Leslie Shapiro

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Headphone Reviews
JVC HA-FW01 In-Ear Headphones Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Apr 14, 2020

Performance
Build Quality
Comfort
Value
PRICE $329.95

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Solid build quality
Spacious imaging
Natural treble response
Minus
Bass could be smoother
Heavy
No inline controls on cable

THE VERDICT
With a unique wood-dome diaphragm, JVC’s HA-FW01 in-ear headphones deliver a clean sound that shines with acoustic music, particularly classical.

When our illustrious editor Al Griffin suggested that I review the JVC HA-FW01 in-ear headphones, he mentioned that they were "fancy." What could possibly be so fancy about headphones? As it turned out, the HA-FW01 has a gorgeous look, with a dark wood housing and rose-gold accents, but it's what's inside that really makes them fancy.

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Grace Notes
Keeping it Real in 'A Star Is Born'
Leslie Shapiro  |  Oct 29, 2018
These days, audiences want movies that are real and authentic. It’s a good thing stars want to make movies that are authentic as well. Here, we take a look behind the scenes and backstage at the fourth reiteration of A Star is Born, this time starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, who also directed. A timeless tale of an aging star in decline (in this case, Bradley Cooper’s Jackson Maine isn’t just an alcoholic, he’s also losing his hearing) crossing paths with Ally, a rising star, played believably by a stripped-down, fresh-faced Lady Gaga.

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CES 2018Grace Notes
Kempler & Strauss Debut the X2: Tiny Wireless Speakers That Go Anywhere
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 11, 2018
The problem with many portable speakers is that, well, they’re just not very portable. The X2 speakers from Kempler & Strauss are so small and portable that while they might be able to go anywhere, they’re so small they might get lost.

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CES 2019
Klipsch Launches Exciting Soundbar Lineup, WiSA-Ready Wireless Speakers, More
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 09, 2019
Audio icon Klipsch made an impressive showing at CES 2019 with an exciting new lineup of soundbars that harken back to the brand's horn-loaded speaker technology, along with new WiSA wireless speakers, and a new lineup of headphone and in-ear earphones.

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Bluetooth Speaker ReviewsBookshelf Speaker ReviewsSmart Speaker Reviews
Klipsch The Nines Powered Speakers Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Nov 28, 2023

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE: $1,499/pair

AT A GLANCE

Plus
Excellent treble clarity
Warm, rich bass
Placement flexibility
Minus
Powerful amplifier
Minimal tonal controls on remote
Dialogue clarity

THE VERDICT
The Klipsch The Nines speakers are in the Heritage Inspired Speaker line, and the sound signature is certainly aligned with their historic products. Warm, rich, with that legendary detailed high end that is always a classic.

Klipsch The Nines, found in the Heritage Inspired Speaker lineup, harken back to a time when HiFi stereos were all the rage. Even The Nines’ logo is 100% mid-century modern inspired.

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CES 2016Grace Notes
KUBE Portable Bluetooth Speaker Keeps Its Cool Even When Wet
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 08, 2016
The KUBE portable speaker is one of the coolest new products at CES - literally.

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Portable Player ReviewsGrace Notes
Last-Minute Gift Idea: Nyrius Songo & Songo HiFi
Leslie Shapiro  |  Dec 22, 2014
It’s getting down to the wire—stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and Santa’s helpers are desperate for an idea for that last-minute gift. The Nyrius Songo is just what Rudolph ordered for that grumpy Scrooge who hasn’t bought all the latest and greatest electronics. The Songo ($25) and Songo HiFi ($50) turn any receiver or dock into a wireless Bluetooth system. Scrooge can even use an iOS dock with an Android phone via Bluetooth, as long as the dock has an AUX input.

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CES 2019
LG Explodes at CES with XBOOM and Soundbars Galore
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 07, 2019
As usual, LG kicked off the 2019 CES press day with a bang. Or should we say XBOOM? In addition to showing off some amazingly cool new soundbars LG launched a series of exciting audio products in the XBOOM product line. Both the soundbars and XBOOM products reflect LG’s devotion to great sounding products with innovative features.

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Grace Notes
Libratone Zipp & Zipp Mini Portable Wi-Fi Speakers
Leslie Shapiro  |  Mar 07, 2016
One of the hottest trends in consumer electronics is multi-room speaker systems. While single, portable Bluetooth speakers are fine for travel and using outdoors, many people are seeking simple and elegant solutions for whole-home listening. The new Libratone Zipp ($300) and Libratone Zipp Mini ($250) are certainly interesting options.

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CES 2015
Life n’ Soul Makes a Splash with Compact Waterproof Speaker
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 06, 2015
Life n’ Soul realizes that not everyone plays it safe with their electronics. Some folks, in fact, play wet n’ wild with theirs. Enter the BM215 fully waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Take it to the pool or stick it to the bathtub - singing in the shower never sounded so good.

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