FiiO has unveiled its latest pair of wireless headphones, the EH13.

The new over-ears are conceived as a pair of budget-friendly cans that go big on features while keeping costs to a minimum, aiming to give would-be buyers "high-quality audio at an accessible price".

The EH13 feature a set of 40mm dynamic drivers fitted with sapphire-coated composite diaphragms, while support for the Sony-made LDAC codec allows for hi-res Bluetooth streaming up to 32-bit/96kHz.

Despite their modest price, the EH13 offer hybrid active noise-cancellation, while five built-in microphones and advanced 'Environmental Noise Cancellation' algorithms aim for clear voice pickup and reduced surrounding noise during calls.

The EH13 grant up to 45 hours of playback with ANC on, rising to a whopping 75 hours when noise cancelling is switched off. Further, Multipoint Bluetooth allows for connecting the FiiO over-ears to twin devices simultaneously.

The new headphones house a 3.5mm input and come with a provided cable if you want to hook up directly to your chosen music source, while a fully foldable design makes the budget cans easier to transport.

If you want to tinker with your listening experience, including altering your EQ settings, you can do so via the provided FiiO Control App.

The FiiO EH13 are available now in a choice of black or beige finishes, priced at £49 / $49 / €49. That sort of money puts them in direct competition with the budget Sony WH-CH520 (tested at £49 / $59 / AU$79) that we've so often praised since their release in 2023.

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Canadian manufacturer, PSB Speakers, has launched two new all-in-one wireless speakers as part of its iQ series. The range includes the iQ1, priced at £899 / €999 / $999, and the iQ2, available for £1299 / €1399 / $1499. At this price point, the speaker systems fall into competitive territory, rivalling the five-star KEF LSX II and Award-winning LSX II LT.

Both the iQ1 and iQ2 use the established BluOS streaming platform to give users access to popular music streaming services such as Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, as well as internet radio stations such as TuneIn, while also allowing hi-res streaming from connected hard drives.

Other streaming methods include Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Bluetooth aptX HD. In both models, the internal DAC can natively handle hi-res files up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM.

Wired connections for both models include a pair of RCA stereo inputs, HDMI eARC for connecting to a TV, optical, USB-A and USB-C audio inputs, and a subwoofer output. The speakers also feature a built-in moving-magnet phono stage for connecting a turntable directly.

PSB says the iQ1 and iQ2 systems have been designed to “fit comfortably into everyday spaces”, with humble dimensions of just 14.5 x 24.6 x 19.2cm per speaker.

Both speakers feature fully active designs and DSP crossovers, with tuned bass ports providing “deeper, more powerful bass”.

Their similarities don’t end there. The iQ1 and iQ2 have identical total power outputs of 270 watts via Class D amplification, and they even share the same drivers, employing a 1.9cm aluminium-dome tweeter paired with a 10cm propylene mid/bass driver.

Each speaker has a 90-watt amplifier dedicated to each woofer, but they differ in the way they drive their tweeters; the iQ1’s tweeters share a two-channel amplifier, delivering 45 watts to each unit, while the iQ2’s tweeters are fed by independent 45W amplifiers.

They also differ in how the left and right speakers connect: the iQ1 uses a wired speaker cable; the iQ2 employs a low-latency wireless link.

The iQ series can be controlled using the BluOS Controller app, which is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, or via a touch panel on the primary speaker.

Both iQ speaker systems are available now, and the iQ1 comes in in black or white vinyl finishes. The more premium iQ2 comes in black, white, ember red, boreal green, granite grey, and sandstone beige, while a walnut veneer finish costs an extra £100 / €100 / $100.

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If you have purchased a movie on the PlayStation Store, then you may well be impacted by the brand’s latest announcement.

In September, PlayStation will remove more than 550 films from its catalogue. Which means any affected films will be wiped from your video library, even if you paid for them.

The company is not offering refunds to users, and there’s not even an option to offload them to another device. Sony, which owns PlayStation, says that they will be removed due to content licensing agreements with Studio Canal.

You can read the full list of affected movies on PlayStation’s website but some of the most notable titles include Moonlight, Rambo First Blood, Apocalypse Now, and Pan’s Labyrinth.

At the moment, this affects only customers in the UK, although the brand pulled the same move in Germany and Austria back in 2022.

It’s a rather unpleasant reminder that you can never truly own a piece of media online, as you are always at the whim of licensing battles. We have seen the issue with streaming services before, with Netflix most recently hitting headlines for removing all seven series of Gilmore Girls from its US site.

That’s why physical media is still so important. There is no substitute for holding a copy of your favourite movie or TV show in your hands.

Investing in a 4K Blu-ray is usually the more expensive option, but it gives you proper ownership while also providing the best picture and sound quality you can get at home.

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Topping is back with yet another DAC.

Hot on the heels of its recently announced E50 II budget model, which arrived at just £199 / $189, Topping is once again targeting the more affordable side of the market with the new DX1 II desktop DAC / headphone amplifier.

The new unit’s digital-to-analogue stage is built around an ES9039Q2M ESS DAC chip. It features a dual-DAC architecture which combines twin digital to analogue convertors on a single chip to process the left and right audio channels independently, to reduce distortion and improve audio fidelity.

The DX1 II also uses a 16-core XU-316 XMOS chip to handle input-signal processing, aiming to deliver “exceptionally high dynamic range and ultra-low noise” while minimising channel crosstalk. The analogue stage features a fully balanced architecture, again designed to lower distortion and improve sonic performance.

The DX1 II supports hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz alongside DSD256. In terms of connections, the digital side is covered by a USB-C input as well as an optical input and output, while line outputs include stereo RCA and balanced 4.4mm. For personal listening, 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs are provided.

The new DAC grants access to Topping’s ‘Parametric EQ’ system, allowing for control of frequency, gain and bandwidth across ten customisable bands so users can tailor their sound to their needs and preferences.

Thanks to its compact dimensions and modest weight of 275g, the DX1 II is intended by Topping to be portable if needs be. The manufacturer promises that the aluminium enclosure is robust enough to handle being throw into your bag and taken on your travels.

At the front of the DAC’s body is a multifunction rotary control dial, sitting to the right of a large LED display which shows core vitals such as volume level, file sample rate and input/output selection.

The new Topping DX1 II is available from July in black, white or silver finishes, priced at £119 / $119.

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Two landmark rock albums from the 1970s are now available in the reel-to-reel tape format: Fleetwood Mac and ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres.

Each album was meticulously duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the flat analogue master tapes. This means a “master-quality listening experience that captures the full dynamics of the recording without the surface noise or groove wear of vinyl,” according to the albums’ label Rhino, which is the legacy arm of Warner Music.

So what about the tape itself? The 15 IPS (inches per second) half-track 1/4-inch tape is produced to the IEC equalisation standard on premium RTM LPR90 tape stock and stored on a 10.5-inch metal reel.

To play them, you will, of course, need a dedicated reel-to-reel tape machine.

And the albums? Released in 1975, Fleetwood Mac (also known as The White Album) was actually the second album of that name to be released by the band. It marked a change of course, with newcomers Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks lending a more pop-driven sound. It wasn’t a huge success at first, but reached number one after a year of the band touring. It has now been certified platinum nine times over.

Tres Hombres came out in 1973, and was ZZ Top’s first gold record. It signalled a mainstream appreciation of the band’s gritty Texas blues-rock sound, with tracks such as La Grange, Jesus Just Left Chicago and Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers establishing the Top as a major force in 70s rock.

Both albums are limited to 500 copies, and are available only from Rhino.com, where they cost £228 / $300 (around AU$430) each.

Rhino is currently working through the Warner Music back catalogue and releasing select albums on the reel-to-reel format. It recently announced Joni Mitchell’s Blue, and has previously released albums by Curtis Mayfield, The Stooges, Yes and T.Rex. Each comes with archival-grade packaging to honour the album’s original intent both visually and aurally.

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Vertere has upgraded its Award-winning phono stage once more. The Vertere Phono-1 LX is the new and refined version of the excellent Phono-1 MkII L, and features improvements both within and cosmetically, promising to be the product's "most significant evolution yet."

The latest generation of the Phono-1 handles both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, and features a wide range of adjustments so that it can be used with just about any price-compatible cartridge fitted to your turntable.

The Phono-1 LX's upgrades include a new, higher-quality PCB board that's built for long-term reliability, while retaining the same internal circuit. The internal DC power supply uses upgraded components to deliver a more stable, consistent and lower noise feed to the audio circuitry, while the mains power input has been improved to reduce the amount of interference entering the unit.

Additionally, a two-way earthing switch ('Earth Lift' or 'Earth Connection') now replaces the three-way switch in the older model for easier use and longer service life.

All together, Vertere promises these upgrades will result in less noise, higher dynamic range, "razor-sharp" spatial imaging and "a vocal texture so lifelike, the performance feels present in the room."

Considering we already think quite highly of its predecessor, we're intrigued to find out just how much of a difference these upgrades bring to the performance.

Vertere has also taken the opportunity to further polish up the unit's design, with the aim of offering "a visual presence worthy of the engineering within."

So that the Phono-1 LX is more visually consistent with Vertere's high-end, five-star Calon phono stage and its Award-winning DG-X turntable, the phono stage's casing now has a finely textured metallic finish, the LED power indicator is now a blue-green colour, and the top fixing screws have been removed for a seamless look.

As before, the Vertere Phono-1 LX comes in four finishes: silver, black, orange and black acrylic. The price has gone up a fair bit this time, with the new phono stage now costing £1650 / $2399 / AU$3250.

We have a sample of the Phono-1 LX that we've been testing, so stay tuned for a our full review very soon.

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With all the madness of the Prime Day sale, you might have missed that today is Global Beatles Day. Started in 2009 as a thank you to the world-conquering band, it's a celebration of all things The Beatles. And we thought we'd get in on the act.

Why 25th June? That was the day in 1967 when the band performed on Our World, the first live multinational multi-satellite television production that saw them broadcast in 14 countries simultaneously, being seen by up to 700 million people. That's when you know you've made it.

If that's got you in the mood, or you just want to revisit some classic albums, here are the best Beatles LPs and the best turntables to play them on.

The best turntables for listening to Beatles records

The best Beatles albums on vinyl

Remember when tech used to get cheaper throughout its life span? Those were the glory days; but that all seems to be in the past now.

Apple is the latest company to hop on the trend of upping prices on its older products. It has just rolled out a fairly egregious swathe of updated pricing on its hi-fi and home cinema offerings; we think it’s fair to say that this is really not good news.

The Apple TV 4K now starts at £199 / $199 / AU$299 (originally £149 / $130 / AU$219) for the 64GB version, or £249 / $249 / AU$399 (originally £169 / $179 / $249) for the 128GB with ethernet. And this, we remind you, is the 2022 version, so it has been on the market for almost four years now.

The HomePod range hasn’t got off lightly either. The HomePod 2 now costs £349 / $349 / AU$549 – up from £299 / $299 / AU$479 – while the HomePod Mini (which launched in 2020 and hasn’t really been updated since) is now £129 / $129 / AU$199, up from £99 / $99 / AU$149.

There are price hikes across Apple’s iPad and Mac devices too.

The only products that appear to be mostly untouched are the iPhones and AirPods ranges; in fact, it looks like the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC have dropped by £10 for both models.

If you had been holding out in the hope of new models launching – rumours of a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod with a display have been circulating for years – you might be better off pulling the trigger and snapping up the current-gen models from the retailers that haven't yet caught on to the price increases.

We have rounded up the retailers from the UK, US and Australia that are still selling these products for their original prices at the time of writing.

There’s no guarantee that these original prices will stick around, or if they will be updated in the next couple of hours.

Apple TV 4K (2022)

Apple HomePod 2

Apple HomePod Mini

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As well as the best streaming devices

Danish hi-fi brand Tangent overhauled its Spectrum speaker range only a few months ago, but now it has a new addition: the Tangent Spectrum II X5 Active BT.

These are active speakers, featuring two 50W Class D amplifiers, so you don't need an external amp. The 130mm cellulose‑pulp mid/bass driver and 25mm soft‑dome tweeter combine to deliver a soundstage that is described as “balanced, dynamic and natural”, with precise bass, expressive vocals and refined, transparent highs.

But that’s not the only improvement. The feature set has been beefed up, offering Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD for better-quality wireless playback, and a built-in moving magnet phono input for hooking up a turntable. You can use these speakers for your TV audio too, thanks to the HDMI ARC port, while you also get optical, coaxial and hi-res USB Audio inputs, plus a subwoofer output for adding more bass.

As you would expect from Tangent, the aesthetic is best described as clean and minimalist, i.e. very Scandi. They come in black or white, one of which should, no doubt, match your interior style.

The Spectrum II X5 Active BT are out now for £499 (around $660 / AU$940) per pair.

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French audio manufacturer Triangle has unveiled three passive speakers as part of its new Solstice range. Building on the legacy of the Esprit series, the Solstice lineup features the Solstice 8 floorstanders, the Solstice 3 standmounters, and the home-cinema-oriented Solstice C3 center channel.

The new Solstice speakers aim to offer a "natural and deeply lifelike sound reproduction" that will appeal to demanding audiophiles and first-time hi-fi buyers alike.

Priced at £1999 / €1999 / $2799 per pair, the Solstice 8 floorstanders feature a three-way design. This configuration combines Triangle’s new 25mm horn-loaded tweeter with a 16cm driver and a pair of 16cm woofers. To enhance low-end performance, the speakers also include a concealed bass port, which has been neatly integrated into their base.

The Solstice 3 standmounts, costing £999 / €999 / $1349 per pair, are a two-way design intended to create an “open and precise sound”. The speakers pair a 16mm mid/bass driver with the same 25mm tweeter and inconspicuous bass port design found in the Solstice 8.

In our five-star review of Triangle’s Esprit Comete Ez, we emphasised the speakers’ need for solid stands. Triangle appears to have taken note, because the Solstice 3 have been specifically designed for use with the company’s S05 stands, which are available separately for those willing to fork out £279 for a pair.

To complete the range, the Solstice C3 centre channel “ensures perfect sound consistency within home cinema set-ups” according to Triangle. Priced at £579 / €575 / $750, the C3’s sealed enclosure houses a two-way design, featuring dual 16cm midrange drivers and the signature 25mm tweeter.

You might have noticed that all of the Solstice speakers employ Triangle’s visually striking new horn-loaded tweeter. By including an injection moulded phase plug and barrel-shaped cut out at the base of the horn, Triangle claims the new design delivers a more consistent frequency response and better integration with the midrange drivers.

The cabinet for each speaker has new internal reinforcement to reduce unwanted resonances from affecting the signal, in pursuit of improving the "acoustic neutrality" of the speaker.

Starting from today, Triangle’s new Solstice speakers are available in teak, birch, white and ash black finishes.

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Bose is launching its own record label, but not in the traditional sense. Bose Studios is described as a "music-focused content platform" which will combine "original content, artist-led experiences, music TV and film projects, and partnerships designed to help fans discover new artists and connect more deeply with music."

But questions remain over exactly how it will work.

Bose CMO Jim Mollica told Business Insider that Bose Studios won't aim to compete with the big three record labels, and that it will help break under-appreciated or new artists. Bose won't take a cut of their sales or streams, and won't own the masters, but it will be able to use the music in its adverts.

Bose artists will also be free to sign with other labels.

Mollica promised its original TV and film projects have attracted "some legendary Hollywood names", though he stopped short of naming them. We're also promised a YouTube series, podcasts, and live music events.

It's all a way of giving people "a deeper connection to the music they love," Bose says. The fact it describes this as a shift for the brand as it "expands beyond traditional campaign marketing and invests more directly in music culture" suggests its core business of selling speakers and headphones won't be going anywhere.

Bose has previously formed relationships with artists through its marketing. Earlier this year, it collaborated with Grammy-nominated Twitch streamer PlaqueBoyMax, who created music on the hoof for a livestream during the NBA's All-Star weekend.

We've contacted Bose for more information. Bose will announce its first artist soon, which it says "will provide more context around the platform."

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Dan Clark Audio is making some bold claims about its latest wired headphones. It says the Aeon Core set a new standard for closed-back headphones under the £1000 mark, thanks to their new planar magnetic driver, revised tuning and wider compatibility.

Believe it or not, like others in the Aeon line before them, these are the brand's entry-level pair. Which gives you an idea of its prestige.

It also claims that their sound is "unusually open" for a closed-back pair, delivering a "spacious, detailed, articulate and expressive" performance.

At the heart of these cans is the all-new planar magnetic driver stack, which promises efficiency, tonal consistency and unit-to-unit reliability. Dan Clark Audio claims this makes them easier to drive than most planar magnetic headphones, with their sensitivity reaching 97dB/mW making them compatible with portable DAC/amps, dongles and desktop setups, as well as more powerful headphone amps. All you need is 125mW into 16 ohms, and you're away.

This new stack features a new diaphragm material which enhances efficiency and reliability, while the brand's V-Planar tech is found on the diaphragm's surface to reduce distortion, enhance dynamic performance and optimise the frequency response.

The Aeon Core are also the first headphones to be developed using a new variation on the Harman Curve, the industry gold standard frequency response profile that Dan Clark Audio feel is now outdated due to modern sound measuring technologies. Company founder Dan Clark worked with original Harman Curve inventor Dr. Sean Olive to come up with an updated version.

Hence the tuning has been slightly tweaked from previous Aeon models. We're promised a slightly leaner upper bass, gently lifted lower midrange and softer upper midrange.

But from a design perspective, the cans are recognisably Dan Clark Audio. Their new aluminium and dark wood aesthetic combines with the signature Aeon earpads, lightweight titanium headband and self-adjusting suspension strap. At 440g, they might be light for a pair of planar magnetic headphones, but they're still heavier than the AirPods Max 2.

Bundled is a detachable cable with either a balanced 4.4mm, 4-pin XLR or 6.35/3.5mm connector – the choice is yours.

The Aeon Core go on sale in early July for £920 (around $1200 / AU$1700). In the UK, they're distributed by Electromod.

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Bang & Olufsen has unveiled its Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition, a compact music system comprising a restored Beogram 3000 Series turntable alongside a pair of modern Beolab 8 wireless speakers.

As part of the Danish brand's 'Recreated Classics' initiative, the limited edition Beosystem 3000c setup pledges to "bring together the tactile ritual of vinyl and the flexibility of contemporary listening in one compact music system".

At the centre of the setup is an original, restored Beogram 3000 Series turntable, the first of which launched in 1985, sporting a lightweight tonearm and B&O's 'Optimum Pivot Point' technology for reducing vibrations from interfering with playback.

In case you're unfamiliar, the Beolab 8 are wireless speakers with built-in network streaming capabilities, supporting Tidal and Spotify Connect alongside Chromecast AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.3. To get a standalone pair, you'll tend to pay around £2199 / $2749 / AU$4499.

The Dune Grey Edition of the Beosystem 3000c pairs grey aluminium with dark walnut details on both the speakers and the turntable, a combination "inspired by the tones and textures of the Nordic coastline".

Getting hold of a system will put you in a rather exclusive club. The Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition is limited to 100 pieces worldwide, with each unit individually numbered, engraved, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

According to Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, Director of Product Circularity at Bang & Olufsen: “Our Recreated Classics programme goes beyond the preservation of nostalgia. It is about honouring the fact that exceptional audio designs continue to matter to people over time. The Beosystem 3000c represents a more intentional way of listening, built around ritual, presence and emotional connection to music".

The Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition is available now from selected B&O stores, priced at £22,800 / $30,000 / €27,000.

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It has been just shy of a year since HDMI 2.2 was announced, and now we have our first real piece of evidence that we could see TVs equipped with the new connectivity upgrade as soon as next year.

The successor to HDMI 2.1 introduces a wide range of upgrades, including support for 8K at 60Hz and 4K at up to 240Hz.

It does this by expanding bandwidth support to up to 96Gbps – that is, double the 48Gbps bandwidth of HDMI 2.1. It should be noted that there are actually three versions of HDMI 2.2, including a 64 Gbps tier and an 80 Gbps tier.

It’s currently unclear if these lower tiers will support the same functionality as the 96Gbps version.

While it has been rather quiet on the HDMI 2.2 front since we reported on its announcement, it seems as though the tech is primed to launch next year, and 2027 TVs could be the first to sport the new port.

Charbax of ARMdevices.net (via FlatPanelsHD) reports that “the latency indication protocol is already appearing in certified products, while chip manufacturers are sampling FRL-2 (Fixed Rate Link 2) silicon this year in anticipation of 96 Gbps hardware releases next year.”

During a press briefing held by the CEO and president of the HDMI Licensing Administrator, Rob Tobias, it was also confirmed that “we should start to see some 96, or up to 96Gbps HDMI 2.2 products next year”, and that upgraded cables that will support the higher bandwidth cables should be launching “in this quarter, or next quarter”.

The types of devices that will sport HDMI 2.2 connectivity next year haven’t been confirmed yet, though we would be surprised if high-end TVs weren’t prioritised. We could also see it come to AV receivers, projectors and games consoles.

In some ways, it feels as though 2026 has been a milestone year for HDMI 2.1, as more TV companies than ever before are supporting four full-bandwidth sockets on their TVs.

Hisense and Philips both feature TVs with four HDMI 2.1 sockets on their TVs this year, while Samsung and LG have offered this functionality for roughly nine years.

Only time will tell whether these manufacturers will go all-in on HDMI 2.2 in the same way, or if some companies will continue to play catch-up by offering only a select number of high-bandwidth ports on their 2027 TVs.

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Everything you need to know about HDMI 2.2

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Sennheiser has expanded its wireless mid-range Accentum roster with a brand new pair of clip-on earbuds.

The new Accentum Clip are the company's first-ever clip-on wireless buds, joining the Accentum Open from last year. They aim to offer Sennheiser's "signature" sound with a more "user-aware" form factor.

The Accentum Clip house is a set of 12mm dynamic drivers tuned "for clarity and punchy bass", with a "smooth treble that is delightful to listen to in long stretches".

The new Sennheiser buds use 'Dynamic EQ' tech, which aims to let the buds maintain sonic balance and prevent distortion, regardless of the volume they're playing at.

Similar to the configuration of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or the Huawei FreeClip 2, a flexible silicone bridge connects the main bud body with the battery cylinder. Sennheiser promises a "secure, barely there" fit from the new Accentum Clip thanks to each earbud weighing a measly 6.8g. For runners, an IP54 rating protects against dust and sweat.

Despite their clip-on design, the new earbuds still feature textured touch controls for handling the likes of volume adjustment and voice calls.

The latest addition to the Accentum roster boasts nine hours of battery life from the earbuds and a total of 36 hours with the case. Rapid charge technology lets you enjoy two hours of listening from 10 minutes at the mains.

The new clip-on buds feature Bluetooth 6.0, with standard SBC and AAC sitting alongside the higher-quality LDAC codec for streaming high-res audio up to 32-bit/96kHz from a compatible source device.

For voice calls, each earbud features a dual-microphone system paired with an AI noise reduction algorithm to isolate the wearer’s voice from background noise.

According to Friederike Menking, Accentum Clip's Product Manager: “In creating Accentum Clip, we wanted to elevate the standard of acoustic performance that open earbuds have traditionally struggled with. Whether you are tackling productivity, out on your own adventures, or managing the transitions in between, its thoughtful design empowers you to navigate your world without sacrificing the essence of your music.”

The Accentum Clip are available from 23rd July in Black or Cream colourways, priced at £149 / €179 / AU$290.

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Mark your calendars: we have set the date for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026. And this year, we will not only crown a fresh set of winners, but we’ll also be celebrating our 50th birthday!

Yes, on 12th November, the crème de la crème of hi-fi and home cinema will don their gladrags and descend on London to celebrate the top products in their categories at an exclusive black-tie event.

But ahead of the big hi-fi and home cinema gala, there are a few dates you should mark in your calendar.

As of now, companies can submit products for consideration on our Awards site. Submissions close on 12th August, at which point our team will get all the products into our viewing and listening rooms and begin testing in earnest.

These, along with any product that is still on sale that we have reviewed and awarded five stars, will then be considered for a Best Buy trophy in their relevant category.

After the AV battle royal plays out and we have decided which products are truly the best of the best in each category, we will then reveal the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 Best Buy winners on 13th October.

These brilliant products then form the shortlists for the Product of the Year categories, which will be revealed at the black-tie event on 12th November in London. While the event itself is closed to the public, you can follow along on our social media feeds, where we’ll be posting updates and all this year’s winners.

If you want to get even more involved in the action, we will also be running our special Readers’ Award. This lets you vote on a shortlist of products, created by our reviewers. Voting goes live on 14th September and closes a couple of weeks later on 28th September – so make sure to mark the date if you want to get involved.

On top of all that, as What Hi-Fi? is turning 50 this year, we’ll also have a special category that we have never run before. We’ll reveal details of that closer to the ceremony – so watch this space!

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Focal has a new flagship active wireless speaker system, and you'd better start saving it you want to get your hands on one.

The new Focal Diva Alta Utopia sits at the summit of the brand's Diva Utopia range, which is made in collaboration with sister-brand Naim Audio. As with the rest of the range, the new system offers built-in amplification alongside wireless streaming powers in a pair of floorstanding speakers – and it's the largest, most powerful and most expensive model yet.

We reviewed the first of the range, the five-star Diva Utopia system in late 2024, and found it a very impressive offering.

Focal pledges that this new flagship Alta Utopia system is "aimed at the most demanding audiophiles looking for an exceptional system", taking the ingredients of the established lineup and elevating them to new heights.

The Diva Alta Utopia features a new generation of the brand's 'Prism' tweeter, a 27mm unit which combines multiple materials for "the perfect balance between lightness, damping and rigidity".

That tweeter is complemented by a reinforced 13cm 'M-profile' midrange driver, with carbon reinforcement and a sealed enclosure that aims to offer a detailed, natural sounding mid-frequency reproduction.

Four 20.5cm woofers in each tower tease a deep and articulate bass, while a 16.5cm 'W' mid/bass driver uses a cone with two sheets of glass on either side of a central foam body, which, says Focal, grants the ideal blend of lightness, rigidity and damping.

The active system packs a huge 600 watts of Class A/B power per speaker, which is distributed over four dedicated amplifiers to provide what Focal says is an "exceptionally wide" sound with "no dynamic compression".

Thanks to the implementation of Naim's Pulse streaming platform, the flagship system can accept high-resolution files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM. The Diva Alta Utopia uses Focal's 'Ultra Wideband' technology to ensure 24-bit/192kHz wireless support between the speakers, and a hi-res connecting cable is also provided.

'Focal Time Management' tech is integrated, wherein the speakers' drivers are arranged in a curved arc to obtain a more consistent and realistic sound image at all times. This design is in keeping with Focal's Utopia series of passive speakers.

Streaming support is extensive, with UPnP compatibility allowing you to stream digital files across a home network from a NAS unit, and the system is compatible with the most popular platforms, such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz. AirPlay 2 and Google Cast are also on board, while aptX Adaptive codec support allows for 24-bit Bluetooth playback from a compatible source.

For physical connections, the primary loudspeaker houses HDMI eARC, optical, USB-C and RCA line-level inputs, and an ethernet port if you prefer a wired connection to the internet. Those physical connections are mounted to a curved heat sink, designed for maximised thermal dissipation, while an aluminium base aims for optimised airflow and better ventilation.

The Focal Diva Alta Utopia is available now, in five distinct finishes: Grey Felt, Ivory Felt, Black High Gloss, Off White High Gloss, and Dune High Gloss.

The price? A rather hefty £165,000 / $199,999 / €190,000 for the felt finishes and £175,000 / $210,000 / €199,990 for high gloss. That's considerably higher than the original Diva Utopia we tested at £29,999 / $39,999 / AU$59,999 per pair.

MORE:

Read our recent Focal Mu-so Hekla review

It's official: Naim and Focal have a new owner

Best active speakers: our experts pick the top pairs with built-in amplifiers

At last, Sonos is making some real progress fixing its mobile app. A major refresh is due this week, which should make it a lot more intuitive to use.

If you're late to the party, let us fill you in.

Back in April 2024, Sonos redesigned its app to coincide with the launch of the Ace, its first pair of wireless headphones. It was a disaster – the new app was buggy, and lacked a lot of the old one's features. (It didn't help that the headphones weren't much cop either.)

Since then Sonos has been on a mission to restore the app and win back customer trust. This week's refresh could go some way to doing so.

The improvements are aimed at making the app easier to use. It's "Not a new app, but a new way of navigating Sonos inside the app you already have," CEO Tom Conrad wrote on Reddit.

From spending "hundreds of hours" watching people use the Sonos app, his team found out what the sticking points are: too many content cards, swipe-up gestures to switch speaker orientation, close boxes in place of back buttons, and custom interface elements that feel out of place on an iOS or Android device.

So what takes their place?

We can look forward to more straightforward navigation, with three tabs (Home, System, Search) replacing the hidden gestures and content cards on both iOS and Android. There's a new volume interface, a "core mechanism that is easier to grab and fine tune" along with buttons to press to alter it and a new way of synchronising it across a group of rooms.

You'll get more control over how your players are listed and displayed, and there are dozens of smaller fixes like the ability to swipe to delete a track in a playlist, and a refreshed Now Playing screen.

The update will roll out to beta testers this week (you can sign up here), but they will have to enable it from within the settings menu. Even once it's rolled out wider, it will only be available as an opt-in toggle, so you can turn it off if you don't like it. Sonos will continue to polish it before making it the default.

Conrad says this is the way Sonos will work from now on, as "this is the beginning of a different way of working here at Sonos, where what gets built, and in what order, is shaped by the conversations here and with all our customers."

Maybe it's learned from its mistakes after all.

MORE:

Which Sonos speaker should you buy?

Not sold? The best Sonos alternatives

Sonos Play vs HomePod 2: which should you buy?

Beyerdynamic has revealed its latest pair of wired in-ear headphones.

The new DT 30 IE are billed as affordable in-ear monitors aimed at "musicians who want to get the most out of their performance", with a durable design that has been built "to meet the demands of modern live performances".

The DT 30 IE house a pair of 11mm dynamic drivers to deliver what Beyerdynamic describes as "a balanced sound signature", while the headphones themselves have been designed to offer excellent passive noise isolation to grant performers and casual listeners alike a greater focus on their music.

Each earpiece weighs in at a modest 2.7g to reduce wearer fatigue, while three pairs of silicone ear tips and three pairs of foam tips – both in small, medium and large sizes – are included.

To protect the in-ears from the elements during rainy live performances, the DT 30 IE offer an admirable IP54 certification, which means they should survive water splashes from any direction. A 3.5mm-ended detachable cable further adds to the new in-ears' durability credentials thanks to its robust, Kevlar-reinforced design.

According to Kevin Nietsch, Product Manager for Pro Audio at Beyerdynamic: "With in-ear monitors for live use in particular, we often see compromises between sound quality, isolation and durability. With DT 30 IE, we aim to change that – by consistently bringing this valuable balance to the stage."

The Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE are available now, priced at £99 / €119.

MORE:

World Cup 2026: these are the 5 best headphones – wired and wireless – for keeping up with the football

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Best wired earbuds 2026: top in-ear models tried and tested by our experts

Streaming giant Roku is about to be acquired by Fox. The American media empire, Fox, has announced an acquisition of the company, covering its hardware, software, and services, in a deal worth $22 billion.

That's roughly £16.4 billion or AU$31 billion, using currency conversion, at the time of writing.

Roku currently produces a wide array of streaming devices, as well as affordable TVs manufactured in partnership with the likes of TCL, Sharp and JVC. The company recently launched its first projector, too.

According to the research firm Parks Associates (via BBC News), Roku is the largest smart platform in the US, powering more than a quarter of internet-connected streaming devices. It's closely followed by Samsung's Tizen-powered devices and then devices running Amazon's Fire TV software platform.

Worldwide, it's reported that over 100 million households stream content using Roku devices and services.

While no news regarding Roku's hardware lineup has been announced as part of this deal, it appears Fox plans to capitalise on Roku's existing advertising reach through its The Roku Channel service.

Fox already owns the popular streaming service Tubi, which it could merge with Roku's service in the future.

We've contacted Roku for comment and will update this page when we hear back.

MORE:

Check out our list of the best streaming devices

As well as the best streaming services for movies and TV

And the best cheap TVs

Music streaming platform Deezer has launched an AI music detector, offering users across 20 of the most popular streaming services the chance to check what percentage of their playlists have been generated by artificial intelligence.

Users of Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music and other major platforms are now able to check their playlists by connecting their streaming accounts to Deezer’s free AI detection website.

Deezer’s internal AI detection tool has been in place since the start of 2025, making it the first music-streaming service to single out AI-generated music. Over 13.4 million AI tracks were pinpointed in 2025 alone, and Deezer now claims it receives 75,000 such tracks each day, accounting for 44 per cent of daily uploads.

The new tool allows Deezer to remove AI tracks from algorithmic recommendations and editorial playlists, an action the platform has called a “first step” in preserving the royalty pool for human creators.

A recent study by the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and management consulting firm PMP Strategy found that nearly a quarter of creators’ revenues could be at risk due to market penetration by generative AI by 2028, with yearly losses amounting to approximately €4 billion by that time.

Additionally, an eight-country survey from Deezer and IPSOS found that 97 per cent of listeners were unable to tell the difference between fully AI-generated and human-made music, while 73 per cent of respondents said they would like to see AI music tagged on streaming services.

Alexis Lanternier, Deezer’s CEO, said: "A vast majority of people want to know if AI music is being recommended to them and our data show that nearly half of the users joining Deezer from another platform have AI tracks in their playlists. We’re expecting our AI music detector to be an eye-opening experience for listeners around the world."

The What Hi-Fi? team tried this free tool, connecting our Tidal account so the website could scan our playlists. We were both pleased and surprised to find that one per cent of the music in our curated playlists has been generated by AI (as seen in screenshot above). Sadly, the tool does not then highlight which specific tracks have been artificially generated if you're using a non-Deezer music service.

A Deezer representative has confirmed to us that if you transfer your playlists and library to Deezer, "you’ll be able to see the albums that are tagged as including AI."

MORE

I’m nervous that Spotify has made an AI echo chamber for music fans

Hi-res music streaming services compared: is Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music better?

Read our original Deezer review

British audio brand Monitor Audio has launched a set of three speakers with the Radius Series 4G, which delivers “genuinely high-fidelity sound from speakers that are designed to be seen as well as heard”. This trio is made up of the Radius 1, the Radius 3, and the Radius On-Wall. As you might have guessed, the last of those can be wall-mounted.

It is set to be a “comprehensive reinvention” of the previous generation – the Radius Series 3G. Monitor Audio is making some strong claims with the new trio, saying that the technology has been developed to “raise the performance benchmark of the compact speaker category”.

You can use them as a multi-speaker system for both hi-fi and home cinema set-ups, and with the option of a multi-room configuration.

Under the hood, the brand is employing C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/Magnesium) cone technology with the driver design. Monitor Audio says this is more rigid and lightweight than conventional cone materials so it can deliver “impressive levels of fidelity”.

This is the fourth generation of the tech, and is employing RST III (Rigid Surface Technology) cone geometry that reduces resonances across the frequency range for a more accurate sound, according to Monitor Audio.

On top of that, the redesigned Gold Dome tweeter uses an external magnet motor system that the brand says acts more as a full drive unit rather than a traditional internal puck magnet.

You will also find Monitor Audio’s HiVe II (High-Velocity II) port design, which “supports smooth airflow and delivers tighter, more controlled bass performance”.

There is a range of add-ons on offer as well. That includes a Radius Floor Stand (£300 / $395) which features “wooden tripod legs for a modern aesthetic”, and a Desk Pad (£30 / $40) to offer a “stable platform with a subtle upward tilt”.

So, how much will the Radius speakers cost? The Radius 1 and Radius 3 will cost £425 / $525 and £575 / $725 per pair, respectively. The Radius On-Wall speaker will set you back a further £450 / $525.

Plenty of Monitor Audio’s speakers have received glowing reviews in our test room, from the Studio 89 stereo speakers to the Bronze 50 7G standmounts, both of which earned five stars. We will have to wait until we hear the Radius 4G Series in our test room, but the brand’s strong speaker history and versatile design make us hopeful.

MORE:

These are the best speakers we have tested

Check out the best AV receivers

How to choose the right speakers and get the best sound

Sony has added Direct Connect support to more of its TVs, including multiple Award-winning OLED sets.

The Japanese AV brand originally launched its Direct Connect feature with its duo of new True RGB TVs, the Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II.

The feature lets users connect a pair of the brand's latest Rear 9 or Rear 8 surround speakers and a compatible subwoofer directly to their TV. Compatible subwoofer models include the Sub 7, Sub 8 or Sub 9

The feature uses the TV's speakers as the centre, left and right channels, with the connected speakers providing surround sound and low-end support.

While it launched as an exclusive feature for the 2026 range, Sony has updated a selection of TVs from 2023, 2024 and 2025 to support the wireless surround sound feature. The list of included models is as follows:

• A95L (2023)
• Bravia 9 (2024)
• Bravia 8 II (2025)
• Bravia 8 (2024)
• Bravia 7 (2024)
• Bravia 5 (2025)

We're especially pleased to see the A95L featured here, as while we praised its built-in sound system in our review, we also reported: "we rather wish Sony gave you the option to add a subwoofer directly to the A95L, as that would make it even more formidable".

Job done, thanks to this update. Unfortunately, the Award-winning A80L misses the cut, as do other premium Sony sets from 2023, including the X95L and X90L.

While it may sound similar to LG's new Dolby Atmos Sound Suite range, Sony's system works slightly differently. Direct Connect does not use Dolby Atmos Flex Connect, and a maximum of two speakers and one subwoofer can be connected. LG's system allows for multiple sets of speakers to be paired directly with the TV.

Furthermore, Sony intends for users to place the speakers behind or adjacent to the listening position to create a surround sound effect, rather than using them as dedicated front left and right channels.

The update is rolling out now in Europe and the US, and it brings Sony's My Cinema interface, which collects the picture and sound features into a new-looking user interface, to the models mentioned above.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best Sony soundbars

As well as the best OLED TVs

And read our full LG Sound Suite System review here

Wharfedale has revamped its top-of-the-range Elysian series of loudspeakers.

The Elysian Series R now replaces all of the five established models in the range, including the five-star Elysian 4 floorstanders, promising "elevated engineering and an even more captivating musical performance".

The new line-up consists of the Elysian 1R two-way standmounts, the Elysian 2R three-way standmounts, the Elysian 3R and 4R three-way floorstanders, and the Elysian CR centre channel.

Wharfedale describes the new R range as an evolution of the previous Elysian speakers rather than a full-scale reinvention, with components revisited and refined to deliver "greater accuracy, transparency and musical realism".

The Elysian R range deploys enhanced 'Air Motion Transfer' (AMT) tweeters, designed for greater sonic resolution and accuracy alongside ultra-low distortion. The AMT tweeters have been updated with a new "ultra-light" pleated diaphragm, with an "enlarged, high-specification design" combined with the acoustically damped rear chamber. This should result in a more open and effortless quality to the high frequency performance.

Apart from the smaller Elysian 1R, all of the new speakers house a 15cm midrange driver with a cone constructed using a woven glass fibre matrix, which Wharfedale promises results in "astonishing realism and tonal accuracy".

Depending on the model, either an 18cm or 22cm glass fibre matrix bass driver is used, which has also been refined alongside the motor system, in pursuit of better depth and control at the lower end of the frequency range.

Wharfedale's the Slot-Loaded Profiled Port returns to work alongside the bass drivers, while the brand has refined other areas of the speakers throughout. These include revised crossovers to improve transparency, and components and circuit board layouts chosen for the shortest signal path and less electromagnetic interference.

For the cabinets, all five Elysian R models feature Wharfedale’s latest Panel Resonance Optimisation System (PROS), whereby a multi-layer construction of woods of differing density is accompanied by strategic bracing for enhanced structural integrity and reduced panel resonance.

All five Wharfedale Elysian R Series speakers will be available from late June in a choice of matt black, matt grey or piano lacquered walnut wood veneer finishes. Prices are as follows:

- Elysian 1R standmounts: £3499 / $5995 / AU$7999 per pair (stands £399)
- Elysian 2R standmounts: £4999 / $8495 / AU$11,999 per pair (stands £449)
- Elysian 3R floorstanders: £5999 / $9995 / AU$13,999 per pair
- Elysian 4R floorstanders: £6999 / $11,995 / AU$15,999 per pair
- Elysian CR centre channel: £3499 / $5995 / AU$7999 (stand £449)

MORE:

Read our recent Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i review

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Best floorstanding speakers 2026: budget to premium models tested by our experts

Audio-Technica has unveiled its latest ATH-WP900SE wired over-ear headphones, a limited edition spin on the brand's established ATH-WP900 cans.

Aimed at "listeners who appreciate both artistry and performance", the ATH‑WP900SEs take inspiration from classic electric guitar design, with the headphones' earcups featuring a three-tone sunburst lacquer that pays tribute to those classic axes of yore.

At the heart of the new wired over-ears headphones is a newly designed 53mm driver paired with an advanced voice coil, built to produce what Audio-Technica describes as "high-resolution sound across the entire frequency range".

Each pair is built in collaboration with Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen and includes a dedicated branded cleaning cloth and a handwritten serial number card, making each unit unique in its own right. Two detachable cables – 4.4 mm and standard 3.5 mm – are also included in the box.

The ATH-WP900SE will be available from the 11th of June, priced at £599 / €699.

This isn't the first time we've seen Audio-Technica produce a pair of wood-clad wired headphones. The ATH-WBLTD from 2024 blended a trio of maple, walnut, and mahogany hardwoods, although at £1599 / €1799 per pair, they'd cost you a good deal more than the new WP900SE.

MORE:

Yamaha YH-5000SE vs YH-4000: which wired headphones are best for audiophiles?

10 of the most exciting hi-fi products we saw at High End Vienna 2026

Best over-ear headphones 2026: the best wired and wireless options

Garmin has unveiled a new line of subwoofers, continuing its expansion into the world of consumer audio.

The new JL Audio Pavilion subwoofers, as the name suggests, leverage the tech and expertise Garmin acquired when it bought US-based subwoofer specialist JL Audio in 2023.

They follow the launch of the firm's first premium audio system, the JL Audio Primacy, which made a brief appearance at High End Vienna last week.

The thin-line JL Audio Pavilion subwoofers boast “incredible performance and durability,” according to Garmin. The brand describes the 8-inch subwoofers as “sleek and inconspicuous”, claiming they can fit nearly anywhere in the home.

Inside the subwoofer, you will find JL Audio’s Concentric Tube Suspension design, which Garmin says allows for a more compact fit “without sacrificing premium sound performance”.

You can install them on your wall or ceiling with a shallow 3.8-inch mounting depth, so you don’t need a dedicated enclosure. There is also a dog-leg mounting system, designed to remove the need for a backplate.

The subwoofers are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and Garmin claims they are built to withstand harsh environments using marine-grade materials.

They include a fine-mesh grille, which attaches magnetically and is available in circular or square shapes. For finishes, you can choose between black and white.

The JL Audio Pavilion subwoofers are expected to sell for $1000 (around £750 / AU$1425). UK and Australian availability is yet to be confirmed.

That’s quite a premium price, but its versatile and compact design could make for an attractive option. Let’s hope its sound matches that hefty price tag.

MORE:

These are the best subwoofers on the market

Check out the best speakers

Here are the best soundbars

The biggest FIFA World Cup in history is finally here. While France, Argentina, Spain, and England arrive as the favorites, this edition will feature a record 48 teams competing across 104 matches from June 11 to July 19 in 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Naturally, with the tournament spanning more than a month, there's a good chance you could be travelling abroad for a few games – or even for the entirety of the World Cup. If that happens, you may find yourself geo-blocked from accessing your usual World Cup live streams.

That's where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in. It's a simple piece of software that makes your device appear as though it's located in a different country, allowing you to watch World Cup 2026 live streams from anywhere in the world.

To help you stay connected to every match, we've found what we believe is the best VPN deal for streaming the FIFA World Cup 2026: Norton VPN. Right now, you can get it for just £2.50 per month, and it also comes with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Can I watch the World Cup for free?

Every game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is free-to-air in several countries across the globe:

• UK: BBC / ITV
• Australia: SBS On Demand
• Brazil: CazéTV's YouTube
• Belgium: RTBF / VRT
• Ireland: RTE Player
• Netherlands: NOS
• Switzerland: SRF Play / RTS Play / RSI Play
• Turkey: TRT

If you're from one of these countries but are currently abroad and want to watch a FIFA World Cup 2026 live stream, you can simply use a VPN. As mentioned above, Norton VPN is our #1 recommendation for streaming the World Cup.

What devices are supported by Norton VPN?

Norton VPN is available for Windows™ PC, Mac®, iOS and Android™ devices, Google TV and Apple TV. Windows support includes devices using x86/x64 and Snapdragon X (Plus and Elite)/ARM chips.

Windows™ Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows 11/10 (all versions except Windows 11/10 in S mode),
Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 (all versions),
Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) with Service Pack 1 (SP 1) or later.

Mac® Operating Systems

Mac running the current and previous two versions of Apple® macOS.

Android™ Operating Systems

Android running 10.0 or later. Must have Google Play app installed.
Google TV running Android TV OS 10.0 or later.

iOS Operating Systems

iPhones or iPads running the current and previous two versions of Apple® iOS.
Apple TV running the current and previous version of Apple® tvOS.

Fire OS Operating Systems

Amazon Fire TV device running Fire OS 8 and newer.

Browser extension

Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge for Windows
Mozilla Firefox

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Apple held its annual WWDC press conference last night, and while iOS, MacOS and iPadOS stole the limelight, tvOS was barely acknowledged.

Despite that, Apple has officially confirmed that tvOS 27 will launch this year, and it looks to be a bigger upgrade than we were expecting.

The focus this year is speed, which means your ageing Apple TV box – need we remind you that Apple last refreshed its Award-winning streaming box in 2022 – is about to get more responsive.

Apple claims that app opening speeds are expected to improve by 30 per cent, and animations are set to become smoother too. Control Centre is also becoming more responsive and connecting to other Apple devices, be that streaming content to your TV from an iPhone or outputting TV audio to HomePods, will also be faster.

Two key audio apps are getting upgrades as part of tvOS 27 as well. Apple Music receives a major boost in the form of Hi-Res Lossless (24-bit/192kHz) support and faster playback, and the Podcasts app is getting a full redesign for both audio and video podcasts playback.

General updates come in the form of better Apple HomeKit integration (ideal for smart home users), reduced app file sizes, support for smart downloads, and the ability to view Apple Care coverage in the settings app.

The upcoming tvOS 27 update is expected to launch later this year – Apple tends to launch its updates in September to coincide with the annual hardware launch event – and it will be supported on the second and third generation Apple TV 4K boxes.

This marks the end of support for the Apple TV HD from 2015, as well as the first-generation Apple TV 4K from 2017.

While it's encouraging to see Apple release an update that improves general performance on the current-generation Apple TV 4K, we hope that this new version of tvOS is laying the groundwork for the much-rumoured fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The update is expected to launch later this year with the new Siri AI features coming with iOS 27.

MORE:

Check out our full Apple TV 4K (2022) review

Here are our picks for the best streaming devices

As well as the best streaming services for TV shows and movies

The World Cup is here. The festival of football spans 11th June to 19th July, and will see a record 48 countries compete for the ultimate prize in world football.

And you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your own home in glorious 4K / UHD, from wherever you are in the world. Here's how.

How to watch the World Cup in 4K for free

BBC iPlayer is showing 54 games in 4K (ITV sticks to HD, sadly). The first England game in 4K will be England vs Ghana (23rd June). BBC iPlayer is free with a TV license.

Want all 104 games in 4K? The CazeTV YouTube platform will stream all 104 matches of the tournament in 4K in Brazil, though they will be in Portuguese. It too is free to watch.

If you're travelling outside the UK or Brazil during the tournament, you can still access the 4K streams using a VPN (changes your country IP address with a click).

Can I watch the 2026 World Cup in 4K in USA?

Fubo is a great way to see all the World Cup 2026 matches in 4K. It gives you access to Fox and FS1, bringing you all 104 matches in the unrivalled quality of 4K. There's a five-day free trial too, if you just want to catch a key game or want to sample it before committing. And if you're busy at the time, you can use the service's Cloud DVR feature to record the games to watch later.

DirecTV also carries both Fox and FS1 in the Base tier, giving you access to all 104 games in 4K. This service is closer to a traditional cable-style experience, but with the convenience of streaming. 4K comes as part of DirecTV's Choice, Ultimate and Premier tiers.

Watching the World Cup in 4K through Slingis less straightforward. Because Sling doesn't carry native 4K channels, you can't watch in that quality through Sling. But a Sling subscription does include access to the Fox Sports App, which will show the games in 4K. The Fox Sports App is available on Roku, Apple TV 4K and Amazon Fire TV devices.

You can also watch all 104 games in 4K on Fox One.

Can I watch the World Cup in 4K in the UK?

Yes – but there's a catch.

As usual, the BBC and ITV will share the matches shown in the UK. All 54 of the BBC's matches will be shown in 4K on iPlayer, but ITV and ITVX are limited to HD.

Can I watch the World Cup in 4K in Australia?

Australian broadcaster SBS has the rights to show all 104 matches live, but it will do so in HD, not 4K. If you've travelled to Australia during the tournament, however, you can watch in 4K through your home country's service using a VPN like Norton VPN.

Can I watch the World Cup in 4K anywhere else?

Now TV in Hong Kong will show all of the tourney's 104 matches live in 4K. You can sign up to the FIFA World Cup Event Pass, or add the AI Buddy Pass – this "integrates metaphysical wisdom with advanced artificial intelligence, combining data analytics and metaphysical insights to deliver World Cup matching analysis, and provides match strategies." It'll be like having Gary Lineker next to you on the sofa.

Verdict

We were hoping 4K would be the standard format for broadcasting big events like the World Cup by now, but sadly that's not the case – a surprising number of broadcasters are sticking with HD. Thankfully there are still some options for those of us who really value picture quality, and with a VPN, you can watch them even if you're away from home.

Also, 4K upscaling is more advanced than ever, so if you've got one of the best TVs around, even an HD broadcast will look pretty great.

However you watch, the tournament promises to be a doozy. Enjoy!

MORE:

How to watch 2026 FIFA World Cup for FREE

A TV is for life, not just the World Cup – three things to remember before you impulse-buy that new TV

World Cup 2026: Best headphones for keeping up with the football

The best World Cup songs to test your system

Marshall has added to its extensive roster of Bluetooth speakers with the new Stockwell III.

Designed for listeners "who want powerful sound without sacrificing portability", the new speaker makes use of Marshall's 'True Stereophonic 360-degree' sound technology, designed to fill any space with more immersive, expansive audio.

The Stockwell III also features a 'Dynamic Loudness' feature which automatically balances bass, mid and treble frequencies "to preserve detail and clarity" at any volume.

Marshall's latest can stretch to around 40 hours of battery life, while an IP55 dust and waterproof rating add to its portable credentials. You an also use the speaker as a charging bank to give portable devices such as smartphones a quick charge on the go.

To behold, the Stockwell III is very much a Marshall product, designed to look like a mini guitar amp and boasting a leather carry strap, top-mounted control dials and an external grille emblazoned with the Marshall logo.

According to Simon Berbec, Product Manager at Marshall Group: “Since launching Stockwell II in 2019, technology has moved fast, and Stockwell III takes full benefit from this. Extended battery life, more powerful acoustics, and improved water and dust protection are just some of the key enhancements we’ve made."

The Marshall Stockwell III will be available from 25th August in black and brass or cream colourways, priced at £200 / $250.

MORE:

10 of the most exciting hi-fi products we saw at High End Vienna 2026

Rewind: Promising releases from High End Vienna, Esoteric’s streaming preamp reviewed, the best World Cup tunes and more

Best Bluetooth speakers: the finest portable sound around

Hands up if at least one of England's Euro 2020 goals was spoiled by the roar from a neighbour's house or the pub down the road?

If you, like me, have your hand up – and you're a Sky customer – you're going to love this upgrade that is rolling out to Sky Glass and Sky Stream.

That upgrade is 'Real Time', and it's designed to reduce latency when watching sport on Sky Glass/Stream – just in time for the World Cup.

Sky Glass and Stream have a fair amount of delay when compared with Sky Q and Freeview via the aerial – about 35-40 seconds against Sky Q's 10-15 seconds and Freeview's 8-10 seconds – but Sky tells me that Real Time reduces this by 22 seconds, and that this makes it "just 3 seconds behind Sky Q".

That means that the delay on Sky Stream should be down to around 13-18 seconds, which should be close enough to significantly reduce the chance of hearing about a goal before you see it.

Here's a graph showing the different delays of the various broadcast/reception methods, because I like that sort of thing:

Broadcast / reception delay

Here's how long, in seconds, it takes each broadcast type to show you a goal that's just been scored

Delay

Live

0

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Sky's new Real Time feature brings Sky Glass and Sky Stream within touching distance of watching via your TV's aerial

Sky Glass and Stream have actually had a low-latency feature for a while, but only for the Sky Sports Main Event channel.

That's no good for the World Cup, though, because all World Cup matches are broadcast in the UK by the BBC and ITV.

That's where Real Time comes in: it works on the BBC HD, ITV1 HD and ITV4 HD channels. And while Sky's press release mentions a somewhat vague "select live sports", a representative confirmed to me that all World Cup 2026 matches will be available with Real Time.

It's worth noting that Real Time won't be activated by default. Instead, once you tune in to the channel showing your match, a Real Time button will pop up. Select that, and the latency should immediately drop.

Another thing to note is that Real Time only works on the HD channels mentioned above. If you want to watch the World Cup in 4K, you will have to do so via BBC iPlayer, but you will have to accept around 40 seconds of delay in that case: the Beeb has been working on low-latency streaming for a while now, but it's seemingly not ready for wholesale rollout.

As always, actual delays can vary depending on factors such as broadband performance and how content is being delivered, but cutting more than 20 seconds from Glass and Stream's latency is a genuinely meaningful improvement.

For football fans, especially during a World Cup summer, it could make spoiled goals a thing of the past. That's a big win in my book.

MORE:

Check out our Sky Stream review, our Sky Glass Gen 2 review, and our Sky Glass Air review

Here are all of the best TVs you can buy right now

Apple has announced iOS 27 during its WWDC26 keynote, and it comes with a major upgrade for AirPods users.

The latest version of Apple's mobile operating system comes with a revamped interface for AirPods, with a more customisable EQ interface that will allow for greater sound customisation.

Apple briefly showed the new user interface screen during its presentation; included were "recommended" and "custom" options. Below is where you'll find a graph-style interface, which allows users to specifically tweak low, mid and high frequencies.

Apple has also included a note that reads: "AirPods are designed and engineered by Apple to faithfully represent music, TV shows, movies, and calls. If you prefer a different sound profile, you can customise how AirPods represent any audio played."

This signals to us that these EQs will be applied to anything played through your AirPods. Previously, Apple has offered custom EQ options through Apple Music, but these only apply to music played through the service.

Furthermore, Apple has buried a very small selection of pre-set EQ profiles within the accessibility section of the Settings app since iOS 14; but they're more rigid, pre-defined options, including "balanced tone", "vocal range", and "brightness".

While we'll need to wait until iOS 27 launches later this year, it will be interesting to see if this software update will make the five-star AirPods Pro 3 even better, or even improve the four-star AirPods Max 2.

iOS 27 is coming to all iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards, including the Award-winning iPhone 17.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best AirPods

As well as our Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation review

And check out the best AirPods alternatives

If you thought Sony was done revealing new TVs after its latest Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II announcements, then think again.

After an OLED-less lineup left us wondering if we'll ever see a new OLED from the company again, there is a glimmer of hope thanks to a leaked listing that mentions a new model – but it's not what we were expecting.

According to a post on AVS Forum (via FlatPanelsHD), Sony will launch the Bravia 6 later this year, and it is a step-down OLED that's set to compete with the LG B6 and Samsung S85H.

The Award-winning duo of OLEDs in Sony's current TV lineup, the Bravia 8 and Bravia 8 II, will remain on sale for the foreseeable future, with the Bravia 6 expected to sit lower in the lineup. In fact, it is looking like Sony will position this below its new Bravia 7 II and Bravia 9 II RGB Mini LED models.

Screen sizes are rumoured to range from 48 to 83 inches. Sony is also expected to use the A60 model number for this set.

Specific model numbers have leaked with corresponding screen size indicators, such as K-48A60 for the 48-inch model.

The post on AVS Forum also claims that Sony will use MediaTek Pentonic 800 chipset, which is the same one found on the new Bravia 3 II.

This should delight gaming fans, as the Bravia 6 will reportedly be the first Sony OLED TV to feature four full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 sockets.

The mid-range chipset and the name of this TV suggest the TV will sit in the middle of Sony's current range, which gives us a hint towards the panel technology it could use.

We expect it to feature LG Display's OLED SE panel, which has been specifically designed and tailored to entry-level OLED TVs, such as the Samsung and LG we've mentioned above.

The launch of a new "small" OLED TV could also signal the end for one of the longest-running TVs on the market.

The Sony A90K, which launched in 42-inch and 48-inch screen size options back in 2022, might finally be replaced by this supposed Bravia 6. Is this the end of an era?

For those wondering where this leak originated, we'll have to direct you to Sony itself. The Bravia 6 was explicitly mentioned on a wall-mounting compatibility page from Sony's very own website; you can find the webpage here, but all traces of the Bravia 6 have been completely scrubbed from existence.

Ultimately, we have to take all leaks with a pinch of salt, and nothing is set in stone until Sony confirms the Bravia 6's existence.

We've reached out to Sony for official comment...

MORE:

Read our full Sony Bravia 8 review

As well as our LG C6 review

And check out our picks for the best OLED TVs

We're big fans of AudioQuest's DragonFly range of DACs / headphone amps, so a new model is cause for celebration. The DragonFly Copper claims to be AudioQuest's most powerful and efficient DAC yet, and builds on the Award-winning Red and Cobalt models.

We're promised "gradual refinements" through better parts and materials. But these refinements should add up to some sizeable gains – the new 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC / headphone amp promises twice the output power of any previous model, while the new Microchip Technology Microprocessor reduces the current draw by 25 per cent and improves supply-chain efficiency.

It also promises lower noise and distortion, and has a high-conductivity copper-plated case for improved RF-noise drainage.

The case is "informed and inspired by" the RF-draining barrels of AudioQuest's Mythical Creatures interconnects. We had a first look at the Copper at High End Vienna 2026, and as before, the USB-shaped DAC has a USB type A connection at one end, with a 3.5mm headphone/audio output at the other. A USB-C adapter is also included.

The tiny DAC offers a lot of what made its predecessors so well regarded, including compatibility with digital files from hi-res to the lowly MP3, the ability to work with iOS and Android devices and Apple and Windows computers, and the capability to drive headphones and feed preamps, amps and powered speakers.

We love the now-retired DragonFly Cobalt, noting in our review that it "does wonders in cleaning up our laptop’s performance, no matter what kind of file we feed it... It is such an incredibly precise rendering that we almost feel duty-bound to play our highest-resolution recordings through it."

The AudioQuest DragonFly Copper goes on sale in September for £230 / $250 (around AU$430). We'll bring you a full review as soon as we can.

MORE:

Read our AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt review

And our AudioQuest DragonFly Red review

The best DACs to improve your sound

The 2026 French Open final is here as Alexander Zverev takes on Flavio Cobolli.

The big guns may be out, but no.3 seed Zverev has made it to the final and could finally achieve that maiden grand slam. His opponent: Cobolli, is also a eyeing a maiden Major win.

Stay up to date with all the action right here, with live updates and free streams as we bring you coverage of the men's French Open final.

French Open Final: The Essentials

• Date: 7 June 2026
• Match Start: 2pm BST / 9am ET / 11pm AEST
• Free Streams: 9Now (Australia) / France TV (France)
• UK Stream: TNT Sports / HBO Max
• US Stream: TNT / TruTV / HBO Max
• Unlock your free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free)

Welcome to our French Open final live blog!

An unpredictable final in an unpredictable French Open

Heat exhaustion. Multiple walkovers. Big players eliminated early on. A virus wiping out a semifinalist. This French Open has been full of drama on and off court.

With very few high seeded players left in the tournament by the quarterfinals alone, there's been very little data to actually predict how these underdogs would play on the world stage.

However, we've been treated to some new names and some that haven't been able to shine as much, and Zverev and Cobolli are two of those.

We'll let you know more about these players, the journey on how they got here, the tournament information today and how to watch the whole thing.

Stay with us as our coverage starts now and all throughout the game, due to start at 2pm GMT!

How to watch the French Open final

If you're in Australia or France, you're in luck!

Down under have got a free stream on Australia's 9Now and if you're in France the imaginatively titled France TV will also be showing free coverage of the final.

For those based in the US and UK, TNT Sports / HBO Max have a monopoly on the match so you'll have to fork out for a subscription...

However, you can unlock these free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free)

One hour until the match!

One hour until the biggest annual tennis match in France.

Zverev and Cobolli, two very close friends, will soon become two very formidable opponents to the other in a match which will make a chance from the classic Sinner v Alcaraz combo that's dominated the major Grand Slams for the last few years.

We'll let you know the favourite, the stats and everything else you need to know in the build up right here.

Zverev warms up on court

World number three and French Open seed number two - due to Alcaraz unable to play - is currently warming up.

Zverev has had three finals defeats to his name - only a Wimbledon final has eluded him - so you sense that he believes cometh the man cometh the hour.

He's got an edge having played these intense finals compared to Cobolli, and he knows what the pressure can do. Will he be able to bring his A-game for the most important match of his career?

Cobolli: the untested underdog

Cobolli, the number ten seed in the tournament, was not a name many were familiar with before the French Open but he's proved himself a worthy finalist.

Look at his track record throughout the tournament: he's won straight sets for most games and only dropped one set twice. He's never had to take a game to any more than four sets, so don't write Cobolli off.

Yes, it's true that this has been an unusual tournament with all the surprises and walkovers, including a lucky break for Cobolli's cancelled semifinal against Arnaldi. The Italian has only had to play two seeded players, his biggest challenge being number four seed Auger-Aliassime, so has had a relatively easy path to the final.

The bookies have Zverev down as the clear favourite, the TNT pundits mostly reckon the German will win in four sets...but will Cobolli rise to the challenge?

A reminder how to watch the final for FREE

You can enjoy the French Open for free on Australia's 9Now and if you're in France on France TV.

Not based in France or Australia? No problem, unlock these free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free).

The match is about to start!

Take your seats and prepare for the players to take their place on court!

We'll be reporting on every minute of the action right here.

Pom-poms aplenty

The French are treating the crowd to some cheerleading before the game.

You sense the crowd would just prefer the tennis to get underway but the pre-show has become as much a part of the sport now so we'll just wait for it to finish.

The players wait in the wings.

The players are about to enter...

Not a hard 2pm start in Paris. A bit of a delayed start with all the celebrations and pre-hype, really milking the moment for all its worth.

The players are both in the same locker room, checking their phones and in their own zones, both wanting to get started.

But here they come...

German and Italian fans raise the roof

Both players receive great receptions from their fans, Zverev receiving a larger cheer due to his profile.

Formalities ensue as they walk onto the court, do the coin toss (Zverev wins), get the photo done. Warm up now.

It's nearly time!

Not based in France or Australia for their free streams? No problem, unlock these free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free).

Zverev wins the first point

Cobolli serves first, Zverev chose to receive in a curious decision maybe to put the pressure on the Italian for his first Grand Slam final, and loses his first point.

He loses the next point too but claims his first point after that.

15-30.

Zverev breakes Cobolli's serve in the first game (just)

A sign of things to come?

Zverev led the long first game after the first nervous few points from Cobolli but the Italian settled down and took it to deuce several times.

However, after making mistakes on three of his advantage points, Zverev eventually won the first game in a very controlling start.

The pre-match photo: will they be friends at the end of the match?

The two players looked comfortable with each other but remained distant in the same locker room.

Much has been made of their friendship but the second they're on court that will be out the window.

Which friend will ultimately triumph?

Zverev wins his serve

The German breezed through his first service to claim a second game in the first set.

Pressure back on Cobolli. This could be a quick one if the Italian doesn't hold his own early on.

Pressure (slightly) off Cobolli

His first game won in a Grand Slam final, Cobolli can breathe a slight sigh of relief as he fights back against Zverev.

However, the ball is very much still in his court (excuse the well worn pun) as he trails by one game which could make all the difference.

Let's see how this plays out.

Zverev leads 3 games to 1

Zverev looks calm and collected as he chalks up another game.

Pressure on the Italian's serve again as he trails 1-3. Cobolli is fighting for every point as he battles nerves and pressure in this final.

Zverev breaks a second service game

The Italian is struggling in this first set as Zverev wins another game, Cobolli's third service game.

He's in trouble now and in some ways maybe it would best to reset for the second set and come back stronger but he'll be playing every point to win.

Zverev leads 4-1.

The German picks up a fifth game win

Zverev leads 5-1, needing just to break Cobolli's serve or win his next service game to take the first set.

He looks inevitable for a first set win but can the Italian settle down for the remaining sets?

Zverev decisively claims the first set

Well, the writing was on the wall and Zverev claims victory in the first set in 35 minutes.

The crowd will be hoping for a bit more of a compelling subsequent sets but who knows if that will be possible to expect this of Cobolli.

Come on, Cobolli

Zverev takes his opening service game easily and now Cobolli will battle for every point to keep him going through his own service games.

He's made 17 unforced errors so far, let's hope he can make less to put the pressure back on the German.

So far, so good for the Italian's second set

While Cobolli is playing better this set, not yet dropping a service game, it does feel like he's on defence rather than attack.

This strategy will only get him so far unless he wants to enter three set tiebreakers. More brutal play will be the way to beat the German, take a page from his book.

Zverev leads the second set 2-1.

Zverev sweeping through his service game

The German has an incredible serve, helped by his tall stature, and he's making all his service games look effortless so far.

He's looking for a chink in Cobolli's armour when facing his friend's serve and you sense if the Italian lets up even a little, he'll see that second set within his grasp.

Zverev leads the second set 3-2.

First break point opportunity for Cobolli

Things are getting interesting!

Cobolli had a great opportunity for a breakpoint against Zverev and after a length 20+ shot rally he didn't manage to win it but it's a wakeup call for sure.

Cobolli break's Zverev's serve!

Don't write off the Italian!

Zverev had a rude awakening in this seventh game of the second set as Cobolli brought it to deuce four times - including two break points - which he eventually turned into his first win of a Zverev service game.

Don't get me wrong, he had to really work hard for it but now the pressure is on the German for the first game in the match.

Cobolli leads 4-3 in the second set.

Cobolli one game away from winning the second set

That's why we love tennis, you just can't predict what's going to happen.

It's fitting for one of the most unpredictable Grand Slams in recent history that the final should reflect that too.

Can the Italian win either of the next games to match the German in sets?

Zverev holds on to his service game (just)

He may have not won Zverv's last service game but he's certainly won the crowd here at Roland-Garros by the sounds of it.

Cobolli made Zverev work hard once again for his serve but the Italian still has a chance to win a set in his own service game.

Cobolli leads the second set 5-4.

Cobolli wins the second set!

Strap in folks, we may have a long one ahead of us.

Cobolli rose to the challenge and after two lengthy Zverev service games managed to break his serve in a thrilling turnaround.

You can barely blame the Italian for struggling with his first set in his first final but let's remember that he did have to dig deep for those victorious games against Zverev.

Who will win this test of perseverance?

Zverev wins his first game

The German now has something to prove as he manages to secure the first game of the third set.

Rattled? Yes. Determined? More than ever.

Zverev feeling the heat

Scoring a double fault on his advantage point, Zverev looked like he was feeling the pressure a bit but he managed to secure another game in this all-important third set.

Zverev leads the set 2 games to 1 as Cobolli serves now.

Cobolli holds his nerve

Down two break points, Cobolli handled his nerve and brought it back to deuce and then a win.

Zverev should have taken advantage of this but the Italian was determined not to lose another service game and took it to 2-2 in the third set.

Set 3: 3-3

One set each and three games each in this third set.

It couldn't be any closer with these two players who on paper were looking like a clear winner with Zverev and an untested underdog with Cobolli.

Winning this set will be an important mental advantage for either player so all to play for...

Zverev wins his service set in style

A cheeky little dink over the net at an extreme angle that Cobolli can't return, that's how Zverev wins his last service game.

Again, no one dropping a game yet so maybe we'll see the first tiebreaker of the final. Pressure on Cobolli now to win his service set or Zverev will take the all-important third set.

Zverev leads 5-4 in the third set.

Zverev clinches a vital second set

It could've easily been a tiebreaker set but Zverev refused to let it go to chance.

For 43 minutes of this 46 minute set it really could have gone either way but in a final triumphant three minutes Zverev dominated Cobolli's service game.

Will the Italian come back strong?

Cobolli starts off strong in this fourth set

Breaking Zverev's serve and winning his own service game, the Italian is making a statement.

The German is now under pressure, shows you can't rest on your laurels too much even in a winning position.

Cobolli leads the fourth set 2-0.

Zverev breaks back and equalises!

Zverev didn't like being on the back foot this set after winning the last, but it only took a few points to change that.

The pendulum that is this match has swung back to favour Zverev but who know how long that will last.

Will the German turn things around and maybe be one step closer to victory?

Both players are equal on 3-3 in this fourth set.

A break serve...and then another break serve!

Minutes after Zverev breaks Cobolli's serve, Cobolli breaks Zverev serve!

You just can't call it at this point as it looks like it may go to five sets.

Cobolli leads 4 games to 3 in this fourth set.

Cobolli secures a fifth game...are we looking at five sets?

Looking to break Zverev's serve or win his next serving game, Cobolli could clinch this set as he leads 5-3.

It's lovely that both players have allowed the other to win the following set and maybe points to the inconsistency of their own play and the challenges they face against the other.

Don't go anywhere, and if you're not based in France or Australia unlock their free streams with NordVPN (75% off + 3 months free).

Zverev brings it back to 5-5

This could be a tiebreaker or if Zverev digs in it could be a winning fourth set for the German.

More dramatic is Zverev rushing off to his trainer to get some medication, an unprecedented measure considering the physio is right on court available, and for this he is given a time violation.

Let's see how this plays out...

Zverev a game away from victory!

The physio is on to help Zverev get over the line but he just needs to win this next service game of Cobolli to win the match!

Drama is not in short supply here.

Tiebreaker it is!

Wow, this is incredible.

The momentum has been constantly shifting but Cobolli held his nerve winning his service game and brings it to a tiebreaker to potentially decide the winner.

1-0 to Cobolli

A lovely shot behind Zverev as Cobolli scores the first point in a tiebreaker.

1-1

After the huge psychological advantage of winning the first point, Zverev manages to win the next.

Cobolli to serve.

Zverev leads 2-1

Zverev claims another point.

Worth mentioning here that the German has won 12 tiebreakers in a row at Roland-Garros so he's very much the favourite in this discipline.

3-1 to the German

Zverev has nerves of steel in a beautiful rally.

This will be a hell of a comeback if the Italian can pull it off but he'll have to work hard.

3-3, the Italian brings it back!

Cobolli claims two quick successive point to stop the bulldozing from the German.

Nail biting stuff.

Cobolli leads!

It's flipped around, after losing by two points - he's now won three successive points.

Will he continue?

Cobolli has a two point lead!

Five sets? I'm not sure I can cope with all this.

Cobolli has 1 set point!

Two set points up, Cobolli squanders an easy point but he has one more chance.

The Italian brings it to five sets!

Wow, nerves of steel from Cobolli.

He wins the tie breaker and breaks the German's streak of winning these at Roland-Garros.

Grab a drink and come back in a few minutes for the conclusive final act.

2 sets each and one final set left to play.

Cobolli defies the odds

You've got to hand it to the underdog, he's playing an absolute blinder.

If you've placed a bet on the Italian you could be looking at a very tasty payout. Let's check in with that later.

He's a game down with Zverev having broken his serving game but the way it's been back and forth you just don't know.

Zverev has the clear advantage

Fifth set it may be but if Cobolli doesn't respond to Zverev's 2-0 lead then it'll be over quickly.

Some great points but a few unforced hours, to be expected after nearly hours hours of play from both.

Zverev leads 2-0 in the final set.

It's the beginning of the end

Zverev has silenced the critics in this final set.

He's not let his Italian opponent have a single game, fighting to the bitter end for every point. He wants this.

Zverev leads 4-0 in this final decisive set.

One game separates Zverev from his first Grand Slam title

Zverev needs to gather all his strength for the next few minutes to seal the deal on this final set.

5-1 to Zverev and all he needs his one more game.

Zverev wins the men's single French Open 2026 title!

Immediately breaking down in tears, Zverev has finally achieved what he's always wanted: a Grand Slam title.

Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, the German player was very much seen as one of the great players to never have won a Grand Slam title.

And congratulations to Cobolli for putting up a hell of a fight compared to the bloodbath that people thought it would be.

Final score for Zverev/Cobolli: 6-1 4-6 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-1.

The moment Zverev won

The moment Zverev lifts his first Grand Slam trophy

That's all folks!

Well, that's it for this year's French Open!

Zverev won his first Grand Slam in an emotional victory, but Cobolli put up a hell of a fight over 4 hours. All in all, a great end to a thrilling tournament.

I'm going to get some food and rest after seven hours of reporting. I've been Dan, thanks for reading and until next time!

Progress really is amazing. Just two years after we awarded five stars to the iFi Go Link Max DAC, iFi has launched a sequel that is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and with lower distortion to boot.

The iFi Go Link 2 Max is again a highly pocketable portable DAC for listening on the go. But this model can receive over-the-air updates via the iFi Nexis app, though these are available only to Android users at the moment.

The app also has two digital filters – hybrid and linear – so you can tweak the sound profile to your exact taste.

Like its predecessor, the Go Link 2 Max acts as the middle man between your music source and your wired headphones. Plug it into each, and it will boost the sound quality, with THD compensation reducing distortion by over 50 per cent compared with the five-star Go Link Max.

It has the same maximum power output of 241mW as its predecessor, while its balanced architecture claims “improved dynamics, lower noise and greater sonic control”.

Inside are two ESS Sabre DAC chips, one for each audio channel. This allows for superior definition and instrument separation, while Dynamic Range Enhancement (DRE) provides +6dB additional range between the loudest and quietest parts in your music, making both more engaging.

It also includes iFi’s S-Balanced tech. This applies balanced circuitry principles to the 3.5mm headphone output, reducing by half the crosstalk between headphone channels.

Quad DAC+ and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technologies combine with iFi’s dedicated GMT clock circuitry to provide low distortion, and better clarity and musical timing.

The silver copper cable has polymer insulation and a “twisted pair” design, which reduces inductance and capacitance while helping to quash unwanted noise. And because it has volume controls on the hardware itself, it doesn’t decrease the amount of data sent to the DACs, and hence retains the musical details.

All this, and it manages to be 3g lighter and slightly smaller than its predecessor. It looks very good indeed, and given the resurgence in popularity of wired headphones at the moment, we’re probably not the only ones eager to take it for a spin.

The iFi Go Link 2 Max costs £85 / $85 (around AU$160) and is currently listed as sold out on iFi’s website, so expect it to go on sale very soon.

MORE:

Read our iFi Go Link Max review

Also consider the AudioQuest DragonFly Red

Best DACs: USB, desktop and portable digital-to-analogue converters

One of the drawbacks of physical media is that it degrades over time. Cassette tape stretches, CDs get scratched, and vinyl… well that’s possibly the most delicate format of all.

But now you can bring your old records back to life for a very small fee, thanks to this offer from Keith Monks. The renowned record-cleaning company is offering a free 100ml sample of its discOvery 33/45 cleaning fluid, complete with an application roller and instructions for use.

All you have to pay is the £5 postage.

This fluid usually costs £50 for a litre bottle.

Keith Monks, is a very well regarded name in the vinyl cleaning world. It created the world’s first professional record cleaning machine, and its products are used by The British Library and the US Library Of Congress.

Sadly it isn’t giving away one of its machines (which cost upwards of £2000), but a 100ml bottle of cleaning fluid from its discOvery range. The recipe dates from 1976, and contains only pure botanicals and renewable natural ingredients, along with laboratory-grade, triple-filtered demineralised water. There’s no alcohol, or artificial chemicals or additives.

It claims to remove “static, surface noise, grit, grease, fume residue, and residues left by other fluids”. It coats the vinyl in a thin, protective layer to prolong the life of both the record and the stylus. The discOvery 33/45 being given away is for use on standard vinyl, with one litre cleaning up to 200 12-inch LPs.

As well as getting the 100ml bottle for a fiver, you’ll get 15 per cent off your next accessories order. You pay via PayPal to kmonksrcm@gmail.com. Keith Monks will post a bottle anywhere in the world for the same price.

So will it work? Now’s your chance to find out.

MORE:

Don’t dismiss the dirt – cleaning your records properly could revitalise your vinyl collection

How to clean vinyl records at home (and keep them clean in the first place)

Forget vinyl, reel-to-reel tapes are the last word in sound quality – and they’re making a comeback

Vacuum tube amplifiers have long been central to McIntosh's approach to high-end audio, but it hasn't launched an integrated model in over a decade. Until now – meet the MA2375, a vacuum tube integrated amp fit for the modern day.

It combines a fully analogue vacuum tube preamplifier and power amplifier in a single component, and offers 75 watts per channel. Along with McIntosh Unity Coupled Circuit Output Transformers, it's capable of providing consistent performance across a range of 4-, 8- or 16-ohm speakers.

You know it's a McIntosh just from looking at it, thanks to the polished stainless steel chassis, visible tube illumination and of course those signature blue watt meters. (The fact it bears a striking McIntosh logo in the company's green also helps.)

The built-in Power Guard Screen Grid Sensor (SGS) tech and Sentry Monitor fuse-less protection should ensure it runs for years to come. And its range of analogue and digital ports (including a configurable phono input, subwoofer and preamplifier outputs, Data Ports and an RS232 control port) means it'll play nice with both traditional and modern setups alike.

The MA2375 also has a 5-band analogue equaliser, four KT88 output tubes and four 12AT7 driver tubes, and two 12AX7A and two 12AT7 preamp tubes. The speaker binding posts are gold-plated Solid Cinch, while the Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD) helps it drive more demanding headphones.

The MA2375 is out now, and costs £16,900 (around $23,000 / AU$32,000).

MORE:

Bose took over McIntosh a couple of years ago

Here's why that's a good thing

McIntosh's House of Sound NYC townhouse is the AV pad of our dreams

We're at High End Vienna 2026 and while there's been plenty of new products announced (including the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond D5, Cambridge Audio Evo 300 and Arcam A50 Signature), we've also seen previews of new products that are on the horizon.

One of those is the upcoming Dual CS 629Q, which is due in mid-2027, and we've seen a prototype of the new model on display at the show.

The CS 629Q is a fully automatic turntable, and boasts a newly developed direct-drive motor with that is specifically designed for integration with Dual's automatic mechanism.

The brand says the new drive has been engineered for "exceptional smoothness and precise speed stability" with the record player offering "effortless operation."

As with the CS 529 BT (launched in 2024), the automatic controls include start and stop, repeat and electronic speed selection (33/45/75 RPM), with the new model now gaining a pause feature.

It also comes with Bluetooth streaming and an app that allows you to control the automatic turntable from the comfort of your sofa. Handy.

Dual's first fully automatic direct drive turntable was the CS 701 from 1973, while the CS 650 RC (from 1979/80) came with a remote control. The new premium CS 629Q combines the brand's historical core ideas and updates it for the present day, with Dual aiming to blend audiophile sound quality with intuitive, contemporary operation.

The Dual CS 629Q is expected to launch worldwide next year, with an expected price of €1800.

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Clearaudio unveils five (!) new turntables, including a new range and a Beatles tribute deck

An iconic 80-year-old hi-fi speaker just got a spectacular limited-edition upgrade

High End Vienna 2026: all the news from Europe's biggest hi-fi show

This is a big one: British brand Bowers & Wilkins has announced the new model in its legendary 800 Series Diamond range – and during its 60th anniversary year. The D5 is the fifth generation of the 800 Series to feature the Diamond Dome tweeter; it follows multiple five-star and Award-winning entries.

So what’s new? The D5 range includes new technology, a refined design and new finishes to deliver what B&W claims is its most advanced speaker range ever.

You can read our first impressions here: I've had a first listen to Bowers & Wilkins' new flagship 800 Series Diamond speakers – and now I'm desperate to hear more

The range comprises seven models: the two-way 805 D5 standmount, 804 D5, 803 D5, 802 D5 and 801 D5 three-way floorstanders, and HTM81 D5 and HTM82 D5 centre channel speakers for home cinema use.

Like previous models in the Diamond series, the speakers are luxuriously designed. The new models have new top plates, spines and plinths, and revised drive unit pods, tweeter bodies, trim rings and grilles. They also have new finishes with more durable paint than previous models.

We also get tighter production tolerances, with visible transitions between surfaces minimised, fixings hidden and gaps between panels greatly reduced. All of which should amount to a more seamless and premium finish.

There are improvements under the hood, too, resulting in “more openness, lower distortion, heightened resolution and superior dynamics,” B&W says. One of the highlights is Space Frame Bracing, which features parallel aluminium bracing rails that are periodically enforced longitudinally and transversely bolted onto the rear of the Matrix inside the speaker cabinet. This stiffens the inside of the enclosure, reducing the unwanted impact of vibrations and resonances.

The new plinths have been redesigned to match the form of the cabinet they support. They have new metal trims and have been extended to conceal the speakers’ wheels and spikes to make them more aesthetically pleasing. They benefit from constrained-layer and tuned-mass damping, again to reduce unwanted output.

The new aluminium top-plate braces the top section with thicker aluminium ribbing sections for greater stiffness. It also has more mechanical location points and revised coupling mounts, and an upgraded collar trimmed in Leather by Connolly.

The 804 D5 features an internal aluminium enclosure for its Continuum Cone FST assembly. This is derived from the stiff Turbine Head structure used on all larger floorstanding 800 Series Diamond models, and isolates the midrange assembly while also providing a consistent mechanical decoupling point for the drive unit. All of which should make for a more free and open sound from the Continuum Cone midrange.

All the new speakers have the same tweeter grille mesh design as the 801 D4 Signature, but made more acoustically transparent for greater resolution. Each midrange, bass/midrange and bass drive unit in the new range has lower-distortion motor systems based on Signature-specification components. Which should deliver a “cleaner, more accurate sounding presentation with better resolution, transient response and dynamics.”

They also have upgraded crossovers, again derived from B&W’s Signature speakers, and new wiring harnesses with higher-quality cabling and terminal post links for better resolution.

New stereo models benefit from a crossover assembly which is housed on an all-aluminium plate construction which is coupled into both the cabinet and the rear Space Frame Bracing using substantial M8 and M4 fixings to improve cabinet stiffness. But the fixings are concealed behind brand and model identifier plates for a more elegant look.

The 801 D5 is the flagship, while the cheaper 802 D5 has the same proportions and same same 6-inch FST midrange cone. The 803 D5 is cheaper still, with a smaller footprint, while the 804 D5 has a more traditional design than its siblings. The 805 D5 is the standmount.

The HTM81 D5 centre-channel speaker is for use with the 801 and 802 D5, whereas the HTM82 D5 is for use with the 803 and 804 D5. Both centre-channel speakers are three-way designs.

There are also stands: the FS-805 D5 (for the 805 D5) and FS-HTM D5 (for the HTM81 D5 or HTM82 D5).

Pricing is as follows:

• 801 D5: £43,000 / $65,000 (around AU$81,000)
• 802 D5: £32,500 / $45,000 (around AU$61,000).
• 803 D5: £25,500 / $35,000 (around AU$48,000)
• 804 D5: £16,000 / $25,000 (around AU$30,000)
• 805 D5: £10,000 / $15,000 (around AU$19,000)
• HTM81 D5: £10,000 / $15,000 (around AU$19,000)
• HTM82 D5: £8000 / $12,000 (around AU$15,000)
• FS-805 D5: £1600 / $2000 (around AU$3000)
• FS-HTM D5: £1100 / $1500 (around AU$2000)

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All the news from High End Vienna 2026

The best B&W speakers around

And the best speakers you can buy

If you want to upgrade your record player, and you have a spare £12,999 (around $17,000 / AU$24,000) knocking about, this new high-end Ortofon cartridge could be for you.

The MC Vertex is the "most advanced moving coil cartridge" that Ortofon has ever made. Its new materials and tweaked geometry promise to give more accurate groove tracing and signal generation. Don't worry, there's a more affordable option for us mere mortals, too, with both models being unveiled at the High End Vienna 2026 show.

At the heart of the MC Vertex is the new Vertex diamond, whose scanning radius of 4 μm and extended contact radius of 110 μm makes for a more even pressure distribution along the walls of a record's groove. This means more stable tracking, lower wear and more consistent detail extraction.

The cantilever that the diamond is mounted on is also made of solid diamond. Because it's extremely rigid with a low mass, it will transfer energy efficiently and so remain controlled.

And the cartridge housing and internal core? Sadly they're not diamond – that would be asking a bit much – but titanium, and were produced using Selective Laser Melting for greater control of geometry, mass distribution and internal damping. All of which should make for a structure that's mechanically stable, and that reduces unwanted resonances for a clean, accurate signal reproduction.

There's also a refined magnetic system with a non-magnetic armature that reduces moving mass and eliminates unwanted magnetic interaction. This combines with high-purity silver coils to ensure the signal generation remains stable and linear with an improved transient response and precise tracking across the frequency range.

Ortofon's own Wide Range Damping system is onboard to help control mechanical behaviour. This uses a platinum disc between two dampers made from proprietary Ortofon rubber compounds to manage resonance across the audible frequency range but without compromising the dynamic response.

And if the MC Vertex is a little dear for you, Ortofon has also announced a follow-up to the MC X40, which is much more affordable.

The MC X50 (above) costs €1499 (around £1300 / $1700 / AU$2400), and claims to be the MC X Series' "most advanced implementation". The stylus and cantilever have been refined from the MC X40, to provide more control and consistency in tracking a record's grooves.

The nude Micro Ridge diamond pairs with a boron cantilever for high stiffness and a low moving mass, resulting in a fast and controlled response time. The rubber suspension is made by Ortofon with a compound that was developed purely for the MC X50, and works with the diamond stylus and boron cantilever for stable tracking and consistent contact with the groove.

Ortofon's more affordable cartridges have reviewed very well – the MC X30 won an Award last year, as did the Ortofon Quintet Blue in 2023. So it'll be fascinating to see how its mega high-end MC Vertex performs, and if the MC X50 can maintain the brand's high standards at the mid-range level.

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It has been five years since Cambridge Audio introduced its Evo range of all-in-one streaming amplifiers, the Evo 75 and Evo 150.

Then, in June 2025, it announced the updated Evo 150 SE, which introduced a higher-quality ESS SABRE ES9018k2m DAC and Hypex NCOREx amplifier module, improvements to the signal path and a refined output stage.

Now, at High End Vienna, Cambridge Audio has upped the ante with a new, more powerful model, the Evo 300 (£3499/€3999/$3999).

As you can probably guess from the model name, the new streaming amplifier boasts 300W of Hypex NCOREx Class D power per channel.

And decoding comes courtesy of a new ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, which supports up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512.

Streaming comes via Cambridge Audio’s excellent StreamMagic platform, which provides support for Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, UPnP and Internet Radio. The amp also supports AirPlay 2 and is Roon Ready.

The Evo 300 also includes RCA and balanced XLR inputs, HDMI eARC connectivity, Bluetooth 5.4 (including aptX HD) and a built-in moving-magnet phono stage for a compatible turntable.

You also get an adjustable subwoofer output and an optional high pass filter for the main speakers.

On the front of the unit is a 7.8-inch colour screen, which allows you to switch between views that show VU meters, a clock or album artwork. Evo 300 also features interchangeable side panels, should you want to tweak its appearance.

Under the aluminium chassis, you’ll find a dual-mono layout, a balanced pre-amplifier stage, switch-mode power supply and “high-precision analogue volume controls for each channel”.

We were huge fans of the Evo 75 and Evo 150, both of which received five stars from our test team, with the Evo 150 SE picking up a solid four-star rating. We can’t wait to see how the Evo 300 performs.

Also at High End Vienna, Cambridge Audio has unveiled a special “Midnight” black version of its Evo One all-in-one system. It features the same electronics and 14-driver array, but the new finish offers an aesthetic alternative to the real walnut veneer of the original. Pricing remains the same at £1299/€1499/$1799.

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High End Vienna 2026: all the news and product highlights from Europe’s biggest hi-fi show

Read our Cambridge Audio 150 review

And our Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE review

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After delving back into the world of passive speakers with the Sabre-R bookshelf model, Ruark Audio has turned its attention to one of its best-known floorstanding designs.

The Talisman floorstanders have been resurrected to mark Ruark's 40th anniversary, and this fourth-generation model features the same slim profile and sloped baffle design as the 1990 original.

We first glimpsed these new floorstanding speakers at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show earlier in the year, but they are making their official debut at the High End Vienna 2026 show this week alongside the new R710 streaming amp with CD player.

In keeping with the original floorstanders, the new Talisman-R is a two-way bass reflex design with a dual-flared port, but includes plenty of new technology and components. It features a 27mm silk dome tweeter alongside a 16.5cm NS+ long-throw fibre woofer, while the "carefully optimised" crossover features premium audio-grade components to ensure "best signal transfer and reduced distortion."

The result, says Ruark, are speakers that should deliver seamless integration and "a wide natural frequency range."

The cabinet of the Talisman-R has been given plenty of attention to reduce colouration. Aside from the fresh cosmetic design that keeps the visual identity similar to the current Sabre-R and 100 series – the lovely wooden slats, for instance – the floorstanders feature a new decoupled front baffle design. The bolts on the front suspend the baffle on elastomer bushings (a flexible mount) and, along with a dual damping strip, help to limit vibrations transferring from the drives to the main enclosure.

The enclosure's internal bracing system controls "acoustic hotspots" and is lined and damped with compound wadding to absorb a wide frequency range and control internal standing waves – all to deliver a purer sound.

The plinth for each tower is machined from 10mm plate steel, which adds mass to keep the Talisman-R stable, as well as giving them a floating appearance. Removable grilles with acoustically transparent fabric are also provided.

Made for "people who care about their home as much as their music," the Ruark Talisman-R is available in two finishes: fused walnut veneer or satin charcoal lacquer, to match the R610 streaming amplifier and/or newer R710 system with integrated CD player.

The Talisman-R floorstanders will cost £1499 / €1799 per pair, and will be available from September.

We reviewed the previous iteration, the Talisman-R III, back in 2006, and praised the five-star speakers' impressive build quality and fast, dynamic and exciting performance "that aim to bring out every last percentage point of entertainment from a piece of music." Let's hope the new version lives up to that reputation.

MORE:

Read our Ruark Sabre-R speakers review

And the Ruark R610 review

All the latest news from High End Vienna 2026

We are big fans of Ruark Audio's R610 streaming amplifier. Indeed, its vintage-inspired design and smooth, dynamic sound nabbed it a 2025 What Hi-Fi? Award win.

Ruark has now launched a bigger brother, the R710. It builds upon the excellent R610 (£1199 / $1599 / AU$2299) by adding more power and, due to popular demand, an integrated CD player.

Seeing that CDs are having a revival, the team at Ruark (who are “lifelong vinyl and CD fans”) have incorporated a CD drive into the R710 music system, with the slot-loading mechanism cleverly hidden amongst the wooden slats adorning the front of the unit. Ruark calls CDs “the last tangible music format” and believes that CDs can offer “superior sound over streaming”.

That doesn’t mean Ruark has completely ignored the most dominant way we listen to music these days; there are ample network-streaming features included in the R710. Popular music streaming services such as Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect are available alongside AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth aptX HD, and internet radio.

You can also stream hi-res audio files from a connected NAS drive or via USB, with up to 32-bit/192kHz PCM file resolution supported.

As with the R610, the R710 features Class D amplification, but the power output has been beefed up considerably, to 200W per channel. In comparison, the R610 features 75W per channel. The more powerful R710 unit features a custom switch-mode power supply, and Ruark has also taken care with the layout of the internal circuit, from using audio-grade components to keeping signal paths short and direct.

The R710 is also bigger than the R610’s compact footprint, and features a larger 6.8-inch full-colour display screen to show off album artwork, track info and input selection.

Around the back, you’ll find a good complement of digital and analogue connections, including RCA line level, optical, USB-C, and an HDMI eARC input to use it with a TV. Continuing the love for physical media, there is a built-in moving-magnet phono stage so you can directly connect a turntable.

Effectively, you can play music from pretty much any source and in any popular format you have (bar DSD) through the R710.

The R710’s cabinet design remains visually consistent with the R610 and the rest of the 100 Series, and features the brand’s iconic and tactile RotoDial controller embedded on top of the unit, with a matching Bluetooth remote.

The R710 aims to combine “analogue charm with digital convenience”, with Ruark having designed the more powerful streaming amp for both serious listeners and “anyone who wants their home to sound extraordinary”. Its gorgeous lifestyle-friendly looks are a bonus, too.

The Ruark R710 will be available in fused walnut veneer or satin charcoal lacquer finishes, and is available to buy later in this year for £2199 / €2699.

MORE:

Read our Ruark Audio R610 review

Ruark resurrects Talisman-R floorstanders for "people who care about their home as much as their music"

All the latest news from the High End Vienna 2026 show

Tannoy teases exclusive limited-edition speakers to mark its 100th anniversary

Audio-Technica has launched a new flagship moving coil cartridge at the High End Vienna 2026 show, and at £9999 / €11,000, it's also one of the most expensive cartridges we've encountered from the Japanese manufacturer.

The AT-MCD1 cartridge is designed to deliver "an exceptional level of precision and realism" and builds on over 60 years of Japanese audio engineering and craftsmanship. It takes design points from the limited edition AT-MC2022 cartridge made for the 60th anniversary, and refines it further for greater detail, speed and smoothness.

Key to the AT-MCD1 cartridge's design is the integrated, one-piece diamond cantilever and stylus tip, an unusual construction which allows for "ultra-precise signal transmission."

The 0.2mm square diamond cantilever claims to deliver precisely focused vocals, controlled low frequencies and refined highs, as well as "fast attack and decay with outstanding clarity." We're also promised more realistic and fatigue-free listening thanks to unwanted high frequency resonances being reduced.

This lab-grown diamond is created through CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) to offer excellent uniformity and high reliability, making it an ideal material for use in a cantilever.

The AT-MCD1 is also the first Audio-Technica cartridge to feature a newly-developed Shibata stylus, whose refined profile (R2.7 x r0.08 mil) allows the stylus to trace "even the most intricate groove modulations with more accuracy".

Combined with the "highly responsive" diamond cantilever, the AT-MCD1 is able to relay subtle details of a recording, delivering a "lifelike listening experience."

The cartridge body structure is light and rigid, and combines titanium, aluminium and elastomer materials, which help to control resonances. Each housing is mirror-polished by hand, and then receives an ion-plated finish that adds durability as well as the black finish of the MC cartridge.

Additional features include a dual moving-coil generator that offers high separation and a wide frequency response, while a high-efficiency magnetic circuit offers higher output voltage.

The cartridge also has PCCOCC (high-purity, long-crystal copper) coils, gold-plated terminal pins, and threaded mounting holes to make it easier to install on tonearms and compatible headshells.

Each AT-MCD1 cartridge is individually engraved with a serial number and comes packaged in a solid cherry wood case, which certainly feels necessary for the asking price of £9999 / €11,000. Imagine the high-end turntable it will be mounted on...

MORE:

Read our Audio-Technica AT-LPA2 review

All the latest news from High End Vienna 2026

Dali's premium all-in-one system promises hi-fi-level performance in any place, and in any position

What’s better than one brand new turntable? Five, of course.

Clearaudio has announced an entire quintet of record players at this year's High End Vienna showcase, including an entirely new product range and a few special-edition spins on some of the brand’s established decks.

That entirely new range comes in the shape of the Elevation Series, designed to cater to users seeking “exceptional sonic performance” alongside outstanding consumer-focused usability. The new series currently consists of the Elevation 45 and Elevation 55, with each model equipped with an interchangeable outer frame. This allows, says Clearaudio, for each player “to evolve with the owner’s home and tastes” over time.

Both belt-driven players feature a flywheel-augmented drive system “for exceptional rotational stability” alongside continuous optical speed-monitoring via Clearaudio’s ‘Natural Flow’ control algorithm.

Both are compatible with both 9-inch and 10-inch tonearms, and while the Elevation 45 uses a 45mm platter built for “speed and detail retrieval”, the Elevation 55 uses a heavier 55mm platter designed to produce “maximum dynamic authority”. Users can also upgrade platter sizes, in keeping with Clearaudio’s aim of an accessible, more customisable line-up.

What about those special editions? Clearaudio has also unveiled the Innovation Revolver Special Edition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of one of The Beatles’ most iconic works, with the new model adding a monochrome spin on the brand’s established high-end Innovation turntable.

That monochrome design pays tribute to the iconic black and white cover of The Beatles’ acclaimed seventh studio album, with a new plinth design sandwiching aluminium with a precision-engineered composite stone, the latter of which was chosen “for its resonance control and playback stability”.

The Innovation Revolver Special Edition comes equipped with Clearaudio’s own ‘Tracer’ tonearm and Concept moving-coil Signature cartridge, and you even get a newly mixed special-edition pressing of Revolver with restored artwork thrown in to the bundle.

If you’re more into heavy metal – quite literally – maybe you would prefer a Rammstein-themed turntable instead. Developed from the outset as a fully independent model and combining the engineering of Clearaudio’s Concept record player with a design forged in collaboration with the German metal legends, the rock ’n’ roll spinner uses dimmable LED lighting and an illuminated Rammstein logo to pay tribute to the group’s “monumental stage aesthetic”.

On the more technical side, the new turntable uses Clearaudio’s established T1 turntable and a moving-magnet cartridge for “dynamic, detailed playback”.

Keep going, we’re not done quite yet. As if that wasn’t enough, there is also a gaming edition of the Clearaudio Compass joining the German brand’s swelling ranks.

Built around the standard Compass to which we awarded a healthy four-star review last year, the GT edition features a colourful pixel design and a dimmable LED strip beneath the acrylic platter, resulting in a design “that fits naturally into a gaming setup”.

According to Clearaudio’s CEO Robert Suchy: “Vinyl is reaching a bigger, more passionate audience than at any point in our lifetime, and this range is our answer to that moment. We have never had more to offer more music lovers, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it.”

All of Clearaudio’s latest turntables will be showcased at this year’s High End Vienna show. Prices and availability are as follows:

- Elevation 45: £5000 / €5000 / $6500. Available late 2026.
- Elevation 55: £7000 / €7000 / $9100. Available late 2026.
- Innovation Revolver Special Edition: £10,500 / €11,900 / $17,900. Available summer 2026.
- Rammstein Turntable: £1990 / €1990 / $2600. Available October 2026.
- GT Compass Gaming Turntable: £1499 / €1499 / $1949. Available summer 2026.

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High End Vienna 2026: all the news and what to expect from Europe’s biggest hi-fi show

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British brand Arcam is celebrating 50 years in the business with the launch of two brand new hi-fi products. The A50 Signature integrated amplifier and the CD25 CD player will both be making their big debut at this year’s High End Vienna showcase.

The new A50 Signature amp sits at the top of Arcam’s established Radia Series of amplifiers. It’s a range that currently includes the Award-winning A5+ and A15+ models, and is billed as the company’s “most complete expression of its Class G platform”.

The CD25, meanwhile, slots into the Radia line-up as a new reference CD player above the Award-winning CD5.

The A50 is the first Arcam integrated amp to use a fully dual-mono Class G architecture, with each channel built as a completely discrete amplifier section. Each side houses its own output stage and power regulation, designed to maximise channel separation and minimise crosstalk for a purer audio signature.

The new amplifier produces 300 watts at 8 ohms, and aims to deliver outstanding control and plentiful headroom across a range of loudspeakers. Digital conversion is handled courtesy of an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC supported by an ESS reference voltage regulator.

Digital inputs include HDMI eARC, USB-C, optical and coaxial, while analogue connectivity includes three RCA inputs, a balanced XLR input pair and a fully integrated Class A moving magnet / moving coil phono stage. For wireless connectivity, two-way Bluetooth with Auracast is also on board.

If you’re seeking a source to go with your new Class G amplifier, the new CD25 could be just the thing. The new model adopts a dual-mono DAC architecture, and is the first CD player in Arcam’s range to to implement ‘ESS Hyperstream 4 DAC’ technology for reducing jitter and minimising timing errors.

The new CD player uses a linear toroidal power supply for a “stable, low-noise operation and consistent analogue performance”, while a vibration-damped internal structure promises more accurate reading for your shiny discs.

Further, balanced XLR and RCA outputs are both on hand for connecting to your amplifier.

Externally, the CD25 follows the familiar design-language found across the established Radia range. It sports a glass front-panel with an OLED display, all housed in a black metal chassis.

The Arcam Radia A50 Signature and CD25 will be available in the third quarter of 2026. Check them out early at High End Vienna 2026 to whet your appetite. The A50 Signature is priced at £2499 / $3000 / €2799 while the CD25 will set you back £1499 / $1800 / €1599.

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Noble Audio has announced its latest wireless over-ear headphones, the FoKus Artemis. Expanding on the design of its debut over-ear headphones, the FoKus Apollo – which boasted a world-first design by combining two different types of driver – the Artemis take things one step further, adding yet another driver to the mix.

Priced at £799 / $899 / €949, the new high-end wireless headphones enter the ring against serious competitors such as the Focal Bathys and Dali IO8, both of which we reviewed at five stars.

In this latest design, Noble has used a combination of dynamic, planar and balanced armature drivers to achieve what it promises to be “powerful, spacious and refined” sound.

With support for Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint connectivity, the Artemis have been designed for easy switching between connected devices. But those of you who prefer wired headphones, worry not, they also support wired listening thanks to a supplied USB-C to 3.5mm adaptor cable.

A six-microphone array within the headphones enables Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode for blocking out or letting in environmental sound. Proximity sensors have also been included, which pause audio when the headphones are removed and restart it when they are put back on.

Developed for use alongside Audiodo Personal Sound, the Artemis allow users to create personalised sound profiles to suit their hearing preferences. This is done via guided hearing assessments, all of which, Noble promises, will be integrated into the refreshed Noble FoKus app in time for release.

With a fully self-replaceable battery which Noble claims lasts up to 50 hours – lowering to 35 hours with ANC enabled – the headphones sport decent battery life for this premium price.

The wireless headphones weigh less than 350g and feature a fully rotating design, replaceable ear cushions and magnetic detachable ear pads. They come with an IP52 dust- and water-resistance rating.

The Noble FoKus Artemis will be on show at High End Vienna from 4th June, with pre-orders opening the same day. Shipping is expected in July.

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Chord Electronics will be previewing two new power amplifiers at the High End Vienna 2026 show this week.

First up is the Ultima 7 power amplifier, which is a new addition to the hi-fi brand's flagship Ultima range. The Ultima 7 boasts 135W of power into 8 ohms and is designed to match the Ultima Pre 3 preamplifier in height, which is 13cm.

The new stereo power amplifier features Chord Electronics' advanced Dual Feed Forward technology that promises in "vanishingly low" distortion and "lightning-fast" transient response for excellent dynamics.

It features the same extrovert, space-age styling as the rest of the Ultima range, which includes the Ultima Integrated and the Ultima Pre 3/Ultima 6 pairing, both of which we reviewed to five-star success.

We found the Pre 3/Ultima 6 to pairing to be a "highly analytical beast" with outstanding clarity and insight sitting alongside dynamic finesse. For context, the beefier Ultima 6 power amp offers 180W per channel into 8 ohms and has a height of 18cm, and costs £7500 / $11,260 these days.

Also being unveiled is a brand-new Blade stereo power amplifier with an ultra-slim design built specifically for the custom install market. This model features Class G (Gallium Nitrate [GaN]) amplification and incorporates Chord's Dual Feed Forward technology to elicit high power from a slimline chassis that can be rack mounted.

That's all the details we have so far, and there's no word on pricing either. Final details will be revealed when the two products officially launch in September.

Both new amplifiers are designed by Chord Electronics founder John Franks and handmade in Kent, U.K., and we'll be able to get a first look at them during the High End Vienna show's opening day on 4th June.

Also at the show will be Chord's new Quartet upscaler, which costs £25,000 and promises to "rebuild the timing of a musical performance with a degree of faithfulness previously unattainable in the digital domain."

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Check out all the latest news and launches from High End Vienna 2026

Tannoy teases exclusive limited-edition speakers to mark its 100th anniversary

Moon expands its high-end Compass range with do-it-all music streamer and 450-watt power amp

JBL is expanding its mountain-themed Summit range of high-end hi-fi speakers with two new models: the next-generation Everest and K2 loudspeakers.

The two new models join the Summit Makalu, Pumori, and the five-star Ama to round out the five-strong series, a line-up that, says, JBL, "represents the most technically accomplished loudspeakers" the brand has ever produced for domestic use.

As their name suggests, the new 3.5-way Everest are designed to be the peak of the Summit series, acting as the successor to four iterations of JBL's Project Everest loudspeakers. At the heart of each new speaker is a new mid-to-high frequency array consisting of three JBL 5cm dual-diaphragm drivers mated to a large 'Sonoglass' horn, as well as twin 25cm mid-bass drivers and dual 38cm differential drive woofers.

The K2, meanwhile, are billed as JBL's "most accomplished 15-inch 3-way floorstanding loudspeakers", with each housing three 4cm dual-diaphragm drivers, a 25cm differential drive mid-bass driver and a 38cm woofer, all aimed at providing outstanding dynamic precision and emotional immediacy.

The two new models share a host of JBL's most advanced speaker technologies, including 'MultiCap' crossover networks with minimised electrostatic resistance for improved power handling and lower distortion, as well as multi-braced, curved-wall cabinets designed to reduce internal standing waves within each speaker.

JBL's own 'IsoAcoustic' isolation feet seek to further preserve sonic purity and promote a tighter bass performance by decoupling each speaker from floor vibrations.

According to David Tovissi, Vice President of Harman Luxury Audio: “With Summit Everest and Summit K2, we are honouring four generations of legendary engineering while introducing technologies that move the state of the art forward. These are reference loudspeakers built for listeners who refuse to compromise and who recognise what it means to own the very best."

The new Summit Everest and Summit K2 are available in either gloss black and platinum or ebony wood and gold finishes. The Everest will set you back $160,000 per pair, whereas the K2 are a little more 'affordable' at a mere $100,000 per pair.

Both will be showcased at this year's High End Vienna showcase (4th to 7th of July), so if you've got tickets, it's worth digging out your crampons and seeking out JBL's latest mountainous marvels.

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