New Products

Two iconic amplifier brands from decades past are coming together under the aegis of Canadian distributor-turned-manufacturer Radial Engineering Ltd., which is staging a global launch of the brands at the High End 2016 show in Munich, Germany, May 5-8.

Marantz is kicking off its 2016 home theater line-up with an affordable, low-profile 7.2-channel network AV receiver aimed at design- and space-conscious enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on performance.

Pioneer today announced the addition of two AV receivers to its 2016 lineup: the 7.2-channel VSX-1131 ($600) and 5.2-channel VSX-831 ($450).

Vizio today introduced the SmartCast E-Series and M-Series 4K/Ultra HD (UHD) TVs, featuring app control, built-in Google Cast plus Dolby Vision high-dynamic range (HDR) capability in the case of the more upscale M-Series.

I hate to open on a downer, but you need to know right up front that the magnificent TV shown here is available only in England and Germany. Did I mention it’s a Panasonic? And an OLED? Or that its U.S.-equivalent price is eleven grand? Yes, it’s true: The one-time plasma stalwart is making moves in a territory that until now has been ruled by LG. The Viera TX-65CZ950 was unveiled at the IFA electronics show in Berlin last September and shipped to select stores in Europe a month or so later. Panasonic also demonstrated the 65-inch TV at the CES 2016 in Las Vegas, giving us hope that it (or its more reasonably priced progeny) might be headed our way. There was no announcement regarding U.S. availability, however.

Denon has announced that it will add two 4K/HDR-ready AV receivers to its budget S Series by the end of the month.

Fluance has announced that its first line of turntables is now available for pre-order on Kickstarter.