Audio Video News

Sony VPL-VW915ES 4K LCOS Projector: $20,000

Sony is looking to engage videophiles that crave the most realistic picture possible with its VPL-VW915ES 4K laser projector, which replaces the VPL-VW885ES we reviewed back in 2018. The projector addresses shortcomings Kris Deering outlined in his review of the 885ES at a price that is $5,000 less. The key improvement is a second-generation X1 video chip that delivers “a higher level of processing granularity” and there are now two high dynamic range (HDR) tone mapping curves — HDR10 and Reference. Otherwise, the projector is nearly identical to its predecessor. The VW915ES acquitted itself well, delivering outstanding picture performance. Watching movies (on disc and streamed) on a 140-inch screen, Deering concluded: “The 915ES's impressive color accuracy and contrast helped deliver breathtaking images from go-to high-definition evaluation discs like Oblivion Blu-ray.” He was especially impressed with the shadow detail revealed in a scene where Beech (Morgan Freeman) sits in utter darkness. “Very few projectors could come anywhere close to this level of performance on a scene this dark.” And with 4K/HDR content, the Sony produced images that “far surpassed most of what I've seen from many current projectors on the market” with powerful contrast, rich color, and razor-sharp detail. “Its out-of-box color accuracy and contrast performance contribute to an image that will no doubt dazzle even the most discerning videophile.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
True 4K resolution
Laser light source
Excellent out-of-box color accuracy
Minus
Some limitations with HDR
Steep price for feature set

Full Review Here

Polk Audio MagniFi 2 Soundbar: $499

Polk engineers made headlines last year when they re-introduced a refined version of the SDA (Stereo Dimensional Array) technology Matthew Polk developed 40 years ago in the $6,000/pair Legend L800 speakers. The patented image enhancing technology has just landed in the brand’s latest soundbar system, the MagniFi 2, and it does a phenomenal job of expanding the soundstage, especially when used in conjunction with Polk’s selectable 3D Mode, which adds virtual height and surround effects to Dolby and DTS soundtracks. As reviewer Leslie Shapiro attests, “The result is not as realistic as what you'd get from a system with dedicated surround and overhead speakers, but it's still impressive.” The convenience of having Google’s Chromecast platform onboard further bolsters the soundbar by making it easy to stream music wirelessly from Amazon Music HD, Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz. Soundbars are commonly criticized for not being able to project sound much beyond the edges of the bar itself, but Polk’s MagniFi 2 does just that while delivering an enveloping surround-sound experience.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Immersive 3D audio mode
Chromecast-built in plus Bluetooth
Stylish, wireless subwoofer
Minus
Imaging can be vague with stereo music
Remote control hard to read

Full Review Here

Monoprice Monolith HTP-1 Surround Sound Processor, $4,000

The latest specimen in Monoprice’s rapidly expanding Monolith series is a super customizable 16-channel preamp/surround processor that punches well above its price class. At $4,000, the Monolith HTP-1 seems pricey until you consider that it offers a level of flexibility and features usually reserved for cost-no-object processors from the likes of Trinnov and Datasat. The pre/pro is Roon Tested for seamless integration with the Roon music playback and library management system audiophiles love and accommodates balanced and unbalanced connections. It also embraces the proven Dirac Live room-correction system (with Live Bass Control for subwoofer integration) and provides parametric EQ, IP control, and 4K/60Hz pass-through with Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR). Add to that decoding for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D sound with enough channels to accommodate a state-of-the-art theater or music setup (with up to six overheard channels and five independently adjustable subwoofers) and you have a winning combination of features at a winning price. Reviewer Kris Deering called the Dolby Atmos soundtrack in Ready Player One a “dazzling showcase of not only how good the HTP-1 sounded, but also how quickly and easily it lets you fine-tune material you're familiar with. No other processor I've used to date permits such an outstanding level of customization while delivering second-to-none performance.” Need we say more?

AT A GLANCE
Plus
16-channel processing and output
Extensive customization options
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D support
Dirac Live room correction with bass control
Minus
Setup may intimidate casual users
No onscreen display

Full Review Here

Focal Chora 826-D Speaker System: $8,360 (as tested)

It’s easy to think of France’s Focal as being focused exclusively on exotica, with speakers in the upper echelon of its offerings starting at $26,000 and scaling up to $130,000… a piece. No question, the brand has a high-end leaning, but it also covers price points as low as $500 for a pair of mini speakers or $1,300 for a complete home theater speaker package. About a year ago, Focal unveiled the Chora series of “high quality yet affordable loudspeakers” with prices starting at $800 a pair and has since expanded the line with home-theater models. All an effort to expand its base. Eager to audition Focal’s lower echelon offerings, Al Griffin assembled a 5.1.4 Chora system around two pairs of 826-D towers featuring up-firing Atmos Elevation drivers that enable Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks to blossom in a way that puts ordinary surround sound to shame. He was impressed and found the system to be equally adept with movies and music in its ability to convey ambience and detail with power and clarity. “The system excelled in delivering ambient effects such as those in a [John Wick] scene where a bloodied Wick runs through rain-filled city streets. The sound of rain falling came across vividly, the downpour seeming to drip from overhead locations in the room.” Ultimately, Griffin praised Focal with delivering a “great all-purpose rig.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Great overall sound with movies and music
Integrated Atmos Elevation speakers
Impressive clarity from center speaker
Minus
Pricey sub with limited features
Boxy design for Focal speakers

Full Review Here

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