Audio Video News

April brought us a memorable yet eclectic mix of products, ranging from a most unusual subwoofer and an ultra-short-throw 4K projector that beams cinema-size images when placed only a few inches from the wall to Apple’s first smart speaker and a serious update of a tried-and-true NAD receiver. There’s something for everyone whether you’re in the market for an upgrade today or tomorrow.

Hisense Laser TV 4K DLP Projector: $10,000

Hisense’s Laser TV is expensive to be sure (and it’s not really a “TV” per se) but it strikes a good balance between performance and price while delivering a gigantic 150-inch 4K image when placed only a few inches from the wall. “It’s a very good option for watching in a bright room, and it also performs well when you dim the lights for movie time,” concluded reviewer Al Griffin. “The projector’s preassembled screen, streaming apps, and built-in audio system also make it a complete out-of-box solution, one that you could easily install yourself.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Bright picture with excellent uniformity
Crisp detail with 4K sources
Powerful built-in audio system
Minus
So-so contrast ratio
Occasional banding artifacts
No extended color gamut coverage

Full Review Here

 

NAD T758 V3 AV Receiver: $1,300

NAD has honored its rich audio legacy with a thoroughly modern update of the award winning T758 it introduced back in 2011. This V3 edition boasts an anti-obsolescence modular design and cutting-edge room correction from Sweden’s Dirac. “Putting aside challenges with learning to use Dirac, it's an empowering tool for the questing audio tweaker who wants the flexibility to experiment with room correction parameters,” wrote reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “Coupled here with this fine-sounding receiver, the audible results are beautiful.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Modularity allows upgrades
Dirac room correction
BluOS audio streaming
Atmos 7.1.4 capable with external amplification
Minus
Only three HDMI inputs
No DTS:X (yet)
Dirac execution more complex than most auto room EQ

Full Review Here

 

Apple HomePod Wireless Smart Speaker: $349

HomePod may be late to the smart speaker party but it’s an instant contender featuring outstanding build quality and best-in-class sound. Calling it “a shining triumph of audio engineering,” reviewer Rob Sabin cautioned that some smart-speaker shoppers will find the HomePod’s Apple-centricity to be limiting. “If you’re already deep into Alexa and Google territory, you may be used to certain features or music services that simply aren’t available. On the other hand, if you’re just dipping your toe into smart speakers and aren’t put off by the monthly commitment to Apple music, you need to ask yourself what you really plan to use your smart speaker for.” Either way, HomePod is a great lifestyle speaker well worth the asking price.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb sonics with extraordinary bass
Great build quality
AirPlay capable
Easy setup
Minus
Integrated music streaming restricted to Apple Music
No Bluetooth
More limited smarts versus competition
No wired input for TV viewing

Full Review Here