Audio Video News

Rotel A12 Integrated Amplifier: $899

The Rotel A12 doesn’t support streaming via Wi-Fi or AirPlay but it does accept a direct wired USB input from PCs and iOS devices and gets the best out of both digital and analog sources with its great-sounding digital-to-analog converter and amp. It even has a phono input and supports convenient Bluetooth/aptX streaming. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann summed the A12 up this way: “The amp’s delicious midrange and overall musicality are practically miraculous at this price.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
USB inputs for PC and iOS
Premium Wolfson DAC
Bluetooth aptX
Minus
Controller generates a lot of heat
Low-resolution screen on remote

Full Review Here

 

Phase Technology dARTS DFS-660-T Speaker System: $48,000

Audiophiles with very deep pockets will be richly rewarded with stunning state-of-the-art sound from one of the most sophisticated sound systems on the planet. Phase Technology’s second-generation Digital Audio Reference Theater System (dARTS) speaker/amp package is a spectacular achievement that mitigates the effects of room acoustics and creates a highly theatrical, intensely musical experience that’s extremely rare. Reviewer Darryl Wilkinson concluded that the system delivered “unconditionally the best listening experience I’ve ever had in a home theater.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Audyssey MultEQ XT Pro room equalization
Variable-axis soft-dome tweeters on surrounds
All speakers are biamped or triamped
Minus
Expensive
Status LEDs on amplifier are bright and can’t be dimmed
Requires professional installation

Full Review Here

ATI AT527NC and AT524NC Amplifiers: $3,695, $2,595

ATI’s AT527NC and AT524NC are proof positive that Class D amplification has arrived as a bona fide purveyor of high-performance power after years of being looked down upon by audiophiles. They deliver powerful dynamics and uncolored sound, all while running extremely cool compared with traditional Class A/B amplifiers. Reviewer David Vaughn was so taken with this dynamic duo that he bought them to replace his Parasound A 51 reference amplifier. High praise, indeed.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Very powerful
Natural and balanced
Made in the U.S.A.
Minus
LEDs are too bright

Full Review Here