Glenn Young

JBL Stage A180 Loudspeaker Review

Glenn Young

The JBL Stage A180 loudspeakers bring back the fun that JBLs have always been famous for. Tight and powerful bass, clear and articulate treble, and a presence range that “puts the singer in the room with you” are all classic JBL traits that are on display in the JBL Stage A180 speakers. Other speakers may offer more subdued frequency response and/or more polite dynamics, but they lack the fun factor of the A180. If you’re looking for a durable, well-made, and high-value speaker from one of the most esteemed names in high fidelity, look no further!

Floor Standing Speakers

Revel Performa M126Be Bookshelf Speaker Review

Glenn Young

The Performa M126Be loudspeakers are part of Revel’s popular Performa series. The Revel Performa M126Be speakers are bookshelf-sized and are intended to be stand-mounted. Although the speakers can serve as side or rear surrounds, their price and performance make it unlikely that too many will be used for that purpose. These are superior speakers for smaller rooms where articulation, detail, and imaging are the main goals.

Bookshelf Speakers

Arcam AVR550 AV Receiver Review

Glenn Young

The Arcam AVR550 AV Receiver is in the middle of Arcam’s Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) line. It shares many features with Arcam’s flagship model, the AVR850, but for a lower price tag. The AVR550 sports a full complement of the latest surround decoding abilities including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It also sports audiophile quality DACs and some surprisingly good power amplifiers.

Receiver and Processor Reviews

McIntosh Reviews: MVP901 A/V Disc Player, MX122 A/V Processor, MC205 Five-Channel Power Amplifier

Glenn Young

The McIntosh MVP901 Audio Video Player, the McIntosh MX122 A/V Processor, and the McIntosh MC205 Five-Channel Solid-State Amplifier are some of the brand’s coolest home theater components. Iconic McIntosh meets the 21st Century! The McIntosh MVP901, MX122 and MC205 have some surprises up their sleeves. McIntosh fans will definitely want to check them out!

Power Amplifiers

Emotiva Airmotiv T2 Floor Standing and C2 Center Channel Loudspeaker Review

Glenn Young

Emotiva’s Airmotiv T2 towers and C2 center channel speaker are very impressive, competing favorably with products costing far more. Despite their industrial looks, the Emotiva Airmotiv T2 and C2 speakers not only excel at home theater, but the towers are some of the most articulate stereo speakers around. Two eight-inch woofers in each cabinet can energize large rooms at high volumes while producing such deep bass that a subwoofer may not even be needed. The air-motion-transformer tweeters are clean and extended without sounding strident. This level of performance at such a low price is rare.

Floor Standing Speakers

Birk’s Place Speaker Stands

Glenn Young

If you want the least expensive option for your speakers, then there are plenty of more modest options available. The “teaser price” listed on the Birk’s site ($35 per stand plus $15 for shipping) is the starting point for stand cost.

Blogs & Little Things

Mytek Liberty DAC And Headphone Amplifier Review

Glenn Young

The Mytek Liberty DAC and Headphone Amplifier is one of the latest products from the prolific Mytek company, of Brooklyn, New York. The Mytek Liberty DAC is a member of the rapidly-growing DAC-Headphone Amp category of components. Its primary intent is to supplement a disc transport or a computer audio system playing local files or streaming audio including high-resolution MQA.

Amplifier Reviews