David Vaughn

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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Media Server Reviews
Zidoo UHD8000 Review: A Robust Alternative to Kaleidescape and Plex
David Vaughn  |  Nov 12, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1499

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Solid build quality
Intuitive controls
Fully customizable movie wall
Dual hard drive enclosures
Third-party app integration
Minus
Movie discovery needs improvement
Slow boot-up
Quirky handling of Dolby Digital Files

THE VERDICT
A best-in-class experience for accessing and playing your digitally stored movie and music collection.

For about a year and a half I had the privilege of having a Kaleidescape Strato C Movie Player paired with its Terra 48TB Movie Server in my home on an extended loan from the company. The plan was to test the system, write a review on it, and then continue to write reviews of titles available in the Kaleidescape store throughout the loan period.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and when the evaluation period came to a close I was given an opportunity to purchase the review sample for a very good price, but chose not to for a variety of reasons...

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Blu-ray Player Reviews
Magnetar UDP800 Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player Review
David Vaughn  |  May 02, 2024

Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $1,599

AT A GLANCE
Plus Fantastic build quality
Universal disc compatibility
Analog XLR audio output
Minus
No Wi-Fi or onboard streaming apps
Horrible remote

THE VERDICT
The player's build quality is top-notch, but there are a few quirks that need to be addressed.

Though the famous Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) quote, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” has been twisted over time from the original quote, “The report of my death was an exaggeration,” both very much apply to the state of physical media today.

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Director's Intent: Kaleidescape 4K
The Greatest Showman
David Vaughn  |  Aug 22, 2023

Picture
Sound
Kaleidescape Scenes
Extras
The Greatest Showman is a musical inspired by the life of Phineas Tayler “P.T.” Barnum, creator of the world famous (and now defunct) Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus. It’s the story of how an ambitious and imaginative entertainer rises from humble beginnings to become a showbiz pioneer and one of the best looking and sounding movies available on home video.
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Director's Intent: Kaleidescape 4K
Black Book
David Vaughn  |  Aug 04, 2023
Picture
Sound
Extras
Set in the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation, the film follows the story of Rachel Stein (Carice van Houten), a Jewish singer who becomes involved with the Dutch Resistance after the family hiding her is killed in a bombing raid. Disguised as a blonde Gentile, Stein successfully infiltrates German headquarters as a spy, using her charm, wit, and sex appeal to gain valuable information. However, as her undercover work intensifies, she finds herself entangled in a web of deceit, danger, and unexpected alliances.
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Subwoofer Reviews
Rythmik FV15HP 15" Ported Subwoofer Review
David Vaughn  |  Aug 03, 2023

Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $2,189

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Foundation-shaking bass
Outstanding Build Quality
Servo-control is the real-deal
Minus
Very Heavy
Large footprint can make room placement challenging

THE VERDICT
Rythmik’s direct servo technology isn’t a marketing slogan—it provides the most precise bass these ears have ever heard.

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Director's Intent: Kaleidescape 4K
1923 – Season One
David Vaughn  |  Jun 23, 2023

Picture
Sound
1923 — exclusive on Kaleidescape through early August — is a prequel to the popular TV show Yellowstone that follows the Dutton family in the early 20th century as they struggle to survive the harsh realities of the American West. Set in 1923 during Prohibition — a time of cascading hardships including drought and the lead-up to the Great Depression — the Duttons must fight to keep their Montana ranch and preserve their way of life amid challenges by new enemies and rapid change brought on by the transition to electricity, modern appliances, and automobiles.
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In-Wall Speaker Reviews
RSL W25E In-Wall Speaker System Review – Invisible Treasure
David Vaughn  |  Jun 22, 2023

RSL W25E In-Wall Speakers
Performance
Build Quality
Value

RSL CG25 Center Speaker
Performance
Build Quality
Value

RSL Speedwoofer 12s
Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $2,020 (as tested)
(2) W25E left/right speaker, $199
(1) CG25 center speaker, $425
(2) W25E surround speaker, $199
(1) Speedwoofer 12s subwoofer, $799

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clean output
Edgeless magnetic grille
Angled baffle design improves imaging
Minus
Installation requires insulation behind the speaker

THE VERDICT
Outstanding sound quality at an affordable price that will please even the most demanding audiophile listener.

I recently upgraded from traditional box speakers to in-wall speakers after delving into the world of in-walls with my recent review of the SVS 3000 In-Wall Subwoofer, which I installed in my den. My wife never liked the aesthetics of the entertainment system because the first thing you saw walking through the door was a wall-mounted bookshelf speaker, which stuck out a good 8 inches from the wall. Despite the great sound, it wasn't so easy on the eyes.

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Subwoofer Reviews
SVS 3000 In-Wall Subwoofer - Hidden Bass
David Vaughn  |  May 31, 2023

Performance
Features
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $2,000

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Tight and fast bass response
Adjustable tuning controls via handy app
Frees up floor space
Minus
Installation limitations based on room construction
In-wall convenience comes with a steep price

THE VERDICT
The SVS 3000 In-Wall subwoofer is a powerful and customizable high-end subwoofer that delivers impactful bass without taking up any floor space.

Renowned for its expertise in crafting high-performance subwoofers, SVS has carved a niche for itself within the home theater and music system communities. Established in 1998 by a team of passionate audio enthusiasts their mission was to revolutionize the subwoofer market by delivering exceptional performance that exceeded existing offerings.

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Director's Intent: Kaleidescape 4K
The Last Of Us
David Vaughn  |  May 14, 2023

Picture
Sound
Kaleidescape Scenes
Extras
HBO has a long tradition of creating “must watch” shows over the past 25 years. Their latest hit, The Last of Us, is based on the video game of the same name that was developed by Naughty Dog and released back in 2013 for the PlayStation 3. The series is created by Craig Mazin, known for his work on the HBO series Chernobyl, and Neil Druckmann, the writer and creative director of the video game.
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