Mark Henninger

Audio Video News
Tidal Adopting Hi-Res FLAC for HiFi Plus Subscribers
Mark Henninger  |  Apr 11, 2023
Today, Tidal revealed on Reddit that HiFi Plus subscribers will soon have a new streaming option: high-resolution FLAC. This announcement follows closely behind MQA's entry into "administration," the British equivalent of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This development suggests financial difficulties for MQA and raises questions about its future.
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4K TV ReviewsTV Reviews
TCL 6 Series mini-LED QLED 4K Roku TV Review
Mark Henninger  |  Apr 06, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $950 (updated 11/30/23)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Very bright
Deep blacks
Excellent contrast
QLED wide color gamut
Easy to use
Stylish
Minus
Limited viewing angles

THE VERDICT
The combination of high contrast, brightness, and excellent color accuracy right out of the box make TCL's 65R655 a great choice for a main living room TV and many other applications.

It is amazing how rapidly TVs have grown in capability while their prices have dropped, defying inflation. I am very familiar with TCL's 6 Series and remember its first U.S. market iteration. It was an affordable 55-inch 4K TV that turned out to be great for both movies and gaming, thanks to its ease of use and nice, contrasty screen.

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Streaming Device Reviews
Juke Multiroom Streaming Amplifier Review
Mark Henninger  |  Apr 03, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,349 (Juke-6) / $1,499 (Juke-8)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Plug-and-play upgrade
Simple and reliable
Low cost per zone
Expandable
Minus
Only 20 watts RMS per channel
No EQ

THE VERDICT
The Juke is a simple, affordable way to retrofit an existing multiroom wired architectural speaker system, or power a new one. It provides high-quality sound and is easy to use.

Multiroom streaming audio is a fun and affordable way to upgrade your home. Juke Audio's six-zone or eight-zone (12- or 16-channel) smart amplifier is a quick, easy, and reasonably priced way to get started. Leveraging AirPlay/AirPlay2 and Spotify Connect, it communicates directly with a wide array of supported apps.

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Audio Video News
Hisense Partners with NBA, Brings Exclusive Content to North America
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 31, 2023
Hisense is a leading global consumer electronics brand known for its TVs. It has now partnered with the NBA to engage more fans across North America. As the NBA's Official TV and Home Appliance Partner, Hisense will exclusively present "X-Factor Moments," a weekly video series highlighting key plays from the 2023 postseason.
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Audio Video NewsNew Products
LG SC9 and SE6 Dolby Atmos Soundbars Now Available
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 22, 2023
LG Electronics USA announced the pricing and availability of its 2023 LG Sound Bar C (SC9) and LG SE6 models. These new soundbars are designed to complement its 2023 TV range, both in appearance and performance. LG claims the Sound Bar C is the first to integrate technology and features from IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X while employing triple up-firing height channels.
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Audio Video NewsNew Products
LG Begins Preorders for 49" UltraGear Gaming Monitor
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 21, 2023
LG Electronics USA has just announced the pricing and availability of its latest gaming monitor, the 49-inch Curved UltraGear, aka the 49GR85DC-B. The new monitor, now available for pre-order on LG.com, is priced at $1299. LG is sweetening the pre-order deal by offering a free UltraGear Gaming Pad worth $200 and the company expects to ship in early April.
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4K TV Reviews
Samsung 77" S95C OLED 4K TV
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 20, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $4,500

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impeccable HDR
Outstanding contrast
Wide viewing angle
Highly accurate
Minus
No Dolby Vision
Pricey for a 77-inch TV

THE VERDICT
The 77-inch S95C delivers a potent combination of quantum dot OLED vibrance, reference-level color accuracy, and hyperfast gaming.

The 2023 Samsung S95C offers unparalleled picture quality, owing to quantum dot OLED technology. Its pure RGB emissive pixels enable the delivery of remarkable brightness, contrast, and color, providing a viewing experience that truly honors the source material.

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New Products
SVS Launches 3000 In-Wall Subwoofer
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 02, 2023
The new SVS 3000 In-Wall subwoofer promises deep, chest-pounding bass. It is a state-of-the-art architectural subwoofer designed to seamlessly integrate into both existing rooms and new construction. It leverages active dual 9-inch high-excursion SVS-designed drivers and serves up an abundance of power and precision. The company says it "delivers massive output with pinpoint accuracy."
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New Products
Sony Unveils 2023 Bravia TV Lineup
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 02, 2023
When it comes to TVs, things are looking bright for 2023. If there's a theme to this year's new models, it's the dramatic increase in peak light output for both LCD and OLED-based TVs. Sony's new Bravia lineup is a perfect example; these TVs significantly outshine their predecessors.

Sony's updated Bravia XR lineup boasts a range of five new models, each designed to offer a superlative viewing experience. It consists of the X95L Mini LED (65, 75, and 85 inches), X90L Full Array LED (55, 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches), A95L QD-OLED (55, 65, and 77 inches), and the A80L OLED (55, 65, 77, and 83 inches).

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Headphone Reviews
Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones Review
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 01, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $699

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exceptional sound quality
Impeccable build
USB DAC
Unique style
Minus
Noise canceling lags Sony & Bose
Non-folding design

THE VERDICT
Both an engineering achievement and a work of industrial art, the Bathys are full-size, over-ear wireless ANC headphones designed to please picky listeners on the go. They offer owners a refined blend of style and substance.

Bathys, Focal’s first adaptive noise-canceling headphones, are instantly recognizable due to the company’s unique design sensibility. They come from a multi-year in-house development effort and incorporate the company’s signature M-shaped, 40mm aluminum-magnesium alloy drivers that are made by the company in France. Because the sound quality is so good, owning them is a fun experience that makes the higher price worthwhile.

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