Audio Video News

MrSpeakers Aeon Headphones: $799

MrSpeakers’ Aeon headphones have what it takes to win over curmudgeonly audiophiles who (think they) want nothing to do with headphones. Steve Guttenberg described the sound of the luxuriously appointed and super comfortable Aeons as “positively vivid” with tremendous low bass impact and definition. “I’ve reviewed a number of more expensive MrSpeakers headphones in these pages, but the Aeons are my favorite.” You can’t get much more of a solid recommendation than that.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Closed-back, planar magnetic design
Made in San Diego, California
Beautifully balanced sound
Minus
Non-standard connectors on the earcups

Full Review Here

 

Denon HEOS AVR AV Receiver: $999

That the HEOS AVR looks nothing like a traditional AV receiver is intentional as Denon makes a bold attempt at reimagining and simplifying the component that has been the cornerstone of home theater for the past three or so decades. The result is a super streamlined, app-driven control center built around the company’s Heos wireless platform, featuring hi-res audio support and 18 music streaming options but lacking many “standard” features. You won’t find an AM/FM tuner or any legacy video jacks and the architecture supports systems with up to 5.1 channels. No 7.1 and no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann’s take: “Denon’s HEOS AVR is a largely successful effort to transform the AV receiver from a cumbersome Swiss Army knife to a sleek app-driven entertainer.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
App-driven HEOS eco-system
Up to 5.1 channels
Wireless HEOS surround and sub options
Minus
Nearly no front-panel controls
No low-volume mode
No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X

Full Review Here

 

Revel Concerta2 F36 Loudspeaker: $2,000

In its 20 years, Revel has captivated audio enthusiasts with a slow but steady stream of impeccably crafted speakers. The new Concerta2 F36 towers continue the tradition with a rich, compelling soundstage. “Imaging and depth were superb, often suggesting that a centered vocalist or instrument were coming from the center speaker when, in fact, it was silent,” wrote veteran reviewer Tom Norton. “The sonic perspective was open and full-bodied through the bass and midbass, essentially uncolored in the midrange, and detailed and clear in the treble.” This is one to check out.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb sound
Punches well above its price
Upscale construction and cosmetics
Minus
A touch more top-end air would be welcome

Full Review Here

Onkyo PR-RZ5100 Surround Processor: $2,399

Onkyo’s latest AV preamp/processor is more or less an updated version of the company’s flagship TX-RZ3100 ($3,299) receiver that trades the power section for 11.2 channels worth of pro-style XLR balanced outputs so you can bring your own amplifier to the party. The PR-RZ5100 brings Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio processing into the fold along with 4K/HDR passthrough and is an all-around stellar performer with movies and music. Commenting on the DTS:X soundtrack for Yuma, reviewer Daniel Kumin said he was “rewarded with a big, sweeping sound field that powerfully supported this understated but very finely drawn Western.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Unimpeachable audio and basic video quality
Generally good ergonomic design
Eminently useful pop-up Quick Menu
Minus
No aptX for Bluetooth
Local-streaming audio doesn’t display file type/sampling info
Fairly downscaled remote

Full Review Here