Pro-Review


Editorial Reviews | Headphones | Pro-Review | Sports

NB639 New Balance Heart Rate Monitor Sports Headphone Combo Review

By   November 29, 2011

We have been running almost since the day we could walk. It has even been argued that endurance running has contributed to the evolution of the human body.  Likewise, music has also shaped the development of man. However, it has only been recently that both running and music could be experienced together, and today it seems we are at that nexus. Finally a true melding of technology and music intended to enhance the runner’s endeavors.  Bulky Walkmans are now nano-sized iPods, and heart rate monitors and pedometers are now smaller than our thumb. The new NB639 from New Balance/iHome is proof.

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Earphones | Editorial Reviews | Headphones | Pro-Review

Creative Aurvana In-Ear3 Earphones Review

By   October 24, 2011

Creative Labs has expanded since their early days of manufacturing PC soundboards. Currently they make speakers, webcams, MP3 players, and of course some of the best soundboards in the consumer market. They have worked hard to offer excellent products, yet, until now, they have not been on my short list of manufacturers who produce audiophile grade earphones.

The Aurvana In-Ear 3 earphones landed on my desk a few weeks ago, and after about 20 hours of burn in, they have become my all day listening preference. There are three very good reasons for this choice. First, the A3 offers a coherent and tonally rich mid-range that has a slight boost to the upper mid-range emphasizing the recording space of acoustic instruments and vocals. Secondly, they offer an expansive and three-dimensional soundstage. And finally they are never fatiguing.

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Editorial Reviews | Outdoor Speakers | Pro-Review | Speakers | Wireless Speakers

Audio Unlimited SPK-24GX-DUO Editorial Review

By   October 03, 2011

Pros:

  • Good Sound
  • Light weight
  • Mild Blue Mood lighting
  • Good signal distance and strength

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Amplifiers | Editorial Reviews | Integrated Amplifiers | Pro-Review

Trends Audio T-10.2 Integrated Amplifier Review

By   August 30, 2011

www.trendsaudio.com

Summary

Overall we’d absolutely recommend the T-10.2 amplifier. Assuming you only needed a single input and could pair it with musical and smooth sounding gear.  One gets a stunning amount of performance from the $189 T-10.2. Detailed sound with touch of warmth, hints at a real body and musical presence, and pure enjoyment. Trends has a winner here. Though we’d love to see a version with a few more inputs, a higher quality volume control and a dimmer blue light. Though it sounds like that might be in the works…

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Audioholics | Bookshelf Speakers | Editorial Reviews | Pro-Review | Speakers

Energy Veritas V-5.1 Bookshelf Speaker Review

By   August 23, 2011

These are… bar none… the most beautiful speakers I’ve ever seen. While also available in a Gloss Piano Black, the samples we have here are the Piano Rosenut finish and, as you can tell, they are absolutely pristine in terms of the veneer and the gloss coat. Everything about these speakers screams high-end, yet they cost just $400 each. While that’s not exactly pocket change, it’s a far cry from what many people consider “high-end” and yet most of the audiophile speakers we’ve seen in our day don’t approach this type of build quality and styling.

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Amplifiers | Audioholics | Editorial Reviews | Feature Articles | Pro-Review | Receivers

Denon AVR-3312CI AV Receiver Review

By   August 05, 2011

AV receivers are getting more and more powerful, and their feature sets are getting more and more expansive. For some, the critical price/performance breakpoint comes at around $5-$600. At that price you start to get advanced features like video upconversion to HDMI and amplifiers that can be re-routed to a second Zone. So what does Denon have to offer above and beyond that with its AVR 3312CI receiver, that’s priced at twice that. I mean what do you really get for $1100?

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Audioholics | Editorial Reviews | Feature Articles | Pro-Review | Speakers | Subwoofers

Velodyne DD-15+ Subwoofer Review

By   June 22, 2011

Based on our exhaustive testing, it’s clear that Velodyne’s new Digital Drive Plus series of subs deliver as promised and even exceed some of their own output claims made to us. You stick a robust 15″ driver in an inert sealed enclosure with a hulking power amp and masterful servo and compressor, and you’ve got the receipt for good subwoofing which very few sealed competitors can compete with both in sheer output and pristine fidelity. The DD-15+ has proven to be a worthy successor to the venerable DD-15 that started the whole Digital Drive series nearly 8 years ago. The hefty price tag is about the only downside to this fabulous product which the end user must decide if it’s worth forking over the cash to don the Velodyne name in their theater room. If I were their competition, I’d be worried that Velodyne has just put most of them in checkmate with this very impressive line of well engineered Digital Drive Plus subwoofers. Highly recommended!

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Audioholics | Editorial Reviews | Feature Articles | Pro-Review

Emotiva UMC-1 7.1 Channel Pre-Processor Video Review

By   May 10, 2011

Can you get a $2000 processor for just $700? Emotiva is betting you can. It’s new UMC-1 7.1 processor combines some of the more advanced A/V processing you’ll find into a package that is hard to beat. Let’s start with the hardware. The UMC-1 utilizes Emotiva’s signature aluminum faceplate design and LED backlit controls that give it a warm, minimalistic look. They’re going to audiophile appeal and I think they nailed it. The UMC-1 looks like the love child offspring of a McIntosh and Anthem processor. I’m just saying…

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Amplifiers | Feature Articles | Integrated Amplifiers | Pro-Review

PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium Integrated Amplifier Review

By   April 28, 2011

ProLogue Premium Review

If you’ve caught even snippets of the British television program “Top Gear” you’ll have no doubt noticed that even though host Jeremy Clarkson loves the roaring and wild aggression of Lamborghinis and their ilk, he constantly speaks better of sports cars with more technology, smoother rides, stereos, and a sense of class. Automobiles like the sporty Audi A6 and BMW M series exemplify this because what Jeremy wants is a car that can rip up the road when desired or be smooth and relaxed on demand. Jeremy wants a car with the versatility to match his needs.

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Audioholics | Bookshelf Speakers | Editorial Reviews | Feature Articles | Pro-Review | Speakers | Wireless Speakers

Grace Digital GDI-IRMS300 WiFi Micro System Review

By   April 25, 2011

Whether its Pandora, Rhapsody, Internet radio, or streaming music from your local Mac or PC, Grace Digital’s WiFi Micro Bookshelf system (Model GDI-IRMS300)seems to pull it off. With this 2.0 micro stereo system you get even more because the unit comes with a 2x16W Class-D amplifier and a pair of 2-way mini bookshelf speakers. This makes the system completely portable, though not in the “carry it around with you sense” and makes it the perfect addition to any small office or dormitory in need of tunes. Best yet, the company both organizes and consolidates your music in a way that is refreshing and simple.

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