CES 2017

New advanced UHDTVs and UHD Blu-ray players were the most notable product announcements for A/V enthusiasts at Samsung's 2017 CES press conference today.

The brand's new QLED TVs are said to push the state of the art with a new metallic-core quantum dot formulation in the backlight, one that ultimately provides the ability to deliver brighter highlights and an even wider color gamut than Samsung's top-line 2016 models.

If your taste runs to vinyl but even budget audiophile-grade turntables are priced beyond your means, Victrola has your number. For $200 this model can be yours. It's also available in other styles, but this one does the best visual imitation of a $1,000 audiophile design.

Dish and Sling TV showed off the AirTV, the newest device that will make it easier to cut the cord on cable or satellite. AirTV streams from Sling TV, as well as over the air local channels, and from other streaming services and can stream in 4K.

In the next six months, Dish users will be able to control their Hopper 3 using Amazon’s Alexa voice control. Tuning into a specific channel, search and showing the program guide will be the first commands available on the Amazon Echo, Tap, or Dot.

Not every stereo integrated amp has the advantage of Anthem Room Correction.

Add Arcam to the growing list of companies that have joined the DTS PlayFi wireless streaming camp with the introduction of the company’s new rPlay Wireless Music Receiver. For performance minded listeners that have been looking for a way to dip their ears into the wireless listening waters, rPlay will enable adding PlayFi to any system and has a ton of features to get excited about.

And you thought that headphones were all the same – just two cans with magnetics and stuff inside. Audio-Technica politely, but urgently, wants to update that notion with a plethora of new headphones. Two in particular caught my attention with their innovative conversion technology, and support of 24-bit/48-kHz wireless.