Home Theater News Review - HTNR

🎥 Home Theater News Review Podcast Season 4, Episode 9
Join our AV and home theater forum community at AVNirvana.com.
Build real relationships with other home theater enthusiasts and talk shop about speakers, processors, projectors, TVs, and more. We look forward to seeing you in the forums!

🔥 Show Sponsors
💥 SVS, visit: https://www.svsound.com/

🎛️ madVR Labs, visit: https://madvrenvy.com/

🛠️ Deal of the Week
Audio Advice Live 2026
Use promo code AALNIRVANA to save $5 on a 3-day pass to Audio Advice Live, happening August 7–9 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

🔗 Featured Links
• PMC Studio London Factory Tour – https://youtu.be/iPez7fEY1DQ
• Trinnov Trialers Bass Hunters: https://youtu.be/erKIVES3RDI
• AV NIRVANA Live with Dirac's Nilo Casimiro Ericsson: https://youtube.com/live/kXGtSUHnPzA?feature=share
• AV NIRVANA Live with Kaleidescape's Andre Floyd: https://youtube.com/live/N85cgBhed1I?feature=share
• Audio Advice Live Registration – https://live.audioadvice.com/attend/register/

⏱️ Chapters
00:02 Episode Preview
00:50 Audio Advice Live Discount
01:42 Show Sponsors Begin
01:49 madVR Labs
02:51 SVS Auto Room Correction
03:56 PMC Studio London Tour
05:26 Dynaudio Exits North America
06:44 Paul Jacobs on U.S. Manufacturing & Tariffs
09:59 Klipsch Odyssey Limited Edition Speaker
11:17 Dirac Live ART for PC & Mac
13:12 Sony Bravia 9 II & Bravia 7 II RGB TVs
14:24 Value Electronics TV Shootout Preview
16:15 PlayStation Goes Disc-Free in 2028?
17:58 Andover Audio FreePlay Bluetooth Speaker
19:45 Focal Scala Utopia Evo M
21:00 Ascendo Expands North American Sales
22:22 Featured Story – Kaleidescape Strato K & 4K Cinematic
25:32 Michael Scott Review Roundup
27:03 New to Disc This Week
28:16 Top Selling Blu-ray & 4K Discs
29:29 Kaleidescape Movie Store Update
30:28 JustWatch Streaming Charts
31:38 Show Close

🔗 Forum Links
• Latest Disc Reviews: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/blu-ray-media-reviews.12/
• Latest AV Industry News: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/av-industry-news.6/

🎧 Podcast Links
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XZc1WVL7gGazxGLiURw0E
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/av-nirvanas-home-theater-news-review-htnr/id1715862636

📺 Episode Summary
On this episode of HTNR, we tackle some of the biggest stories shaping the AV industry, including Dynaudio's decision to exit North America, Sony's rollout of its first True RGB LCD TVs, and a preview of the 2026 Value Electronics TV Shootout, which introduces RGB Mini-LED technology alongside flagship OLED displays. We also examine Dirac Live ART arriving on PC and Mac, discuss the growing impact of tariffs and AI-driven memory shortages on AV manufacturing, and look at new products from Klipsch, Andover Audio, Focal, and Ascendo.

Our featured story takes an in-depth look at Kaleidescape's new Strato K movie player and its introduction of 4K Cinematic, a new high-bitrate 4:4:4 video format designed to preserve more color information and deliver an image closer to the original studio master. We explain why 4K Cinematic may be an even bigger breakthrough than the player's 8K capabilities and what it means for home theater enthusiasts.

The episode wraps with Michael Scott's latest Blu-ray and 4K UHD reviews, this week's new disc releases, the hottest-selling physical media, Kaleidescape's rapidly expanding 4K Cinematic catalog, and the latest movie and TV streaming trends from JustWatch.

Please Note: AV NIRVANA may make a small commission from affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

🎥 Home Theater News Review Podcast Season 4 Episode 7
Join our AV and home theater forum community at AVNirvana.com.
Build real relationships with other home theater enthusiasts and talk shop about speakers, processors, projectors, TVs, and more. We look forward to seeing you in the forums!

🔥 Show Sponsors
💥 SVS
Visit: https://www.svsound.com/
🎛️ madVR Labs
Visit: https://madvrenvy.com/

🛠️ Gear Deal of the Week, Links to Audio Advice
Focal Spring Sale (Ends June 30):
• Azurys Headphones – $499 ($100 off): https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-azurys-closed-back-headphones?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Hadenys Headphones – $649 ($100 off): https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-hadenys-open-back-headphones?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.1 Bookshelf Speakers – $938/pair: https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no1-bookshelf-speakers-black-pair?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.2 Towers – $1,698/pair: https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no2-floorstanding-speaker-black-each?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.3 Towers – $2,198/pair: https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no3-floorstanding-speaker-black-each?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.3D Dolby Atmos Speakers – $2,698/pair ($500 off): https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no3-d-floorstanding-speaker-black-each?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n

🔗 Links
• StormAudio EVO 1 AV Nirvana Live Discussion – https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/stormaudio-reveals-new-evoone-processor-and-aoip-bridge-further-solidifying-its-digital-presence.16984/
• SVS Auto Room Correction Article – https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/its-here-svs-launches-anticipated-auto-eq.16999/

⏱️ Chapters
00:05 Intro and High End Vienna preview
00:56 Show Sponsors begin
00:57 madVR Labs
02:04 SVS and Auto Room Correction
03:10 Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K support ending
04:56 Sony Direct Connect wireless audio update
06:06 Sony Bravia 6 OLED rumors
07:33 Sony's evolving business strategy
09:08 KLH Model 4 loudspeaker debut
10:20 Dirac expansion across Denon, NAD, and miniDSP
11:45 Pure Audio Streaming platform expansion
13:45 Meze Audio Arda flagship headphones
14:49 Audeze MM-520 planar magnetic headphones
15:52 WiiM enters the soundbar market
16:56 Klipsch 80th Anniversary Rebellion and Klipschorn
18:07 Onkyo 80th Anniversary products
19:27 Cambridge Audio Evo 300 and Evo One updates
20:44 Arcam 50th Anniversary products
21:32 Emotiva XSP-2 stereo preamplifier
22:39 JBL Summit Everest and K2 loudspeakers
23:58 Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond D5
25:19 Show close

🔗 Forum Links
• For the latest news covered in this episode: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/av-industry-news.6/
• Join the AV NIRVANA community: https://www.avnirvana.com/

🎧 Podcast Links
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XZc1WVL7gGazxGLiURw0E
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/av-nirvanas-home-theater-news-review-htnr/id1715862636

📺 Episode Summary
On this special shortened episode of HTNR, we break down the biggest stories from High End Vienna 2026 and across the AV industry, including Apple ending major updates for the original Apple TV 4K, Sony's Direct Connect wireless surround platform, and rumors of a more affordable Sony Bravia 6 OLED. We also explore how Dirac Live, Dirac Bass Control, and Dirac ART continue expanding through NAD and miniDSP, while Pure Audio Streaming pushes immersive Auro-3D music to new platforms. Highlights include the KLH Model 4, Meze Audio ARTA and Audeze MM-520 headphones, WiiM's first Dolby Atmos soundbar, anniversary products from Klipsch, Onkyo, and Arcam, plus premium gear from Emotiva, JBL's Summit Everest and K2, and Bowers & Wilkins' 800 Series Diamond D5.

Please Note: AV NIRVANA may make a small commission from affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

🎥 Home Theater News Review Podcast Season 3, Episode 21
Join our AV and home theater forum community at AVNirvana.com. Build real relationships with fellow enthusiasts and talk shop about speakers, processors, projectors, TVs, and more. We look forward to seeing you in the forums!

🔥 Show Sponsors🔥
💥 SVS
Visit: https://www.svsound.com/
🎛️ madVR Labs
Visit: https://madvrenvy.com/

🛠️ Gear Deal of the Week, Links to Audio Advice
Focal Spring Sale (Ends June 30):
• Azurys Headphones – $499 ($100 off): https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-azurys-closed-back-headphones?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Hadenys Headphones – $649 ($100 off): https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-hadenys-open-back-headphones?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.1 Bookshelf Speakers – $938/pair: https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no1-bookshelf-speakers-black-pair?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.2 Towers – $1,698/pair: https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no2-floorstanding-speaker-black-each?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.3 Towers – $2,198/pair: https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no3-floorstanding-speaker-black-each?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n
• Theva No.3D Dolby Atmos Speakers – $2,698/pair ($500 off): https://www.audioadvice.com/products/focal-theva-no3-d-floorstanding-speaker-black-each?sca_ref=9809539.JPZ2qLdAO5aTlz5n

🔗 Links
• StormAudio EVO 1 AV Nirvana Live Discussion – https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/stormaudio-reveals-new-evoone-processor-and-aoip-bridge-further-solidifying-its-digital-presence.16984/
• SVS Auto Room Correction Article – https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/its-here-svs-launches-anticipated-auto-eq.16999/
• THX Spark Trailer – https://youtu.be/c4-VLk03lQk?si=-42Hl9JGdWTKE4Zf
• Audio Advice Live 2026 – https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/audio-advice-live-returns-to-raleigh-with-dolby-atmos-theaters-and-high-end-av-demos.16808/

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Intro and High End Vienna catch-up
01:32 Show Sponsors begin
01:39 madVR Labs
02:42 SVS and Auto Room Correction
03:52 Klipsch and Onkyo's The Odyssey partnership teaser
04:42 Denon AVR-X2900H and AVR-X3900H
06:25 Yamaha RX-3000A, RX-500A, and Home Theater in a Box
08:30 StormAudio EVO 1 processors and AoIP Bridge
10:20 Andover Audio Model-One MK2 turntable system
11:54 Ascendo DSP 6602 infrasonic amplifier
13:07 DALI Vega wireless audio system
14:22 Audio Advice Live 2026 preview
16:13 THX Spark and the return of Deep Note
18:04 Michael Scott review roundup
19:34 New to Disc highlights
20:57 Kaleidescape new releases and sales
22:18 Top-selling 4K discs
22:52 JustWatch streaming charts
24:19 Focal Spring Sale deals
25:27 Show close

🔗 Forum Links
• Latest Disc Reviews: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/blu-ray-media-reviews.12/
• Latest Industry News: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/av-industry-news.6/

🎧 Podcast Links
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XZc1WVL7gGazxGLiURw0E
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/av-nirvanas-home-theater-news-review-htnr/id1715862636

📺 Episode Summary
On this episode of HTNR, we play catch-up on some of the most interesting AV stories leading into High End Vienna. The show covers major product launches from Denon, Yamaha, StormAudio, Andover Audio, Ascendo, and DALI, highlighting everything from feature-packed AV receivers and affordable home theater packages to infrasonic amplifiers capable of delivering bass down to an astonishing 5Hz.

We also dive into StormAudio's new EVO 1 processor lineup, the company's first processors to break the $9K price point, Andover Audio's Model-One MK2, and Ascendo's new amp.

We wrap things up with Michael Scott's latest disc reviews, new disc and Kaleidescape releases, the latest physical media sales charts, streaming trends, and a look at Focal's awesome Spring Sale.

Please Note: AV Nirvana may make a small commission from affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

🔗Buy Denon's New AVR-S980H: https://amzn.to/4mUG6Wn
🔗Buy the New SVS 3000 Micro Revolution: https://amzn.to/4mYmNvp

Join our AV and home theater forum community at AVNirvana.com. Build real relationships with other home theater enthusiasts and talk shop about speakers, processors, projectors, TVs, and more. We look forward to seeing you in the forums!
🔥 Show Sponsors🔥
💥 SVSVisit: https://www.svsound.com/
🎛️ madVR LabsVisit: https://madvrenvy.com/

🔗 Links:
-madVR Envy Commander: https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/madvr-labs-reveals-a-feature-rich-web-interface-envy-commander.16407/-Kaleidescape Movie Store: https://www.kaleidescape.comJ
-JVC Theater Photo Submission Promotion: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/qW9i5IT/JVCProjectorMail
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Intro and episode preview
00:56 Show Sponsors begin
00:57 Show Sponsors, madVR Labs
01:50 Show Sponsors, SVS
03:09 JVC theater room photo promotion
03:52 Lightning Round begins
03:56 Denon AVR-S980H receiver launch
05:00 Klipsch x Ojas KO-R2 speaker debut
05:57 NAD C589 CD player
07:21 TCL RM9L Mini RGB TV launch
08:55 Amazon Fire TV Stick lawsuit
09:58 Jamo returns under new ownership
10:58 Fosi Audio S3 streamer DAC preamp
12:26 McIntosh Trade Up reminder
13:30 Bowers and Wilkins PX8 S2 new finishes
14:32 Featured Story, SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution
17:38 Disc reviews and Michael Scott roundup
18:44 New to Disc this week
19:52 Top selling 4K discs
20:43 Kaleidescape update and Alien sale
21:43 Streaming charts via JustWatch
22:38 Show close

🔗 Forum Links• For the latest disc reviews: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/blu-ray-media-reviews.12/•
For the latest news covered in this episode: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/av-industry-news.6/
🎧 Podcast Links• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XZc1WVL7gGazxGLiURw0E•
-Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/av-nirvanas-home-theater-news-review-htnr/id1715862636
📺 Episode Summary
On this episode of HTNR, we cover another packed week of AV news from every corner of the hobby. The lightning round includes TCL officially entering the Mini RGB TV race with its ambitious RM9L lineup, Denon making a serious move in the sub-$1,000 receiver category with its AVR-S980H, and Jamo returning under new ownership with plans for a new generation of Scandinavian-inspired loudspeakers. We also explore standout gear launches from Klipsch and Ojas, NAD’s new C589 CD player, Fosi Audio’s aggressively priced S3 streamer/DAC/preamp, and a reminder that McIntosh’s Trade Up program is nearing its deadline. Bowers and Wilkins also refreshes its PX8 S2 flagship headphones with new finishes, while Amazon faces legal scrutiny over aging Fire TV Stick performance.The featured story focuses on SVS and its new 3000 Micro R|Evolution subwoofer, a compact dual-opposed design promising serious bass from an 11" cube. The show wraps with Michael Scott’s latest reviews, fresh disc releases, Kaleidescape movie store deals, including Alien franchise discounts, top-selling 4K titles, and a look at what’s trending across streaming.

Please Note: AV Nirvana may make a small commission from affiliate links. Thanks for your support!

🛠️ Gear Deal of the Week: Denon AVR Sale
Denon’s S-series receivers are currently discounted, including the S570BT, S670H, and S770H, making this a great entry point for affordable home theater upgrades.
Buy the Denon S570BT on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47VDz87
Buy the Denon S670H on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tzxuX2
Buy the Denon S770H on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ckv1cd
🎥 Join our AV and home theater forum community at AVNirvana.com.
Build real relationships with other home theater enthusiasts and talk shop about speakers, processors, projectors, TVs, and more. We look forward to seeing you in the forums!
🔥 Show Sponsors
🎛️ madVR LabsVisit: https://madvrenvy.com/
💥 SVSVisit: https://www.svsound.com/
🔗 Article LinksmadVR Envy Commander: https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/madvr-labs-reveals-a-feature-rich-web-interface-envy-commander.16407/
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Intro and episode overview
00:48 Show Sponsors begin
01:03 Show Sponsors, SVS
01:49 Show Sponsors, madVR Labs
02:51 Lightning Round begins
02:58 Sony True RGB Mini-LED announcement
04:11 THX expands certification labs in China and Taiwan
05:21 Majority Audio sets Bluetooth speaker record
06:26 Alcons CRMS LF18 SL Mark 2 subwoofer
07:30 Paradigm Premier Series V2 speakers
08:38 Cambridge Audio MSX compact speaker lineup
09:48 Revel PerformaBe Series update
10:41 Kaleidescape adds Angel Studios content
11:29 Featured Story, Advance Paris Nova modular system
14:28 Disc reviews and Michael Scott highlights
15:25 New to Disc releases this week
16:43 Top selling 4K discs
17:22 Kaleidescape content update and preorders
18:55 Streaming charts via JustWatch
19:34 Gear Deal of the Week, Denon AVR sale
20:39 Show close
🔗 Forum Links
•For the latest disc reviews: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/blu-ray-media-reviews.12/• For the latest news covered in this episode: https://www.avnirvana.com/forums/av-industry-news.6/
🎧 Podcast Links
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XZc1WVL7gGazxGLiURw0E• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/av-nirvanas-home-theater-news-review-htnr/id1715862636

📺 Episode Summary
On this episode of HTNR, we dive into another full slate of AV industry news, starting with Sony officially stepping into the RGB Mini-LED conversation with its new “True RGB” approach, alongside THX expanding certification capabilities with new labs in China and Taiwan. The lightning round also highlights new gear from Alcons Audio, Paradigm, Cambridge Audio, and Revel, covering everything from ultra-slim infrasonic subwoofers to redesigned speaker platforms aimed at improving dispersion and real-world performance.The episode’s featured story centers on Advance Paris and its new Nova ecosystem, a modular, expandable approach to integrated amplification that blends classic design with modern features like streaming, DSP, and flexible system configuration. It’s a different take on how two-channel systems can evolve in a world increasingly influenced by home theater functionality.We wrap things up with disc and streaming updates, including new 4K and Blu-ray releases, Michael Scott’s latest reviews, Kaleidescape additions and preorders, and a look at current streaming trends. A timely Denon AVR sale closes out the episode, offering a budget-friendly path into home theater.

Please Note: AV Nirvana may make a small commission from affiliate links. Thanks for your support!