Andy Madden

Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.

Latest articles by Andy Madden

Bose, Sony, Apple and Bowers & Wolkins wireless earbuds lined up and out of their cases

Best wireless earbuds 2025: top pairs tested by our reviewers

By Andy Madden last updated

Best Buys Our review team has tested multiple pairs to find the best wireless earbuds for every budget – here are our top picks.

Best Buys
The connections at the rear of a soundbar, including three HDMI sockets, one of which is labelled 'TV ARC'

HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC: everything you need to know

By Andy Madden last updated

In-depth Ever wondered what the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input on your TV means? And where does the newer HDMI eARC fit in?

In-depth
Fyne Audio F701SP standmount speakers

Fyne Audio F701SP

By Ketan Bharadia published

This step-up version of Fyne’s well-regarded F701 proves a terrific upgrade, delivering an even more persuasive overall performance.

Hi-Fi Speakers
Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones

7 sound settings and control hacks you need to try on the Sony WH-1000XM6

By Andy Madden published

Sony's flagship wireless headphones offer settings aplenty...

Wireless Headphones
A white Sonos Era 300 speaker on its stand next to a wooden countertop.

The best Sonos deals 2025: save big on speakers, soundbars and more

By Joe Svetlik last updated

Deals The place to be for big savings on Sonos soundbars and wireless speakers.

Deals
Sony WH-1000XM6 and WH-1000XM5 on a grey and red background

Sony WH-1000XM6 vs WH-1000XM5: which wireless headphones are better?

By Andy Madden published

Two super pairs of Sony wireless headphones, but should you go old or new?

Wireless Headphones
Technics EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds

Best in-ear headphones 2025: top earbuds tried and tested by our experts

By Andy Madden, Harry McKerrell last updated

Best Buys These are the best earbuds we've tested, including cheap pairs as well as premium options for serious listening.

Best Buys
A hand holding the open case for a pair of black Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds. The buds can be seen inside and the background is grey wood.

Quick! Bowers & Wilkins' flagship five-star wireless earbuds have £50 off, and are close to their lowest ever price

By Andy Madden published

A solid saving on B&W's flagship Pi8 in-ears

Wireless Earbuds
JBL Xtreme 4 wireless speaker

This five-star JBL Bluetooth speaker is rocking a mighty discount and is perfect for playing tunes outdoors

By Andy Madden published

JBL's Award-winning Xtreme 4 is still just £249 on Amazon, a great price for this fun-sounding Bluetooth speaker.

Wireless Speakers

Sony WH-1000XM6 are official: price, features, verdict and all the details

By Harry McKerrell last updated

Sony has finally lifted the lid on the XM6, three years after the XM5. Here's everything you need to know.

Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6

By Andy Madden published

Sony’s flagship wireless headphones promise class-leading performance on paper, but can they deliver?

Headphones
Sony WH1000XM6 wireless headphones in Silver in their carry case in front of a green bush

Sony unveils WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones, claims it’s “the best noise-cancelling product in the market”

By Andy Madden published

Big changes across the board for Sony’s new flagship Bluetooth over-ears

Wireless Headphones
Mark Levinson No. 626 and No. 632 amplifiers on a stand in a living room

Mark Levinson’s new 600 Series “redefines what’s possible from preamplifiers and amplifiers”

By Andy Madden published

New high-end range of amps means business

Stereo Amplifiers
Side shot of Focal Bathys on a wooden surface

Hurry! Focal's five-star Bathys wireless headphones can still be yours for a fantastic price

By Andy Madden published

Sensational Bluetooth sound for less

Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 on a yellow background

Best Sony headphones 2025: top pairs recommended by our expert reviews team

By Andy Madden last updated

Best Buys Sony has some truly remarkable headphones at its disposal – here are the best we've tested that you can buy.

Best Buys
AirPods Pro 2 held in the hand

The best AirPods deals 2025: lowest prices on Apple headphones

By Kashfia Kabir last updated

Deals Check out the latest deals on all AirPods headphones and wireless earbuds.

Deals
Canton Reference 5 floorstanding speakers

Canton Reference 5

By Ketan Bharadia published

Canton’s Reference 5 looks like an impressive proposition with great build and plenty of clever technology, but can it deliver sonically?

Hi-Fi Speakers
Ruark Audio Sabre-R speakers next to the Ruark R610 streaming system

Ruark’s Sabre speakers return, a flagship Audio-Technica turntable, Samsung’s new UST projector and more are in our test rooms this month

By Andy Madden published

7 of the most exciting hi-fi and AV products we’re testing in May 2025

Hi-Fi
Porsche Taycan in silver parked in a car park

I switched from Bose’s surround sound system to Burmester’s 3D hi-fi in the Porsche Taycan, and was blown away

By Andy Madden published

Two in-car audio options, but there’s only one I’d recommend

Hi-Fi
Wharfedale Evo 4.4 towers flanking a wall-mounted TV

Save a huge £300 on a beefy pair of five-star floorstanding speakers thanks to this awesome Wharfedale deal

By Andy Madden published

Amazing Wharfedale sound at a knock-down price

Hi-Fi Speakers
Rega Brio Mk7 stereo amplifier

Rega Brio Mk7

By Ketan Bharadia published

Rega’s much-loved Brio integrated amplifier takes a step up in price, features and sonic ability.

Stereo Amplifiers
Bowers & wilkins Px7 S3 heapdhones on a desk with vinyl behind them

I think Bowers & Wilkins could give Sony a real run for their money in the world of wireless headphones in 2025 – here’s why

By Andy Madden published

The Px7 S3 have just set a new benchmark at the money

Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple AirPods Pro 2 side-by-side

The best AirPods alternatives 2025: choice pairs reviewed by our experts

By Andy Madden last updated

Best Buys AirPods are a great shout for anyone in Apple's ecosystem, but rival brands boast some excellent alternative models.

Best Buys
Sony WF-C710N wireless earbuds and charging case sat on top of an orange speaker

Sony gatecrashes our wireless earbuds buying guide with another fantastic five-star pair

By Andy Madden published

We’ve swapped Sony for, er, Sony

Wireless Earbuds
Sony wireless earbuds and Austrian Audio over-ear headphones on a desk

Why do in-ear and over-ear headphones sound so different?

By Andy Madden published

Two different styles, two different approaches to delivering sound…

Headphones
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