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Blu-ray Movie Reviews
Here's Your 2024 4K/Blu-ray Holiday Gift Guide!
Chris Chiarella  |  Nov 27, 2024
Disc aficionados like us are stalwarts in the face of continued seismic shifts in the physical media landscape, so perhaps the greatest gift the studios can give us is another season filled with their finest offerings. The past few months have brought us some of the most enjoyable releases of the entire year, from back-breaking boxes and single-movie deep-dives to multimedia indulgences that defy simple explanation. So read on, dear collector/gift-giver, and be inspired.
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Music Reviews
Shaboozey: “Good News” in Dolby Atmos
Mike Mettler  |  Nov 26, 2024

Shaboozey continues to capture that good ol’ country-tinged lightning in a bottle with his latest single, “Good News,” which was released by American Dogwood/Empire in multiple formats on November 15, 2024. Chances are, you just might see and hear Shaboozey perform this hopeful new track as part of his headlining performance during halftime at this Thursday’s Thanksgiving NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. Read Mike Mettler’s review to find out if the Dolby Atmos mix of “Good News” maintains the bright-star country artist’s winning streak. . .

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New Products
TCL Projector A1: A Portable Big Screen Experience
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 25, 2024
Alright, folks, gather around because TCL just dropped something interesting into the already crowded portable projector market: the TCL Projector A1. If you’ve been waiting for TCL to step up its game beyond gigantic TVs (because who needs a 100-inch screen in every room, right?), with this baby step from the Chinese TV giant your wait is over.
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Test Tool Reviews
Portrait Displays G1 Pattern Generator: Precision Calibration Anywhere, Anytime
David Vaughn  |  Nov 20, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE
$549

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Pixel perfect color accuracy
Easy setup and Ssamless interaction with Calman
Supports SDR, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision
Field upgradable

Minus
Works only with Calman
Pricey compared to DIY options

THE VERDICT
A compact, portable device designed for high-precision display calibration, offering seamless integration with Calman software.

My first foray into calibrating displays came about 20 years ago when I purchased a Hitachi RPTV (remember those?) and discovered various online forums that talked about getting the most out of your display through calibration. In those days, the controls needed to perform a full calibration required one to enter the factory service menu, which at that time intimidated me enough to hire a professional calibrator to do the job.

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Bookshelf Speaker Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3 Signature Bookshelf & HTM71 S3 Signature Center Review
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 20, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE
705 S3 Signature: $4500/pair
HTM71 S3 Signature: $3300
DB4S subwoofer: $2199

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Living room friendly, audiophile quality
Enveloping 3D soundstage
Tight and articulate
Center channel has tremendous clarity
Beautiful

Minus
Pricier than non-Signature versions

THE VERDICT
700 S3 Signature offers slick looks and a superbly smooth sound.

Here's the deal: I set up a 5.1 system aiming for both quality and aesthetic appeal without taking over the entire living room. The setup includes the Bowers & Wilkins 705 Signature bookshelf speakers for the front left and right, the HTM71 S3 Signature—the first Signature center channel from Bowers & Wilkins—for the center, regular 705 S3 bookshelf speakers for the rear channels, and a DB4S subwoofer. The electronics come courtesy of Marantz, specifically the Cinema 10 and Amp 10 combo.

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Headphone Amp/DAC ReviewsPortable Player Reviews
iFi Go Link Max: Big Performance in a Pocket-Sized DAC
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 20, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $79

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Flawless performance
Affordable
Tiny
Includes USB and lightning adapters
Minus
Cord is slightly too short for use with iPad on stand

THE VERDICT
The iFi Go Link Max delivers impressive performance for its size and price, offering hi-res audio compatibility, powerful amplification, and excellent sound quality. A standout choice for audiophiles on the go.

You know, I've grown to really appreciate high-quality corded passive headphones. They're like the enlightened path to audio nirvana. Sure, wireless is convenient, and I do appreciate noise canceling and DSP processing. But there's something about a great pair of passive cans that gets you where you want to be with zero fuss, 100% reliability, and often at levels of fidelity that remain elusive for wireless models.

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Audio Video News
Bose Buys McIntosh Group
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 19, 2024
Bose Corporation has announced its acquisition of the McIntosh Group, the parent company of high-end audio brands McIntosh and Sonus faber. This strategic move positions Bose to expand into the luxury and high-performance audio markets.
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Shows
Capital Audiofest 2024 Show Report
Dennis Young  |  Nov 19, 2024
The 2024 Capital Audiofest (CAF) was the 13th "Capfest" and the largest CAF show thus far. I visited a few key rooms that would be of special interest for Sound & Vision readers.
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Tower Speaker Reviews
Focal Aria Evo X No.2: Seamless Sound, Striking Design
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 17, 2024  |  First Published: Nov 18, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $4800/pair

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Excellent audio fidelity
Attractive
Easy to assemble

Minus
Expensive relative to capability
No Atmos speakers or dedicated surrounds
Center channel model is a 2-way

THE VERDICT
The Focal Aria Evo X No. 2 towers blend stunning design with powerful, detailed sound, making them a standout in high-end audio.

Focal, the French audio manufacturer with roots in professional and consumer speaker design, has seamlessly blended technical prowess with stylish aesthetics in its products. Their Aria Evo X series continues this tradition, featuring an organic Moss Green finish and flax drivers that not only perform exceptionally but also offer a unique, natural look.

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Wide Angle
The Worst Thing I Watched This Year: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
Mark Henninger  |  Nov 17, 2024
I signed up for Netflix for the first time in a year just to catch the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match. Having previously canceled my subscription due to lack of use, I shelled out $23 for the top-tier plan that includes 4K streaming. I had high hopes for a big, entertaining event—and, well, hopes were all I got.
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