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  • Samsung Galaxy J3: Is It Worth Getting?

    Samsung Galaxy J3: Is It Worth Getting?

    Samsung dominates in the world of luxury, high-end smartphones. Their Galaxy series is renowned for being great, even if they’re relatively expensive. In order to combat the image of their phones being for high-end users only, their budget friendly Galaxy J series is priced much lower. However, is the newest J3 worth it, even for the reduced price tag?

    The Price

    The first consideration for a budget phone, of course, is price. In that respect, you can rest assured that this phone is inexpensive. It runs between $210 and $130, depending on where you’re getting it. If that sounds really cheap that’s because it is: most phones cost at least double that to carry modern tech. That’s the trick with the Galaxy J3, though; it doesn’t sport modern tech.

    Performance

    This phone is slow. Glacially so, in fact. The processor feels like something from 2010, as apps and basic functions lag and struggle to keep up with the user. Launching apps is sluggish, web pages populate slowly and even returning to the home screen has noticeable lag.

    The camera doesn’t fare much better. Indoor photos are fuzzy and light sources appear to have a blue haze clinging to them. Outdoor shooting is passable, but nothing to get excited about. The screen does the phone no favors here either. It looks alright, but not good. The battery life is the one redeeming feature of this stinker, lasting around 14 hours on a full charge.

    Samsung Galaxy J3 Bottom Line

    Needless to say, you should skip this phone. It surpasses the threshold of “budget phone” and dives head-first into the realm of “bad purchase.” If you’re in the market for a phone in this price range, look into something like the Moto G6 Play. It runs for $200 or so and sports a much better processor and camera. Neither are particularly impressive by modern standards, but they beat the heck out of the J3. In fact, if you’re not worried about $50 extra, the Moto G6 is a great budget option for $250.

    In either event, steer clear of the Samsung Galaxy J3. It’s not worth the price, even with how low that price tag is. The Samsung name alone can’t save this mediocre phone from being just that: another terrible budget Android phone.

  • Microsoft Surface Go Early Impressions

    Microsoft Surface Go Early Impressions

    The Microsoft Surface Pro is easily one of the finest two-in-one tablets in the world. As such, it’s surprising that Microsoft has struggled to create a smaller version of the tablet that impresses. The Surface Pro is pretty big, all said, coming in at nearly 13 inches. The new Microsoft Surface Go, due out on August 2nd, seeks to take what makes the Pro great and just put it in a smaller package. Does it succeed where others have failed, or is it the device Microsoft’s been trying to make?

    Pricing and Unboxing

    First things first, let’s talk price. The Surface Go starts at $400 for a configuration with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. That’s a big more expensive than the iPad, which comes in at $329, and both tablets come without a keyboard or a stylus. The lack of the Surface Pen and Type Cover in the box isn’t surprising, but it’s still disappointing.

    That said, the Surface Go has a pretty big leg up over the iPad: USB-C. Apple has stubbornly stuck to the Lightning Cable, eschewing the industry standard. As such, they’ve left their tablets and phones in the past as every other device makes the switch. Not to mention, the Surface Connect port gives you a way to connect to external displays while charging your device. This is something Apple doesn’t seem to be bothered by: if you want to charge and send a signal, you need a dongle to split the single Lightning port.

    Design

    The Surface Go is really just a smaller Surface Pro. That’s not supposed to be funny: it’s almost uncanny. Microsoft has managed to scale down the exact tablet they’ve had for years into a more compact size. Of course, there’s a slight dip in performance that you would expect from a smaller device. However, the features and apps are all still intact, just running on a smaller screen.

    This newer, smaller tablet is also a bit softer, design-wise. The corners are rounded, and the feel is generally more appealing. It seems that the smaller Surface has been designed with students in mind primarily. The tablet fits into a bag easily and feels great in one hand. The optional Type Cover and Surface pen make it even better, as it can be converted into a laptop-like configuration. Taking notes with either the keyboard or the pen is easy and intuitive.

    Microsoft Surface Go Early Impressions

    While it’s early yet, it seems like the Microsoft Surface Go is an ample competitor with the iPad. Not only that, it’s a worthy inheritor of the Surface name, and a great buy for the money. If you’re looking for an affordable tablet that can convert into a laptop, this is a great option. However, it is somewhat lacking in regards to power, but it makes up for it in usefulness.

  • Laptop Look Out: Macbook Pro Updates

    Laptop Look Out: Macbook Pro Updates

    Today Apple has updated its 13-inch and 15-inch Touch Bar MacBook Pros today with Intel’s latest eighth-generation chips. In addition to the processor up grades they are also offering up to 32GB of RAM and 4TB of SSD storage. Boom, hair officially blown back. Wait, just how much are these gonna cost me? With the standard models of Apple’s laptops will cost about the same (starting at $1,799 for the 13-inch model or $2,399 for the 15-inch model). The updated MacBook Pro, brace your self, can set you back a massive soul crushing $6700 big ones.

    Is it Worth it?

    Considering the $7000 Mac Pro I purchased earlier this year with 2.7GHz 12-core processor, 64GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The new MacBooks only have half that power for the same price. Is it still a lot to pay for a computer? Most Definitely. But it’s worth remembering that the extra price is for optional hardware, so it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether or not to pay the cost. For comparison sake, the top  $2599 Alienware’s 15 inch laptop with 8th gen I9 and 16gb of RAM is a viable option at a fraction of the cost.

    What Else is New for The 2018 Macbook Pro

    Thanks to a T2 chip, which showed up previously in the iMac Pro, you can now summon Siri by simply shouting at your machine. Previous MacBook Pros required you to click a button, but now Siri is hands-free. The display isn’t getting any kind of resolution bump (or a touchscreen), but it does now have Apple’s alternating display temperature function, called True Tone, which means additional sensors have been built into the laptop. It has the same Touch Bar and Touch ID capabilities as previous models.

    The Final Thought

    Apple will sell Macbook Pros. The focus on the high end Macbook Pro are the design professionals and rich kids with their parents credit cards. Its nice to have those options and specs but no real commercial need for a few more years. Other wise very solid Macbook Updates and will keep them in the front of the best laptop line for a while.

  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: An Odd SUV With and Odd Premise

    Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: An Odd SUV With and Odd Premise

    Let’s get this out of the way: I don’t think anyone asked for an SUV that could keep up with a Ferrari. Yet, for some reason, Alfa Romeo has created the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, a “sports SUV” that aims to do just that. To be fair, this Italian SUV keeps up with the promise of being fast and powerful. However, it sort-of forgets to be an SUV while it does that. Let’s talk odd Italian cars!

    Performance

    We’ll cover what the Stelvio Quadrifoglio wants to be known for first and foremost, the performance. It delivers in that respect: it’s fast, it accelerates well and it’s fun to drive on a long stretch. It’s got a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine under the hood, and that Ferrari comparison from earlier was literal. This is a Ferrari engine, sourced directly from the Italian carmaker. And it shows! However, the question remains: why is this in an SUV with 505 horsepower? This feels like something that was made because Alfa Romeo could, not because they should.

    The biggest issue this vehicle runs into is when it’s being driven in the city. While its engine is awesome on a racetrack, the handling and brakes make it awful in heavy traffic. Start-and-stop traffic becomes a chore rapidly, which is dangerous in a car with this much power under the hood. The suspension is tight, and the brakes are touchy, making the car feel anxious and jumpy in normal traffic. This shouldn’t be a problem for a vehicle this expensive.

    Interior

    The Stelvio Quadrifoglio has a luxurious interior at first glance but is actually somewhat disappointing upon inspection. While there is soft leather and brushed metal in some places, there are also patches of plastic and cheap-feeling finish in several places. The buttons on the console feel cheap and would be more at home in a Subaru. Additionally, the infotainment screen is somewhat small, at 8.8 inches, and it’s difficult to use with the dial. You can opt to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay instead, and you should.

    Oddly, a number of advanced features that you’d expect to be standard are option on this “luxury” car. Features like forward collision warning, high-beam assist, and lane departure warning are added in the Driver Assist Dynamic Plus Package, which runs $1,500. That’s pretty much unacceptable, as the base price is $79,795.

    Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Bottom Line

    Avoid this one unless you really want an SUV with a Ferrari engine. It’s hard to recommend something this expensive when it fails to deliver on the basic things an SUV of this price should come with. Good performance in city traffic and standard tech should be no-brainers, and yet the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio opts to go fast instead. If this was a sports car, these problems could be overlooked. However, it fails to deliver on what it says it is, and as such, you should look elsewhere for a luxury SUV.

    Feature Image Credit: Car and Driver

  • Which is the Best Cooler for Summer 2018?

    Which is the Best Cooler for Summer 2018?

    It’s that time of year when cookouts and pool parties are common every weekend. If you’re looking to throw a party outside, make sure your cooler is able to withstand the heat! You’re probably wondering which the best cooler for your drinks is this summer. Well, look no farther: we’ve got a few of our favorites rounded up for you right here! Stay frosty!

    Igloo MaxCold Cooler

    The best budget choice on our list, the Igloo MaxCold only runs $45! It has all the features you want from a good cooler, including a top latch and a drain spout. While it’s not exactly a looker, with a relatively cheap appearance, it’s sturdy and dependable. You can sit on it, drag it around and toss it in the hatchback and it’ll do just fine. It also outperforms pretty much every cooler in its price range! The only ones that are better than this Igloo cost $300, so this is a great value!

    Orca Classic Cooler

    Orca’s entry on the list is a fantastic option for those who want a durable cooler. The Orca Classic is roto-molded, meaning the mold is rotated as its poured. This results in much higher durability and insulation, making it a high-quality pick. It sports slightly more capacity than the Yeti, but the two have the exact same price tag. However, the Yeti performs a bit better at keeping your drinks cold in direct sunlight. The Orca, however, has a lifetime warranty, while the Yeti’s is only 5 years.

    The Best Cooler for Summer: Yeti Tundra 45

    The most well-known name in drink insulation is Yeti, and for good reason. Yeti’s products always overperform, and if you live in especially hot areas, you know how good Yeti is. If you’re looking to head to the beach or throw a pool party, you’ll want to bring the Yeti Tundra 45. This cooler runs $300, the same as the Orca. However, the Yeti offers better insulation than the Orca at the expense of a bit of interior volume. If you’re looking for the very best cooler, though, this is it: it’s not even a competition. The Tundra blows away the competition, and still costs the same as the Orca. The choice between the two is pretty clear!

  • The Ten Best Game Boy Advance Games

    The Ten Best Game Boy Advance Games

    To gamers in their mid- to late- twenties, the Game Boy Advance was a big deal in our childhood. The GBA was a 32-bit system, and many considered it to be a golden era for handheld gaming. In much the way that the Super Nintendo revolutionized home console gaming, the GBA was a renaissance of those same design principals. Many genres were represented in the fantastic library of games, but RPGs and side-scrolling platformers were foremost among them. In the interest of reigniting that old spark of nostalgia, let’s count down the ten greatest Game Boy Advance games of all time.

    Metroid: Fusion

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    We’re kicking things off with the game that brought the Metroid series out of a ten-year slumber (alongside Metroid Prime). While Metroid Prime proved to be a bit more traditional, narratively, Fusion took the franchise into some interesting places. The mechanics were largely an evolution of what had been seen in Super Metroid a decade earlier, with some new twists. The storyline, however, saw Samus gaining autonomy back after being under the thumb of the Federation. An all-around excellent and cinematic title, Fusion was a welcome return to form for the bounty hunter.

    WarioWare Inc: Mega Microgame$!

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Frenetic, fast-paced and ridiculous, Mega Microgames was the first entry in the WarioWare series. The player is faced with a rapid-fire series of ridiculous vignettes that they have to complete in a matter of seconds. Hilarious, reflex-based and irreverent, the game constantly moves the player from one ridiculous setting to the next. The series’ trademark humor is on display is this excellent entry, bringing constant fun and laughs.

    Advance Wars

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The quirky, charming world of Advance Wars was first introduced to American audiences in 2001. This turn-based military strategy game has a cute art style, tight mechanics and a robust suite of game modes. The game proved popular with Americans, surprising Nintendo and prompting them to release a number of sequels. While none ever quite lived up to the sales and reception of the original, Advance Wars remains a fan-favorite game. There’s something about out-maneuvering your opponent and winning on the grand scale that’s just so satisfying!

    Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga

    Photo Credit: Polygon

    Without a doubt, Mario and Luigi is one of the funniest video games ever released. If you play this game, you will laugh. The villains are delightful, the gameplay is well-tuned, and the world is inviting. Everything about this game tells you that loving attention to detail went into making it. The active-time battle system from sister series Paper Mario appears here, as well, and is just as fun. The active-time inputs make the combat more engaging that traditional RPGs, allowing you to add your own flair to the battles. While the series has spawned many sequels, the original remains the golden standard.

    Fire Emblem

    Photo Credit: Emuparadise

    The second entry on this list from Intelligent Systems, Fire Emblem is something of a medieval version of Advance Wars. Similarly, while it was the seventh entry in the series, the GBA game was the first American release for the long-running franchise. The GBA version was released largely due to increased interest in Fire Emblem drummed up by the fighting game Super Smash Bros Melee, in which characters from Fire Emblem appear. For its part, though, Fire Emblem is an excellent tactical turn-based RPG. Characters who die stay dead in these games, meaning every battle has deeply personal stakes. Friendships grow, relationships blossom and fighters level up, so losing someone is always a heavy blow to sustain.

    Metroid: Zero Mission

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    After the ten-year drought of Metroid games, fans of the series received an embarrassment of riches. After the superb Metroid Prime and Fusion, this brilliant re-imagining of the first game blew everyone away. Zero Mission is the quintessential Metroid game, featuring a huge, maze-like labyrinth, unlockable powers and endless ambiance. The oppressive halls and dangerous locales become killing fields for Samus as she upgrades her suit and masters her powers. The game remains a fan-favorite for speed runs and is a testament to how much of a renaissance this era was for 32-bit games.

    Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    The second game released in the long-running Kingdom Hearts franchise, Chain of Memories used a unique card-battle system for combat. As a fusion of the series’ trademark action-RPG combat and deck-building, Chain of Memories was a deeply fascinating Game Boy experience. Featuring a deep, conspiratorial tale centering around a shadowy “Organization,” the game pleasantly flips to reveal a deep “B-Side” after the credits roll. After defeating the main antagonists as Sora, players can play through another story as Riku, the series’ secondary protagonist and one of the villains from the first game. Packed full of content, animated with loving care and deeper than many AAA games of the era, Chain of Memories is a tour de force for Square.

    Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

    Photo Credit: YouTube

    Somehow, Game Boy Advance Games managed to keep outdoing themselves time and again. After the excellent Symphony of the Night, many believed there would never be another Castlevania to live up to that pedigree. They were wrong. Aria of Sorrow is one of the greatest games in the series, introducing the setting to a new era in time: the future. The protagonist, Soma, is a likable and badass kid with the power to trap enemy souls and use their powers. The world map is non-linear, and progression is RPG-like and satisfying. The boss fights are intense and challenging, and the enemy designs are genuinely scary and unsettling. I daresay this is the finest Castlevania game, and more evidence of what a rare system the GBA was.

    Golden Sun

    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    Golden Sun is that rare game that seeks to emulate a great and outdoes it. Camelot, the studio behind this masterpiece, wanted to deliver an experience like the original Final Fantasy. And, certainly, Golden Sun wears that inspiration proudly. It features four warriors who seek to purify four lighthouses to save the world. However, it also features great puzzles, a deep story and genuinely engaging characters. Its sequels are also excellent, which is rare for games from this era. An epic scope, some incredible summoning animations and genuinely intense boss battles make this one of the finest turn-based RPGs ever made.

    The Best of All Game Boy Advance Games: The Legend of Zelda: the Minish Cap

    Photo Credit: Nintendo

    The finest of all Game Boy Advance games, Minish Cap follows in the example of excellent handheld Zelda adventures set by games like Link’s Awakening. Oddly, this entry was developed by Capcom, not Nintendo, but it’s still a fantastic core series title. Following the backstory of Four Swords antagonist Vaati, this adventure takes place in a distant past. Link find an odd talking hat that allows him to shrink and see the world from a new perspective. In his tiny size, normal enemies like Chu Chu Jellies become full-scale dungeon bosses. Brimming with charm and featuring a delightful world to explore, Minish Cap encompasses everything that makes Zelda game so damn fun.

  • SmartHome Automation and the 5 Gadgets you Need

    SmartHome Automation and the 5 Gadgets you Need

    We all have dreamed of the day when in George Jetson style all the devices in your life could connect to the internet. No im  just talking about computers and smartphones, but everything: clocks, speakers, lights, door bells, cameras, windows, window blinds, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils. All of it.  Then we need those devices to communicate to each other, send you information, and take your commands. It’s not science fiction or a crazy 60’s cartoon,  it’s the Internet of Things (IoT) and SmartHome Automation, and it’s glorious.

    SmartHome Automation is exactly what it sounds like: digitally enabling everything from window shades to pet feeders—with a simple push of a button or a shout of your voice. Some activities, like setting up a lamp to turn on and off at your whim, are really cheap and easy. Then we have things like advanced surveillance cameras that are a bit trickier and require a more serious investment of time and money.

    Lets take a Look at some of the latest and greatest in home automation.

    1. iCamera Keep Pro

    The iCamera Keep Pro from iSmartAlarm ($199.99) is a full-featured home security camera that not only works as a standalone device, but can be incorporated into an iSmartAlarm DIY security system. The camera is full of useful features including a powerful 1080p image sensor, motion and sound detection, mechanical pan and tilt, time-lapse and event-triggered video recording, and a motion-tracking feature that allows the camera to follow a person around the room. Throw in free cloud storage, an SD card slot for local storage, and support for IFTTT integration, and you’ve got a killer indoor security cam.

    2.Phillips HUE

    One thing that you might want to do as soon as you decide to make your home a smart home is switch out the light bulbs – something easier said than done considering how many different options out there. Of them all, however, we think the best smart light bulbs are Philips Hue range of smart bulbs.

    If you opt for Philips Hue bulbs, you will need to get the Philips Bridge, which is kind of like a hub for your lights. The advantage, however, is reliability, and the fact that the system is compatible with a range of different standards and home control systems including Apple HomeKit, Nest and Samsung SmartThings.

    3. iHome ISP5 Control Smart Plug

    While there are great smart replacements for many devices, a much simpler option is simply using connected plugs in your power outlets. Doing so will give any device that plugs into a power outlet basic smart features like the ability to turn the device on and off, or the ability to monitor the device’s power usage.

    There are quite a few smart plugs out there (seriously, so many), but the best is the iHome ISP5 Control Smart Plug. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, and works with HomeKit, Nest and Wink – so it should play nice with your other smart home devices.

    4. The Wink Hub 2

    One device to rule them all, the Wink Hub 2 works with devices that use Z-Wave, Zigbee, Lutron Clear Connect, Kidde, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It is also for the future. That includes just about everything in the smart home spectrum, from Philips Hue lighting and the Netgear Arlo camera, to Google Home. It’s the most reliable, widely supported hub we’ve tested.

    5.Haiku Home L Series 52-inch Indoor/Outdoor WiFi Enabled White Ceiling Fan with LED Light

    This smart ceiling fan is compatible with Alexa for a fully voice-controlled cooling system. It has been specially tested to ensure that it won’t rattle, click, or wobble and features an integrated LED light. Easily control settings via the included remote or mobile app. Add in a smart Thermostat and just tell your house what temperature it should be. Nice.

     

    The Final SmartHome Automation Thought

    We have gone over and over this a dozen times, SmartHome Automation functionality is the kitchen remodel of the 21st century. All these devices are relatively inexpensive but can really boost the value of your home. Besides the value they can great increase your enjoyment by making your life easier and much more relaxing. Try not to relax with the Hues orange glow light setting after supper, I dare you.

  • Sonic Mania Plus Gives Extra Life to Best Sonic Game in Years

    Sonic Mania Plus Gives Extra Life to Best Sonic Game in Years

    Last year’s Sonic Mania blew the doors off the losing streak Sega’s blue mascot has been on for decades. With the exception of a few middling-to-okay platformers, Sonic has been struggling to find his identity in a world without Sega consoles. However, the fan-led development of Sonic Mania has brought the character back to his roots. A year later, and it’s still one of the best things to ever happen to the series. What’s more, Sega has promised a beefed-up re-release later this month. The re-release, titled Sonic Mania Plus, introduces some new content and will be available digitally and physically.

    Sonic Mania Plus: Fresh Content for a Fresh Game

    The new Plus version of the game includes some interesting new content. First, the new Encore game mode remixes a number of the world from the base game. These remixes range from feeling like entirely new levels to some minor tweaks. For the most part, the minor changes are excuses to show off the powers of the new characters. Mighty the Armadillo and Jay the Flying Squirrel join the cast, each bringing their own special abilities. Mighty can ground-pound to damage enemies or open hidden passages. Jay can fly at high speeds, but is hard to control, much like the cape from Super Mario Bros 3. Both new characters are playable in the base game as well as Encore mode!

    Pricing and Release

    Sonic Mania Plus will be launching on July 17th in two forms: one physical, and the other digital. The physical copy will be $30 and comes with an art book. This is great for gamers who prefer to have hard-copies of their games, ensuring they aren’t tied to servers or updates to be playable. For those who already own a digital copy of the original Mania, though, the update is only $5. That brings the total to $25 overall for those who just want the digital copy of the game.

    In either event, this is a great deal. If you haven’t tried the game yet, we recommend the physical copy. The gorgeous box art and art book, coupled with the bonus of owning the game, are worth five more bucks. Alternatively, if you own the game already, spending five dollars to get the new characters and remixed single-player is a no-brainer. Either way, you have to check out this new release!

  • Get Ready to go Off-Road with the New Ram Rebel

    Get Ready to go Off-Road with the New Ram Rebel

    Ram has a seriously powerful contender in the crowded truck market with the Ram Rebel. The Rebel is ideal for off-roading, using some slick new tech to make the process a breeze. Whereas you once would have to put the truck in 4×4 manually, it’s a push of a button away with the Rebel. Today we’re looking at the coolest new features packed into this new Ram.

    Quiet Interior Cabin

    The cabin on the Ram Rebel is quiet, and the ride is smooth. The truck sports a complex technology called active-tuned mass modules that react in live time to the vibration of the engine. By moving in such a way to counter that vibration, the ATMM technology cuts down on both noise and shaking. This all adds up to make for a smooth, Zen-like riding experience even when off-roading.

    Heavy-Duty Shocks

    Getting out in the mud requires some serious stabilization, and that’s where these new shocks come in! Specifically, these are Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks, meaning they can keep you on the trail for hours. They do this by eliminating the main cause of shock fade. Typically, if you spend a long time on the trail, the oil in your shocks gets heated up and your shocks feel much more “soft.” The remote-reservoir style shocks fixes this by letting your shock oil cool in a remote reservoir, allowing you to keep taking bumps off the road.

    Electronically Locking Rear Differential

    Ever been stuck in the mud? Then you know how much it sucks to watch your back wheels spin and not catch any traction. Even with 4WD, sometimes you need a little extra push. That’s what manually-engaged electronic rear differential locking is for. If that sounds complicated, don’t worry, it’s not. All it means is that you can tell your back tires to work together, locking into the same pattern of spin. This lets them work in concert to help get you un-stuck!

    Ram Rebel Pricing and Release

    You’re probably asking when you can get one of your own, and what it’ll cost you. Models start at $47,495, which might sound like a lot, but the Rebel means business. You should see these bad boys hitting dealerships this Fall.

    Feature Image Credit: Car and Driver

  • Listen Up: Sony HT-Z9F 3.1 Feature Roundup

    Listen Up: Sony HT-Z9F 3.1 Feature Roundup

    Sound bars are a great way to maximize the sound from your TV without taking up considerable real estate in your living room. While many sound bar options are out there, Sony remains a reliable and excellent maker of the technology. Their biggest strength, of course, is their processing, and the HT-Z9F 3.1 is no exception: it boasts incredible sound thanks to its processors.

    Sound Quality

    The first important consideration when reviewing a sound bar, of course, is the sound quality. This particular sound bar delivers on that front: dialogue is clear, sounds are crisp, and bass is heavy. Whether you’re listening to music or watching action movies, you’ll be impressed by how balanced and undistorted the sound is. You can clearly make out dialogue over rumbling explosions, and sounds have a certain space in between them. All of this, of course, is bolstered by the bar’s excellent surround sound. You can feel the space between events on-screen, or the shape of a room that audio was recorded in. That may all sound a bit confusing, but when you hear it you’ll understand.

    Features and Ports

    The HT-Z9F 3.1 has ARC HDMI, optical digital audio, 3.5mm and Ethernet ports all available. You can hook pretty much anything into this sound bar and play audio through it, which is excellent. It also has an IR repeater sending signals through, which is great for set-ups that have the bar blocking your TV. Wi-Fi and Chromecast are supported, which makes this feel very modern and high-end.

    HT-Z9F 3.1 Pricing and Bottom Line

    The HT-Z9F 3.1 costs between $800 and $900, making it a somewhat premium package. However, when compared to full-scale surround systems and some other high-end sound bars, that price is rather impressive. If you’re looking for big sound from a small bar, Sony’s newest entry is a great piece of technology. If you don’t mind paying a bit of money, your living room will sound like a movie theater in no time. All of that from such a little bar is a pretty big deal!