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What to expect for Black Friday 2017
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter, reviews for the real world. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, they may earn affiliate commissions that support their work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here. Black Friday's coming up fast and we're already seeing a lot of deals going live, so here's what we expect: Get that shopping list ready soon. Your favorite deal, the one that says it'll go live on Friday? There's a decent chance it'll be available earlier. We've already seen some of the most interesting deals going live early, a fair few from Best Buy jumping the gun a week ago to beat other retailers. That TV/instant pot/whatever you wanted sold out already? Don't buy your backup option just yet. Not only have we seen some great deals go live already, but we've seen sold out products pop back in stock. It's not uncommon for retailers to put up great deals on Black Friday and once they sell out for the day, put up additional stock on Cyber Monday. Update your billing and shipping info. This is the most boring part of shopping, but you'll be really aggravated with yourself if you do grab that one thing you wanted and it sells out because you had to update all of your info. Here are some Black Friday deals we're seeing pop up already:
The best surround-sound speakers for most people
By Dennis Burger This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, they may earn affiliate commissions that support their work. Read the full article here. If you're looking for an affordable, high-performance 5.1-channel home-theater speaker system, we recommend an ELAC Debut system comprised of the company's C5 center speaker, two F5 floor-standing speakers, a pair of B5 bookshelf speakers, and the S10EQ subwoofer. We came to this conclusion after nearly 25 hours of research and more than 60 hours of calibration, testing, and listening panels that evaluated 13 complete surround-sound systems over the course of more than a year and a half.
Engadget giveaway: Win an EGG speaker system courtesy of KEF!
Kef has been bringing high-resolution audio to music enthusiasts for decades, covering both the wildly expensive variety and more affordable versions. This week, we're giving away the EGG bookshelf speakers, which include a built-in amplifier, a digital analog converter (DAC) and 96kHz/24-bit USB input. There's also an optical connector for high-res TV listening and Bluetooth with aptX support for high-resolution wireless streaming. These speakers are aimed at providing crisp, clear, full sound via the proprietary Uni-Q driver array, which the company describes as "sit anywhere" technology. The unique, rounded design and quality output make these a great addition to any home audio setup and one lucky reader will get a pair to take home. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this high-resolution sound system from Kef. Winner: Congratulations to Cherie O. of South Milwaukee, WI!
Engadget giveaway: Win a pair of Muo speakers courtesy of KEF!
As the reality of spring takes hold, we get to enjoy longer, warmer days and a burst of colorful foliage. To celebrate this positive seasonal swing, we've got a duo of rose-colored Muo speakers for one lucky reader this week. These Bluetooth portables from high-end UK audio maker Kef feature 12-hour battery life, a compact version of the company's Uni-Q driver array and styling by industrial designer Ross Lovegrove. The design echoes the curves of Kef's flagship $225,000 Muon loudspeakers. You'll be able to send CD-quality audio over Bluetooth aptX to the Muo (with a compatible device) or connect directly to its 3.5mm jack. They can be used as standalone speakers or paired for wider coverage and stereo sound when it's time to party. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this colorful speaker set from Kef. Winner: Congratulations to Christopher S. of San Jose, CA!
The best bookshelf speakers for most stereos
By Chris Heinonen This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. Read the full article here. To find the best bookshelf speakers for your stereo system, we considered hundreds of models, narrowed the field to 19 finalists, and then had a three-person listening panel put each through its paces with a wide variety of music. After 90 hours of work, the ELAC Debut B6 speakers came out as our top choice because they sound more like a live performance than anything in this price range.
KEF M500 and M200 headphones launched in Hong Kong, we go ears-on
It's been almost a month since KEF announced its first headphone series, and yesterday we finally got the chance to try out its M500 cans and M200 in-ears at the company's Hong Kong launch event. In fact, it's worth noting that while KEF originated from the UK 52 years ago, it's been part of Hong Kong's Gold Peak Group since 1992. That said, much of KEF's R&D is still done back in an English county called Kent, where the engineers attempted to port their company's sonic signature over to its M series headphones. The result? Let's just say we prefer one to the other. %Gallery-188390% %Gallery-188389%
KEF introduces M Series headphones bred from HiFi speaker know-how (updated)
Mostly known for its extravagant speaker systems, KEF is finally taking a whack at ear gear. Today, the company announced two new types of HiFi headphones, known as the M Series, which include a pair of on-ear cups (M500) and a set of in-ear buds (M200). Priced at $300, the M500 sports a full aluminum frame and sweat resistant padding, along with a 10mm driver for lows and a 5.5mm driver for mids and highs full-range 40mm neodymium driver in each earcup. If enclosed head gear isn't your thing, the $200 M200 offers an aluminum housing and a pair of silicone ear tips with an adjustable arm for improved comfort. Like their pricier sibling These earphones feature a 'DDD' dual dynamic driver system with a 10mm driver for lows and a 5.5mm driver for mids and highs. While we've yet to spend time with the M500 or M200, their press pictures and specs aren't too shabby. Call it a hunch, but we doubt they'll need any celebrity endorsements. For more info on KEF's new headphone line, hit the presser after the break.
KEF lands its wireless HTB2SE-W subwoofer
Don't get us wrong -- we love subwoofers -- but honestly we've been pretty satisfied with the formula that combines a driver, strong box and large amplifier into a more or less (we prefer less) inconspicuous cube. Changing the physical design always looks kind of strange, even when the results are great. Horses for courses, however, as KEF has introduced its HTB2SE-W subwoofer that has us thinking of one George Jetson. That impression is only enhanced by the wireless connection (hey, it was futuristic a few years ago) that promises "CD-quality sound," which is probably more than sufficient for even lossless LFE tracks. If you don't like the flying saucer look, simply put the HTB2SE-W on its side -- the 10-inch driver and 250-Watt amp promise to deliver bass so non-directional that you won't be able to tell the difference. Available next month for $1,200 -- head below the fold for one more pic if you're not sure if this is the look for you.
KEF's Concept Blade speakers -- no, you can't buy them
KEF has taken the wraps off its engineering-only Concept Blade speakers, and while the company has no intent on making these beauties available for sale (or at least none it's talking about), they are promising to roll the technology down the rest of their lineup. Working from KEF's calling-card Uni-Q tweeter/midrange, the design goal of Concept Blade is to make a full range, point source. The 10th generation of its Uni-Q driver can cover seven octaves without breakup before handing things over to the four 10-inch woofers arranged in "force cancelling" transverse pairs (one above the Uni-Q and one below). Throw in a carbon fiber/balsa wood composite enclosure, and you've got the makings of an exotic that surely has a market beyond one-off engineering showpieces. Trickle-down aside, we'd hate to see these go the way of other project concepts we've seen.
KEF's C-Series speakers move downmarket, lose Uni-Q driver
The point source Uni-Q driver that positions the midrange concentric with the tweeter has been a hallmark of KEF speakers for a long time. But times and budgets being what they are, the company's new entry-level C-Series of speakers have ditched the Uni-Q setup, but kept some high-profile features like 0.75-inch aluminum tweeters and gold-plated terminal strips bridging the dual binding posts. There's something for everyone in the line: the C1 and C3 (pictured) are monitors at $240 and $300 per pair, respectively; the C5 and C7 ($325 and $400 each) are for floorstander fans; if you've just got to have the exact same speaker all across the front the C6LCR ($250 each) is for you; and the C4 subwoofer will fill out the bass for $400. All available in any color, as long as it's black.
KEF hatches KHT2005.3 HTIB speakers
Given that HTIB systems are typically intended for a convenience- and style-minded crowd, you'd think that better naming schemes would be in order. We're afraid that lots of potential customers might see KHT2005.3 and think it's been around since year 2005. Not the case -- it's the third revision of KEF's Home Theater 2005 series. As such, we're pressed to find lots of changes in the refresh -- the egg-shaped satellites look to be the same 4-inch mid and 0.75-inch tweeter in KEF's Uni-Q arrangement. The subwoofer, however, looks like it's changed to a KUBE-2 unit that features a 10-inch driver coupled with a 10-inch radiator, all backed by a 200-Watt class-D amp. The previous model KHT2005.2 is a well-regarded setup (especially for HTIB), so if you're not into "rolling your own" then give these a listen -- we bet you could do a lot worse for $1299 MSRP.
KEF unveils new Instant Theater systems
Like most companies rooted in hi-fi, KEF still has its high end speakers. But it's aiming for more mass market appeal with the Instant Theater series. There are eight HTIB systems in the lineup, so something in there is sure to cover your needs. All of the models use KEF's Uni-Q coaxial drivers, a powered subwoofer and a (naturally) matching HDMI-equipped DVD/CD player. HTIB doesn't always mean cheap, though; these setups range from £1,200 - £2,500 ($2,500 - $5,000). On the low end, you've got the NXT-equipped, 2.1 channel "virtual surround" kit120 (pictured), and there's a continuous rollout of features moving up the range to the 5.1-speaker kit550. And if speaker cable isn't your thing, look for the upcoming kit 570w and kit580w, featuring wireless rear channels (prices unannounced). [Thanks, sk]
KEF intros new XQ Sseries loudspeakers
If the speakers in your HT rig are summed up by "sound great, look terrible" and you want need to move into "sound great, look great" territory, then KEF's new XQ Series speakers are worth checking out. The updated XQ Series made its debut at CEDIA and enjoys some technology "trickle-down" from KEF's Reference Series; notably the new Uni-Q driver that covers midrange, tweeter and hypertweeter duties in one tidy package. The speakers also inherit a little bit from KEF's over-the-top Muon in the form of milled aluminum front baffle. In the looks department, the cabinetry is available in a choice of three high-gloss, "furniture grade," natural wood veneers: birds-eye maple, khaya mahogany, and piano black. With five models in the range (XQ 10 pictured), you can make sure every single channel in your "wall of sound" matches. Prices range from $1400/pair for the XQ 10 bookshelf up to $3400/pair for the floorstanding XQ 40. Available September 2007.
KEF's Muon speakers: 253 pounds of aluminum, no sense of decency
Catering to the highest of the high-end in speakers will grab the attention of both consumers and designers, and KEF has contracted Ross Lovegrove, who designed such throw-aways as the Walkman and the iMac, to create this spendy new "Muon" series of speakers. These curvy monsters are carved out of a six-foot block of solid aluminum using computer-aided manufacturing and take a week to create. The four-way, eight-speaker setups weigh 253 pounds each, and will retail for £70,000 ($140,500 USD). If you've got the pocketbook, better have your butler write out a check right quick, as the edition is limited to 100 pairs.
