AV NIRVANA Newsletter

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Newsletter: May 2025

Home Theater of the Month: The Schramm Home Theater!

Forum member Mike Schramm’s sonic retreat is a 7.2.4 Atmos-powered basement build that proves you don’t need a dedicated theater room to achieve jaw-dropping immersion. Outfitted wall-to-wall with SVS gear and anchored by a 77" Sony OLED, the Schramm Home Theater blends big-brand firepower with personal flair. It’s a one-man sanctuary that occasionally becomes a family hotspot—and with two PB-2000 Pros in play, everyone feels the impact. Click through to see how clean layout and component synergy create one seriously dialed-in entertainment space.

Dirac in the Crosshairs: An Open Letter From a Frustrated User

A long-time Dirac Live supporter has reached a breaking point—and they’re not holding back. From long-ignored bugs in Pioneer, Arcam, and JBL gear to broader concerns over Dirac’s shifting priorities, this post reads like a rallying cry for transparency and technical accountability. Is Dirac chasing big-ticket ventures at the expense of enthusiast AV users? The community weighs in, and the debate is just getting started.

REW Creator John Mulcahy Talks Shop – Catch the Replay!

You asked, we delivered—REW mastermind John Mulcahy joined us for a can't-miss hour of stories, insight, and surprises. This laid-back conversation was packed with gold, from the origins of Room EQ Wizard to behind-the-scenes details about its evolution (and a teaser or two). Whether you're new to REW or a seasoned user, John's perspective is both informative and inspiring. Come spend some time with the man behind the software that’s helped to hone so many of our systems.

Help a New Member Dial In Their Room!

A newly relocated forum member is diving into acoustic treatment and looking for feedback on their measurements and absorption plans. Their RT60 readings appear to be within ideal targets above 200Hz, but they’re hoping to tame some low-end modes, and are questioning whether their proposed treatment could overtreat the room. Think you can help with measurement setup advice or weigh in on their Caruso Iso-bond panel strategy? Give their post a look and lend a hand!

Review: Essence HDACC II-4K: A Real-World Digital Audio Game-Changer

Imagine connecting your Apple TV, Blu-ray player, and turntable—all through one box—to that beloved analog amp you can’t part with. The Essence HDACC II-4K isn’t just another DAC; it’s a problem-solver built for real-world setups, offering HDMI switching, vinyl digitizing, and jaw-dropping clarity. If you’ve struggled to bridge your modern and vintage gear, this just might be the fix you didn’t know existed.

Review: Hands-On with JBL's Stage2 Speakers and Modern Audio AV Receivers

What happens when a legendary brand reboots its gear for the streaming generation? We were on-site at Interscope Studios for a deep-dive demo of JBL’s new Stage2 speakers and Modern Audio receivers—designed for listeners who want big sound without the old-school complexity. From intuitive remotes to surprisingly refined sound, we tested it all in stereo and Atmos setups. This hands-on review breaks down what hits, what misses, and why this gear might be a game-changer for your next upgrade.

Review: The Sofabaton X1S Review: A Worthy Successor to Harmony?

Can this slick newcomer take the crown from Harmony’s dearly departed remotes? We tested the Sofabaton X1S for weeks in a real-world home theater, putting its smart hub, activity macros, and massive device database through their paces. Setup had a few bumps, but daily use proved fast, responsive, and surprisingly polished. Find out where it shines, where it stumbles—and whether it deserves a place in your rack in this combo written and video review.

The Outlaw Josey Wales 4K Disc Review – Clint Eastwood’s Western Masterpiece Rides Again

Josey Wales is back—and better than ever—in a 4K release that hits harder than a six-shooter at high noon. Clint Eastwood’s post-Civil War revenge tale gets a jaw-dropping visual upgrade and a choice of the original stereo mix or a thunderous new Dolby Atmos track. New bonus features round out a disc that’s as rugged and timeless as Eastwood himself. You’ll want to see—and hear—why this remaster earns a “you’re a fool if you don’t buy this” verdict.

WIN This Handy Tool for Your Theater Tuning Toolkit!

Looking to dial in your sound like a pro? We're giving away the TS-501B Sound Level Meter from TOPTES—a precision tool that delivers quick, accurate noise readings from 30 to 130 dB. Whether you're fine-tuning your subs or checking ambient levels, this pocket-sized powerhouse is ready to help. Contest ends May 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM Eastern.

Harman Acquires Sound United in Audio Industry’s Biggest Shakeup in Years

One of the most significant deals in recent home audio history just landed—Harman, backed by Samsung, has scooped up Sound United for $350 million. Brands like Denon, Marantz, and Bowers & Wilkins now join JBL, Arcam, and Mark Levinson under one powerhouse umbrella. We’ve got a full breakdown of everything that went down as this deal took shape.