AV Rant #533: Bearers of Bad News
Our Listeners of the Week are Gary and Kevin for their donations, and Kevin H. for letting SVS know he bought some Prime Satellite speakers from their Outlet Store because of our recommendation.
In the news, Nathan D. sent us the announcement of the new Pioneer VSX-832 5.1 entry-level Receiver with Dolby Vision and 3.1.2 Atmos. New Yamaha RX-V 83 Series Receivers specifically mention Dolby Vision and HLG support.Despicable Me 1 & 2 are the first Ultra HD Blu-rays with Dolby Vision. And Samsung Cinema Screen is a 500 nit, 34-foot wide LED display for theaters.
Trey noted Xbox One now supports bitstream audio output via HDMI. Kris P. says Vizio HDR TVs got a firmware update for HDR issues with Xbox One S and to add Dolby Digital Plus support via ARC. And PJ suggests checking out 3D Blu-ray Rental for 3D and Ultra HD Blu-ray rentals by mail.
Justin B. wants high value, high-end headphones to use with a Smyth Realiser or Out of Your Head software with perhaps an Emotiva Stealth DC-1 Headphone Amp and ButtKicker Tactile Transducer. He also wants on-wall speakers such as the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Luna, Revel Concerta, or GoldenEar SuperSat. Jason H. gets our recommendation to order black velvet with adhesive backing from McMaster-Carr. And Mark O. needs a physically smaller Center to match his RBH Impression Series speakers, so we suggest some bookshelf model solutions, or the Aperion Audio Intimus 5C.
Michael I. gets an explanation for why HDR default picture settings appear darker than SDR in a room with ambient light. PJ asks about using the Dayton Audio SAT3W Cube Speakers for Atmos. And Justin B. discovered the DIY Sound Group Stonehenge Subwoofer Cabinets are huge, so we suggest SVS SB-2000 or HSU ULS-15 Mk2.
Jim W. asks about using an Andrea Superbeam binaural microphone instead of the standard Audyssey measurement mic. Ted M. gets some updated suggestions for measuring and addressing a dip in his system’s frequency response, and we discuss the best positioning and usage for his 6th & 7th speakers. And Infinite Gary wonders how the black levels on a newer Sony LCD TV compare to older Sony models, and whether glossy screens and super high contrast contribute to the “garish” look of TVs in stores.
Greg wants to reposition his subwoofers, and we nearly panic about it. Christian S. wants durable, do-everything headphones for under $100, so we suggest the Sony MDR-7506 or Audio Technica ATH-M40x. And Mark H. has a new, square room to deal with. We talk about opening doors and closets, and positioning subwoofers. And we dig into a constant image height plus IMAX projector screen setup while suggesting the Panasonic PT-AE8000 as a low-ish cost projector with lens memory.
Brad W. likely needs JVC Projector Recommended Settings for HDR Content. John J. gets our thoughts on the RSL Speedwoofer 10s Subwoofer, and a refresher on what we think of Germany’s Hollywood Theatres UltimateLine designs. And Brian R. has a frozen video problem that’s difficult to diagnose, a question about Outlaw Audio Ultra-X12 subwoofers, and shared curiosity with Ted M. about Tekton speakers with a new tweeter array patent that sets off an epic rant.
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Just to add about the 3D Blu-ray rental website, if you get a subscription, the prices are a lot less per disc for 4K titles. For example, the $18/month plan gets you 5 rentals, and they can be 4K, 3D, or regular blu-rays. Just for the record, I’m not affiliated with 3D Blu-ray Rental, just a satisfied customer of theirs who hopes people use their service more, especially as they seem to be the only game in town for renting UHD Blu-rays. https://www.store-3d-blurayrental.com/product-p/subone.htm
I would like to add my experience with the RBH Impression bookshelf speakers for Mark O.
I am running 3 R5Bi in red burl for my LCR, and they are working great in my install listening at 10ft. You definitely can order singles for the R5Bi still, RBH has updated their website to support it again recently.
@John Scheie
I forgot to mention that I am running the center on it’s side with no problems.