Audio Video News

M&K Sound X15+ THX Dominus Certified Subwoofer: $5,999

One look at M&K’s 33-inch-tall X15+ and you know you’re in the presence of bass-ness. With a 700-watt (RMS) class-D amplifier and dual 15-inch custom drivers arranged in the push-pull configuration M&K founder Ken Kreisel introduced three decades ago, it is the subwoofer to beat. The X15+ is one of the first to achieve THX Dominus Certification, meaning it’s guaranteed to reach THX levels in rooms up to 6,500 cubic feet while maintaining a flat frequency response and low distortion.

THX moniker aside, M&K has a storied history as a maker of reference-quality speaker systems and audio innovator, having invented the satellite/subwoofer speaker concept and introduced the first self-powered subwoofer back in the mid-’70s. As resident bass guru David Vaughn put it, “If you've never listened to a system with an M&K sub first-hand, it's something you need to experience…M&K models have a unique and extremely precise sound.” Though Kreisel is no longer involved in M&K, the company continues to honor his principles, as evidenced by the impressive performance of its newest subwoofer.

Running through his usual battery of torture tests, Vaughn marveled at the precision and accuracy of the bass he heard — and felt. He was particularly impressed with the sub’s ability to shrug off everything he threw at it and produce measurable output below 17Hz. In terms of sheer performance, he called the X15+ the best subwoofer he’s tested in his two decades of reviewing audio products. If you’re looking for the last word in bass from a sub that goes extremely deep and plays extremely loud in the largest of rooms, the M&K comes highly recommended.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Deep bass response with extremely high output
Impeccable build quality
THX Dominus Certification
Minus
No built-in parametric EQ or room correction
No control app or handset

Full Review Here (posted 5/18/22)

Cleer Alpha Noise-Canceling Headphones: $250

Cleer Audio has been around for a decade but we only learned about the San Diego-based company a few years ago when we reviewed the Enduro 100 wireless headphones, which blew us away with their extraordinarily long battery life. In a market brimming with dozens of seemingly like models, most touting a much shorter battery life, the extended play time made the Enduro really stand out. Cleer’s latest entry in the over-ear headphone space brings app-control, smart noise cancellation, and Dirac Virtuo spatial processing into the fold, while maintaining a respectable 35-hour battery life.

The Alpha headphones are ready to take on any travel adventure with their foldable design, rugged build quality, and adjustable ambient-sound mode, which lets you mix in varying levels of external sound (essential when you need to hear announcements while walking through a bustling airport). The ’phones are also comfortable to wear thanks to the foam-padded earcups and headband and provide a handy conversation mode that drops playback volume so you don’t have to remove the ’phones when the police officer is tapping you on the shoulder.

Sound quality is every bit as impressive as the Alpha’s arsenal of useful features, which is topped by noise cancellation that adjusts automatically to external noise levels and Virtuo processing that creates a more expansive and realistic listening experience. Audio engineer-turned-reviewer Leslie Shapiro observed that music sounded rich and full when noise cancellation and spatial processing were both engaged: “Cueing up George Ezra's acoustic version of ‘Anyone For You,’ the guitar had a clean yet warm, tone, and there was nice separation and detail in the subtly doubled vocals on the second verse.” All in all, Cleer’s Alpha offers great value at a reasonable price.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Soundstage-widening Dirac Virtuo processing
Adjustable ambient sound mode
Smart noise cancellation
Solid build quality
Minus
Overly sensitive touch controls
Bass lacking in certain modes

Full Review Here (posted 5/25/22)

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