Sound Advice: Home entertainment holiday gift ideas at a discount

Don Lindich, Tribune News Service on Nov 26, 2024

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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.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, $32.99: Normally $59.99, this streaming device is practically an entire entertainment system. In addition to streaming apps, it has an AI art mode that generates unique art by voice command. It also supports Xbox Live, so you can play Xbox games without buying an expensive console. Just add an Xbox controller, subscribe to the service and enjoy. amazon.com

Apple 10.2-inch iPad, $199: The ninth-generation iPad is older but still works well. It is reduced from the $329 MSRP. apple.com

Cambridge Audio AXN10/MXN10 Network Players, $399: A network player connects directly to the internet to play music and internet radio from streaming sources. They are a must-have for anyone with a component audio system, and these two players from Cambridge are best-in-class with their exquisite construction, fine sound quality and easy-to-use, comprehensive StreamMagic app. Reduced from the introductory price of $599. cambridgeaudio.com

Klipsch RP-600M II bookshelf speakers, $499/pair: You will not find a better speaker under $500. You will probably not find a better speaker for the $649 list price, either. The RP-600M II has received great praise from Stereophile magazine, a high-end audiophile publication that routinely tests audio products selling for $100,000 or more. After hearing the RP-600M II, I can understand why. They don't require much power and the sound is transparent, rich, forward, lively, engaging and dynamic without coming across as over-boosted or unnatural. They dig solidly into the bass registers without a subwoofer and vividly bring any kind of music to life. Available online and in stores. klipsch.com

Nebula Cosmos 4K SE projector, $999: A few weeks ago I praised this new 4K Google TV smart projector with a dual Laser-LED light source. It can throw a beautiful 4K image that rivals what you see in a good movie theater, is easy to use and the $1,299 price is a breakthrough. At $999 a lot more people should get a projector and experience how life-changing it can be for movies, sports, television and gaming. seenebula.com

Samsung Q80D QLED televisions, $749-$1,749: The Q80D sale makes it possible to get a truly stunning high-end TV for little more than the cost of something ordinary. The 85-inch for $1,749 is a particular standout, a savings of $1,550. samsung.com

Q. It may be outside your wheelhouse, but I'll throw it out there. I really love having an electric wine opener, as arthritic hands no longer enjoy the stress of corkscrews or manual wine openers. I'm now on my second one, an Oster brand that feels clunky and doesn't feel like it will last. I'd love it if you would review these devices. No pressure, just askin'.

—R.A., Sunnyvale, California

A. I don't drink at all, so in that sense it is outside of my wheelhouse! However my significant other is an oenophile and I bet she would like to have one. I am going to buy a few to try out and will report on what we find. I am publishing your email now because I think an electric wine opener could be a great gift for wine lovers, and many readers may not know they exist. If anyone out there has suggestions for models to test, please contact me through my website.

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