January 2024 ertonline.co.uk


The Marantz Stereo 70s


The Monitor Audio Anthra Subwoofer


High-end design Alternatively, the Ruark R410 will catch the eye of consumers eager for big cinema sound from a lifestyle audio perspective. This all-in-one music system combines Ruark high-end design with an enviable AV specification. There are two versions to choose from, one with an eco-wood veneer enclosure, and the other in contemporary grey; both feature a handcrafted wooden slatted facia. Versatility is the name of the game. The R410 can be used for streaming audio over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay2, and Chromecast Built-in. There’s also a choice of DAB, DAB+, FM and Internet Radio. Connectivity includes an analogue phono input for turntables, and HDMI with eARC. The latter allows the R410 (below) to double up as a TV sound system when positioned beneath a screen. No need for a soundbar?


The Anthra Series comprises the Anthra W15, Anthra W12 and Anthra W10. The W15, with a 15-inch cone, is powered by a Class-D 1,400 Watt amplifier, while the Anthra W12 couples a 12-inch driver with a 900 Watt amplifier, and the W10 has 425 Watts on tap. All three models feature rigid C-CAM cones


with Rigid Surface Technology II, a new introduction from the brand said to reduce distortion. Enthusiasts can daisy-chain four Anthra subwoofers together. In addition to an LFE input, there’s also XLR option for high-end installations. Unusually for a subwoofer, there’s a colour display on the rear panel, with a dial to access the setup selection menu. The Anthra models are substantial boxes, utilising heavy MDF with up to 36mm thick external walls and 19mm internal walls. The range retails from £1,650.


Big screen thrills Power output is rated at 4 x 30W, with a two-


channel amplifier assembly directly attached to the rear of each mid cone and tweeter. The result is loud enough to comfortably fill a listening room. Bass performance is punchy, so there’s no need for a subwoofer. Of course,


in better in a world where multiple


subwoofers are often deemed better than one, and going larger is always desirable, persuading a movie fan to invest


bass is a no hard sell at all. Now Monitor Audio has launched the Anthra Subwoofer Series, a three-strong range that majors on musicality as much as outright power.


The line continues to blur between home cinema and gaming. Triple A games titles share the same production values as major motion pictures, and with 4K HDR gameplay as standard they benefit just as much from a large screen presentation as a big-screen blockbuster. To that end, Optoma has launched a new short throw UHD laser projector, with gamers very much in mind. The UHZ35ST (pictured right) is surprisingly compact, but can cast a UHD image with 3,500 lumens of brightness, using a high performance DuraCore laser light source. The UHZ35ST boasts an Enhanced Gaming Mode, with a 240Hz refresh rate, and there are two HDMI 2.0 inputs, to accommodate consoles and streaming media players. Laser lifespan is rated at 30,000-hours in Eco Mode. If projection isn’t an option, then there’s a


growing number of flatscreens able to deliver a comparable visual experience.


Hisense has expanded its U7K Mini


LED TV line-up with a competitively priced 100-inch model. The 100U7K (pictured on left-hand page) sells for £4,999 and supports Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive HDR standards, along with IMAX Enhanced certification. There’s also support for Dolby Atmos audio, plus DTS Virtual X.


This 100-inch giant is 4K 120HZ playback


ready, although only two of its four HDMI inputs are enabled, and one of those is for the eARC connection. On the plus side, there’s a 144Hz Game Pro Mode, which will be attractive for PC gamers.


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The set runs Hisense’s own Vidaa smart TV platform, which has access to a wide selection of streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+. It also has a dedicated Game Bar menu that groups together relevant game settings for quick access. TCL also hopes to grab a slice of the supersized TV pie. Its new £3,999 98-inch QD-Mini LED 4K C805K is said to deliver 1,300 nits peak brightness, with support for Dolby Atmos audio and 144Hz VRR. The set is built around the Google TV smart platform, but it also works with Alexa and Apple AirPlay2. All the major streaming services are on board, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.


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