Audio Video News

Parasound Halo A 52+ Amplifier: $2,995

Parasound engaged noted designer John Curl to create the Halo A 52+ amplifier, a less expensive follow-up to the company’s popular but expensive A 51. And it shows. The five-channel amplifier is an all-around versatile performer with input and driver stages that operate in pure Class A mode and a Class A/AB output stage capable of delivering clean power with ample headroom for movies and music alike. “Listening with the Halo A 52+ was a pleasure,” concluded reviewer Al Griffin. “Parasound’s new five-channel amp delivers clear, dynamic sound and has plenty of headroom to handle the explosive effects in movie soundtracks.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Ample power for all channels
Dynamic sound
Affordable
Minus
Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy

Full Review Here

 

SVS PC-4000 Subwoofer: $1,800

In a sea of bulky black boxes, the tube-shaped PC-4000 stands apart as a decidedly unconventional subwoofer — one that will be a godsend for enthusiasts who demand subterranean bass but have limited floor space. The tall, slender tube has a circular footprint that’s only 16.5 inches in diameter yet it can rumble down to well below 20 Hz. “This is one fantastic subwoofer, and if floor space is an issue for your system, it’s well worth auditioning using SVS’s 45-day in-home trial,” wrote reviewer David Vaughn. “Better yet, get two to enjoy effortless-sounding output and more even coverage in your listening environment.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Outstanding bass response
Onboard parametric EQ
Useful remote and smartphone app
Uncommon form factor
Minus
Lacks auto-calibration
Uncommon form factor

Full Review Here

 

GoldenEar Technology Invisa Signature Point Source In-Wall Speaker System: $7,250 (as reviewed)

GoldenEar’s Invisa Signature Point Source speakers are proof that you can build an attractive, non-intrusive in-wall speaker offering performance that rivals that of an equivalently priced freestanding speaker. Throw in a SuperSub X subwoofer and there’s no turning back. “I’m not sure you can find another speaker at the $1K price point that sounds anywhere near as fantastic as the Invisa SPS in-wall does — whether it’s for a two-channel or multichannel system,” concluded reviewer Darryl Wilkinson. “Once again, GoldenEar has set a new high for the performance-to-cost ratio. More important, they’ve created an in-wall loudspeaker that just might convince a die-hard in-room speaker fan.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Rotatable pleated tweeter for horizontal orientation
2½-way design
High performance-to-cost ratio
Minus
Horizontal installation requires modification of wall stud

Full Review Here