Happy New Year!

HDMI got a new spec. Monoprice got new Monolith Class-D amps. TCL got their Google TVs back on store shelves. And Rob got an Optimus Prime!

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

00:00:00 – Intro & Listeners of the Week

Our Listeners of the Week are Bob, Billy, and Jason for their PayPal donations, plus our 137 Patreon Patrons, including Bertrand.
Also greatly appreciate the notes of gratitude for keeping the podcast going from: Joseph, Martin, Jonathan, Bob, Angel, Brad, Infinite Gary, Zach, Billy, Gurinder, and Jeremy. Thank you to everyone for continuing to listen!

00:12:29 – Auto-Converting Optimus Prime
Rob awkwardly demonstrates the Robosen Optimus Prime and has him say hello to you all: https://is.gd/Ps6tVX
Watch the transformation on Rob’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/firstreflect/status/1474488138978394113?s=21

In the news:

00:16:29 – News: TCL Google TVs are back
The interface and bugs are hopefully fixed, and TCL’s R546 & R646 TVs are available once again: https://is.gd/eYFvKA

00:17:31 – News: HDMI 2.1a brings SBTM
A new HDMI spec brings a new feature: Source-Based Tone Mapping: https://avgadgets.com/hdmi-announces-hdmi-2-1a/

00:21:43 – News: Monolith Hypex N-Core Class-D Amps
Monoprice Monolith M8125X & M8250X are 8-channel, 20-amp, Class-D amps with XLR-only.
– M8125X: https://is.gd/wqu5Jp
– M8250X: https://is.gd/WKgNBL

Comments:

00:26:27 – Comment: Zach – Apple TV+ 24p on Shield
The fix Rob suggested last week worked. But Dolby Vision isn’t making it through his Denon X4300H.

QUESTIONS:

00:30:29 – Dazz: Thicker panels?
If he’s fine with reframing his DIY acoustic panels, should he make them thicker?

00:33:15 – Chad: False Wall setup
We go over Chad’s plans for false wall construction, absorption, Receiver choice, screen size, and speaker placement.

00:48:45 – David: Global vs Independent crossover
Do you really want different crossover frequencies for each pair of speakers?

00:55:59 – Joseph: Replacing Def Tech bi-poles
He wants to know if he’ll hear a worthwhile difference switching to Aperion or SVS speakers.

01:09:19 – John: Networking & balanced headphone cables
Feeling out the Ubiquiti UniFi system. And dealing with physical wear on balanced headphone cables.
– https://www.ui.com/

01:17:49 – Josh: LG A1 vs C1 OLEDs
Is the C1 worth hundreds more? What about $1,000?

01:23:20 – Bob: Sub Out voltage & wireless kits
What’s an easy way to troubleshoot your sub out? And our top wireless subwoofer kit suggestions.
– Outlaw OAW4: https://is.gd/dISn3T
– SVS SoundPath Wireless Adapter: https://is.gd/wwSgxa
– SVS Tri-Band Adapter: https://is.gd/LvuWX8

01:29:41 – Angel: Matching 2nd Sub
Does your second subwoofer need to be identical to the first?
– https://avgadgets.com/mismatched-subwoofers-dont-do-it/

01:33:58 – Bertrand: 1st REW Measurements
He took measurements for the first time, so we go over channel output selection, listening modes, waterfall graphs, ambient noise, measuring across three seats, and corner bass traps.
– https://avgadgets.com/proper-microphone-positions-for-home-theater-measurements/

01:47:05 – Karl: Lumagen & Kaleidescape
DJ has been talking up these high end products on his podcast. What’s our take?

• Check out the AV Rant YouTube channel to watch our show videos.
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