The 65-inch C7K (known as the QM7K in the US) arrives on our test benches on the back of a remarkable run of TCL TV form across a wide range of price points and screen sizes.

It’s fair to say, then, that the auspices for the C7K are seriously good. Can it really keep TCL’s good times rolling, though, when its large screen and promising feature count come at such a (relatively) low price?

Pricing

The TCL C7K’s price is definitely one of its star attractions, with the 65-inch model we’re testing costing just £899 / AU$1595. This TV is known as the QM7K in the US, where it launched for $1500 but is now available for around $900.

That makes it significantly cheaper than the recently reviewed C8K model that sits above it in the 2025 TCL TV range.

Yes, there are plenty of 65-inch TVs out there these days that are cheaper than £899, but you’ll be very hard pushed indeed to find any of those cheaper models getting even close to matching the C7K’s feature set and, as we’ll see, performance.

If 65 inches isn’t quite right for you, the C7K is also available in sizes ranging from 50 inches all the way up to 115 inches. Bear in mind that the different-sized versions of the TV will have slight specification differences, such as the number of dimming zones. We have already reviewed the 98-inch TCL C7K, though, and it’s excellent.

TCL also produces a Q7C model which, the company says, is identical to the C7K in all ways but one: the Q7C doesn’t have the anti-reflection film that the C7K does. Given how much such elements can affect picture quality, this review shouldn’t be seen as also covering the Q7C.

Design

The C7K looks and feels exactly like what it is: a premium TV being sold for a barely even mid-range price. Its screen is wrapped in a slick, narrow brushed-metal trim, behind which a narrower black back section protrudes to provide room for the new Bang & Olufsen multi-channel speaker system to breathe.

The screen sits on what appears to be the same metal central desktop mounting plate as the one provided with the C8K, and this stand attaches to the screen using the same wide-neck-with-detachable-cover arrangement into which you can ‘tidy’ all your cabling.

The C7K is robustly built, and since it’s quite a bit slimmer than the C8K, it is arguably the more attractive of the two – especially if you’re looking to wall hang your TV.

The C7K doesn’t get the same premium silver metal-finished remote control the C8K has, but the elongated black handset provided still bears a premium brushed metal-style finish (even though it’s really all plastic). It feels comfortable to hold, too, the buttons are numerous but helpfully well spread out, and there are direct access buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, TCL Channels (a curated selection of streamed TV channels) and Disney Plus.

Features

There’s far more to get through here than you have any right to expect for the price.

Starting with those headline-grabbing facts that, despite its affordable price, the C7K’s screen is illuminated by Mini LEDs rather than the usual large ones, and that these Mini LEDs are organised into a remarkably numerous 1008 independent dimming zones.

Add to this a claimed peak brightness of 2600 nits, and you’ve got some core specifications that most really high-end TVs would struggle to match.

We’ve been around the block enough times to know, though, that it’s not just how many Mini LED dimming zones you’ve got; it’s what you do with them that counts.

That is where TCL’s new AIPQ Pro picture processor will hopefully play its part, controlling those dimming zones and Mini LEDs with enough intelligence to ensure they boost contrast and general light control without drawing undue attention to themselves.

The C7K joins all the other new 2025 TCL TVs we’ve seen to date in deploying a whole ‘Halo Control’ suite of new hardware and software technologies to deliver better dark-scene consistency.

This sees the features we have mentioned already joined by other innovations such as new super-condensed LED lenses claimed to focus light more effectively and stably; a new six-crystal light-emitting chip reckoned to deliver nearly 30 per cent more brightness and more than 30 per cent more energy efficiency; the introduction of Polyimide to the liquid crystal molecules to make their microstructure more controllable; and 16-bit bi-directional screen control delivering 65,000 levels of precise light control.

This isn’t even the full extent of the innovations TCL has introduced to the C7K’s new CrystGlow WHVA panel, but we’ll leave it there before your eyes start to glaze over. And because the resulting picture quality is what really matters in the end.

The C7K’s connections are good for a TV in its price range. Four HDMIs lead the way, as we’d expect of a premium TV, and these are backed up by a single USB port, an optical digital audio output, an ethernet port and the now obligatory wi-fi and Bluetooth (v5.4) wireless connections. The wireless connectivity includes Apple AirPlay and Chromecast support.

It’s slightly disappointing that only two of the C7K’s HDMIs support high frame rate gaming, rather than all four of them, and that one of these gaming-friendly HDMIs has to do double duty as the only one equipped with the eARC HDMI technology required to ship sound – including lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X – to compatible soundbars and AVRs.

Most premium TVs provide more than one USB these days, too, though that matters much less.

Most households will be more than content with the C7K’s connections overall – and we shouldn’t forget that this is a 65-inch TV that costs only £899.

The C7K scores major brownie points with us for supporting all four of the key high dynamic range formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

In fact, it even supports the versions of Dolby Vision and HDR10 that can adapt their picture presentation to the ambient conditions in your room, and its Dolby Vision support further extends to a low-latency Dolby Vision Game mode.

Other gaming features include support for 4K feeds at frame rates up to 144Hz – and that frame rate support remarkably (and arguably a bit pointlessly at the moment…) jumps to 288Hz using TCL’s Game Accelerator technology, provided you don’t mind the resolution dropping to Full HD.

VRR is supported right up to the 288Hz maximum, and there’s support for the AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR system as well as the core HDMI one. TCL’s screen will automatically switch into its fast-response Game mode when a game source is detected, rendering 60Hz game graphics in this mode in just 13.2ms.

As we’re seeing with most mid-range and high-end TVs these days, the C7K lets you call up a dedicated Game Bar main menu screen when a game source is detected, from which you can check information on the incoming game signal and activate such game aids as an onscreen crosshair, a system for brightening just the darkest parts of the image, and support for the super-wide aspect ratios supported by a few PC titles.

Smart features on the C7K are provided by Google TV, complete with support for the Google Assistant voice-recognition system. TCL has also seen to it that its version of Google TV includes all of the UK’s main terrestrial broadcaster catch-up TV services – something that regular Google TV systems fail to do.

It’s a pity, perhaps, that there’s no support for Freeview Play or Freely, but all the key individual UK broadcaster catch-up apps are present and correct.

Last but not least on the C7K’s extensive feature list is its all-new Bang & Olufsen sound system. This replaces the brand’s previous Onkyo collaboration with new high-fidelity speaker designs fed by 60W of power and capable of handling both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.

Picture quality

With the 98C7K having already shown us that TCL’s new C7K range can deliver the goods even on a screen as big as 98 inches, it’s no great surprise to find that the more modestly sized 65-inch C7K is at least as good.

Particularly stellar for its price is its contrast. On the most basic contrast level, it can deliver both extremely intense, vibrant HDR peaks by sub-£1k 65-inch TV standards, and some of the deepest and most neutral, natural-toned blacks and dark scenes the mid-range LCD TV world, at least, has to offer.

What’s more, it’s able to deliver its light and dark extremes on screen simultaneously, without either significantly compromising the other. By which we mean that shots where bright highlights stand out against dark backdrops appear without distracting light halos around them; the bright objects in such shots aren’t heavily dimmed to achieve that lack of haloing; and for the most part, blacks remain as inky as they do with uniformly dark shots.

Throw in excellent shadow detail reproduction (the C7K is actually slightly better in this respect than the more overtly punchy C8K) and an almost complete absence of either fluctuating dimming zones or noticeable jumps in brightness during cuts between bright and dark shots, and you’ve got a brilliantly effective and, thanks to its consistency, immersive backlight system that punches well above the TV’s weight.

The C7K’s impressive brightness holds up strikingly well even when an HDR shot fills the whole scene with intense light, too, looking at least twice as bright with such shots as even the best new OLED TVs can – further contributing to the excellent consistency of the C7K’s HDR images.

The brightness and contrast both play their part, too, in the C7K’s precociously brilliant colour performance. In its Standard picture preset, colours across a huge spectrum look radiantly beautiful, combining vivid intensity with a level of blend and tone subtlety that feels too good to be true on a TV as affordable as this.

The colours the Standard mode produces might not be particularly accurate to established video standards, but every tone looks impeccably balanced against the rest, painting extremely enjoyable – and believable – worlds for anyone not obsessed with true-to-creative-intent accuracy.

If you are obsessed with true-to-creative-intent accuracy, even after witnessing the splendours of the 65C7K’s Standard preset, then worry not: the C7K’s Filmmaker Mode delivers pictures that follow the established HDR and SDR standards impressively closely. They do this, too, without ending up looking drab or washed out, as can be the case with the Filmmaker Mode on LCD TVs with less impressive ‘native’ screen talents.

As part of our C7K tests, we ran it side by side with the step-up C8K, and we were startled to see during this head to head that the C7K’s colours actually look slightly richer and more rounded in its Standard preset than they do on the C8K – perhaps because the C7K’s slightly reduced brightness versus the more expensive C8K doesn’t put its Quantum Dot colour system under quite so much strain.

The head-to-head also shows, though, that the 65C8K delivers slightly more effective colours in its Movie and Filmmaker Modes than the C7K.

The excellent subtlety of the C7K’s light and colour handling helps it deliver impressive sharpness with native 4K sources, while the latest AiPQ processor also upscales HD sources to the screen’s 4K pixel count very handily, adding sharpness and density without exaggerating noise or creating significant unwanted processing side effects.

The C7K retains its clarity excellently when required to handle 24fps motion too, suffering pleasingly little with either hardware judder or resolution loss over moving objects.

There are a couple of niggles with the C7K’s pictures to report. A small patch of yellowish colour sometimes creeps in just below the middle of the top black bar when watching wide aspect ratio films (though we suspect this might be an isolated issue with our review sample), and occasionally, slightly too much detail is revealed in dark areas, revealing faint traces of noise along with the ‘correct’ shading information.

That’s basically it on the negative front, though. The 65-inch C7K is, overall, every bit as excellent a performer for its money as every other 2025 TCL TV that has come through our doors so far.

Sound quality

As with the C8K, the C7K’s audio isn’t quite as all-round brilliant as its pictures. The new Bang & Olufsen influence is enjoyably evident both in the extremely clean and prolific detailing the speakers present with good film soundtrack mixes, and in the way it can hit trebles other TVs cannot reach without sounding whiny or harsh.

The midrange is nice and open, too, providing plenty of room for soundtracks to ebb and flow, as well as helping vocals sound well-rounded and reasonably contextual.

The main problem is that the speakers don’t lean into low frequencies as enthusiastically and effectively as they deal with the higher end of the spectrum. So bass doesn’t reach as deep as trebles reach high, and what bass there is is delivered a bit too politely. This results in a slightly treble-heavy presentation where background and ambient sound effects can sometimes draw more of your attention than they should.

Exceptionally dense soundtrack moments, such as the swelling score during the extreme close-up of an eye opening near the start of Blade Runner 2049, sound slightly more swallowed and condensed than they do on the more powerful C8K, and very deep and extended bass sounds also exhibit a little chuffing and buzzing interference that the 65C8K typically avoids.

Despite these niggles, though, the C7K’s sound is good overall for a TV in its price range. It’s just not quite as good as that of its step-up sibling, and leaves room for improvement next time round.

Verdict

TCL has done it again. The C7K follows the C8K and C6KS in scarcely putting a foot wrong – and once again it does so at a price that also makes it outstanding value.

SCORES:

Picture 5

Sound 4

Features 4

ALSO CONSIDER:

• TCL C8K review
• Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED review
• LG QNED93 review

The five-star Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max has been our favourite premium soundbar since we tested it back in 2019, when it earned a What Hi-Fi? Award for its overall excellent performance. Fast forward to 2025, and it has remained on that esteemed list ever since.

However a new player has entered the scene that could well trump the Sennheiser – and anyone familiar with the world of hi-fi should recognise the name.

The KEF XIO directly challenges our long-time favourite with a similar specification sheet in a smaller package. Can the Ambeo Soundbar Max hold its own against this newcomer? Let's find out.

KEF XIO vs Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max: price

The XIO launched at £1999 / $2500 / AU$3600. It is still early days for the product, but we are hoping to see its price drop during sales events such as Black Friday.

Higher up the price ladder is the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max which was first released at £2199 / $2500 / AU$4000.

Since its launch, we have seen that price drop to as low as £1549 in the occasional sale. It is now regularly available for £1999 in the UK, placing it in direct competition with the KEF.

**Winner: draw**

KEF XIO vs Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max: build

Both soundbars take very different approaches when it comes to their design.

The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max is quite the beast, weighing in at 18.5kg. The brand has opted for this beefy build to negate the need for an external subwoofer, instead favouring large drivers capable of covering a far more significant portion of the frequency range.

Because of its size, the Ambeo will inevitably block a few inches of the bottom of your TV screen if placed in front (unless you raise your telly of course), so it is best enjoyed wall-mounted. It's worth considering if this is something you think would work for you, and finding the perfect positioning can be a bit of a tricky task.

Still, once it is set up, the soundbar is quite straightforward to use. It has a screen display on the front of the 'bar, which is handy for knowing at a glance what EQ mode has been selected.

The KEF comes in a sleeker package with relatively compact dimensions. You can wall-mount the soundbar or keep it flat on a table, so it is rather more flexible than the Sennheiser.

The differences continue under the hood. With the XIO, there are six Uni-Q MX drivers, three of which are on the top of the soundbar for upward-firing sound when the 'bar is placed on a stand under the TV, but with the central unit unemployed in that orientation. The rest are facing forward.

When the soundbar is wall mounted, though, it intelligently deciphers which position it has been placed in and redesignates the drivers. So what were the upward-firing drivers now take on the role of the left and right channels, with the previously unused middle unit taking on the vital centre-channel role.

There's no display with the XIO, which can make it difficult to tell what setting has been selected. Overall, though, the KEF's sleeker design and enhanced flexibility when it comes to placement mean it beats the Sennheiser in this category.

**Winner: KEF XIO**

KEF XIO vs Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max: features

One negative of the KEF XIO when it comes to physical connections is that it does not have an HDMI passthrough, instead including only HDMI eARC and optical.

The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max boasts three HDMI 2.0 inputs and one HDMI 2.1 port, which supports eARC, meaning it can handle Dolby Atmos in its lossless True HD format.

While these ports aren't capable of delivering next-gen gaming features such as VRR and ALLM, they can pass through signals from external sources in 4K HDR, including Dolby Vision.

That's a big positive for those looking to wire up all their connections through the soundbar instead of the TV.

Both models have an app to customise your listening experience and have Bluetooth connectivity. The XIO uses the KEF Connect app, where you can calibrate the soundbar to the room, switch to different EQ sound profiles and use the various streaming services.

The Sennheiser Smart Control app also offers "a dizzying number of sound personalisation options", as we say in our review. When we tested it, we did find that the Smart Control app was a bit clunky to navigate.

It also includes a microphone in the box, which allows for a simple automatic room calibration setup – something the KEF does not feature.

All the big hitters in audio format support are included with both 'bars, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony 360 Audio.

The same can be said in terms of music streaming support, although there are a few differences here. Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast are available on the Ambeo but not the XIO.

Both soundbars also support Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. KEF's model does, however, offer more options with Deezer, Qobuz and Amazon Music all on the cards.

The lack of physical connections on the XIO here means that the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max must take the crown for features.

*Winner: Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max**

KEF XIO vs Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max: sound

Now for the main event. When we tested the Sennheiser model, we were immediately blown away by its floor-shaking bass yet overall balanced sonic performance.

While watching Unbroken, for example, we find that the Ambeo provides a "brilliant, focused build up as the plane approaches, then a huge, room-filling zoom as it flies by."

The quality of dialogue is not sacrificed, either. Voices feel natural and weighty, with the bass frequencies helping to flesh them out.

With the XIO, we get a more transparent listening experience, as each frequency is clear and unconfused. It does not reach the same weight of bass as the Sennheiser, but we find during testing that this is not so much of a problem.

We comment in our review: "The KEF counters with more clarity, greater precision in the way sounds are rendered and notably more finesse in the way low-level dynamics are delivered. It’s the more transparent performer, and it ultimately gives us greater insight into the soundtrack being played."

Moving on to their performance with music, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max manages to portray a coherent and warm sound. When listening to The Two of Us by The Beatles through Tidal, we say it is not the "snappiest speaker we have heard" but does still manage a "rhythmically astute" performance.

The XIO, on the other hand, impresses us just as much with music as it does with films. KEF's entry captures the excitement of the music more than the Sennheiser, with a brilliant musicality.

In fact, we say that it can "easily serve as a standalone music system, which is more than we can say for the vast majority of soundbars that come our way."

Because of the XIO's excellently expressive performance and coherent meld of frequencies, it's a no-brainer for this category.

**Winner: KEF XIO**

KEF XIO vs Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max: verdict

Even though these soundbars will cost you the same price now, there are quite a few differences in terms of the audio quality they offer.

Where the Sennheiser is a brilliant performer with a bass-heavy but overall balanced sound, the KEF XIO provides such an easy listening-experience as both a home cinema and a standalone music system.

The XIO's lack of physical connections may be a drawback, but it more than makes up for it with its compact design and overall sound quality.

**Overall winner: KEF XIO**

MORE:

Read the full review of the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max

And here's our in-depth look at the KEF XIO

These are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars right now

Streaming amplifiers are always a compromise. They have to combine amplification, DAC, preamp, multiple wireless streaming protocols and support for dozens of different music apps – all in one box. To make all these elements work seamlessly and deliver a great sound is a hard task.

Ruark Audio, however, has decades of experience in combining multiple functions in one box, to great success.

From powered desktop speakers with Bluetooth (MR1 Mk2), smart radios with streaming features (R1S, R2 Mk4) and all-in-one music systems (R410) – Ruark has already proven it can juggle multiple features while delivering great sound, stylish design and ease of use.

The Ruark Audio R610 streaming amplifier, then, should be a walk in the park, shouldn’t it?

Build & design

Unusually for a Ruark product, the R610 doesn’t include any speaker elements. It’s all electronics.

Inside, the R610 features Class D amplification with 75 watts of power per channel, and a Burr Brown DAC that supports hi-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz.

High-quality components are used, as well as a switch mode power supply that delivers efficient and optimised power to the system. It even sports a moving magnet phono stage, while the streaming platform is identical to the one we experienced in the five-star R410 all-in-one system.

Not unusually for a Ruark product, the R610 looks stunning. A classy design with a high standard of build quality, this “music console” (as Ruark calls it) wouldn’t look out of place in any interior.

The handcrafted slatted wood grilles and metal details on the front – also seen in fellow R100 series products, including the matching Sabre-R speakers – are elegant, and the whole unit is beautifully made.

The large, five-inch, full colour TFT display screen is gorgeous to behold – clear, informative, easy to read and use, with good contrast for displaying album covers.

It’s not a touchscreen interface, but it gives the R610 that harmonious balance of modern and retro aesthetics in either of its two finish options.

The compact footprint is also appealing. Coupled with the Sabre-R speakers that you can buy as a bundle, it is well-suited to smaller spaces.

The R610 is topped off with Ruark’s iconic RotoDial controller, a design which is also mimicked in the separate remote control you get in the box. This identical RotoDial handheld remote fits particularly neatly into our palms and is a well-designed, tactile way to use the R610.

Even better, it connects to the main unit via Bluetooth, not infrared, meaning you don’t need to have a direct line of sight to the unit to control it.

It takes a while to get used to all the icons and what each button does, but once you familiarise yourself with all the functions, it’s all plain sailing.

The buttons are swift and work smoothly, and the circular dial makes it very intuitive to scroll through all the sources and menu options.

Another great touch from Ruark is that a pair of 3m speaker cables are included in the box. This is unusual but wholly welcome – we don't normally see such premium-looking speaker cables included with a product.

It makes setting up your system, especially if this is your first hi-fi set-up and you aren’t au fait with traditional separates, quicker and easier as you don’t have to shop separately for speaker cables (which can start to get expensive).

The cables are nicely braided, are terminated with banana plugs and work well. This does also offer a good upgrade path as the R610’s performance did improve when we swapped them for a step-up set of speaker cables.

Features & connectivity

The R610 streaming amplifier is bursting at the seams with features. In terms of wireless streaming, all the popular protocols and latest apps are supported.

We started testing the R610 when Qobuz Connect launched in May, and the new feature worked without a hitch. Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect are also on the menu, as is support for Amazon Music and Deezer.

You can also opt to stream from your smart device using AirPlay 2, Chromecast or Bluetooth (connection is swift and simple), while DLNA and UPnP compatibility means you’ll be able to play through your digital music collection stored on media servers or NAS devices on the same network.

We tried both wi-fi and wired Ethernet connections, and they proved stable throughout our testing duration.

The Ruark R610 wears its radio heritage proudly, with FM and DAB/DAB+ radio tuners included alongside the usual internet radio stations. There is even built-in support for the BBC Sounds app.

You can save up to 20 presets on the R610, making your favourite playlists and stations easier to access.

It’s worth noting at this point that there is no dedicated app here. This is unusual for a streaming amplifier, but the Ruark R610 is perfectly usable without one.

If using Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music or BBC Sounds, the native app serves as your natural playback controller, while the R610 auto-senses if you want to stream via the Connect mode or AirPlay, for instance.

It’s when dealing with large music libraries that a tablet or smartphone interface feels necessary, so a third-party app such as M-Connect is recommended.

The R610 also isn’t laden with myriad settings and customisation options, as offered on the BluOS or WiiM streaming platform – so there isn’t much need for an app, really.

The R610’s menu settings are simple and offer straightforward options that are easy to select with the physical control buttons.

Ruark has also confirmed to us that new features should be added in October, which include the ability to hide sources that you don’t use, alarm clock functionality, and support for Bluetooth headphones playback.

That’s it for the streaming side, but the R610 also packs plenty of physical connections. There is a rather good moving magnet phono stage for your turntable, an HDMI ARC input for connecting to TVs, along with digital optical and RCA analogue inputs.

There is also a UBC-C input that supports audio playback; this is also where you would plug in Ruark’s dedicated R-CD100 CD drive.

We didn’t have the R-CD100 at hand, but we used our reference Cyrus CDi CD player with both analogue and optical inputs, and our Rega Planar 3 RS Edition turntable was connected to the phono input as part of our listening.

The only hiccup we encountered during testing was when the two analogue inputs didn’t make a sound at first. A factory reset fixed this problem promptly, and we haven’t had any issues with the analogue section since.

Sound

We start our R610 testing by connecting it to our reference Epos ES-7N standmount speakers, and we're met with a smooth, spacious and open sound.

It’s a dynamic and detailed presentation, allowing high frequencies to soar while keeping basslines in check. There is ample punch and impact to the low end, while a taut and agile sense of rhythm gets us fully in the groove of the song being played.

The bite and shine in the sharper edges of Fontaines D.C.’s Starburster is crisp and full of attitude, but it never sounds thin or harsh.

There is textural depth and body to the cello and piano in Agnes Obel’s The Curse, while the soundscape is layered. The R610 delivers a pleasing breadth of scale as orchestral pieces ebb and flow, with the sense of build-up towards a rousing crescendo coming through with a good amount of drama and weight.

We play through a little bit of everything from ’60s Dusty Springfield to ’70s Bowie, ’90s grunge rock to modern shiny pop, and the R610 takes it all in stride.

Piano notes glide across fluidly but with enough intent when fingertips hit ivory; Outkast’s frenetic energy in B.O.B. is relayed with verve and propulsive momentum; voices are conveyed with clarity and dynamic subtlety.

In terms of speaker matching, we do get a sense that the R610 is holding back a touch with our reference pair; that it isn’t sounding quite as free and lively as we would expect.

We swap our Epos speakers for the mid-priced Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 – all of the R610’s positive qualities still remain, but this combination still sounds rather reserved.

It isn’t until we plug in the Ruark Sabre-R speakers that the R610 truly shines.

The R610 comes to life now. There is a greater spring in its step, the mid to high frequencies have greater shine and sweetness, and we notice a clear step up in rhythmic agility and fluidity.

Vocals in particular sound far more immediate and natural – you can hear greater nuance in the emotion and inflections in voices when listening through the Sabre-R speakers.

Overall, it’s a more engaging and dynamic sound. The Sabre-R speakers are clearly tuned to match the R610, so it makes sense that they sound their best when paired together.

Our dedicated Sabre-R review goes into greater detail about these small speakers, but don’t be deterred by their four-star rating – they and the R610 fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. They flow together in perfect harmony, highlighting each other’s strengths and delivering a cohesive performance.

If you are considering buying the R610, then the Sabre-R should be considered its most natural pairing.

If space is tight and you need an even smaller pair of speakers, then the titchy Neat Iota II are a good fit – their energy and dynamism suit the R610 well, although they’re perhaps not quite as refined as the Ruark pairing.

Luckily, you can buy the Sabre-R and R610 as a bundle in the UK, while you can purchase them separately in other territories.

The Sabre-R speakers cost £699, so together with R610, the total system will set you back £1899. We just wish there was a little discount when you bought the pair as a bundle.

Elsewhere, the R610’s sound is consistent throughout the various source inputs. The built-in phono stage is of decent quality, which isn’t always a guarantee in streaming amplifiers. We would recommend the Rega Planar 2/Nd3 or Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 as good options for the R610.

The streaming amplifier is sympathetic to different recording qualities but doesn’t make too much of a fuss about it, either. It conveys hi-res albums streamed from our Naim server with the same care and attention as with lossy Bluetooth streams from an iPhone.

Regardless of how you listen, the R610 doesn’t rob you of experiencing the shifting mood and feel of a song. Ruark simply tries to deliver the music as authentically as possible, so we can enjoy the core intent of the music.

For this type of product, which juggles so many different jobs, it’s a very capable performer. The R610 is a clear step up in performance over the Award-winning Technics SA-C600 (now available for around £760).

There are many streaming amplifiers across the price ranges that get close to offering great performance alongside ample features and specifications, but can’t quite hit the spot in every aspect.

With the R610, Ruark makes it look – and sound – easy. There is an effortless quality with which it delivers music, especially when paired with the Ruark Sabre-R speakers, that is wonderfully pleasing to listen to.

Verdict

If you want a substantial step up that gets closer to the sound of separates hi-fi, we would recommend the pricier Naim Uniti Atom (£2300 / $3799 / AU$5750).

But the Ruark R610 streaming amplifier is a fine example of what can be accomplished in such a compact, multi-faceted form, and at this price.

The R610 is a gorgeous piece of design, it’s lovely to use and however you listen to music – vinyl, streaming, CD, radio – it delivers an engaging, convincing performance.

Review published: 27th June 2025

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Features 5
• Build 5

MORE:

Read the Ruark Audio Sabre-R speakers review

Also consider the Technics SA-C600

Cambridge Audio takes one of our favourite streaming amps to the next level with its fully featured Evo 150 SE

Best hi-fi systems 2025: CD, vinyl and streaming music players for the home

JBL has just announced its new flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar package in the form of the Bar 1300MK2, which can only mean one thing: its predecessor is primed for a hearty discount.

And that's exactly what we're seeing, as the MK1 version of the nifty wireless soundbar package is currently subject to hundreds of pounds worth of savings.

The soundbar package, which features wireless surround sound speakers that snap onto the bar for easy storage and charging, originally retailed for £1299 at launch, but it's now available for just £799 at Peter Tyson.

So, what makes this deal on the soundbar worth your time? One of the main reasons we rate it highly is its impressive three-dimensional soundfield. We said in our review: "Considering the configuration of each rear speaker, which does not have a side-firing driver facing towards the screen, we are impressed by how seamless and three-dimensional the soundfield is with this JBL system. Even with the rear speakers disengaged, the bar is very capable of projecting audio with a sense of spaciousness."

It also has the advantage that its detachable satellite speakers are battery-powered and can be used when needed and then reconnected to the main soundbar to charge when not in use.

JBL's soundbar system supports Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music and a range of internet radio stations. There’s also AirPlay 2, Chromecast support and Amazon Alexa voice control capabilities.

Like most soundbars these days, the Bar 1300 can be controlled with a remote control and an app.

This 'bar did not quite get a five-star rating from us due to its lack of sound modes to choose from and a lack of precision from the sub when it comes to handling multiple deep rhythmic elements. However, we still think this is a deal worth considering if you are looking for a streamlined 11.1.4 Atmos experience wrapped up in a soundbar package.

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And here is our full review of the JBL Bar 1300

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WiiM’s first streaming amplifier – the WiiM Amp – made quite a stir, delivering amplification, DAC and wireless streaming features in a compact box that cost considerably less than anything else offered on the hi-fi market.

Its feature-packed, well-built and user-friendly design for such a budget price had plenty of appeal, but we found it lacking in the sound quality department.

The more ambitious WiiM Amp Pro aims to rectify this, while still retaining the same versatile specifications and affordable price that WiiM has become known for. If you’re looking for a space-saving, wallet-friendly streaming amp that you just need to add a pair of speakers to, the Amp Pro could be just the ticket.

Price

The WiiM Amp Pro is yours for £399 / $379 / AU$699 – still a terrifically priced product for those wanting a whole bunch of features and abilities in one compact box. All you need to do is add a pair of passive speakers, and you have a complete, streamlined hi-fi system.

We still haven’t come across any other streaming amplifier for such a reasonable outlay. The Award-winning Technics SA-C600 is a five-star favourite before things start to get too premium, but that streaming amp (which also includes a CD player) clocks in at a significantly pricier £769 / $1099 / AU$1599 these days.

The more budget WiiM Amp is still available for £319 / $299 / AU$495, so the step up towards the Amp Pro isn’t particularly steep.

Build & design

The WiiM Amp Pro looks identical to its younger sibling: a smartly built, very minimal design that puts us in mind of the Mac Mini. The footprint is also the same, with the ultra-compact 6.3 x 19 x 19cm (hwd) dimensions meaning it is well suited to those who are limited on space for their home audio set-up, as it can be placed anywhere from a busy TV cabinet to your work desk or even in a bookshelf.

The sleek aluminium unit has simple LEDs on the front to indicate power, input and volume level. The large volume dial is the only material change here: in the Amp Pro, it has a stepped feel compared to the smoother motion of the Amp’s volume dial.

You can further fine-tune how you use the volume by choosing the level of adjustment one volume step takes in the WiiM Home app – it’s a feature we rarely see in products like this and is a nice addition here.

You can press the volume and control dial to change inputs, but we mainly used the excellent WiiM Home app to control all our music playback from various streaming apps.

Delve into the app and you’ll find WiiM offers a wealth of customisation for the Amp Pro, from fine-tuning the audio for each input with various EQ settings to even customising the LEDs on the unit.

Another way of controlling the Amp Pro is the included voice remote, which is a nicely made handset and is responsive to all commands. Both the unit and remote feel like products with a higher price tag; the perception of high quality outstrips its affordable price point.

You can also set four presets on the remote to readily access your favourite playlists or internet radio stations. It’s not quite as intuitive as selecting presets using the touchscreen display of the WiiM Ultra streamer – you’ll have to remember what’s stored for each preset button, for starters – but it all works just fine.

We also appreciate that WiiM includes the required interconnect cables – HDMI, optical, RCA – in the box, making it easy for users to get started and connect their TV and other audio sources to the Amp Pro straightaway. Every little helps when you’re on a budget, after all.

Features & connectivity

The amount of features packed into the compact Amp Pro remains impressive. Inside is a Class D amplifier offering 60 watts of power per channel into 8 ohms. That’s the same power rating as the Amp, but the Amp Pro’s internals have been upgraded to help improve the overall sound quality.

We are promised wider dynamic range and lower distortion levels, as well as a higher signal-to-noise ratio. There is also a feedback loop from the speaker to the amplifier, to optimise the amp’s performance across a range of speakers.

The DAC chip has also been upgraded to the ES9038 Q2M Sabre DAC – the same one used in the five-star WiiM Ultra streamer – and it can handle hi-res files up to 24-bit/192kHz.

In terms of its streaming capabilities, the WiiM Amp Pro offers extensive support for playing music from most popular streaming services and methods. You get wi-fi and wired Ethernet network access (both stable and easy to set up) and you have everything from the recent Qobuz Connect to TuneIn internet radio supported. Its DLNA capability means the streaming amp can recognise and play local hi-res and CD-ripped files stored on the same network.

Bluetooth and Chromecast are also available, but the one notable exception here is Apple AirPlay 2. New generations of WiiM products have dropped AirPlay support, which will be a huge blow to dedicated Apple Music/iOS subscribers. If you use Apple Music with the Amp Pro, your only choice to stream music wirelessly from your iOS device is via lossy Bluetooth – hardly the best-sounding transmission method

The older WiiM Amp still supports AirPlay 2, however.

The WiiM streaming platform is robust and stable, and it has no problem recognising our iPhone or Naim music servers on the same network.

The WiiM app is swift, responsive and easy to navigate. Its user-friendly interface is a big reason why we’re fond of WiiM’s streaming products, as they make the process of juggling multiple music sources and playing music very smooth and accessible.

Around the back, you’ll find a decent complement of physical connections, which also mirror that which you get on the cheaper Amp. Inputs include HDMI ARC, digital optical, RCA stereo analogue and a USB type-A port for plugging in USB media sticks. There is also a subwoofer output and, of course, a pair of speaker terminals.

There is no headphone jack here, but you can connect a pair of wireless headphones by selecting Bluetooth as the audio output. We connect Sony’s WH-1000XM6 cans and it is a swift, uncomplicated process, with the WiiM’s sound quality remaining consistent here as with the rest of its audio sources.

Sound

We start listening to the WiiM Amp Pro, and we are met with a clean, open and smooth sound. It’s not unlike the sonic character of the WiiM Ultra streamer, which is a great start.

It’s an easy presentation to listen to, giving streamed songs ample space to flourish, with voices projected clearly and in focus, and instruments working together to deliver an engaging, lively sound.

It takes us only a handful of seconds of comparison with the Amp to discover that the Amp Pro has taken a leap forward in performance.

There is more punch, snap and sparkle to the sound than the Amp.

The flattened dynamics we criticised in the Amp’s performance are improved here: the Amp Pro offers greater subtlety to the way dynamic swings are communicated, and there is a more convincing sense of dynamic contrast and rhythmic agility to the sound.

There’s more flair and personality, aided by the Amp Pro digging out more detail overall as we run through our playlist.

Where the Amp used the same simplified brush over all songs, the Amp Pro offers more light and shade, making it a more interesting listen. Doechii’s personality and the way she pronounces words with attitude in Denial Is A River come through with greater intent and nuance here, while we hear more impactful slam and depth at the lower frequencies.

Disturbed’s cover of The Sound Of Silence sounds more muscular and powerful, while Aesop Rock’s gritty Checkers propels forward with nimble footwork. The same songs played through the Amp sound rather disinterested and leaden in comparison.

There is simply more detail and subtlety revealed through the Amp Pro, with a sense of fun and energy that keeps us listening.

We still find there is a hint of restraint to the sound, though, with the WiiM Amp Pro playing it just a little safe. Even acknowledging its budget billing, we would like to hear a better sense of timing and momentum, as well as have it dig out greater texture to the body of instruments to make them sound that bit more realistic.

There are instances – in Dave Brubeck’s Take Five and Radiohead’s The National Anthem – where the Amp Pro gets a little confused with the complex rhythmic patterns and isn’t as musically cohesive as we’d like. Piano notes could have more resonance and textural depth, too. We think there is space for the WiiM to mature – but overall it’s a move in the right direction after our criticisms of the cheaper Amp’s sound.

The Amp Pro’s sonic improvements are heard through the various sources we use, from Qobuz Connect to Bluetooth to our Naim server. We also plug in a Cyrus CDi CD player using the RCA inputs, and we hear the same sonic character, with an increase in grip, detail, dynamics and spaciousness.

We spend the first part of our testing with the Amp Pro paired with our reference Epos ES-7N speakers, but then switch to a more realistic price-compatible pair of budget speakers, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1. The Wharfedales are a great partner; their easy-going, balanced and dynamic nature works a treat with the Amp Pro, adding a touch of warmth and midrange fluidity to the WiiM’s starker and more efficient presentation.

Verdict

The WiiM Amp Pro’s combination of talents at this price level and for this compact size remains unusual. That it also delivers an improved sound performance over its predecessor while juggling so many different elements is impressive.

We are pleased to see the WiiM Amp Pro moving in the right direction in terms of sound quality; if it can continue at this pace, its potential is sky-high.

The lack of AirPlay will be a disappointment to many potential users here, but if it’s not a priority, we have no problem recommending the Amp Pro for those who are limited in space and budget – its user-friendly design makes listening to music fuss-free and enjoyable.

Review published: 11th June 2025

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Features 4
• Build 5

MORE:

Read our review of the WiiM Amp

Also consider the WiiM Ultra streamer

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Amazon’s Fire TV Stick range of streaming devices may not be the most glamorous or technically impressive products that we see in our AV testing room, but they serve a specific purpose and perform said purpose well.

Case in point is the first-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, which offered affordable plug-and-play 4K HDR streaming, with a solid picture performance and feature set that was hard to argue with, especially for the price.

The only thing holding that streamer back was the existence of the then-Award-winning Google Chromecast with Google TV, which just edged out the first-generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max when it came to picture and sound performance.

Luckily for Amazon, Google has since discontinued that device and replaced it with a streamer that’s nearly double the price, and not quite as good. So, it would make total sense for Amazon to strike while the iron is hot, and deliver an upgraded streaming stick that undercuts the Google TV Streamer; and that’s exactly what it has done.

Today, we have the second-generation Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and with upgraded performance, a significant lack of competition and a tempting price tag, it might just be the easiest no-brainer buy in the AV world.

Price

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation) officially costs £70 / $60 / AU$120; a smidge more than its predecessor’s £65 / $55 / AU$99 starting price. While a price rise – albeit minor – isn’t necessarily a welcome sight, what will be more enticing are the discounts that this streamer will inevitably receive throughout the year.

During its own sales events – Big Deal Days, Prime Day and Black Friday – Amazon almost always heavily discounts its own products. You can expect to pay closer to £50 / $40 / AU$89 if you time your purchase right.

Better yet, Amazon’s new streamer benefits from a major player exiting the market. Google’s Chromecast with Google TV was the roadblock preventing the previous generation Fire TV Stick 4K Max from achieving the full five-star commendation; however, that Award-winning streamer has been discontinued.

Google has replaced it with the four-star Google TV Streamer, which costs £99 / $100 / AU$160; considerably more than the Chromecast’s £60 / $50 / AU$99 launch price and, more importantly, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

As for other rivals, Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K undercuts the Amazon streamer at £50 / $50 / AU$110, though it’s yet to land in our AV testing room.

Build

The new Fire TV Stick isn’t a radical departure from its predecessors, though there are some identifying features to distinguish this newer model.

It’s still an all-plastic cuboid with an HDMI connector sticking out of one end, akin to an oversized USB thumb drive with the corners rounded off.

Unfortunately, this means that the last generation’s tendency to hog the area surrounding the HDMI socket it's lodged into is once again prevalent, meaning you may struggle to plug a cable into the adjacent HDMI port unless you use the included adapter.

A further design oversight relates to the power socket, which bafflingly uses Micro USB rather than the widely accepted USB-C standard. While we appreciate Amazon including a power adapter in the box, the decision to stick with the older, less convenient and less widely used connection is an odd choice indeed.

Moving away from the stick itself and onto the remote, Amazon has bundled in the same Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced model that can be found with the Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation). It’s functional, comfortable to hold, and features shortcuts to streaming services, which will differ depending on which region you purchase it in.

We would have liked to see the “find my remote” function included here, as it comes as standard on the Google TV Streamer; however, you’ll need to purchase the optional Fire TV Remote Pro for that, which also includes backlit buttons.

Features

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max’s only mission is to bring 4K streaming smarts to your TV, and it does so with a decent list of appreciated features.

HDR, for example, is supported in all of the major formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG, meaning this streaming stick will play nicely with your TV regardless of whether you own a Dolby Vision-sporting LG TV or an HDR10+ only Samsung.

Furthermore, it supports Dolby Atmos audio, as well as up to 7.1 surround sound.

Inside the Fire TV Stick is a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor, and Amazon has been kind enough to double the storage from 8GB to 16GB, though RAM stays at 2GB.

Wi-Fi 6E is also supported, which should offer “smoother 4K streaming”, according to Amazon – though you’ll need a compatible router to access this.

At the heart of the Fire TV Stick experience is Fire OS, which you’ll also find on the company’s Omni-series QLED and Mini LED TVs, as well as (from 2024) Panasonic’s OLED TVs.

It’s a robust, well-supported and versatile operating system, which might not look quite as clean as Apple’s tvOS or be brimming with AI features like Google TV, but it's good for the straightforward streaming tasks that we require of a Fire TV Stick.

One area where Fire OS frustrates is with its ad-heavy nature. Amazon’s services are also pushed to the forefront, which shouldn’t be too surprising considering it manufactured the device, and the ads can be somewhat forgiven thanks to the device’s relatively low price tag.

App support is, unsurprisingly, excellent, with a full range of global streaming apps – including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and, of course, Amazon Prime Video – and domestic services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and more.

Fire OS is also home to some niche services, including Mubi, Shudder, BFI Player and others, making this a solid choice for mainstream and indie movie fans.

Something to note with the Apple TV app is that it's exclusively used as a hub for Apple TV+ content and a way to access your existing Apple TV library. The store cannot be accessed directly through this app, so you’ll need to purchase your desired movie or TV series on a smartphone or tablet to watch it on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Music and gaming apps are also well supported, with the likes of Spotify, Tidal and Deezer on board, though Apple Music is unfortunately sidelined. Thankfully, that can be circumvented with the inclusion of AirPlay 2.

Gaming-wise, Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming service and Xbox are the two major players, while casual games that can be controlled via the included remote are also accessible.

Picture

Much like its predecessor, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max provides plenty of positive picture attributes, which makes it a rather compelling streamer for the money. Better yet, it doesn’t have the Chromecast with Google TV to contend with, and instead now has the four-star Google TV Streamer as its major adversary.

We plug the Fire TV Stick into our reference Sony OLED TV and load up a range of streaming apps onto the device to deduce how it handles picture performance.

Firing up Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning on Netflix, the Fire TV Stick delivers a sharp and engaging picture, with plenty of detail in the suits worn by Ethan Hunt and his well-dressed gang as they plan out their mission in Abu Dhabi Airport.

There is ample detail to skin textures, and aside from a few instances of skin tones looking a tad on the warm side, the Fire TV Stick generally impresses.

We also take no issue with how motion is handled, as the MV-22 Osprey military aircraft carrying a troop of elite agents tasked with hunting down the hero glides smoothly into frame, with the whirring propellers showing no signs of awkward juddering or stuttering.

Switching to Challengers in HDR10+ on Amazon Prime Video, we’re once again impressed with the detail levels, colours, and motion, deducing that the Stick 4K Max provides a balanced and enjoyable image overall.

Furthermore, the film grain that can sometimes be presented as overbearing image noise on the Google streamer seems cleaner and looks more intentional on the Fire TV Stick.

Feeding the Fire TV Stick some HD content, namely Gladiator II, once again on Prime Video, we do notice that the edges of subjects get slightly softer. That being said, clothing and skin remain detailed enough, and the streamer certainly doesn’t make a big deal of presenting the comparatively lower resolution content.

We compare it directly to the Google TV Streamer with these aforementioned movies, alongside Mad Max: Fury Road and Babylon on the Apple TV app, and this is where things get interesting.

Despite costing a fair bit more than the Fire TV Stick 4K, the Google TV Streamer’s picture looks nearly identical. We can pick out a touch more detail on the Google TV, and colours are slightly punchier (if anything, we could accuse the Google of overdoing skin tones here), but otherwise, we struggle to see the point in shelling out for the pricier Google TV Streamer when it comes to picture performance.

Sound

While the picture performance is practically identical to the Google TV Streamer (albeit for less money), where we see the biggest difference between these two streamers is in sound quality. Make no mistake, the Fire TV Stick 4K is no maestro, but it's a darn sight better than the Google TV Streamer.

Loading up Tidal to stream tracks including Gasoline by HAIM and Taylor Swift, Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, and From by Bon Iver, we’re met with sound that can best be described as solid. It won’t blow your socks off, and timing is one aspect where the Fire TV Stick does falter, but it’s a warmer, more cohesive and dynamic performance compared with the poor-sounding Google TV Streamer.

This is true for movies and TV shows as well, as we return to Mission: Impossible to find clear and detailed vocals that have been prioritised within the greater audio mix. That being said, they don’t sound detached, and the tense soundtrack still has its chance to build suspense effectively.

Verdict

Amazon’s flagship streaming stick is a solid option for anyone whose TV’s built-in streaming apps just aren’t cutting it. Its sharp and colourful picture, paired with its easy plug-and-play usability, should appease those who want to squeeze a bit more life out of their ageing 4K TV, or sidestep their TV’s built-in operating system.

Unless you’re considering stepping up to the Apple TV 4K, which costs double the price, the Fire TV Stick 4K is the go-to 4K streaming device at this level.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Google TV Streamer

Also consider the Apple TV 4K

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I've had a first look at the upcoming WiiM Sound smart speaker at High End Munich 2025.

WiiM is fast becoming an exciting brand to watch, with compact, affordable streamers and electronics that pack in so many features – and now the company has ventured into the world of speakers for the first time.

The samples on display at the WiiM booth are still in the development stage, so not all features are fully functional, but I was able to have a good poke around the new wireless speaker to see how it works.

It's very obvious where the design inspiration has come from – the Sound is roughly the same size and shape of the Apple HomePod, albeit perhaps a little narrower and squarer.

The top panel has a simple touch-capacitive display for playback and volume controls, with icons illuminating as you tap. The top panel is rather large, extending closer to the edge of the speaker than the HomePod 2's smaller, circular design.

The woven fabric covering feels sturdy and the sample unit on display looked smart and well-made.

The big highlight is the small, porthole-like display on the front of the WiiM Sound speaker.

WiiM has clearly beaten Apple to the punch here – the rumours of a HomePod with a screen or display have long been touted, but we're still waiting to see something materialise.

On the WiiM Sound, it's a smart window that shows app icons grouped together (not unlike on an Apple Watch... imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all).

The icons also offer access to your music library, internet radio, clock, settings and presets. You can tap on the apps and swipe across the screen to access different app interfaces.

This functionality wasn't fully working yet on the sample I tried at the stand – but it does work well enough when opening the music app or swiping across to get to your music queue.

When on standby mode, it displays a clock face. We hope it's a customisable one, just as we've seen on the WiiM Ultra streamer's display.

The Sound runs on WiiM's own proficient streaming platform, with the accompanying Home app offering all the settings and control.

The feature list covers Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, DLNA – but conspicuous in its absence is AirPlay.

WiiM's latest products – Ultra, Amp Pro, Amp Ultra – are also missing AirPlay, but we're not too surprised that Apple's streaming technology isn't featured in a clear rival.

You can use the WiiM remote for voice commands, too. A WiiM representative said that Alexa integration, such as with a microphone built into the smart speaker, could be in the works in the future.

At the moment, it seems that you activate Google and Amazon voice assistants via your smartphone rather than speaking directly to the speaker. We will clarify this voice control aspect once the product is finalised.

Of course, how the Sound, err, sounds remains an unknown. The HomePod 2 is a fantastic-sounding device, delivering excellent detail, natural voices, engaging dynamics and a spacious sound from its compact form. Can WiiM compete? We can't wait to find out.

Considering WiiM's trend for delivering well-thought-out products at very affordable prices, it could be a serious competitor to the £299 / $299 HomePod.

Depending on the final price, the WiiM Sound could even be a rival to more budget Amazon Alexa smart speakers, considering the WiiM's extensive hi-res streaming features.

Additionally, the WiiM Sound can be used as part of a 5.1 surround sound system. The WiiM Sound speakers were being used in conjunction with two Audio Pro wireless speakers as the front and left/right speakers, but you can configure any connected (and compatible) speakers you like using the WiiM Home app.

WiiM has already worked with Audio Pro to launch two 'WiiM Edition' models, and it shows how compact a TV or cinema set up (and a multi-room set up) can be. The whole 5.1 system could also be wireless but for connections to mains power.

The demo system at the show was being run by the new WiiM Amp Ultra streaming amplifier, which gives you even more scope to connect to streaming apps, devices and a TV. We are big fans of the Ultra streamer, so one that combines its excellent touchscreen display with an amplifier inside to make a compact, all-in-one system is hugely appealing.

I didn't get to test out much on the Amp Ultra – most were on static display – but it looks compact, smart and as seamless in use as the five-star Ultra. Let's hope it sounds good, too.

Both the WiiM Sound and WiiM Amp Ultra will go on sale later this year, with prices yet to be confirmed.

WiiM has a penchant for keeping prices reasonable, so it will be interesting to see quite how affordable the Sound and Amp Ultra will be. Watch this space.

MORE:

Read our Apple HomePod 2 review

High End Munich 2025 highlights: streaming amplifiers, large high-end speakers and more exquisite hi-fi

The all-new Amp Ultra is exactly the WiiM product we wanted next

If you're passionate about cinematic sound and are in the market for a new home cinema amplifier, then the Sony TA-AN1000 should be your first port of call. This five-star AV amplifier has proven its worth time and time again, though we did have one complaint in our review.

It was notably more expensive than its predecessor, the STR-DN1080. That serial Award-winning AVR and Hall of Fame inductee retailed for just £429, while the TA-AN1000 hiked the price up to £999.

Thankfully, there are deals to be found which do bring the current Sony amplifier down to a slightly more palatable price, such as this £200 saving on Amazon, which drops the price to just £799.

Best Sony TA-AN1000 deal

The TA-AN1000 is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on par with competition from the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although it does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it also plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It's similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, plus there's wireless playback available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multi-room set-up, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance? In our review, we showered it with praise, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We noted how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praised it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set tie together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amp at this level, then we have already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer – but now, with £200 off, it's an even more tempting choice.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Why not check out our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

And get top tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

The Bravia 7 is the second most high-end Mini LED TV in Sony’s current (and ever-expanding) TV range.

As such, it inevitably loses some of the eye-catching headline specifications of the flagship Bravia 9.

For instance, it has fewer local dimming zones, isn’t as bright and it has a less powerful sound system.

It’s also, though, substantially cheaper than the Bravia 9 – and, as we’ll see, it retains enough of Sony’s Mini LED picture quality mastery to make it arguably the best value option yet from the brand’s current range.

Price

The 55-inch Bravia 7 was £1899 / $1900 / AU$2935 at launch, but it is now available for significantly less – just £1299 / $1300 / AU$2495.

That still puts it in mid-range TV territory – maybe slightly towards the top end of mid-range territory, given the sort of aggressive pricing the likes of TCL and Hisense are applying to their mid-range and even high-end models these days.

It backs this status up with plenty of on-paper promise, including a Mini LED backlight with local dimming and an uncompromised version of Sony’s dependable XR processor.

Design

The Bravia 7 unsurprisingly isn’t as opulently well built as the Bravia 9. It still retains plenty of the combination of subtle elegance and flexibility that seems to be built into Sony’s TV design DNA at the moment, though.

For starters, the screen and its frame are both designed to finish on the same flush level, which always instantly creates a premium impression. The frame is trim, too, and while the rear panel sticks out a little further than today’s TV trendsetters, it could still make for an effective wall-mounting option.

If you’re going to place your Bravia 7 on a piece of furniture, there’s more good news.

For starters, its feet slot into place without the need for any screws. Also, the feet can be placed in no less than four different configurations: out wide under the bottom corners with the screen either sitting flush down on them or raised up an inch or three, or closer together towards the middle of the screen, again either with the screen sitting low on the feet or raised slightly.

The option to place the feet close together means you can put the 55-inch Bravia 7 on a piece of furniture much narrower than the TV, while the option to raise the screen gives you room to put a soundbar underneath.

The Bravia 7 ships with a tidy-looking smart remote control boasting a tactile, stripped-back button count, but which still finds room for a selection of direct app access buttons and a mic button to activate its Google Assistant voice control features.

The handset is apparently made from approximately 80 per cent recycled plastic, too, and it’s finished in an easy-to-clean polyurethane coating.

Features

Even though there are two TV series sitting above it in Sony’s current range, the Bravia 7 still boasts a Sony XR Backlight Master Drive panel that combines a Mini LED lighting system with local dimming that operates, in the case of the 55-inch model we're testing, across more than 300 separate zones.

This combination promises tight control over where the TV delivers its available light – especially considering how effective Sony’s backlight control systems have tended to be over the years. Even with TVs that have far fewer dimming zones than the Bravia 7 at their disposal.

The Bravia 7 also boasts a Quantum Dot colour system, driven by Sony’s Triluminos technology. This is part of the latest version of Sony’s XR processor, which extends its tendrils into just about every aspect of picture quality – including delivering automatic HDR conversion of SDR with some of its picture presets, and subtly adjusting multiple picture facets to make the resulting images more closely resemble the three-dimensional way our eyes perceive the real world.

Its relative affordability doesn’t stop the Bravia 7 from adopting Sony’s policy of pursuing the picture endorsements of multiple third-party AV industry big guns.

So there are ‘calibrated’ modes for Netflix, Prime Video and Sony’s own high quality (up to 80Mbps streams) Sony Pictures Core streaming service. These are designed to automatically adopt picture settings that get as close as possible to the different studios’ preferred video mastering conditions.

The Bravia 7 is also certified by IMAX as being up to the job of doing justice to the special, ultra-clean IMAX Enhanced mastering system – as well as allowing you to take advantage of the IMAX Enhanced titles provided on Disney+ and the aforementioned Sony Pictures Core.

There’s plenty of Dolby cooperation, too, in the form of Dolby Atmos sound and support for the Dolby Vision dynamic HDR format. Dolby Vision appears alongside the more basic HDR10 and HLG systems, but as ever with Sony TVs, there’s no support for HDR10+.

The Dolby Atmos (and DTS:X) sound is delivered courtesy of a multi-channel audio system that also features a 5.1.2-channel ‘upmixing’ system to embellish stereo or 5.1-channel soundtracks.

There’s also the option to have the TV’s speakers join forces with various Sony soundbars, home theatre speaker packages and personal listening systems to take advantage of Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, which creates a hemisphere of virtual speakers all around your seating position.

Connections on the Bravia 7 include four HDMIs, two of which can handle the 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM gaming features deliverable by the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and some PC graphics cards.

There’s support for a low-latency Dolby Vision game mode, too, as well as a special game-specific onscreen menu system, and compatibility with the Perfect For PlayStation 5 feature, where the console can automatically recognise the TV and output some pretty accurate HDR settings accordingly. You can even stream PlayStation games to the TV via the PS Remote Play app.

It’s a pity that only two of the HDMIs can handle all these gaming features, but this limitation is slightly easier to accept on the Bravia 7 than it is on Sony’s flagship TV ranges. Still, similarly priced LG and Samsung TVs have four top-spec HDMI sockets.

Smart features are provided by Google TV. This brings with it the usual extreme plethora of video streaming, gaming and information apps, bolstered in the UK by the YouView platform, which adds the catch-up services for the UK terrestrial broadcasters that Google TV does not typically cover.

Google TV also brings with it both compatibility with Google Chromecast for streaming from your smart devices, and the Google Assistant voice recognition and control system. There’s compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2, too, and if you’re not a fan of Google Assistant you can use either Alexa or, if you own an Apple Home device, Apple’s Siri voice recognition system.

One last unusual feature of the Bravia 7 is the Bravia Cam. This optional extra attaches magnetically behind the screen’s top edge, providing a camera that introduces the ability to control the TV via gesture; a Proximity Alert to warn children not to get too close; a facility to reduce brightness if the camera detects nobody is present in the room; video conferencing; and even the ability to detect where you are in relation to the TV and adjust the brightness, contrast, sound balance and volume accordingly.

Picture

The Bravia 7’s picture quality is clearly built on the same DNA as Sony’s spectacular flagship Bravia 9, delivering more of that TV’s in some ways groundbreaking picture quality than you’ve any right to expect.

At the heart of the Bravia 7’s picture charms is its outstanding backlight control. At the bright end of the spectrum, Sony’s TV delivers exceptionally bright and intense HDR whites and colours that blaze off the screen with more intensity than they do on many much more expensive flagship TVs.

Just as impressively, though, the Bravia 7 also delivers startlingly deep, dark, convincing, and at times quite OLED-like blacks.

Even better, the Bravia 7 doesn’t deliver these light extremes in isolation – as in, it doesn’t only deliver convincing blacks with exclusively dark shots, or only deliver outstanding brightness with exclusively bright shots. Rather, its backlight controls are so astute and powerful that they’re able to retain most of the brightness punch for bright highlights and most of the black level depth and uniformity for dark areas even with shots that contain a mix of dark and light content.

As well as producing a level of contrast that’s exceptionally rare if not unique to find on a mid-range TV, the Bravia 7’s ability to maintain so much brightness and black depth with the sort of mixed brightness images that make up the vast majority of what we watch means that it delivers a fantastic level of consistency across bright and dark scenes.

And wherever you’ve got consistency, you’ve got a more immersive experience, where nothing the TV does throws you out of what you’re watching.

The Bravia 7’s consistency whether it’s showing mostly bright or mostly dark images extends, too, to its ability to bring out pretty much every detail in even the darkest picture corners. The only exception to this is with the Movie preset, but even here the ‘black crush’ effect is pretty minor. Not enough, at any rate, to make dark scenes look hollow or flat.

Maybe the biggest sign of just how clever and effective the Bravia 7’s backlighting is, though, comes from how well it manages to keep a lid on blooming around stand-out bright objects.

In particular, the black bars above and below wide aspect ratio films remain almost completely free of either general greyness or areas of blooming, even if a bright object appears right alongside them – a really useful feat of backlight isolation engineering that precious few rivals these days even seem to attempt.

The extent and intensity of clouding around bright objects, even when they appear against nearly black backgrounds, is also startlingly limited for such a bright mid-range TV.

In fact, the only time the backlight engine struggles enough to become noticeable in a negative way is in the appearance of slight general clouding and occasional slight blue colour shift with shots that contain a particularly complex mixture of scattered extreme light and extreme dark elements.

As well as being rare, though, even during these moments the Bravia 7’s backlight ‘flaws’, such as they are, are much less likely to distract than the sort of heavy dimming of bright objects or really pronounced halos of extraneous light that many other locally dimmed LCD TVs exhibit.

The combination of high brightness and strong contrast also joins forces with Sony’s excellent XR Triluminos Pro system to deliver a sumptuously wide, vibrant, but also natural-looking and refined colour range. Sony’s TV even manages to retain full saturations in very dark picture areas, as well as, like the Bravia 9, bringing out subtle light differences in very bright areas that elude most if not all other TVs in its class.

The Bravia 7’s superb level of light and colour control for a mid-range TV unlocks an exceptional sense of sharpness and detail with native 4K pictures, too. This is delivered without any sign of the sort of exaggerated grain or ‘glowing’ object edge issues associated with heavy-handed sharpness processing, too, and remains largely unsullied by either motion blur or judder if you set the TV’s XR Motion Clarity feature to one of its relatively low-powered modes.

The Bravia 7 also upscales HD sources to its 4K resolution brilliantly, offering palpable detail and insight without introducing colour shifts or obvious unwanted digital processing side effects.

Gamers will be pleased to hear that all the attributes that make the Bravia 7 such an excellent video performer also make it a fantastically fun and immersive gaming display. The TV’s input lag of 17.9ms in Game mode is a touch higher than we’ve seen with some other Sony TVs, but not enough to affect anyone but the most hardcore competitive gamers.

It’s tough to find anything negative to say about the Bravia 7’s pictures for its money, really.

Aside from the relatively minor cloudiness and colour shifting with rare shots containing a broad mix of light and dark extremes, all we can come up with is that backlight blooming becomes more noticeable if you have to watch the TV from much of an angle.

Otherwise, it’s all good. Really good.

Sound

The Bravia 7 features one of Sony’s so-called Acoustic Multi-Audio sound systems, which in this case means 40W of power pumped into a four-speaker system comprising two full-range bass reflex drivers and two tweeters for, according to Sony, cleaner, more accurately placed detail sounds.

While not quite as potent as its pictures, the resulting sound – especially if you remember to run the provided audio auto-calibration system – is very good for a TV in this price category.

It manages to create, for instance, a soundstage that projects nicely away from the TV’s physical chassis, and then populates the large, room-filling sense of space it creates with plenty of clean and well-positioned details. Enough to do at least some justice to the three-dimensional sound fields created by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X mixes.

Dialogue emerges from the heart of the Bravia 7’s soundstage with conviction and clarity, and while occasionally the sound can feel too polite and trebly with the most explosive action movie moments, lacking a little bass heft, none of the speakers collapse into distortion under pressure.

Verdict

Much more of the groundbreaking backlight technology Sony developed for its flagship Bravia 9 range seems to have filtered down to the Bravia 7 than we would have expected for its money.

In fact, while not feeling quite as explosive and ‘next-gen’ as the Bravia 9, the Bravia 7’s images are actually a little more consistent, resulting in as good a mid-range LCD TV as we’re likely to see this year.

SCORES

• Picture 5
• Sound 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the LG OLED55C4

Also consider the Samsung QE55QN95D

Read our Philips 55OLED809 review

Best TVs: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

The Cambridge Audio MXN10 has been at the top of our best music streamers guide ever since we reviewed it two years ago, and it's a well-deserved two-time and current What Hi-Fi? Award winner.

But if there’s one thing we won’t allow is for a product to rest on its laurels, and the arrival of the WiiM Ultra has presented the perfect opportunity to put the two streamers head-to-head.

Both of these products are brilliantly affordable ways to add cutting-edge streaming skills to your hi-fi separates, and they can even be used to create a simple but effective audio system by connecting them directly to a pair of powered speakers.

With both affordable streamers from Cambridge Audio and WiiM earning five-star reviews, you might be wondering which one should be the recipient of your hard-earned cash, so we’ve put these two network audio players up against each other to find out which one comes out on top.

WiiM Ultra vs Cambridge Audio MXN10: price

It can sometimes feel a little unfair to compare two products with different price tags, so helpfully Cambridge Audio has dropped the asking price for the MXN10 since we first reviewed it in July 2023, and it’s now available for exactly the same affordable price as the WiiM Ultra in the UK: £349.

In the US and Australia there’s still a bit of a price difference, with the WiiM Ultra setting you back $329 / AU$599, and the Cambridge Audio MXN10 costing closer to $399 / AU$749.

WiiM does trump Cambridge Audio by including all the cables – optical, RCA interconnect, HDMI – in the box (you only get a power lead with the MXN10), which could save you a few quid if you don’t already own the required cables for your set-up, but that’s unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most people.

** Winner: Draw **

WiiM Ultra vs Cambridge Audio MXN10: build & design

In terms of size, there’s not much between these two very compact streamers. Both take up as much space as a paperback book and have a solid build quality; either should easily fit on to your hi-fi rack, in your TV cabinet or on your desktop.

The WiiM Ultra is a couple of centimetres taller, but the MXN10 is slightly wider and deeper, so unless you have a very specific space to fit one of them into, size probably won’t play a huge part in your decision-making.

The most significant design difference between the two is that the WiiM Ultra sports a 3.5-inch touchscreen colour display. It’s slick and responsive, and we found it not unlike using the touchscreen on a smartphone.

For controlling basic playback, selecting inputs or choosing saved playlists, we actually prefer tapping at the display compared to the companion WiiM Home app. However, this depends entirely on where the Ultra is placed in your set-up and if you can reach it easily.

Seeing the album artwork on display and being able to tweak the volume dial using just the unit makes the WiiM Ultra all the more appealing.

There is still something to be said for the clean simplicity of the Cambridge Audio MXN10, which sports a small handful of responsive buttons for selecting inputs. You can, however, control everything you need using the StreamMagic app, but the MXN10 does look a little plain in comparison to the Ultra's more modern sensibilities.

In terms of colours, both are available in Apple-esque grey, while you can also get the WiiM Ultra in silver. Cambridge Audio did also release a limited-edition black version of the MXN10, but at the time of writing there are only a few left and it hasn’t had the same price cut as the grey model. Cambridge Audio has said there are no plans to make any more, so if the rest of your kit is black you’ll have to weigh up whether the extra £100 is worth it (and quickly).

** Winner: WiiM Ultra **

WiiM Ultra vs Cambridge Audio MXN10: streaming features

Obviously having the full complement of streaming features is paramount for a network audio player.

Both MXN10 and Ultra offer wi-fi and wired ethernet connectivity to your home network. There's also support for Bluetooth and Google Chromecast, although the WiiM Ultra misses out on AirPlay support. That will be a blow to iOS and Apple Music subscribers, so this alone is likely to be a dealbreaker for many when choosing between these two models.

In terms of high-resolution compatibility, both units are able to play hi-res tracks, but there are some small differences in the maximum file resolution they can play natively. The WiiM Ultra is equipped with a 32-bit/384kHz ES9038 Q2M Sabre DAC, and it can natively play up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM files. That covers pretty much all hi-res files available to download, so it should be more than enough for those with a large digital music collection.

The Cambridge MXN10 uses an ESS Sabre ES9033Q DAC and it goes a little further in supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, and it can also natively play DSD files (up to DSD512 resolution). Essentially, both streamers will be able to cope with pretty much any hi-res digital file you’re likely to throw at them.

And if it doesn't make your decision-making any harder, both units support multi-room audio, are Roon Ready and are able to play stored music files from a network storage device or connected laptop on the same network.

The major music streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz and Deezer are supported on both, as is internet radio. You can handily choose which services are prominent on your StreamMagic app homepage, and pin specific stations or playlists in the app. And as mentioned before, you can do the very same on the WiiM Ultra, but save your go-to favourites as presets that you can select directly from the unit's screen.

Speaking of the control apps, both are among the better ones we've used with music streamers. WiiM’s Home app is well laid out, accessible and intuitive to use even for hi-fi newbies, while Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic app is a good example for any hi-fi brand to follow. The WiiM Ultra also comes with a voice-enabled remote control in the box. Both are easy to set up with their respective apps, too.

It's fairly neck and neck between the two, but the lack of AirPlay on the WiiM Ultra is a big omission. Cambridge Audio MXN10's extensive streaming features and handling of even higher-res tracks make it the preferred choice here for pure streaming ability.

** Winner: Cambridge Audio MXN10 **

WiiM Ultra vs Cambridge Audio MXN10: connectivity

Where the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and WiiM Ultra start to diverge is with the spread of connectivity included.

The MXN10 is a straightforward music streamer, offering coaxial and optical digital outputs, a pair of RCA line level outputs, and a USB type A input. This covers the basic elements you'd normally expect from a budget streamer.

The WiiM Ultra aims to be more than just a streamer, with more features thrown in to create a one-stop music hub for your system. For starters, it has an HDMI ARC input – an increasingly popular demand from customers who want to connect their hi-fi to their TV more easily. (In fairness, newer Cambridge Audio models now include an HDMI connection, so here's hoping the next iteration of the MXN10 will feature this input.)

The Ultra also sports a moving magnet phono stage for incorporating a turntable easily into your system, and there is a 3.5mm headphone socket on the front. You get the same amount of optical, coax and RCA outputs as the MXN10, but the Ultra provides an additional optical input.

The amount of features and connectivity thrown in for the Ultra's price and compact size will clearly have huge appeal. While its talents as a network streamer may not be as exhaustive as the MXN10, the additional inputs and headphone stage here will give plenty for prospective buyers to think about.

** Winner: WiiM Ultra **

WiiM Ultra vs Cambridge Audio MXN10: sound quality

Cambridge Audio might have more long-standing pedigree in the hi-fi world than WiiM, but the Ultra continues an impressive run of releases for a company that’s relatively new on the scene.

In our five-star review of the Ultra, we praised its “mature and engaging performance” that offers a clear step up in audio quality compared to its cheaper, Award-winning WiiM Pro Plus. It's a crisp, clean, easy-going presentation regardless of what source you use, but the Ultra offers a good dose of solidity, muscle and clarity with all kinds of music.

We said in our review: "We play Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal album over Tidal and her fierce yet playful tone comes through with crispness and clarity through the Ultra. There’s agility and decent snap behind the driving rhythm, while her distinct, crystal clear vocals come through with ample attitude and detail on Denial Is A River. Play Billie Eilish’s Blue, and we find the Ultra treads a fine balancing act, with neither end of the frequency sticking out unduly or sounding smoothed off.

There’s enough space and bite at the top end without getting too shrill or splashy; while basslines on Massive Attack’s Paradise Circus have a decent amount of punch and solidity."

But what about in comparison to the Award-winning MXN10?

This is where Cambridge Audio’s experience shows, with the MXN10 delivering “an extra level of textural depth and subtlety to detail” and “greater dynamic scope and rhythmic precision” than the Ultra. It’s the all-round performance of it that’s so impressive, keeping us entertained with everything from Max Richter to Wu-Tang Clan.

We said in our original review: "We like that the Cambridge remains composed when the music becomes demanding, and the way it renders the tone and texture of instruments in such a convincing way. There is a good sense of scale here combined with a surprising dose of authority."

The way it delivers the energy, punch and momentum of a track is hugely enjoyable and captivating. The layers of subtle detail and harmonies around a piano note are delivered with nuance and richness; it sounds musical and entertaining.

It’s important to point out, though, that we never felt shortchanged by the WiiM’s performance. It’s nimble, balanced and likeable, but just lacking a little in terms of texture and rhythmic propulsion compared with the Cambridge rival.

There are a few more elements to the Ultra's sound quality. The WiiM's headphone stage is of a good quality, retaining the same sonic characteristics but with a touch of added richness when we plug in a pair of Beyerdynamic Amiron wired headphones.

Its phono stage is decent but not its strength by far. We connect the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition turntable during testing and it loses clarity and dynamic breadth, opting for a mid-forward balance. Having the phono stage option is nice, but we think going for a dedicated phono preamp or choosing an amplifier with a good phono stage is the way forward if you want the best from a turntable.

** Winner: Cambridge Audio MXN10 **

WiiM Ultra vs Cambridge Audio MXN10: verdict

The WiiM Ultra has plenty of appeal thanks to its touchscreen-enabled modern design and more features than we'd expect from a standard affordable music streamer. It's a talented, multi-faceted unit and its clear, balanced, likeable sound quality will reward many fans. We highly recommend it.

The Cambridge Audio MXN10, however, is the more complete streamer when it comes to its wireless talents, and triumphs in the area that matters the most: sound quality.

What that means to a prospective buyer who’s torn between the two is that both will make great purchases, but the MXN10 remains our top choice if sound quality is your main priority. For this affordable price, the little MXN10 delivers a big performance that still excels and impresses us to this day.

MORE:

Read our full WiiM Ultra review

And our Cambridge Audio MXN10 review

Best music streamers: top network audio players tested by our experts

We have been banging on about wanting brands to produce more streaming soundbars for years.

This started when the Roku Streambar hit the shelves back in 2020, marking what should have been the start of a glorious new era.

The £130 / $130 / AU$224 soundbar-streaming hybrid turns a TV smart thanks to its impressive array of video streaming apps, which include Now TV, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus.

There are also quick dial buttons for a lot of these services including Netflix and Spotify, as well as a search function through the Roku app on its controller.

On top of that, while its sound performance lacked a cinematic feel, it still provided a solid balance and decent vocal clarity.

So while it wasn't perfect, we had hoped more brands would see the idea's merit and add more streaming capabilities to soundbars.

A Frankenstein streaming box-cum-soundbar just makes sense in our mind.

Sadly, while most ‘bars have some options for wireless music playback with at least Bluetooth if not wi-fi streaming via Airplay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast, there is still a gap in the market for movie streaming apps.

Which is why when Amazon unveiled its £120 / $120 Fire TV Soundbar and the pricier Plus version ($250 / £250), we hoped the idea may finally make a comeback. I mean it has 'Fire TV' in the name, right?

Sadly, when we got the slightly cheaper ‘bar in for testing, we saw that the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar does not include built-in streaming like the Roku Streambar, and it doesn't even have Alexa built in.

Of course, we didn't rate the Amazon Fire TV soundbar for what it isn't. We recalibrated our expectations and tested it in the same way we would any other 'dumb' soundbar, comparing it to similar and similarly priced rivals.

But while the Fire TV Soundbar's disappointing three-star score is all down to its sound quality, the separate issue about it not delivering on the expectations raised by its name remains.

Is that an 'us' issue? I don't think so. So far as I know, every previous 'Fire TV' device, from the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K to the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED has featured Amazon Fire TV smart platform, so there's every reason to expect this to be the same.

It seems clear that we're not the only people with this expectation, too, as Amazon has felt the need to add this disclaimer to the product page of the Fire TV Soundbar:

'This is an audio only soundbar. It is not Alexa enabled and does not support Alexa Home Cinema. A Fire TV streaming media player or compatible smart TV is required to access the Fire TV experience.'

And the Fire TV Plus? It does actually have some Fire TV smarts as well as a beefier sound system and support for Dolby Atmos, so perhaps it could be a decent soundbar regardless. We will be testing it very soon and look forward to finding out.

And, with any luck, Amazon also has a true Fire TV soundbar in the works.

MORE:

Here is our review of the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

And check out more of our thoughts on the Roku Streambar

These are the best soundbars we recommend

Can you believe it's April already? We're a third of the way into 2025 and we finally – at least in the UK – have some semblance of a sunny spring weather. Along with the more pleasant climate comes a raft of brand new products that have made their way into our dedicated test rooms, which we're excited to put through the full What Hi-Fi? review process.

New product highlights include the long-awaited Rega Brio Mk7 stereo amplifier, the new Vertere DG X turntable, the exciting WiiM Amp Pro and a very unusual home cinema product from Sony.

If you have any questions about these products before we get started on our reviews, drop a comment at the bottom of this page, head to our forums or social media channels, or email us at whathifi@futurenet.com – we’ll do our best to find the answer to your query during our testing process and get back to you.

1. Rega Brio Mk7

Rega's Brio stereo amplifier has a storied history, with the mid-range integrated racking up plenty of five-stars and What Hi-Fi? Award wins over its various generations. The last Brio snagged a coveted Product of the Year Award in 2017 and 2018 before being ousted by Cambridge Audio and Arcam rivals, so we've been waiting quite a while for a sequel.

We finally have the 7th-generation Brio waiting for us in our test rooms. Rega says its engineers "have completely re-laid the Brio circuit optimising it for performance and reducing distortion." More excitingly, it's the first Brio to include a DAC inside, with two digital inputs sitting alongside three line-level RCA inputs. It also sports an MM phono stage, which has improved isolation and components, while the half-width chassis and 50W per channel (into 8 ohms) power rating returns.

The Brio Mk7 now costs £799 – a significant price increase over the 2017 model's £600 cost – meaning it'll be in the firing line of our current favourite in this price bracket, the Arcam A5. Can Rega reclaim glory? We're excited to find out.

2. Vertere DG X

Vertere's innovative Dynamic Groove turntable is the brand's 'entry-level' model, but it's been our best high-end turntable pick for the last few years. The latest generation – the Vertere DG X – is a significant update with a complete ground-up redesign to improve performance and make the manufacturing process quicker, which in turn keeps the price competitive at this premium level.

The package in our test rooms (as pictured above) includes the brand's unique flat tonearm (the new Groove Runner X), a new Sabre Lite MM cartridge and an updated dedicated power supply. It costs a hefty £4150 / $5400 / AU$8500; we praised the outgoing DG-1/S model's hugely exciting, dynamic and expressive performance, so here's hoping the new generation continues its terrific run when we give it a spin.

• Read the high-end Vertere SG-1 review

3. WiiM Amp Pro

WiiM's budget streamers have been a hit with us, but its first streaming amplifier, the WiiM Amp, didn't impress us quite as much. Despite its heaping features built into a compact form for a very reasonable price, the Amp failed to engage us when it came to sound quality.

The WiiM Amp Pro aims to improve on that front. The Amp Pro bundles in WiiM's terrific streaming features (hi-res, DLNA, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Bluetooth) with a Class D amplifier that outputs 60W per channel (into 8 ohms). It features an updated DAC with higher sampling rate support, improved components, "redesigned internal circuits" and boasts lower distortion levels. Like the new WiiM Ultra, there's sadly no support for AirPlay 2.

Price? £399 / $369 / AU$699 – which is wildly competitive for such a versatile product. Here's hoping its sound quality fares better with us this time during testing.

4. Hisense CanvasTV

Also in our test rooms for this month is Hisense's own take on the lifestyle-friendly Frame TV by Samsung. Called the Hisense Canvas, the screen comes in 55- and 65-in sizes, with a teak frame by default. You can swap this finish for a walnut or white frame and the frames should be easy to remove and install by simply sliding them on.

Similar to Samsung's Frame TV concept, the Canvas TV features an Art Mode that will display your photos or famous works of art and turn the TV into a picture canvas when not being used.

On the specifications front, the Hisense TV features a 4K QLED anti-glare display, a 144Hz refresh rate with ALLM and VRR. Crucially, it's also much more affordable than the Frame.

5. Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6

Hot on the heels of Sony's 2025 TV range is the brand's accompanying home cinema line-up. First up on our reviewing block is the Bravia Theatre Bar 6 – a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

It features up-firing drivers, and Sony's own Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force PRO Front Surround technology to create an immersive soundstage from a compact soundbar.

The Theatre Bar 6 comes with a wireless subwoofer, and you can unlock dialogue-enhancing features when paired with a compatible Sony Bravia TV. This one costs a fairly affordable £499 – stay tuned for our full review in the coming weeks.

6. Sony Bravia Theatre U

Another Sony product, but completely different from your average soundbar or speaker. The Theatre U is a neckband speaker that you wear around your shoulders, and it can deliver a 'personal' but immersive sound so you can listen to music and movies without disturbing anyone in your house.

Unlike headphones, the Theatre U promises a more 'open' sound; it features Dolby Atmos technology and offers 360 Spatial Sound when paired with a Sony Bravia TV.

Despite its rather bulky looks, the Theatre U is designed to be light and comfortable to wear for hours and sports a 12-hour battery.

It's pitched as an alternative to soundbars and headphones – but will it become our new go-to home cinema accessory? Its predecessor, the SRS-NS7, scored just three stars in our review, so the Theatre U needs to be a big improvement if it's going to impress us.

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Devices that bring streaming powers to your old hi-fi kit aren't new, but this new device aims to bring the most popular streaming elements to existing products without being tied to any single brand or ecosystem.

Hailing from Sweden, the Atonemo Streamplayer is a small unit that looks like an oversized lighter (measuring just 70x50x19mm) and aims to update "any speaker, amplifier, or system – regardless of brand, age, or inputs – into a smart, wireless, multiroom audio system."

Atonemo's approach aims to be agnostic, meaning you can keep your existing speakers from different brands and from different eras, but update them with streaming technology without having to start all over with a specific smart brand or be tied to a particular ecosystem.

The device includes AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple Music and YouTube Music, as well as Bluetooth and LE Audio Auracast streaming. Wi-fi 6 is on board, while Roon Ready integration is also coming soon.

The Streamplayer is also compatible with Apple HomeKit and Google Home smart home systems (but not Amazon Alexa).

The Streamplayer can be connected to any audio product that has a 3.5mm auxiliary input, with up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res files supported. We're told that the 3.5mm audio output on the Streamplayer is a combination analogue and mini Toslink/SPDIF output.

You can power the unit using USB-C, while it connects to your home wi-fi using the Atonemo app. The app is there purely for set up, grouping together connected speakers and offering a 10-band EQ; all music playback is done through the native music streaming apps.

This means you can wirelessly unite various speakers (active, Bluetooth, even older models) from different brands in your house and be able to play to all from your chosen streaming service. To do this, you will need one Streamplayer for each product.

Founder and CEO of Atonemo Leo Ballesteros says he saw a gap in the market where "speaker manufacturers excelled in sound and design but struggled with software and streaming capabilities." Atonemo's agnostic approach aims to be as simple and out of the way as possible. “Speakers should be about sound and design, Atonemo takes care of the rest," he says. "We’re here to breathe new life into all the beautiful speakers, amplifiers and systems already out there, ensuring they remain timeless while embracing modern technology.”

We are increasingly seeing some music streamers miss out on one streaming feature – for instance, BluOS platforms don't feature Chromecast, while the new WiiM Ultra is missing AirPlay 2 – and if you are after a multiroom speaker system, you tend to have to pick a specific maker (Sonos, Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, Bluesound, Denon etc) to get a seamless experience from multiple speakers. The Streamplayer is a clever way of supercharging any speaker or kit you already own and love with missing streaming elements that you can control from your smartphone without investing in any extra subscription or locking into a brand's own locked system.

The Atonemo Streamplayer is due to go on sale in Spring and will cost £99 / $99 / €99. You can register your interest on the official website to be notified of when it goes on sale.

Read the budget favourite WiiM Pro Plus streamer review

The perfect hi-fi streamer exists only in our imagination – here’s how it looks

I heard my favourite Radiohead album on the B&W speakers used to record it – and now I love it even more

If a product earns both five stars in our review and is given a What Hi-Fi? Award then you know it's going to be good. That's the case for our favourite AVR, the ever-impressive Sony TA-AN1000. Thanks to a Peter Tyson deal, you can supercharge your home cinema with the TA-AN1000 for only £799.

The deal makes it £200 cheaper than the original asking price, and even though we saw it drop to £699 during Black Friday, the current deal is more than worthy of consideration. The home cinema amplifier is a gem, delivering an energetic and rich performance, with an intuitive set-up process and smooth operation.

It's a strong performer that we've endorsed time and time again, so if you're in the market for a new AVR, then this might just be the one for you.

Best Sony TA-AN1000 deal

The TA-AN1000 is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on par with competition from the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it also plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It's similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, plus there's wireless playback available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multi-room set-up, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance? In our review, we steeped high praise on it indeed, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We noted how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praised it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set ties together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amp at this level, then we had already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer – but now, with £200 off, it's nothing short of a bargain.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Why not check out our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

And get top tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

If you're looking for an affordable large format TV then the Panasonic W90A should definitely be on your shortlist. It might not offer fancy technologies such as Mini LED backlighting but it does run Amazon’s Fire TV software which is very handy indeed. It also retains the brand’s iconic focus on delivering 'as the director intended' picture quality – a key area where many affordable TVs fail.

This 55-inch Panasonic Full Array TV has dropped to just £649 at Richer Sounds, making it £550 cheaper than the price it was launched at. Now is the perfect time to upgrade your old set.

The 55-inch Panasonic W90A is Panasonic's flagship Full Array offering. We praised the W90A for its rich, authentic colours, solid, three-dimensional picture, and reliable motion handling. While we didn't find it as bright as the other competing Mini LED models on the market, it's still a solid TV.

In our full review, we said: "The Panasonic W90A is a competent LCD TV that retains the brand’s focus on accuracy and naturalness. Though it can’t match the peak brightness or shadow detail of competing Mini LED sets that are only moderately more expensive, this focus at least lets it compete in other areas we care about – chief of which is colour accuracy. If you’re a serious movie fan who values this factor, the W90A is a solid choice."

Feature-wise, it boasts the same HCX Pro AI Processor MK II chip as a more expensive TV in Panasonic's range, the Z95A. It also supports all four of the current TV HDR formats - HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Plus, there's Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, too.

If you're into gaming, there's a 4K/144Hz maximum refresh rate, VRR and ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming HDR. You can also run your current-generation consoles, which cap at 120Hz, at full speed.

The deal means you can pick up a 55-inch Panasonic W90A for just £649 at Richer Sounds, but only while stocks last.

MORE:

Here's our full review of the 55-inch Panasonic W90A

These are the best TVs you can buy right now

And here are the best TV deals

Chances are you have come across our many product buying guides, where we handpick the top products we have tested and can recommend as the very best of their particular price range or type. These lists include, typically, less than a dozen (or in some cases even a small handful) products that have impressed us must during our comprehensive, in-house testing – and we don't include a new product in these guides unless they either surpass a current star in the same category/price or stand out for good reason.

Our best music streamers buying guide is one that has grown in the past couple of years – there are now nine products on the list that have scored five stars and will do justice to your digital music collection, whether you have a strict budget or have thousands to spare. The latest and newest entrant to this guide is none other than the recently reviewed WiiM Ultra.

WiiM has already been a fixture of this music streamers category since we reviewed (and gave a What Hi-Fi? Award to) the budget WiiM Pro Plus, which we still recommend as the best budget streamer you can buy. The WiiM Ultra (£349 / $329 / AU$599) is pricier than the Pro Plus, and is the same price as the multiple Award-winning and reigning Product of the Year, Cambridge Audio MXN10. But its particular set of talents is such that we created an entire new entry for the Ultra, deeming it to be the 'best music streamer for versatility'.

The Ultra is a clear step above its cheaper sibling in terms of price, audio performance and design, and while the Cambridge streamer still pulls ahead when it comes to absolute sound quality, the Ultra offers a wealth of features and connectivity that far outstrips what we would expect from your usual network audio player.

The WiiM Ultra has the streaming chops – DLNA, wi-fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, internet radio – with native hi-res resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz supported. The one glaring omission here is AirPlay 2. If you're an iOS user and a regular Apple Music subscriber, then the Pro Plus and MXN10 are better options if AirPlay is a priority.

But the Ultra includes a headphone stage, a moving-magnet phono stage for plugging in a turntable, and an HDMI ARC for easy connection to your TV – none of which you will find on either the Pro Plus or the Cambridge streamer.

Add in a sleek, well-built Mac Mini-style design and very responsive and appealing touchscreen display that we enjoy prodding and using, and you have a product that, unlike many streamers, you won't want to stow away on a busy hi-fi rack or hide away in a corner. You can add various other sources to the streamer, while the unit itself can be connected to a pair of active speakers for a streamlined, compact and modern audio system.

Streaming songs via the WiiM Home app is slick and organised, and it adds voice control, multi-room functions and ample EQ customisation. That display is customisable too, so you can pick a different clock font or choose your pet or holiday snaps as the screensaver background.

The Ultra's sound quality is clean, clear, lively and organised – it's an engaging presentation that is easy to listen to regardless of which streaming source you use. In our review, we say, "There’s enough space and bite at the top end without getting too shrill or splashy, while basslines on Massive Attack’s Paradise Circus have a decent amount of punch and solidity." The phono stage's quality isn't its strongest suit (the dynamics are squashed and the mids are pushed forward, upsetting the Ultra's otherwise well-judged tonal balance), but the headphone stage is great for wired listening and its innate balanced, composed sonic character is consistent across the analogue and digital inputs. "It’s a likeable, tidy performance that keeps us wanting to play more songs from our various music libraries," we continue in our review. "We like the way in which the Ultra doesn’t try to overtly grab your attention; its clean, balanced and nimble sound packs enough punch and pizazz to keep you interested."

The Cambridge MXN10 does, however, unearth greater textures, deeper subtleties in detail and dynamic punch, as well as giving instruments greater body and authenticity. If sound quality is your number one priority, then the MXN10 remains our top recommendation at this price if you are looking solely for a streamer to add to your hi-fi set up.

For music fans who aren't perhaps going down the traditional hi-fi separates route, however, the Ultra offers a versatile, modern hub that gives you a great starting point for streaming music wirelessly but with the potential to add more as you go along your audio journey. (And it's especially appealing if you don't have hundreds in loose change to spend on new kit). The touchscreen display is an immediate draw, while the range of connectivity options available is impressive for this price point. The lack of AirPlay will be a dealbreaker for some, but the WiiM Ultra's charming, likeable performance and hugely appealing design ensures it has a prime spot in our best music streamers buying guide. We'd be hard pressed to find a more versatile player for such a realistically affordable price point of under £/$350 in today's market.

MORE:

Read our full WiiM Ultra review

WiiM Pro Plus or WiiM Ultra: what are the differences, and which is best for you?

7 test tracks that have been playing on repeat in the What Hi-Fi? test rooms

WiiM has been making waves in the world of music streamers lately. The WiiM Pro Plus has picked up a What Hi-Fi? Award two years in a row for the best budget music streamer and the top-of-the-range model, the WiiM Ultra, has just picked up five stars in our review.

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Want to know which one of these two streamers would be right for you? Let's run a comparison and see what the differences are between these two WiiM models.

WiiM Ultra vs WiiM Pro Plus: price

The Pro Plus is the middle child of WiiM's streaming line-up, sitting below the Ultra but above the Pro. It costs £219 / $219 / AU$339, which is quite a bit cheaper than the Ultra's £349 / $329 / AU$599. That's especially true when the Pro Plus goes on sale, which isn't all that often, but we have seen it reduced by £50 before.

Both are still very much on the affordable side when it comes to the wider music streamers market, and the Ultra does plenty to justify its higher price. But if you're after the most affordable way to get streaming in your system, the Pro Plus will do the job nicely.

** Winner: WiiM Pro Plus **

WiiM Ultra vs WiiM Pro Plus: design

As a more wallet-friendly device, the WiiM Pro Plus is distinctly lacking in design bells and whistles. It looks rather like an Apple TV, in that it's a black box bearing a logo and not much else. It comes with an equally functional remote control, but you can also use the WiiM Home mobile app that's much slicker and more feature-packed. It's compact enough to tuck away into most shelves and corners.

Design-wise, the WiiM Ultra is cut from a different cloth – a much nicer cloth, velvet to the Pro Plus' pleather. While bigger than the Pro Plus, it is still fairly compact but has a much sleeker and high quality build, and features a gorgeous 3.5-inch touchscreen display that curves around the edges of the body. This full colour display shows album artwork and icons, as well as menus you can navigate for selecting sources and presets, and it's almost as responsive as the screen on a smartphone.

Of course, you can use the same WiiM Home mobile app as the Pro Plus, and it comes with the same remote control that lets you voice control either device via Amazon Alexa.

** Winner: WiiM Ultra **

WiiM Ultra vs WiiM Pro Plus: features & connections

For such an affordable device, the WiiM Pro Plus is surprisingly feature-heavy, sporting pretty much all the popular streaming platforms and casting methods you'd expect and need. It has dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.1 (supporting both SBC and AAC codecs), Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and support for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, internet radio and others via the mobile app. The app can also access any music stored on a common network thanks to DLNA compatibility.

The Ultra has all these same streaming technologies apart from AirPlay 2. It's not alone in this – WiiM's Amp Pro also lacks it. It won't be a dealbreaker for most people, but it's tough to overlook the fact that you're paying more for a product that lacks a feature of its cheaper stablemate.

The two have different DACs, too. The Pro Plus has the AKM 4493SEQ, while the Ultra uses the more advanced ES9038 Q2M SABRE. They can both handle hi-res audio files up to a native 24-bit/192kHz, too.

In terms of physical connections, the Pro Plus offers a digital optical input and output, a digital coaxial output and stereo RCA line-level in and out. The USB-C port is for mains power.

This is where the Ultra has the upper hand. Because while it has the same RCA stereo line level inputs and outputs, digital optical in/out and a coaxial output, you also get an HDMI ARC input and a moving magnet phono stage. That means you can integrate it into your TV set-up more easily, connect it to a CD transport that lacks a DAC, and even hook up a turntable. It also has a subwoofer output and USB-A input for playing files from a media drive, and offers a 3.5mm headphone port where the Pro Plus doesn't. Win.

Both devices feature an Ethernet port for wired internet connection and support multi-room too – even if you connect an analogue source, it can be beamed to other WiiM products around the home. In general, the WiiM app is beginner-friendly and neatly laid out, with all features easily accessible and smooth in use. You can delve further into the app to access EQ settings and tweak more audio options, too.

The two products are very similar in terms of streaming features, but the amount of connections and additional features (such as presets via the display) available on the Ultra makes it the more versatile unit for the price. The lack of AirPlay will likely dissuade many users from considering the Ultra, but the Pro Plus is still a great option if you don't need the HDMI and phono inputs.

** Winner: WiiM Ultra **

WiiM Ultra vs WiiM Pro Plus: sound

The Pro Plus is a current What Hi-Fi? Award winner, so as you would imagine, it sounds pretty great for its super affordable price.

With hi-res files, the audio is entertaining, with an expansive but well-defined soundstage playing host to a great amount of detail for its price. "Despite the generous dimensions of the stage, there's no sense of estrangement or remoteness – every part of the recording relates to the others in a neat and confident manner," we wrote in our review.

Its low end isn't the most imposing, but it is very forthright, with plenty of detail and variation in the textures, and it always remains nicely controlled. It's very forgiving of lesser-quality sources too. Even compressed files sound clear and detailed through the Pro Plus, which is a real achievement.

Use it as a preamplifier or a pass-along device to other WiiM products, and it stays well out of the way. The vinyl audio quality remains untarnished when a record deck is played into the Pro Plus' analogue inputs via a phono stage and then out to a power amplifier. In this scenario, the Pro Plus controls the volume and nothing else, and like a great supporting actor, it plays its role to a tee.

But the WiiM Ultra is also a five-star product, and offers a clear step up in terms of sound quality. You can certainly hear the difference between it and the Pro Plus – as well as the better DAC, WiiM has used "audiophile grade" components in the Ultra, and it shows.

It just packs more detail, clarity and spaciousness than the Pro Plus – it's fuller of body and way more expansive. "The smaller sibling still knits music together quite cohesively for its budget price, but the Ultra's more mature and capable sound reveals more about the music being played, whether you're using Bluetooth or streaming CD-ripped WAV files from a NAS drive," we wrote in our review.

The Ultra's sound is plenty crisp and clear, nimble without overly stressing either end of the frequency range. It's a lively, dynamic sound, and its level of clarity and control is quite impressive even for its step-up price.

If we're being picky, it could use a bit more texture, and a greater sense of drive, especially when compared to rivals like the Award-winning Cambridge Audio MXN10. But it's still a very fine, entertaining performance indeed.

** Winner: WiiM Ultra **

WiiM Ultra vs WiiM Pro Plus: verdict

Two great streamers, one difficult decision. The WiiM Ultra has the edge in almost every department, even if it lacks the Pro Plus's AirPlay feature. If you're a hardcore Apple user (especially an Apple Music subscriber), that could be a major fly in the ointment, and it's difficult to overlook the sheer value that the Pro Plus offers.

However, the Ultra offers greater functionality, greater connectivity and pushes the sonic performance a step above, and is overall a more elegant device to behold and use. If you can stretch your budget further than the Pro Plus, the Ultra is the one worth considering.

MORE:

Read our full WiiM Ultra review

Check out the best music streamers

Got more budget? Check out our Cyrus 40 ST review

Google has updated its TV operating system with a nifty new feature that could hint towards a new addition to its streaming portfolio. Google TV, which powers a range of TVs and streaming devices including the Sony Bravia 8, Philips OLED809, and the new Google TV Streamer, added support for backlit remotes in a recent update. However, it's not as straightforward as it sounds.

It appears as though Google isn't quite ready to roll this new feature out yet, as the options to enable and customise the backlight on your remote are buried in the code of this new update, and were discovered by AFTVNews (via FlatpanelsHD).

The code hints towards three customisable settings – never, standard, and scheduled – which will adjust when the remote backlight is in use. Never turns it off completely, standard will illuminate the backlight for five seconds after a button is pressed, and scheduled acts like standard, but will only activate between 6pm and 6am.

So, why has Google implemented this new feature? Its motives are as of yet unknown, however, it could hint towards a new iteration of the Google TV Streamer that features a backlit remote. Considering that the Google TV Streamer is less than a year old, we'd presume that if Google were to introduce a new model, it would be a step-up model; perhaps a Google TV Streamer Pro.

Further speculation lies around an upgraded remote that Google could sell separately, akin to Amazon's Alexa Voice Remote Pro for Fire TV, which also sports backlit buttons alongside a find-my-remote feature and a customisable shortcut button.

Finally, this could just be integrated with Google TV-powered devices that already have backlit remotes. Sony and Philips bundle in backlit remotes with their premium TVs, so we could see new customisation come to these existing products when this feature is fully implemented.

MORE:

Read our full Google Chromecast with Google TV review

Google TV Streamer: everything you need to know

Our picks for the best media streamers

Securing an OLED TV at a discount price is always something we get hyped about - and right now, Panasonic are offering deals on not one, not two, not even three, but five of their range. But hurry, the offer ends Monday.

For starters, there's the 55-inch Z80 for just £999 and the 55-inch Z85 for £1099 with the code JANOLED2. For the 65-inch models, the Z80 is £1299 and the Z85 is £1399 with code JANOLED3. And last, but by no means least, there's the 77-inch Z93 for £3499 with JANOLED3 - that's a £1300 saving on the usual price. When it comes to the best OLED TV deals, these are some of the best prices we've seen for the size.

While we haven't reviewed these currently discounted models, we have reviewed the Panasonic Z95A OLED TV as well as previous models, the MZ2000 and MZ1500. With all three, we've had positive experiences with five-stars across the board. And, when it comes to the Z95A, we think it offers "punchy peak brightness without sacrificing the brand’s 'as the director intended' authenticity". What we're trying to say is, the brand certainly keeps a level of quality across its entire OLED TV range.

To delve a little deeper on the models on sale right now, these are all 4K OLED TVs from the brand and boast fairly similar specs. Audio-wise, for the Z80, you're getting Dolby Atmos Surround Sound. For the Z85, it's Dolby Theatre, and for the Z93 it's 360 Soundscape Pro Sound.

Feature-wise, there's HDR support for all of the major formats including HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision HDR and HLG, and solid specs for gamers, too, supporting 4K/120Hz gaming and even up to 144Hz with the Z93. With Fire TV, there's access to live TV and streaming apps, which are all integrated.

And, picture-wise, OLED brings true deep blacks, as well as a HCX Pro AI Processor MK II that's focused on delivering colour, contrast and pin-sharp clarity. These are all specs that ensure the Panasonic OLED TV line-up is an enticing offering – but when you consider the hundreds of pounds you can save right now, we're feeling a bit lightheaded at how great a deal can be had.

As we said before, though, these discounts are only sticking around until Monday. So, make sure to use the codes; JANOLED2 and JANOLED3 to secure your savings before they go!

MORE:

Here's our full review of the 65-inch Panasonic Z95A

These are the best OLED TVs you can buy right now

And here are the best TV deals

In these cold, winter months as you burrow down as deeply as you can into your sofa cushions to watch some of the best movies and TV shows, you might find yourself wishing you had a brand-new 50-inch TV to enjoy them on. If that sounds a little bit like you, then this deal could be for you.

This 50-inch Panasonic Full Array TV has dropped to just £599 at Peter Tyson, making it £400 cheaper than its usual full price. This is a pretty good deal, especially considering it's only £100 more than the 43-inch set.

While we reviewed the 55-inch Panasonic W90A, the 50-inch model is incredibly similar. As Panasonic's flagship Full Array offering, we gave it a four-star review when we first reviewed it, and that was its launch price of £1199. The Panasonic W90A has seen some major discounts since then, but to secure the 50-inch model, you'll only need to part ways with £599. That's a 40% saving on this model.

We praised the W90A for its rich, authentic colours, solid, three-dimensional picture, and reliable motion handling. While we didn't find it as bright as the other competing Mini LED models on the market, it's still a solid TV.

In our full review, we said: "The Panasonic W90A is a competent LCD TV that retains the brand’s focus on accuracy and naturalness. Though it can’t match the peak brightness or shadow detail of competing Mini LED sets that are only moderately more expensive, this focus at least lets it compete in other areas we care about – chief of which is colour accuracy. If you’re a serious movie fan who values this factor, the W90A is a solid choice."

Feature-wise, it boasts the same HCX Pro AI Processor MK II chip as a more expensive TV in Panasonic's range, the Z95A. It also supports all four of the current TV HDR formats - HLG, HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Plus, there's Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive, too.

If you're into gaming, there's a 4K/144Hz maximum refresh rate, VRR and ALLM, and Dolby Vision Gaming HDR. You can also run your current-generation consoles, which cap at 120Hz, at full speed.

The deal means you can pick up a 50-inch Panasonic W90A for just £599 at Peter Tyson, but only while stocks last.

MORE:

Here's our full review of the 55-inch Panasonic W90A

These are the best TVs you can buy right now

And here are the best TV deals

Are you in the market for a new AVR? You shouldn't settle for anything but the best, which is why we'd like to point your attention to this stellar early Black Friday deal on the exceptional Sony TA-AN1000.

This home cinema amplifier has just been crowned Product of the Year in the AVR category, which should speak for itself. If that isn't enough of an incentive to opt for this AVR, then maybe a saving of £300 will do it. We reviewed the TA-AN1000 at £999 originally; however, the price has dropped to just £699 at Peter Tyson, Amazon, Richer Sounds, and Sevenoaks.

Best Sony TA-AN1000 deal

So, why do we recommend this Sony so highly? The TA-AN1000 is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or a 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on par with competition from the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it also plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It's similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, plus there's wireless playback available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multiroom setup, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance? In our review, we steeped high praise on it indeed, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We noted how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praised it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set ties together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amp at this level, then we had already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer last year – but now, with £300 off? It's nothing short of a bargain.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Why not check out our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

And get top tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

LG has begun rolling out the latest system update to its 2023 OLED TVs. Owners of last year's C3 and G3 OLEDs can upgrade to webOS 24, which is currently featured on the five-star C4 and G4 models. It brings a small handful of upgrades, though you shouldn't expect a radical difference in performance.

What you can expect is a new streaming feature in the form of Google Chromecast – which is sometimes known as Google Cast depending on which manufacturer you ask. This allows users to beam content from an Android smartphone to the TV, a feature which has been missing on older LG models.

Elsewhere, we expect to see the refined Quick Cards feature neaten up the home screen, and the Voice ID feature, which will swap user profiles based on voice recognition, should also make its way to the C3 and G3. Furthermore, the Sports Portal which collates scores and match times from your favourite teams will also be available in this update.

LG hinted that it would eventually upgrade its previous year's models when webOS 24 was announced alongside the news that it would promise five years of software support from now on. While the rollout of this update (titled firmware version 23.20.50) appears to be gradual, FlatpanelsHD reports that users in North America and Europe are already seeing it appear on their TVs.

While it has been confirmed that the C3 and G3 have begun receiving this update, we also expect the B3, QNED TVs and 8K LED models to get upgraded to the latest software version.

While the update should install automatically while your TV is idle (provided you have the automatic updates setting applied), you may need to manually install this update via the settings menu. Simply press the settings button on your remote, scroll down to "all settings", then find "support", and click "system update". In this menu you should find the "check for update" button; simply click that and you should be able to install the latest software version.

MORE:

Read our full LG OLED48C3 review

Own a C2 or G2? Here's how to update your TV to webOS 23

Check out our picks for the best TVs

Cambridge Audio’s music streamers have had a terrific run recently. From the budget MXN10 to the mid-priced CXN100, the brand’s network audio players have achieved five-star success thanks to a mix of strong features, ease of use and great performance for the price.

And now it can add another string to its bow. The new Cambridge Audio EXN100 aims to bridge the gap between the mid-range CXN100 and the flagship Edge NQ streamers and is priced competitively at £1599 / $1799 / AU$TBC.

Build & design

While it follows a similar design language to the existing CX range with an uncluttered, metal chassis in the customary ‘lunar grey’ finish, the EXN100 is slightly taller, has a thicker casing with a milled aluminium front, and a larger TFT colour display screen. It may not be the most avant-garde in terms of styling, but overall it’s a smart, well-built unit.

The knurled control/volume dial feels classy – both to the touch and in how it smoothly turns. The EXN100’s 1280x720 screen has pleasing contrast and shows off colourful album artwork, song information and more in a crisp, bright manner that’s easy to read.

The simple buttons and dial on the front panel offer basic playback and source selection, but you’ll need the accompanying StreamMagic app to fully control this streamer.

You don’t get a physical remote in the box here; you do get one with the partnering EXA100 integrated amplifier, but we find the app to be the most useful and pertinent way of controlling the EXN100.

Cambridge Audio’s streamers tend to be well-oiled machines and the EXN100 is no different. Whether it’s through the well laid-out app or the physical controls, the EXN100 is responsive and smooth in use. When used as a preamplifier, the numerical digital display moves intuitively in perfect concordance as we turn the volume dial. A small thing, but pleasing nonetheless.

Features

The latest fourth generation of the StreamMagic module – Cambridge Audio’s proprietary streaming platform – forms the beating heart of the EXN100, and it supports a comprehensive variety of streaming methods so you can play music however and wherever it’s stored. The EXN100 can play songs stored on UPnP-compatible media libraries and NAS storages on the same home network, it is Roon Ready and can stream music from any smart device using Bluetooth aptX HD.

It also supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, while the app gives you access to Qobuz, Deezer and internet radio stations. A neat trick is that you can save your favourite radio station, playlist or album as presets on the app’s home screen, so you can access BBC 6 Music, the best indie folk songs playlist or the latest Fontaines D.C. album with just one tap.

The DAC module is the same 32-bit ESS ES9028Q2M Reference chip as used in the £899 / $1049 / AU$1899 CXN100 streamer. Cambridge Audio claims its engineers have managed to eke out even greater performance from this DAC chip than before, with a carefully tuned signal path, and significant changes made to the post-DAC analogue stage using premium components chosen for better clarity, separation and stereo imaging.

In terms of file formats supported, the EXN100 can handle high-resolution audio files up to 32-bit/784kHz PCM and DSD512, and MQA files – the very same as its MXN10 and CXN100 siblings. All the relevant sampling rate and file format information can be seen on screen and in the app, for those curious about their music library.

The big headline here is the inclusion of an HDMI eARC input. It’s the first Cambridge streamer to include an HDMI connection – thanks to popular demand! – so you can hook it up directly to a TV.

Other physical connections include optical and coaxial inputs and outputs, a USB type B input as well as a USB type A port for plugging in flash drives. There are balanced XLR and RCA line level outputs, while the short antennae for wi-fi and Bluetooth come fitted as standard.

Sound

We connect the streamer to our reference system of Burmester 088/911 MkIII pre/power amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers, and try it out with more price-compatible kit such as the Cambridge Audio EXA100 and Naim Nait XS 3 amps, and Epos ES-7N speakers.

The EXN100 impresses us with a sound that’s clear, spacious and balanced. If you’ve heard the CXN100 streamer you will recognise the familial presentation, and the EXN100 successfully offers a notable step up in every area. It delivers a stable stereo image, a larger and more open playing field for music to flourish in, and offers up a huge helping of extra detail.

We play test track favourite Breezeblocks by Alt-J and it flows well through the streamer. There’s a controlled sense of rhythm, attack and drive, while also moving with just enough fluidity to sound at ease. The bass notes on Major Lazer’s Pon de Floor go satisfyingly deep and are pulled taut – it’s impressive to hear just how clean and shapely they are, too. There’s no flab; there’s ample punch. The sharp, staccato drum hits are snappy, speedy and full of bite but never sound shrill or sharp. There’s enough body to the sound that music never sounds thin but also not overly warm; it simply sounds well balanced.

The streamer delivers spry, composed and room-filling sound – elements that could be difficult to juggle, but the Cambridge Audio streamer handles it all in an almost understated manner. Voices are clearly defined with natural tones and nuances brought to the fore; Waxahatchee’s lilting, Americana vocals in Right Back To It are focused, set dead-centre and delivered with a pleasing immediacy. In absolute terms we would like a bit more subtlety with the way it handles shifts in dynamics and a touch more grit to certain songs that require it, but it’s a small complaint at this level.

We spin through a variety of music – CD-ripped classical, jazz and Kate Bush tracks from our NAS drive, hi-res Tidal playlists and Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album AirPlay’d from our iPhone – and the EXN100’s wonderfully clean, controlled and balanced character remains consistent.

Feed it high quality tracks and it will perform at its best, but the streamer doesn’t penalise you for playing lower MP3-quality radio stations or Bluetooth streams in the slightest.

When used as a preamplifier, the EXN100 sounds decent for its price level and is a useful addition if your system already includes a power amplifier, or all you need to drive is a pair of active speakers. In this mode, it sounds a little flat at lower volume settings but improves markedly as we turn the level up.

How does the EXN100 perform against the older Azur 851N streamer, a former Award-winning model that is effectively its spiritual ancestor? We bring out our sample of the 851N from our stockroom, and are struck by just how stark the difference in sound quality is. The 851N sounds rather muddled, dynamically squashed and smaller-scaled; the EXN100 is leaps and bounds ahead with better dynamics, more power and easily reveals subtler and clearer details.

Where we perhaps quibbled with the leaner presentation of the CXN100 compared with its less-refined but richer, more musical MXN10 little brother, the EXN100 is a more solid and muscular performer, and delivers a far more convincing step up from the budget offerings. If you do want a greater dose of dynamic subtlety and verve, you have to pay about a grand more for the genuine next step up in performance, which are the terrifically capable Naim ND5 XS 2 and Audiolab 9000N (both five stars at £2499).

The EXN100’s natural amplifier partner is the matching EXA100 integrated, and the sonic signatures are a perfect match. When paired together, the two products complement each other beautifully and you may never even think about finding an alternative. But we would try alternative amplifiers, such as the Naim Nait XS 3, which brings out a more upfront presentation and energetic performance from the EXN100 that could surprise and delight you even more.

Verdict

The Cambridge Audio EXN100 streamer is exhaustively featured and slick to use, and the addition of HDMI will be a draw for many looking for a one-stop versatile streaming source for their home audio set-up. Its impressively clear, open and refined presentation will draw even more fans and, with a bit of creativity with partnering kit, will deliver an engaging, involving performance that can’t be bettered at this price.

First reviewed: October 2024. Review updated: November 2024.

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 5
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Cambridge Audio CXN100

Also consider the Naim ND5 XS 2

Read our review of the Audiolab 9000N

Best music streamers: top network audio players tested by our experts

Cambridge Audio has lifted the lid off a brand new range of hi-fi. The EX Series is a "spiritual successor" to the older, well-loved Azur 851 range, and sits between the brand's much-lauded CX range and the high-end, flagship Edge range.

This new EX Series currently consists of one integrated stereo amplifier and one network music streamer. 

First up is a hi-res music streamer, the EXN100 – and you can read our full review of this new network player. It's an evolution of the five-star CXN100 released earlier this year, with Cambridge Audio stating that its engineers have taken the performance to "new heights of excellence" using the same ESS Sabre DAC chip. The London-based brand states that it has managed to "help it reach its full potential" thanks to the use of hand-picked components, changes made to the post-DAC analogue stage and "meticulous tuning" of the signal path. This all should result in increased clarity and separation, says Cambridge Audio.

• Read our Cambridge Audio EXN100 review

One of the highlights is the addition of HDMI eARC – finally! – to the streamer's list of inputs. At its heart is the latest generation of Cambridge Audio's proprietary StreamMagic platform, which makes all popular streaming methods and music services available to you, alongside Roon Ready, UPnP compatibility and more. AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Tidal Connect, internet radio and Bluetooth aptX HD are all supported, as is playback of hi-res audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512 files. 

There is a healthy complement of digital and analogue connections, while a large colour-screen display shows off album artwork, track information or even a VU meter graphic. As with the MXN10 and CXN100, this EXN100 streamer can also be used as a preamplifier.

The EXA100 integrated amplifier, meanwhile, takes inspiration and trickle-down technology from the Edge M monoblock power amps. It features class AB amplification with 100 watts of power per channel, a built-in DAC, an HDMI eARC input for connecting your TV and Bluetooth aptX HD, which conveniently lets you stream vinyl from Cambridge Audio's Alva TT V2 turntable wirelessly. 

The EXA100 features "an advanced beast of a toroidal transformer" that is heavily shielded and flanked by heat sinks you can see through the top grille. It uses the same power transistors as used on the Edge M monoblocks, while ample care has been taken against any potential power or temperature overloads. The sound promised is "visceral", "muscular and refined", according to Cambridge Audio.

There are two sets of speaker outputs, balanced XLR and RCA line-level analogue inputs as well as optical, coaxial and USB digital inputs. There is a 6.3mm headphone jack, and you can set the EXA100 to a Power Amp Mode so it can be used with any preamplifier or the matching EXN100 music streamer with the Preamp Mode on.

The new EX Series sports a similar minimalist design as its CX siblings and the same signature 'lunar grey' finish, but the EX models have a larger casework and a large display smack in the middle of the milled-aluminium front panel. Both models feature a tactile knurled volume/control dial and can be controlled by a dedicated remote control (that comes with the EXA100) or the StreamMagic app (essential for the EXN100).

In designing the EX Series, Cambridge Audio's chief technical officer Matt Dore says the EXN100 is "our best music streamer yet", while CEO and owner James Johnson-Flint says the "EXA100 is a serious step up for anyone upgrading from our CX amps, and the perfect stepping stone to the Edge range.”

The Cambridge Audio EX Series is available from today. The EXN100 streamer is yours for £1599 / $1799, while the EXA100 amplifier will cost you £1999 / $2199. 

Hot of the press! Read our full Cambridge Audio EXN100 review

Here are the best music streamers we recommend across all budgets

And check out the best stereo amplifiers for your system

Well here we are at Prime Big Deal Days, and already we have seen this Award-winning home cinema amplifier hit its lowest price ever. We're off to a good start.

With £300 off the 'tested at' price, this five-star AV receiver is now just £699 at Amazon, making it better value than ever. That's around £100 cheaper than its previous best price.

Sony TA-AN1000 best ever deal

The TA-AN1000 AV receiver is flexible enough to work with your system, offering seven channels of power amplification that can be configured as a 7.1 set-up or a 5.1.2 for Dolby Atmos.

With all channels driven, Sony claims the receiver is capable of 85W per channel, putting it on a par with its rival the Denon AVC-X3800H. That receiver also currently sells for about £500 more the Sony at this price (although it does have two extra channels of power amplification).

The AN1000 won't disappoint in the HDMI department either, with two HDMI outputs with eARC and six HDMI inputs. All of these HDMIs can handle VRR and ALLM, but it's worth noting that only two of the inputs (and both of the outputs) are compatible with 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz signals.

There's support for HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision formats, plus it plays nicely with IMAX Enhanced. It is similarly generous in its audio format support, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony 360 Audio, and wireless playback is available via Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Sonos users can even hook this up to their multi-room setup, thanks to Works with Sonos compatibility.

As for its performance, in our review we bestow high praise on it, stating simply that "this amplifier ticks all our boxes".

We note how its "crisp, precise and punchy sound strikes a nearly perfect balance", and praise it for its ability to "elevate every movie and song we throw at it". Not only that, but its sleek design and good feature set ties together with its performance to make it incredibly easy to recommend.

If you’re looking to buy an amplifier at this level, we had already labelled the Sony TA-AN1000 as a no-brainer last year – but now, at just £699? It's nothing short of a bargain.

MORE:

Read our full review of the Sony TA-AN1000

Our pick of the best AV receivers we've tested

Tips on how to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

Samsung and LG are the two biggest TV manufacturers in the world, but they also make soundbars. Unsurprisingly, their models work best when partnered with a TV from the same brand, but they are also compatible with other makes.

Samsung's HW-Q990D earned five stars from us when we tested it over the summer. And now there's a nigh-on identical competitor in the form of the LG S95TR – both comprise a soundbar, two wireless speakers and a wireless subwoofer, both support similar formats, have similar specs and launched around the same price. But which is better?

Samsung HW-Q990D vs LG S95TR: price

The Samsung HW-Q990D launched at £1699 / $2000 / AU$2099, but has come down in price since then. It currently costs £1249, but has dropped as low as £1169 at Amazon.

The LG S95TR launched in September 2024 for £1699 / $1500 / AU$1699, but it too has had a price cut, albeit a much smaller one. It currently sells on Amazon for £1531, and is cheaper from the get go in the US and Australia.

Look out for deals on both come the big sales events later in the year. The S95TR has also been bundled free with the LG G4 OLED TV from certain retailers, although only at the 83 and 97-inch screen sizes.

** Winner: Samsung HW-Q990D **

Samsung HW-Q990D vs LG S95TR: design

Neither of these soundbars rewrites the rulebook in terms of design, but they both do the job. The Samsung Q990D looks almost identical to the Q990C it replaces – it's an angular monolith that could look a bit dated or brutalist for some aesthetics. But for our money it's perfectly inoffensive, and the 7cm height means the bar shouldn't obstruct your TV screen. The LG is slightly shorter (6.3cm) but wider (125cm to 123cm).

The Samsung's thin isolating feet might be too far apart and too shallow for some cabinets, but it does come with isolation pads so you can sit the 'bar on the base of your TV's pedestal stand. It also comes with brackets for wall mounting the 'bar (though you'll need to buy your own for the satellite speakers).

The Samsung's screen could be a lot better. It's a small dot matrix affair with room for just three characters at a time, which means text has to scroll across it. It's not ideal. But at least it has a screen, unlike the LG, which relies on three LEDs to tell you what it's up to. Both soundbars can be controlled via their respective mobile apps.

The LG soundbar looks more svelte thanks to its rounded corners, but it's less practical. Not only does it lack a screen, but its bundled power cables for the satellite speakers are much shorter than the Samsung's. Though the Samsung's HDMI ports are a bit awkward to access.

Both have their negatives from a design standpoint then, but the Samsung is just that bit more practical and easy to use.

** Winner: Samsung HW-Q990D **

Samsung HW-Q990D vs LG S95TR: features

The Samsung HW-Q990D is an 11.1.4-channel system, with 22 drivers in total. Inside the 'bar are six elliptical midrange drivers and three tweeters that fire forwards, plus four side-firing drivers and two up-firers. Each surround speaker has one forward-, one side- and one up-firing driver, and the subwoofer has a 20cm driver hidden behind its plastic plate. Samsung advises that you place the surrounds behind the listening position at an angle of 130-150 degrees, but if you don't, it can use Samsung’s SpaceFit automatic calibration to compensate.

It has four audio presets (Standard, Surround, Game Pro and Adaptive Sound), and like the LG it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (as well as the surround versions of both technologies). It has a number of extra modes too: Active Voice Amplifier (which "analyses external noise in real-time while the soundbar is playing, so that voice audio can always be heard clearly"), Voice Enhancement, Bass Enhancement, Night Mode (reduces bass and dynamics to not disturb others) and Virtual. You can also control the subwoofer's volume independently.

Both of the Q990D's HDMI inputs and its eARC-capable output are certified 2.1, with support for gaming features such as 4K/120Hz, VRR and ALLM. This is a huge boon to gamers underserved by a TV with only two HDMI 2.1 sockets, as it lets them plug in more games consoles or gaming PCs simultaneously. The Q990D also passes through Dolby Vision signals (even though Samsung's own TVs don't support it) as well as HLG, HDR10 and HDR10+.

It's well served by wireless technologies, too, with Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth all on board. Partner the Q990D with a Samsung TV and you can tweak the soundbar's settings on the TV screen. And, using the Q Symphony feature, the TV's speakers will work with those in the soundbar to provide even more audio power.

Although the LG S95TR might look very similar, it has a different speaker arrangement. Its 9.1.5-channel configuration includes a central up-firing speaker, and four more up-firers (two more on the ’bar and one on each of the wireless surrounds), alongside the subwoofer and more traditional drivers. LG claims its 'Triple Level Spatial Sound' "adds a virtual layer to create a sound dome around you of richer sound". Though it only kicks in using certain sound modes.

There's only one HDMI input to the Samsung's two, but it is certified HDMI 2.1, with all the features that entails. Wireless tech includes Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Google Cast and AirPlay 2. 

Connecting it to an LG TV unlocks some exclusive features: WOWCAST allows for a wireless connection between the soundbar and TV; WOW Interface integrates many of the soundbar’s controls into the TV’s menus (making up for the lack of a screen on the 'bar itself); and WOW Orchestra combines the soundbar’s speakers with those of the TV (just like Samsung's Q Symphony).

** Winner: Samsung HW-Q990D **

Samsung HW-Q990D vs LG S95TR: sound

Samsung's HW-Q990D is a five-star product, so it's hardly a surprise to hear that it sounds great. Its SpaceFit calibration works well, raising the surrounds to a level near that of the soundbar and making for a more atmospheric and enveloping experience.

As to which mode is best, it's a close call between Surround and Adaptive. The latter is more forthright, but can occasionally exaggerate certain effects, which can be a bit distracting. Surround mode is a bit more composed, but still very lively, making for some thrilling action scenes. It's punchy yet precise, with plenty of bass weight thrown around.

Atmos effects fill the room and are placed with an impressive level of precision. Low-volume dynamics are handled with skill, and dialogue remains clear throughout. It also has a way with music, making a decent fist of separating the various strands and spreading a stereo signal around the system's 11.1.4 channels – the result is full-bodied, dynamic and clear.

The LG S95TR fares significantly less well, especially with music. It defaults to the AI Sound Pro setting, up-mixing a track's stereo signal and sending it to all channels. It's not good, adding a strange echo to the vocal and a general harshness to the instrumentation. Thankfully, you can disable this mode, but the dedicated Music mode over-eggs the bass and muddies the vocals. Standard mode fares better, with more spaciousness, clearer vocals and more precise instrumentation, though it's still a fair way behind the Samsung.

To movies, then, and here things improve a little. Cinema mode offers LG's 'Triple Level Spatial Sound', which is meant to create a dome of sound with increased height, but the effect isn't very pronounced. There is some extra height, but not very often, and nowhere near as much as with the Samsung HW-Q990D.

Standard mode doesn't isolate and project voices as much as Cinema mode, but the overall delivery is more cohesive. There's a decent amount of sonic detail and dynamic variance on show, and the soundstage remains open and spacious. But the iffy height effect and tonal mismatch between the soundbar and surrounds really hampers the performance. The soundstage lacks depth, with no effects sounding further away than others.

The subwoofer isn't a patch on the Samsung. Its occasional waffly chuffing proves distracting, and it lacks tonality and control. It's all a bit messy and overbearing.

** Winner: Samsung HW-Q990D **

Samsung HW-Q990D vs LG S95TR: verdict

There can only be one winner, and it's the Samsung. The Q990D is currently cheaper, has a more practical design and just sounds miles better. 

The LG isn't without its charms – it looks sleeker, and if you own a compatible LG TV it will give you plenty of extra features. It has been known to come bundled with certain models of LG TV too, and for free, we definitely wouldn't turn it down. But for those of us spending our own money, the Q990D is the better bet all round, and by quite some margin.

MORE:

These are the best soundbars

The best Dolby Atmos soundbars

And the 30 best Dolby Atmos scenes to test your home cinema system

Google has released an update for Google TV devices – including the recently released Google TV Streamer – which brings many of the features seen on the 2024 media streamer to TVs and projectors running the operating system. While few of these features directly relate to enhancing the AV experience specifically, they do add extra functionality.

Google TV is used by a wide range of TV manufacturers, including Sony, Philips, TCL and Hisense (specifically in the US), and it's also becoming a more popular option for projector brands such as Xgimi and Epson. Google is even rolling this device out to the recently deceased Chromecast with Google TV, though as we reported earlier this year, it won't get all of the same features as the Google TV Streamer.

This update mostly focuses on smart home functionality and the Gemini AI system. As for smart home controls, you can now interface with lights, thermostats and cameras straight from your TV. You'll also receive notifications from your smart doorbell without pausing your content too, and if your remote gets lost between the couch cushions then you can simply ask the Google Assistant to control your smart home devices.

Furthermore, Gemini is being implemented into more Google TV devices thanks to this update. It brings generative AI screensavers to the operating system, allowing you to input a prompt which will create an AI-generated image to use in ambient mode. Content will also have enhanced overviews powered by the Gemini AI engine, which will include a synopsis, audience reviews and season-by-season breakdowns, which will ensure you're up to speed on TV shows if there has been a long wait between seasons or if you've taken a break and forgotten where you were in the story.

Finally, Google is making finding and accessing content easier. There is a new sports tab on the "For You" page; this encompasses live and upcoming games, sports commentary, game highlights and personalised recommendations based on the sports and teams you follow. Google is also building upon its Freeplay free online live channels feature, with a new guide to browse the 150 channels that you can filter by topic or genre.

This Google TV update is available now, and if you want to upgrade your TV, media streamer or projector, then simply go to Settings > System > About > System Update. Your device should search for the update; once it has found the latest software version click "Install Update".

MORE:

Google TV Streamer: everything you need to know

Check out our picks for the best TVs

And find the best TV deals here

Bose is expanding its Smart Soundbar lineup once again, this time with a new step-down model that will sit below the Smart Soundbar Ultra. It is dropping the Ultra suffix, and it's cheaper too, making it more accessible for Bose fans – and it even has a unique feature for owners of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.

The Smart Soundbar is replacing the Smart Soundbar 600 in Bose's current roster, and it has a practically identical setup to that 2022 model. It measures 5.6cm tall and 69cm long, with five transducers packed inside a sleek, modern, minimalist chassis with a suave wraparound metal grille. This includes two side-firing racetrack transducers, a centre-channel tweeter and dual upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects. 

In lieu of a design change, Bose has instead opted to add some sound features to the Smart Soundbar, with one such feature putting a unique spin on surround-sound audio. Called Personal Surround Sound, it allows you to pair your Bose Ultra Open Earbuds with the soundbar and use them as surround speakers. 

Thanks to the unique open design of these earbuds, you will still be able to hear the soundbar while also getting spatial effects from the buds; it's a novel idea and one we are looking forward to trying, though we're cautious of Bose's claim that it will create an "unparalleled sonic experience of sound all around you".

Furthermore, Bose has implemented the AI Dialogue Mode from the flagship Smart Soundbar Ultra into this step-down model. This is a feature we are seeing crop up in lots of soundbars and TVs these days, and it seems to work in a fairly familiar way too. It brings dialogue forward in scenes with loud sound effects to make it more audible – though, as we found with the Bose Smart Soundbar Ultra, it can disrupt the overall balance of the sound and can squash dynamics too. 

The Smart Soundbar also carries the usual well-stocked selection of connectivity options we have come to expect from a Bose soundbar. You can connect to your TV via either HDMI eARC or optical, though the former is required if you want Dolby Atmos immersive audio. Wireless connectivity includes Google Cast (formerly Chromecast), Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Bluetooth, as well as the Bose Music app. 

Bose also promises immersive audio even when you are not watching Dolby Atmos content thanks to its TrueSpace technology. It can analyse 5.1 audio signals and upmix them for a more immersive soundscape, while the QuietPort system reportedly ensures distortion is minimised without sacrificing bass performance.

The Bose Smart Soundbar is available to pre-order now for £500 / $499 / AU$800, which is identical to the launch price of the outgoing Bose Smart Soundbar 600. 

MORE:

Read our full Bose Smart Soundbar Ultra review

Check out our picks for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

Which Bose soundbar should you buy in 2024?

There’s been no shortage of new projectors appearing on the scene recently, but Epson has a pair of its own to add to the list: the EF-21 and EF-22. 

On the inside, both are identical, with the ability to beam a 1000-lumen, Full HD picture of up to 150 inches onto any available nearby walls, but the EF-22 also comes with a built-in stand, allowing you to rotate it so you can be a bit more flexible with its placement. Both offer automatic focus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance and screen fit, though, so it should be simple to get a proper-looking picture out of either.

They come with Google TV onboard, so getting your favourite TV shows and movies into them should be easy, too. It’ll run all the usual streaming apps plus, with Chromecast, you can easily connect your phone, tablet or laptop and make your choice from there.

If you’d rather go the wired route there’s a single HDMI input, and both also include a pair of 5W stereo speakers, with the EF-22 model adding a passive radiator to go with its stand.

The only other difference between the two is the colour options. The EF-21 is available in white or green, while you can choose between metallic black or metallic blue with the EF-22. These are laser projectors, so you can expect the light source to last up to 10 years, by which time you’ll probably be in the market for a new one anyway.   

Brendan Hoare, product manager for home cinema projectors at Epson Europe said: “We are on a mission to get more people using projectors every day in their homes, and these two projectors are going to really help this goal.”

Whether he’s right about that will depend on how people feel about the pricing, which is £1000 (around £1320 / AU$1955) for the EF-22 and £800 (£1055 / AU$1560) for the EF-21. Is that good value? Stay tuned for our full reviews to find out.

MORE:

Xgimi unveils its coffee cup-sized MoGo 3 Pro portable projector at IFA 2024

The Philips NeoPix 750 wants to “fix” the problem with affordable projectors’ audio – but without Dolby or DTS

Best projectors 2024: Full HD, 4K, and short-throw

Autumn is upon us, which means all kinds of decent TV shows are coming our way. You'll need something to watch them on, which is where this deal comes in.

It's a 65-inch Panasonic OLED TV that has dropped in price by £300 to £799 at John Lewis. That's the best price around, and a great deal on a well-specified TV.

Panasonic OLED TV deal

We haven't reviewed this particular model, but it is quite similar to the smaller MZ980, which scored four stars. It supports the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats of HDR (but not HDR10+ Adaptive or Dolby Vision IQ), and packs Panasonic's excellent Filmmaker Mode, which also features on the brand's higher-end TVs. 

It has two HDMI 2.1 ports, along with ALLM and Game Mode for gamers. Chromecast built-in lets you 'cast' content from your phone straight to your TV with no need for an extra device such as the Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer. And it looks decently specified for sound, with a built-in subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and Dynamic Surround Sound at your fingertips.

Android TV is one of the best TV operating systems around, and brings all the major streaming services in the picture/sound formats they support. It also gives you Google Assistant for voice controls – handy if you misplace the remote.

This deal is only at John Lewis. Grab it now and settle in to autumn.

MORE:

Worth getting excited for? Here's our hands-on with the Panasonic Z95A

These are the best TVs you can buy right now

And here are the best TV deals

Soundbars might be all the rage, but home cinema enthusiasts who can accommodate a full-blown surround sound speaker package are still being catered for, as Onkyo’s latest announcement goes to show.

Fresh for 2024 is the TX-RZ30. Costing $1199 and launching in October (it is scheduled to arrive in the UK by the end of the year, priced £1199), this feature-packed amplifier, with 100W of Class A/B amplification per channel, will doubtless be in the hunt for a spot on our list of the best AV receivers.

It’s fully equipped and includes a thorough set-up procedure, courtesy of Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth. Dirac’s tech will optimise the sound to suit your particular room layout and listening conditions. Also available, as an optional extra, is Dirac Live Bass Control, which sees machine learning and AI quickly optimise your subwoofer settings.

The Onkyo also supports IMAX Enhanced. This means you can experience enhanced movie soundtracks from compatible sources, such as 4K Blu-ray discs. An IMAX Enhanced soundtrack uses a special ‘signature’ version of the DTS:X audio format which IMAX claims helps to preserve the full dynamic range of the original movie mix.

Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity are both included and the Onkyo has one additional wireless trick up its sleeve which allows it to transmit and receive audio (including aptX HD) to compatible Bluetooth headphones. Perfect for a spot of late-night listening when you want to enjoy an action flick but don’t want to disturb anyone else in the house (or your neighbours).

On the rear are no fewer than six HDMI 2.1a inputs and a pair of outputs should you want to send pictures – and there is support for the pass-through of both 8K and 4K content.

Today’s home cinema receivers are more than just movie maestros, which means you get support for a wide range of music streaming platforms and apps. There is Google Cast built-in, AirPlay 2, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora (for US customers) and Tunein. It is also Roon Tested, should you want to use a Roon Core server over AirPlay or Chromecast. The Onkyo even has a Sonos port allowing you to distribute your audio through your Sonos wireless network.

Onkyo and Klipsch have teamed up to create a special audio mode designed to work with Klipsch’s Reference Premier speaker line. Admittedly, it’s a little niche, but nice to have if you happen to have a speaker package which uses speakers from this range.

MORE:

Our pick of the best AV receivers

IMAX Enhanced: what is it, how do you get it and is it any good?

6 mistakes to avoid with your AV receiver

I listened to two five-star AVRs – and it reminded me why home cinema should be fun

When news broke earlier this month that Google will be ceasing production of the Chromecast with Google TV in favour of the upcoming Google TV Streamer, concerns about the future of the Award-winning 4K media streamer arose immediately. With a new streamer on the market, would Google drop support for the Chromecast sooner than expected?

Thankfully it looks like our fears have been put to rest, as the outgoing streamer is set to get a major software update soon according to Android Authority. According to the online publication, a Google representative confirmed that the streamer will be updated to Android 14 at the Made by Google event, in which the new Pixel 9 smartphones were unveiled. 

No date was given regarding the rollout of this update, but we do know that the older streamer isn't getting all the features that come with Android 14. Namely, the Thread smart home integration aspect will not be available on the Chromecast with Google TV due to a hardware limitation. The new Google TV Streamer has a Thread radio built in, which allows it to communicate directly with other smart home devices that also have Thread integration; the Chromecast, on the other hand, does not.

It's not all bad news though, as we expect many of the other new Android 14 features to be available on the Chromecast with Google TV streamer. These include a picture-in-picture mode that will allow you to view your video doorbell without interrupting whatever you're watching, and there are new energy modes for the eco-conscious crowd. 

While the Chromecast won't be on store shelves for much longer, updates are expected to continue into next year at the very least. Google has reportedly committed to supporting the 4K model with security updates until 2025, while the HD variant is supposedly covered until 2027. 

MORE:

Read our full Chromecast with Google TV review

Should you wait for the new one or go for the Award-winner?: Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV

Here are 3 reasons to buy a Chromecast before it's gone forever

Welcome back to Rewind, the What Hi-Fi? team’s weekly news digest where we detail the top stories to break in the world of home cinema and hi-fi over the past seven days.

And what a week it was. Last week our experts not only delivered their final verdict on some of 2024’s biggest TVs and turntables, on top of that we saw huge product announcements from tech giant Google and hi-fi heavyweight Monitor Audio.

Here is everything you need to know.

We delivered our verdict on Hisense’s latest attempt to dethrone OLED

Last week our team of TV reviewers delivered their final verdict on Hisense U8N TV. This is a key set for the brand, designed to show Mini LED is ready to take on OLED at the premium end of the TV market. 

Sadly, while our experts found plenty to like about the set, especially comparing it in isolation to other Mini LED sets, including the Samsung QN95D and Sony Bravia 9, it didn’t quite beat rival OLEDs. Compared to the Sony A80L and LG C4, which are only slightly more expensive, the U8N’s inability to match OLED’s perfect black level proved, once again, to be a sticking point. 

Read our full Hisense U8N review

Google unveiled a fresh rival to the Apple TV

The Google Chromecast with Google TV has been a staple feature in our best streaming stick buying guide for quite some time. In fact, one of the only devices to beat it has been the five star, more expensive Apple TV 4K. Which is why we were happy to see Google unveil a new Google TV Streamer to take the fight to Apple last week. Featuring a new box design and updated hardware, Google claims it will offer significantly better picture and sound quality than its predecessor. 

Find out how it compares to the old model in our Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast guide

Our editor fell back in love with portable DACs

Like many of us, our editor (me), fell for the convenience of wireless audio when commuting and listening to music at work many moons ago. But that changed recently when I started using a Chord Mojo 2 mobile DAC. Find out why you should do the same in my latest feature!

Read the full story: This portable DAC helped me get my hi-fi ‘Mojo’ back

Monitor Audio unveiled new “Gold-standard” speakers 

Last week Monitor Audio lifted the lid on its new Gold Series 6G speakers. Why’s that exciting? First because the new speakers come mere weeks after our testers awarded the company's Studio 89 speakers a perfect five-star rating. Second because the six models in the range come with some interesting new features and hardware, including new cone technology, new drivers and completely new designs. 

Read the full story: Monitor Audio Gold Series 6G speakers boast new cone technology and designs

We were reminded what a difference a cartridge makes

Rega’s Planar turntables have been a staple sight in our best record player guide for some time. But last week our reviewers were once again reminded how much a good cartridge can elevate any turntable’s performance when they reviewed the Rega Planar 3/Nd3. During our checks we found the new cartridge improves the Rega 3’s clarity, dynamics and precision – making an already great option for vinyl fans even better.

Read our full Rega Planar 3/Nd3 review

MORE:

These are the best surround sound packages money can buy

We rate the best 65-inch TVs

Our picks of the best DACs

The concisely named Google TV Streamer has officially replaced the Award-winning Chromecast with Google TV as the tech giant's sole video streamer.

But with a higher price tag and the retirement of the long-established Chromecast brand, is it worth upgrading to?

We've put both devices through their paces in our test rooms – join us as we compare the two.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out our list of the best media streamers if you aren't tied to a brand and want to keep your options open.

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: price

At launch in 2020, the Chromecast with Google TV was priced at £60 / $60 / AU$60.

It’s more or less remained at this price point since then, though it's often available on sale for even less.

The new Google TV Streamer, on the other hand, comes with a significantly higher price tag of £100 / $100 / AU$159.

But it's worth noting that the new streamer packs in considerably more features and upgraded hardware, making it a more versatile bit of kit.

Still, with that much of a price difference, it’s clear which device takes this round.

**Winner: Google Chromecast with Google TV**

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: design and build

Price aside, the design and form factor differences between the new Google TV Streamer and the Chromecast with Google TV represent the biggest change.

The older device maintains the dongle form factor of its predecessors and is designed to hang discreetly from your TV's side or rear panel, diligently getting on with its duties in secret, hidden from view.

But the Google TV Streamer adopts a more traditional set-top box form, albeit with a sleek, pebble-inspired aesthetic that is designed to complement your entertainment set-up rather than hide away in shame.

Now, whether or not you want a giant white pebble on prominent display is up to you, of course, but overall we rather like its minimalist, organic look.

Available in Porcelain or Hazel (with the latter being exclusive to the Google Store), the new Google TV streamer certainly looks more premium compared to its dongle sibling and makes more of a statement.

The supplied remote has also had a glow-up.

While it has kept its similar rounded shape, the new Google TV Streamer remote has improved ergonomics, thanks to a textured grip and optimised button layout.

Volume controls are more prominent, for a start, and there’s also a handy customisable button that provides quick and easy access to your most-used functions.

Lastly, unlike its Chromecast rival, the Google TV Streamer also packs the advantage of a rear Ethernet port, which will be a godsend for those who prefer to ditch the less reliable experiences that wi-fi can often provide.

Overall, if you’d rather have your devices hidden away, the older Chromecast will be the better option for you.

Though there’s nothing stopping you from slotting the new Google TV Streamer away behind the TV or in a cabinet, and it’s hard to argue against its improved remote and Ethernet inclusion.

**Winner: Google TV Streamer**

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: features

There are plenty of differences between the two devices under their hoods, too.

Unsurprisingly, the newer and more expensive Google TV Streamer brings all sorts of fancy new tricks to the table.

Given the AI hype over the past few years, it’ll come as no big surprise to hear that Google is bringing its Gemini AI integration to the TV Streamer.

Regardless of how you feel about AI (insert the usual comment about the robot uprising etc here), plenty of users will likely appreciate what it provides.

Gemini integration provides intelligent content recommendations and summaries.

It is even up to the task of generating custom artwork for your TV's idle mode, which is a nice touch.

It also offers improved smart home integration with built-in Matter and Thread support, acting as a more capable smart home hub – a useful feature for those into whole-home device integration.

A new Google Assistant command can even help locate your misplaced remote, earning extra brownie points for those of us prone to losing our devices down the back of the sofa.

As for AV capabilities, both models support 4K resolution, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.

However, the Google TV Streamer adds support for Dolby Atmos audio, whereas its predecessor only offered Dolby-encoded audio via HDMI passthrough.

**Winner: Google TV Streamer**

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: picture

The Google TV Streamer boasts significant performance upgrades over its predecessor.

Its processor is 22 per cent faster than the Chromecast with Google TV, while the RAM has been doubled to 4GB and the storage quadrupled to 32GB.

These improvements are nothing to sniff at and should result in a smoother, more responsive user experience – particularly when navigating the Google TV interface or switching between apps.

At least, that's the theory.

In practice, we found it sticks all too often, and that's when doing nothing more challenging than browsing the menu.

It's a shame. But there's better news in the picture department.

It is better than the Chromecast with Google TV. And considering that was an Award winner, that's good news indeed.

The TV Streamer has better contrast – its blacks are deeper, making for an image with more depth and impact. The bright highlights look true as well, bringing out extra detail.

It also handles colours well – they have plenty of punch, but not at the expense of authenticity.

Motion poses it no problems either, with a tennis ball in Challengers darting across the screen with no blurring or stuttering. But the film grain does look a bit fuzzy and distracting.

The Chromecast with Google TV is no slouch. Five years ago, we pronounced it among the best media streamers for picture quality.

The competition has since moved on, but the Chromecast with Google TV is still impressive. Just not as good as its successor.

** Winner: Google TV Streamer **

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: sound

Sonically, the Google TV Streamer isn't great. It's not terrible – in fact it's perfectly fine.

But if you want a streamer to listen to music with as well as watch movies, we would advise you to look elsewhere.

Admittedly, that won't matter to everyone. And for movies and TV shows, the TV Streamer is fine.

Its sound is clear and detailed, with a focus on vocal clarity.

"As bullets and arrows start flying in a battle at the Osaka Continental Hotel in John Wick: Chapter 4, the streamer does a solid job of delivering weighty thuds as bodies drop, and the slashes of katanas sound clean and sharp," we wrote in our Google TV Streamer review.

But its low-level dynamics are lacking, while dialogue sounds a little flat.

Play music with it, and these faults are magnified. Instruments lack warmth, while instruments could do with an injection of texture to make them come to life.

Our verdict? An "uninspiring musical performance".

Mind you, its predecessor struggles in this area as well.

The Chromecast with Google TV suffers from a lack of fullness, costing tracks a sense of texture and solidity.

It does have a decent sense of rhythm though, with decent detail and a satisfying crispness to the sound.

** Winner: Draw **

Google TV Streamer vs Chromecast with Google TV: verdict

The Google TV Streamer box represents a substantial upgrade over the Chromecast with Google TV dongle in almost every aspect.

With more powerful hardware, expanded features and a sleeker design, it is definitely the superior device.

But it's not without its faults.

Navigating the menu could be a lot slicker, and the audio still leaves a lot to be desired.

It's also quite a bit pricier than the Google Chromecast with Google TV.

Google's older streamer is unlikely to be supported much longer, and some places have stopped selling it (Google included). So the TV Streamer is the smart choice.

But if you want a cheaper streamer for casual viewing, the Chromecast could fit the bill.

MORE:

Read our Google TV Streamer review

And our Chromecast with Google TV review

Best media streamers: the best TV streaming devices

Google TV Streamer vs Apple TV 4K: which is better?

Google has announced that it will be retiring its Chromecast brand, with the Chromecast with Google TV acting as the final entry in the 13-year-long saga of media streamers. Ending that saga on a multi-Award winning 4K streamer that we consider a benchmark product is a great way to bow out, and expectations are high for the upcoming Google TV Streamer. 

The decision to shelve one of the brand's most recognisable products comes as part of a wider shakeup at Google. Not only has the tech giant dropped Chromecast, but it's also recently unveiled a four-strong lineup of Pixel 9 smartphones as well as the Pixel Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds, in a bid to reclaim some ground in the ever-competitive portable space.  

While the end of the Chromecast is in view, there's still time to snap up one of these five-star streamers, but you'll need to be quick as stock is already flying off the shelves; and once it's gone, it's really gone for good. Amazon seems to have already axed it, with many retailers already dropping the price in time for the new streamer's launch. 

You may be wondering why you should consider a three-year-old video streamer over a brand-new one, and while that's a valid question, we should remind you that newer doesn't always equal better, a sentiment we've already shared regarding TVs.

There are plenty of reasons to consider the Chromecast with Google TV, and here are the three that we think are most relevant (as well as a couple why you may want to wait for the Google TV Streamer):

1. It's much cheaper

This is the easiest justification for choosing the Chromecast over the Google TV Streamer, as the former is much cheaper due to years of discounts. We reviewed the Chromecast at £60 / $50 / AU$99 back when it launched in 2021, however, that price has crashed significantly since then.

We're seeing it for as low as £30 here in the UK, or AU$79 in Australia which are both very tempting discounts. It's held its launch price for now in the US, however, we're fairly confident that we'll see discounts in the States closer to the Google TV Streamer's launch next month. 

Speaking of the Google TV Streamer, Google has announced that it will retail for £99 / $99 / AU$159, which is a significant price increase over the last generation streamer. While that still undercuts the Apple TV 4K (£149 / $130 / AU$219), we wouldn't blame you for saving almost £70 and opting for the older model in this instance.

2. It's a better travel companion

While we approve of the set-top box-style design of the new Google TV Streamer, it's not as easy to slip into a travel bag as the Chromecast with Google TV. The pocket-able puck design of the Chromecast makes it a more compelling device for those who travel often and like to hook their own streamer up to TVs in hotels or Airbnbs. 

The Chromecast got a shout-out in a roundup of our favourite travel hi-fi and AV tech by our managing editor, Becky Roberts, for this exact reason. The Chromecast will save you the hassle of signing in on the hotel TV (and will ease the anxiety of remembering to log back out) and it will deliver a better picture performance. You'll also have all your favourite apps to hand, which is useful for accommodation with older TVs that might not support all of the latest streaming apps. 

Just remember to bring the remote and wall plug, as the Chromecast requires more power than most USB sockets on TVs are able to deliver. 

3. It's a proven performer

While we have high expectations for the Google TV Streamer, we know for certain that the Chromecast 4K is a top-notch performer. If you don't want to take a risk on the new streamer and want a Google TV device that's guaranteed to impress when it comes to picture and sound, then going for the current Chromecast is a safer bet. 

We've bestowed upon the Chromecast with Google TV the "Best video streamer under £100" Award for three years running, which should signify how much we like this streamer. 2024 will likely see the end of that streak, but a three-year back-to-back Awards run is very impressive nonetheless.

But what exactly do we like about the Chromecast's performance? We praised its sharp and textured image that dazzles with Dolby Vision HDR content. It's also a dab hand with shadow detail, its image is solid and three-dimensional, and its colours are balanced and accurate, making it a top performer.

It also sounds impressive, with good timing during musical demos on Tidal, with excellent precision and crispness to the sound. This model also features Dolby Atmos immersive audio which is a bonus for movie soundtracks and music alike. We wish it was stronger dynamically, but overall the Chromecast won't disappoint when it comes to sound.

Bonus: A couple of reasons to wait for the Google TV Streamer

While we endorse snapping up a Chromecast with Google TV before it disappears forever, there are some prospective benefits for those who are patient enough to wait for the Google TV Streamer. 

First and foremost is the more powerful hardware, as Google has announced that the new streamer features an upgraded processor and twice the RAM of the current Chromecast. This will likely make navigating the Google TV operating system snappier and improve day-to-day performance; not that we found this to be a notable issue on the Chromecast. There is also a socket for wired internet connectivity which should make streaming more stable for those with flaky wi-fi. 

Furthermore, the new streamer will be a better option for those who are concerned with longevity. As it's a new product, we expect it to be supported with software updates for longer than Chromecast, and its new Gemini AI-powered features (also seen in the new Pixel buds and Pixel 9 phone) will likely be built upon in the coming years as AI continues to advance. The Google TV Streamer will most certainly outlast the Chromecast, so go for that streamer if you're concerned about future-proofing. 

MORE:

Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are gunning for the Sony XM5s with their 'authentic sound' and upgraded noise cancelling

Google's new four-strong lineup of Pixel 9 smartphones feature brighter displays and more powerful processors

Check out our latest streaming review: Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Generation)

Check out our picks for the best video streamers

As well as the best TVs you can buy 

Today marks a turning point in Google's streaming lineage. The beloved (and Award-winning) Google Chromecast with Google TV streamer has officially been discontinued, with the Chromecast series as a whole being laid to rest after 13 years. While saying goodbye to this successful line of streaming devices is hard, it's a bittersweet occasion; as Google has officially announced its successor. 

The imaginatively titled Google TV Streamer picks up right where the Chromecast left off, but this time Google is going for a full-on streaming box solution rather than an HDMI dongle. Looks-wise, the new streamer carries forth the smooth, pebble-inspired aesthetics of the Pixel phones and Pixel tablets, as well as the outgoing Chromecast. Google says it designed this streamer to sit alongside your TV rather than being tucked away in a media unit, hence the slick design; however, it should also improve connectivity with other smart home devices too according to Google. On the subject of connectivity, Google has included an ethernet port for wired internet connectivity, which should lead to smoother streaming and less buffering. 

The remote has reportedly undergone some changes too, with improved ergonomics, a more convenient button layout, a better grip and a customisable shortcut button. There's even a handy Google Assistant-powered "find my remote" command that helps you locate your remote if it slips between the couch cushions. 

Onto the streamer itself, Google is calling this generation a "giant leap in performance". It features an upgraded processor, double the RAM of the previous Chromecast 4K and 32GB of internal memory, which should lead to faster loading times and smoother UI navigation. And if the name hasn't already given it away, this streamer is running the Google TV operating system which is a good thing in our books. App compatibility is solid on Google TV – you'll find the usual Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus and local streaming apps – and it's easy to use too.

This new Google TV streamer will also support HDR; Google name-dropped Dolby Vision HDR and the Chromecast with Google TV supported HDR10+, so we expect to see that here as well. It also supports Dolby Atmos immersive audio on supported streaming services, but you'll need a Dolby Atmos soundbar or AVR to fully take advantage of that feature. 

Finally, it should be no surprise that Google has imbued its latest streamer with the power of its Gemini artificial intelligence. It will be able to generate content summaries, find reviews and even create a season-by-season breakdown to get you up to speed with TV shows. AI also has a hand in generating art for the idle mode, just give a voice command to Gemini to create some artwork to display on your TV when you're not using it. 

The Google TV Streamer will be available in two finishes – Porcelain and Hazel (the latter appears to be a Google US store exclusive) – for $99.99 (around £80 / AU$150) on the 24th of September. Pre-orders are open in the States, however, there is no news on a UK or Australian release quite yet. 

And if you're feeling nostalgic for Chromecast and fancy a trip down memory lane, Google has a charming blog post reminiscing about the seven best moments in Chromecast history. 

MORE:

Read our full Google Chromecast with Google TV review

And the Apple TV 4K (2022)

And check out our picks for the best media streamers

According to reports shared by 9to5Google, Google is planning to move away from its compact streaming dongles and will be releasing a tabletop streamer. 

The upcoming device is expected to be called the 'Google TV Streamer' and is the follow-up to the Chromecast with Google TV. It also marks a general move away from the 'Chromecast' branding, so we will see if Google is abandoning this legacy naming in favour of using 'Google TV'.

Images shared with 9to5Google show a slanted, 'pill-shaped' unit with rounded edges in a smart white finish. It resembles an elongated reimagining of the Chromecast with Google TV dongle and doesn't look particularly tall, meaning it should fit neatly with most set-ups. 

Along with the main streamer is a new remote, which matches in colour and general shape, much like the previous generation. Like before, a directional pad is at the top of the remote, followed by 'back' and 'home' in the row beneath. There are also the expected buttons for activating Google Assistant, volume control (no longer on the right-hand edge of the remote), mute, and shortcuts for Netflix and YouTube.

While it looks smart, how it performs technically matters most, so we eagerly anticipate this new Google streamer's potential arrival so we can get it in for testing. We gave the Google Chromecast with Google TV a five-star review followed by a What Hi-Fi? Award in 2023, so a new Google streamer has a high benchmark to reach. 

MORE:

Read the full Google Chromecast with Google TV review

Our picks for the best TVs: flagship OLEDs and affordable flatscreens tried and tested

And the best media streamers and TV streaming devices

We are big fans of wireless speaker systems like the Triangle Capella. If done well, they deliver the performance of good, carefully matched separates hi-fi but in a neater, more convenient package.

The lack of a physical connection to the pair of speakers gives a degree of flexibility that traditional wire-based alternatives can’t match. Of course, like its much admired KEF LS50 Wireless II rival, there is still the need for mains cables for each fully active speaker. So, like all such systems, the Triangle Capella is only wireless to a degree.

The big difference between this Triangle and its KEF rival is in the number of boxes they occupy. The Capella’s box count is three as it separates the connections and control from the pair of speakers. This control box, Triangle calls it a stereo hub, is about the size of a small paperback book and is responsible for all the input connectivity. It then sends the music signal wirelessly to each speaker. 

Connectivity

The stereo hub scores well in the input department. There is Bluetooth, a USB Type B, three opticals, an HDMI, a coaxial input and analogue inputs in the form of a stereo RCA and a 3.5mm aux. That 3.5mm doubles as an additional optical input. The Triangle’s digital inputs are compatible with up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM hi-res files, which should be fine for most people. DSD isn’t on the menu, though. Moving away from physical inputs there is Chromecast and AirPlay alongside Roon compatibility.

The logos of Apple Music, Qobuz and Deezer (among others) are shown on the Capella’s webpage, which suggests that these services are embedded. They are not. You will need a source to supply them, say a phone or computer coupled to a third-party UPnP app such as mConnect. Alternatively, something like a Cambridge Audio MXN10 standalone music streamer feeding one of the inputs (analogue or digital) would work too. Given that the Capella is a brand-new product, we expected full streaming capability built-in, much as it is in KEF's range of all-in-one wireless speaker systems.

Engineering & design

Things look more positive when we put our focus on the speakers. No surprise really, considering that’s where the brand’s expertise is. These are an active design with each box packing 50 watts of amplification and a dedicated DAC module for each of the two drive units. The tweeter is a horn-loaded 25mm magnesium alloy dome with a carefully shaped phase plug to control dispersion and resonances. 

A 16cm paper-cone driver looks after the frequencies from the midrange downwards. It is tuned by a downward-firing port that fires through the enclosure’s base and out of the gaps in the aluminium frame plinth. Spreading the port’s output in this way is claimed to make the speakers less sensitive to nearby walls, and so less fussy about positioning. Onboard DSP (Digital Signal Processing) optimises each drive unit’s behaviour, which in theory leads to clearer, cleaner and more balanced results.

Take a closer look at the Capella’s enclosure and you will find plenty of neat touches. Highlights include the internal cabinet bracing that doubles as extra support to the rear of the mid/bass driver, so improving rigidity, and the stylish way Triangle has minimised unwanted distortions through those smart trim rings and gently rounded cabinet edges.

Setting up

This Triangle Capella system is a breeze to set up. The stereo hub can only be connected wirelessly to your network. This is done through the Google Home app, and should only take a few minutes. The stereo hub’s front panel LED blinks until the network connection is made and then becomes solid.

Next press the ‘pairing’ button on the rear of each speaker and the stereo hub. The Capella uses WISA wireless technology for the connection between the two. WISA was developed specifically for audio and is compatible with signals up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution (latency is impressive at just 2.6ms between the channels). Here again, there are blinking LEDs that turn solid once the connection between the hub and each speaker is established. We have no issue with the procedure and are up and running in less than a minute. Note, there is no wired link between the two speakers, as there is on some rivals.

There is a label on the back of each speaker that designates whether it goes on the left or right. If for some reason you want to use the speakers the other way around, this can be switched from the dedicated Capella app. 

There are two ways to control the stereo hub; you can use the aforementioned app or a rather nice, well laid out metal remote that comes in the box. The app has some useful extra functionality, though. It can measure and then equalise the bass output of the speakers so that they work in a more balanced way in the room. If you have an iPhone, the app can use the smartphone’s internal microphone to take the measurements. Android users are not so lucky. There is too much variance between Android phones from different manufacturers, so a separate microphone has to be used. Triangle can supply one but it doesn’t come cheap at £115 in the UK. We expect the price to be similar in other countries. 

Is the effort worthwhile? Well, it depends on how well-behaved your listening space is. Our acoustically treated room didn’t benefit much by using the equalisation but a more uneven room might. Regardless, for Apple users, it’s free and so worth a try.

Build

Build quality is good on the whole. The stereo hub is a rather anonymous small plastic box but is put together well enough. The speakers are far more impressive, feeling solidly assembled and luxuriously finished. We love the glossy blue (Astral Blue) of our review sample, but think the other three flamboyantly-named finish options – Black Star, Space White and Brown Nebula – look almost as nice. 

The performance of any standmounter is heavily dependent on the quality of its support. Triangle makes stands that work well with the Capella sonically. Called the S05, they cost £279 / $340 / around AU$650 per pair. These stands have a top plate designed to fit perfectly into the aluminium plinths at the base of the speaker’s cabinet, making for a fuss-free installation. 

However, that wasn’t quite true in our case where the top plate on one of the supplied stands was marginally oversized, preventing either of the speakers from sitting properly. A small issue and nothing a bit of filing wouldn’t fix, but Triangle’s quality control should be better.

We start with the speakers positioned on their stands around 70cm from the rear wall and well away from the sides. We angle them in slightly towards the listening position to focus the stereo imaging. From then on we don’t feel the need to tweak much as it all sounds balanced and relatively even.

The stereo hub is placed around 5m away from the furthest speaker and is positioned next to our sources, the Naim ND 555/555 PS DR music streamer and our usual MacBook Pro (loaded with Audirvana music-playing software and plenty of high-res music files).

Sound

We tend to like the way Triangle’s speakers sound, so it is no surprise that we warm to the Capella. Regardless of inputs chosen, there is the familiar energetic delivery that trades a touch of top-end refinement for attack and speed. 

Play something like Usher’s OMG and these Triangles sound right at home. They deliver the song’s pulsing beat with enthusiasm and drive. They are great at communicating the energy in the music, making it hard to sit still and just listen. At 38cm high these aren’t massive speakers but they still do a good job at punching out the lows on this song. Bass is taut and agile, though not the deepest we’ve heard. It remains tidy even when pushed, which is an admirable quality.

Vocals cut through with clarity and are delivered with pleasing articulation and subtlety. These speakers sound a little forward but don’t take things too far unless the volume level is pushed hard. Would we like a sweeter top end or more natural warmth through the midrange? Yes, we would, but there is also something hugely appealing about the Capella’s extrovert personality that we would be loathe to trade for more refinement.

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata shows that the Triangle understands subtlety. Here this package sounds bold but considered, delivering a reasonable dose of resolution and insight. Tonally, it isn’t the most neutral of performers but doesn’t err too far.

It captures the dynamic impulses of the piano superbly and renders the instrument’s harmonically rich tones with conviction. The exact timing of the notes and the slight differences in the force applied to the keys are clear, and the way it all fits together into a cohesive and musical performance is excellent.

Stereo imaging is stable and impressively precise. We have the speakers angled in so that they cross around a metre behind our heads and we get a broad and reasonably deep soundstage. Well-designed active speakers tend to sound stable and organised even when the music becomes demanding and that’s the case here. No similarly priced passive system we’ve heard can match the grip and sense of control of this package. 

We work our way through the various inputs and the Capella’s sonic character stays consistent whether we use our reference Naim streamer in analogue or digital mode, or plug into the USB input and play our high-resolution files of Mahler’s Symphony No.4 or Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall. 

Verdict

In our view, this Triangle Capella is almost a great product. It needs a touch more sweetness and natural warmth in the sound and another look at the feature set. Given that the stereo hub is an external box, that shouldn’t be impossible to do. Until then, the Capella active speakers remain a likeable but leftfield choice. 

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Build 4
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the KEF LS50 Wireless II

Also consider the JBL 4305P

Best active speakers: budget to high-end, handpicked by our experts

JBL has unveiled its Stage 2 loudspeaker range which, in tandem with the brand's new MA line of AV receivers, aims to give you a comprehensive home and audio cinema setup without the headache that can often go with it. Built to work in tandem with one another, both ranges are designed to "give peace of mind" that comes from having a unified, one-brand system working within the same ecosystem.

While our JBL MA AV receiver news story will give you the nitty-gritty details on the surround sound side, let's give you a rundown on the loudspeakers that will be giving your movies and tunes a kick. Conceived as a do-it-all system, the JBL Stage 2 range comprises eight units: the 260F and 280F floorstanders, the 240B and 250B standmounts, a 245C centre channel speaker, a 240H Dolby Atmos-enabled height modules and, finally, 200P and 220P subwoofers.

The new 280F floorstanders pack in dual 20-cm ribbed cone woofers alongside a 25mm anodised aluminium tweeter, not to mention a precision 2.5-way crossover and rear-firing ports. The slightly cheaper 260F floorstanders pack in a pair of 16.5cm ribbed woofers, with the same aluminium tweeter as found in the 280F model.  

If you're looking to add some bass to the party, JBL's new subwoofers are here to provide some lower-end muscle. The 500W 220P model packs in a hefty 30cm ribbed cone low-frequency woofer and dual rear-firing ports, while the more affordable 300W 220P unit offers a 25cm woofer and the same rear-firing ports as its costlier sibling.  

If you're really looking to go all out, the 245C centre channel speaker and the 240H Dolby Atmos height module complete the ensemble. The 245C houses an 11.5cm ribbed woofer and 25mm tweeter alongside a precision 2.5-inch crossover, while the 240H height module grants Dolby Atmos access with the same-sized drivers as above.   

Users can calibrate the system to match the requirements of their space and requirements using JBL's EZ Set EQ app, with a wide variety of audio platforms, including Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth streaming, are supported. If you grab the wi-fi enabled AV receivers, you'll have access to “Works with SmartThings” integration. This lets users create automated routines that control their integrated AV devices around the home with the press of a button.

The JBL Stage 2 loudspeaker range is available now in "latte" and "expresso" finishes at the following prices: 

- 280F floorstanders (per pair): £1198 / $1199
- 260F floorstanders (per pair): £1050 / $999
- 250B standmounters (per pair): £399 / $400
- 240B standmounters (per pair): £329 / $300
- 220P subwoofer: £599 / $600
- 200P subwoofer: £499 / $500
- 245C centre channel: £449 / $450
- 240H Dolby Atmos Height Channel module (per pair): £489 / $500 

MORE: 

JBL sets its sights on Denon with a new range of affordable 8K home cinema receivers

These are the best floorstanding speakers 

Best AV receivers 2024: the top home cinema amplifiers we've tested

The 30 best Dolby Atmos movie scenes to test your home cinema surround sound system

The WiiM Pro Plus has been a star product ever since it launched, picking up five-star reviews and a prestigious What Hi-Fi? Award win, and earning it more recommendations than most other hi-fi products. The popular music streamer has the perfect combination of affordable price, extensive streaming features and entertaining sound – and now it's even better value thanks to this fantastic price drop as part of today's Amazon Prime Day sales.

The talented WiiM Pro Plus can be yours for just $175 at Amazon – that's a genuinely great saving of $44. This lowest price is available at Amazon US only, with other retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart and Crutchfield still listing it at its original full price of $219.

Based on our experience, this WiiM deal won't last long, so you have to hurry if you want to take advantage of this tempting Prime Day deal before it ends tomorrow!

In many ways, the superb-value WiiM Pro Plus offers similar functionality to the also five-star Cambridge Audio MXN10, which is similarly compact but costs nearly twice the price. That makes it remarkable value, as it's hard to convince ourselves that it's half as good. 

For the money, this little streamer lets you quickly and easily add streaming skills to most home setups, with the WiiM offering a robust set of connectivity options – it might not have HDMI, but optical and RCA line-level inputs/outputs mean it can connect to most amplifiers. Streaming-wise, it's as feature-rich as you can get: there's dual-band wi-fi, Bluetooth, built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 support. An intuitive app makes it quick and easy to stream tracks from popular music services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Pandora, and plenty more.

But how does it sound, we hear you ask? Based on our testing, we can confidently say it delivers great sound considering the wallet-friendly asking price. As we said in our review: “the WiiM Pro Plus is hard to lay a glove on at the price. It sounds poised and accomplished, it has a surprisingly well-executed control app, and it’s ready to form the basis of a multi-room system too."

We're not exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to the budget end of the hi-fi market for streamers, but the WiiM rises above its competitors with a performance, feature set and ease of use that belies its price. Per our review: "If you want to do better than this, it’s going to cost you quite a lot more money.” Sounds tempting? Head over to Amazon US to get this lowest-ever Prime Day deal on the Pro Plus before it runs out.

MORE:

Check out the best Prime Day speaker deals – huge savings on KEF, Naim and more

And the best Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals live now

You can get the best AirPods deals today, too!

The hi-fi deal that we've been waiting for has finally appeared: the five-star WiiM Pro Plus music streamer has dropped in price during the Amazon Prime Day sales. While it is on sale for £175 at Amazon, the bigger £50 discount can be found at specialist hi-fi retailers – it's now £169 at Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks and Peter Tyson. But hurry – based on our experience, this deal won't last long!

The WiiM Pro Plus won us (and many other hi-fi fans) over thanks to its compact, feature-packed form that performs admirably for its original £219 asking price. A worthy What Hi-Fi? winner, the WiiM Pro Plus is a great way of adding wireless streaming powers to any hi-fi system, especially if you're low on space and cash.

In many ways, the superb-value WiiM Pro Plus offers similar functionality to the also five-star Cambridge Audio MXN10, which is similarly compact but costs nearly twice the price. That makes it rather remarkable value, as it's hard to convince ourselves that it's half as good. 

For the money, this little streamer lets you quickly and easily add streaming skills to most home setups, with the WiiM offering a robust set of connectivity options – it might not have HDMI, but optical and RCA line-level inputs/outputs mean it can connect to most amplifiers. Streaming-wise, it's as feature-rich as you can get: there's dual-band wi-fi, Bluetooth, built-in Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 support. An intuitive app makes it quick and easy to stream tracks from popular music services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn, and plenty more.

But how does it sound, we hear you ask? Based on our testing, our reviewers reported it delivers great sound considering the wallet-friendly asking price. As we said in our review: “the WiiM Pro Plus is hard to lay a glove on at the price. It sounds poised and accomplished, it has a surprisingly well-executed control app, and it’s ready to form the basis of a multi-room system too."

We're not exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to the budget end of the hi-fi market for streamers, but the WiiM rises above its competitors with a performance, feature set and ease of use that belies its price. Per our review: "If you want to do better than this, it’s going to cost you quite a lot more money.” Sounds tempting? Head over to Richer Sounds, Sevenoaks or Peter Tyson to get this lowest-ever deal on the Pro Plus before it runs out.

MORE:

The best Prime Day hi-fi deals – save on Cambridge Audio, Roksan, Sonos and more

Prime Day can't beat this! The Award-winning iFi Zen DAC V2 has crashed to its lowest ever price

This versatile five-star wireless speaker – with HDMI ARC and AirPlay 2 – is £50 off at Amazon

Looking for a cheap and cheerful streaming deal this Amazon Prime Day? Well you've just found it: the Chromecast with Google TV (4K) is down to just £30 at Amazon.

That's half the full price of £60, and it means that the Chromecast is now available for less than the 4K Fire TV Stick. On Amazon. During Amazon Prime Day. Madness.

The Chromecast is a fantastic streamer in its own right, but this price cut is an even better incentive to upgrade. We tend to prefer the Chromecast over Amazon's Fire TV Sticks.

The design of the Chromecast is more considered, and it doesn't block neighbouring HDMI ports. Its picture and sound are more natural and authentic than on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max – visuals are cleaner and more engaging, and colours are more natural. Finally, the sound has more texture and the timing is better too.

The Chromecast is also stacked when it comes to features, with HDR support in the HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats, as well as the newly implemented content frame matching system – which Netflix has adopted – in order to create smoother motion. You can also wirelessly stream to the Chromecast via Bluetooth or by pairing a phone or tablet – unsurprisingly, Google's own Pixel devices provide the software for the best Android phones.

So there you have it: an Award-winner at a knockdown price. Grab it while you can.

Looking to catapult your hi-fi system into the 21st century by plonking a modern-day music streamer next to your CD player and/or turntable, or building a system from scratch with one at the helm? Then you should prepare yourself for music listening convenience like never before. 

But be warned, despite a streamer’s relative operational simplicity, there are some must-dos and "that's probably not a good idea" factors to consider before picking which streamer is best for your needs.

Which is why we made this guide, detailing how to avoid these 10 easy-to-make mistakes and stream like a Gen Z pro…

1. Don't get hung up on numbers

It is easy to fall into the spec sheet trap and compare music streamers based on how many boxes they tick and how big the numbers are, but think: would you benefit from a streamer that supports 32-bit/384kHz files over one that supports ‘only’ 24-bit/192kHz? Does it matter if one doesn’t support Chromecast if you wouldn’t use it anyway? 

Think about what and how you stream. If you purely want to stream from hi-res services like Tidal or Qobuz, the majority of streams are 96kHz and below. Got a digital musical library of your own? The chances are you’re storing them as 192kHz files or less. Do you need DSD or MQA support?

Likewise, while we admire manufacturers who go to the trouble (and pay the license fees) to support all the streaming protocols, like AirPlay and Chromecast, to appeal to the most customers, does it really matter if a streamer doesn’t have one you wouldn’t use anyway?

2. Don't disregard control options

We’ve reviewed hundreds of music streamers over the years, and we can confidently tell you that to a large extent they live or die on their user experience. Using them often requires navigating large streaming service catalogue and/or libraries of stored music, so you want it to be a seamless experience. Look into which manufacturers offer the best companion app operation (it’s always something we dive into during our music streamer reviews) or, alternatively, if you like and are familiar with your streaming service’s interface, then find a streamer that allows you to cast directly to it from the service’s native app. For example, Apple Music can be cast over AirPlay, Spotify over Spotify Connect, and Tidal over Chromecast or Tidal Connect.

3. Don't stream over Bluetooth... if you don't need to 

Bluetooth is handy for several reasons: it’s easy to pair devices together, it doesn’t require an internet connection, nearly every source device you’d be streaming from supports it, and you can control playback from the comfort of your preferred streaming app. But the downsides – and they’re biggies – is the technology's limited sound quality and range. Bluetooth transmission typically has a much more limited bandwidth and range than the internet and cannot pass through hi-res files unharmed or as reliably. It’s great for odd casual streaming – or when your wi-fi is down – but stick to streaming over your network for the best sounding and most stable experience.

If you’re a very casual streamer because you mostly get your music fix via your turntable and/or CD player, and happily subscribe to a service without lossless or hi-res streaming (such as Spotify), streaming over Bluetooth may be just fine for you. If that’s the case, perhaps consider a cheaper and inevitably smaller (even more so than the WiiM Pro streamer) Bluetooth receiver like the iFi Zen Blue instead.

4. Don't connect over wi-fi... if you don't need to

OK so we’ve just recommended streaming over wi-fi, but if a streamer has an Ethernet socket (which it inevitably does), we would strongly consider wiring it to your network router if you can accommodate that placement in terms of positioning and cabling. It will be more stable and offer greater bandwidth, thus improving performance and avoiding any potential buffering issues.

5. Don't underspend

As we penned recently, common hi-fi system-building advice is that each main part of a system should cost roughly the same. You shouldn’t be tied to that ethos as, “given production costs, methods and materials used, it is highly unlikely that a £500 record player and a similarly priced amplifier are on the same rung of sonic ability in their respective categories.”  But, in this specific category spending roughly the same on a music streamer as a pair of speakers is indeed sensible.

Don’t underspend – just because they’re small digital boxes with generally fewer components than many electronics and often no screen display, they aren’t something to scrimp on. Check out this What Hi-Fi?-recommended system if your total system budget (or current system value) is around £2000 / $2800.

6. Think about your source material

If you’re spending time and money on a hi-fi system with a music streamer, playing low-quality music through it would be akin to solely watching ‘90s soap operas through a multi-thousand-pound TV. So if you mainly listen to a diet of Spotify streams and MP3 files, perhaps consider upgrading your service of choice to a hi-res one such as Apple Music, Tidal or Amazon Music, or building your own library with ripped CDs, digitised vinyl or CD-quality/hi-res downloads.

7. Experiment with its output

Music streamers typically have digital (like coaxial) and analogue (line-level RCA) outputs to connect to your amplifier. But which should you use if your amplifier has both digital and analogue inputs? Essentially, the question is: should your system make use of the DAC inside your amplifier (or active speakers) or your streamer’s one? There’s no hard and fast rule here, as the performance you get will depend on the quality of each component’s DAC section, so we would suggest trying both ways!

8. Try its volume control

If your music streamer and integrated amplifier (or preamplifier) both have volume controls, which volume dial should you use to adjust levels in your system? Again, try both, as not all volume circuits are built equally, but a good place to start is by turning your streamer’s volume control up on full, and tweaking the amplifier’s dial accordingly. Having a software-based volume control (including on a laptop or a music streaming service platform) turned down low can, in our experience, compress dynamics.

9. Follow the usual system rules

The normal hi-fi system housekeeping rules apply here, so be sure to give your music streamer good support on a dedicated rack or other solid foundation and ensure you’re connecting it to your amplifier with a good-quality interconnect cable. Again, an Ethernet connection to your home network is preferable over a wireless one.

10. Don't ignore the value of building your own music library

Pay your tenner a month and you can access all the world’s music, in high-resolution quality, at your fingertips. What a time to be alive. Streaming services have inarguably transformed how we consume music and gifted us unprecedented accessibility, but there are some downsides . For starters we don’t own the music we stream and can lose access to a particular song or album at any time due to changing streaming rights. On top of that, user information is unavoidably collected when you sign up for a music subscription, and streaming royalties are notoriously worse than physical media sales for the majority of music artists. 

So these are all reasons to build your own music library, storing it on a laptop or external NAS drive, either by downloading tracks or buying and ripping vinyl or CDs to digital files. Sure it requires a a bigger initial spend to get you up and running than simply paying a monthly streaming subscription, but if you can put the time, effort and money into it, you’ll be rewarded with ownership, permanence and that warm fuzzy feeling of backing your favourite artists. Music streamers tend to support DLNA or UPnP (or both), meaning they can easily access music stored on the same network.

MORE:

Best music streamers 2024: top network audio streamers tested by our experts

Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music – what's the best music streaming service for you?

How to add a music streamer to your hi-fi system

Suppose you’re looking for a compact integrated amplifier with wireless connectivity. In that case, the WiiM Amp might be an option that ticks your boxes, especially now that its price has dropped from £319 to £269 over at Peter Tyson. 

We tested this amp recently and awarded it three stars in our review, noting some real strengths alongside a few shortcomings. That being said, this fresh discount makes it a more appealing purchase. Some of our recommendations for alternative systems, such as the Denon D-M41DAB or the KEF LSX II LT, were already more pricey than the WiiM, to begin with. 

WiiM Integrated Stereo Amp deal

In our review of this WiiM, we commended the little stereo amplifier for its stylish design, solid build quality, and impressive feature set. However, we also thought it was somewhat limited sonically, providing great enthusiasm but lacking some dynamic contrast.

It has a characteristically forward and confident delivery, projecting music with plenty of texture and energy. The amp manages to make an admirable attempt at picking out nuance and detail in audio, separating instrumentation and resisting the urge to scramble the different musical components of a song. 

The budget system includes a Class D amplifier, offering 60 watts of power per channel at 8 ohms. There’s also an ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC chip which can handle hi-res files up to 24/bit/192kHz. 

On the connectivity side, the WiiM offers compatibility with Bluetooth sources, Google Chromecast, Airplay 2, Tidal, Spotify Connect and Amazon Music. It also includes HDMI ARC, Optical, and Line level inputs if you prefer a wired connection. 

If you’re looking for a neat, tidy stereo amp with wireless streaming smarts, head over to Peter Tyson where the WiiM Amp is now available for £269 in Silver or Space Grey finishes. 

MORE:

Read our full WiiM Amp review

Our picks for the best music streamers available, tested by our experts

And our list of the best stereo amplifiers: options for every budget

French audio manufacturer Triangle is the latest brand to jump onto the active wireless speaker system bandwagon, aiming to outmuscle systems from the likes of KEF and Sonus Faber with its new Capella speaker system. The Triangle Capella integrates hi-res wireless music streaming into a pair of active standmount speakers, removing the need for a separate amplifier or separate music streamer, to provide users with "a compact stereo hub" for their music, home theatre and even gaming needs.

Each speaker is a two-way design incorporating Triangle's signature horn-loaded tweeter with a 25mm magnesium alloy dome alongside a 16.5cm cellulose pulp membrane midrange – all powered by a total of 200W (100W each) of class D bi-amplification. Triangle's digital signal processor (DSP) monitors the drivers' behaviour to optimise the system’s performance, while a digitally controlled crossover aims for a "perfectly linear frequency response" that should result in deeper, better-controlled bass tones and a clearer, more balanced soundstage.

Triangle sells the Capella as being a hugely versatile, flexible system incorporating a range of inputs and outputs. The Capella boasts single RCA stereo, coaxial and USB type B inputs alongside three optical inputs, and there's an HDMI ARC input for connecting the speakers to your television as a soundbar alternative. 

You can stream any music from your smartphone, tablet or laptop to the Capella system: Bluetooth and wi-fi capabilities are on board, with UPnP streaming, AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Roon Ready available. Hi-res files up to 24-bit/192kHz are supported. Unlike all-in-one speaker systems like the KEF LS50 Wireless II, the Capella comes with a small, separate "stereo hub" which acts as the nerve centre for all its streaming powers and physical connections. The hub is a WISA transmitter and connects to the speakers wirelessly, with hi-res 24-bit/96kHz streaming possible using WISA.

It's a clever setup, too, with room acoustics calibration possible through the Capella system. You can use the mobile app and your smartphone's microphone to calculate and analyse the room in which the speakers are set up, and the app with correct and optimise the measurements to deliver a better sound for the given space. You can manually customize the sound even further in the app, which lets you optimise the speakers' sound by directly controlling the response curve and tweaking the EQ settings to your preferences. An optional Zen microphone is also available for more accurate measurements for this room calibration.

Whatever the speaker system actually sounds like, the speaker units themselves are certainly easy on the eye. The Triangle Capella's standmounts incorporate high-density cabinets which pursue a luxury aesthetic thanks to their lacquered walnut exterior. The speakers are mounted on an aluminium base for greater airflow around the port, while a more rounded cabinet shape aims for a purer sound by reducing sound disruptions transmitted to the listener. 

The Triangle Capella audio system is available now in four finishes – Black Star, Astral Blue, Space White, Brown Nebula – at a standard price of €2499. That's the same sort of territory as the Award-winning KEF LS50 Wireless II which currently sits at around £2250 / €2200, but less than the Sonus Faber Duetto system (£3490 / €3999 / $3999). 

MORE: 

Read our recent Triangle Borea BR10 review 

Want something similar? Our KEF LS50 Wireless II is worth a look 

Active vs passive speakers: what's the difference? Which is better?

Our pick of the best stereo speakers you can buy

If you’ve kept track of my sporadic old-man-rants-at-sky moments on What Hi-Fi?, you’ll notice that I’ve long bemoaned an ongoing and in my mind slightly sad trend in the world of TVs.

Specifically, there are currently woefully few good cheap TVs doing the rounds, especially at smaller screen sizes.

Let’s run through the evidence over the past few months. First off there’s the recent group test we ran, where we checked out around half a dozen of the top-selling small TVs on Amazon. Sadly, none of the sets managed to earn five stars. The 'winners' were the RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) and Toshiba 24WK3C63DB, which scored four stars. 

Even these suffered from some key issues, though, ranging from a lack of streaming apps, which made a Chromecast, Apple TV or Amazon Fire Stick all but essential, to a lack of HDR support. Sure they’re small, but I’d like to see at least a few of the innovations we’ve seen in the last decade start to trickle down to this end of the market.

The same is true if you go slightly up in price and look at the Amazon Fire TV Omni range. In our experience testing them, the Omni TVs are great at larger sizes, with the 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED remaining the cheap TV we recommend to most people. But go down below 50 inches and things take a turn for the worse, with the 43-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni, in particular, having too many flaws for us to recommend, despite its price.

So in short, based on our testing, if you want a great TV without any caveats that won’t dominate the whole lounge or bedroom, you’re out of luck.

The good news? While companies don’t seem interested in delivering great value in the smaller end of the TV market, we’ve seen great strides in improving your bang for buck when it comes to big-screen TVs.

Most recently this was showcased by the 85-inch TCL 85C805K. Is it cheap? Retailing for £1579 in our native UK, the answer is unequivocally no, as unless you're Jeff Bezos that’s still a large wad of cash. But, by 85-inch TV standards, it’s by far one of the cheapest we’ve seen at this size, and it represents cracking value when you consider how much hardware TCL has packed inside.

Excellent gaming features for PS5 and Xbox Series X and Series S owners? Check. Full HDR support? Check. Reliable picture quality that can get you truly immersed in a film? Check. 

Even a couple of years ago, a TV this size with the TCL’s features and performance would have cost nearly twice as much – as we reported in our in-depth TCL 85C805K review: “Despite costing less than some 55-inch TVs, the TCL 85C805K manages to combine the sheer largesse of its 85-inch pictures with excellent gaming support and genuinely cinematic and immersive picture and sound quality. In other words, it’s pretty much a dream come true for home cinema fans who aren’t lucky enough to have limitlessly deep pockets.”

TCL is also one of many TV makers who think the future is in big sets. Samsung’s leadership team said a significant part of its R&D investment will go into large TVs in its last quarterly investment call, as it doesn’t think there’s enough scale at the smaller end of the market.

And many will love this trend, including one commenter on our Facebook page who told me to “just build a bigger house”, the last time I bemoaned my inability to fit an 85-inch set into my home. 

But, as I’ve noted before, many of us simply don't have room for such big TVs, but do still care about picture and sound quality. That's why I’d still love to see more of the innovation we see on the larger, more expensive sets trickle down to smaller, and cheaper, TVs. 

Until this happens, the truth is that if you want the best bang for your buck, in most instances it may be worth going big or going home when shopping for a new TV.

MORE:

These are the best 65-inch TVs we’ve tested

We rate the best cheap TVs

Check out our picks of the best OLED TVs

Watch Alcaraz vs Sinner live stream 2024

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner is a big-hitting meet-up at the French Open 2024 men’s semi-finals. These two are starting to define a new era in men’s tense and this should be an exciting one. The match begins on Thursday at 9:30 am ET / 1:30 pm BST and it's free-to-air in Australia. You can use a VPN to watch your usual stream from abroad.

• FREE: Channel 9 / 9Now (Aus)
• US: NBC / Peacock 
• UK: Eurosport / Discovery+
• Unblock any stream: NordVPN – the No.1 tennis VPN 

Sinner has just become the new world number one. The Italian has had a straightforward route to the latter stages at Roland Garros, dropping just one set so far. He can hit outrageous shots across all surfaces and has done so against the very best.

Alcaraz can give as good as he gets though. The current Wimbledon champion reached the semi-finals of this tournament last year and will be looking to go one better this time around. We have seen his capacity to dig in, however tough a match gets.

These players are developing a real rivalry, with the head-to-head record sitting at four wins each heading into this latest meeting. Alcaraz vs Sinner should be explosive.

Free Alcaraz vs Sinner live stream

Channel 9 and its 9Now streaming service has the rights to broadcast the 2024 French Open in Australia, live and for free from Sunday 26th May to Sunday 9th June.

The 9Now streaming service is absolutely free to use – all you need to sign up is your email address, and you can watch on your computer, smartphone, tablet or streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and select Smart TVs.

Once logged in to 9Now, you watch and can keep up to date with all the best action from Roland-Garros. There's also a paid option for those wanting serious in-depth coverage – for completists, scroll down to find out more Australian broadcast options

Stuck outside Oz at the moment? You can use a VPN to access a live stream without being blocked...

Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular tennis live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you. You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though.

It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any French Open live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate NordVPN as the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

How to use a VPN to stream French Open 2024

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. So for French Open tennis, you may wish to choose 'Australia' for 9Now.

3. Then head over to 9Now on your browser or device and enjoy the free French Open live stream!

Watch Alcaraz vs Sinner live stream 2024 in the US

NBC's Peacock TV streaming service is the only place to watch Alcaraz vs Sinner live in the USA.

Peacock starts from only $5.99 a month, or you can pay more to get rid of the ads. In addition to the French Open, you'll also be able to watch the likes of EPL soccer, WWE, Premiership Rugby and lots more.

The Peacock TV app is available on iOS, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Chromecast, LG smart TV, Vizio TV, PS4, and Xbox One. You can also watch through your web browser.

Outside the US? Peacock TV is only available within the States so be sure to use a tennis-friendly VPN if you're a subscriber stuck abroad.

• Expert TV advice: best OLED TVs for sports fans

Watch Alcaraz vs Sinner live stream in the UK

The 2024 French Open is being shown live on TV on Eurosport in the UK, which is available through certain packages from Sky TV, EE TV and Virgin Media.

Alternatively, you can live stream Roland Garros tennis with a Discovery+ subscription. The service's Standard plan costs £6.99 a month and includes Eurosport channels alongside Discovery, TLC, Quest and more. Or upgrade to Premium to include TNT Sports for £29.99 and get access to Premiership rugby, MotoGP, UFC, WWE and more.

Discovery+ plans run monthly and can be cancelled any time.

Remember, if you're not in the UK right now but want to continue watching your regular streams, you'll need a tennis-friendly VPN like NordVPN to continue watching from abroad.

Watch Alcaraz vs Sinner live stream 2024 in Australia

Aussies can watch the second tennis Grand Slam – including Alcaraz vs Sinner – absolutely free thanks to Channel 9 and 9Now.

If you want your pick of every match going on at the Roland Garros in 2024, though, you'll the all-inclusive service provided by the Stan Sport streaming service Down Under. The basic Stan package is $10 per month and comes with a 30-day free trial. When you add the necessary Stan Sport add-on, though, for an $15 extra per month, that gets charged immediately. 

Away from Oz? Use a VPN to access your local live stream from overseas – without being blocked.

• Upgrade the action: best TVs
• Go big this year: best projectors
• Where to find the best Formula 1 live stream

Watch Swiatek vs Gauff live stream 2024

Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff is a really enticing matchup at the French Open 2024. It sees the three-time Roland-Garros champion take on one of the most exciting young players in tennis, who also happens to have a major title under her belt. This one is very hard to call. The match begins today at 10am ET / 2pm BST and it's free-to-air in Australia. You can use a VPN to watch French Open live streams from anywhere, if you happen to be traveling away from Oz.

• FREE: Channel 9 / 9Now (Aus)
• US: NBC / Peacock 
• UK: Eurosport / Discovery+
• Unblock any stream: NordVPN – the No.1 tennis VPN 

Coco Gauff has been hugely impressive at Roland-Garros so far. She claimed a notable win against former Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur in the quarter-final, recovering from a set down. That is the only set she has dropped all tournament. 

Things have been similarly straightforward for Swiatek who has also only dropped a single set so far. She didn’t lose a game in her fourth-round victory over Anastasia Potapova and thrashed Marketa Vondrousova 6-0 6-2 in the quarters. She looks in a strong position to retain her crown. However, this is undoubtedly her toughest test yet. This could be a very exciting match indeed.

Free Swiatek vs Gauff live stream

Channel 9 and its 9Now streaming service has the rights to broadcast the 2024 French Open in Australia, live and for free from Sunday 26th May to Sunday 9th June.

The 9Now streaming service is absolutely free to use – all you need to sign up is your email address, and you can watch on your computer, smartphone, tablet or streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and select Smart TVs.

Once logged in to 9Now, you watch and can keep up to date with all the best action from Roland-Garros. There's also a paid option for those wanting serious in-depth coverage – for completists, scroll down to find out more Australian broadcast options

Stuck outside Oz at the moment? You can use a VPN to access a live stream without being blocked...

Watch Iga Swiatek vs Coco Gauff from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your regular tennis live streams while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you. You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though.

It's a straightforward piece of software that sets your device to appear as if it's in a different country, allowing you to watch any French Open live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate NordVPN as the best VPN for streaming sport. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

How to use a VPN to stream French Open 2024

1. Install the VPN of your choice. NordVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. So for French Open tennis, you may wish to choose 'Australia' for 9Now.

3. Then head over to 9Now on your browser or device and enjoy the free French Open live stream!

Watch Swiatek vs Gauff French live stream 2024 in the US

NBC's Peacock TV streaming service is the only place to watch the French Open 2024 live in the USA.

Peacock starts from only $5.99 a month, or you can pay more to get rid of the ads. In addition to the French Open, you'll also be able to watch the likes of EPL soccer, WWE, Premiership Rugby and lots more.

The Peacock TV app is available on iOS, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Chromecast, LG smart TV, Vizio TV, PS4, and Xbox One. You can also watch through your web browser.

Outside the US? Peacock TV is only available within the States so be sure to use a tennis-friendly VPN if you're a subscriber stuck abroad.

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Watch Swiatek vs Gauff live stream in the UK

The 2024 French Open is being shown live on TV on Eurosport in the UK, which is available through certain packages from Sky TV, EE TV and Virgin Media.

Alternatively, you can live stream Roland Garros tennis with a Discovery+ subscription. The service's Standard plan costs £6.99 a month and includes Eurosport channels alongside Discovery, TLC, Quest and more. Or upgrade to Premium to include TNT Sports for £29.99 and get access to Premier League and Champions League football, Premiership rugby, MotoGP, UFC, WWE and more.

Discovery+ plans run monthly and can be cancelled any time.

Remember, if you're not in the UK right now but want to continue watching your regular streams, you'll need a tennis-friendly VPN like NordVPN to continue watching from abroad.

Watch Swiatek vs Gauff live stream 2024 in Australia

As explained above, Aussies can watch the second tennis Grand Slam absolutely free thanks to Channel 9 and 9Now.

If you want your pick of every match going on at the Roland Garros in 2024, though, you'll the all-inclusive service provided by the Stan Sport streaming service Down Under. The basic Stan package is $10 per month and comes with a 30-day free trial. When you add the necessary Stan Sport add-on, though, for an $15 extra per month, that gets charged immediately. 

Away from Oz? Use a VPN to access your local live stream from overseas – without being blocked.

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If you have a Sony TV that's nearing 10 years old and you happen to watch Netflix on it, we unfortunately have to be the bearer of bad news. Sony has announced that it will no longer support Netflix on its 2014 TV range, and the deadline for support to end is fast approaching.

This comes after the company announced that it would drop support for the streaming service on TVs and Blu-ray players released between 2011 and 2013 back in December, and just six months later that bracket is expanding to 2014 models too. Sony attributes this decision to Netflix no longer supporting the app on its 2014 hardware due to technical limitations.

You have until the 23rd of July 2024 to stream Netflix on your TV, after that date, the icon will be removed from the app menu. So which models will be affected? There are a total of 42 affected models across various sizes and ranges; this includes a couple of Award-winning models, such as the KDL-32W706B and KDL-40W605B. TVs in the S9, W5, W6, W7, W70, W8, W85, W95, X85, X9 and X95 ranges will lose Netflix privileges, so if you own one of these TVs, we have a few suggestions.

You can, of course, still stream Netflix to your TV via an external media streamer if you wish; we recommend the Google Chromecast with Google TV or Apple TV 4K, or you can find more suggestions on our best media streamers page. However, Sony has been on a hot streak regarding five-star TVs in the last year, so you could upgrade to a new Sony TV if you so desire. 

Don't feel pressured to upgrade, as a media streamer is a lot cheaper and more convenient, but if you feel like a picture and sound upgrade is due (and you happen to watch a lot of Netflix), then this could be the ideal time. 

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Google is clearing up some Chromecast confusion by rebranding Chromecast Built-in. 

Specifically, Google Cast is making a comeback after almost eight years, with the new (or should we say old) naming convention being quietly introduced earlier this month. The new branding applies to the feature across all categories including TVs, AVRs, soundbars, smartphones, tablets and media streamers.

Cast was originally rebranded to Chromecast Built-In back in 2016, however, Google has reverted the change as of its 2024 I/O developer conference event.

It seems like a logical move as Google's Chromecast branding can be tricky to interpret at times. Its streaming hardware uses the Chromecast branding – take the clunkily titled Google Chromecast with Google TV for example – while the wireless connectivity platform is called Chromecast Built-In, which sounds a bit too similar for our liking. Google Cast feels more succinct and highlights the function of this feature much more clearly in our humble opinion. 

As 9to5 Google points out, we shouldn't expect to see any change in functionality to products that currently include Chromecast Built-In, but you should be able to spot the branding on the packaging of upcoming products. 

More importantly, this rebrand could be laying the foundations for a new 4K media streamer from Google. The aforementioned Chromecast with Google TV launched in 2020, so we're of the opinion that an updated model is sorely needed. While the current offering has earned multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards, we're always striving for the ultimate picture and sound performance, so improvements can be made. 

There are also new features springing up on Google TV streamers such as the Magic Button (first seen on a Walmart 4K streamer of all places) that are absent on Google's own model. It would make sense to bring the Chromecast up to speed with the new Google Cast branding and Magic Button feature. This could be wishful thinking – but we'll remain optimistic for now. 

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