Along with this uptick in features comes a substantial uptick in pricing, with the new projectors ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Even so, the refreshed lineup sets a new price/performance bar for native 4K laser light engine-driven projectors. For this review, JVC sent me its top-dog DLA-NZ9 ($24,999.95), a direct replacement for the DLA-NX9 ($18,000) that I tested when it first launched (October/November 2019 issue), and a model that I’ve used as my reference projector ever since.
A WOLF IN FAMILIAR CLOTHING
At first glance, the DLA-NZ9 (also available with the model number DLA-RS4100) appears to be a clone of the earlier NX9. The chassis is nearly identical—until you peer around back and see the intake filters for the projector’s cooling system, which are substantially larger than those used for the NX9. It features the same 18-element 100mm glass lens and third-gen native 4K (4,096 x 2,160-pixel) D-ILA panel as its predecessor, but the similarities end there. The NZ9’s new BLU- Escent laser diode light source is a more compact design compared with the one used for JVC’s flagship RS4500 ($30,000) but still delivers the same 3,000 lumens peak uncalibrated output, with a half-life rating of 20,000 hours in the High Laser mode.
This story is from the February - March 2022 edition of Sound & Vision.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February - March 2022 edition of Sound & Vision.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pinnacle Picture Performance
IT IS a small miracle that you can buy a TV as good as the 77-inch Samsung S90C Quantum Dot OLED for $2500.
AV Masterpiece
THE AV PROCESSOR is the less well-known sibling of the AV receiver. The main difference being that processors don't have built-in amplification.
Sit and Listen Streaming
FOR ANYONE who has been waiting for streaming music to be a high-quality sit-and-listen experience, the SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase streaming integrated amp fits the bill.
Worth the Splurge?
AS A RULE I'm not particularly susceptible to the \"audio-jewelry\" school of component design; I'm a value/performance guy.
Focus on Gaming
OPTOMA BOASTS of being both the top 4K UHD projector brand globally and the number one Digital Light Processing (DLP) brand in the United States for 2022, citing the PMA Research Worldwide Projector Census, making the company no stranger to the world of projected light.
Sonic Surprise
OVER THE YEARS I've reviewed hundreds of audio and video products covering all the usual bases. But not up to now a soundbar.
Deep Concentration
IN THE realm of high-fidelity audio, the Bowers & Wilkins DB3D subwoofer offers a fusion of compact design and powerful performance.
When Less is More
MY EXPERIENCE with Bowers & Wilkins dates back over thirty years to my high school days, when I first admired the 801 Matrix in Stereophile magazine.
SHARP, BRIGHT, & BUDGET-FRIENDLY
IN JUST a few short years the home projector landscape has undergone a radical revolution in terms of price and selection.
They are Coming.I Can't Hold Them Back Any Longer.
This is my last communication. Outer walls breached. Door is splintering. Hinges giving way. Out of ammo. Just one grenade left. I'll take as many as I can with me. God have mercy on my soul.