True wireless earbuds have historically been primarily viewed as products prioritizing convenience, often lacking the detailed acoustic design found in over-ear headphones. However, the Pi8 and Pi6 represent a distinct departure. It’s said that B&W specifically enlisted the design teams behind their acclaimed Px8 headphones and 700 Series loudspeakers to overcome the physical limitations…
Taiwanese display brands have been actively investing in the development of MiniLED and QLED displays in recent years, yielding numerous excellent products on the market. However, when it comes to combining both technologies and developing MiniQLED models, Sampo stands out as the most proactive. As a long-established Taiwanese audio-visual brand, Sampo has consistently demonstrated a…
Audio Research Corporation (ARC) was founded in 1970 by William Z. Johnson (1926-2011). He had previously established an audio store called Electronic Industries in 1951, specializing in custom-built amplifiers for clients. His first creation for a customer was a three-chassis tube amplifier. After many years in business, in 1968, William Z. Johnson sold his patents,…
Upon unpacking and examining the AVR-X6800H, we found that its circuit layout, while not quite reaching the lavish, symmetrical design of the flagship AVR-A1H, represents a significant leap from its predecessor, the AVR-X6700H. It’s not just about added features or refined settings; crucially, the key components and materials have been substantially upgraded, with some…
There is a distinct difference between “watching TV” and “experiencing a movie.” The former is passive, a background activity often accompanied by scrolling through phones or folding laundry. The latter is an event—a dedicated block of time where we suspend disbelief and allow a story to transport us. As home theater technology advances, bridging the…
The line between high-end cinema and interactive entertainment has never been blurrier. Modern video games are masterpieces of visual storytelling and sound design, often rivaling the production values of Hollywood blockbusters. Consequently, the days of gaming hunched over a small monitor are giving way to the immersive grandeur of home theater gaming. When you connect…
Of course, the true cinematic immersion comes from watching movies on a large screen with the lights off, projected by a projector. This is arguably the simplest justification for the existence of high-end 4K projectors. However, I cannot ignore the trend of ever-larger televisions. Some enthusiasts might lean towards watching streaming movies on a 4K…
For the past decade, Marantz has utilized both Class D and Class AB amplification in parallel. Far from neglecting Class D, they’ve even gone so far as to design and produce top-tier Class D amplifiers for their flagship models, maintaining an open and active attitude towards new power amplifier circuit technologies. The genesis of…
Recognizing the needs of listeners in modern living spaces, American speaker manufacturer Klipsch has shifted its focus in recent years. Their home theater offerings are no longer solely massive multi-channel speaker systems but increasingly feature size-friendly Soundbar products. These systems save space and reduce the need for cables, offering even those with smaller rooms…
Recognizing the strengths of their WS-X1A, Yamaha has strategically streamlined its features to introduce the new WS-B1A Bluetooth speaker. While it shares the identical design blueprint with the WS-X1A, the WS-B1A foregoes the stereo pairing capability. This means it operates purely as a standalone unit, a deliberate choice that perfectly aligns with the needs…
Among the myriad of cable brands available, Japan’s Furutech has consistently remained on my list of “must-consider” options. This is primarily because their product technology is transparent, their materials are robust, and their pricing is relatively reasonable, making you feel like you’re truly getting your money’s worth. The only slight drawback was the absence of…
Japanese audio giant Audio-Technica previously launched the AT-SP95 active speakers back in 2021. These speakers quickly gained popularity among younger users for their signature Audio-Technica clarity, perfectly tailored for desktop listening setups. Building on user feedback for the AT-SP95, including requests for “more bass” and “simpler operation,” Audio-Technica has now introduced the upgraded AT-SP105 desktop…
Perhaps you might think the answer is simple: it must be due to the listening space. The Golden Dragon Hall boasts perfect spatial proportions and meticulous acoustic treatment, so better sound would seem a given. Initially, I thought so too. But strangely, even when I visited Oriole’s exhibit room at audio shows, I experienced the…
Building a high-fidelity home theater is a significant investment of both time and resources. You have researched the best amplifiers, carefully positioned your speakers, and mounted your 4K display. However, simply plugging everything in and pressing play does not guarantee you are seeing or hearing what the director intended. To truly unlock the potential of…
You have just purchased a state-of-the-art 4K OLED television and a premium surround sound system. You settle in for a movie night, select a blockbuster title on your favorite streaming app, and press play. The image is sharp, and the sound is loud, yet something feels missing. The dark scenes look slightly blocky, and the…
Walking into a modern electronics retailer or browsing an online display marketplace can feel like learning a new language. You are bombarded with stickers and spec sheets shouting acronyms: 4K UHD, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, WCG, and HLG. For the average consumer simply looking to replace an aging living room television, the central question is often…
There is a hidden gem sitting beneath the floorboards of millions of homes: the basement. For the average homeowner, it is often a graveyard for holiday decorations, outgrown clothes, and dusty exercise equipment. But for the audio-visual enthusiast, this subterranean space represents the ultimate blank canvas. The basement offers natural advantages that living rooms simply…
For decades, the concept of a “home theater” conjured images of dark, dedicated basements with blacked-out windows, rows of recliner seating, and massive stacks of equipment blinking in the corner. While these dedicated rooms offer incredible performance, they simply don’t align with the reality of modern living. Most of us want to enjoy that cinematic…