Articles by James Barber
Yamaha True X Bar 50A review: An outstanding value
This polished, easy-to-use soundbar and subwoofer combo sounds even better with Yamaha's optional satellite speakers.
What is Bluetooth LE Audio? A minor wireless audio improvement
The latest update to the Bluetooth standard delivers better connectivity—and a small bump in audio quality compared to the aging SBC codec.
The best turntables for listening to your vinyl
The analog listening experience you'll get from records is very different than playing CDs or streaming music. We'll help you find the right one for your budget.
Tronsmart Bang Max review: Tons of power at a bargain price
You might not know the brand, but Tronsmart is making Bluetooth speakers that are at least as good—if not better—than the ones the brands you're more familiar with are building.
FiiO K7 review: This outstanding DAC drives headphones, too
It’s marketed as a DAC/headphone amp combo, but this affordable desktop device sounds just as great while connected to a preamp or powered speakers.
WiiM Pro Plus review: Today’s best home audio value
We love the WiiM Pro, but if you don't already have an outboard DAC you're in love with, the more powerful components in the step-up WiiM Pro Plus crush it.
Monster DNA Max review: Emphasis on performance, not specs
Monster delivers a Bluetooth speaker that stays connected, sounds good, and doesn’t include a raft of features most users don’t need.
WiiM Pro review: Astounding value in music-streaming hardware
Matching the performance of units costing hundred—if not thousands—more, this streamer might be the best value going in networked home audio.
Which music streaming service delivers the best experience?
If you think every service has the same catalog, the same resolution, and the same features, you're in for some big surprises.
Digitize your vinyl records for portable streaming
LPs have made a massive comeback, and some rare tracks aren't on any streaming service. Here’s how you can listen on your phone, in the car, or anywhere!
Final Audio ZE8000 review: Wildly different, exceptionally good
The industrial design is polarizing, and noise cancellation plays second fiddle to fidelity, but the Final ZE8000 are among the best ANC earbuds on the market.
Shure Aonic 215 Gen 2 review: A pro-quality in-ear headphone
These outstanding wireless in-ear monitors are versatile and upgradeable.
Bluesound Node X: A superior music streamer gets even better
A new DAC and headphone amp are the big upgrades in the latest version of this top-shelf wireless streaming hub.
Pro-Ject Record Box E phono pre-amp review
This inexpensive, high-quality phono preamp has an analog-to-digital converter and USB output, so you can make digital copies of your favorite vinyl records.
Audio-Technica AT-LP2022 review: A mesmerizing tribute to vinyl
This limited-edition, see-through, 60th-anniversary turntable is worth celebrating.
Shure Aonic 40: Solid audio performance and ANC
You can crank up the Shure Aonic 40’s effective active noise cancellation in noisy environments, and ease off it for the best audio quality.
U-Turn turntables go upscale with the Orbit Theory
A real wood plinth and a magnesium tonearm contribute to an elevated listening experience.
Sivga SV023: The best headphone you’ve never heard of
This open-back, over-ear headphone combines a memorable retro design with stellar audio quality to offer a compelling alternative to more familiar high-end brands.