![]() ![]() On all three levels the A2 bookshelf speakers succeed. Paradigm's new Shift series of components are exactly that a paradigm shift, in that they're aimed at a new breed of enthusiast, one who values performance, portability and simplicity. Paradigm Shift A2 Bookshelf Loudspeaker - $559/pair Regardless, the sheer level of performance and value made giving the Model 975 one of our coveted Product of the Year awards a no brainer. ![]() But don't think that this affordable beauty isn't capable of some rather herculean feats in fact, Robinson found it to have more in common - sonically - with heavy weights from Harman and Meridian than amongst its own peers that would include AV receivers and other Internet direct companies such as Emotiva. While the Model 997 was aimed at the more reference level enthusiasts, the Model 975 hits the value for dollar hot button in ways no other AV preamp has before. Outlaw Audio many have hit a few snaps trying to bring their Model 997 AV preamp to market but as Andrew Robinson found out, the light at the end of the tunnel proved well worth the wait - and possibly the turmoil. For the audiophile or headphone enthusiast on the go few do it better right now than Bowers & Wilkins. More affordable than the P5s and just as aurally pleasing, the P3s manage to be both utilitarian and stylish thanks to their collapsible design and high-end looking materials. The box is compatible with TVs old and new, and it even offers a cool SlingPlayer app to stream live TV.īowers & Wilkins first treated us to their flagship P5 headphones, then came the C5 in-ears and now we have the new P3, which may just be their best yet. In our opinion, Western Digital's WD TV Live currently offers the best features for the money, combining an excellent assortment of Web-based services with the ability to stream a wide range of media files from your home computer or DLNA server. If you'd like to add streaming services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, and Pandora to your existing HT system, there's no shortage of inexpensive standalone players from which to choose. Western Digital WD TV Live Streaming Media Player - $100 For those looking to get off the source component rollercoaster or have their very own K-Scape like system on a budget, look no further than JRiver. Plus, it is virtually future proof in terms of AV formats and unlike its Apple counterpart it is truly HD compatible. ![]() This $50 program does a lot more than just "skin" your music and movie collection it packs features that both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts crave, such as audio/video upscaling, parametric EQ and so much more. Thanks to a dedicated online community Media Center PC is alive and well, and among the best iterations available to consumers is JRiver. Microsoft's Media Center PC may not be an entirely fresh concept, especially given the proliferation of iTunes, but it's far from dead. JRiver Media Center Software/Application - $50 Find more reviews in our Floorstanding Speaker and Bookshelf Speaker review sections.Learn more in our AV Receiver and AV Preamp review section.Explore reviews of Flat HDTVs to see if you agree with this year's pick.So, without further adieu, here are the products we thought were the very best the audiophile and home theater manufacturers had to offer in 2012. After all a great product is a great product, regardless of its target market or category. This year was a good year for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike -especially if you were on a budget, which, let's face it, who isn't these days? We thought we'd mix things up a bit with this year's Best Of Awards by not breaking the various products we found to be exemplary down by category instead we thought we'd just give 'em to you straight up.
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