Best Gear of June 2019
Sound & Vision Top Picks for the month of June include two TVs — one a 4K OLED that delivers breathtaking images, the other a super-bright LCD set that costs $1,500 less — a $500 soundbar that’s does a lot more than just improve movie sound, and a pair of tower speakers from a legendary name in audio that can be had for five hundred bucks.
JBL Stage A170 Tower Speaker: $500/pair
The A170s’ ordinary looks aren’t going to win any beauty contests but reviewer Michael Trei is quick to direct our attention to what really counts — the sound quality delivered by this unassuming pair of speakers from JBL, one of audio’s most iconic brands. As he put it, “The A170 is a slam-dunk winner,” delivering an impressively wide and deep soundstage and nailing tonal accuracy. If you’re looking for good speakers but are low on cash, make the JBL A170s your first stop.
AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clear and dynamic sound
Bargain price
Minus
Plain-Jane appearance
Limited finish options
Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 Soundbar System: $499
AT A GLANCE
Plus
DTS Virtual:X simulated surround processing
Simple set up
Multiroom capability
Optional MusicCast 50 wireless speaker ($499) can be used to boost surround performance
Minus
Unnecessarily complicated user controls
No Chromecast built-in
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