Leslie Shapiro

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Headphone ReviewsGrace Notes
Will.i.am's "i.am+ EPs." Bluetooth Earphones: A Mixed Bag
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jul 25, 2016
Music mogul Will.i.am has produced a new earphone, the "EPs.", inspired by the look of vinyl, launching exclusively online at Apple.com and in select Apple stores. At a time when “Made in China” might not seem all that cool, the EPs proudly boast that they were designed in Los Angeles, and produced in China, with glamour shots of the factory included. They also boast that they’re for the dope. We’ll see about that. With rumors swirling around that Apple might be eliminating the headphone port on the next gen of iPhones, is it any wonder they’re the exclusive retailers of these wireless earphones?

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CES 2018Grace Notes
Wraps Takes the Headache out of Headphones
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 12, 2018
How much does it suck to spend half your workout trying to untangle your headphone cables before you can start to listen to your music? A lot, right? Wraps Wristband headphones and cables never tangle because you carry them wrapped around your wrist instead of stuffed in your bag or briefcase.

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Soundbar ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 Soundbar and MusicCast 50 Wireless Speaker Review
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jun 12, 2019

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $499 (BAR 400), $499 (MusicCast 50)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
MusicCast 50 can be used for wireless surround
DTS Virtual:X simulated surround processing
Simple setup with multi-room capability
Minus
Unnecessarily complicated user controls
No Chromecast built-in

THE VERDICT
A powerful system with expansive sound and deep bass that's further enhanced by the addition of Yamaha's MusicCast 50 as a wireless surround speaker.

At just under $500, Yamaha's MusicCast BAR 400 soundbar/subwoofer system is a great value. When you add the company's MusicCast 50 wireless speaker ($499) to use for surrounds, you get a stellar wireless 5.1 system that creates an immersive experience while easily integrating with your streaming music apps. The system connects via Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth.

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Bluetooth Speaker ReviewsGrace Notes
Yantouch Diamond+ Light + Music
Leslie Shapiro  |  Oct 27, 2014
Typically at Sound &Vision, we review serious products, for serious listeners, tending to shy away from gimmicks. Every once in a while, however, a product shows up on our doorstep that looks like it might be a toy, but deserves a closer look. The Yantouch Diamond+ Bluetooth speaker with an amazing light display is one such product.

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Smart Speaker Reviews
Zeppelin Pro: The Ultimate Wireless Speaker for Audiophiles Who Value Form and Function
Leslie Shapiro  |  Mar 18, 2025

Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $799 (or $899 for the McLaren Edition)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exceptional sound quality with refined highs and controlled bass
Iconic, luxurious design with new color options
Seamless wireless streaming via app, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth
Robust build quality and multi-room potential
Minus
No physical inputs or voice assistant support
Limited EQ customization
Expensive
Not portable

THE VERDICT
The new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition is an exciting update to the original, with its iconic design making it a stunning centerpiece for any listening space.

My heart rarely flutters when I get word of a new product to review. Perhaps I’m jaded from countless marketing departments' claims of “new and improved.” However, my pulse actually quickened when I heard that the new Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition was on its way to me. While the original Zeppelin was quite the impressive speaker, the new Pro Edition has improved on that almost perfect original, and I was very excited to hear this new version of a classic.

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Headphone ReviewsGrace Notes
Zipbuds 26 Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jul 10, 2017
I worry when I see any product claiming to have audiophile sound. As if any company is going to advertise their new headphones with tone-deaf, mediocre sound? How about I-don’t-give-a-crap sound? Let’s just say that I start off a bit skeptical when I read claims like that, especially from a company who is a relative newcomer to the market. After some quality listening time with the new Zipbuds 26, I’m cutting them some slack. These earphones sound really good. Claim away.

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CES 2018Grace Notes
Zolo Model Zero Powered by Anker Links Google Home with Dolby Sound
Leslie Shapiro  |  Jan 09, 2018
While you might think Anker is only known for making oddly luxurious battery power banks, they’re venturing into the audio world in a big way by joining with Dolby to create the Zolo Model Zero, a new smart speaker with Google Assistant.

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Grace Notes
Zwift and the Case for a Bigger TV
Leslie Shapiro  |  Apr 16, 2018
Welcome to my world. The world of Zwift that is — the online virtual cycling game/training tool that makes indoor cycling fun. Yes, I said it. Training indoors can actually be fun, and the bigger and better your TV is, the more fun it will be. If you struggle with your significant other over new electronic purchases, I have found your solution. Get your SO hooked on Zwift and he or she will beg you for a bigger TV.

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