Brent Butterworth

Two pretty big pieces of news hit the audio world this week. Jade Design, makers of Emotiva products, purchased Bob Carver LLC and has begun making his products in the U.S. at substantially lower prices.

Noise-cancelling headphones shouldn't be so expensive. In most cases, the technology is simple: a couple of tiny microphones, a cheap amplifier chip, and a simple filter circuit.

Calling the PSB Imagine W3 a soundbar is like calling the Red Bull RB6 F1 racer a car. Technically, the description is correct. But the item in question differs so much from most in its category that the comparison seems silly.

T.H.E. Show Newport Beach wrapped up yesterday evening, and I think everyone in attendance would agree that it's a harbinger of good things to come. In its third year, the show has matured into an event that would impress even the most jaded audiophile. There was something for everyone, from half-million-dollar systems to some that cost less than $500.