Saturday, December 31, 2022

2022 Annual Editor's Choice Award Recipients

It’s been a crazy year, with interest rates and inflation. At least there has been some high-quality electronics to enjoy. Every year, we review electronics, some are better than others. The best ones across my desk earn our Editor’s Choice award. These are this year’s Editor’s Choice Award Recipients. Check out their reviews, with links provided below.

 

Cobra SC400D Ultimate Smart Dash Cam.  It’s a smart dashcam that records the front, rear, and inside the vehicle.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/12/cobra-sc400d-ultimate-smart-dash-cam.html

 

JBL Quantum TWS.  It’s a true wireless In Ear Monitor, that also has ANC and is designed for gaming.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/12/jbl-quantum-tws-iem-review.html

 

Kenwood KAC-M5024BT.  It is a compact Bluetooth 4 Channel Digital Amplifier.  It is an amplified that is designed for the outdoors, and connects directly to your smartphone for your music, so a receiver is not used.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/09/kenwood-kac-m5024bt-compact-bluetooth-4.html

 

Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC McLauren Edition.  This is a true wireless IEM, that includes ANC, and also includes a wireless charging pad.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/03/2022-annual-headphone-shootout-iems.html

 

Master & Dynamic MG20 Wireless Gaming Headphones.  These are not just wireless headphones; they are also designed with gaming in mind.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/04/2022-annual-headphone-shootout-over-ear.html

 

Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport Active Noise Cancelling True Wireless Headphones.  These are true wireless headphones designed for sport with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/03/2022-annual-headphone-shootout-iems.html

 

Philips Fidelio L3 Noise Cancellation Pro+ Wireless Headphone.   They are wireless headphone with noise cancellation.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/04/2022-annual-headphone-shootout-over-ear.html


Philips Soundbar 5.1.2 Tab8967.  It is a soundbar with surround sound and built-in Dolby Atmos, providing 5.1.2 surround sound with a wireless subwoofer, two rear speakers, and height channel speakers.

https://www.stereowiseplus.com/2022/11/philips-soundbar-512-tab8967-review.html

 

As the year comes to an end, we would like to thank you, our readers, for your support. We strive to provide reviews on a good variety of products. Stay tuned for more great product review to come next year. And from our family to yours, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!



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Sunday, December 18, 2022

Cyber Acoustics HS-2000BT Professional Bluetooth Headset Review

If you are on a tight budget, Cyber Acoustics is a company that provides value priced electronics. COVID changed the landscape of many businesses. With so many people having worked from home during COVID, many were able to stay working from home after. If you need a wireless headset at a great value, Cyber Acoustics could be what you’re looking for. Up for review is the Cyber Acoustics HS-2000 BT.

 

Features and specs:

 

Frequency:          Headset: 20-20KHz

Microphone: 100-13 KHz

Input Type:         USB-A, USB-C, and Bluetooth

Headband:          Over the head and adjustable

Microphone:       -62 dBV Microbar -40 dBV Pascal +/- 4dB

Driver Size:         40mm

Driver Impedance:           32 Ohms

Microphone Impedance:               2200 Ohms        

Controls               On Left Ear Cup

Lights    Mic Mute, Busy, Power & BT

Bluetooth Range              Up to 100 Feet

Battery Life         Up to 27 Hours

ANC:      Yes

ENC:      Yes

Cable Length:     6 Ft Charging Cable

Device Compatibility:      USB-A, USB-C, and Bluetooth equipped phones, tablets, computers, & laptops

Volume / Mute Controls:              Yes / Yes

 

The Cyber Acoustics HS-2000 BT came in a basic white box with its specs and features printed on the box. It makes sense as it is their professional product. Opening the box shows a headphone held in place by thin cardboard. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic, with some metal. Quality of materials used was good. Also included was a charging cable, USB-C-adaptor, and owner’s manual.

 

I liked the simple on-ear design of the Cyber Acoustics HS-2000BT while they are mostly plastic, there is metal where the top of each earcup slides into the headband, for added strength. And while they are mostly plastic, they do seem sufficiently well made. The boom mic can also fold up, so it’s out of the way, when not being used. The leatherette covered earcups have perforations so the sound can come through. While the leatherette can get a little warm after long listening periods, they are still fairly comfortable.

 

The Cyber Acoustics HS-2000BT is also designed for you to be able to work, no mater what your environment is.  They come with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), as well as Environment Noise Cancelling (ENC).   The ANC blocks out surrounding background noise, so you can hear your calls or music clearly.  The ENC blocks out background noise, so that who you are talking to hears you and not your environment.  These are great features to have at such a low price point.  It also worked fairly well.  The mic was automatically put on mute when the boom mic was flipped up when not in use.  When you pull it down, the mic is turned on.  The ANC does help, removing some of the background noise, mostly the lower end frequencies like ANC works with other manufacturers, removing the low-end engine rumble of planes, trains, and buses.  And when speaking on the phone, the ENC also does work, removing a good percentage of the background noise, so who you are talking to can hear you clearly.



Now let’s see how they sound with music.  Manheim Steamroller – God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman: Tambourine seemed a little recessed but was still sufficiently crisp. Horns were smooth. Piano had good harmonics. Drums were dynamic with good depth. Kick drum had good depth with sufficient authority. Strings were also smooth and crisp.  Manheim Steamroller – Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night): Piano sounded natural with good harmonics and dynamics. Violin was smooth with good resolution. There were a lot of instruments in the full orchestra, and they were resolved fairly well for its price points providing good energy.  Mannheim Steamroller – Faeries: Shakers were crisp and clean. Bells were also crisp. Bass was deep playing with good low-end extension and authority. Clarinet and other woodwinds were smooth with good harmonics. Drums were dynamic with good depth. Flute was smooth with good air.

 

Cyber Acoustics fills a need with value products. While the HS-2000BT Professional Bluetooth Headset at $129 is pricier than many of their other products, it does provide a good value for its performance. Based on their design, features, quality and performance, the Cyber Acoustics HS-2000BT has earned our Value Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.cyberacoustics.com.



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Sunday, December 11, 2022

Cobra SC400D Ultimate Smart Dash Cam Review

Security continues to be an important consideration. For our vehicles, this is partly covered with dashcams. They record on a constant loop, what occurs in front of your vehicle, and behind. But if you are an Uber Driver, or maybe in a shaky domestic relationship, or many other situations…it may also be smart to record what happens inside your vehicle. Cobra has you covered, with their Cobra SC400D.

 

Features and specs:

-4K Video

-3 Camera Cable

-Real-Time Driver Alerts

-Advanced Safety & Security

-Touchscreen & Voice

-Smart Driver App

-Alexa Built-In

 




The Cobra SC400D came in a great looking color printed box, with photos and specs. Opening the box revealed a well-protected product, held in place by custom foam. Materials used in the construction was mostly plastic, with some metal. Quality of construction as well as the fit and finish was excellent. Also included were the cables, mounts, micro SD card, and manual.

 

I loved the design of the Cobra SC400D. It is offered in multiple configurations. The first is single view, which comes with just the main camera, which mounts to the front of the vehicle and records what’s in front of the vehicle. The next option is dual view, which is what we received. It includes a 2nd rear-view camera, to record what’s behind the vehicle. The 3rd option is the accessory camera. It plugs into the main camera body, and records in-vehicle. So if you get the dual view camera and the accessory camera, you will be fully covered. You will be able to record what goes happens in front, rear and in-vehicle.

 

The Cobra SC400D comes with everything you need. And everything that’s needed for installation is included. The front mount attaches to your windshield, and attaches to the main camera magnetically. The main cameral also houses the SC card. The rear-view camera attaches to your rear windshield, and there’s a cable that runs from the rear-view camera to the main camera. The final in-vehicle accessory camera plugs directly into the side of the main camera. The main camera monitor will show video for both the front and rear of the vehicle as well as in-cabin. It will also show real-time driver alerts, such as radar, squad and red-light camera alerts. There’s even an app where you can manage all this on your phone. Now that it’s installed, let’s see how it works.

 

Mounting the cameras was simple, and the accessory camera to record in-vehicle just plugged right into the main camera.  With it powered on, the set-up was simple with the touch screen.  It walked you thru set-up with just a couple screens, such as language and time zone.  The cameras recorded with great resolution.  I could easily see in front of my car, behind me, and in-cabin.  Even at night, it recorded in good looking color.  Although the in-cabin video at night was black and white thanks to the night vision.  The color screen on the main camera showed what was being recorded on all 3 cameras.  And it also on-screen icons for the notifications.  Not only was it simple to install and set-up, it was also simple to use!  And the app lets you not just receive alerts, but to also send alerts to the Smart Drive Community, such as speed traps.  You can also access the recorded video on the card for viewing.  So simple to use too!

 

The Cobra SC400D proved to be an excellent performer. The cameras provided video of not just in front and behind your vehicle, but also in cabin. And in case of an incident, the video can be accessed from the SD Card. Video can also be accessed through the app as well. Thanks to the 4k resolution, you get excellent looking videos. And thanks to the excellent build quality, you should get years of use. If security is important to you, this dash cam should be on your short list. Based on its design, features, quality and performance, the Cobra SC400D has earned our Editor’s Choice award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.cobra.com.



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Sunday, December 4, 2022

JBL Quantum TWS IEM Review

I love electronics, and I enjoy innovation. I really love it when they both come together. That’s exactly what JBL has put together with their JBL Quantum TWS. They are True Wireless IEMs, and they are tweaked to also work with gaming. MSRP is a very reasonable $149.

 

Feature and specs:

General Specifications

Driver size (mm): 10

IP Code: IPX4

 

Audio Specifications

Driver sensitivity at 1kHz/1mW (dB): 106

Dynamic frequency response range (Hz): 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Impedance (ohms): 16

Active Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

 

Dimensions

Charging Case Weight (oz): 1.5

Earpiece Weight (oz): 0.4

Charging Case Weight (g): 42.4

Earpiece Weight (g): 11

 

Control and Connection Specifications

Bluetooth profiles: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.8

Bluetooth frequency: 2.4 GHz - 2.4835 GHz

Bluetooth transmitted modulation: GFSK, π/4 QPSK, 8DPSK

Bluetooth transmitter power: <12 dBm EIRP

Bluetooth version: 5.2

Battery

Charging time (hours from empty): 2

Maximum music play time with ANC off (hours): 8

Maximum music play time with ANC on (hours): 5

Maximum play time (hours): 16

Maximum talk time (hours): 4

Charging case battery life (max hours): 16

 

Features

Bluetooth: Yes

Charging cable: Yes

Adaptive Noise Cancelling: Yes

Ambient Aware: Yes

Built-in Microphone: Yes

Charging case: Yes

Hands Free Call: Yes

Rechargeable battery: Yes

True Wireless: Yes

Wireless: Yes

 

 


The JBL Quantum TWS came in a great looking color printed box with photos and specs of the IEM. Opening the box revealed a well-protected IEM held in place by custom molded plastic. Materials used in the production was mostly plastic, with some metal. Quality of materials used was very good, as was the fit and finish. Also included was the charging case, charging cable, extra ear tips, USB adapter, and owner’s manual.

                                                                                                                                  

I really like the design of the JBL Quantum TWS. Thanks to its low latency, they work with gaming. When used on PC, the offer JBL Quantum Surround. With Dual Source, you can be connected to two sources. That allows you to be connected to your gaming, as well as your smartphone. That way, you can quickly switch back to your phone while you’re gaming, to answer calls. If that isn’t enough, you also get True Adaptive Action Noise Cancelling, along with Ambient Aware. They are loaded with great features. Now let’s see how they sound. Since it is the Holiday Season, we’ll turn to some holiday tunes.

 

Manheim Steamroller – God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman: Tambourine was crisp and clean, horns were silky smooth without being too brassy. Piano sounded very natural, with great harmonics. Drums were extremely dynamic, played with excellent depth and authority and revealed excellent detail in the midbass. Strings were also crisp, smooth, with very good resolution.

Manheim Steamroller – Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night): Piano sounded very natural, with good resolution of the keys and hammers on the strings. The violin was very smooth, with very good resolution of the bow going across the strings. They actually used a full orchestra, and the details of all the instruments came out so beautifully, with very good dynamics.

Manheim Steamroller – Faeries: Shakers were crisp and clean, bells were extremely crisp, sounding almost magical. Bass was very deep, extremely full, and played with tons of authority. Clarinet and other woodwinds were smooth with good texture of the wood from the reed. Drums were also dynamic with good depth. Flute was smooth with very good air.

 

Not only do the JBL Quantum TWS sound great, but you get a huge amount of functionality as well. A lot of that functionality is accessed through the JBL app. It tells you the battery level of each IEM as well as the charging case. You can change it to your preferred sound setting with the equalizer. The app is also where you control the ANC, gestures, audio and game modes, voice assistant, etc.

 

It’s amazing the amount of functionality you get with the JBL Quantum TWS. Along with the excellent sound, they are worth every penny of the $149 MSRP, but can be found for even significantly less. Being able to use them for audio with your phone, as well as your gaming, they should satisfy all of your headphone audio needs. And they are constructed well enough to provide years of use. Based on their design, features, quality and performance, the JBL Quantum TWS has earned our Editor’s Choice Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.JBL.com.



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