Audio Video News

SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Isolation System: $50

Yep, you read that right. The SVS SoundPath Subwoofer Isolation System costs fifty bucks, making it a no-brainer addition to any serious home theater system, especially one that produces deep, pounding bass. Reviewer and avowed basshead David Vaughn explains: “When subwoofers are pounding away, they create a lot of mechanical energy that has to go somewhere. When they are in contact with your floor, that energy transmits directly into the substrate.” Wood subfloors, in particular, absorb that energy, which creates unwanted rattles not to mention complaints from family members or—worse—neighbors. Use these screw-on replacement feet to jack up your subwoofer and marvel at how they eradicate annoying buzzes and rattles.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Easy to install
Tames unwanted vibrations
Minus
Why aren’t these standard issue?

Full Review Here

Yamaha YSP-5600 Soundbar: $1,700

If you’re going to go the soundbar route, you might as well spend a little more and do it right. Yamaha has a proven track record with soundbars that began more than a decade ago with the innovative YSP-1 Digital Sound Projector—a 40-inch-wide bar that used 40 tiny drivers (and two woofers) to create a vivid surround-sound experience. The legacy continues with the YSP-5600, which brings Wi-Fi/Bluetooth streaming and Dolby Atmos into the fold—from a single speaker! Outstanding sonic performance and an impressive list of features make this one of the best overall soundbar values on the market today.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Dolby Atmos and (via future upgrade) DTS: X
MusicCast, AirPlay, Bluetooth (both in and out), and Wi-Fi for music streaming
Minus
Larger than most soundbars
Remote control isn’t backlit

Full Review Here

ViewSonic LightStream Pro7827HD 3D DLP Projector: $890

Okay, ViewSonic’s Pro7827HD is not perfect nor should you expect it to be for 900 bucks ($800 with online discounts). What it does bring to the table is excellent brightness, compatibility with Roku and Amazon Fire TV streaming devices, a remote control, and—get this—ISF certification with Day and Night modes. Who’d a thought you’d get ISF at this price? Here’s how video guru Al Griffin summed up his experience: “In the end I found myself surprised by how well the Pro7827HD performed. It delivered ample brightness, decent contrast, and good detail. Color for the most part was accurate, even without calibration, and the ISF Day and Night modes and other advanced adjustments provided plenty of options to improve the picture…The Pro7827 ends up looking like a winner for its price.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive brightness
Clean, detailed picture
Good overall 3D performance
Minus
So-so contrast
Relatively high fan noise

Full Review Here