While Japanese AV receiver manufacturer Onkyo has long utilized its proprietary AccuEQ room correction, it was among the first to embrace Dirac Live back in 2022. This started with their high-end flagship RZ series, beginning with the TX-RZ50 receiver, followed by the even more premium TX-RZ70. With the addition of Dirac Live room calibration…
Fast forward to 1987, TEAC established the Esoteric division, focusing on even higher-end audio equipment. Their first products were the P1/D1 separated CD transport and DAC, along with the R1 DAT recorder. The P1 also marked their debut of the VRDS (Vibration-free Rigid Disc Clamping System) laser pickup mechanism, showcasing Esoteric’s outstanding mechanical engineering prowess….
My goal in writing this review is to challenge a prevalent misconception among some audio enthusiasts: the idea that THX certification strictly limits a speaker’s utility to home theater setups. The truth is, if a speaker boasts sufficient performance capabilities, there’s no logical reason it should excel solely at reproducing movie soundtracks while being unsuitable…
Over the past couple of years, subwoofers have seen their visibility and importance significantly elevated in the home theater market. This surge is primarily driven by the ever-increasing processing power of audio equipment, which now supports a greater number of subwoofers and simplifies their setup and calibration. Utilizing multiple subwoofers offers numerous advantages, notably achieving…
Is this an exaggeration? Many AV receivers still lack Dirac Live, yet the Core 300 implements it faster. Does this make sense? Absolutely. Recent market research clearly shows soundbars are among the fastest-growing audio products, with projected CAGR exceeding 8% from this year to 2029. This strong soundbar growth hasn’t impacted the steady, gradual…
Canton has always been known for manufacturing “mainstream” loudspeakers – affordable and decent performing. Buying a Canton speaker never required much thought about the price, as you could almost certainly afford it. Surprisingly, this time they’ve introduced a loudspeaker that is utterly out of reach for the average person, completely contradicting their usual philosophy. How…
To truly appreciate the ST5, one must understand it within the broader context of Arcam’s new generation Radia series. The ST5 isn’t just a standalone unit; it’s a vital component of this fresh lineup. Grasping the vision behind the entire Radia series reveals the deliberate design philosophy embedded in the ST5, from its features to…
It wasn’t until I reviewed Focal’s Sopra second-tier flagship home theater speakers that the manufacturer sent over a Sub 1000F subwoofer to pair with the Sopras, forming a 5.1 channel system. That system delivered not only massive and grand home theater sound but also possessed extremely refined audio quality. Even during explosive movie sequences, it…
More than just an integrated amplifier, the EVO 300 Hybrid is perhaps best described as a combination: the lower section houses a tube preamplifier, while the rear section, concealed under a cover, contains the power amplifier. The two sections are thoroughly isolated in terms of power and design. The EVO 300 Hybrid’s preamplifier circuitry inherits…
Let’s start by discussing AudioQuest’s product logic when it comes to power conditioning equipment. The Niagara series is likely the most familiar, having been around for many years and consistently featured at audio shows thanks to the diligent promotion by the manufacturer and their distributor, Rajacar. The Niagara series is positioned as AudioQuest’s high-end line,…
In terms of functionality, the SA35 boasts a PHONO input that accommodates both MM and MC cartridges, perfect for vinyl enthusiasts. Beyond standard optical and coaxial digital inputs, it features an HDMI eARC port, enabling seamless integration with smart TVs. This allows the audio system to power on with your television, delivering a substantial upgrade…
At its core, the Audient ORIA mini is about its “spatial correction system.” It’s not merely a standalone device; it’s a comprehensive package that includes the Sonarworks SoundID Reference calibration software and an add-on kit complete with a measurement microphone. Originally conceived for integration between audio interfaces and studio monitors, it performs multi-point testing around…
The grade of the display device is the most critical factor determining a projector’s picture quality, encompassing both the number of pixels and the number of display devices utilized. Currently, the majority of 4K projectors employ display elements that possess only one-quarter of the pixels required for true 4K resolution. While employing “4-way pixel shifting”…
But here’s the problem: most power strips on the market incorporate “filtering” functions. This design is inherently well-intentioned, as AC mains circuits contain significant EMI and RFI electromagnetic noise, and filtering circuits can purify the power quality. Given this, why do audiophiles often criticize filtering? The primary reason is that passive components in filter circuits…
MSB used to produce CD transports, but these have all been discontinued. Their previous Reference DAC and Select DAC models have also been retired, not to mention earlier DACs. In terms of amplification, their ‘can-style’ monoblocks are also out of production. Currently, their amplifier lineup consists of the S202 and S500 stereo power amplifiers, and…
As previously mentioned, the most significant design difference between the W5800 and the W5700 lies in the light source. The W5700 utilized a lamp with a lifespan ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 hours, whereas the W5800 features a laser array light source with a lifespan of approximately 20,000 hours in Normal mode and around 25,000…
Over the past few years, I’ve made it a point to visit HiFiReport roughly once a year. My visits to HiFiReport weren’t for buying audio equipment myself, but rather to scope things out for friends who were planning to buy. What was I scouting for? On this latest visit, it was specifically to audition the…
Audio-Technica has recently been championing a system configuration featuring a turntable paired with active speakers. This approach helps demystify the traditional perception of complex vinyl systems, making it easy for younger enthusiasts to enjoy pure analog sound with just two components. The affordable AT-LP70X turntable, the subject of this review, is perfect for newcomers. It…