AV News & Reviews NZ – Audio Visual & Home Theatre Blog

For years, subwoofers were unfairly associated with home theatre explosions, rattling lounge windows, or neighbours filing complaints. But in the audiophile world, a properly integrated subwoofer can be one of the single biggest upgrades you can make to a 2-channel music system. Yes, even in a serious hi-fi setup. In fact, many experienced audiophiles eventually…

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Understanding Turntable Cartridges : how they shape your sound and how to choose the right one… At Rapallo, we often say that your turntable cartridge is where the magic truly begins. It is the first point of contact between your vinyl and your system, and arguably the most influential component when it comes to shaping…

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A great golf simulator isn’t just about the launch monitor and software, the projector is what sells the illusion. The right projector makes fairways look natural, ball flight easy to track, and the whole experience feel “real” instead of like you’re hitting into a dim sheet. BenQ has become a go-to for simulator setups because…

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PlayFi vs HEOS vs MusicCast vs BluOS: Which Whole-Home Audio System Is Right for You? Imagine this: you wake up, tap a button on your phone, and the same song plays in your kitchen, living room, and backyard. Your home isn’t just connected, it’s harmonious. That’s the promise of modern whole-home audio ecosystems. But with…

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HDMI Cables Explained: What’s the Difference, and what AudioQuest Cables should you use?? Walk into any electronics store or browse online, and you’ll quickly notice something confusing about HDMI cables: prices range from under $10 to several hundred dollars. They all look similar, they all say “HDMI,” and yet brands like AudioQuest command a premium…

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How to Set Up an Audiophile Network Switch: A Guide for Better Sound Quality As high-resolution music streaming becomes the backbone of modern hi-fi systems, more enthusiasts are discovering the importance of network infrastructure. One component gaining serious attention is the audiophile network switch. While often overlooked, a properly set up network switch can play…

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Ground Cables and Turntables, time to separate electrical fact from audiophile folklore – at least we will try. Among the many rituals of vinyl playback, few inspire as much confusion and debate as the humble ground cable. For something that often looks like an afterthought, a thin wire dangling from the back of a turntable,…

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So what are Planar Magnetic Headphones? Here is our guide for curious HeadFi listeners. If you’ve spent any time browsing audio forums, YouTube reviews, or hi-fi subreddits, you’ve probably seen people rave about planar magnetic headphones (sometimes jokingly called “magneplanar” headphones). But what exactly are they? And why do audio enthusiasts treat them with almost…

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Ah, headphones and Open-Back vs Closed-Back… Your loyal companions through late-night jam sessions, endless Zoom calls, and those “I’m totally not ignoring you, I’m just focusing” moments. Whether you’re a music producer, gamer, or someone who just wants to drown out the sound of life (and maybe your neighbor’s lawnmower), your choice between open-back and…

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Our Guide to Buying a CD Player. What to look for in today’s market and why CD Players still matter. At a time when streaming services dominate the music landscape, you might assume the humble CD player has faded into obscurity. Yes…hmm no not really. For many music lovers and audiophiles, compact discs remain a…

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Vinyl playback is a ritual. From lifting the record out of its sleeve, to lowering the stylus onto the spinning grooves, every step is part of the magic. At the heart of this experience sits the phono cartridge, the tiny but vital component that transforms microscopic groove modulations into music. Among cartridge types, one design…

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How AC Infinity Fans Keep Your AV and Hi-Fi Gear Cool. When you invest in a high-performance home theatre or hi-fi system, you want every detail to be just right — crystal-clear sound, immersive visuals, and reliable performance. But there’s one factor that often gets overlooked: cooling. In this article, we explore how AC Infinity…

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In the digital age, analog outputs still matter. Whether you’re enjoying high-fidelity music, sensing voltages in a control system, or designing precision instrumentation, converting digital signals into analog voltages is a critical step.

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This week we discuss Are Blu-ray Players Still Worth It in 2025? In an age where digital streaming dominates entertainment, the humble Blu-ray player often seems like a relic of the past. But in 2025, despite the surge in subscription services and cloud-based content, Blu-ray players remain relevant—and for good reason

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This week we talk about understanding Banana Plugs: are they worth using for your speakers? If you’ve recently set up a home theatre system or upgraded your audio gear, you’ve likely come across the term banana plugs

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When designing a home theatre, setting up a conference room, or creating the perfect classroom environment, one key component often gets overlooked: the projection screen fabric. While projectors themselves get a lot of attention, the screen you project onto can make just as much of a difference in image quality, brightness, and color accuracy.

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If you’ve ever experienced unwanted pops, crackles, or hisses while listening to your records, chances are they need a good cleaning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about record cleaning machines, from their benefits to how to use them effectively.

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An integrated amplifier is a crucial component of any high-fidelity (hi-fi) audio system, combining a preamplifier and a power amplifier in a single chassis. This design eliminates the need for separate components, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

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This week… The Projection Showdown – Laser vs. Bulb – Which One is Right for You? When it comes to choosing a projector, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to go for a traditional bulb-based projector or a modern laser projector. Both technologies have their strengths and weaknesses, and the right…

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This week… The Resurgence of Tube Amplifiers: Why They’re More Popular Than Ever. In an era dominated by digital technology and solid-state amplifiers, tube amplifiers have experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity among audiophiles, musicians, and casual listeners alike. This blog delves into the reasons behind this revival, exploring the unique qualities of tube amplifiers…

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The Great Debate: Open-Back vs. Closed-Back Headphones, something we are always asked and there are some things to consider. When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of headphones, audiophiles and casual listeners alike often find themselves at a crossroads between open-back and closed-back designs. Each type offers distinct advantages and is tailored to different…

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This week we will discuss the Importance of Acoustic Treatment in a Home Theatre Room. When designing a home theatre room, many people focus on high-definition screens, premium sound systems, and comfortable seating. While these elements are undoubtedly crucial for an immersive experience, one aspect that often gets overlooked is acoustic treatment. Installing or adding…

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In this blog we explore is an outdoor speaker system worth it? We have 7 reasons why its a good investment for you and your family. Imagine lounging on your deck/patio, hosting a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool, all while listening to your favorite music playing seamlessly through an outdoor…

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When you’re upgrading your surround sound, in-ceiling and in-wall speakers are both great choices.

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CD vs Streaming, we live in a streaming world, however many of us still own CDs, should we ditch them for the streaming world. Looking at CD vs Streaming, we need to understand the world of music consumption has undergone a seismic shift in recent decades. With the rise of streaming services altering how we…

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The amazing Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Speakers. As a renowned brand in the Hi-End audio field, Bowers & Wilkins is an absolute classic, having created numerous unforgettable speakers for audiophiles, including the B&W 801 & The Nautilus speaker. The Bowers & Wilkins Formation series is a highlight of this British audio manufacturer. The series…

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The Qobuz Streaming Service was formed in 2008. Their goal was to offer the digital world the aspects of music fandom that audiophiles, those who love music best, have always cherished. For the Qobuz Streaming Service , that meant quality sound, quality editorial, and a freedom of choice that wholly excludes bias. As a result…

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In today’s digital age, wireless streaming has become an integral part of our lives. So what are the The Differences between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Streaming? Whether we’re listening to music, watching videos, or sharing files, two popular technologies have emerged as primary means of wireless streaming: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. While both offer wireless connectivity, they…

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Heard but Not Seen, Invisible Beautiful Architectural Speakers. One of the amazing things about loudspeakers is the incredible variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and finishes. For the audiophile or merely the person who has an interest in the technology itself, this is a beautiful thing. There are other folks, though, for whom speakers are a…

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Its pretty common for us to head out to a home that someone has just brought or that has an existing home theatre setup to diagnose issues. Most are generally from fiddley fingers, power outages or network issues. So this week we decided to do our top 10 of common issues. Some are flow on…

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So, Dolby Atmos for Music… bet you have probably heard Dolby Atmos in a movie theatre. The sound comes at you from all sides and from above your head. “Immersive” is the word most often used to describe the experience.  Atmos made its way into home theatre gear a few years ago. You can enjoy…

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Audio Codecs Explained for Non-Audiophiles, if you stream music (and who doesn’t these days) you’ve obviously come across abbreviations at the end of the audio files. The acronyms reading WAV, FLAC, MP3 and so on, are called audio codecs. You may have wondered what they mean and even Googled them only to be overwhelmed by…

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This week we have created a “A Quick Look At Home Theatre Sound Codecs” you see on your AV Receiver. Have you ever wondered what those weird names on the front of AV receiver mean, and why when you change the name does the sound drastically change, well we are here to help and to explain…

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The 101 of speakers – In this weeks blog we break down the different types of home speakers that Rapallo sells on a day-to-day basis. Its pretty obvious but sometimes our customers forget about other options that could work better for them, plus, we’ll offer some relevant tips on choosing the right amplification for your…

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4K Blu-ray vs. Streaming – This week we look at which is the best way to watch movies? Is it worth investing in 4K Blu-ray or will 4K streaming do the job just as well when it comes to watching movies? This is a question that’s been asked for quite some time and the answer…

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WHAT is a AV Receiver … nothing beats the surround sound for movies and TV, and the surround sound starts with a home theatre receiver. But an AV receiver can give you a lot more than that. We’ll walk you through the most important and coolest features so you know what to look for when…

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Today I’m going to show you 15 Steps To The Perfect Turntable, often a over-looked aspect to enjoying the vinyl. For this process we will use the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, however the process is pretty much the same for any belt-drive turntable, so I will list everything in order to make things easier for you. STEP…

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Power Amplifiers & Preamps – Is a separates based system at home right for you? In this tech topic we will cover the basics to help you along this journey along with awesome shopping tips and a look at some fun and practical ways you can use separates to create your ideal home audio system.…

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Movie Magic at Home! Entertainment is becoming the in-thing for many, especially families. Bespoke built home theatre rooms are the perfect way to get the best type of entertainment and get relaxed. Long gone are the days when people used to go to discos and have fun or to the stadiums to watch football. Technology…

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What is Roon? At Roon’s core is a digitally enhanced music library that can be consolidated from a wide variety of sources. These sources include your existing iTunes library, USB/PC storage, hard drives, Tidal, Spotify & Qobuz library, it takes metadata from the web and turns it into the intuitive and incredibly powerful interface that…

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