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Latest by Ryan Waniata

The Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar.

Yamaha YAS-209 soundbar review

Yamaha’s winning formula for the YAS-207 (our favorite value-packed soundbar for years now) scores another success with the YAS-209, which keeps the major features of its predecessor, while adding extras like Alexa voice control and (eventually) multi-room audio support, all at a still-affordable price point.
between the streams

Between the Streams: Suicide Squad scrum — is DC in trouble?

This week: Suicide Squad conundrum, alternatives at the box office, a potential Star Wars TV show on ABC, Stranger Things 2 news and more.
between the streams

Between the Streams: Stranger Things, Trekkie things, and more

This week on Between the Streams: The new Star Trek movie gets high marks, Stranger Things fever breaks out, and Louis CK preps his next hilarious series.
between the streams

Between the Streams: Logan’s last stand, ‘Iron Fist’ teaser, ‘Justice League’ sizzler

Today we'll be discussing the latest from Marvel and Netflix's epic superhero series, young Han Solo news, Wolverine 3 developments, and so much more!
between the streams

Between the Streams: Jason Bourne (again), Black Mirror 3, Wonder Woman’s big week

This week, we're talking Matt Damon's Chinese film about monsters and the Great Wall, Wonder Woman's attempts to save the DC universe, and much more.
Mars kitchen white

Watch for little green men! This Bluetooth speaker floats like a flying saucer

The Mars portable speaker dishes out 360 degrees of sound while floating above its base stand like a freaking flying saucer.
apple music wwdc 2016 redesign daily playlists library lyrics featured

Apple clears up the Apple Music clutter, adds daily playlists to take on Spotify

Apple showed off its redesigned Apple Music interface at WWDC, which clears up some of the clutter, adds new daily playlists, and more.
wwdc 2018 news apple

Apple has finally killed off iTunes, but your music is safe

At its annual WWDC comforence, Apple announced its plans to finally phase out iTunes in its new MacOS, Catalina. Here's what you need to know about the death of Apple's long-running app, and what's replacing it, including Apple TV, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Music.
OIO-Amp

This little iPad stand packs built-in speakers to raise your streaming game

Love that iPad but hate the sound? The Amp is an iPad stand with built-in speakers that easily pairs to your device via Bluetooth to offer stereo audio.
spotify video rolling out soon app

Taylor Swift is right: Music can’t survive if you don’t pay for it

Music has never been a steady path to fortune, but ad-supported streaming services like Pandora and Spotify are making it harder and harder for all but superstar musicians to survive.
Apple Music Android

3 reasons I’m in love with Apple Music (and the 1 reason I can’t leave Spotify)

Once you crack the code, there are some very cool reasons to give Apple Music a real shot. And one big reason not to.
Klipsch Reference Wireless Speakers

Say goodbye to the box: The future of home theater has no use for receivers

One of the most intriguing new trends to come out of CES 2019 comes from a technology that has been around for years. WiSA, supported by new LG TVs, PCs, and Xbox consoles, has the potential to cut the wires and change the home theater landscape forever. This could mean the beginning of the end for the A/V receiver.
LG SL9YG

From Atmos to WiSA: These are the coolest soundbars of CES 2019

While some companies chose not to play this year, CES 2019 still had a ton of impressive soundbars at the show. From Klipsch to Vizio, the soundbars at this year's show brought a ton of new features and plenty of power. We've rounded up the coolest soundbars we saw at the show.
tcl audio soundbar ces 2019 ts5010

TCL plays it safe on audio for 2019 with new super-simple soundbars

TCL has had a banner year in the TV world, and now the company is introducing two new soundbar lines to pair with its popular Roku TVs. The budget bars will be looking to upset Vizio and others as the best way to upgrade your new TV. But can TCL make as big a splash in audio as it has in video?
wireless speaker buying guide wirless audio

Wireless speaker buying guide: Everything you need to know about wireless speakers

Why tether your device to a speaker when you bask in the glow of wireless audio? Here’s our guide on how to pick the best wireless speaker for you.
Erato wireless earbuds review

Hang onto those cords. Next-gen wireless earbuds still aren’t good enough

Thanks in part to Apple’s decision to drop the headphone jack, wireless in-ear headphones are popping up everywhere. But with short battery life, high prices, and lower fidelity, are they ready to take center stage?
techics grand class sl 1200gr turntable ces 2017

Technics’ SL-1200GR turntable cuts back in all the right ways to cut the price in half

We checked out the follow-up to Technics' SL-1200G turntable, the SL-1200GR, which is half the price, and is still a beauty to behold.
Moon 888

Simaudio Moon 888 mono amplifiers: Our first take

Like Sennheiser’s magnificent $55,000 Orpheus headphones, Simaudio's audacious Moon 888 mono amplifiers are $120,000 worth of pure, unadulterated audio bliss.
Sony HT-S350

Sony HT-S350 review

Sony’s new midlevel soundbar, the HT-S350, offers tons of power, big bass, and a sleek look for $300. But mediocre features and a focus on might over detail make it easy to miss the little things. In our review, we’ll explain why you may want to look elsewhere for great TV sound at this price.
control live sound or just jam out with these fully wireless augmented reality earbuds doppler labs here one

Control live sound or just jam out with these fully wireless, AR earbuds

Available now for pre-order, the Here One wireless earbuds can alter the sound around you, play music, amplify or cancel noise, and more.
Man listening to KEF LS50 speakers with eyes closed.

KEF LS50 Wireless review

The KEF LS50 Wireless are a thrilling step into audiophile sound -- in our review, maybe the best performance we’ve experienced in a bookshelf speaker.

Pyle PSBV200BT Review

Pyle’s inexpensive PSBV200BT sound bar delivers the sort of bombastic bass that adds excitement to movies and TV shows, but its mediocre music performance and poor Bluetooth audio quality have us wondering if the speaker really is a good deal.

Paradigm Soundtrack Review

Once again, Paradigm puts its signature sound into a package that will suit nearly any décor. The Soundtrack 2.1 sound bar system is potent, accurate and lyrical in a way that rivals hi-fi stereo rigs.
Sharp HT SB60 Soundbar review soundbar and subwoofer

Sharp HT-SB60 review

The Sharp HT-SB60’s wide stance affords it impressive stereo separation, and it is capable of big, robust sound, but its grating, sharp treble is a deal breaker for us.
Pioneer Soundbar SP SB23W subwoofer side

Pioneer SP-SB23W review

Andrew Jones once again proves his advanced design chops can bring value and performance to Pioneer’s entry-level audio products with his work on the Pioneer SP-SB23W speaker bar. We just wish it didn’t suffer from Bluetooth issues.
Pinnacle 8210 full

Pinnacle Front Row Sys 8210 review

If you came across this review because you saw this sound bar on a deal page, go ahead and buy knowing you’ll get your money’s worth. Just don’t expect a super-premium sound experience.
Samsung HWF5500 Soundbar system front sub

Samsung HW-F550 review

Samsung’s HW F550 offers a lot features in a pretty package for not a lot of cash. But while the system is big on bass and generally inoffensive, it lacks the clarity and zing some would expect, even from a budget sound bar solution.
Yamaha YSP1400 center speaker 2

Yamaha YSP-1400 review

Yamaha’s Digital Sound Projectors aren’t your typical sound bars. Armed with an array of small drivers, built-in subwoofers and highly customizable sound control, even the entry-level YSP-1400 offers more than the similarly-priced competition.
Denon DHT S514 review sound bar and sub front

Denon DHT-S514 review

Denon’s first sound bar effort yields some impressive results. In our review, we outline how the DHT-S514 makes a strong argument as a top contender in the mid-tier sound bar genre.
Sony HT-CT770 soundbar front

Sony HT-CT770 review

Sony’s new entry-level sound bar packs a refined, yet powerful punch and a host of features, making it a solid contender in a crowded field of applicants.
Vizio S212W-D0 sound stand review front

Vizio S2121w-D0 review

Vizio’s new Sound Stand is a pinch hitter for a traditional sound bar at best.
Definitive Technology W Studio Micro 3.1 soundbar

Definitive Technology W Studio Micro 3.1 review

With the W Studio Micro, Definitive Technology proves that small size doesn’t have to mean small sound. With plenty of power, clean detail, and multi-room technology, this little bar punches well above its weight.
monoprice sound bar and subwoofer review 42 inch soundbar kit angle

Monoprice 42-inch sound bar review

Monoprice’s budget-friendly sound bar will definitely upgrade your TV audio, but how low is too low for a quality experience?
Yamaha YSP-5600 soundbar

Yamaha YSP-5600 sound bar review

Yamaha’s flagship sound projector works acoustic wonders to create convincing Dolby Atmos/DTS:X surround sound, but it’s big enough to require some redecorating.
Nakamichi soundbar

Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 sound bar review

Nakamichi’s Shockwafe Pro is packed with features and heaps of muscle, as well as impressive true 5.1 surround sound immersion, putting it in true competition in the world of budget surround soundbars.
Vizio SB4551-D5 review

Vizio SB4551-D5 SmartCast 5.1 sound bar review

Vizio goes micro for its flagship 5.1 surround soundbar, and while the treble gets a little lighter, the bar adds better detail, new features, and thrilling surround sound, all at a nice price.
Onkyo SBT-A500 Atmos soundbar review

Onkyo SBT-A500 Atmos review

While Onkyo’s relatively affordable SBT-A500 checks all the right boxes on paper, when it comes to creating thrilling surround sound, this Atmos soundbar leaves something to be desired.
samsung hw ms650 review sound  soundbar main blue

Samsung HW‑MS650 Sound+ Soundbar review

Samsung gets back to basics with the sleek and simple HW-MS650 Sound+ soundbar, the second bar from its new audio lab. With a formidable array of drivers, intuitive setup and control, and impressive sound, the affordable MS650 offers a lot for a little in more ways than one.