Science & Technology

/

Knowledge

Don Lindich/TNS

Sound Advice: Breaking down options for an amplifier upgrade

Q. I have a pair of Monitor Silver 9 speakers powered by a Harman Kardon integrated amplifier. A friend has the same speakers powered by a Bryston amplifier and preamplifier. That system’s sound is my favorite of anything I have ever heard. Can you recommend a similar setup for my Monitor speakers, or tell me where to get a used Bryston ...Read more

Don Lindich/TNS

Sound Advice: USB charger an ideal travel accessory

Vimifuso charger proves its worth: I recommended the Vimifuso 140W USB charger as a gift idea last year. I’ve had a chance to use mine for several months now and have been so pleased I feel I did not do it justice before, so I am correcting that now.

So many devices we depend on every day need USB charging, including headphones, Bluetooth ...Read more

Don Lindich/Don Lindich/TNS

Sound Advice: A budget-friendly wireless projector to rule them all

Q. I am occasionally asked to say a few words at funerals, weddings and other events. This summer I will be speaking at my nephew's wedding in another state. I would like to project several pictures from my iPhone during my speech. Do you have a recommendation for such a projector that would travel well?

—J.B., Minneapolis

A. Last year I ...Read more

Sound Advice: The dog ate my camera

Q. My dog chewed off the front grip and rear viewfinder of my Pentax K-70 digital SLR. I have three pro-quality lenses for the camera, so I’d like to stick with Pentax. I am considering buying either a used K-70 for $450 and swapping the parts to fix my camera, a new K-70 for $850 or a new K-3 III for $1,700. I would like a Pentax mirrorless ...Read more

TNS

Sound Advice: Integrated amplifier a bargain for it performs

Q. I was always a component stereo fan but when my preamplifier developed issues I got lazy and replaced the tuner, amplifier and preamplifier with a surround sound receiver. I really miss my NAD C 427 tuner but I don’t want a separate amplifier and preamplifier again.

I am trying to find a quality integrated amplifier to drive my Definitive...Read more

Don Lindich/Don Lindich/TNS

Sound Advice: Looking for that plasma TV feel and indoor antenna tips

Q. We have a 2013 65-inch Panasonic plasma TV that we still love. It is so relaxing to watch.

We are interested in another 65-inch TV, but do not like the unpleasant brightness and glare of the new TVs. Do you have any recommendations that would make us as happy as our plasma?

—D.S., Martinez, California

A. No matter the television, most if...Read more

zvox.com/zvox.com/TNS

Sound Advice: Listening for clarity on TV sound solutions

Q. I need help with television sound. My 95-year-old father has terrible hearing and is mostly dissatisfied with hearing aids, which he does not currently wear. About six years ago he got Bose Hearphones and they worked well. Recently someone in his condo complained to him that his TV was too loud, so we needed to take additional steps.

We ...Read more

winegard.com/winegard.com/TNS

Sound Advice: Picture still fuzzy when it comes to indoor TV antennas

Product of the year announcement coming soon: I have chosen my 2023-2024 Sound Advice product of the year, but as is often the case with outstanding new products, the first batch sold out quickly. I’m going to wait until the product is available again before I announce the winner, hopefully by mid-March.

Q. I read your recent column about ...Read more

us.xgimi.com/us.xgimi.com/TNS

Sound Advice: Reporting back from CES 2024 and photo scanner options

XGIMI Aladdin projector is magic: I recently made my annual trek to Las Vegas for the CES 2024 tech convention, and this year there was a bumper crop of great new electronics, one of the best years in memory. What was especially exciting is many of the products I saw were not only innovative and high quality, they were also priced within reach ...Read more

DON LINDICH/TNS

Sound Advice: Determining right TV antenna and a couple noteworthy sales

Q. Who makes a good TV antenna? I want to cut the cord, no more cable TV for me! I have a one-story house and can use an outdoor antenna if necessary.

—M.O., Santa Clara, California

A. An outdoor antenna is definitely the way to go, and Channel Master and Winegard are my go-tos for outdoor antennas. But first, we need to determine what type ...Read more

Don Lindich/Don Lindich/TNS

Sound Advice: 2 products for cold days and adapting to Bluetooth

Cold weather comfort: With the incredibly cold temperatures being the big news these days, I thought it would be a good time to share two inexpensive products I purchased recently that make life a bit easier when dealing with the cold. Stay warm and safe, everyone!

Jojozoo ceramic space heater, $23.99: I work exclusively from home now, but back...Read more

klipsch.com/TNS/TNS

Sound Advice: Weighing speaker upgrade and good travel headphones

Q. Back in 2018 I took your advice and got the Cambridge Audio Air 100 speaker for $144.99. It is fantastic! (I tried to get the bigger Air 200, but missed out.) Today I read your column about the Klipsch The One Plus. Intrigued, I went to their website and saw they also offer a bigger speaker, The Three Plus, for $399. Is The Three Plus a ...Read more

Don Lindich/Don Lindich/TNS

Sound Advice: A kid-friendly turntable and getting plugged into PHEVs

Q. Is there a turntable for kids that won't ruin records that are played on them?

—P.C., Minneapolis

A. To clarify, P.C. is referring to cheap all-in-one turntables that have ceramic cartridges, which are rough on records and wear them out quickly. Look for a fully automatic turntable with magnetic cartridge and dust cover. Then the kids ...Read more

 

Comics

Rudy Park BC Bob Gorrell Adam Zyglis David M. Hitch Hi and Lois