Audio Video News

Fluance Ai40 Powered Bluetooth Speakers System: $200

You might not expect much from two-hundred-dollar-a-pair speakers but the Ai40s from Canada’s Fluance sound as good as they look — which is to say excellent. Enthusiastically recommended by veteran reviewer and music connoisseur Al Griffin, these speakers are not only a cinch to set up but support the convenience of aptX-enabled Bluetooth streaming with enough onboard power to deliver clean sound at a higher volume that you would expect. If you’re on a limited budget, this is a no-brainer.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive sound and build quality for price
Good looks
Easy to set up

Minus
Limited connection options
Analog input can be noisy

Full Review Here

SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer: $1,099 (piano black), $999 (black ash)

Scoring five stars in three of our four evaluation categories, Ohio’s SVS has proved once again that it is the master of its domain. The SB-3000 shines on many levels, starting with its ability to deliver sub-20-Hz bass from a relatively compact enclosure at a price that will leave you scratching your head. Add to that an incredibly useful app that lets you adjust volume and a whole slew of parameters without leaving the couch, and you have a subwoofer that actually lives up to SVS’s ballsy claim that the 3000 is the best performing subwoofer of its size.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding performance for price
Excellent iOS/Android control app
Compact form factor
Minus
Lacks auto-calibration/room EQ

Full Review Here

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