Mark Henninger

Smart Speaker ReviewsSoundbar ReviewsStreaming Device Reviews
JBL L42ms Integrated Music System Review
Mark Henninger  |  Jul 31, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,000

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Rich, detailed sound for an all-in-one
Excellent build quality
High-resolution audio support
Subwoofer output
Minus
No visual display
App is very basic
No S/PDIF input

THE VERDICT
The JBL L42ms is a music-focused integrated system that blends retro aesthetics with modern audio technology. Its simple design offers high-quality sound, ease of use, and useful features. It is a well-crafted, high-performance speaker that delivers audio satisfaction.

The JBL L42ms speaker system is a testament to JBL's ability to blend the charm of classic design with cutting-edge audio technology. Inspired by the iconic JBL L100 speakers from the 1970s, the L42ms is part of the company’s Classic Series and features an attractive wood veneer finish and JBL’s signature Quadrex foam grille.

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Tower Speaker Reviews
Diptyque DP 115 Speakers Review: Planar-Magnetic Attraction
Mark Henninger  |  Jul 25, 2024  |  Published: Jul 24, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $12,000/pair

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exquisitely detailed sound
Exceptional imaging
Excellent bass for a dipole planar speaker
Modern aesthetics
Easy to assemble
Neighbor-friendly

Minus
Pricey
Power hungry
Dipoles are not for everyone
Limited optimal listening area
Could use a sub for some applications

THE VERDICT
These revealing, sublime-sounding speakers elevated listening sessions to a higher level of audiophile enjoyment than any pair I have reviewed before.

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Headphone Reviews
Sony Pulse Elite Headphones Quick Take
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 19, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $149

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Detailed sound
Low latency
Good voice pickup
Long battery life
Wired option
Minus
No noise canceling
Lacks deep bass

THE VERDICT
A versatile and comfortable headset option for PlayStation owners, the Pulse Elite combines the detailed sound of planar-magnetic drivers with a high-quality microphone, which makes it great for gaming.

As much as I love playing video games on my main system, I recognize that, unlike music, a soundtrack filled with effects is not one that a non-gamer will enjoy. So when I dive into a Grand Theft Auto Online session, unless I'm alone, I rely on headphones.

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4K TV ReviewsOLED TV ReviewsTV Reviews
Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G80SD Monitor Review: Picture Perfect
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 04, 2024

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,299

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Superb SDR and HDR picture quality
Low input lag and Game Bar
Attractive design, easy assembly
Extensive and responsive smart TV features
Minus
Peak brightness could be higher
A bit pricey for a 32" display

THE VERDICT
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G80SD is a premium, 32-inch 4K smart monitor that is a feature-packed, state-of-the-art visual powerhouse with a slick, modern design. It looks fantastic, supports a variety of sources, and delivers exceptional picture quality.

Simply calling the G80SD a monitor doesn't do it justice because it offers so much functionality, it is very TV-like. It is also a gamer's dream machine thanks to its support for up to 240Hz refresh rates and VRR (variable refresh rate). It comes with a convenient remote as well as support for Alexa and Bixby voice assistants.

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Editor's Eye
The Even Bigger Picture
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 04, 2024
Back in February, in a blog I titled "The Big Picture", I discussed the expansion of large TV screens and how CES hinted at future trends. Now, with summer just around the corner, “100-inch-class” TVs are being shipped by all major brands, while 85-inch TVs have become surprisingly affordable and are selling rapidly.
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New Products
BenQ Unveils New 4K Gaming Projectors: TK710 and TK710STi
Mark Henninger  |  Jun 03, 2024
BenQ has announced the release of its latest 4K casual gaming projectors, the TK710 and TK710STi. These new models feature high brightness (3200 ANSI lumens) and contrast, 95% Rec.709 color accuracy, and HDR compatibility, making them suitable for both movies and gaming in various lighting conditions.
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Audio Video News
Bowers & Wilkins and David Beckham Partner for Style and Sound Excellence
Mark Henninger  |  May 31, 2024
British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has announced a partnership with global sports icon David Beckham, merging two symbols of style and performance. This collaboration signifies the beginning of a long-term alliance that highlights Beckham’s deep connection with music, aligning with Bowers & Wilkins’ reputation for audio excellence and premium design.
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Projector ReviewsProjection Screen Reviews
Quick Take: Elite ezCinema Tab-Tension CineGrey 4D Screen & Anker Nebula Mars 3 Projector
Mark Henninger  |  Apr 03, 2024

Home theater comes in many shapes and sizes, but one constant is that it could be a more portable experience. But it’s not impossible! Elite recently sent an ezCinema Tab-Tension CineGrey 4D screen to evaluate, which is an excellent match for an Anker Nebula Mars 3 projector ($1,099) that I have on hand. The Mars 3 has a built-in battery with up to five hours of playtime, although using the projector at its full light output lowers that to around two hours.
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Editor's Eye
Visions of the Future
Mark Henninger  |  Apr 02, 2024
When Apple first announced the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, it set off a chain reaction of responses and predictions. Its extremely high-resolution OLED display holds promise for entertainment experiences like movie watching, but can a personal device visually surpass what’s achievable with a traditional TV screen or projection system?
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Tower Speaker Reviews
GoldenEar T66 Tower Speaker Review: Performance Evolved
Mark Henninger  |  Mar 20, 2024

Performance
Build Quality
Value
PRICE $3,600/each

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Exquisite detail rendering
Cohesive soundstage projection
Deep bass extension
Elegant aesthetic design
Minus
Pricey investment
Grille not removable
Requires power cord and speaker cable connection

THE VERDICT
The T66 offers audiophile-grade soundstage and aesthetics. With exceptional detail, powerful bass, and sleek design, these GoldenEar speakers are an outstanding investment in high fidelity.

GoldenEar’s new T66 tower speaker offers audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts high performance in a slender and stylish design. It is a speaker that takes what is already great about the brand and elevates it to a higher level of fit and finish.

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