Audio Visual Gear

Mark Levinson Expands Their 5000 Series with New Amps, a Turntable, and a Network Streaming SACD Player and DAC

Mark Levinson, by Harman, makes audio equipment that many of us can only ever aspire to own. I’ve been able to listen to several of their system set-ups in person, and each time I’ve walked away thinking that if I ever become rich and famous, I’d be tempted. If you’re already in a position to buy, then you’ll be glad to know that they’ve expanded their offering of luxury-line components. Even though the prices are still quite aspirational, they are a little more obtainable than Mark Levinson’s typical price-points.


Roku Rolls Out New Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar and New Roku OS Features

Streaming is one of the biggest changes to how we consume media, and Roku has been at the forefront of bringing the ability to binge-watch “Great British Baking Show” for an entire lost weekend. For them, streaming isn’t just one business arm out of many, it’s their entire purpose, and Roku is intent on improving and sharpening their streaming services.


Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series Anniversary Edition Speakers Celebrate 25 Years of Audio Excellence and Value

I’ve been using Bowers & Wilkins headphones and portable Bluetooth speakers for some time, and I’ve enjoyed that right out of the box they are perfectly tuned to my listening preferences. B&W also makes high-end bookshelf and floor-standing speakers. For 25 years, their 600 Series has been a more accessible introduction to Bowers & Wilkins’s home-audio line. To celebrate its silver anniversary, B&W is launching the 600 Series Anniversary Edition.



ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 TV Speaker Boosts Dialogue and Clarifies Voices

We’ve reviewed quite a few ZVOX soundbars, and one thing I have always appreciated about them is how they use technology to make it easier to understand what people are saying onscreen — even when explosions are happening in the background. Their latest is the ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 TV Speaker, and it adds the power of Alexa to their already powerful speakers.





The Mevo Start Is Finally Here, and We’ve Got a First Hand Look!

Mevo has been pioneering high-quality camera technology for a few years, so when the brand took to CES back in January I was excited about their latest product: The Mevo Start. And as someone who’s tried their hardest to Livestream from smartphones, tablets, and laptops, there’s always been more trouble than it was actually worth.


An Interview with Asher Dowson, House of Worship Segment Manager at D&B Audiotechnik

D&b is known throughout the professional audio community for its groundbreaking Soundscape technology; at NAMM, we had a chance to visit with Asher Dowson, the House of Worship segment manager at d&b audiotechnik. He was the one to fill us in on the concept of d&b’s belief that “everyone should experience the same impeccable quality of sound, regardless of their position in the audience.”




Austere Releases High-End 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable

As 8K televisions begin to gain traction, the need for cables able to handle huge amounts of data continues to grow. Austere, a new company we told you about a few months ago, is ready for the revolution. Their new 8K HDMI 2.1 cables can handle 48 Gbps with style. They look great but come at a price.


JBL Wants Sound to Be a True 360-Degree Experience

One of the greatest things about technology is that it is constantly, relentlessly, moving forwards. Speakers and headphones have reached a point where even entry-level provides a richer experience than the most advanced models 20 years ago. JBL is ready for the next great leap forward, with devices that provide a 360-degree listening experience. The JBL Quantum line are gaming headphones designed to bring the audio experience into the same sharp realism as graphics. They use what JBL calls QuantumSURROUND to make sounds that much more realistic and detailed. Then there are the Quantum ONE headphones, which bring true 360-degree…



Roland Announces GO:LIVECAST Live Streaming Studio for Smartphones at CES 2020

Roland, the industry-leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and professional video products, announced its latest innovation at CES 2020 in Las Vegas, the GO:LIVECAST Live Streaming Studio for Smartphones.  GO:LIVECAST is a mobile device that allows streamers to enhance and manage live content while remaining engaged with their audience.  It’s basically a mobile broadcast studio and it’ll be available January 2020 for $249.99.


Expand Your Television Bang for Your Buck with Konka Televisions

People who are out to buy televisions tend to fall into two groups; one is the “I only buy <brand name>” group, and the other is the “I couldn’t tell you the manufacturer of my current television, I just want certain features.” If you’re in the latter category, you should put Konka televisions on your radar for price and features!


A Review of the All-New Nvidia SHIELD TV

Complete with an all-new design and a host of upgrades that users of the previous NVIDIA Shield, Nvidia’s new SHIELD TV is faster, smarter, and even more portable. I’ve had my hands on one for the past few weeks, and it’s becoming one of my favorite streaming devices.




Roku Launches Pre-Orders for New Smart Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer

Roku, long known for their streaming devices, has decided to up the ante in the audio market by introducing the new Roku Smart Soundbar and Roku Wireless Subwoofer.  The Smart Soundbar is said to produce excellent sound on its own, but the new Wireless Subwoofer should a punch of bass.  Preorders are open now on Roku.com for October 2019 shipping.