ArcaMax

It’s a big day for insects.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday that it is proposing the monarch butterfly for threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act, a big step forward in a process set in motion in 2014 with a petition from conservationists.

After a 90-day public comment period, the agency will make a ...Read more

Q. Who makes that $349 Bluetooth turntable you mentioned in the article about the Q Acoustics M40 wireless speakers? Where can I buy it?

—A.P., Milwaukee

A. One of last year's most popular holiday recommendations was a $499 Bluetooth turntable, and this year's recommendation might become even more popular. The $349 TEAC TN-280BT-A3 Bluetooth...Read more

Home entertainment holiday specials: These offers are readily available, not a "limited quantity doorbuster." I do not know how long the various promotions run, but the industry buzz is we will see repeats between now and Christmas so if you miss the deal first time around, keep checking. There is a good chance you will see it offered again.

...Read more

Q. You have written a lot about soundbars that help with voices and dialogue. I am more interested in fantastic sound for music and movies, as I really enjoy streaming shows like "The Orville," "Invincible" and "Game of Thrones," and movies like "Star Wars" and the "Lord of the Rings" series. My wife likes these too, as well as musicals with ...Read more

Q. I read your review of the ZVOX AV455 soundbar and it reminded me of the new Evo One streaming audio system Cambridge Audio is releasing soon. It has optical and HDMI-eARC inputs to pair it with a television, and the specs look impressive. Have you had the opportunity to hear it at one of the trade shows you attend? I'm curious to hear your ...Read more

Q. I missed out on the $39 earbud deal you wrote about recently. Any other recommendations?

—P.C., Kansas City, Missouri

A. That was for the EarFun Air 2 NC earphones. I now have an even better EarFun recommendation for you, the flagship $89.99 EarFun Air Pro 4. You can now get them in the black color for $59.99, only $20 more than the Air 2...Read more

Tiny, fun and funky FM radio/Bluetooth speaker: This week I continue my holiday gift coverage with a product I have long admired, but previously thought was too expensive to get behind and recommend. Fortunately, that has changed!

I first saw the Muzen OTR Metal Wireless Portable FM Radio Bluetooth Speaker at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)...Read more

A great gift for $17.50: The most popular product I covered so far this year was the Oclean X Pro Elite electric toothbrush. Praise from readers was effusive, though I received a few comments from those who found the product to be complex or thought the documentation could have been better. This week’s gift idea should overcome those ...Read more

Bone conduction headphones for the active life: Starting off my holiday gift idea coverage is a perennial favorite, the Mojawa Run Plus Bone Conduction Headphones. These headphones fit around the ear and allow outside sounds to be heard, making them perfect for sports, those with sensitive ears, those who do not like in-ear earbuds or anyone who...Read more

Remember the Four Ps and protect yourself from fraud and scams: There are a great many phone, text and email scams circulating right now and remembering the Four Ps — pretend, problem, pressure and pay — will help keep you safe. If someone is pretending to be someone, saying there is a problem and then applying pressure to pay, it is almost ...Read more

Holiday specials and audio gear deals: October is here and the holiday season will soon be upon us. Until the end of the year, in addition to the usual Q&A I will often have a product highlight or two at the beginning of the column. The industry buzz is that there are going to be some exceptional items and bargains offered over the next few ...Read more

HumminGuru automatic record cleaner: Ultrasonic record cleaning machines are considered the best, but my past experience turned me off to them even though I liked the results. The process was complicated and time-consuming, made up of multiple lengthy sessions in the cleaner alternating with spraying and brushing the record between each ...Read more