Last week was another busy one for the What Hi-Fi? team, with a wealth of hot new hardware landing in our review rooms and a few key announcements breaking.
These included a deep-dive look at how hi-fi will change over the next 50 years from our regular contributor, Becky Roberts, and our reviewers publishing their final thoughts on not one, but two, big bits of hi-fi from powerhouse Marantz.
Here’s what you need to know.
We asked audio engineers to rank their favourite test tracks
If you’re into hi-fi, there’s a strong chance you’re at least fond of music. That’s why we constantly update you with the latest and greatest tracks we use when testing hi-fi in our dedicated listening rooms. It's nice to have well-recorded music to listen to, after all.
But last week we decided to shift gears and had staff writer Ioan Hazell do a call round some of the biggest names in sound engineering to find out what the people making today’s records view as the gold standard. And the results were not what we expected!
Read the full story: We asked 8 sound engineers for their top studio test tracks – here’s what they picked and why
We reviewed the Marantz Model 70…
Last week, we finished reviewing the Marantz Model 70, a new stereo amp that replaces the long-running, five-star PM6007 in the firm’s range. And while we found plenty to like about the new unit, which offers greater insight, muscle and clarity than its predecessor, plus a wealth of modernisations to its feature-set, its increased price puts it up against some even more accomplished rivals. As we said in our review:
“The Marantz Model 70 amplifier has plenty of appeal. It is well-specified, decently made and works with a wide range of music. Had it been priced closer to the PM6007, we would undoubtedly be proclaiming it a class leader. However, the move up in price level puts it up against tougher competition and, in that context, it earns a more cautious recommendation.”
Read our full Marantz Model 70 review
…And the CD 70
As well as the new amp, last week our reviewers also finished testing the Marantz CD 70. And while some non-hi-fi folks may baulk at us describing a £499 CD spinner as “entry level” in the current climate, it’s by far one of the best options you will find without spending a lot more. Highlights include a clear, insightful sound, with solid stereo imaging and a nice tight low end. Hence its five-star rating and our verdict:
“The entry-level hi-fi market isn’t what it used to be, but it’s great to see Marantz deliver another excellent attainable CD player. The CD 70 is undoubtedly the new go-to recommendation at this level.”
Read our full Marantz CD70 review
We took a trip to the year 2076
As a part of our ongoing 50th birthday celebration, last week regular contributor and former What Hi-Fi? managing editor, Becky Roberts, decided to switch gears and take a future-gazing look forward, asking: what will hi-fi look like in 50 years?
Speaking to tech sages, industry legends and her local tea leaf reader, the answers were an interesting mix, ranging from China controlling production to the impact AI will actually have on music, and by extension, hi-fi.
Read the full story: What will hi-fi look like in 2076? We asked some of the most influential experts in the industry
We tested KEF's new premium wireless speaker system
It was a big week in the world of hi-fi with not only our Marantz reviews going live but also our in-depth review of KEF's latest premium wireless system, the LS Luxe.
Designed by Ross Lovegrove, the man behind KEF’s ultra-high-end Muon speakers, LS Luxe is positioned above the brand's LS50 Wireless II system and includes a 12th-generation 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver array.
And our team was suitably impressed. In our LS Luxe review, we described it as "a great all-round performer" and said, "Thanks to its mature, deeply satisfying sound, impressive feature suite and high-quality construction, this wireless active stereo system is crying out for a place on your shortlist." High praise indeed.
Read our full KEF LS Luxe review
There was bad news for some Disney+ subscribers
Some Premium subscribers to the service have lost the ability to watch in HDR and 4K “Following a recent court ruling affecting the technology we use to deliver 4K UHD and HDR, we have temporarily removed support for 4K UHD and HDR on Disney+,” The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic told Flatpanelshd.
It appears the move is the result of a recent court case but nobody seems to know when access will be restored, or whether those affected will receive any compensation. Thankfully, it appears that the UK has been spared, for now at least.
Read the full story: Disney+ has removed these premium features from its Premium tier
TCL launched a 11.1.4 soundbar system
Bigger is better, right? That’s the approach TCL seems to be taking with its new flagship Q95K Dolby Atmos soundbar system, which was spotted in China last week.
There’s no word on whether it will launch in the UK and US, but the unit is certainly interesting. The system combines a central soundbar with twin wireless speakers and a subwoofer to offer buyers an 11.1.4 experience.
But what really caught our eye is its meaty 1420W of peak power, which reportedly drives a staggering 22 speaker units in the bar alone. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough to grab your interest, it’s also been tuned by Bang & Olufsen.
We’ve asked TCL for clarification on its launch plans outside of China, where it’s available now, costing 7999 yuan (around £889 / $1200 / AU$1700). Hopefully we will hear back soon and have a chance to hear how it performs in the real world.
Read the full story: TCL's new flagship soundbar features spatial audio and B&O tuning
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The best Dolby Atmos soundbars ranked by our experts
