Most of the focus on getting better TV sound has been on soundbars , but when Klipsch introduced The Fives in 2020, it reminded us that a really good set of stereo speakers can sometimes be the best solution of all. Apparently, we’re not the only ones who thought so because Klipsch has introduced two new Heritage Wireless models — The Sevens ($1,299) and The Nines ($1,499) — which take the same winning formula from The Fives and add more power for bigger spaces. Both models are available starting January 31 at Klipsch.com, in both ebony and walnut wood finishes. The Sevens and The Nines use the same midcentury modern design as The Fives, with wooden enclosures and removable cloth grilles. Easy access controls are placed on the top of the right channel speaker, giving you the ability to switch sources and adjust volume without needing a remote — though a remote is also included for full couch-based control. On the back panel, you’ll find a variety of inputs including … [Read more...] about Klipsch expands its powered speakers with The Sevens and Nines | Digital Trends
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McIntosh’s new $8,000 AVR: big power, with a Dolby Atmos catch | Digital Trends
New York-based prestige audio brand McIntosh this week launched the MHT300, an $8,000, 7.2-channel home theater receiver that boasts a monstrous 120 watts to 150 watts per channel of power. That’s right: up to 1,050 total watts. But what’s impressive about this is that all that legendary McIntosh power is distributed to all seven channels, making for some serious movie-watching sound from all directions. Well, kinda. The McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver will let you hear “every explosion, car chase, and high-speed fighter jet flyby,” according to a press release, at 120 watts per channel into 8-Ohm speakers or 150 watts per channel with 4-Ohm speakers, with all seven channels driven. And while this setup is sure to deliver pristine McIntosh sound, which may be great for most people, there’s a potentially expensive compromise when it comes to adding the height channels for Dolby Atmos surround sound. By default, those seven powered channels represent the front-left, center, … [Read more...] about McIntosh’s new $8,000 AVR: big power, with a Dolby Atmos catch | Digital Trends
Sony 2023 AVRs: Sonos-ready and wireless speaker-compatible | Digital Trends
Sony has seriously upped its AV receiver (AVR) game for 2023. With the introduction of its STR-AN1000 and four new ES-series models, Sony has added support for Sonos and compatibility with the same wireless speakers and subwoofers that are used to augment Sony’s HT-A Series soundbars . These are also the first Sony AVRs to support 8K. The new models start at $900 for the STR-AN1000 and go as high as $3,300 for the flagship STR-AZ7000ES. They’ll be available later this spring. Contents ES Series STR-AN1000, $900 STR-AZ1000ES, $1,100 STR-AZ3000ES, $1,700 STR-AZ5000ES, $2,100 STR-AZ7000ES, $3,300 Show 1 more item These AVRs are absolutely packed with features, which we’ll get into in a moment, but they’ve also received several new hardware changes that aren’t going to be immediately apparent just by reading the specs. The STR-AN1000 gets a new chassis and subchassis, a new large capacitor transformer, a new digital circuit board, new power supply … [Read more...] about Sony 2023 AVRs: Sonos-ready and wireless speaker-compatible | Digital Trends
Marshall’s latest Bluetooth speaker has four drivers for 360 sound | Digital Trends
The Marshall Middleton ($299) is the company’s latest addition to its lineup of guitar amp-inspired Bluetooth speakers , and it’s available starting January 31 at marshallheadphones.com . The Middleton, as its name somewhat suggests, sits in the middle of the Marshall portable family — it shares the same rectangular shape as the Emberton II but is heavier and more powerful than the Stockton II. What makes the Middleton stand out is its unique quad-driver configuration, which places speakers on all four sides. There are two full-range drivers, each with its own 20-watt amplifier, and two tweeters, powered by a pair of 10-watt amps. The Middleton uses the same “true stereophonic” system as the Emberton II to achieve what the company calls multidirectional, 360-degree stereo sound. Previous Next 1 of 4 Inside is a rechargeable battery that Marshall claims will power the Middleton for more than 20 hours, and it can also do … [Read more...] about Marshall’s latest Bluetooth speaker has four drivers for 360 sound | Digital Trends
Peacock does away with free tier for new subscribers | Digital Trends
Peacock has pared back its available subscription options to two — and they’re now both of the paid variety. As first noted by The Streamable, the free Peacock tier no longer is available, and the $5-a-month Premium and $10-a-month Plus plans are now the options for new subscribers. Those who currently are on the free tier won’t immediately be forced onto one of the paid options, with Peacock’s website saying “If you already have a Peacock account but do not have a paid plan, you can watch a limited amount of content for free.” The change wasn’t officially announced but is apparent on the Peacock website as well as inside streaming apps. And while it’s a hit to those who flat-out don’t want to pay for streaming video, it also doesn’t change the fact that the best content available on Peacock always has been on one of the paid tiers. That’s true for shows that stream the day after they were broadcast in primetime, as well as live sporting events like the Premier League. And … [Read more...] about Peacock does away with free tier for new subscribers | Digital Trends