Audio Video News

Trick or treat? No tricks here…only treats—especially for home theater enthusiasts weighing various pathways to object-based surround sound (a.k.a. Dolby Atmos or DTS:X). Here we present three Top Pick-rated options in AV receivers—from low to high to very high, as in drop-dead state of the art for those whose priority is sonic purity at all costs. Speaking of object-based surround, how about a simple soundbar-based system that provides a remarkably convincing Dolby Atmos presentation? You read that right—a soundbar. Rounding out this month’s Top Pick honorees are two headphones that couldn’t be more different: one with elegant, solid-wood earcups, the other a pair of “in-ear monitors” that distinguish themselves as the world’s first ’buds designed for listening to and “mixing” live music in real-time. Mind-blowing? You bet.  

Samsung HW-K950 Atmos Soundbar System: $1,500

We know what you’re thinking: A soundbar with Dolby Atmos—how is that possible? But Samsung has done a masterful job of pulling it off. The HW-K950 delivers a surprisingly robust surround-sound experience from a four-piece setup comprising a 4-foot-wide soundbar, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. The soundbar, alone, has 11 drivers, including two aimed toward the ceiling for Atmos effects. Another pair of up-firing drivers sit atop the rear speakers. Reviewer and avowed home theater enthusiast Michael Trei wrote: “What you get with the Samsung is a system that’s easy to set up and use—and one that sounds clear, powerful, dynamic, and transparent.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Full surround, including Dolby Atmos, from just four boxes
Rich, punchy sound
Minus
Limited connectivity
Pricey for a soundbar

Full Review Here

 

Arcam AVR850 AV Receiver: $6,000

U.K.’s Arcam makes a bold statement with its reference-caliber AV receiver—one that combines a seven-channel amplifier with state-of-the-art surround sound and Dirac Live room-correction processing in an impeccably-built component. Breaking rank with today’s typical AVR, the AVR850 is surprisingly simple to set up and eschews wireless connectivity (imagine that), focusing instead on performance in the form of an unusual Class G amplifier that sounds clean, dynamic, and musical on everything from hi-res stereo to Dolby Atmos soundtracks. The AVR850 is about the most expensive receiver you can buy but if sonic purity is your goal and you have the wherewithal, it demands serious consideration.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding seven-channel power from uncommon amp topology
Dirac Live auto setup and room correction
Winning remote handset
Minus
Lacks wireless connectivity
Premium pricing

Full Review Here

 

Here Active Listening In-Ear Monitors: $199

An ideal gift for the inveterate concert-goer, Hear Active in-ear monitors are not just another pair of earbuds—not even close. These sophisticated, app-controlled ’buds let you control what you hear during live musical performances. Using a five-band equalizer with multiple presets, you can raise and lower the bass, mids, and highs in real time, whether you’re rocking out to Skynyrd or enjoying a night at the symphony. There’s even a Crowd setting to “turn down” audience chatter. As resident music expert Mike Mettler put it: “How many times have you attended a live concert and thought, ‘I could mix the show better than that’? Well, now you can…I can’t imagine attending any show going forward without the Here buds in my ears.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Lets you become an instant live mixmaster
Easy to mix in real time
Comfortable and nonintrusive over many hours of consecutive use/wear
Minus
Could use a few more genre- and venue-specific presets

Full Review Here