Audio Video News

NAD M17 V2 Surround Preamp/Processor: $6,000

Audiophiles looking for exceptional flexibility and outstanding sound quality in a home theater hub will want to give the M17 V2 a long hard look. Sound & Vision’s 2019 Top Pick of the Year in the audio separates/integrated amps category and a member of NAD’s prestigious Masters series, the preamp boasts sophisticated Dirac Live room correction and accommodates Dolby Atmos/DTS:X surround sound layouts with up to 7.1.4 channels. It also supports hi-res multiroom streaming via the BluOS music management platform developed by NAD sister brand Bluesound. Highly recommended by veteran reviewer Tom Norton.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exceptional flexibility
First-rate build quality
Superb sound
Minus
Complex ergonomics
Inadequate owner's manual

Full Review Here

Hegel Music Systems H390 Integrated Amplifier: $6,000

Hegel’s H390 is guaranteed to capture the attention of inveterate audiophiles with its robust build quality, flexible and future-proof feature set — including a serious selection of inputs and outputs — a balls-to-the-walls 2 x 250-watt amplifier, and outstanding sound quality. And we haven’t even mentioned its proprietary SoundEngine technology. Reviewer Al Griffin was captivated by the H390’s “clean, highly transparent rendering of recordings and effortlessly dynamic presentation.” This could well be the last integrated amp you’ll ever need.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clean, dynamic sound
Tank-like build quality
Ample power
Minus
Pricey
Streaming requires wired network connection
Unintuitive setup menu

Full Review Here

Cary Audio DMS-550 Network Audio Player: $5,495

If you were to sum up the DMS-550 in a few words it would be: “Digital audio done right.” Cary calls the 550 a “network audio player” but in truth it’s a player and a feature-packed digital preamp offering topnotch digital conversion, MQA decoding, aptX HD Bluetooth streaming, Roon compatibility, and lots more. It even has a built-in Class A headphone amplifier with independent volume. Reviewer Al Griffin gave overall sound quality a big thumbs up and was particularly impressed with the 550’s ability to convert music files to DSD format. If you’re waiting for the right gear to fully embrace hi-res streaming, this could be your ticket.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive sound quality
Extensive feature set
Flexible control app
Minus
Limited remote control IR range
Pricey

Full Review Here

Primare Prisma I15 Integrated Amplifier/DAC: $1,999

Sweden’s Primare has broadened its audiophile appeal with the Prisma I15, which provides a generous selection of wired and wireless connectivity options, streaming flexibility, and impeccable sound quality thanks to its use of top-performing components, including a Hypex Class-D amplifier and an AKM digital-to-analog converter (DAC) capable of conversion up to 24 bits/384 kHz. Dan Kumin cut to the chase in summarizing his impressions of the I15: “I was surprised by both the scope and excellence of its reproduction, which came shockingly close to good-as-it-gets levels.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Unimpeachable sound quality
Impressive power and dynamic ability
Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect support
Minus
No phono input or headphone output
No native streaming (requires smartphone, tablet or similar)

Full Review Here

Click here to peruse all of Sound & Vision’s 2019 Top Picks of the Year.

To browse all Sound & Vision-recommended AV gear, broken out by category, visit our Top Picks page.