Audio Video News

While any of the products that made the cut in November are worthy contenders for gift status, three seem particularly well suited for consideration: a compact wireless speaker that sounds excellent and supports both Bluetooth and multiroom streaming over Wi-Fi, a pair of add-on speakers that will take your home theater experience to new heights, and an advanced personal music player that lets you enjoy you hi-res music anywhere.

While we’re on the subject of gifts, here are a couple of posts you won’t want to miss…

Holiday Tech Guide: A Dozen Gifts to Give & Get

Smart Gifts for Smart People with Smart Homes  

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-140SA Atmos Elevation Module: $499/pr

If you’re ready to upgrade to object-based Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound, you’re going to need an AV receiver to handle the processing and one or two pairs of height speakers. The RP-140SA “elevation module” conveys the height effects Hollywood sound designers use to create a spectacular you-are-there experience. Unlike a ceiling-mounted height speaker, which beams sound directly toward the listening position, the RP-140SA bounces sound off the ceiling. Using two pairs to complement his 5.1 system, reviewer Mark Fleischmann described the effect while watching Age of Adaline: “From the opening notes of the orchestral score—a drawn-out drone that sets the mood—the add-ons palpably filled the top part of the 360-degree surround bubble…For me, the Klipsches are just what the doctor ordered.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Flexibility of stand or speaker-top use
Strongly defined height effects
Horn-loaded tweeter
Minus
Potential timbre-matching issues
Footprint too large for some speakers
Requires flat or nearly flat speaker top

Full Review Here

 

Sony XBR-65Z9D LCD Ultra HDTV: $5,500

Sony draws on its decades-long history as an innovator in television (Trinitron, anyone?) to create a state-the-art TV that draws on 4K/Ultra HD resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) processing to deliver images that Tom Norton called “supremely real.” Recapping his impressions while watching Oblivion—one of his HDR go-to discs—the veteran reviewer wrote: “When the opening title pops up just as Jack approaches his helicopter, you can easily spot the mirror-like reflections in each letter. Later, as he gets caught in a thunderstorm, the bolts of lightning jump off the screen. And in the dark, underground library scene—as Jack is chased by the Scavs and as flashes from his rifle land in your lap—you realize you’re not in Kansas anymore.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
State-of-the-art local dimming
Class-leading HDR brightness
Above average off-center viewing
Minus
Price

Full Review Here

 

Oppo Sonica Wireless Speaker: $299

Oppo, the Silicon Valley-based company that has built a stellar reputation with best-in-class Blu-ray players and Top Pick-designated headphones and amp/DACs, has made a most welcome entry into the overcrowded market for wireless speakers. Unlike many of the models you find on store shelves or online, the Sonica sounds great and supports both Bluetooth streaming and hi-res, multiroom playback over Wi-Fi. Reviewer Bob Ankosko wrote: “Skipping Tidal’s Playlists, I went straight to Genres, selected Folk/Americana, and kicked back in my chair for some easy listening. I was immediately struck by the fullness and depth of Amos Lee’s “Till You Come Back Through” (Spirit). Lee’s soulful voice filled my 12 x 12-foot office in a most convincing way.” All that from a speaker no bigger than a loaf of bread.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Elegant styling
Top-notch build quality
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming up to 192 kHz/24 bit
Remarkably full sound from a compact speaker
Minus
Can sound a tad bright
Not battery-powered
Rudimentary app

Full Review Here