LATEST ADDITIONS

Ears On
Demos: How Sweet It Bis
Mark Fleischmann  |  May 02, 2014
Bis is a Swedish music label with a large catalogue of Super Audio CDs. Among them are two releases that have become my go-to choices for major works in the orchestral repertory: Beethoven's nine symphonies and Bach's six Brandenburg Concertos. Both are DSD recordings, less than a decade old, with surround and stereo soundtracks. They'll cost you more than most CD box sets of the same works. But the chance to hear these vibrant performances in high-res DSD via SACD is well worth the price. Think of surround as icing on the cake.
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SmartStream
Amazon Prime to Offer Unlimited Streaming of Many HBO Shows
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 02, 2014
Many HBO shows will be available for unlimited streaming on Amazon Prime Instant Video, but not all shows will be included in the May 21st launch. While this breakthrough licensing agreement grants exclusivity to Amazon for free streaming, shows will still be available on other streaming services.
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Tech2
Review: Goldilocks and the New Beyerdynamic T 51 i Headphones
Lauren Dragan  |  May 02, 2014  |  First Published: May 01, 2014
On-Ear headphones are making a comeback. Once banished to the 80s with the foamy-coated walkman-style ‘phones, the audiophile set are once again embracing the power of the tiny cans. I’ll admit, at first blush I didn’t get it. Over-ears, in-ears? They made sense to me. Over ears with their full, lush soundstage for home and studio, and in-ears for portability… those were my two needs fulfilled. So where do on-ears fit into the picture? Answer: In Goldilocks territory. For those who hate that stuffed in-ear feeling, but don’t want to be stuck sporting full-sized and possibly heavy over-ear headphones while out and about, on-ears can be a really great option. And the market has caught up, with some great higher end options. I’ve written already about the V-Moda XS, and now Beyerdynamic have a brand new offering out this week, the T 51 i. Are these baby Beyers a good fit?

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Audio Video News
New HTC Smartphone Boasts Harman’s Clari-Fi Audio Technology
SV Staff  |  May 01, 2014
Ever long for better sound quality from your smartphone? Harman Kardon hears you. The HTC One M8 – Harman Kardon Edition is the first smartphone to incorporate HK’s Clari-Fi technology, which is said to improve the audio quality of compressed, digital music sources.
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Media Server Reviews
Google Chromecast Streaming Media Player
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 01, 2014

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $35

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Streams full-screen videos from Netflix and YouTube
Mirrors Websites
Control videos from computer or mobile device
Minus
Must go to Chromecast Website to learn when new apps become compatible
No central control panel or app
Clumsy to pause video streaming from a phone when a call comes in

THE VERDICT
For $35 and a little practice, this is the best streaming solution available to date.

The Google Chromecast was an instant hit when it came on the tech scene, selling out before its release date last August. At $35, it’s the least expensive way to stream movies and music to your TV and view photos from online. Unique in its approach to streaming media, the Chromecast dongle can stream from a Chrome Web browser (PC or Mac) and from certain apps on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets.

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The S&V Interview
Yes Guitarist Steve Howe Talks Up Surround Sound
Mike Mettler  |  Apr 30, 2014
“Yes likes challenges.” So says Yes guitarist Steve Howe (far left in the above photo), and the proof is in the output. The band has been out on the boards in the U.S. and Canada playing a set comprised of three full albums: The Yes Album, Close to the Edge, and Going for the One. On their upcoming summer tour in July and August, they’ll be doing two full albums: the first-ever full run-through of Fragile and Close to the Edge, in addition to an encore centered on the band’s greatest hits. Plus, an album with new lead singer Jon Davison, Heaven and Earth, is slated for a July release. And, of course, there are the sonically brilliant 5.1 mixes of Close to the Edge and The Yes Album on Blu-ray as masterminded by Steven Wilson—and more are on the way, with the band’s blessing. Howe, 67, and I talked about those 5.1 mixes, what we’ll hear on the new album, and what constitutes a musical legacy.
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New Products
Sharp SD-WH1000U Wireless Universal Player
Bob Ankosko  |  Apr 30, 2014
From 3D to Wi-Fi to preloaded content apps, all kinds of features are packed into today’s upscale Blu-ray players, but Sharp’s SD-WH1000U is the first wireless player. A built-in plug-and-play WiSA-compliant transmitter makes it possible to shuttle 96-kilohertz/24-bit sound to up to eight WiSA-compliant speakers for a wire-free 7.1-channel surround experience.
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Vote
Should Aereo’s Online TV Service Be Allowed to Continue?
SV Staff  |  Apr 30, 2014
The controversy swirling around Aereo’s online TV service is so great that the Supreme Court heard arguments for and against it last week and is expected to render a decision in June that will either allow the service to continue or shut it down. So our question to you is: Should Aereo be allowed to continue providing over-the-air HDTV via the Internet to paying subscribers? As always, please take a few moments and leave a comment to explain your vote.
Should Aereo’s Online TV Service Be Allowed to Continue?
Yes
82% (263 votes)
No
12% (38 votes)
Undecided
7% (21 votes)
Total votes: 322
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Ask S&V
How Can I Add Streaming to My Old HK Receiver?
Al Griffin  |  Apr 30, 2014
Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I have an old Harman Kardon receiver that has served me well for several years and would like to continue using it. Do you have any suggestions for a way I could stream audio from my computer (primarily from iTunes and Spotify) to my receiver over Wi-Fi? —Doug Burton / via e-mail

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Bookshelf Speaker Reviews
Zu Audio Cube Speaker System
Steve Guttenberg  |  Apr 29, 2014
Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $2,495

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Big, highly dynamic sound Super easy to drive Made in the U.S.
Minus
Limited dispersion Must be used with a subwoofer

THE VERDICT
It may not be a universal solution, but for buyers seeking wide dynamics in a fairly compact speaker, the Zu Audio Cube delivers a big sound.

I’ve heard my share of tiny cube speakers with 3- or 4-inch woofers, and while the best of them can sound decent enough, the Zu Audio Cube is a very different beast. It’s still a compact speaker, but big by comparison to those pipsqueaks—big enough to house a 10-inch driver. That ability to move air makes no small difference, and trust me on this: The Cubes are turn-it-up-and-party speakers.

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