Mark Henninger

Audio Advice LiveShows
JBL and Samsung at Audio Advice Live 2023
Mark Henninger  |  Aug 11, 2023
At the recent Audio Advice Live 2023 show in Raleigh, NC, I stopped by the Harman/JBL/Samsung demo areas and saw a 140-inch micro-LED display outfitted with a JBL synthesis sound system, JBL Classic Series electronics (making their U.S. debut), and other cool gear.
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Subwoofer ReviewsSurround Sound System ReviewsTower Speaker Reviews
Arendal 1961 9.4.4 Speaker System Review
Mark Henninger  |  Jul 26, 2023

1961 Speakers
Performance
Build Quality
Value

1961 1V Subwoofer
Performance
Build Quality
Value

PRICE $14,490 (as tested)

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Powerful, accurate sound
Relatively compact
Attractive
10-year warranty

Minus
Sub lacks an app
Only available in black or white

THE VERDICT
A perfect match for a flagship AVR, the 1961 9.4.4 system from Arendal performs great and looks fantastic.

The 1961 system from Arendal is one of the company’s three speaker series, the other two being the 1723 and 1723 S. 1961 is more compact and more affordable, but is otherwise consistent with Arendal’s design philosophy and aesthetics. This isn't what you'd call overpriced audio jewelry. It is modern and solidly built and aesthetically pleasing, but most importantly, it performs and offers great value.

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Headphone Reviews
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds Review
Mark Henninger  |  Jul 24, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $299

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Refined sound quality
Exceptional comfort
Top tier noise canceling
Small and discrete Long battery life
Minus
Cost more than AirPods Pro

THE VERDICT
Sony’s latest earbuds are state-of-the-art listening devices that deliver unparalleled comfort and noise-canceling capability in a truly wireless earbud style.

The new WF-1000XM5 ($299 MSRP) is the successor to the popular and highly regarded WF-1000XM4, true wireless earbuds that already had a reputation for some of the best noise canceling in the business. With the WF-1000XM5 Sony focused on improving performance while shrinking their size.

While there are seemingly an endless number of headphone Brands and models, Sony’s WF-1000 series stands as one of the most popular premium options. This is especially the case for Android users who are feature-limited when using AirPods Pro.

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Director's IntentWide AngleSpecial Features
The Sound of Speed: MotoGP Racing and Audio-Technica Microphones
Mark Henninger  |  Jul 19, 2023
The electrifying hum of motorcycles, the animated chatter from the paddock, the anticipatory hush in the pit lanes, and the unmistakable roars from the crowd - these are the exhilarating sounds of the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas MotoGP™ race. Sounds that are meticulously captured and delivered to racing fans worldwide, live and on-demand. And the real star behind the scenes? Audio-Technica microphones.
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4K TV ReviewsOLED TV ReviewsTV Reviews
Samsung OLED G9 240 Hz 49" Ultra-Wide Monitor Review
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 26, 2023

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,800

AT A GLANCE
Plus
State-of-the-art graphics
Great for gaming and productivity
Statement-making design
Packed with smart features
Factory calibrated
Minus
Pricey
Needs a powerful PC for gaming

THE VERDICT
With its combination of quantum-dot OLED display tech and a 32:9 aspect ratio, 49-inch screen Samsung's latest ultra-wide monitor is a gamer's delight while also serving as a reference-quality productivity tool.

The Samsung OLED G95SC is a genuine "world's first" with a 240 Hz 49-inch QD-OLED screen. The result is an ultra-thin profile and light weight that make it surprisingly easy to assemble and adjust despite its epic dimensions. Its $2,200 MSRP may be high but is a reflection of the cutting-edge technology found within.

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Audio Video NewsNew Products
TCL Touts New Q Class and S Class Soundbars
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 19, 2023
TCL is launching five new soundbars in its Q Class and S Class collections. With this launch, the company aims to supplement its popular televisions with enhanced audio capabilities.
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Audio Video News
StormAudio Activates Dirac Live Active Room Treatment
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 12, 2023
One of the best demos I heard at CES 2023 was Dirac Live demonstrating its Active Room Treatment (ART) technology. Now, StormAudio has flipped the switch and activated the feature in its ISP platform, meaning it works with all StormAudio processors and AVRs with firmware 4.5 on up and is included at no additional fee on any products purchased January 1 2023 onward.
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Editor's Eye
Summer’s Almost Here & the Writer’s Strike Continues
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 07, 2023
Summer 2023 is just around the corner and Hollywood writers have been on strike since May 2. If the strike ends soon, it may not have a significant impact but there are concerns that a prolonged strike could be catastrophic for movie theaters that depend on a constant flow of blockbuster releases to remain profitable.
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Director's IntentDirector's Intent: Kaleidescape 4KThe S&V Interview
How Rob Hahn's Life Work and "The Hahn Theater" Inspired his Kaleidescape Filmmaker Spotlight
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 06, 2023
Rob Hahn is an American film director of photography and a name you should be familiar with if you love movies. He worked as cinematographer for acclaimed director Frank Oz on The Stepford Wives, The Score, and In & Out.

Working as a camera operator for Academy Award-winning cinematographers Conrad Hall (American Beauty) and Owen Roizman (The Exorcist) influenced Rob's style. With a keen eye and love for exceptional sound and projection—and with help from Keith Yates Design—he built The Hahn Theater which I named Home Theater of the Decade back in 2019.

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Audio Video News
Audio Advice Live 2023 A/V Show Returns to Raleigh
Mark Henninger  |  May 31, 2023
Top consumer electronics brands, industry experts, and audio enthusiasts will gather for a three-day high-performance A/V show. Dedicated home theater rooms and over 60 "experience rooms" provide attendees with the opportunity to demo a wide variety of music and video systems.
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