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Tower Speaker Reviews
Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 Speaker System
Thomas J. Norton  |  Sep 08, 2009

Performance
Value
Build Quality
Price: $26,000 (excluding stands, updated 3/11/15)
At A Glance: Pristine highs, uncolored mids, tight bass • Great dynamic range • Subwoofer lacks wallop in the deepest, loudest bass

Better Than Golden

Founded in 1972, U.K.-based Monitor Audio has long produced speakers that offer good value. Until recently, it topped out at $4,500 per pair for the Gold Signature model. So when I heard about the new Platinum range, priced at $10,000 per pair for just the front left and right flagship PL300, it came as a surprise.

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A/V Veteran
Factory Made or DIY
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 31, 2009

A couple of blogs down I talked about loudspeakers, and alluded to the small but enthusiastic click of hobbyists who choose to make their own, rather than rely on far more expensive commercial designs.

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5 On The Line: Flat Panel Face Off
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 11, 2009
Face Off at 40” to 42”

Toshiba Regza 42ZV650U LCD HDTV Review and Comments
Vizio SV420M LCD HDTV Review and Comments
LG 42LH40 LCD HDTV Review and Comments
Sony Bravia KDL-40V5100 LCD HDTV Review and Comments
Panasonic Viera TC-P42G10 Plasma HDTV Review and Comments

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LCD TV Reviews
Toshiba Regza 42ZV650U LCD HDTV
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 11, 2009
This review is part of a five-way Face Off. Read the introduction and conclusions of the Face Off here.

Price: $1,300 At A Glance: 240-Hz-like operation with 120-Hz refresh • Outstanding calibration adjustments • Sub-par contrast and black level

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LCD TV Reviews
Vizio SV420M LCD HDTV
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 11, 2009
This review is part of a five-way Face Off. Read the introduction and conclusions of the Face Off here.

Price: $900 At A Glance: The price is right • Good detail • Mediocre black and shadow detail

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LCD TV Reviews
LG 42LH40 LCD HDTV
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 11, 2009
This review is part of a five-way Face Off. Read the introduction and conclusions of the Face Off here.

Price: $1,400 At A Glance: Superb adjustability • Outstanding color • Mediocre contrast and black level

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LCD TV Reviews
Sony Bravia KDL-40V5100 LCD HDTV
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 11, 2009
This review is part of a five-way Face Off. Read the introduction and conclusions of the Face Off here.

Price: $1,500 At A Glance: Plasma-like blacks and shadow detail • Good color and resolution • At its best with 1080p sources

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TV Reviews
Panasonic Viera TC-P42G10 Plasma HDTV
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 11, 2009
This review is part of a five-way Face Off. Read the introduction and conclusions of the Face Off here.

Price: $1,300 At A Glance: Excellent blacks and shadow detail • Superb off-axis performance • Performs best in subdued lighting

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A/V Veteran
Adventures in Speakerland
Thomas J. Norton  |  Aug 09, 2009

As I browsed through the latest issue of <I>Stereophile</I> during a late afternoon lunch break, the waiter who brought my soup glanced at an advertisement.

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AV GlossaryOther Tech
Tune In, Turn Down, Turn On!
Thomas J. Norton  |  Jul 14, 2009
THX, Dolby, and Audyssey deliver reference-level punch at lower volumes.

You know the drill. You’re just getting into the latest action blockbuster on your new home theater rig when a still, small voice wafts gently into your SPL-addled ear. “Isn’t that a bit loud?” Or perhaps the voice comes screeching in from another room. “I can’t hear myself think in here.” Or there’s a knock at the front door from the men in blue, demanding that you surrender your assault rifle in exchange for a fun stay in the slam with Tony the Hammer.

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