Share Intrepid's profile
Intrepid
Intrepid's stats
- Review count36
- Helpfulness votes63
- First reviewSeptember 6, 2019
- Last reviewJanuary 5, 2023
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentDecember 11, 2022
- Last review commentDecember 11, 2022
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First answerJanuary 17, 2023
- Last answerJanuary 17, 2023
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
AudioQuest Dragon 48 8K-10K 48Gbps HDMI Cable combines superior materials and superior design to deliver a superior entertainment experience. Featuring solid 100% Silver conductors and drains that have been direction-controlled for the most efficient dissipation of high-frequency noise, AudioQuest Dragon 48 is meticulously designed for enhanced sound quality and outstanding overall performance. Of course, all AudioQuest 48Gbps HDMI cables can transfer up to professional 10K Ultra HD video, support Dynamic HDR, and have the conductors and bandwidth required for eARC~s enhanced sonic capabilities. Taking performance even further, in AudioQuest HDMI cables, the ARC-channel conductor pair is internally controlled for direction, running in the opposite direction from the four pairs that carry information to the TV, to ensure superior audio performance.
Customer Rating
5
In A League Of Its Own
on June 7, 2021
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
I have evaluated the performance of Audioquest’s higher bandwidth HDMI cables starting with the Carbon model. I was so completely blown away by the elevated improvements that it makes to video and audio that I became extremely curious what the models above it could do. I tried the Vodka, then the Thunderbird, and found that both are better than the Carbon, especially the Thunderbird. I would even say that if you want to go above the Carbon, skip the Vodka and go straight for the Thunderbird. More bang for the buck.
Now, I finally had an opportunity to use the Dragon HDMI to see how a top of the line HDMI would compare to the less expensive models. I used it with an Apple TV 4K and a Panasonic 4K disc player. I really didn’t know what to expect and I’m always skeptical, but I gotta say that the end result was extremely impressive. Picture quality is absolutely top notch, whether you’re streaming or watching blu-ray or 4K discs. There is an amazing balance of all the attributes that define the displayed image. I’ve watched everything from 4K BBC nature programs, to new and old films and shows, live action and animated, just so I could analyze the differences. I was never disappointed.
But the visuals aren’t the only thing that benefit from the Dragon. Audio was taken to a whole new level. The sound mixes for everything I watched were far superior to any of the other HDMI cables that I’ve used. The detail and dynamics are heavenly. I use my Apple TV to listen to live performances and DJ mixes on Youtube and I stream music as well. All of it sounded amazing.
If you want the very best and you can afford it, don’t hesitate to try out the Audioquest Dragon HDMI. I’m definitely keeping the one I got!
Length of ownership: 9
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
4
Ease of Use
5
Share this review:
-212points
34of 280voted this as helpful.
AudioQuest Vodka 48 8K-10K 48Gbps HDMI cable combines superior materials and thoughtful design to create a deeply immersive entertainment experience. Featuring solid 10% Silver conductors that have been direction-controlled for the most efficient dissipation of high-frequency noise, AudioQuest Vodka 48 is meticulously designed for enhanced sound quality and outstanding overall performance. Of course, all AudioQuest 48Gbps HDMI cables can transfer up to professional 10K Ultra HD video, support Dynamic HDR, and have the conductors and bandwidth required for eARC~s enhanced sonic capabilities. Taking performance even further, in AudioQuest HDMI cables, the ARC-channel conductor pair is internally controlled for direction, running in the opposite direction from the four pairs that carry information to the TV, to ensure superior audio performance.
Customer Rating
5
Further perfection
on March 12, 2021
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
I started with the Audioquest Carbon to satisfy my curiosity about whether the high bandwidth HDMI 2.1 cables provided better performance over the HDMI 2.0. That cable offered a dramatic improvement for both audio and video over a high quality HDMI 2.0 I had been happy with. The Vodka does improve upon the Carbon in many ways, but I wouldn't say that the improvement was as dramatic as the initial upgrade to the Carbon. The improvements are definitely noticeable though and if you have the money to spend I would heartily recommend this cable. You won't be disappointed by what you see and hear from your system.
Length of ownership: 21
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
Share this review:
+7points
14of 21voted this as helpful.
AudioQuest Carbon 48 8K-10K 48Gbps HDMI cable combines superior materials and thoughtful design to create a deeply immersive entertainment experience. Featuring solid 5% Silver conductors that have been direction-controlled for the most efficient dissipation of high-frequency noise, AudioQuest Carbon 48 is meticulously designed for enhanced sound quality and outstanding overall performance. Of course, all AudioQuest 48Gbps HDMI cables can transfer up to professional 10K Ultra HD video, support Dynamic HDR, and have the conductors and bandwidth required for eARC~s enhanced sonic capabilities. Taking performance even further, in AudioQuest HDMI cables, the ARC-channel conductor pair is internally controlled for direction, running in the opposite direction from the four pairs that carry information to the TV, to ensure superior audio performance.
Customer Rating
5
Step It Up!
on January 19, 2021
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
The Audioquest Carbon HDMI 2.1 cable may be expensive, but it offers a substantial upgrade in video and audio quality over a standard HDMI 2.0 cable. It ought to, considering it's a much higher bandwidth than the HDMI 2.0. I had been using a high quality HDMI 2.0 cable that isn't available at Best Buy, and I was more than happy with the performance. Buuuut, I'm always up for system improvements, within reason, and I was extremely curious how the new 2.1 would stack up against what I have been using.
The Audioquest Carbon does not disappoint! The improvements it made were so dramatic that I spent a whole weekend sampling almost every 4k title and Blu-ray disc that I own and my jaw dropped many times at the improvements. I'm so impressed by the Carbon that I'm now planning to buy more of them to use for my AppleTV and receiver connections. Highly recommended!
Length of ownership: 10
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Quality
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
Share this review:
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
Enjoy brilliant color and sound with this Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The chroma processing technology maximizes the color of 4K/HDR content, and the 7.1-channel audio output produces lifelike surround sound when connected to a home audio system. The color signals received by this Panasonic Ultra HD Blu-ray player are upgraded to produce natural textures and depth.
Customer Rating
5
Magic in a Box
on January 19, 2021
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
I'd been using a first generation Samsung 4k disc player since 2017, but needed to replace it. I chose the Panasonic DP-UB820-K based on the outstanding reviews from customers and publications alike. I'm always reserved with my expectations for new gear, but I have to say that this 4k disc player performs beyond my expectations! It is a huge step up in video quality over the Samsung on both 4k titles and blu-ray up-conversion. The audio quality is also a good step up, providing greater dynamics. Everything I've watched through the Panasonic DP-UB820-K has been hugely impressive, and that is no exaggeration. It's worth every penny as far as I'm concerned. Highly recommended!
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Quality
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
![Back to the Future Trilogy [35th Anniversary] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/0ee491da-f54b-44fa-a993-f734e801e3a2.jpg)
Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the ultimate sci-fi comedy Back to the Future with this box set containing all three movies, starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd as as a pair of unlikely allies, traveling through time to experience a whole range of unforgettable adventures. Included are Back to the Future, Back to the Future Part II, and Back to the Future Part III.
Customer Rating
5
BTTF 4k
on October 30, 2020
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
The 4k presentations are so good you'll feel like you're seeing them for the first time. Absolutely fantastic!
Length of ownership: 10
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Ford V Ferrari - 4K Blu-Ray [Standard] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/627fa668-d5ea-4775-aea8-bf62526620b2.jpg)
American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
Customer Rating
5
I Feel The Need For Speed
on October 18, 2020
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
One of my favorite racing films. The 4K presentation is fantastic and elevates the presentation dramatically. Highly recommended.
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![The Hunt for Red October [SteelBook] [Includes Digital Copy] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [1990]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Customer Rating
4
Red October 4K
on August 28, 2020
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
The 4k disc presentation is fantastic. Both video and audio provide a top notch experience. I absolutely hate the steelbook artwork, especially the awful red coloring.
Length of ownership: 23
Mobile Submission: false
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Customer Rating
5
Spartacus Renewed
on August 3, 2020
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
The 4k disc release of Spartacus breathes new life into a 60 year old film. It’s a rather stunning image to see; mesmerizing at times. The sound design is also quite capable, holding up well for a film of its time. The music is very dynamic and powerful in its range. The steelbook design is nice looking, although I prefer the design of the red steelbook blu-ray release. Highly recommended!
Length of ownership: 12
Mobile Submission: true
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![2001: A Space Odyssey [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [1968]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/72eb8ad6-1353-41ef-be19-b619eb6e6bd9.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
2001: A 4K Experience
on June 26, 2020
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
I was not ready to have my mind blown when I bought 2001 on 4K disc. I knew that it had received a great transfer based on the reviews, but the experience of watching it was beyond my reasonable expectations. Quite frankly, it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had watching a catalog title in 4K. The image really shines with the expanded color palette that only 4K can deliver and the sound mix is top notch for a film of its age. If you like this film, then I highly recommend purchasing the 4K disc.
Length of ownership: 7
Mobile Submission: true
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Customer Rating
5
Jaws 4k SB
on June 19, 2020
Posted by: Intrepid
Verified Purchase:Yes
The steel book artwork is nicer then the online image appears due to the texture of it. The 4K transfer of Jaws is fantastic, especially with how the color palette opens up with the higher resolution. If you like the film this is definitely a worthy purchase.
Length of ownership: 21
Mobile Submission: true
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Intrepid's Review Comments
Engineered with ultimate quality in video and sound reproduction in mind, the Marantz Cinema 70S AVR is the home surround sound receiver for you. The Cinema 70S features 7.2 channels with 50W of amplification, powered by the legendary HDAM circuitry that supplies unwavering power to your surround sound speakers. The Marantz AVR also features the latest in video technology, with 7 HDMI ports (6 In / 1 Out), out of which 3 HDMI ports support 8K pass through. The Cinema 70S also renders video in beautiful detail thanks to HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG, and an excellent gaming experience with VRR, ALLM and QFT. For audio, the Cinema 70S features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a stunning 3D audio experience, while Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X allows you to have height channels without height speakers. The Cinema Series represents the rich legacy and engineering excellence of the Marantz brand, combining innovative technologies in a classic finely crafted chassis, that will be at the heart of some of the amazing home theater systems.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5I am convinced!
By AdamM
Absolutely fantastic unit! I needed to upgrade my Sonos AMP for a proper AVR due to lack of HDMI ports.
Paired with KEF LS50 Meta bookshelf speakers along with KEF KC62 Sub this thing performs great and supports any type of modern decoding. Lack of 1440p support for PS5 (can do 1080p and 4K) is not heart breaking but I haven't seen AVRs on the market that support it natively.
Integration with Apple TV, Turntable and other stuff is fantastic too and QMS, auto switching and Audyssey (yes I would prefer DIRAC live but at this price point is impossible) is fantastic and overall I am very happy.
Keep in mind that due to slim form factor, you only get 50W per channel so make sure your speakers are efficient. I keep my volume at between 50-65 (out of 98 available) and eventually will add a center speaker and remaining speakers to complete 7.2 setup.
Even initial setup and confirmation was great, app is responsive and all on screen setup and settings menus are in 4K which is welcome as well.
HEOS works great for music and with multi zone and multi sub support you can really create interesting setups.
Again, coming from SONOS AMP which was simple to operate but lacked advanced control for its phantom center channel - often vocals in movies would end up muffled due to poor mastering or mastering in general for surround only.
Cinema 70s improved the clarity to a point where in the near future I dont need to even look into a center channel.
Intrepid
Extra Info
December 11, 2022
Speaking from experience with a previous model of the Marantz slimline receiver, adding the separate speakers really elevates the experience, even if you think it sounds great without a center or surround. I was floored when I heard the difference. I have all Martin Logan speakers and the receiver makes them sing. This new model has more pre-outs than mine does, so if you have large speakers and want more power to drive them, then you can connect one or more external amplifiers made by any company via a pair of interconnect cables. I currently have an external stereo amp from PS Audio to drive my main speakers, because they are big and need the power, with all other speakers driven by the Marantz, and it sounds wonderful. This new slimline model offers more than previous models, so I'm seriously considering buying this new model.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
Intrepid's Questions
Intrepid has not submitted any questions.
Intrepid's Answers
Engineered with ultimate quality in video and sound reproduction in mind, the Marantz Cinema 70S AVR is the home surround sound receiver for you. The Cinema 70S features 7.2 channels with 50W of amplification, powered by the legendary HDAM circuitry that supplies unwavering power to your surround sound speakers. The Marantz AVR also features the latest in video technology, with 7 HDMI ports (6 In / 1 Out), out of which 3 HDMI ports support 8K pass through. The Cinema 70S also renders video in beautiful detail thanks to HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG, and an excellent gaming experience with VRR, ALLM and QFT. For audio, the Cinema 70S features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a stunning 3D audio experience, while Dolby Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X allows you to have height channels without height speakers. The Cinema Series represents the rich legacy and engineering excellence of the Marantz brand, combining innovative technologies in a classic finely crafted chassis, that will be at the heart of some of the amazing home theater systems.