch has been around since 1946, and it’s not new to soundbars. The company introduced its first Reference-branded soundbar, the R-10B, in 2014, and later released higher-end Cinema systems, including the Cinema 1200 flagship.

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Projector Reviews
Anker Nebula X1 Projector Review: A Portable Cinema
Mark Henninger  |  Dec 13, 2025

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $3,200 as reviewed

AT A GLANCE
Plus
3.500 lumen rating
Optical zoom
Spatial adaptation
Dual HDMI ports plus eARC
Exceeds Rec.2020 color gamut

Minus
Requires a separate power source

THE VERDICT
The Anker Nebula X1 successfully marries 4K triple-laser performance with robust automation to create a premium, all-in-one solution for open-air cinema. While the image quality is heavily dependent on using a high-grade screen, the projector delivers a bright, immersive experience that generates genuine suspension of disbelief for movies and sports alike. It ultimately earns its recommendation as a versatile "best of both worlds" system that transitions seamlessly from a summer patio to a serious indoor home theater.

On a clear evening, turning a patio into an open-air theater still lands. Open-air theaters are dear to me because I grew up in Greece, where outdoor moviegoing has been part of the culture for decades. Bottom line, I grew up watching movies outdoors at night, and that’s what I did with Anker’s Nebula X1 projector, paired with its optional X1 accessory pack and a 15-foot inflatable outdoor screen.
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Smart Speaker ReviewsStreaming Device Reviews
Marantz Grand Horizon Wireless Speaker Review
Mark Henninger  |  Dec 12, 2025

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE: $4,400 (MSRP $5,500)

AT A GLANCE

Plus
Enveloping sound from one speaker
Fidelity of a proper hi-fi rig
Sophisticated aesthetics
Futuristic touch interface
Intuitive sound modes
Minus
No built-in phono preamp
Only one set of stereo RCA inputs
No dedicated remote
Expensive

The Marantz Grand Horizon looks like a sculpture and sounds like a serious stereo system. It produces room-filling scale, deep bass, and refined detail from a single enclosure that blends naturally into real homes. It is expensive, but for listeners who want audiophile sound without racks of gear, the Grand Horizon is one of the best all-in-one systems available.

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Music Reviews
Best Music Box Sets Roundup, Part 3: Rolling on With Five More Than Mighty Fine Music Collections for Your Holiday Shopping List
Mike Mettler  |  Dec 08, 2025

In Part 3 of our end-of-year multi-part “Best Music Box Sets” series, S&V music editor Mike Mettler serves up five more than mighty fine music box set recommendations for any/all of your potential gift recipients and/or personal wishlist coffers accordingly. . .

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Ultra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Anime for the Holiday
Chris Chiarella  |  Dec 04, 2025
Whether you’re gifting, sharing, or just planning to pull the drapes and catch up on some of the smartest and most eye-popping animation that the world has to offer, these deluxe Blu-ray editions—and very special LPs—will transform simple entertainment into a collector’s dream.
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Shows
Capital Audiofest 2025 Show Report: Big and Immersive
Dennis Young  |  Dec 03, 2025
Capital Audiofest 2025 was the biggest yet, with 122 rooms and 60 booths, spilling over into two rooms at a hotel across the street.
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Special Features
Your Winter Recharge: Essential Gifts and Gear for the New Year
Chris Chiarella  |  Dec 03, 2025
The joy of home entertainment transcends 4K and Blu-ray discs, encompassing a world of merch, music and even more ways to make merry. Here, we pivot away from the TV screen to treat all five senses, in celebration of our favorite stories, franchises, characters, bands, and beyond.
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Music Reviews
Best Music Box Sets Roundup, Part 2: Five More Smashingly Great Collections for Your Holiday List
Mike Mettler  |  Nov 29, 2025

Here in Part 2 of our end-of-year multi-part “Best Music Box Sets” series, S&V music editor Mike Mettler gets right back to it with five heaping helpings of great music box set offerings for you to consider for holiday gift giving and/or personal collection coffer-filling. . .

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