Audio Video News

Sony UBP-X800 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player: $300

Sony may be late to the UHD Blu-ray party but at least it showed up with a versatile HDR-enabled player that delivers mouth-watering 4K HDR images to your TV without breaking the bank. For three hundred bucks, you get kick-ass performance with 4K discs and 4K streams plus a decent remote control and comprehensive iOS/Android control app and the ability to play DVD-Audio discs and SACDs. The player also does a stellar job of upconverting 1080p discs to 4K resolution. Yep, it’s a Sony.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
High-quality video upconversion of standard Blu-rays
Plays SACDs, DVD-Audio discs, and native DSD files
Inexpensive
Minus
No announced Dolby Vision support
No analog audio outputs

Full Review Here

 

Klipsch Three Wireless Music System: $400

Klipsch has brought its considerable audio talents to bear on this beautifully crafted tabletop stereo system, which melds retro styling with state-of-the-art features and sound (hi-res included). Evoking what Klipsch calls the “mid-century” design legacy of its late founder Paul W. Klipsch, the Three boasts impeccably finished walnut panels, a knit grille, and something you don’t expect to see on modern gear: a toggle switch. Listening to Suzanne Vega on Internet radio, reviewer Bob Ankosko was impressed by what he heard: “The Three conveyed the breathy quality of Vega’s vocals with just the right amount of ambience.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impeccable fit and finish
Streaming via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Excellent sound
Solid bass
Remote control
Minus
App could be more intuitive
Wish there was a display window

Full Review Here

Yamaha MusicCast WXA-50 Amplifier and WX-010 Speaker: $500 (amp); $200 (speaker)

The newest members of Yamaha’s ever-expanding family of wireless multiroom products are versatile building blocks for a new or existing MusicCast system. The WX-010 is a good sounding minispeaker that can be pressed into action just about anywhere, while the WXA-50 amplifier bestows wireless powers to any pair of speakers. “Yamaha’s MusicCast deserves a spot on your short list, especially if you’ve already invested in Yamaha products with MusicCast capabilities,” wrote reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “It sounds lovely, and it works.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Streams to MusicCast devices
Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth
55 watts per channel of Class D power

Minus
No headphone jack on amp
No analog input on speaker
Loaded PC may freeze amp

Full Review Here