Ian Collen

Bournemouth

Freelance writer/editor, working with the likes of AVForums(.com). Unsettling profile pic also seen in the likes of Drone Magazine and a good few gaming titles.

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Articles

Sky set to launch its low-cost Sky Glass Air 4K TV

4 days ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

We’ve previously been given something of a teaser for the new arrival when Sky unveiled its updated premium Sky Glass Gen 2 TV line-up back in February.
Discussion of the news: Sky set to launch its low-cost Sky Glass Air 4K TV

4 days ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

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Marantz launches AV 20 preamp and AMP 20 amplifier

2 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

The new pairing are both fresh out of Marantz’s Shirakawa Audio Works factory in Japan, building upon the AV 10 and AMP 10 that picked up a 10/10 review as a winning combination back in 2023 – although it is worth noting that, despite the names, the AV 20 and AMP 20 would sit a little below those older models in the Marantz portfolio.
Kaleidescape announces entry-level 4K Strato E movie player

2 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

The new arrival comes hot on the heels of the Strato M, which arrived in April with a US price tag of around $1,995 – with the one big caveat being that it was limited to 2K. As a result, rather than lining up alongside the flagship Strato V that we gave a 10/10 ‘Best Buy’ review to some six months back, or the ‘legacy’-friendly Strato C model, the Strato M was billed more as a first-step into the Kaleidescape ecosystem.
Discussion of the news: Marantz launches AV 20 preamp and AMP 20 amplifier

2 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

Read the news Building upon its premium AV 10 and AMP 10 predecessors, the new 13.4-channel preamplifier/processor and 12-channel amp offer a more affordable alternative.
Discussion of the news: Kaleidescape announces entry-level 4K Strato E movie player

2 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

Read the news The new arrival is geared for both residential and commercial systems with reference-quality 4K video and Lossless Audio on offer at a more affordable price.
Best Soundbars for 2025

2 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

Getting the standard ‘with all due respect’ caveat out of the way, given the technology currently available the chances are your TV audio isn’t that great. It’s all comparative, of course, but once you’ve heard a full surround system in action, then it’s hard to go back to a restrained stereo sound or whatever expanded ‘virtual’ set-up your TV is pushing.
Discussion about our article: Best Soundbars for [year]

2 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

Read the article If you want to boost your TV’s audio, but don’t fancy the hassle or expense of a full surround system, a soundbar can prove a ‘sound’ investment, with our latest recommendations offering something for all styles and budgets.
Sony confirms launch of WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones

3 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

It’s not been too much of a secret that the WH-1000XM6 headphones were in Sony’s pipeline, and with the WH-1000XM5 headphones launching back in 2022 perhaps the only surprise is that it's taken so long for them to finally reach our ears. Given we heard the same thing three years ago, having the new model lay claim to Sony’s “most advanced noise cancelling yet” may also come as little surprise, but should give an equally good reason to give the WH-1000XM6 a listen in the not-too-distant future.
Discussion of the news: Sony confirms launch of WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones

3 weeks ago | avforums.com | Ian Collen

Read the news The long-anticipated successor to the XM5 boasts Sony’s most advanced noise cancelling system to date, along with 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema.