Sound Advice: Combo makes a strong foundation for great sounding audio system
Published in Entertainment News
WiiM Amp Ultra and TEAC PD-301-X are a perfect hi-fi match: I receive many reader emails about buying a new high-quality stereo receiver with FM radio, as well as CD players. Unfortunately, affordable yet high-quality hi-fi equipment has become more and more rare, especially if you want FM radio. I recently tested a combo that makes a very strong foundation for a high-quality, great sounding audio system with tremendous capability, compact size and high-tech visual flair.
When I go to trade shows I pay attention to what the manufacturers use to demonstrate their equipment. For example, up until 2018 all the high-end video projector manufacturers (selling projectors that cost $40,000 or more) were using Oppo 4K Blu-ray players for their demos. Then Panasonic came out with their groundbreaking DP-UB9000 4K Blu-ray player, and the labs and reviewers that tested the UB9000 showed it to have convincingly better video performance than the vaunted Oppo, despite the Oppo's mythical reputation. The following year all the projector manufacturers were using the DP-UB9000 at the trade shows.
I've had a somewhat similar experience with the $549 WiiM Amp Ultra, a compact streaming amplifier with very premium digital and amplification circuitry packaged into an attractive, lightweight case with a bright, colorful display and a single front-mounted control. When I go to trade shows, they are absolutely everywhere, demonstrating speakers as well as turntables and CD players. I finally got to test one myself and I can see why it is so widely used for these demonstrations. It's easy to use, it has ample power, the sound is pristine and it doesn't take up much space on your shelf. You can't ask for much more, especially for $549.
The WiiM Amp Ultra has several inputs (including HDMI-ARC for use with a smart TV) and an excellent built-in network player for using with your favorite streaming apps. It does not have FM radio, but this is where the $399 TEAC PD-301-X comes in. This outstanding CD player also includes an FM tuner and is a perfectly sized match to the Amp Ultra. Connect the optical digital output from the PD-301-X to the Amp Ultra and you have streaming, FM radio, CD playback and Bluetooth playback from your portable devices, and television sound via the HDMI-ARC connection. Just add speakers and enjoy! Learn more at wiimhome.com and teacusa.com.
Q. I have a TCL smart TV and a ZVOX soundbar that work great together. How do I get closed captions on the streaming services that I subscribe to? We have an antenna, and I have closed caption on these channels. I was able to figure out how to set up closed caption on Netflix, but not on Paramount+ or Apple TV. I tried following a YouTube tutorial but my TV screen did not have the icon they said to click on to set this up. I’m hoping you have an easy solution!
—D.L., New Hampshire
A. Each app has its own layout and a way to use the subtitles. I've used subtitles on both Paramount+ and Apple TV with my own TCL and Samsung TVs, so I know it can be done no matter the streaming app or television brand. You should be able to call up the navigation screen that has the closed caption selection by pushing the select button on your remote. This button resides in the middle of the arrows or joypad that goes right, left, up and down to navigate menus. I tried it with both apps on both of my televisions and it worked every time. I am confident it will work for you as well.
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