IAA's Top Picks
From music, to gear, to random items, we’ve curated our top picks that will bring joy to audiophiles.
David Gilmour - Luck and Strange Blu-Ray Audio
The brand-new album by David Gilmour, Luck and Strange, was recorded over five months in Brighton and London and is Gilmour’s first album of new material in nine years. The record was produced by David and Charlie Andrew, best known for his work with ALT-J and Marika Hackman, with lyrics mostly written by Polly Samson, Gilmour’s co-writer for the past thirty years. The Blu-Ray disc contains high-resolution stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes.
Pearl Jam - Dark Matter CD/Blu-Ray
Rock icons Pearl Jam return with their highly-anticipated new album Dark Matter. In 2023, the band retreated to Shangri-La Studios in Malibu where they simply plugged in and played under the watch of producer Andrew Watt. Writing and recording in a burst of inspiration, Dark Matter was born in just three weeks. As a result, Dark Matter channels the shared spirit of a group of lifelong creative confidants and brothers in one room playing as if their very lives depended on it. This CD/Blu-Ray edition features an immersive Dolby Atmos mix plus hi-res stereo audio.
Sonos Arc Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Bring all your entertainment to life with the brilliantly realistic sound of Arc, featuring Dolby Atmos. Enjoy control with your TV remote, voice, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more. With its elongated shape, soft profile, and seamless facade, Arc discreetly mounts to the wall or sits beneath the TV without pulling focus. Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology optimizes the sound for the unique acoustics of the room
Sonos Era 300 Smart Speaker with Dolby Atmos
With next-level audio that hits from every direction, Era 300 doesn’t just surround you, it puts you inside your music. Connect to all your content and devices using WiFi, Bluetooth®, and 3.5 mm line in.¹ Immerse yourself in the ultimate Dolby Atmos experience when you pair two with Arc or Beam (Gen 2). Customers like the quality, ease of installation, and sound quality of the speakers.
Robin Trower - Bridge Of Sighs (50th Anniversary) 3CD/Blu-Ray
1974's Bridge of Sighs was Robin Trower's sophomore album following his departure from Procol Harum. Lauded critically and commercially a breakthrough, the album saw Robin push his trio's initial concept into exciting new territory. This 3CD/1Bluray expanded 50th anniversary edition contains the original remastered album, along with brand-new remixes in stereo & Dolby Atmos from Richard Whittaker.
Howard Jones - Dream Into Action (2024 Remix) CD/Blu-Ray
To celebrate four decades since Howard Jones' debut studio releases hit shelves, Cherry Red Records are due to release expanded CD/Blu-Ray deluxe editions of the synth-pop pioneer’s first two albums in May 2024. The CD/Blu-Ray edition of Dream Into Action features new stereo & 5.1 surround sound mixes from Stephen W Tayler, as well as Bob Clearmountain’s Dolby Atmos mixes of select tracks.
Howard Jones - Human's Lib (2024 Mix) CD/Blu-Ray
To celebrate four decades since Howard Jones' debut studio releases hit shelves, Cherry Red Records are due to release expanded CD/Blu-Ray deluxe editions of the synth-pop pioneer’s first two albums in May 2024. The CD/Blu-Ray edition of Human's Lib features new stereo & 5.1 surround sound mixes from Stephen W Tayler, as well as Bob Clearmountain’s Dolby Atmos mixes of select tracks.
Jethro Tull - Bursting Out (The Inflated Edition) 3CD/3DVD
Bursting Out, Jethro Tull’s first live album, was recorded at various locations during the European Heavy Horses tour in May and June 1978. On June 21st, the album will be reissued in an expanded 3CD/3DVD format featuring new remixes from the legendary Steven Wilson. DVDs 1 & 2 have the remixed tracks in 96/24 stereo and 5.1 surround, plus the flat transfers of the original album at 96/24 stereo. DVD 3 has the full 93-minute MSG show, including 50+ minutes of video which was part of a transatlantic broadcast with the BBC and Radio 1.
Def Leppard - Pyromania (40th Anniversary) 4CD/Blu-Ray
Def Leppard’s 40th anniversary re-issue of Pyromania has been expanded as a 4CD containing unheard demos & live shows from the era. Originally released in 1983, the album sold over 10 million copies featuring global hit singles "Photograph" and "Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)." This deluxe edition has been executive produced by singer Joe Elliott and Ronan McHugh, featuring a Blu-Ray disc containing a Dolby Atmos from Giles Martin.
Gentle Giant - The Missing Piece (2024 Remix) CD/Blu-Ray
Originally released in August 1977 through Capitol Records in the United States and Chrysalis Records in the United Kingdom, The Missing Piece was Gentle Giant’s ninth studio album and now the latest to be reissued in CD/Blu-Ray format part of an acclaimed reissue campaign from the band’s label Alucard Records. Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson continues his association with the band, remixing the album in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround sound, and stereo. The CD/Blu-ray edition also contains an instrumental mix, the original 1977 stereo mix, and newly-created videos for each track.
Deep Purple - Machine Head 3CD/LP/Blu-Ray Super Deluxe Edition
One of the defining rock albums of the 20th century celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new 3CD/LP/Blu-Ray Super Deluxe Edition. The Blu-Ray contains new stereo & Dolby Atmos mixes from Dweezil Zappa, as well as the 1974 quadraphonic mix, and a newly remastered stereo version of the original album. The set also contains two captivating live performances. The first, recorded in March 1972 at the Paris Theater in London, captures the group’s unrivaled stage presence during the Machine Head tour. The second, previously unreleased, was recorded in April 1971 at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland.
Porcupine Tree - Closure/Continuation Live DVD/Blu-Ray
Porcupine Tree's eleventh album "Closure/Continuation" was released to a clean sweep of glowing reviews in June 2022, reaching #2 in the UK album chart and top-10 all across Europe. The band’s subsequent arena tour crossed four continents and played to over 150,000 people, many of whom would never have seen the band before. This live recording captured in November 2022 at Amsterdam’s 17,000 capacity Ziggo Dome features the band performing songs both new and old, with the audio remixed in 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos by Steven Wilson.
Thin Lizzy - Vagabonds Of The Western World Blu-Ray Audio
2023 sees the 50th anniversary of what is widely regarded as Thin Lizzy's breakthrough 1973 album 'Vagabonds Of The Western World.' The album featured their first UK top ten single "Whiskey In The Jar" and "The Rocker" which would go on to be one of the band's signature tunes, so much so that it was the last song they ever performed at their final show in 1983. It was also the band’s last studio release with original guitarist Eric Bell and the first to feature the artwork of Jim Fitzpatrick. To celebrate the album's golden anniversary, the Blu Ray Audio disc features brand-new 5.1 surround & Dolby Atmos mixes by Richard Whittaker.
Richard Wright - Wet Dream (2023 Remix) Blu-Ray Audio
Richard Wright’s debut solo album, Wet Dream, is to be reissued on vinyl for the first time since its original release in 1978, this time in deep blue transparent marble. It will also be available on streaming platforms for the first time ever, and a new Dolby Atmos mix on CD and on Blu-ray, including a 5.1 surround sound mix and never-before-released personal images and videos from around this period of his life. Releasing July 28 - the actual date of Wright’s 80th birthday - it will initially be made available on CD and all streaming platforms, with the vinyl and Blu-ray editions releasing on September 29.
Porcupine Tree - Closure/Continuation 2CD/Blu-Ray Audio Artbook Edition
After over a decade of inactivity, Porcupine Tree pushes the boundaries of the rock genre again with their long-awaited 11th studio album Closure/Continuation. Presented in an exclusive art book, the 2CD/Blu-Ray edition features three bonus tracks, instrumental versions, and high-resolution 96/24 stereo, 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes of the album. The Dolby Atmos mix is an incredible listening experience, with the various guitar, synth, vocal, and percussion layers occupying all angles of a three-dimensional dome of sound.
Steven Wilson - The Harmony Codex Blu-Ray Audio
The Harmony Codex, the illustrious seventh offering from Steven Wilson, invites listeners on a captivating journey. This diverse musical collection unfurls like an enigmatic sonorous mosaic, revealing ever-shifting, breathtaking soundscapes. Arguably the pinnacle of Wilson's musical trajectory, spanning over thirty years in bands and as a solo performer, this album epitomizes a lifetime dedicated to the art of music. The Blu-Ray audio disc contains high-resolution stereo, 5.1 surround sound, and Dolby Atmos immersive mixes of the album.
Prince - Diamonds & Pearls Blu-Ray Audio
Prince & The New Power Generation’s multi-platinum album, Diamonds & Pearls, is the very first Prince studio album to be released in Dolby Atmos, with a new immersive mix by longtime Prince audio engineer Chris James. The album has also been remastered for the very first time in stereo by Prince’s original mastering engineer Bernie Grundman. This Blu-Ray audio disc features both the Dolby Atmos and high-resolution remastered stereo (24-bit /44.1-kHz) audio. The package also includes a 12-page booklet featuring the lyrics for all thirteen songs on the album.
Peter Gabriel - i/o 2CD/Blu-Ray Audio
More than 20 years in the making, this December finally sees the release of i/o, Peter Gabriel’s first album of new material since 2002’s Up. During 2023, Peter has been releasing a new song from the album on the occasion of every full moon. All 12 tracks are subject to two stereo mixes: the Bright-Side Mix, handled by Mark ‘Spike’ Stent, and the Dark-Side Mix, as reshaped by Tchad Blake. A third version – the In-Side Mix, in Dolby Atmos, comes courtesy of Hans-Martin Buff “doing a wonderful job generating these much more three-dimensional mixes” and is included in three-disc set.
Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon 50th Anniversary Blu-Ray Audio
Long considered an audiophile favorite, Pink Floyd's 1973 classic has been reissued numerous times over the decades replete with new remasters and remixes. To celebrate the seminal progressive rock album’s 50th anniversary, a new Blu-Ray audio edition has been released featuring James Guthrie's 5.1 surround sound mix (originally released on Super Audio CD for the the 30th anniversary in 2003) as well as a brand-new Dolby Atmos immersive mix. Richard Wright benefits the most from this treatment, as his piano and keyboards take on a newfound clarity.
Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown (Quadio) Blu-Ray Audio
One of the leading singer/songwriters of the 1960s and '70s, Gordon Lightfoot was Canada's most successful contemporary folk artist, establishing himself as an important songwriter in the mid-'60s and going on to become a major international recording star in the following decade. Lightfoot's songs are literate but down to earth, and deal with personal matters as well as global issues in a manner that's poetic yet accessible. The Blu-Ray disc contains the original '70s quadraphonic mix of this classic album.
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio - A Shade Of Blue Hybrid 5.1 SACD
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, a veteran pianist renowned for his delicate touch and musical sensitivity, introduces his latest work–A Shade Of Blue–issued under the prestigious audiophile label evosound. The album is available in several high-quality formats–including 180-gram vinyl, hybrid multichannel SACD, and MQA-CD. The multichannel layer of the SACD contains a 5.1 surround mix of the album by Hideo Irimajiri. Yamamoto’s piano is mixed in stereo across the left side of the room, while the drums span the right side of the room and bass guitar appears isolated in the center speaker.
Robert Fripp - Exposures 25CD/3DVD/4Blu-Ray Deluxe Box Set
In what has to be among the most elaborate archival reissues ever compiled, DGM’s massive Exposures box set offers an in-depth overview of Robert Fripp’s solo musical endeavors during his late-1970s stay in New York City. The massive box set contains a wealth of immersive content spread across multiple Blu-Ray discs, including quadraphonic, 5.1, and Dolby Atmos mixes by David Singleton and Steven Wilson.
Frank Zappa & The Mothers - Over-Nite Sensation 50th Anniversary 4CD/Blu-Ray Audio Deluxe Edition
As a follow-up to 2022's successful "Waka/Wazoo" reissue, The Zappa Family Trust and Universal Music Group have joined forces once more to bring fans a similarly-extensive 50th anniversary release of 1973’s Over-Nite Sensation. In terms of immersive content, the set not only includes new 5.1 & Dolby Atmos created by Karma Auger and Erich Gobel at Studio 1LA but also a high-resolution digital transfer of Frank Zappa’s original four-channel quadraphonic mix from the ½-inch master tape.
Yes - The Yes Album LP/CD/Blu-Ray Audio Super Deluxe Edition
Nearly a decade after Panegyric’s acclaimed CD/Blu-Ray edition with new stereo & 5.1 mixes hit shelves, Steven Wilson revisits Yes’ breakout classic with an amazing new Dolby Atmos mix. Though we've long felt that The Yes Album ranked among his best 5.1 efforts, this new Atmos mix simply has to be heard to be believed. The four height speakers are treated not just as a novelty addition, but full-on ‘equal partners’ in the mix. In addition to ‘you-are-there’ reverbs and delays, they carry a number of ‘main’ elements such as lead guitar, keyboard, and background vocals.
Bruce Soord - Luminescence 2CD/DVD Hardback Book Edition
The Pineapple Thief frontman’s third solo outing contains some of his most beautiful and heartfelt compositions to date, all wrapped in a breathtaking immersive presentation. Luminescence is available in a number of configurations including a three-disc deluxe edition, featuring a DVD with stereo & 5.1 surround sound mixes of both the main album and a full length ‘bonus’ album called Our Ship Sails At Dusk. If you enjoy Soord's unique brand of melancholy mostly-acoustic rock with some experimental elements, then this is certainly another must-have release.
Jethro Tull - The Broadsword & The Beast 40th Anniversary Monster Edition
The long-awaited 5CD/3DVD deluxe edition of Jethro Tull’s 1982 synth-rock epic finally arrived in September 2023, complete with a plethora of previously-unheard session recordings and brand new stereo & 5.1 surround sound mixes by Steven Wilson. Similar to Wilson’s past 5.1 remixes of the Jethro Tull back-catalog, the rear speakers are used quite extensively throughout for ancillary elements like flute, backing & double-tracked vocals, keyboards, strings, rhythm (and in some cases lead) guitar, and percussion.
XTC - The Big Express CD/Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition
The latest entry in a series of comprehensive and acclaimed reissues from XTC’s back-catalog earns the Swindon band’s underappreciated 1984 album a much-deserved reappraisal. After listening to the new 5.1 & Dolby Atmos mixes, it becomes abundantly clear that a traditional two-channel stereo soundstage was simply not enough to accurately express the band’s grandiose vision for this album. The Big Express translates so seamlessly into these immersive formats that it almost sounds like it was recorded with multichannel reproduction in mind.
King Crimson - Larks Tongues In Aspic 50th Anniversary Edition
In what is surely the final word on King Crimson’s 1973 avant-garde epic, the new 2CD/2Blu-Ray 50th anniversary deluxe edition contains brand-new stereo, 5.1 & Dolby Atmos remixes by Steven Wilson. The prior 5.1 mix was generally a bit showy in its deployment of the back speakers, while the new version offers a more seamless three-dimensional immersive soundstage. The Dolby Atmos mix builds upon the strong foundation of the new 5.1, spreading the instrumentation onto an even larger canvas to absolutely stunning effect.
Neumi Atom 4K Ultra-HD Digital Media Player
The Neumi Atom 4K offers an easy and affordable way to add video, photo, and music playback to any TV, new or old, at up to 4K Ultra-HD quality. Just attach a USB drive or SD card with your media files, select a file, and play! It is simple and intuitive to use with no complicated settings or controls. The Atom 4K additionally supports playback of Dolby Atmos MKV & MP4 files over HDMI pass-through.
The Who - Who’s Next/Life House Super Deluxe Edition
In what is surely the most anticipated reissue of 2023 for many immersive music fans and audiophiles alike, this massive 11-disc box set is set to deliver the final word on the British rock band’s 1971 opus. The most exciting aspect of this reissue is undoubtedly the Blu-Ray disc containing brand-new 5.1 surround sound & Dolby Atmos remixes of the original nine-song Who’s Next album and fourteen associated studio recordings by Steven Wilson. Experience this classic in a brand new way on September 15th.
Kali Audio IN-5-C 3-Way Powered Studio Monitor
At under $500 per pair, this California-based speaker manufacturer’s affordable new powered monitors are the perfect building blocks for a professional-grade Dolby Atmos studio. Even for a consumer home theater system, we’d argue that they’re a great-sounding and affordable alternative to many higher-end passive models from brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Martin Logan, etc. With the IN-5-C, more unrivaled detail, lower distortion, and a soundstage that must be heard to be believed
VLC Media Player
Though there are a number of media player software packages that support the MKV format, the simplest method we could identify for playing back the files sold through IAA’s shop would have to be using HDMI pass-through with VLC Media Player. VLC Media Player is a free ‘swiss army knife’ media player, offering support for PCM formats like FLAC and WAV in stereo/multichannel as well as the various flavors of Dolby Digital and DTS via bitstream over HDMI.
Behringer UMC1820 Audio Interface
Aspiring audio engineers often face a daunting budget hurdle, given the prohibitive expense of quality recording interface. Behringer’s UMC1820 is a great starter unit for the burgeoning bedroom producer, capable of recording up to eight channels of pristine 192-khz/24-bit lossless audio via its internal MIDAS preamps. Additionally, its eight line outputs are perfect to drive a Dolby Atmos-equipped mixing studio. The UMC1820 removes barriers to brilliant sound, no student debt required!
Polk Audio XT90 Dolby Atmos Height/Up-Firing Speakers
Polk Audio’s XT90s bring affordable Dolby Atmos sound to home audio enthusiasts. These standalone speakers fire audio upward when paired with an Atmos-capable receiver, adding height and immersion without demanding expert installation. Designed for convenience, the XT90s can sit atop Polk’s matching MXT60 floorstanding or be mounted on the wall via keyhole slots.
Barclay James Harvest - Once Again 50th Anniversary CD/Blu-Ray Deluxe Edition
Cherry Red Records’ extensive Barclay James Harvest reissue campaign highlights the British progressive rock band’s sterling 1970s output. 1971’s Once Again is the latest entry in the series, featuring fantastic new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes from Stephen W Tayler alongside the rare quadraphonic version. For immersive music fans who love exploring subtle sonic variations, this album is a real feast for the ears.
Gentle Giant - Interview (2023 Remix) CD/Blu-Ray
The eclectic prog-rockers’ eighth studio album is the latest to receive new immersive mixes from Steven Wilson, as part of a long-running reissue campaign from Alucard Records. This inexpensive release comes loaded with every permutation of the 1976 album – stereo, quad, 5.1, Dolby Atmos, and instrumental – on a single Blu-Ray disc. It’s an essential addition to any surround music fan’s collection, perfectly capturing the band’s captivating and unique sound.
Ultravox - Quartet 6CD/DVD Deluxe Edition
Ultravox’s 1982 album Quartet is the latest to be revisited in a series of acclaimed reissues from Chrysalis/Parlophone. Produced by George Martin, the album yielded several U.K. top-20 singles including “Reap The Wild Wind” and “Visions In Blue. Steven Wilson’s 5.1 surround mix highlights the band’s synth-rock fusion, placing distinct instrumentation and vocals all around the listener. This new immersive experience imbues an irresistible energy and charm to the 80s classic.
Black Sabbath - Paranoid (Quadio) Blu-Ray Audio
After several years of inactivity, Warner/Rhino’s acclaimed Quadio series of Blu-Ray discs featuring remastered quadraphonic mixes from the 1970s returned with a bang in June 2023.Four titles are currently available exclusively through Rhino’s web store: Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies, The J. Geils Band’s Nightmares, Jefferson Starship’s Red Octopus. and Black Sabbath’s sophomore outing Paranoid. Long sought after by fans, Paranoid remains Sabbath’s solo immersive release and has never sounded better.
The Pineapple Thief - How Did We Find Our Way? 1999-2006 Box Set
In the first of a planned series of box sets, frontman Bruce Soord has remixed The Pineapple Thief’s first six studio albums in immersive audio. Fans have long awaited these new 5.1 and Dolby Atmos versions of the band’s earliest releases, from their 1999 debut Abducted At Birth up to 2006’s Little Man. Standouts include the Smashing Pumpkins-esque "Private Paradise," the moody "Perpetual Night Shift," and epics "Remember Us" and "We Love You." A treat for longtime fans and new listeners alike.