Can a ‘phantom’ centre speaker work as well as the real thing?
by Ian Collen
With several members happy with stereo speakers for their home cinema viewing, this discussion weighs up the pros and cons of a two-channel audio system against dedicated LCR and 5.1 set-ups.
The Authentics 300 is the smaller relative of the Atmos equipped 500 and does without some of the bells and whistles. Is it a better option though?
9
Hi-Fi
LG launches portable StanbyME Speaker
by Ian Collen
Designed to work in harmony with its namesake lifestyle TV, as well as being a standalone wireless audio solution, the new stereo speaker features dual 20mm tweeters with a 20W output.
First announced last year, the floor-standing model finally takes its place as the biggest and most powerful loudspeaker solution within the 5000 series.
The Q Acoustics M40 speaker system could be described as 'Big', 'Wireless’ and 'Affordable'. Of course, these are all relative terms - so what is the company's specific take on how they should all be interpreted and combined. We find out...
10
Hi-Fi
Pro-Ject launches Juke Box E1 turntable system
by Ian Collen
The all-in-one solution integrates Bluetooth streaming and Class D amplification, with some optional speakers to complete the Hi-Fi package.
So, the Theory LCR speaker apparatus does indeed look like a soundbar, but that’s about where similarity ends. Can this novel approach to multi-channel audio really rewrite the rulebook? Let’s find out.
The new reference speaker is the company’s first THX Certified Dominus IW loudspeaker, ready to deliver room-filling sound on the biggest home cinema stages.
Neat’s remastered original trilogy concludes with the Mystique floorstander. Have the boffins from Barnard Castle saved the best ‘til last?
10
Hi-Fi
Harman announces JBL L42ms integrated music system
by Ian Collen
The single-cabinet solution offers a more compact and affordable alternative to the L75ms, and will be joined by the DA850 and DA1650 distribution amplifiers in its Q1 launch window.
Hottish on the heels of reviewing the Teton Plus soundbar package, we now give Majority’s D40X bookshelf models a whirl. Under £90 sounds almost impossible, particularly as you can find them for £70. Can these speakers really make a nice sound? Let’s see.
Sonus faber Duetto Active Wireless Loudspeaker Review
by Ed Selley
Having dipped a toe in more lifestyle oriented products with the Omnia, Sonus faber has combined more traditional speaker engineering with wireless tech. Is the Duetto a perfect hybrid?
The latest iteration of its spherical multi-room stereo speaker offers a refined acoustic design, with the addition of Chromecast and AirPlay 2, plus a more affordable price tag.
Steinway Lyngdorf announces new Steinway & Sons Model C MKII speaker
by Ian Collen
The newly upgraded loudspeaker adopts the company’s Integrated Systems Approach with separate woofers and amplification for a redesigned high-end package deal.
What KEF speakers offer the best value for a surround system?
by Ian Collen
A name commonly recommended in the forums, this thread targets a new KEF upgrade, but with several options at varying price points what are the better series and speaker combinations (and other factors) for a great surround system?
Hi-Fi
Fyne Audio launches F702SP and F703SP loudspeakers
by Ian Collen
The high-end speakers introduce the new F700SP ‘Special Production’ range, combining the heritage of the older F700 models with technology from the company’s flagship F1 series.
This new variation on the plug-and-play LS Hi-Fi system comes in a more compact design along with a suitably scaled-down price tag.
Home AV
SVS unveils Ultra Evolution speaker series
by Ian Collen
The upgraded lineup is comprised of the Pinnacle, Titan and Tower floorstanders, the Bookshelf, along with a more compact Nano variant, plus a dedicated Centre channel and the Elevation speakers for your Dolby Atmos/surround needs.
The new soundbar system created in collaboration with Onkyo will come in Core 100 and Core 200 variants, with additional surround speakers and a subwoofer solution.
Home AV
Canvas HiFi launches its TV-friendly speaker system
by Ian Collen
The Canvas set-up offers a high-end stereo solution that can be perfectly aligned with your TV, or used as a standalone Hi-Fi device.
Focal set to launch new Aria Evo X speaker line-up
by Ian Collen
Building upon the decade-old Aria 900 series, the new collection is made up of the N°1 bookshelf, N°2, N°3, and N°4 floorstanders, and the Aria Evo X Center.
Wilson Audio set to launch four new home AV speaker solutions
by Ian Collen
Designed for high-end home entertainment, the Alida CSC multi-channel speaker, along with the Mezzo CSC and WASAE centres, will be with us shortly, with a Submerge subwoofer due to follow in the spring.
Faller OSKAR SV-100 Portable TV Voice Enhancer Review
by Martin Dew
With TV audio dialogue clarifying technology devices gaining traction, we look at the new Faller OSKAR SV-100. With its neat docking station and convenient carrying handle, the OSKAR represents a novel approach to this growing category. Let’s see whether the sound matches up to the design…
A smaller addition to the existing XLS 11 and XLS 15 models, it echoes the vintage style for those with a little less space (or money) to play with.
Hi-Fi
Klipsch bringing its Music City Series of Bluetooth speakers to the UK
by Ian Collen
Named after US cities with a rich musical heritage, the Nashville kicks off the world tour in December, with Austin and Detroit set to follow in the New Year.
What are the best options for upgrading a home entertainment 5.1 set-up?
by Ian Collen
If music isn’t among your priorities, does this change the kind of speakers you might want to consider for movies, gaming, and sports? This thread raises a good number of set-up options and product recommendations.
It might not be the coolest component within an audio set-up, but it needn’t be an expensive solution, with this thread offering up a nice variety of (mostly) affordable recommendations.
Monitor Audio Gold Speaker and Anthra Subwoofer 5.1 Package Review
by Matthew Eisengruber
Monitor Audio has minted another generation of its Gold Series loudspeakers, this time the 5G. Did we find another rich vein in the Monitor Audio speaker mine? Dig in to the review to find out.
Bowers & Wilkins 600 S3 Home Theatre Speaker System Review
by Matthew Eisengruber
Bowers & Wilkins quest for True Sound continues with the 8th generation 600 series. Have they chosen the correct chalice to drink from? Go on this listening adventure with us to find out.
Bowers & Wilkins' Abbey Road Nautilus 801 speakers up for auction
by Ian Collen
It’s a unique opportunity to get your hands on a pair of the iconic loudspeakers, which have been used at the famed recording studios for nearly 20 years, to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust – but you’ll need to move quickly.
Hardly a household name just yet, France-based Octavio has introduced its first solo active streaming speaker, the Maestro. But we get to hook up two as a stereo pair, as recommended by the company. Active and powered speakers now make up a busy marketplace. Let’s see how this set fares.
The Aya is not simply a new speaker from Rega; it’s the beginning of a whole new way of making speakers for the company and represents a possible answer to an issue that has been bugging audio for the last decade. Is it any good though?
Ruark Audio announces R810 High Fidelity Radiogram
by Ian Collen
A vintage design meets modern streaming technology, with this flagship all-in-one system as much a part of the furniture as it is a home for your music.
Hi-Fi
Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Speaker Review
by Matthew Eisengruber
Tribit is at it again in the Bluetooth speaker arena with the StormBox Flow. At double the size but only marginally more expensive than its smaller sibling, the StormBox Micro 2, will it bring the musical rain?
What’s the best way to integrate Dolby Atmos into a 5.1 audio system?
by Ian Collen
With a 5.1 set-up in place, forum member AlyCat was looking for an upgrade to go with a new Atmos-compatible receiver, so what are the best options in terms of speakers and placement?
What’s the difference between floorstanding and stand-mounted speakers?
by Ian Collen
If they’re essentially using the same floor space, there are pros and cons for both the taller models and smaller bookshelf speakers, with this forum discussion factoring in your room size, set-up and personal preferences.