Expert Advice
244 ARTICLES
McIntosh CS7500 Review: A Streaming Preamplifier Built for Modern Hi-Fi
McIntosh combines a full two-channel preamplifier, network streamer, DAC, adjustable MM/MC phono stage, and HDMI ARC in the new CS7500. We tested an early unit to see how it sounds, how it compares with the C49 and DS200, and whether one chassis really can replace both.
JBL Summit K2 Review: Inside JBL's New Flagship Speaker
JBL brought its new flagship Summit K2 to our lab for a full listening session with Mark Levinson's 600 Series electronics. We break down the triple compression driver array, the true three-way crossover, and why this speaker carries 40 years of K2 history into a clean-sheet design.
Marantz MCR 60n: CDs, Vinyl, HEOS and HDMI eARC in One Amp
The Marantz MCR 60n combines a CD player, MM phono stage, HEOS streaming, HDMI eARC and optional Dirac Live in one $1,000 system. We tested how it sounds and compared it with the Marantz MODEL M1 and Denon CEOL N-12.
KLH Model Four: The Speaker That Fills KLH's Biggest Gap
KLH's new Model Four borrows the Model Five's midrange and tweeter for a shallower, more affordable cabinet. We tested it side by side against the flagship Model Seven at Audio Advice Live, then took it back to our test lab. Full specs, setup tips, and listening impressions inside.
Sonos Amp Multi: The Multi-Zone Amplifier Built for Whole-Home Audio
Sonos returns to hardware with the Amp Multi, an eight-channel amplifier built for whole-home systems. We cover the zones, the ProTune tuning suite, the fanless GaN design, what a rack install looks like in practice, and who this amp is built for before you consider one.
JBL Cove M1, P1, and X1 Overview
JBL enters whole home audio with three new speakers: the Cove M1, P1, and X1. We tested all three ahead of launch, including using two of them as wireless surrounds with a compatible JBL soundbar, and break down pricing, specs, and how the lineup stacks up against the competition.
Hegel H200 & A200 Integrated Amplifiers Overview
Hegel's H200 and A200 integrated amplifiers share the same 150 watt Class A/B platform but take different routes to get there. The H200 adds streaming, a DAC, and phono. The A200 skips the digital section for a fully analog design built around the same amplifier core.
Marantz Cinema 50 & 60 Series 2 Overview
Marantz refreshed the Cinema 50 and Cinema 60 with Series 2 updates: a new 32-bit DAC, Dirac Live room correction now available on the 60 for the first time, on-screen channel monitoring, a new Center Bi-Amp mode on the 50, and more. We go through every change in detail and tell you whether it's worth upgrading from the original.
ARCAM's New Radia AV Lineup
A hands-on look at ARCAM's new Radia AV lineup, the AVA15, AVA25, and AVA35 amplifiers plus the AVP45 processor, and how each one fits into a home theater system.
Lyngdorf LCR-2: The Center Channel Built to Match the FR-2
Lyngdorf built the LCR-2 to solve a real problem: a center channel that actually matches the FR-2 floorstander, in a sealed cabinet just 4.33 inches deep. We tested it solo, as a three-speaker front stage, and with RoomPerfect switched on and off to hear exactly what changes in the room.
Soundbar or Separate Home Theater System: Which Is Right for You?
Not sure whether a soundbar, a full home theater system, or a pair of powered speakers is right for you? We break down what each option actually delivers, from dialogue clarity and music performance to room size, budget, and setup, so you can pick what actually fits your room.
Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond D5 Overview
Bowers & Wilkins just launched the 800 Series Diamond D5, and this is not a small update. New Signature-derived motors, all-new Space Frame Bracing, and a reworked 804 midrange enclosure headline the changes. Here's what's new, how it sounds, and full pricing across every model in the range.
Kaleidescape Strato K
Kaleidescape's Strato K is their new $5,000 flagship movie player, the first ever certified by the 8K Association. It introduces 4K Cinematic, a format with dramatically more color detail up to full 4:4:4, plus native 8K playback sourced from real 8K master files. Runs standalone or expands with a Terra server.
WiiM Bar Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
The WiiM Bar is WiiM's first soundbar with true 3.0.2 Dolby Atmos. It expands wirelessly into a full 5.1.2 home theater using other WiiM devices, including the ability to add dedicated front left and right speakers that turn the bar into a pure center channel.
Sony BRAVIA 2026 True RGB Overview
Sony's True RGB technology is the biggest leap in LED LCD picture quality in years. We got our hands on the BRAVIA 7 II and 9 II in our own test labs and put them through their paces. Here's everything you need to know about True RGB and how to choose the right model for your room.
Denon AVR-X2900H & AVR-X3900H Overview
Denon just released the AVR-X2900H and AVR-X3900H, the latest X-Series receivers replacing the X2800H and X3800H. We break down what's actually new, what both units share, and which one is the right fit depending on your room, your speakers, and how far you want to take your system.
