Mark Henninger

CES 2024The S&V InterviewShows
Interview: Focal Aria Evo X Speakers
Mark Henninger  |  Jan 15, 2024
With over four decades of innovation, Focal has continually set the bar for sound fidelity and speaker design. Today, we're diving into their latest creation, the Aria Evo X, and exploring how Focal's approach to developing and marketing audio technology has evolved and led to this exciting new update to the popular, but decade-old Aria speaker line.

Joining me are Cedrick Boutonet—CEO of Vervent Audio Group, overseeing both Focal and Naim, and Arnaud Hendoux—managing director for Americas at Vervent Audio Group. We discuss the strategic importance of in-house speaker development and manufacturing, a cornerstone of Focal's identity and success.

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4K TV ReviewsOLED TV ReviewsTV Reviews
Samsung S90C 77" 4K Quantum Dot OLED TV Review
Mark Henninger  |  Dec 27, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

PRICE $2,500

AT A GLANCE
Plus
High value for price
Superior picture quality
Works in bright settings
Low Lag and High Refresh Rate
Minus
Potential for image retention and burn-in
Lacks support for Dolby Vision
77-inch is the largest size with QD-OLED

THE VERDICT
When a TV's picture quality is the top priority over screen size, you won't do better than this 77-inch quantum-dot OLED from Samsung.

It is a small miracle that you can buy a TV as good as the 77-inch Samsung S90C Quantum Dot OLED for $2500. But that's where we're at, as the year 2024 begins. The price premium paid for early adoption has long since passed, and the TV's current pricing makes it an exceptional value for those who prize high contrast and deep blacks and extremely intense colors.

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Tower Speaker Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 Loudspeaker Review
Mark Henninger  |  Dec 20, 2023

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $3,000 (each)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Holographic soundstage and imaging
Tight and articulate bass
Aesthetically pleasing
Easy to assemble

Minus
Somewhat low sensitivity
Can't place Atmos modules on top of the towers

THE VERDICT
Speakers that reveal music's emotional core, allowing you to connect with it on a deeper level.

My experience with Bowers & Wilkins dates back over thirty years to my high school days, when I first admired the 801 Matrix in Stereophile magazine. My longstanding interest in the brand has led me to review products, visit their factory in Worthing, England, and witness their speakers at Abbey Road Studios. Naturally, I was eager to review the 703 S3 towers.

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Editor's Eye
The Cost of High Fidelity, My Transition to Streaming & Defining Value and Affordability
Mark Henninger  |  Dec 08, 2023
When I browse audio forums and social media, I often see absolute nonsense posted about the fidelity you can achieve with a phone, claiming it is not "audiophile" or whatever. Reality is if you stream lossless music through a phone and use good headphones, the listening experience is extremely high fidelity.
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Projector ReviewsProjector Buying TipsSpecial Features
4K Projector Buyer’s Guide
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 22, 2023
In just a few short years the home projector landscape has undergone a radical revolution in terms of price and selection. There's the proliferation of UST (ultra-short-throw) DLP projectors with laser light sources over the past few years. Even more recently, a new breed of compact and powerful "lifestyle" standard-throw models has emerged. These produce bright and sharp images, often with a level of fidelity previously unimaginable at their price point.
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Shows
Demos and Interviews from Capital Audiofest 2023
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 21, 2023
A week after Capital Audiofest concluded, the event remains vivid in memory. Recognized as the premier audio show on the East Coast, it successfully maintained its informal yet upscale ambiance, focusing primarily on high-end, two-channel audio.

In this collection, you'll find an array of demonstration videos I captured during the event, including a couple of interviews.

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Bluetooth Speaker ReviewsBookshelf Speaker ReviewsWireless Multiroom Speaker Reviews
Sonos Move 2 Portable Wireless Speaker Review
Mark Henninger  |  Oct 31, 2023

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE: $449

AT A GLANCE

Plus
Stereo sound from dual tweeters
Battery life up to 24 hours
Support for wired audio sources
Upgraded Wireless Charging Base
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities
Minus
Stereo soundstage is limited
Cannot be paired with Sonos subwoofer
Proprietary USB-C Line-In Adapter not included in box

THE VERDICT
With long battery life, a robust build, powerful bass, and superior connectivity options, the Move 2 is a compelling upgrade that's ready for both indoor and outdoor use. While it might be on the pricier side, for the quality and features offered, it’s an investment that delivers.

Sonos, a brand synonymous with wireless multi-room audio, unveils its latest: the Sonos Move 2. This speaker is not just a sequel but a significant upgrade from its predecessor.

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Shows
The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2023: Ascot's Grandstand Set the Stage
Mark Henninger  |  Oct 19, 2023
Have you ever wondered why audiophile extravaganzas often feel like they're confined to your average Holiday Inn? Yes, we get it: the rooms, the isolation, but come on—doesn't high-fidelity deserve a high-class venue? Enter the UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2023, staged at the Ascot Racecourse Grandstand. It is where high-end audio got the royal treatment it's long yearned for.
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Editor's Eye
The Evolution of Performance
Mark Henninger  |  Oct 05, 2023
As highly competent design becomes more commonplace in modern AV gear, it’s the perfect time to discuss the balance between performance, design, and features.
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Audio Video NewsNew Products
Arcam Radia Series Unveiled: Tradition Meets Modernity in London
Mark Henninger  |  Oct 04, 2023  |  Published: Oct 03, 2023
Today in London, Arcam unveiled its latest audio line, the Radia Series, during a live event at the Vinyl Factory. The series features three integrated amplifiers: the Arcam A5, A15, and A25, alongside the Arcam CD5 CD player and Arcam ST5 high-resolution streamer. This initial offering represents a harmonious blend of Arcam’s established British audio heritage with modern design aesthetics and technology.
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