Audio Video News

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 — 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

 

TCL 75Q825 8-Series Roku LCD Ultra HDTV: $3,000

Low prices — not high technology — is likely the first thing that comes to mind when you see or hear the letters TCL. But the Chinese company, which claims to be the fastest growing TV brand in America, has stepped up its game with the new 8-Series, which is built around the popular Roku streaming platform and brings full-array mini-LED backlighting with local dimming and Dolby Vision high-dynamic range (HDR) into the fold. Resident video guru Tom Norton was so impressed with the 75-inch 75Q825 that he gave it 4.5- and 5-star ratings across the board: “In general, images looked as good as I’ve seen them on the best sets, with a bit more punch in highlights…”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Super-punchy HDR performance
Class-leading local dimming
App-based picture calibration
Minus
Typical limited off-center viewing window
No VRR or FreeSync for gaming

Full Review Here

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