Audio Video News

Sony STR-DN1080 AV Receiver: $600

Hi-res audio capability with excellent audio performance to support it and a full suite of Android- and Apple-ready wireless capabilities just scratch the surface of what this multi-talented 7.1-channel receiver has to offer. For the relatively modest price of $600, you also get six HDMI inputs, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround processing for a 5.1.2 speaker setup, and an auto calibration system that is fast and accurate. If you’re in the market for an AV receiver and have limited funds, the STR-DN1080 deserves serious consideration. Its chops will surprise you.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Fine amplifier sonics and power
Excellent, quick-responding streaming plays most formats, including DSD and other hi-res audio files
Speaker Relocation & Phantom Surround feature
Minus
Scales only 1080p/24 video to 4K

Full Review Here

 

Beyerdynamic Xelento Remote Earphones: $999

Beyerdynamic has a long, storied history that dates back to the 1937 when Eugen Beyer developed the first dynamic headphones. The company has been making them ever since and has gotten very good at it. At the high end of its diverse range is the impeccably crafted and super comfortable Xelento Remote in-ear model, which boasts miniaturized versions of the Tesla drivers Beyerdynamic uses in its high-end over/on-ear headphones. Resident headphone guru Steve Guttenberg praised them for their comfort and “spectacular” sound.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Handmade in Germany
Stunning good looks
Best-in-class sound
Minus
Tangle-prone cable

Full Review Here

Paradigm Persona 3F Speaker System: $31,600 (as reviewed)

Over the past 35 years Canada’s Paradigm has earned a stellar reputation for building excellent sounding speakers at relatively affordable prices. Then one day an employee asked what kind of speaker they could build if cost was less of an object. How awesome would it be? After much deliberation, Paradigm answered the question with its best-ever system — the Persona 3F. The goal? To marry top-notch cabinet construction and finishing capabilities with advanced driver technologies in hopes of achieving something greater than the sum of its already great parts. They have succeeded.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Beryllium tweeter and midrange drivers
Hand-polished, high-gloss finish
Slender, curved cabinets
Minus
Expensive
Heavy

Full Review Here