Audio Video News

Fluance Ai40 Powered Bluetooth Speakers System: $200/pair

You might not expect much from two-hundred-dollar-a-pair speakers but the Ai40s from Canada’s Fluance exceed expectations in every way with solid build quality, great looks, and impressive sound. 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 play loud and clean. If you’re on a limited budget, this is a no-brainer. And if you don’t like them, send ’em back within 30 days without paying a dime.

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

 

OSD Audio Nero Studio5 Speakers and Stream-XD Integrated Amplifier: $400 (as tested)

Why mess around with over-priced all-in-one wireless speakers when you can get a component-based streaming setup with a pair of excellent bookshelf speakers for $400? The Nero Stream-XD/Studio5 combo from California’s OSD Audio is ready for hi-res audio action and supports wireless streaming via Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Wi-Fi with ready access to Tidal, Spotify, and other services via OSD’s Player app. The system is also dead simple to set up and has analog and digital inputs to accommodate wired setups. Add to that actual stereo imaging from an impressive set of speakers and it’s quite the deal.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Great value
Tidal, Spotify, and TuneIn streaming
Digital and analog inputs accommodate multiple sources

Minus
Subwoofer output
Treble-forward sound with some music
Coarse volume steps
No USB-DAC input

Full Review Here

 

JBL One Series 104 Powered Reference Monitors: $129/pair

We know what you’re thinking: Let’s get real: there’s no way you’re going to get crisp, distinctive sound from a pair of powered minispeakers that cost $129 a pair. But we’re here to tell you that’s exactly what you get with JBL’s One Series 104 speakers. Reviewer Al Griffin was as surprised as anyone: “There was a striking sense of clarity to the sound, along with precise imaging that allowed me to easily sort out individual instruments in the mix.” Need a pair of kick-ass speakers for your desktop? Look no further.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clean, dynamic sound
Compact form factor
Great value
Minus
Limited connection options

Full Review Here

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

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