Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a recovering audio engineer and musician. Hailing originally from Montana, Ryan studied music composition at the University of Montana, audio engineering at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Arizona, and did a stint in Nashville before transitioning to A/V and Entertainment coverage. When he’s not on the road for the latest speaker, TV, or headphone event, he makes his home in Portland, OR.
What’s a headphone amp, and why would you need one?
In an age when headphones reign supreme, you might be thinking it’s a good idea to get a dedicated headphone amp, and you may well be right. Here's why.
Apple AirPods vs. AirPods 2
Trying to decide between AirPods 1 and AirPods 2? We've put together a detailed comparison of these two top earbuds so you can decide which is more worthwhile.
Amazon Echo Studio review: The best Echo speaker yet
With deep bass, hi-res audio chops, and Dolby Atmos support, the Echo Studio is Amazon's best smart speaker yet and has few peers in the smart speaker space.
Disney+ review update: Streamer finds its footing
Disney+ arrived on time and loaded with all (or at least most) of Disney's best work. We dig deep into the Disney+ weeds to suss out the good and the bad.
AirPods vs. Beats Powerbeats Pro: An Apple earbuds showdown
Which true wireless earbuds are right for you? We compare Apple's AirPods 2 with Wireless Charging Case and the Powerbeats Pro so you can decide for yourself.
Roku’s surround sound system is simple, immersive, and not for everyone
Roku's software update allows you to link up the company’s Soundbar, Subwoofer and Roku Wireless Speakers for a surround setup that costs just $500.
Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones review: Good value, with some caveats
Sennheiser's HD 450BT headphones have lots going for them, from crazy-long battery life to impressive noise canceling. That's not to say they're without issues.
NBC’s new Peacock streaming service is just one big ad-injection machine
NBCUniversal finally unveiled its streaming service, Peacock, a live call with investors on Thursday. The service will be offered in three tiers, most notably one that will completely free. But the biggest takeaway? This service is all about the ads.
Dolby Atmos is great for movies, but wait till you hear what it does for music
At CES 2020, I was given a rare treat: A demo that showcased multiple classic tracks mixed in Dolby Atmos Music, and played back on a high-end Atmos setup. I walked away realizing that, not only is this a viable new format, but also that music mixed in 3D is actually more impactful than movies.
The best headphones of CES 2020: Shure, Panasonic, Jabra, and more
CES is a headphone lover's dream venue, offering all the coolest new models coming to market this year, with all the latest features. We've picked out our absolute favorites from the showroom floor to help you sift through the noise. Here are the best headphones from CES 2020.
The best soundbars of CES 2020: Vizio, TCL, LG, and more
CES 2020 is loaded with cool audio gear, including some of the best and most feature-packed soundbars you'll see this year. We've collected the best the show has to offer all in one place so you can get a jumpstart on the new decade. These are the best soundbars of CES 2020.
HBO’s Westworld-themed Incite dinner made me question everything
At CES 2020, HBO held an intimate dinner with a select group of journalists and show attendees as a promotion for Westworld season 3. But at this dinner, nothing was as it seemed. Come along down the rabbit hole to one of the strangest, coolest, and most off-putting events I've ever attended.
CES 2020: Samsung’s auto-dialogue boost is the coolest feature from its new TVs
Samsung had a lot of cool new innovations to crow about at CES 2020, from its 292-inch TV monster to its new Sero TV that rotates into portrait mode. But one of its best features is also its simplest. The new Q950TS TV offers auto-dialogue boost, so you never miss a moment no matter how noisy your home.
Klipsch’s new speakers are the no-soundbar soundbar we need
Klipsch's new powered bookshelves have a slick trick up their sleeves: HDMI ARC connection. That means, as long as your TV has HDMI ARC, you can now use a single remote for your powered speakers, letting music lovers rock out in full force while enjoying all the convenience of soundbar control.
JBL went big at CES with a Dolby Atmos soundbar and affordable earbuds
JBL is showing off some impressive new audio gear for CES 2020, including two new pairs of true wireless earbuds at affordable price points, a feature-packed new pair of over-ears with graphene drivers and noise cancellation, and JBL's first Dolby Atmos soundbar with detachable speakers.
QLED only: Samsung’s new Atmos soundbar blends with TV speakers for bigger sound
You don't have to pair your Samsung soundbar with one of the company's QLED TVs, but Samsung would prefer it. The new Q800T pairs with QLED TV speakers for more powerful sound. Dolby Atmos is also supported thanks to upfiring speakers, for a more immersive sonic experience from a very compact bar.
TCL SOCL500TWS wireless earbuds hands-on: You get what you pay for
TCL's first true wireless earbuds available in the U.S. have finally landed just ahead of CES 2020. Offering impressive battery life and water resistance at just $80, these earbuds promise a lot of value at a very low price point. But in this market, it takes more than that to impress.
How 2019 became the year of true wireless earbuds
Fully wireless earbuds have evolved from novelty wearables to must-have devices in record time. From the first AirPods to the latest noise-canceling masterpieces, it's been a long road. But thanks to new models with multiple advancements, 2019 is when it all came together. Here's why it's time to buy.
The best Office episodes of all time
The Office is one of the most sought after shows in streaming, and because of that, it's going to be leaving Netflix for a long time. As such, we've compiled a ranked list of our favorite episodes in tribute. Did Casino Night make the cut? How about Fun Run? Check out our list to find out.
CES 2020 audio predictions: Expect more noise-canceling headphones and 3D music
We'll see all sorts of fun new audio toys at CES 2020, but the biggest trends will center around true wireless earbuds and immersive audio formats. Here's some background on the latest advancements in fully wireless earbuds and formats like Dolby Atmos that we expect to feature heavily in Vegas this year.
Apple AirPods Pro vs. Master and Dynamic MW07 Plus
Apple's AirPods Pro are some of the best fully wireless earbuds on the planet, but there's an abundance of other options, including Master and Dynamic's impressive MW07 Plus. We pit these pricey earbuds against each other in a variety of categories to see which buds come out on top.
Master and Dynamic MW07 Plus Review: Best wireless sound
Master and Dynamic's MW07 wireless earbuds were a big hit in 2018, but their battery life left something to be desired -- and the competition has only gotten stronger. With tons of new features and nearly triple the battery, the MW07 are a whole new bag. But can they keep up with the crowd?
Beats Powerbeats Pro review: Great design, with a flaw
Beats’ first true wireless earbuds leverage tech from Apple, including the H1 chip inside the AirPods 2, in a larger design that nearly doubles the battery life
Optoma’s loaded UHL55 4K Ultra HD projector is half off for Cyber Monday
Optoma's UHL55 4K smart projector is so affordable on Cyber Monday, it's practically a must-buy. For those seeking a massive 4K screen at a tiny price, this is your moment. The UHL55 is loaded with everything from onboard apps to Alexa support and even a built-in Bluetooth speaker. Movie night anyone?
Stuffed? Kick back with the best Thanksgiving movies and TV episodes
Here are some of the best Thanksgiving movies and TV episodes available for streaming or to rent online.
Roku Smart Soundbar review: Plenty smart, but short on sound
Roku's latest push into audio, the Smart Soundbar, packs a streaming device inside that's loaded up with all the glory of Roku's top streamers. But uneven performance and few other standout features makes this bar a tough sell in one of the most competitive segments in sound.
How to play FLAC files on all of your iOS devices for the best lossless sound
Whether for lossless CD-quality or for better-than-CD hi-res audio, FLAC files are ideal. But if you’re an iOS user, that could be a problem -- FLAC files do not work on Apple products. Fortunately, we have some solutions. Here's what you need to know about FLAC files, and how to use them on Apple devices.
Apple’s new AirPods Pro are awesome wireless earbuds — but for how long?
Apple's new AirPods Pro are a smash hit. The reviews are glowing and by just about any measure, these fully wireless earbuds rank among the most well-appointed and best-reviewed wireless earbuds you can buy. But there's one trait that could make them destined for the trash heap sooner than you'd hope.
Yamaha YAS-207 soundbar review: The default choice
While the company touts the Yamaha YAS-207’s DTS Virtual:X technology as the main selling point, as our review reveals, it’s everything else you get with the 207 that makes this the next soundbar you should buy. The soundbar's attractive $300 price tag doesn't hurt either.
Polk Audio Legend Series L100 speakers review: Pure clarity
Polk's ambitious new Legend speakers come in hot in the approachable L100 bookshelf speakers, offering audiophile sound from a brand that has long embraced the budget buy. The latest from Polk goes back to the company's roots with clear, dimensional sound that's refreshingly dynamic.
LG SL9YG soundbar review: Atmos delivers a punch
LG’s latest Dolby Atmos soundbar is loaded with power, features, and quirks, including the lack of a center channel. That said, this distinctive soundbar offers powerful Atmos immersion for a two-piece system, making it worth consideration for those seeking cinematic sound without multiple speakers.
Vizio SB36514-G6 5.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar review
Vizio’s latest Dolby Atmos soundbar packs serious punch for a price so low it’ll make your head spin. While this soundbar isn’t perfect, it’s loaded with features and packs a full 5.1.4-channel setup at well under $1,000. With the SB36514-G6, just about anyone can afford Atmos.
NBC’s Peacock streaming service hopes to be the home of comfort food TV
Peacock, NBC's new streaming service, will host a solid selection of shows from the Must See TV days like Cheers, The Office, and Parks and Recreation, alongside reboots of major shows for a warm dose of television nostalgia. Is it enough to stand out from the growing field of streaming contenders?