Mark Henninger

Audio Video News
Rising Above: Auro-3D’s Next Act in Immersive Audio
Mark Henninger  |  Dec 09, 2024
In the world of immersive audio, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tend to hog all the headlines. Everyone’s always talking about them, and if you’re not tuned in, you might think they’re the only games in town. But then there’s Auro-3D. If the audio industry were a soda aisle, Auro-3D would be kind of like RC Cola—never the top seller, rarely a household name, but still hanging around, offering its own flavor for the folks who appreciate something a bit different.
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Track One
Big Screens, Big Decisions: Finding the Right TV
Mark Henninger  |  Dec 05, 2024
Here's the deal with buying a new TV: it’s easy to fixate on just one thing—maybe you want the biggest screen possible, or the absolute best picture quality, or maybe you're just hunting for the best deal. But the real trick is finding the sweet spot between screen size, picture quality, and cost that fits your space and needs.
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Advertorial
Shaking Up Savings: SVS's Seismic Black Friday Audio Blowout
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 29, 2024
SVS, the undisputed heavyweight champ of bone-rattling bass and crystal-clear sound, has dropped its Seismic Black Friday Event—and trust us, this sale hits harder than its subwoofers.
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New Products
TCL Projector A1: A Portable Big Screen Experience
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 25, 2024
Alright, folks, gather around because TCL just dropped something interesting into the already crowded portable projector market: the TCL Projector A1. If you’ve been waiting for TCL to step up its game beyond gigantic TVs (because who needs a 100-inch screen in every room, right?), with this baby step from the Chinese TV giant your wait is over.
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Bookshelf Speaker Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature Bookshelf & HTM71 S3 Signature Center Review
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 20, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE
705 S3 Signature: $4500/pair
HTM71 S3 Signature: $3300
DB4S subwoofer: $2199

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Living room friendly, audiophile quality
Enveloping 3D soundstage
Tight and articulate
Center channel has tremendous clarity
Beautiful

Minus
Pricier than non-Signature versions

THE VERDICT
700 S3 Signature offers slick looks and a superbly smooth sound.

Here's the deal: I set up a 5.1 system aiming for both quality and aesthetic appeal without taking over the entire living room. The setup includes the Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature bookshelf speakers for the front left and right, the HTM71 S3 Signature—the first Signature center channel from Bowers & Wilkins—for the center, regular 705 S3 bookshelf speakers for the rear channels, and a DB4S subwoofer. The electronics come courtesy of Marantz, specifically the Cinema 10 and Amp 10 combo.

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Headphone Amp/DAC ReviewsPortable Player Reviews
iFi Go Link Max: Big Performance in a Pocket-Sized DAC
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 20, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $79

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Flawless performance
Affordable
Tiny
Includes USB and lightning adapters
Minus
Cord is slightly too short for use with iPad on stand

THE VERDICT
The iFi Go Link Max delivers impressive performance for its size and price, offering hi-res audio compatibility, powerful amplification, and excellent sound quality. A standout choice for audiophiles on the go.

You know, I've grown to really appreciate high-quality corded passive headphones. They're like the enlightened path to audio nirvana. Sure, wireless is convenient, and I do appreciate noise canceling and DSP processing. But there's something about a great pair of passive cans that gets you where you want to be with zero fuss, 100% reliability, and often at levels of fidelity that remain elusive for wireless models.

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Audio Video News
Bose Buys McIntosh Group
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 19, 2024
Bose Corporation has announced its acquisition of the McIntosh Group, the parent company of high-end audio brands McIntosh and Sonus faber. This strategic move positions Bose to expand into the luxury and high-performance audio markets.
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Tower Speaker Reviews
Focal Aria Evo X No.2: Seamless Sound, Striking Design
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 17, 2024  |  Published: Nov 18, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $4800/pair

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Excellent audio fidelity
Attractive
Easy to assemble

Minus
Expensive relative to capability
No Atmos speakers or dedicated surrounds
Center channel model is a 2-way

THE VERDICT
The Focal Aria Evo X No. 2 towers blend stunning design with powerful, detailed sound, making them a standout in high-end audio.

Focal, the French audio manufacturer with roots in professional and consumer speaker design, has seamlessly blended technical prowess with stylish aesthetics in its products. Their Aria Evo X series continues this tradition, featuring an organic Moss Green finish and flax drivers that not only perform exceptionally but also offer a unique, natural look.

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Wide Angle
The Worst Thing I Watched This Year: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 17, 2024
I signed up for Netflix for the first time in a year just to catch the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match. Having previously canceled my subscription due to lack of use, I shelled out $23 for the top-tier plan that includes 4K streaming. I had high hopes for a big, entertaining event—and, well, hopes were all I got.
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New Products
Marantz Debuts Horizon and Grand Horizon: Luxury Wireless Speakers
Mark Henninger  |  Oct 22, 2024
Marantz has unveiled two new wireless speakers: the Marantz Horizon and the Marantz Grand Horizon. These models mark the company's entry into the wireless speaker market, blending high fidelity with elegance and are aimed at discerning listeners.
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