Audio Video News

September’s Top Picks may be small in number but they make an impression. In audio, we present an intriguing modular soundbar-based system designed for in-wall mounting, the latest take on PSB’s exceptional Imagine speaker series, and two AV receivers that assume very different roles in home entertainment. In video, Samsung’s state-of-the-art 4k/Ultra HDTV speaks for itself as does Epson’s “trickle down” projector.  

Epson Pro Cinema 6040UB 3D LCD Projector: $3,999

Nothing like trickle-down technology. Epson’s 6040UB projector uses the same 4K Enhancement technology used in the $8,000 LS10000 laser-driven LCD projector and throws in ISF-certification and compatibility with high-dynamic-range content. The result is a positively crisp and uniform picture with deep, well-defined blacks and bright, detailed highlights. Add to that potent setup features—including 10 custom picture presets and two-point color-temperature settings—and you have a powerful contender for any mid-priced home theater. Kudos to Epson for upping performance and features without getting crazy on price.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Crisp “4K Enhanced” picture
Ultra HD and HDR compatible
Impressive 3D performance
Minus
Some motor noise with Auto Iris active
High fan noise in certain picture modes

Full Review Here

 

Samsung UN65KS9800FXZA LCD Ultra HDTV: $4,500

Whether or not you like its curved screen, Samsung’s new top-of-the-line SUHD TV does something everyone will appreciate: It outperforms its predecessor without raising the price. In fact, it costs less. Veteran TV reviewer Tom Norton was impressed: “The Samsung is an expensive set, but it earns its price with some of the best images—HD, UHD, SDR, HDR—that we’ve yet seen from an Ultra HDTV. I’ve tried hard to find something to criticize, but apart from its off-axis viewing (still better than that of most LCD sets) and its HDR10-only status (no Dolby Vision), it’s hard to think of much.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Excellent blacks and shadow detail
First-rate resolution
Compelling high dynamic range
Minus
HDR limited to HDR10
No 3D

Full Review Here

 

Morel SoundWall LCR4 SW In-Wall Modular Soundbar System: $3,497 (as reviewed)

Morel is a speaker company through and through—it even makes and sells raw drivers to other OEM companies—but it is not your typical speaker company. The SoundWall LCR is a modular soundbar with three speaker elements designed to be mounted in the wall, not on the wall. Assessing the performance of the complete in-wall speaker system he installed around the soundbar, reviewer Darryl Wilkinson wrote: “With the SoundWall LCR4 SW and the SoundWall Surface SH17C, Morel has created a series of speakers that can be used in a variety of configurations and locations. What’s more, they’re unobtrusive and embarrassingly easy to install, and they sound great.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Requires no modifications to internal wall structure
Adjustable-width grille
Minus
Passive system
Needs a subwoofer

Full Review Here