Most soundbars also offer optical audio inputs for older TVs without HDMI ARC support, but you’ll want to check to make sure (or you could just upgrade to a new TV too!). We recommend sticking to soundbars with HDMI ARC at a minimum. It’s a much simpler connection, and it’sContinue Reading
Vinyl Listening Accessories and Tips Photograph: Art Pro Audio Before you plug into your system, the main accessory your turntable may need is a phono preamp if it’s not built-in. Phono preamps take the turntable’s naturally quiet signal and bring it up to line level—the level your stereo expects fromContinue Reading
The AIO does support decoding for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with DTS Virtual:X, designed to create a sense of expansion for even stereo soundtracks via digital signal processing (DSP). Any virtualized 3D effects were minimal at best in my testing, but even baseline support for the two primaryContinue Reading
The Echo Show 8 is one of the devices slated to get first access to Alexa+, Amazon’s new voice assistant, which comes out later this spring. Before that release, though, the impending arrival will cause the privacy feature that keeps your voice recordings stored locally to go away. As ofContinue Reading
The best Bluetooth speakers have a place near and dear to our hearts, even as we’ve seen smart speakers improving their sound and portability. It’s convenient to ask an Amazon Echo or Google Nest speaker to play your favorite track or tell you the weather, but smart speakers require stableContinue Reading
Over the years, JBL’s Flip has become my favorite Bluetooth speaker, offering the best bargain between sound, size, and durability. My trusty Flip 5 may not be the most hi-fi model in my arsenal, but it offers clear and full audio performance, and its convenient mix of usability and mobilityContinue Reading
Other Alexa (or Alexa Compatible) Speakers Amazon Echo Pop for $40: The Echo Pop (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a perfectly fine little speaker, and the cutest one in Amazon’s lineup. Does it have great sound? No. It’s fine enough for background tunes or if you’re limited to a dorm room,Continue Reading
After flooding our homes with every Sonos model you can buy (and filling all remaining space with the boxes of said speakers), then using them for a couple of years, we’ve come to value their audio fidelity and ability to network seamlessly together. Here are our favorite aspects of Sonos:Continue Reading
Other Computer Speakers We Tested Photograph: Simon Hill There are tons of computer speakers on the market, and many of the ones we tested are perfectly fine but don’t deserve a spot above for one reason or another. Edifier QR65 for $370: Delivering classy looks with supercool lighting effects andContinue Reading
At a time when many of the best soundbar makers are seeking innovative ways to add more features, Vizio is doing less. The brand’s latest Elevate soundbar, the SE 5.1.2, is remarkably sparse on inputs, dodges Wi-Fi streaming and smart features, and supplants a physical remote with a unified app.Continue Reading
