SV Staff

Trick or treat? No tricks here…only treats—especially for home theater enthusiasts weighing various pathways to object-based surround sound (a.k.a. Dolby Atmos or DTS:X). Here we present three Top Pick-rated options in AV receivers—from low to high to very high, as in drop-dead state of the art for those whose priority is sonic purity at all costs. Speaking of object-based surround, how about a simple soundbar-based system that provides a remarkably convincing Dolby Atmos presentation? You read that right—a soundbar. Rounding out this month’s Top Pick honorees are two headphones that couldn’t be more different: one with elegant, solid-wood earcups, the other a pair of “in-ear monitors” that distinguish themselves as the world’s first ’buds designed for listening to and “mixing” live music in real-time. Mind-blowing? You bet.

Startup Detroit Audio Lab has embarked on a unique AV mission: Bring audio manufacturing back to the U.S. by handcrafting audiophile-quality speakers using wood reclaimed from blighted homes and businesses that once thrived during Motor City’s golden age, which dates back to the first mass-produced automobile—Henry Ford’s Model T.

If you’re looking for different spin on football, beyond the usual Sunday/Monday/Thursday night games, Season 2 of HBO’s hit comedy series Ballers is now available for download and streaming.

Wal-Mart has added a free, ad-supported service to its Vudu streaming platform.