Like many of us, our reviewers had a tough time of it in June. As well as having to run top-of-the-line hardware in our test rooms during a record-breaking heatwave (that was fun), they had one of their busiest periods in recent memory. And seven products impressed them enough to earn five-star ratings.
To make matters worse (or better depending on how you look at it), this is just the start: entries for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 open in June as well. So we are expecting plenty more hardware to continue flooding our gates until entries close in August. Watch this space.
But, in the here and now, here is everything you need to know about June’s top-scoring hi-fi and home-cinema hardware.
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i are floorstanding speakers with big shoes to fill. They take the place of the iconic, multiple Award-winning Diamond 12.3, which we recommended to buyers on a budget until they went to the hi-fi farm last year.
Described as a “refinement” on the originals, the 12.3i feature a revised set of finishes, redesigned reflex ports and a tweak of each speaker’s internal damping.
The result is a solid-value set of five-star speakers with stellar low-end authority and punch, and a more exciting, dramatic character than the original 12.3. The only downside is that they are a lot fussier with placement and partnering – so make sure you match with care.
Five stars
Read our full Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i review
Esoteric N-05XE
“Classy, understated and beautifully engineered” – those are the words our reviewers use to describe the Esoteric N-05XE streaming preamplifier. The unit is a sign of the times, showing that even iconic separates makers are now interested in adding extra functionality to their wares.
Thankfully, as demonstrated by the N-05XE, when the stars align, they are also managing to do it without sacrificing audio quality. Despite packing network streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion and a preamplifier in one box, the unit delivers a five-star performance full of sonic refinement and an expansive stereo image. As we say in our review:
“Convenience and the high-end aren’t usually comfortable bedfellows, but this Esoteric proves it is possible to combine the two in a neat, easy-to-use package. The N-05XE is a hugely capable product that compromises very little compared to more purist options. If you are looking for a top-class sound and don’t want the clutter of conventional high-end separates, this Esoteric is a great place to start.”
Five stars
Read our full Esoteric N-05XE review
Samsung S99H (QE55S99H)
The S99H is Samsung’s latest flagship QD-OLED TV. It is also one of the biggest shakeups to the firm’s premium TV line in quite some time, featuring a distinctive new design and one of the biggest year-on-year picture quality upgrades we have seen recently.
Powering the TV up, our reviewers were surprised by quite how many changes Samsung has made in tuning the set and making the most of its new hardware.
Colours, in particular, feel vibrant but aren’t bombastic in the way some past Samsung sets have been. The change is indicative of a holistically more balanced, mature approach that earned it an impressive five-star rating. As we say in our review:
“With a stunning, contrast-rich picture, improved sound system and a feature set that blows most other TVs out of the water, the S99H is the flagship OLED to beat for 2026.”
Five stars
Read our full Samsung S99H (QE55S99H)
Focal Mu-so Hekla
The Focal Mu-so Hekla is one of the most interesting devices to pass through our review rooms this year. Built as a partnership between Focal and Naim, it aims to be an all-in-one device that can function as a single-box Dolby Atmos soundbar and hi-fi system.
It also comes with one of the highest price tags we have seen for a soundbar, costing a good grand more than the Award-winning KEF XIO, which is its closest rival in the home cinema space. While that makes it an undeniably premium product, having put it through its paces, it more than justifies its price, offering immersive, detailed audio with a wonderfully clean but impactful bass that will delight movie and music fans in equal measure.
As we say in our Mu-so Hekla review: “As far as all-in-one systems go, the Focal Mu-so Hekla offers the best of both worlds. It delivers all the drama you could want from a soundbar when watching movies, with controlled bass and authoritative overall sound that elevates each scene. But you can also feed it a delicate piece of music and be treated to a finessed performance that makes you feel the emotion of each note.”
Five stars
Read our full Focal Mu-so Hekla review
Sony Bravia Theatre Trio
The Bravia Theatre Trio is another interesting take on the traditional Dolby Atmos soundbar. The best way to think about it is as a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar chopped in three. At its heart, a small, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) sized soundbar acts as the centre channel, while two satellite speakers act as the left, right and height channels.
Those who wish to can also add wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer, using compatible Sony add-ons. During testing the basic Trio package proved itself to be a very competent performer, although we suggest considering the optional subwoofer for the best results. The unit delivers a huge immersive soundstage and a cohesive, convincing sense of height.
So much so that we report: “Ultimately, Sony’s deconstructed soundbar concept proves brilliantly effective. If you’re looking for a premium lifestyle Dolby Atmos system and have the budget to stretch this far, the Bravia Theatre Trio is one of the most compelling options in years.”
Five stars
Read our full Sony Bravia Theatre Trio review
Fyne Audio Cubitt 5
Active speakers are in vogue now in the world of hi-fi, with more and more firms interested in the space. We weren’t surprised, then, to see Scottish brand Fyne Audio get in on the action with its Cubitt 5 speakers.
Featuring an in-built phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity (including support for aptX HD), they are equally at home connected to a turntable as they are streaming music. But most importantly, a potent mix of competitive pricing and an insightful, balanced sound with a nicely controlled low end makes them an easy recommendation, even in the increasingly competitive space they inhabit.
As we say in our review: “Enjoyable sound, good features and comfortable in a range of listening environments, the Cubitt 5 set the bar high as Fyne Audio’s first active speakers.”
Five stars
Read our full Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review
Graham Audio LS5/9
There are few speakers as instantly iconic as the BBC-designed LS3/5A. So much so that our editor (me) has them shortlisted as a pie-in-the-sky purchase, just so he can own a piece of hi-fi history.
So the Graham Audio LS5/9, which is marketed as being as true to the spirit of the original BBC design as is humanly possible, had some big shoes to fill when it arrived in our listening rooms.
While there are some compromises, and the retro, unashamedly functional design won’t be for everyone, we found a lot to like about them. Though the sound prioritises analysis over excitement, the speakers offer a wonderfully natural midrange performance and stellar sonic clarity and insight.
Hence, our five-star rating and verdict: “The LS5/9 was originally designed as a high-grade studio monitor, and it still shines despite the age of the design.”
Five stars
Read our full Graham Audio LS5/9 review
MORE:
These are the best speakers we have reviewed
We rank the best Dolby Atmos soundbars
Our picks of the best OLED TVs
