Another new microphone test! Tom uses the Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset to record this week. No post processing applied so you can hear its own microphone noise reduction in action. JBL has introduced their MA Series AV Receivers and Stage 2 Series speakers with a focus on good looks and ease of use. And leaks revealed the Google TV Streamer.

Pictures shown in this episode: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBBRLc

00:00:00 – Intro

00:01:41 – Audeze Maxwell Headset

We won’t call it a full review, but Tom shares his early impressions of the $300 Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset, and you can hear a demo of its microphone noise reduction in action: https://tinyurl.com/bddvjk2a

00:21:38 – What We Watched

Rob watched Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Deadpool & Wolverine in IMAX Laser. Tom’s been watching The Olympics, and tried to make it through Madame Web.

00:49:10 – Listeners of the Week

Our Listeners of the Week are Allen and Ari for their PayPal donations, plus our 131 Patreon Patrons.

We also appreciate the notes of gratitude for keeping the podcast going from: Terry, Michael, Ari, John D, and Henry. Thank you to everyone for continuing to listen!

In the news:

00:50:28 – News: JBL MA Series AV Receivers

MA stands for Modern Audio, and JBL thinks that should mean better looks and being easier to use: https://tinyurl.com/4r628wzn

00:57:05 – News: JBL Stage 2 Series Speakers

Looks that perfectly match the JBL MA Series Receivers, and attractive price points: https://tinyurl.com/ye3y39sp

01:03:59 – News: Google TV Streamer

The replacement for the Chromecast with Google TV has leaked, and it’s no longer a dongle: https://tinyurl.com/hk3terxz

QUESTIONS:

01:06:20 – Terry: Open Room Receiver

He narrowed down his choices for a new Family Room Receiver to two, so we discuss the differences, and the only reason he might pay more.

– https://avgadgets.com/onkyo-tx-nr7100-hands-on-review/

– https://avgadgets.com/i-switched-from-audyssey-to-dirac-and-i-wish-i-hadnt/

01:16:10 – Chris H: Dynamic Volume Woes

He can’t find the perfect compromise setting for Audyssey Dynamic Volume. Does he need a different brand of Receiver?

– Denon Quick Select: https://tinyurl.com/mr4bc9rw

01:21:53 – Chris V: In-Ceiling Enclosures

Best Buy got some MAG6R retrofit back cans in stock. But Chris wants to pay less in total. And we suggest ways to secure but damp his in-ceiling enclosures to the ceiling joists.

– IsoStore Hush Frame: https://tinyurl.com/bd89jjhf

– Soundproofing Company IB-3: https://tinyurl.com/nhcs6tbr

01:35:17 – Michael: Which Device Should Process Video?

His projector, AVR, and sources all have lots of video processing options & settings. Which should be On? Which should be Off? And which device should actually handle things?

01:42:00 – Infinite Gary: Deliberately Disabled Features

What price and storage would make a Kaleidescape player a no-brainer? And are electronics built with parts that could do more, but manufacturers intentionally hold them back so you have to pay more?

01:50:15 – John: Vertical Monoprice Audition Center

Can Monoprice’s Monolith Audition Series Center speakers be used vertically as larger Bookshelf speakers?

01:52:53 – Ari: Center Speaker in a Shelf

Should he stuff his speaker’s ports since it’s in a shelf? How much should he obsess over the cavity behind his speaker?

– https://avgadgets.com/the-case-against-port-plugs/

– https://avgadgets.com/how-to-fix-speakers-placed-inside-a-cabinet/

– https://avgadgets.com/converting-normal-furniture-to-an-equipment-cabinet/

01:57:00 – John D: Apple Music App Freezing

The Apple Music App on his Apple TV 4K freezes or crashes after playing 10-20 songs. What gives?

02:00:49 – Henry: Always Upgrading

Does there ever come a point where enough is actually enough?

– https://avgadgets.com/home-theater-better-than-movie-theater/

– https://avgadgets.com/cinesigns-home-theater-plaques-review/

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