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Audio by Van Alstine DVA 850 Mono-Block Amplifiers Review

Audio by Van Alstine DVA 850 Mono-Block Amplifiers Review

Todd Cooperider

The Audio by Van Alstine DVA 850 Mono-Block amplifiers offer the highest performance and technology currently available from their extensive lineup. With a mas -0sive power output of 850 watts, this hybrid tube/transistor design provides an extremely accurate reproduction, with virtually none coloration found in some all-tube or all solid-state designs.

Power Amplifiers
Super Geek Guide to Tweaking ARC-2

Super Geek Guide to Tweaking ARC-2

David A. Rich, Ph.D.

Welcome to my continuing examination of the ARC-2 room correction system with some Dirac comparisons and usage suggestions thrown in. Dirac will have it own Guide to Tweaking coming up later. As a Super Geek, you are willing to try things that may make things worse, understand...

Technical Reviews
cabin in the woods

The Cabin in the Woods – 4K UHD Blu-ray Movie Review

Jim Milton

A rambunctious group of five college friends steal away for a weekend of debauchery in an isolated country cabin, only to be attacked by horrific supernatural creatures in a night of endless terror and bloodshed. Sound familiar? Just wait. As the teens begin to exhibit standard horror movie behavior, a group of technicians...

Movie Reviews
CEDIA 2017

CEDIA 2017 Intro

Secrets

CEDIA 2017 is being held in beautiful, sunny San Diego. The San Diego Convention Center will host over 500 exhibitors who will be catering to and connecting with the attendees within the home theater and technology community. Check out the show coverage by SECRETS Co Editor...

Show Reports, Film Festivals and Concerts

ELAC Uni-Fi Slim 5.1 Speaker System Review

Carlo Lo Raso

The ELAC Uni-Fi Slim 5.1 Speaker System is a stylish and well-designed speaker line whose components can deliver resounding performance when used either individually or as a complete system. Designed by acclaimed speaker engineer Andrew Jones, ELAC’s Uni-Fi line is available in two versions. We are reviewing the “Slim” versions, which were originally designed for the European market and have narrower front baffles with deeper overall cabinets and two satin paint finishes. The “Standard” versions have wider front baffles, are not quite as deep and have a different brushed vinyl finish. Both versions are said to sound identical although the “Slims” command a higher price due to the aesthetics. Be assured though, the price-to-performance ratio of either version is quite exceptional. Thank you ELAC. It’s good to have options!

Surround Sound Speaker Systems

McIntosh D1100 2-Channel Digital Preamplifier Review

Tyler Stripko

I know many audiophiles who have ditched their analog-based music setups and gone strictly digital. Whether that means entirely computer-based (be that MAC or PC), network-attached storage (NAS)-based, large racks of round plastic discs (CDs), or a combination of the above, these folks no longer use a single analog-based device. Their music lies entirely within the realm of zeros and ones. It is for this customer that McIntosh has designed their new D1100 2-Channel Digital Preamplifier.

Preamplifiers

Shure M97xE Phono Cartridge Review

Carlo Lo Raso

If you're looking for a good quality mid-level phono cartridge to enable your dreams of vinyl nirvana (on a budget), then the Shure M97xE is definitely worth your consideration. While perhaps not the most revealing cartridge in the world, the Shure M97xE does provide a few notable features and has a sound signature that many should find to be smooth and fatigue-free. It has a particular knack for taming brighter recordings and, overall seems to be an excellent value and a solid, engaging performer.

Turntable AccessoriesVinyl Accessories
Outlaw Audio RR2160 Stereo Retro Receiver

Outlaw Audio RR2160 Stereo Retro Receiver Review

Jim Milton

Whether you are into streaming high resolution music, USB audio files, Internet Radio, or prefer to play vinyl records, the Outlaw Audio RR2160 Stereo Retro Receiver will deliver great sound quality while giving your audio rack a distinctive retro look.

Receivers
Edifier RT1280T

Edifier RT1280T Powered Bookshelf Speaker Review

Mel Martin

The Edifier RT1280T is a new brand of speakers that is finding advocates among people looking for inexpensive high-quality audio. The Edifier RT1280T powered bookshelf speakers retails for less than a hundred dollars and packs a punch in a nicely designed device that could be used with a computer, small stereo system or even as a plug in to a phone or media player. It consists of two speakers, one containing a power amp for both speakers, all the connecting cables for output and input, along with a mini remote.

Bookshelf Speakers