Audio Video News

Denon AVR-X3400H A/V Receiver: $999

The AVR-X3400H has a lot to offer for a thousand bucks, starting with full 4K/HDR-readiness, solid ergonomics, and a robust seven-channel amp that will have no trouble powering all but the largest home theater setups. Onboard power limits Dolby Atmos configurations to 5.1.2 channels but that’s par for the course in this price range and a layout that even reviewer/audio guru Daniel Kumin is coming around to “especially with dipole surrounds on the sides.” As he put it, “The front-elevation speakers added a valuable sense of size and height to both ambience and wide-range music.” The receiver is also equipped with the very capable DTS Virtual:X processing for modest soundbar-based and two-channel systems and hosts Denon’s Heos wireless multiroom ecosystem.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Solid two-channel and multichannel power
3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X virtual height effects
Excellent Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction
HEOS wireless multiroom
Minus
Wired multiroom limited to one zone

Full Review Here

 

Teac AI-503 Integrated Amplifier/DAC: $1,000

Teac’s retro-styled AI-503 integrated amplifier sounds as good as it looks — and as you can see it looks great with its backlit analog meters, brushed-aluminum case, and aluminum control knobs. Whether you’re powering a full-size system or playing hi-res music on a desktop rig, you can expect a clean, refined presentation, courtesy of the 503’s high-performance Verita DACs and high-efficiency Class D amp. And that’s not all: The amp boasts an asynchronous USB input, dedicated headphone amp, and supports Sony’s LDAC coding technology, which allows 96-kHz/24-bit files to be streamed wirelessly via Bluetooth.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clear, crisp sound
Cool, retro design
Can drive efficient speakers to reasonably loud levels
Minus
Hi-res Bluetooth requires LDAC source
Pricey

Full Review Here

 

iFi nano iDSD Black Label Amp/DAC, $199

iFi’s pocked-sized nano iDSD Black Label is a full-featured amp/DAC that will coax the best possible performance out of almost any set of headphones. It handles PCM files up to 384-kHz/32-bit in various formats and decodes exotic file types such as DSD (up to 11.2 megahertz) and even MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), which allows a lossy version of hi-res audio to travel in streams and files that are compatible with, and the size of, uncompressed 48/24 PCM audio. “iFi’s nano iDSD Black Label musters features and output capability you won’t get in most stick amps, yet it still fits in a pocket,” wrote reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “It is ingenious, great sounding, and highly recommended.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Handles PCM, DSD, and MQA natively
Second iEMatch output for in-ear monitors
USB or battery powered
Minus
No analog line input

Full Review Here

 

Klipsch Reference Theater Pack Speaker System: $999

Klipsch has made a few compromises in redesigning its bestselling sat/sub system — now on its sixth generation and named the Reference Theater Pack — but it still produces excellent sound with the distinctive clarity and superb efficiency its horn-based speakers are known for. “These Klipsch horns really communicated,” wrote reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “Dialogue and other elements in the soundfield were well imaged, with strong outlines, but not without a modicum of shading. Tonal balance, while slightly forward, was certainly not too aggressive or sizzly; things that were supposed to sound warm sounded warm.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Klipsch’s classic horn-loaded sound at a budget price
Minus
Enclosure adds some coloration

Full Review Here