A music streamer is one of the easiest ways to modernise an ageing hi-fi system. They bring streaming services to equipment that still sounds great, without the expense of a full system upgrade.

As part of this year’s Prime Day, the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning WiiM Pro Plus has dropped to just £175 at Amazon, Peter Tyson and Smart Home Sounds. Meanwhile, its step-up model, the WiiM Ultra is available for just £279 from Amazon.

Both streamers have impressed the What Hi-Fi? review team, earning five stars for their exceptional functionality and sound quality. Whether you are looking for a simple streaming upgrade or a more premium all-in-one hub for your hi-fi system, these discounts make both models all the more appealing.

The WiiM Pro Plus is one of our favourite affordable music streamers, having earned both a five-star review and a What Hi-Fi? Award for its combination of accessible pricing, extensive streaming support and strong sound quality.

Compact and minimal in its design, the Pro Plus will be easy to accommodate in most systems. The streamer features dual-band wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.1 (with SBC and AAC codec compatibility).

Chromecast is built in, but Apple Airplay 2 is also available, and the Home control app supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music, Pandora, Tuneln and a host of less high-profile alternatives.

Crucially, the Pro Plus sounds more accomplished than its price tag suggests. In our review we praise its “clear, detailed” and “dynamically adept” sound, noting its “impressive” presentation. Even at its standard price, the Pro Plus provides excellent value for money, so this Prime Day deal feels like a true bargain.

Those willing to spend a little more should also consider the step-up WiiM Ultra, which is currently seeing a 20% Prime Day discount on Amazon. While the Ultra shares many features of the Pro Plus, it builds on its successful formula with a more premium design, larger feature set and improved sonic performance.

The most obvious difference is the Ultra’s sleek aluminium chassis and responsive 3.5-inch colour touchscreen, which displays album art and playback information, while offering quick, simple access to settings and presets.

Connectivity is another area where the Ultra excels. Alongside analogue and digital inputs and outputs, the Ultra adds HDMI ARC, a moving-magnet phono stage, a USB input, subwoofer output and a headphone socket, almost doubling the connections of the Pro Plus.

Sonically, we found that the Ultra delivers greater “detail, clarity and space” than the Pro Plus, with a sound we described as “mature and capable”.

Both the WiiM Pro Plus and WiiM Ultra offer an easy, high-quality upgrade for your hi-fi system and are now available with appealing Prime Day discounts. The Pro Plus can be yours for £175 at Amazon, Peter Tyson and Smart Home Sounds, and the Ultra is available for just £279 from Amazon.

MORE

Read our WiiM Pro Plus review

and our WiiM Ultra review

Keep up to date with Prime Day 2026 LIVE: the best headphone, speaker and vinyl deals picked by our hi-fi experts

Having resisted for almost two decades, I finally took the plunge recently and tried living with a turntable as part of our special Vinyl Week.

I expected to enjoy the experiment. What I didn't expect was to fall completely in love with it.

Within days, I found myself eagerly browsing record shops, keeping an eye out for bargains on eBay and looking for excuses to put an album on.

More surprisingly, my family got into it, too. The simple ritual of choosing a record, putting it on the platter and dropping the needle proved far more engaging than scrolling endlessly through Spotify.

There was just one problem: because my main living room system is the Sony HT-A9, I needed a Bluetooth turntable that could sit at the back of the room without cables trailing across the floor.

The Pro-Ject T1 EVO BT fit the bill perfectly, but while the setup worked, I quickly discovered that the HT-A9 only supports compressed Bluetooth audio.

The result was a noticeable compromise in sound quality. I loved the vinyl experience, but I knew I wasn't hearing what the turntable was capable of.

Rather than abandon the whole project, I decided to build a minimalist hi-fi system that could coexist with my existing home cinema setup.

The turntable's location was already approved by my wife, so moving it wasn't an option: whatever I chose had to work wirelessly, fit neatly into our living room and, ideally, sound fantastic.

After much research and consultation with my esteemed colleagues Kashfia Kabir and Ketan Bharadia, I settled on the KEF Coda W active speakers – and they've been brilliant.

They're not quite as eye-catching as the models in KEF's LS range, but they're very handsome in their own right and, crucially for me, compact enough to slot into the existing bookcase in our living room. More importantly, they sound superb.

For relatively compact speakers, they produce a surprisingly big, confident and weighty sound. That's partly down to the hefty 100W of amplification power per channel. They're also detailed without sounding analytical, tonally balanced without sounding dull, and wonderfully fluid with music.

Crucially, they also support the aptX HD-quality Bluetooth streams sent by the Pro-Ject turntable, and the improvement was immediately obvious.

The speakers impressed me so much, in fact, that they inspired the next stage of the project.

Wanting to get more use from them, I borrowed a WiiM Pro Plus streamer from our hi-fi team and connected it to the Coda W via optical. The result is what I now consider to be a near-perfect modern hi-fi system: a Bluetooth turntable for vinyl, a streamer for everything else and a pair of active speakers that require no separate amplifier.

It's compact, easy to use, living-room friendly and, most importantly, it sounds terrific.

Unfortunately, the KEF Coda W speakers aren't discounted for Amazon Prime Day, nor have I spotted any worthwhile deals elsewhere. That's not especially surprising given how new they are.

Even so, I'd argue they're excellent value at their £799 asking price. There's a reason we awarded them five stars in our KEF Coda W review.

Prime Day is often about chasing the biggest discount, but sometimes the best products to buy are the ones that aren't on sale. The KEF Coda W is just one very personal example.

If you do fancy recreating my minimalist hi-fi setup, though, the good news is that both the Pro-Ject T1 EVO BT turntable and WiiM Pro Plus streamer are currently available at reduced prices:

High End Vienna concluded on Sunday, with the event offering a whole bunch of exciting upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get into our test rooms.

From Bowers & Wilkins' new flagship 800 Series Diamond speakers to Audio-Technica’s high-end flagship cartridge, there is a range of hi-fi products coming soon.

We have gathered some of the most exciting announcements from High End below, as well as the biggest news from the world of hi-fi and home cinema you might have missed in the past week. Let’s get into it!

WiiM launches its first-ever Dolby Atmos soundbar

WiiM, a company best known for its music streamers and streaming amplifiers, has announced its first venture into the soundbar category at High End Vienna 2026. It is, rather predictably, called the WiiM Bar and boasts a 3.0.2-channel configuration. That is powered by an eight-driver array, including front mid-woofers, front tweeters, and full-range height drivers. The bar offers Dolby Atmos capability.

At the front of the ’bar, you will find a stylish glass-covered 2.1-inch round touch display. You can choose to show off album art, or use it to access playback controls, input, or EQ settings.

The WiiM Bar has got some tough competition, with its price tag (£449 / $479) putting it directly against the Sonos Beam Gen 2.

Read the full story: WiiM launches its first ever Dolby Atmos soundbar – and its sights are set on Sonos

Yamaha launches its new wireless speaker system to challenge KEF

Yamaha hadn’t launched a wireless speaker in a decade; the NX-70A has changed all that.

It uses some of the same technology and materials as Yamaha’s renowned grand piano soundboards, though sadly it doesn’t use anything from its motorbikes. The Yamaha NX-70A aims to make high-quality sound more accessible, whether it’s playing back one of the best music streaming services or a movie soundtrack straight from your TV.

The Yamaha model is out in July for £2587 (around $3500 / AU$4799), so it will be a rival for the KEF LS50 Wireless II. We can’t wait to compare the two in our test room soon.

Read the full story: The Yamaha NX-70A wireless speaker system arrives to take on the KEF LS50 Wireless II

We reviewed Esoteric’s high-end streaming preamplifier

Last week, our testers finished reviewing the Esoteric N-05XE, which costs a whopping £13,000 / $13,000 / AU$17,000. This beautifully made unit combines network streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion and a preamplifier in one neat, albeit chunky box.

And, while its price tag is pretty jaw-dropping, we can confirm that it is a hugely capable product that compromises very little compared with more purist options. We conclude in our review: “If you are looking for a top-class sound and don’t want the clutter of conventional high-end separates, this Esoteric is a great place to start.”

Read the full Esoteric N-05XE review

We saw an unfortunate trend continue from TVs to cars

What Hi-Fi?’s deputy editor Andy Madden has been out and about testing an in-car sound system: the Bose Surround Sound System for the electric Porsche Macan. While his full comparison against the step-up Burmester option is still in the works, Andy spotted an ‘Eco’ mode setting that had been seen only with TVs before.

Having such a mode in this car does make sense. EV ownership centres around power consumption, efficiency and squeezing the most mileage possible from the car’s battery.

Unfortunately, the mode apes the pattern of performance we see in the majority of TVs. It results in a “shrinking of scale, diminished dynamics and a more laid-back and less expressive sound.”

Read the full story: I used an Eco setting on a car audio system for the first time — and my worst fears were confirmed

A selection of World Cup tracks to test your sound system

To celebrate the football event of the year, which kicks off on 11 June, we have hand-picked some of the best World Cup songs to listen to on a decent system. There are some absolute bangers to choose from, including releases from Giorgio Moroder and Pavarotti.

A highlight is New Order’s only UK number one single, World in Motion. The 1990 track is still a banger nearly 40 years on. Those euphoric strings – so ’90s! – will test your system’s midrange, while that drum machine beat is a workout for the low end.

Read the full story: The best World Cup songs to test your system

MORE:

These are the best TVs right now

Check out the best soundbars on the market

Ready for the World Cup? These are the three projectors you should consider

All focus might be on the imminent World Cup right now, but there’s another rather special event just around the corner.

Father’s Day is on Sunday 21st June, so before life is consumed by World Cup fever, it might be an idea to get ahead on the gift buying.

Luckily, there are lots of great audio products available to choose from. Whether your Dad is a vinyl purist, a frequent commuter or hasn’t updated his hi-fi since 1998, you can skip the socks this year as our handpicked, five-star gear will guarantee a Father’s Day win.

We have tried and tested all the products below ourselves, so we can guarantee that even if you know nothing about home audio, they will make for a very happy father on the 21st June.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 won Product of the Year in the wireless headphones category at our most recent Awards ceremony, and are still our best overall pick of the best headphones. If Dad regularly spends his time on trains, planes or buses, then the excellent noise-cancelling, exceptional detail and comfortable fit make these a go-to option.

Rugged, IP68 water-resistant and sonically skilful, the JBL Flip 7 is the perfect companion for a dad who loves tinkering in the shed or hosting a backyard BBQ. The Flip 7 is so good that it received a What Hi-Fi? Award and is our portable pick of the best Bluetooth speakers.

Fine-sounding and fuss-free, the Audio Technica AT-LP5x is a great choice for the dad who has crates of dusty records in his loft and wants an easy setup. It can also rip records to digital files thanks to a USB output.

If your Dad is still listening to the tinny built-in speakers of his TV, a Sonos soundbar will be revelatory. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers panoramic Dolby Atmos from a compact chassis, making World Cup matches or late-night action flicks incredibly immersive.

If Dad listens to music or plays games at his desk, then the Ruark MR1 Mk3 desktop speakers are a great fit. They deliver a powerful, punchy and dynamic sound that will put most standard computer speakers to shame.

For the dad who takes his listening seriously but is always on the move, the iFi Go Link Max portable DAC will transform his listening experience at an affordable price. It may be small, but your dad will notice extra helpings of detail, dynamic contrast and punch.

If your dad has a classic analogue hi-fi system but wants to bring it into the streaming age, the WiiM Pro Plus will add Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz and AirPlay 2 compatibility and much more; and rather well, we might add, given that we gave the Pro Plus five stars and it is our budget pick of the best music streamers.

You don’t need to break the bank for premium sound. If your dad has yet to make the jump to Bluetooth or requires a replacement, the Sony WF-C510 offer great sound with minimal fuss.

Or if your dad is an audio enthusiast, then the Award-winning Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X are some of the finest and most comfortable wired headphones we have heard at this price. Whether for work or pleasure, they come highly recommended.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Looking for a bargain? Here are the best budget soundbars

It’s hard to look at the WiiM Sound and Apple HomePod 2 side by side and not feel a strong urge to compare them.

The HomePod 2 turned up in 2023 and, while a new version feels overdue, this one is still taking home What Hi-Fi? Awards and setting the sonic standard for other smart speakers to aim for.

The WiiM Sound, on the other hand, is brand new. It’s WiiM’s first attempt at a smart speaker, and while the brand’s attempts at affordable hi-fi separates have produced mixed sonic results, it is unquestionably a company that is capable of impressive things when the stars align. You're rarely short on features, that's the sure.

WiiM has made a bit of a name for itself over the past couple of years with its competitively priced streamers and streaming amps, but will its first standalone speaker put the HomePod 2 in its place?

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Price

With the WiiM Sound coming in at £299 / $299 / AU$499 and the Apple HomePod 2 setting you back £299 / $299 / AU$479, there’s nothing between these two speakers price-wise (give or take a few dollars down under).

That gives us nothing to go on in terms of budget, but it is perhaps worth bearing in mind that the HomePod 2 is now three years old and still costs exactly the same, whereas the WiiM Sound has only just gone on sale.

Apple products also very rarely see significant discounts and tend to fall in price only when they have been succeeded by something newer and shinier. WiiM, on the other hand, tends to be rather generous with its discounts whenever sales events come along.

For now, though, this one’s a dead heat.

**Winner: Draw**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: features

Apple products often require you to trust the wisdom of the company’s designers in the face of what might seem like some slightly irritating limitations – and that’s perhaps more true of the HomePod 2 than anything else in its current line-up.

There are plenty of impressive features here: Siri is brilliantly implemented and consistently responsive; it automatically adjusts its sonic behaviour in real time depending on various acoustic conditions; you can ‘hand off’ music from your iPhone simply by tapping it on the HomePod; and there is also support for Spatial Audio.

The problem is, you really won’t get the most out of a HomePod 2 unless you are a committed Apple customer. This is first and foremost a voice-controlled speaker, but you can’t ask Siri to play music from Spotify, Tidal or any streaming service other than Apple Music.

Yes, you can use AirPlay to do so, but that slightly defeats the object of buying a so-called smart speaker.

You’ll also need to use Apple Music if you want to listen to anything in Spatial Audio, and while the HomePod does support Dolby Atmos movie soundtracks, it will do so only if connected to an Apple TV 4K. If that is the case, you can pair two HomePods together and have yourself a very aesthetically pleasing Atmos setup of sorts.

In comparison, the WiiM Home doesn’t care what brand of smartphone you have in your pocket.

There are no onboard microphones, although the remote does have one and allows you to use Alexa, which has no such limitations on which streaming service you can use. All the major ones are supported, including the Connect versions of Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz, while Google Cast, Bluetooth 5.3 and DLNA are available too. You also get a 3.5mm socket if you would rather go wired.

As with the HomePod, you can pair two WiiM Sound speakers together (and even add the WiiM Sub if you have a suitable WiiM streamer or amp), and there are various tools within the WiiM Home app that allow you to tweak the sound and optimise it for its particular surroundings.

In terms of hi-res audio, the WiiM Home is happy to play files up to 24-bit/192kHz, but the HomePod is a little fussier. When streaming directly from Apple Music you’ll get 24-bit/48kHz, but anything over that is not supported. How much you would notice the difference is up for debate, but it doesn’t feel like a huge loss on a speaker like this.

This one feels a bit like the Android vs iOS debate in speaker form. The WiiM Sound is certainly the more flexible of the two speakers, but even with its limitations the HomePod 2 still offers a whole host of nifty features, including all of the smart home gubbins.

It’s very close, but the WiiM Sound takes it by a nose.

**Winner: WiiM Sound**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Build and design

Put these two speakers side by side and you could almost be forgiven for thinking they emerged from the same factory.

Both have a very similar space-age biscuit-barrel aesthetic, but the squarer WiiM Sound is slightly taller than the HomePod 2 and ever-so-slightly fatter, albeit only by a few millimetres. The HomePod is about 200g lighter as a result, but unless you’re the piece of furniture that it’s going to be sitting on that’s not something you’ll need to worry about.

Both are also covered in tightly woven fabric and have touch-sensitive panels on top for controlling playback and volume. On the HomePod this can also be used to summon Siri and silence alarms, but the majority of your interaction with it will be via voice.

The main difference between the two is the 1.8-inch touchscreen on the front of the WiiM Sound, which is sharp, colourful and highly customisable. It will show the artwork for whatever you’ve got playing, but there are also various clock faces and dynamic wallpapers you can choose to display on it, plus it gives you an easy way to choose sources and adjust certain settings.

(If you want one that looks even more like the HomePod, there is also a screen-less and remote-free version called the WiiM Sound Lite that costs £229 / $229 / AU$399.)

If you were to crack both speakers open things would look more different (although we wouldn’t recommend it). The HomePod has a woofer at the top and five tweeters at the bottom arranged for 360-degree sound; the WiiM Sound uses two silk-dome tweeters and a 10cm paper-cone woofer in a forward-facing configuration.

The truth is there’s very little in this. There’s something to be said for how clean the HomePod looks – the way the power cable connects is certainly more elegant – but its minimalism does mean there’s no aux-in or LAN port, as there is on the underside of the WiiM Sound. And the WiiM has a screen, so that's enough to claw back a point or two in its favour.

You could give it to the HomePod for being a leader rather than a follower, but it’s probably fairer to call it a draw.

**Winner: Draw**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Sound

We were pleasantly surprised at how good the original HomePod sounded, and its successor brought nothing but improvements.

“Tighter, more solid, and better organised both spatially and rhythmically, it’s altogether more engaging, exciting and enjoyable to listen to,” noted our five-star review.

That translates to a speaker with boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and excellent tonal balance. It produces vastly more bass than you might expect from a speaker of its size, and it’s almost always well controlled, losing a little bit of conviction only when faced with the very deepest note in James Blake’s notoriously challenging Limit to Your Love.

With the Dolby Atmos version of The 1 by Taylor Swift, there’s real warmth and clarity to the vocals, while the harmony in the chorus is a brilliant advert for what Spatial Audio can do, giving the whole composition an ethereal feel.

If we’re being picky, a forward-firing speaker will project further into a room, but the HomePod 2’s more open, fuller-bodied approach probably suits the environments it’s likely to find itself in better anyway.

That said, the more traditionally configured WiiM Sound couldn’t completely fill our test room either. And that’s not the only issue we have with its performance.

While the WiiM Sound’s presentation is pleasingly smooth and easy to listen to, it can run into problems when asked to play more complex tracks. Our review found that things got rather muddled with Starburster by Fontaines D.C., with a lack of precision slightly scuppering the song’s sense of rhythm.

Vocals are up-front and clear, but after a while you notice that the treble is smoothed out a fair bit, and the bottom end isn’t as powerful as we’d like. Basslines that should be taut and funky can sound a little tubby and lightweight, something we don't find with the pleasingly agile and nimble bass reproduction of the HomePod 2.

The same songs played on the HomePod 2 are better defined, more detailed, and more rhythmically precise, while its more powerful sound means basslines are properly deep, tautly pulled, and bound along with agility and precision.

There’s also better dynamic contrast, greater authority in its projection, and the soundstage is more spacious.

Overall, the HomePod 2 is both more commanding and subtle, resulting in a performance that’s just more exciting and engaging all round but still nice and nuanced. It’s an easy win for Apple here.

**Winner: Apple HomePod 2**

WiiM Sound vs Apple HomePod 2: Verdict

We can usually forgive minor imperfections when it comes to design or features, and we’ll even overlook a slightly higher price tag if the performance justifies it. If there’s one thing we won’t compromise on, though, it’s sound quality; and that’s why the Apple HomePod 2 takes this one.

It’s rare for a product to ace all categories, and the HomePod’s biggest weakness is definitely Apple’s stubborn refusal to allow voice control with all streaming services – particularly when you consider there are no such limitations on an iPhone.

With its lively, natural sound and typically high-quality construction, the HomePod 2 is the better use of £299 / $299 / AU$479. Just don’t buy one if you own an Android phone.

**Overall winner: Apple HomePod 2**

MORE:

Best wireless speakers: top choices tried and tested by our expert team

Also consider the Sonos Era 100 or spatial audio Era 300

Check out our feature on the making of the original HomePod

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, in which case Apple must be the most flattered tech brand in the world. Not only have the popular AirPods resulted in countless copycats, but its HomePod speaker has also inspired the first speaker product from one of the audio world’s rising upstarts.

The WiiM Sound is the brand’s first wireless smart speaker, and is hoping to build upon its strong streaming foundation to make a splash in this arena.

Price

The WiiM Sound has gone straight for Apple’s jugular with its round smart wireless speaker. We normally see WiiM undercut its competition when it comes to price (which makes it a more attractive proposition), but the WiiM Sound costs £299 / $299 / AU$499 – the very same price as the HomePod 2 (£299 / $299 / AU$479).

This puts it pricier than some other wireless speaker rivals, such as the Sonos Era 100, which currently retails for £199 / $219 / AU$319.

Features

If the Apple HomePod 2 is designed purely for iOS users and only sports AirPlay 2, the WiiM Sound is the exact opposite. It is platform agnostic, and can be controlled using the user-friendly and well-organised WiiM Home app.

You can play music through the Sound in a number of ways, from Bluetooth and Google Cast to various music streaming services.

The speaker supports all the popular options, as well as the Connect versions of Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz. Internet radio – including BBC radio stations – is also supported, and you can save your favourite stations, playlists and albums across these services as presets and access them in a pinch from the WiiM Home app and on the speaker’s front-facing touchscreen display.

It even has DLNA compatibility, which allows it to stream hi-res tracks (up to 24-bit/192kHz) stored on connected NAS devices, such as our Naim Uniti Core server. No matter which streaming method or service we tried during testing, it all worked without a hitch. AirPlay is the only omission here, as has been the case with all recent WiiM products.

Along with wi-fi, the speaker offers an Ethernet port for a more stable connection to your home network. This is situated on the underside of the speaker, along with the power port and the only physical audio connection, which is a single 3.5mm aux input. Into this, we were able to connect our Astell & Kern SR35 music player and even the Cyrus CDi CD player (using an RCA to 3.5mm cable) during our testing.

We found that the Sound’s sonic character remained consistent throughout every input and streaming method we used, with hi-res FLAC tracks naturally sounding a little more refined than low-res radio stations.

If you invest in two Sounds, you can pair them up for stereo sound and assign left and right channels to flank your TV or laptop, as well as group them with other WiiM products you may have around the house. We were given two WiiM Sound speaker samples for our review, and stereo pairing was easily done – the two units worked together harmoniously.

There’s even scope to add on a WiiM Sub, or use the Sounds as centre or surround speakers with a WiiM Ultra streamer or Amp Pro/Amp Ultra streaming amplifier as part of a home cinema surround system.

You can link up and group multiple WiiM devices in the WiiM Home app, which has a host of features including AI RoomFit calibration, which uses your smartphone’s mic to optimise the speaker’s sound to your space. This is an easy process that takes only a minute or two, and is worth doing, especially if you think the Sound isn’t placed in an optimum position. You can even hear the difference made by toggling the calibrated sound on and off.

In our treated test room, we found this calibration reduced the speaker’s bass output a touch and made the midrange sound one-dimensional, so we preferred keeping it turned off. Alternatively, you can try any of the multiple EQ presets available to you, or fine-tune the sound using the 10-band equaliser.

With no microphone built inside, the WiiM Sound isn’t primarily designed for voice control like its Apple and Sonos rivals, but the included remote control has a button to activate voice control so you can use the Sound with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.

Build & design

Unlike the Apple HomePod that sports a 360-degree acoustic architecture inside, the WiiM Sound features two silk dome tweeters and a 4-inch/10cm paper-cone woofer for a forward-facing sound with a claimed 100W of total output.

There’s no confusion about which way to point the speaker, either, thanks to the small 1.8-inch window display that you’ll want to be able to glance at all times.

The WiiM Sound is a solidly made, substantial-feeling speaker, with a squared-off round design that’s a little wider and taller than its HomePod 2 rival. It’s available in a black or white finish, and is clad in a closely-woven texture. The top panel has touch-capacitative controls for playback and volume, and the icons pleasingly light up when your hand goes near the panel. Overall, it looks and feels smart.

It’s not difficult to make direct comparisons with the similarly designed HomePod 2, but what makes the WiiM Sound stand out is that interactive circular touchscreen display through which you can access many of the speaker’s features.

It’s a small porthole, but it gives you quick access to presets, playback options, source selection, EQ settings and more. Any text is too small to see from a distance, but close-up – as you would have to be to use the touchscreen display – it’s clear and sharp.

There are loads of customisable options for this window display, including various designs for the clock faces, dynamic wallpapers and album artwork – all of which are displayed with deep, punchy colours.

If you don’t fancy this display screen, WiiM makes a model without it called the WiiM Sound Lite, which is yours for £229 / $229 / AU$399.

No matter how you use the WiiM Sound speaker – the on-unit controls, the touchscreen, the app or the slim remote control – we found it to be an easy-to-use unit that responds to every command instantly.

Sound

We kick off our listening with test track classic Breezeblocks by Alt-J, and are met with a pleasingly smooth presentation. The song floats along in a manner that’s very easy to listen to, with voices in particular having a spotlight shone on them. The vocals are upfront and clear in the mix, and the fluid way in which they are delivered is one of the Sound’s high points.

The WiiM’s smooth tone works in its favour when we push the volume up, although it does struggle to completely fill our 3 x 4 x 7m (hwd) test room.

The speaker’s sound is clean, although we find that the soundstage can be a little congested and wish that detail levels were higher. Switch gear to Fontaines D.C.’s high-octane Starburster, and the resulting sound can get rather messy, as the WiiM Sound can’t quite organise the various instruments and layers in an orderly way, leading the presentation to be rather muddled and undynamic. We find that there is a lack of precision to the stop and start of notes, which affects a song’s sense of momentum and rhythm.

Play Massive Attack’s Paradise Circus, and we find that the bite and shine to the keyboard, hi-hat and snare drum are a little subdued, even as Hope Sandoval’s voice comes through breathy, delicate and well integrated. As we play song after song, we realise that the speaker’s treble is smoothed out a fair bit. While this lends itself well to the Sound’s easy-listening character, it does mean that songs that require that crisp sense of attack and drive to really hold our attention are left a little shortchanged.

The bass output from this speaker isn’t quite as powerful as we’d hope, either, with the funky, taut bassline in Act Like You Know by Fat Larry’s Band sounding a little tubby, lightweight and lacking definition.

The Sound’s low frequencies tend to bop along in a nimble manner – lending the plucked strings in In The Cold Cold Night by The White Stripes and the piano in Debussy’s Clair de Lune a sense of merry fluidity – but we find ourselves wanting a greater sense of grip and solidity to the overall sound.

We switch over to playing the same songs on the Apple HomePod 2, and the resulting sound is better defined, more detailed and more rhythmically precise. The HomePod 2’s sound is more powerful, helped by its ability to really dig deep into the lower frequencies. Basslines are properly deep, tautly pulled and bound along with agility and precision, while instruments have more texture and nuance to them. The soundstage is more spacious and is projected into our test room with greater authority and better dynamic contrast, too.

In comparison, the WiiM Sound isn't as commanding or as subtle as the more engaging and exciting HomePod 2. The WiiM’s loosely defined edges and narrowed dynamic scope are put into focus even further when compared with the same-priced Apple rival, but even on its own, we feel that the Sound speaker isn’t living up to its potential.

Verdict

As with all other WiiM products we’ve tested, the Sound speaker impresses with its breadth of streaming features, easy-to-use interface and smart design. We imagine many will be charmed by these elements in daily use, and rightly so.

Sound quality remains its Achilles heel, however, and while the WiiM Sound is pleasant enough for casual listening, we think it needs to go back to the drawing board for a serious re-tuning if it wants to truly take on the class-leaders.

Review published: 9th March 2026

SCORES

• Sound 3
• Features 5
• Build 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Apple HomePod 2

Also consider the Sonos Era 100

Best wireless speakers: top choices tried and tested by our expert team

There is always a sense of familiarity at the annual Bristol Hi-Fi Show, with brands and industry faces we have seen for years, sometimes decades, in a landscape where – even as new products and technologies usher in – some things never change.

It's no secret that the popularity of traditional separates hi-fi – while still going strong in our circles – has diminished in recent times. New players (Sonos, Apple and the like) have come onto the scene to challenge what a modern music system should look like. Especially for those looking at the affordable end of the market.

WiiM is one such new player. Its products have disrupted the hi-fi industry in the past handful of years with their compact, modern-looking, Apple-like designs. They are packed with features and cost considerably less than any of their rivals.

And these products sound good, too. The Pro Plus music streamer is a multiple What Hi-Fi? Award winner; the WiiM Ultra is a solid five-star product that holds a firm place in our best music streamers guide; and the Amp Pro and Amp Ultra streaming amplifiers are highly recommended for those trying to create a do-it-all music system in small spaces for sensible money.

Many hi-fi brands have taken notice of WiiM's meteoric rise in popularity and its game-changing offerings, with some even proposing that their new products – the budget Dali Kupid bookshelf speakers, for example – be used with WiiM's compact products.

No one, however, has directly taken on WiiM at its own game. Yes, streaming products are more abundant than before and they're getting less costly (Cambridge's MXN10 and Bluesound's Node Icon are great examples), but they are still a way off from WiiM's truly compact and affordable fare.

Until now. Surprisingly, it is another fairly young, budget-leaning brand that has decided to aim directly for WiiM and its range of products. Majority has been around a short while, and it too has built a reputation for undercutting its rivals by a considerable margin with its array of über-affordable products.

At the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026, just a few floors down from the WiiM demo room, Majority teased a brand new range of compact hi-fi streaming products that will be coming out later this year, comprising the Link Mini, the Link Pro and the Link Amp Pro. They will feature Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE Audio, AirPlay 2, Spotify Lossless and Tidal Connect.

It's not hard to make direct comparisons with WiiM's range. The Link Mini is similar to the WiiM Mini (£89), designed to bring network powers to any old system; the Link Pro streamer presumably goes toe to toe with the WiiM Pro Plus (£219); the Link Pro Amp is a streaming amplifier in a similar vein to the WiiM Amp Pro (£399).

Granted, these are early development prototypes, and the full specifications and details aren't finalised yet, but we do know that Majority's Link Pro and Link Pro Amp will feature an HDMI ARC input and a display screen, and that the streaming amp claims to have 300W of amplification power.

What's of note already, though, is the prices set out for the trio. They look to be a good £30 to £150 less than the WiiMs: the Link Mini is £49.95; the Link Pro is £199.95; the Link Pro Amp is £249.95. That's quite punchy. WiiM has made a name for itself for undercutting its competitors; Majority even more so. Whether the final Majority Link streaming products – in terms of design, specification, app interface and performance – can rival the very slick WiiM range remains to be seen.

We often hear the refrain “where is all the affordable hi-fi?” – and it’s true that really affordable kit feels few and far between these days when costs are constantly rising. But this area of the market could be hotting up, as more emerging rivals take on the likes of WiiM.

It's interesting to note, though, that in a showcase full of hi-fi products – from brand new, tech-laden launches, exciting sequels and boundary-pushing engineering, from brands with stellar performance records – the products taking on the upstart WiiM are from yet another upstart budget brand.

How will it pan out? We can't wait to find out.

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Short on space? Just starting out on your hi-fi journey? A music lover who wants to embrace vinyl but also likes a bit of convenience when it suits? This little system will see you right.

Perfect for those of us with limited space to house equipment, this trio of products will provide brilliant sound for the £800 or so you will invest in them.

What Hi-Fi? Award winners all, two of these three will sit very discreetly in your room until you have need for them. The third product is a turntable, so a little less easy to hide away, perhaps; but then, a record player is also a piece of furniture, so that, too, may be no bad thing.

It’s undoubtedly true that in the world of hi-fi in the second quarter of the 21st century, the modern music lover faces a potentially tricky choice: embrace the limitless world of streaming, or enjoy the tangible, ritualistic charm of vinyl?

Of course we’re going to say “why not both?”

And, for those looking to do just that without committing to a costly, complicated tower of separate components, we have assembled a three-part system that delivers genuine What Hi-Fi? performance at an eminently reasonable price.

Comprising the five-star WiiM Pro Plus music streamer, the multi-Award-winning Pro-Ject Primary E turntable, and the compact, versatile Ruark MR1 Mk3 powered speakers, which picked up their Best Buy at the first time of asking (taking over from the perennially winning Mk2 version), this is a brilliant system that works wonders as a team. It’s a clean, compact, and profoundly musical setup that brings together the best of both the digital and analogue worlds.

The system

• Music streamer: WiiM Pro Plus – £219
• Turntable: Pro-Ject Primary E – £229
• Powered speakers: Ruark MR1 Mk3 – £399
• Total system price: £847

Music streamer: WiiM Pro Plus

Every modern system needs a streamer, and the WiiM Pro Plus is one of the most affordable and competent that we have seen.

The Pro Plus takes on the crucial task of bringing high-quality digital audio streaming to your system. And for just £219, it’s a genuine bargain. You don't need to be a maths whiz to see that this streamer is less than half the price of many of its 'affordable' rivals – and yet it consistently and comfortably outperforms its asking price.

It has a rather anonymous, plasticky build (but we’re hiding it away, aren’t we? So no great problem there). And, anyway, the performance is where the WiiM excels. It delivers a sound that is detailed, expressive, and well-organised. No matter how compressed the audio information you feed it, the Pro Plus remains a clear and dynamically adept listen, capable of creating a big, properly defined soundstage.

At its heart lies a decent AKM 4493SEQ digital-to-analogue converter, capable of handling files up to 32-bit/768kHz, so high-resolution music sounds just as it should.

Connectivity, too, is comprehensive. You get dual-band wi-fi and ethernet for a rock-solid network connection, plus Bluetooth 5.1. Crucially, for streaming convenience, Chromecast is built in, as is Apple AirPlay 2; and the excellent WiiM Home control app has native support for services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Amazon Music.

If you want to hear music with minimal fuss – just a couple of swipes from your phone or tablet – this is pretty much as easy as it gets.

Turntable: Pro-Ject Primary E

For those occasions when you want to take a little more time and care with your tunes, though, the Pro-Ject Primary E turntable will step in and allow you to take things in your stride.

For years, this £229 turntable has held the top spot in our best budget record players buying guide, and for good reason: it’s a brilliant first deck for vinyl purists.

Pro-Ject has simplified the turntable experience to near plug-and-play levels. With the anti-skate weight and 1.7g tracking force pre-set at the factory, all you need to do is attach the belt to the motor pulley and connect the built-in RCA cable. It makes getting started a breeze, even for the newest vinyl enthusiast.

The sound is where the Primary E truly wins us over. While our sonic expectations are inevitably somewhat tempered for a turntable at this level, the Primary E is an entertainingly musical performer that confidently nails the basics. It offers an even tonal balance and a delivery that is clear, clean, and spacious enough to keep recordings coherent.

It manages to deliver a spirited sense of drive and momentum, ensuring your music doesn't just sound accurate, but truly enjoyable, and it promotes the warmth and substance of an LP nicely.

Powered speakers: Ruark MR1 MK3

The third and final part of this trio of Award winners is the new boy. Sort of. The Ruark MR1 powered speakers have been Best Buys at their level for many years now; this year, though, was the first opportunity for the Mk3 version to take the gong. And it has triumphed with a positive flourish.

They are predominantly Bluetooth speakers (supporting aptX HD), but Ruark has added two key physical inputs. First and foremost, for the purposes of this particular system, is the inclusion of a pair of stereo RCA phono inputs that include a good-quality moving-magnet phono stage, via which these fine little units can converse beautifully with the Pro-Ject turntable. There is also a USB-C input for connecting to a laptop or smartphone, and an optical input for adding on, say, a WiiM Pro Plus streamer.

The sound is a significant step up from previous generations – already Award-winners in their own right, remember. They deliver a powerful, punchy, and dynamic sound that is well suited to small spaces. With 25W of amplification and a bigger 8.5cm mid/bass driver, the MR1 Mk3 are capable of delivering a deeper, meatier low-end performance than their forebears, and excellent rhythmic drive. The soundstaging is impressive for such compact speakers, with vocals sounding wonderfully solid, fleshed out, and grounded.

The fact that Ruark has managed to fit so many upgrades into the MR1 Mk3 without drastically increasing the price or footprint is impressive.

For an affordable, five-star introduction to the many and varied charms of both music streaming and vinyl playback, this combination of the WiiM Pro Plus, Pro-Ject Primary E, and Ruark MR1 Mk3 is hard to lay a glove on.

If you want to do better, it’s going to cost you quite a lot more money. This is the entry-level system to beat.

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Want a small, neatly styled streaming hi-fi system that won’t break the bank? The WiiM Amp Ultra could well be the answer, given its competitive pricing, slick appearance and compact dimensions. Add some quality small speakers and this stylish streaming amplifier has the potential to be the ideal set-up for many.

WiiM has been throwing rocks into the affordable hi-fi pond for a few years now, and has been successful enough to make us, and the market as a whole, reconsider what can be achieved at lower price points.

The Amp Ultra on test here is the premium option in WiiM’s trio of streaming amplifier offerings, packing in a capable streaming module, sensible connectivity and surprisingly muscular 100-watts per channel output into that compact chassis.

While the Ultra is certainly the best performing of the three, the move to a higher price (the step-down Amp Pro costs £399 / $379 / AU$699) means that we also have to be more demanding as to what we expect from the product.

Build

Our first impressions are entirely positive. We can’t believe that WiiM has managed to produce such a sophisticated package for what is still a relatively low price. The Amp Ultra is a superbly finished unit that puts us in mind of Apple’s products, which is some compliment. It makes price rivals like the Bluesound Powernode Edge look pretty basic.

The Amp Ultra’s unibody aluminium casework is shared with WiiM’s excellent standalone Ultra streamer (£349 / $329 / AU$599) and is none the worse for that. There are two finish options, the Space Gray of our review sample, and Silver.

On the front, you will find a crisp and responsive 3.5-inch touchscreen display adjacent to a multi-functional rotary control that feels reassuringly positive in use. That rotary dial governs the volume level, play/pause and various set-up functions.

Of course, most people will just use the partnering WiiM Home app to control the unit, and by general standards, it is good. We have no complaints about its layout, stability or responsiveness, and we are up and running in minutes.

If you don’t want to use the app, there is always the rather nice metal remote. It is a simple design that is intuitive to use. This handset is rechargeable and puts the cheap plastic offerings served up by most of the industry to shame.

Features & connections

While WiiM doesn’t go to extremes when it comes to sonic adjustability, it still offers RoomFit room calibration, numerous EQ presets and a parametric equaliser. Our test rooms are acoustically treated and well behaved, so the RoomFit system, which makes use of your phone/tablet’s microphone, proves a bit of a mixed bag.

It improves certain aspects of the sound, such as tonal evenness and bass weight, but also robs the presentation of a little agility. However, we can still see it proving useful in less-than-perfect surroundings.

The WiiM Amp Ultra’s streaming section is as well-equipped as we’ve come to expect. It will access music files from across your home network and play internet radio. All the usual streaming services are present; you have Connect versions of Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz among the myriad of choices. Google Cast is included, but AirPlay isn’t. For users of Apple products, this could be a big miss.

There is also a USB Type A port on the back panel to access stored music, and if switched from the app, it will deliver a digital feed to drive an external DAC. Adding an external DAC to an all-in-one electronics package like this doesn’t make sense to us.

The highly rated ESS ES9039Q2M Sabre DAC chip sits at the heart of the WiiM’s digital module. The company claims file compatibility of up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM, but our sample also plays DSD files, albeit converting them to PCM in the process.

Two-way Bluetooth is on the menu, so you can use your phone or computer as a source or swap to another source and send the sound out to a pair of suitable headphones. Bluetooth pairing to our iPhone 14 Pro Max (running the latest iOS 26.2 software) or a pair of Mark Levinson No.5909 headphones is swift and seamless.

As for physical connectivity, there is an HDMI ARC to make integration into an AV system easier, an optical input, a single stereo RCA input and a subwoofer output. We would have liked another analogue input for those that have, say, both a CD player and a record player, though the latter will also need an outboard phonostage.

And there is no physical headphone output, which is a shame for those who own wired designs.

Design & compatibility

Given the unit’s price, compact dimensions and lack of external heatsinking, we’re impressed by the WiiM’s power output figures. The Class D power amplifier circuitry will deliver a claimed 100 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load and double that as impedance halves. That’s impressive, especially as the unit only gets warm rather than hot when pushed.

As a precaution, we still recommend that you leave plenty of space around it for ventilation purposes.

The WiiM’s Class D circuit uses ‘Post Filter Feedback Technology’ to overcome the speaker-dependent nature of the configuration. It seems to work, as the Amp Ultra’s presentation and tonal balance remain consistent as we swap between various speaker designs.

We try price-compatible choices like the Dali Kupid and Wharfedale Diamond 12.1, as well as pricier alternatives like the KEF LS50 Meta. For fun, we even connect our reference ATC SCM50 speakers with reasonable results. A Cyrus CDi CD player is pressed into service to test the WiiM Amp Ultra’s analogue and optical inputs.

Given its aggressive price, excellent build and slick usability, we’re feeling mighty good about this WiiM. Our positivity remains even after we start listening, though there are areas where we want more from the product.

Sound

The Amp Ultra has a clean and crisp presentation. There is a good amount of detail and, even given a complex piece of music like Orff’s Carmina Burana, the level of cohesion and organisation deserves praise.

The unit’s generous power output pays dividends when it comes to delivering the ferocious crescendoes of this Orff piece, with the WiiM sounding taut and controlled. There is little sense of harshness or stress at any reasonable volume level, and a good degree of separation between notes is maintained when the music becomes dense.

Tonally, it all sounds pretty even, and there is enough scope in the various equaliser functions to balance things if necessary, though doing that does affect overall transparency and articulation.

There is a fair sense of scale and authority, though the Amp Ultra does sound a touch lean and lacking in body, in absolute terms. Given its price, we are happy to overlook this.

It is harder to ignore the slightly restrained dynamic expression, though.

This streaming amp, like its cheaper siblings, isn’t great at communicating subtle shifts in intensity or conveying dynamic contrasts. The result is that the sound, while perfectly listenable, doesn’t convey the emotional impact of the music as it should.

It doesn’t help that rhythmic precision is also lacking, so that when we play recordings as varied as Get Lucky by Daft Punk or A.R. Rahman’s Chaiyya Chaiyya, there is an element of musical propulsion and engagement missing. The sound remains pleasant, crisp and decently refined, but we can’t help wanting a little more.

Still, the midrange is open and well projected, so voices come through with clarity, while the top-end balances bite and refinement well. Look further down the frequency range and you will find that bass notes punch hard.

The Amp Ultra’s unfussy nature is another plus point. Play a poor recording and the WiiM doesn’t make a meal of it, which is ideal for people who base their listening habits around music they like rather than prioritise recording quality.

Verdict

Regardless of its sonic shortcomings, we think that this WiiM has a strong place in the market. It is small, neatly styled and a pleasure to use. We still can’t figure out how the brand can make such a slick product for so much less than most of its rivals.

The Amp Ultra certainly sounds better than its cheaper siblings, and our complaints about dynamics and rhythmic drive don’t stop it from being a pleasant sonic companion. While this streaming amp isn’t for those who put sound quality first, it certainly has a place for those looking for a fuss-free audio solution.

Review published: 16th January 2026

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Build 5
• Features 4

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With Christmas on the horizon, chances are you’ve been thinking about what you’d like to get the special people in your life. You might have even thought about what you’d like them to get you, too. Maybe a new pair of wireless headphones, a music streamer, or even an OLED TV? Or, maybe you’re not sure yet.

As lovers of hi-fi and AV equipment, the What Hi-Fi? team’s Christmas wishlist is littered with equipment falling into the aforementioned categories along with physical media to help us better enjoy our existing gear.

So, if you’re finding yourself stuck for ideas on what to get people, or even what you’d like for yourself, hopefully our Christmas wishlist can provide some inspiration. Check it out below.

Arcane: Series 2 SteelBook

Words by Robyn Quick

SteelBooks, a premium collectable case for a Blu-ray or 4K disc, can be a divisive subject for many AV fans. For some, the idea of forking out extra for the same movie or TV show you can get from a standard 4K Blu-ray is pointless. But, others see it as a worthwhile purchase to celebrate your favourite content and keep it for decades to come.

As you may have guessed, I sit in the second camp. So, I could barely contain my excitement when I saw that the second season of Arcane has finally got a 4K SteelBook release, complete with custom artwork on the cover. It costs a whopping £50, but that hasn’t stopped me from putting it at the top of my Christmas wishlist. A person can dream, right?

The series was released on Netflix last year and, if you haven’t watched the show, I can only urge you to do so. It’s packed with jaw-droppingly beautiful animation from start to finish, all while set in a dystopian, steampunk-inspired world that will suck you in from the first frame.

Buy Arcane Season 2 SteelBook at HMV

LG C5 (OLED55C5)

Words by Joe Svetlik

I’ve needed a new TV for a while now, but the situation is getting ever more pressing. My current model is pushing 12 years old, which is about 96 in TV years. To make matters worse, I recently had a new TV cabinet made. Which is great, but it just throws the crapness of my current TV into even sharper relief.

That’s why I’ve added the 55-inch LG C5 to my Christmas wishlist.

Now I think it would fit in my alcove, but I have to be careful. A friend on our road recently bought a 55-inch TV, and despite careful measuring, it is just that bit too big, meaning it has to sit at a slight diagonal at all times. He would have replaced it with a more sensibly sized model, as his wife suggested, but in his words, he was being “a bit of a child about it.”

Why the C5? It won a What Hi-Fi? Award for its rich, punchy, crisp image and peerless feature set. And for me, 55 inches is the perfect size – cinematic without dominating the room. Providing it fits.

Joe Hisaishi – Princess Mononoke (Symphonic Suite) on vinyl

Words by Alastair Stevenson

Regular readers have likely figured out I am a bit of an anime fan. One that’s especially fond of Studio Ghibli titles. This year alone, I went to see the London stage production of Spirited Away and to the BFI to check out the 4K remastered version of Princess Mononoke on the big screen.

The latter was a particular highlight, with the work done to its audio reminding me quite how beautiful the music, as well as iconic artwork, is for Ghibli movies. So much so that there’s one specific record at the top of my wishlist for Santa this year – Joe Hisaishi’s Princess Mononoke (Symphonic Suite).

Though the original soundtrack vinyl is great, I’ve always been a big fan of the Symphonic Suite version, which saw composer Joe Hisaishi re-arrange it for a full orchestra. The result is a captivating listen that captures the film’s evocative, thought-provoking, but ultimately hopeful and sympathetic tone.

This makes it a fantastic listen from start to finish and one I’ve been wanting to own on vinyl all year. Here’s hoping Santa’s listening and didn’t spot the “incident” on Denmark Street that I was 100 per cent not responsible for in March…

Buy Joe Hisaishi – Princess Mononoke (Symphonic Suite) on vinyl at Amazon

Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas on vinyl

Words by Kashfia Kabir

Vince Guaraldi Trio’s soundtrack to the 1965 special A Charlie Brown Christmas is up there with The Muppets Christmas Carol as encapsulating a kind of magic that transcends all time, ages and trends.

The whimsical yet sometimes muted jazz compositions match the Peanuts TV special beautifully, capturing the melancholy mood of Charlie Brown as he grapples with finding the true meaning of Christmas, while his friends mock and ridicule him, until, eventually, you get that lovely combination of friendship, kindness and warmth.

There are compositions in this album that are now synonymous with both Christmas and Peanuts (such as the bouncy, upbeat Linus and Lucy), while Skating is a personal favourite that fills you up with childhood joy and the feeling that everything will be okay. I’ve been eyeing up the Craft Recordings vinyl reissue (ideally gold foil package) for ages.

Buy Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas on vinyl at Drift Records

LEGO Retro Radio

Words by Harry McKerrell

If, like me, you’re at the stage of life where you’ve got various nieces and nephews running all over the place during the festive period, you’re probably going to be gifting quite a lot of LEGO this year, especially once your pint-sized relatives reach the stage where they’re not in danger of just trying to eat the blocks.

That’s all well and good, but who’s buying the LEGO for me? Millennium Falcons and pirate ships are a bit off-brand (still cool, though), so how about a retro radio instead? Inspired by the transistor designs of the 1970s, complete with that classic horizontal tuner, the radio is capable of making a few actual noises – though I’d predict that it probably looks a lot better than it sounds.

Buy LEGO Retro Radio at Lego.com

WiiM Pro Plus

Words by James Cook

In my experience, when listening to music socially, most people nowadays want the convenience of a wireless connection to a speaker and a music streaming application so everyone can queue up songs. And whilst I think it’s a shame that many have never listened to a vinyl record in full on a proper hi-fi system, there are merits to this, provided it doesn’t sacrifice too much sound quality.

For too long, I’ve been using a Lightning-to-RCA lead to connect my iPhone directly to my integrated amplifier for catering to social gatherings, so sound quality has, inevitably, suffered. That’s where the WiiM Pro Plus comes in.

This five-star, affordable music streamer is detailed, expressive and organised, and will slot nicely into my existing hi-fi setup without breaking the bank. It’s got a plethora of streaming options to choose from too, so I can enjoy convenient and collaborative listening without sacrificing so much sound quality – perfect for when I’m entertaining friends or family, or even those rare occasions when I can’t be bothered to stick a record on the turntable!

If you’re planning to do anything similar over the Christmas period, I’d recommend giving it a look yourself.

Technics EAH-AZ100

Words by Lewis Empson

I started 2025 with a flying visit to CES, the annual consumer tech trade show, with Panasonic, where the Japanese tech giant announced a new pair of wireless earbuds alongside its latest batch of five-star OLED TVs.

The Technics EAH-AZ100 immediately caught my attention; at the time I had a pair of EAH-AZ60M2 buds constantly lodged in my ears, so I was already a fan of the company’s work.

After a quick demo at Panasonic's launch event, and a follow up listening session back in the UK using our very own review pair, I was completely sold on these incredible sounding earbuds, and I’ve been pining after a pair ever since.

Their clean and spacious sound is befitting of a What Hi-Fi? Award, and I especially appreciated how expressive and punchy these buds sounded, meaning they perfectly suited my preferred music genres of alternative and pop.

I can’t forget to mention the “excellent noise cancelling", which would also make the AZ100 a perfect companion for my noisy morning commute.

These premium buds are at the top of my wish list, especially in that dashing new Midnight Blue finish.

Sony Bravia Projector 7

Words by Daniel Furn

As one of the newer members of the What Hi-Fi? editorial team, I was lucky enough to sit in on our reviewers’ extensive testing process during one of my first weeks here. The test I witnessed was none other than the five-star Sony Bravia Projector 7, which proved to be both a blessing and a curse.

A blessing because the Bravia Projector 7 boasts incredible depth, superb contrast control and is quite simply a joy to watch. And a curse? Going back to my home TV, itself a very capable OLED, feels a lot less cinematic in comparison.

I realise that with a starting price of £6999, this very much falls under the “wish” part of a wishlist. But if Santa Claus decides he’s feeling particularly generous, then to have the rich, balanced, and detailed image of the Sony Bravia Projector 7 would very much be a Christmas miracle. Maybe if I’m particularly good next year?

PlayStation 5 Pro

Words by Tom Parsons

Look, I don’t need a PS5 Pro. Of all of the ‘Pro’ PlayStation consoles in history, it feels like the least essential, even to someone as graphics-obsessed as I am, but just knowing there’s a better version of the PS5 out there with slightly smoother, slightly shinier visuals is enough to nag at me.

There’s another thing at play here, too. My good lady wife has, at the age of [redacted], suddenly taken up gaming. She’s recently smashed through Ghost of Tsushima and The Last Of Us Part 1, and is about halfway through The Last Of Us Part 2. She’s got her eyes on The Witcher 3 next, and I know first-hand what a long, obsession-inducing game that is.

In other words, my current PS5 is in high demand these days, and it looks set to get worse, so it might be time to treat myself to a second one. And if I’m going to get a second PS5, it might as well be the best one that’s available, right? It is Christmas after all.

Buy PlayStation 5 Pro at Amazon

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X

Words by Andy Madden

As someone who spends a lot of their working time tethered to a laptop, I’m always on the lookout for a quality pair of headphones to make the time pass by. Of course, the best wireless headphones deliver convenience and quality, but when I’m at my desk, I don’t mind a wire or two getting in the way.

This is why I’ve been using the Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X on and off for the past few years. I’ve been plugging these cans directly into my MacBook Pro, and given I’m only using them with Amazon Music, I don’t really need to plug them into an external DAC, which helps to keep the wire count to a minimum.

So you can imagine the look on my face when I first read our Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X review. These headphones succeed the pair I’m using and manage to take performance forward in a number of areas, all the while remaining as comfy as your favourite pair of slippers.

I also don’t mind the fact that the Beyerdynamics are an open-back design. While I’m working solo, nobody is being annoyed by the headphones leaking my favourite tunes. It’s just something you might want to bear in mind if you add them to your wishlist.

It’s going to be a simple case of swapping out the old with the new, and I’d urge anyone looking for a simple and hugely effective way of boosting their own desktop audio to take a closer look at these classy over-ears.

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WiiM has launched a cut-down version of its Sound smart speaker. The WiiM Sound Lite is exactly the same as the full-fat Sound, but without the screen and remote. It costs £229 / $229 / AU$399 / €269, which is £70 / $70 / AU$100 / €80 less than the Sound.

WiiM promises its "signature hi-res audio and open-platform streaming", so its sound quality and abilities should be identical to the Sound. But without a remote or 1.8-inch touchscreen, you'll have to control it using the WiiM Home App, which also lets you gives you an EQ, presets, alarms and device groups.

The WiiM Sound Lite is compatible with the WiiM Voice Remote 2, but it doesn't come with it. The remote costs £39 / $39 (around AU$78).

The original Sound, also released earlier this year, is a direct rival to the Apple HomePod 2, with similar abilities. Like the Sound, the Sound Lite offers 24-bit/192kHz hi-res playback and 100W peak output from a 4-inch long-throw woofer and dual 1-inch silk-dome tweeters.

AI RoomFit uses your phone to optimise the Sound Lite's audio to your room, and you can pair multiple Sound / Sound Lites together for stereo sound, or it can act as the centre channel in a 5.1 home cinema setup.

As well as Wi-Fi 6E, the Sound Lite has Bluetooth 5.3 and Ethernet connectivity, along with compatibility for Google Cast, Spotify / Tidal / Qobuz Connect, Alexa Cast, DLNA, Roon, and Logitech Media Server.

You can also create a multi-room system using other WiiM devices like the Sound, streamers such as the WiiM Ultra, Pro Plus, Amp Pro streaming amp, and Sub Pro subwoofer.

The Sound Lite goes on sale in early January. At this price, it undercuts the HomePod 2 by the same amount as it does its screened stablemate, the Sound, so if the performance is there, it could be very tempting indeed. We'll have a full review of the WiiM Sound as soon as possible.

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Apple HomePod 2 vs WiiM Sound: what's the difference between these two smart speakers?

The period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday can be the best time to invest in some new hi-fi gear, but finding the perfect combination of a great deal and a fantastic product can be difficult.

If you've made it to Cyber Monday and you've still not managed to find the right deal for you, we've put this list together to help you get a great deal on only the best products. This list is compiled solely of cracking Cyber Monday deals on hi-fi products that are currently 2025 What Hi-Fi? Award winners.

From tantalising turntables to fantastic floorstanders and superb streamers, there is a plethora to choose from. All the products highlighted below have been tested by our in-house team of experts, who have confirmed that they are nothing but the best at their respective price points.

1. Marantz CD6007 CD player

2. Cambridge Audio MXN10 music streamer

3. Technics SA-C600 music streamer

4. Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 turntable

5. KEF LSX II LT active bookshelf speakers

6. WiiM Pro Plus music streamer

7. Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 floorstanding speakers

8. KEF LS50 Wireless II active bookshelf speakers

9. Cyrus CDi CD player

10. Triangle AIO Twin wireless speaker system

11. NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) streaming amplifier

Black Friday / Cyber Monday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 38% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Headphones: save over £100
• Bravia 8 TV: lowest-ever price on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £600
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £268
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £179
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £165
• LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
• JBL soundbar: now better than half price
• John Lewis: £200 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• Sony headphones: now just £29
• Stereo amplifier: Cambridge Audio now £299
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
• Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
• Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75

The WiiM Pro Plus is simply one of the best music streamers you can get for under £300, hence it’s won back-to-back What Hi-Fi? Awards in that category. It’s detailed and expressive, while being easy to set up and use. What more can you ask for from a budget music streamer?

We tested the Pro Plus at £219, but thanks to the onslaught of Black Friday deals that just keep on coming, it can be yours for £50 less. You can pick it up for a mighty fine £169 at Richer Sounds, Peter Tyson, Amazon and Smart Home Sounds, and we’d encourage anyone who is thinking of adding music streaming to their system to consider doing so with this great value WiiM.

With its compact build (it's about the size and weight of a paperback book) and simple set-up, the WiiM Pro Plus can easily slot into any existing hi-fi system.

The slick and well-organised WiiM Home app will bring a wide array of streaming sources and apps to your fingertips, and controlling playback, sources and even multi-room arrangements is user-friendly. A remote control is also provided for making adjustments.

The Pro Plus supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music, Pandora and TuneIn radio, while DLNA compatibility means music stored on a home network can be played via this budget music streamer. AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth 5.1 are all on board too, alongside dual-band wi-fi.

Hi-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz is supported, while RCA and digital optical inputs and outputs are built-in. A digital coaxial output also features.

Whatever your streaming source, you’ll be treated to a sound that is “attentive to even the most minor or transient dynamic variations”, particularly if playing hi-res audio files. During testing, however, we found that even when playing inferior audio sources, the Pro Plus streamer was a “clear, detailed and even quite dynamically adept listen”.

In terms of sheer value, the Pro Plus takes some beating – its feature set rivals that of models twice its price, while its sound quality suits budget to mid-priced systems well.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable route into the world of hi-res music streaming, take a look at the great-sounding and easy-to-use WiiM Pro Plus for £169 at Richer Sounds, Peter Tyson, Amazon or Smart Home Sounds.

MORE:

WiiM Ultra vs WiiM Pro Plus: which five-star music streamer is the best option for you?

Black Friday 2025 hi-fi deals live: our audio experts picks of the top savings on speakers, headphones, vinyl and more

How to avoid bad hi-fi and home cinema deals this Black Friday – top tips and tricks from our review team

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
• JBL soundbar: now better than half price
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• Sony headphones: now just £29
• Stereo amplifier: Cambridge Audio now £299
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
• Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
• Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75

Good news, everyone! The WiiM Ultra has dropped from £349 to just £279 at Amazon, Richer Sounds, Peter Tyson and Sevenoaks, a spicy saving of £70 on a five-star music streamer. For delivering excellent sound in a lovely package, all for a very modest price, the Ultra is rather tricky to beat.

This deal won't be around forever, though. From what we've seen, the Ultra only tends to be discounted during major sales events such as Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, before shooting all the way back up to its full RRP during the rest of the year.

If you want to take advantage of this deal, now is the time, because come the end of Cyber Monday, the Ultra will almost certainly be right back up to its full £349 figure.

Best WiiM Ultra Black Friday deal

Along with the Award-winning Cambridge Audio MXN10, the WiiM Ultra is one of the finest music streamers you can grab for under £400. It's slick and stylish to use, like practically all of WiiM's products, but what marks out the Ultra has such a hot contender is how ably it handles your musical catalogue.

The five-star streamer offers a likeable, tidy performance that keeps us wanting to play more songs from our various music libraries. We're particularly impressed by how the Ultra doesn’t try to grab your attention with gimmicks or excessive sonic flavouring; instead, its "clean, balanced and nimble sound packs enough punch and pizazz to keep you interested" no matter the tracks you select.

The feature set is equally impressive. You get your usual RCA stereo line level inputs and outputs, along with digital optical in/out and a coaxial output, as well as an HDMI ARC input and a moving magnet phono stage. That's a lot of physical options for a streamer that, on sale, costs you £279, especially given that even the rival Cambridge MXN10 doesn’t offer HDMI or MM phono inputs.

It's not even the whole story. The WiiM offers a subwoofer output, a USB-A input for playing files from a media drive, plus an ethernet port round out the busy back panel and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the front.

On the streaming side, the Ultra plays nice with any DLNA-compatible network storage to access and stream hi-res audio files over a network. Inside the unit is a 32-bit/384kHz ES9038 Q2M SABRE DAC, and you can natively play up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM files into the bargain.

Better yet, the Ultra offers support for Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer and Qobuz, along with internet radio and BBC radio. Bluetooth 5.3 and Google Chromecast are on board for streaming from devices, but the notable exception here is AirPlay, which isn't on board for iOS and Apple fans.

Apart from that, it's hard not to keep singing the WiiM Ultra's praises. Not only is it immensely well-featured and excellent to listen to, but it's a delight to use thanks to its classy design dominated by a responsive 3.5-inch full colour touchscreen display. Again, it's easy to forget you're paying just £279 (on a deal) for the privilege.

All in all, a terrific music streamer that will have huge appeal to those users who are starting out on their hi-fi adventure and are in need of a five-star bargain source. Amazon and Sevenoaks are the places to be before the Ultra springs back up to full price.

MORE:

Check out the alternative: save a packet on the Cambridge Audio MXN10

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From JBL to Sonos, we've rounded up the best Black Friday wireless speaker deals

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
• JBL soundbar: now better than half price
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• Sony headphones: now just £29
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
• Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
• Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75

If you're familiar with hi-fi, you'll probably know the name 'WiiM'. The Chinese brand has had a meteoric rise of late, mainly owing to its proclivity for providing a range of compact hi-fi separates boasting impressive feature sets at affordable prices.

In that regard, the WiiM Amp Pro is no exception: it's small, it's smart, and it's impressively affordable.

That's before we get into its juicy Black Friday discount. For bargain hunters seeking to get their first hi-fi system off the ground for a minimal outlay, the WiiM Amp Pro has dropped to just £319 at Amazon, an outstanding saving of £80 off its standard £399 price.

Specialist hi-fi retailers such as Richer Sounds and Peter Tyson are also offering the Amp Pro at £319, so it's worth shopping around beyond Amazon if you have a preference for a given outlet.

Best WiiM Black Friday deal

WiiM's first streaming amplifier, the three-star WiiM Amp, failed to impress us sonically, despite its combination of talents in such a small, affordable box.

Thankfully, the step-up WiiM Amp Pro improves upon its sound quality in a big way – enough to gain an additional star and earn a firm recommendation from us. WiiM is really finding its feet at the moment, and much of that momentum is reflected in the capable Amp Pro.

The compact streaming amp combines a modest size with a wallet-friendly price tag, packing 60W of Class D amplification and a DAC that can handle 24-bit/192kHz hi-res files, as well as a host of streaming features for playing music over hi-res services such as Tidal and Qobuz.

There's also support for Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Chromecast, although AirPlay is notably absent. It's the only real drawback in an otherwise easy-to-use, stable platform, with a novice-friendly app that makes setup a breeze.

The Amp Pro even has an HDMI ARC input for connecting to your TV, along with RCA line level, digital optical and USB-A inputs.

When it comes to sound quality, the Pro delivers more pep and dynamic interest than its cheaper sibling, the WiiM Amp. We said in our review: "There is more punch, snap and sparkle to the sound... 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".

While we still find the WiiM is playing it just a little safe and could do with a better sense of timing, its renewed sense of fun and energy, along with greater detail, keep us listening to every song we play. All you nee to do is add in a pair of, say, the five-star Dali Kupid standmounts and you've got yourself an affordable, very entertaining little hi-fi system.

There simply isn't anything else on the market that offers what the WiiM does in such a modern, user-friendly and compact form – nor anywhere close to its budget billing.

With this massive £80 saving at Amazon, Richer Sounds and Peter Tyson for Black Friday, the Amp Pro is even more tempting than ever.

MORE:

How to avoid bad hi-fi and home cinema deals this Black Friday – top tips and tricks from our review team

Black Friday home cinema deals live: our experts’ picks of the best savings on TVs, Dolby Atmos soundbar, projectors and more

Black Friday 2025 hi-fi deals live: our audio experts picks of the top savings on speakers, headphones, vinyl and more

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
• JBL soundbar: now better than half price
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• Sony headphones: now just £29
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
• Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
• Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75

If you’re looking for a solid entry-level hi-fi setup or a secondary system, then I’d strongly recommend looking at this new hi-fi bundle from Sevenoaks Sound and Vision.

The bundle deal lets you pick up a pair of the Award-winning Dali Kupid desktop speakers and WiiM Amp Pro streaming amplifier for £599 – a £100 saving on what they’d cost if bought separately.

Why this system? Because we personally matched the two when reviewing the Kupid and found they add up to create one of the best value systems you can get without spending hundreds more or going the separates route.

The Dali Kupid speakers are undeniably the stars of the show. Dali told us it intentionally designed the beginner-friendly Kupid as an entry point for newbies or those on a strict budget to get into hi-fi.

And putting them through their paces in our listening rooms, they delivered exactly that. While you may have to be careful about their relatively low sensitivity rating with partnering products, we found they have a surprising amount of heft for such small units.

Matched with price-appropriate amplifiers and systems, which included the Amp Pro streaming amp during testing, they delivered a dynamic, detailed and punchy sound. Hence our reviewers’ glowing conclusion:

“A great choice for small, modern music systems, the entertaining Dali Kupid speakers will win over many hearts.”

And if you want a cost-effective, just-add-speakers solution to go with then, then the WiiM Amp Pro is the model I personally recommend to friends who don’t want to go down the separates route with the Kupids. I even penned a feature on how well the two work together ahead of Black Friday week.

The WiiM Amp Pro didn’t quite perform well enough to secure What Hi-Fi?’s elusive fifth star, with our reviewers yearning for a little more rhythmic precision and dynamic expression overall. However, this convenient unit combines amplification and extensive hi-res streaming smarts in one compact box – it’s still a stellar option you’ll struggle to beat without spending more.

The closest separates system we’d recommend right now would pair the Kupids with the Cambridge Audio AXA35 stereo amplifier and WiiM Pro Plus streamer, but this would raise the combined price for your new system to £817.

The best price for the Cambridge Audio AXA35 we’ve spotted is £299 at Richer Sounds. The price-appropriate WiiM Pro Plus, meanwhile, continues to sell for its standard £219 at most retailers.

If you weren’t 100 per cent wed to the Dalis, you could save a few extra pounds and bring the price down a bit by swapping them for the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1, which cost £179 right now.

But as we said in our Dalli Kupid vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 guide, we’d urge most fans to go for our current Award-winners.

Having run the two head-to-head, we found that while the bigger Diamond 12.1 have their charms and a more refined, there’s a reason they were dethroned during this year's What Hi-Fi? Awards in favour of the more detailed, clearer-sounding Kupid speakers.

If you can afford the extra cost, then the dinky Dali Kupids added liveliness and greater dynamic ability make them a more enjoyable listen in most instances.

Hence, if saving space and cash is your primary concern and you need a new stereo setup with streaming smarts, the team and I fully endorse checking out Sevenoaks Sound and Vision’s current bundle deal.

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
• JBL soundbar: now better than half price
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• Sony headphones: now just £29
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
• Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
• Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75

When sifting through all the hi-fi that's on sale during the Black Friday deals period, it's always tricky to find a complete multi-component system that works together harmoniously and also doesn't break the bank.

There are plenty of bundle deals to be found at specialist retailers such as Richer Sounds and Peter Tyson, so I've been inspired to turn my hand at putting together an affordable hi-fi system that caters to both vinyl and CD fans, all while only spending around £1000 in total.

A grand is still a lot to pay for a fresh hi-fi system, but in relative terms, these components offer excellent value for money – they've all been reviewed and heard by team What Hi-Fi? at our dedicated listening rooms, so these recommendations come from genuine, real-world listening.

And with many of the components enjoying a Black Friday discount, this setup as a whole is saving you a chunk of cash (£170, in fact) – with scope to expand the system to suit your needs.

The system

• CD player: Cambridge Audio AXC35 (£299)
• Turntable: Pro-Ject Primary E (£229)
• Stereo amplifier: Cambridge Audio AXA35 (£299)
• Stereo speakers: Elac Debut B5.2 (£179)
• Total: £1006

Cambridge Audio's AXA35 and AXC35 duo are a great starter hi-fi pair, with the stereo amplifier matching the CD player both in aesthetics and sonic performance. The design is minimal but quietly elegant, and the 35W per channel stereo amp offers analogue line level inputs, a built-in moving magnet phono stage, and a headphone socket – ideal for private and/or late-night listening.

There is no DAC, digital input or any Bluetooth here, so you might want to invest in something like a streamer (more on that below) if those extra features are important to you.

The CD player works smoothly, quiet in action and easy to use with the included remote control. The screen is clear to read from a distance, and the Cambridge pair work together to deliver a smoothly detailed, fluid and expansive sound. There are ample dynamics, enjoyable rhythmical agility and a good deal of punch and solidity that keeps your attention hooked.

While newer budget amplifiers have pushed the sonic boundaries forward when it comes to precision, clarity and dynamic expression, the Cambridge amp and CD player are engaging and easy to listen to.

Both are currently enjoying a £50 discount off their full price, too.

Joining the above duo is the multiple Award-winning Pro-Ject Primary E, a deck that we can't stop recommending. This is a stripped-back, no-frills, purist turntable design that nails the basics and offers a hugely enjoyable, stable, detailed and composed vinyl performance – at this entry level price point, it really is quite talented.

The Primary E may look a little plain, but it is well-built, comes with an Ortofon OM moving magnet cartridge pre-fitted, and it is as plug-and-play as you'll get for a fully manual turntable.

You'll have to manually change the speed when switching between 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM records, but I personally don't find that a huge task. The Primary E has recently had a price hike: it has been listed at £199 for the last few years, but has crept up to £229 in 2025.

You can get this £229 price if you sign up to the Richer Sounds VIP programme (which is free to join), or you can pick it up at Amazon for the same price. However, I am keeping my fingers crossed for the price to drop to £199 again – if it happens this week in the lead up to Black Friday (28th November).

And finally, the speaker choice is pretty simple: the Elac Debut B5.2 standmounts are former Award winners and were a firm fixture in our best hi-fi speakers guide, until newer models inevitably ousted the five-star gems.

Don't let that deter you, though. The Debut B5.2 dropped in price to £170 – which is a significant drop from its original £250 price tag. Yes, these are an older model, but we find their insightful, dynamic and composed sound works well with just about any other budget hi-fi component.

They are quite forgiving of matching partners and positioning in a room, but they also offer a level of refinement that is rare in such affordable standmounts.

What about a music streamer?

WiiM's Pro Plus hi-res streamer is my go-to recommendation for any budget system, and its nimble, detailed, organised performance will slot in easily into the above system. I've seen the Pro Plus' price come down to usually £175 or even £169 in previous sales events – but the price is holding firm at £219 at the moment.

The Pro Plus is a compact, affordable box that holds a multitude of streaming talents. Hi-res files are supported, as is every popular music streaming service, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect, while you can also stream via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. The app is a dream to use, it is beginner-friendly, and it delivers fantastic value for money.

I am fairly confident the Pro Plus will come down in price as we get closer to Black Friday itself on 28th November, in which case, I wouldn't hesitate to snap it up to complete this budget system.

Black Friday quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• B&W speakers: save £200
• Bluetooth speaker: 48% off five-star JBL
• Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: save £100
• Bravia 8 TV: save 34% on 55in Sony TV
• Denon AV receiver: save £500
• Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £299
• ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £199
• Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £169
• John Lewis: £500 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
• Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
• Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
• TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals

One of the trade-offs for being a professional magpie / shiny things chaser is that you automatically volunteer yourself as tech support for family, friends, distant acquaintances and even long forgotten evil twins (mine’s called Al-ario and if you see him in the street run, he’s still wanted in Perth for crimes against plushies).

This is particularly true during Black Friday. Which is why it was no surprise that this week I had more than a few friends, who are eager to take their first steps into hi-fi and finally leave the Wonderbooms they’ve been using since university behind, ask for advice on what “cheap” hi-fi hardware they should keep an eye on as the deals roll in.

It’s not the first time the question has come up and it certainly won’t be the last. But, as I went into my memory palace and scrolled through my rolodex of What Hi-Fi? reviews, I realised something has changed; for once, I have some actually affordable recommendations!

They are the Award-winning Dali Kupid bookshelf speakers, and the WiiM Amp Pro streaming amplifier that combines amplification, streaming features and connections into one small box.

Why these two products? Well, they are both great value: the Dali speakers retail for £299 ($600 / AU$599), while the WiiM streaming amp is yours for £399 ($379 / AU$699).

On top of that, both are pleasingly compact and a great first step into the world of hi-fi – and the team and I know they work well together as we matched them during our What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 testing.

The Dali Kupid in particular are an easy recommendation – the best-sounding bookshelf speakers we have tested in their budget price range. Their low 83dB sensitivity means you may have to match your amplifier choice carefully, but we find they have all the muscle and control most people need at this level. Hence their 2025 Award and our verdict:

“Dali has hit upon a winning combination in the Kupid speakers. Small size, attractive looks, entertaining sound and an affordable price – what more could you want?”

The WiiM Amp Pro is a more interesting curveball recommendation that some buyers may not be fully convinced by, given its four-star rating in our review. But don't be deterred by ratings alone. Yes, we would have liked greater rhythmic precision and general insight from its sound, but there are very few streaming amplifiers around that deliver so many features in such a compact form – especially at its sub-£400 price point.

We have searched high and low for a five-star system with the same stellar in-built streaming smarts for this budget price, and failed. The only system you’ll find that is better is the multiple Award-winning Technics SA-C600 – but that still costs a good £350 ($370) more than the WiiM, generally floating at around £750 ($799) at most retailers.

That may not sound like a big difference to people with full separates racks, but having seen the faces many of my friends pulled when I recommended the Technics to them during past Black Fridays – especially those still on basic Bluetooth speakers – I know it is.

It may seem strange to hi-fi enthusiasts, but for most people there's a psychological block that stops them wanting to spend more than £500 / $500 on their first amp, or system.

And that’s why I recommend the WiiM Amp Pro with the Dali Kupid as an entry level, affordable system to any buyer looking to take their first step into hi-fi.

For less than £800, you’ll get a complete stereo system with a fun, entertaining sound packed with all the streaming smarts most music fans will need. It also won't take up too much space in your living room. What’s not to love?

Got a better cheap system recommendation? Get involved with the conversation using the comments section below, or on our social media channels and forums.

MORE:

These are the best hi-fi systems we have tested

We rate the best standmount speakers

Our picks of the best stereo amplifiers

As music streaming dominates the way we listen to our favourite tunes more than ever before, far surpassing vinyl's resurgence, it is perhaps no surprise that the music streamer – or network audio player – category at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 has seen such an upheaval.

Three out of the five winners are brand-new entrants, showing just how competitive and strong the market is in this ever-growing category. That these new winners are all on the premium side also shows just how serious – and seriously good – brands are getting in terms of delivering great usability, a wide array of features and great hi-res sound quality.

All the winning streamers here tick the boxes when it comes to supporting the popular music streaming services (Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, internet radio), playing hi-res music over a wi-fi or wired network, along with a varying array of physical connectivity. Each model has its own particulars – and some provide more features than others – but overall, each model's streaming platform is strong, covers the most popular streaming methods, and is easy to use.

Taking it from the top, our most premium winner (over £2000+) is the Cyrus 40 ST. We were impressed with its sleek, modern design – that still stayed true to Cyrus's iconic half-width chassis blueprint – and were further enamoured with its terrific sound quality. We said in our review: "Dynamically, it is impressively expressive, rendering low-level shifts in intensity elegantly, and delivering large-scale orchestral crescendos with real conviction." No matter what genre of music we play through it, the Cyrus sounds composed, organised, insightful and, crucially, heaps of fun.

We concluded that the Cyrus 40 ST has a "blend of detail, dynamics and rhythmic security that’s hard to better at the money" – it's an outstanding performer.

Arcam's new ST25 is our favourite music streamer in the £1000-£2000 price range. It's actually the only traditional full-width streamer in this category, with most other winners favouring compact forms. The ST25 naturally works a treat with its partnering A5+ and A15+ stereo amplifiers (both 2025 Award winners, too), and delivers an effortless, crystal clear sound quality.

"It sets an eerily quiet backdrop for the music, which allows all the instruments space to breathe," we said in our review. "There’s a real sense of pace, agility and power to the bassline as it pounds along, laying a robust foundation for all the electronica poured on top." There is ample subtlety and dynamics as you hear the intent and intensity changing behind each piano strike, while a bountiful soundstage allows every layer of a composition to be delivered in a cohesive, insightful manner.

And the last of our fresh new trio of winners is perhaps the one with the most features packed into a small box: the Bluesound Node Icon. We've seen Bluesound pick up Award trophies in the more affordable price ranges in previous years, but it's the brand's most premium model yet that delivers a brilliantly musical, dynamic and subtle sound that works a treat for all genres of music.

We said in our review: "It’s a lively, engaging and dynamic performer that grabs our interest at the beginning and only continues to impress us the more we listen." There is a spark to the Node Icon's sound, coupled with composure, good balance and agile rhythmic ability, that means we simply have a great time listening to it.

Taking the trophy in the £750-£1000 price bracket, the Bluesound boasts plenty of additional features that the more traditional hi-fi brands/models don't – such as an HDMI eARC input, support for Dirac Live room correction technology, and two 6.3mm headphone sockets.

The two returning winners in this category are brilliant budget gems that we are delighted to give flowers to for another year: the WiiM Pro Plus and the Cambridge Audio MXN10. Both remain superb value products at their more affordable price points, and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking to gain a wealth of hi-res streaming features without spending big bucks.

Cambridge's MXN10 is a delightful compact streamer whose dynamic expression and rhythmic coherence are really rather impressive at its more budget price point, is packed with energy and detail, and is a great stepping stone into the world of separates hi-fi.

Of course, if your budget can't stretch even to the MXN10's £350 price tag, the WiiM Pro Plus remains one of the best bargains of the year, costing under £300 and delivering a detailed, organised and likeable sound for very little relative outlay.

We liked its rather natural midrange talents, "where the vocal is brimming with character and attitude", while it sounds best with hi-res tracks but is still forgiving with poor sources. It also has a well-executed app that we find is particularly user-friendly for beginners, which is always a bonus.

The well-deserved 2025 winners in our music streamers category cover a broad price spectrum, sonic tastes and specific connectivity, and no matter your budget, we think there's something for everyone here to enjoy.

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WiiM has been one of the most exciting audio brands of recent years. Its Pro Plus music streamer has won a What Hi-Fi? Award for the third year running, while its Ultra and Amp Pro devices have also been well reviewed, earning five and four stars respectively. So to say we were excited when we went hands-on with its first smart speaker earlier in the year would be something of an understatement.

And now the WiiM Sound has an official price and release date. It will be available to buy in mid-November, UK distributor Henley Audio has confirmed. And the price? An Apple-baiting £299 (around $400 / AU$612) – that's the same price as the HomePod 2.

We had expected WiiM to undercut a tech giant like Apple, but the price could still give Tim Cook et al cause for concern. The device uses WiiM's own operating system, and while it won't have the reach of iOS, we have found its devices to be very user friendly.

The Sound supports hi-res audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and it promises to calibrate itself automatically to suit its environment. Inside are a 4-inch long-throw woofer and dual 1-inch tweeters, providing 100W of peak power. The Sound can work as a standalone speaker, as a stereo pair or as surround or centre channels in a home cinema setup.

You use the 1.8-inch touchscreen to control playback, sources, presets and the EQ. When idle, it can show album art, track info and clock faces. The WiiM Sound can also be voice controlled using the bundled remote, or through compatible Alexa or Google Assistant devices. Or you can use the WiiM Home mobile app.

It supports all kinds of wireless formats, including Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Alexa Cast and DLNA (Roon Ready support is still pending). And it can pair with other WiiM, Google Cast and Alexa devices to create a more agnostic system than getting every device from Sonos or Apple.

Plenty for Apple to think about, then. We'll have a full review ready as soon as possible.

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Can it rival the best smart speakers around?

Whenever a big sales event comes along, such as Amazon's Big Deals Day that's happening right now, I always keep an eye out for deals on WiiM products

The young brand's music streamers, specifically the budget WiiM Pro Plus and step-up Wiim Ultra, are already pretty great value at full price. They combine a superb array of features, likeable sound quality and user-friendly experience in compact boxes that are cost-effective compared with their rivals. For adding streaming skills to your hi-fi system, they are our go-to recommendations.

Thanks to today's Prime Day deals, both these five-star WiiMs are enjoying a healthy 20% discount, with the WiiM Ultra now available for £279 (down from £349) and the WiiM Pro Plus available for £175 (down from £219) at Amazon.

But you can find an even cheaper deal for the excellent Award-winning Pro Plus if you head to Richer Sounds or Peter Tyson, who are selling it for its lowest-ever price of £169. That's a chunky £50 saving and money well spent, in my books.

• Browse all the Amazon Prime Day deals

Which WiiM streamer should you buy?

Whichever WiiM streamer best suits your budget, both are highly recommendable at full price, and even more so at these healthy Prime Day discounts.

For the money, the little Pro Plus lets you quickly and easily add streaming skills to most home setups, with the WiiM offering a robust set of connectivity options – 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 as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn radio, and plenty more.

But how does it sound, we hear you ask? Based on our testing, our reviewers reported that 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."

For £169, you can't really go wrong with this multiple Award-winning product.

That said, if you can stretch to £279, you'll be richly rewarded by the gains in connectivity and performance that the Ultra streamer brings.

You get the same streaming functionality as the Pro Plus, with the only omission being AirPlay 2. On the plus side, the Ultra adds HDMI ARC and phono connections that allow you to hook it up to a TV and turntable, respectively. And you get a snazzy, full-colour touchscreen display from which you can easily access your favourite presets, playlists and inputs.

In terms of sound quality, our review experts compared the two directly, concluding: "The Ultra offers a more full-bodied and expansive sound, with greater muscle and dynamism than the Pro Plus. 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."

Really, the choice between the two comes down to your budget, and which element – HDMI and/or phono stage connections versus AirPlay 2 compatibility – is most important to how you listen to music.

Whichever model you choose, you'll be getting a great product and a terrific bargain this Prime Day.

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Amazon Prime Big Deal Days may be dominating the headlines this week, but it's not the only game in town.

If you're looking for an alternative to the retail giant, Richer Sounds has launched its own impressive sale with some seriously tempting discounts on TVs, projectors, hi-fi gear, and more.

We've combed through the sale to pick out the best deals on products we can wholeheartedly recommend, based on our comprehensive, in-depth testing and reviewing process.

Whether you're after a stunning TV for movie nights, a capable projector for true home cinema thrills, or hi-fi gear to elevate your music listening, there's likely something here worth considering.

Before you dive in, it's worth mentioning that you'll want to sign up for Richer Sounds' VIP club, which unlocks the best discounts. Don't worry, it's completely free. With some deals, you might also need to add it to the basket to see the sale price. With that said, here are our top picks from Richer Sounds' sale.

Quick Links

• Shop all deals at Richer Sounds
• Free soundbars: buy an eligible TV to receive a free soundbar
• Samsung TVs: up to 15% off
• LG TVs: extra 10% off or more on selected models
• WiiM: save up to 20% on selected products
• Home cinema: savings on Arcam, Denon, JBL, Marantz, and more
• Hi-Fi: savings on Sonos, Q Acoustics, Naim, Technics, and more

TV deals

Home Cinema deals

Hi-Fi deals

UPDATE 19th September, 2025: WiiM and Audio Pro have contacted What Hi-Fi? to clarify that, due to a miscommunication and to avoid any confusion, the new Audio Pro W-generation of wireless speakers launched earlier this month will no longer be described as "powered by WiiM" and will instead be referred to as "powered by LinkPlay" – LinkPlay is the parent company of WiiM. The change is to make clear that the new Audio Pro W-generation range is "not a part of the WiiM Ecosystem."

The phrasing on the W-generation speakers' rear panel will be changed accordingly, and the new control app is called the Audio Pro W app.

The notice also states: "For further clarity, the only Audio Pro speakers that are powered by WiiM and integrated with the WiiM Home app are the A10 and C10, WiiM Edition speakers, available exclusively via WiiM’s Amazon storefront."

All other details remain the same as in the original story, which is presented unchanged below.

ORIGINAL STORY 4th September 2025: Audio Pro has refreshed its entire wireless speakers range and, along with updated sound and aesthetics, the big news is that the speakers are now powered by WiiM's excellent streaming app.

We have liked many of Audio Pro's wireless speakers over the years – the C10 MkII is a long-running favourite and former Award-winner, while the multi-talented C20 impressed us last year as a Sonos Era 300 alternative. We are also big fans of WiiM's superb, user-friendly streaming interface, as evidenced by its five-star Pro Plus and Ultra streamers – so this could be a match made in audio heaven.

Audio Pro's set up, streaming and multi-room interface used to be powered by LinkPlay, which is, incidentally, WiiM's parent company. The new Audio Pro W-generation speakers – all 10 of them – now have an updated app that is powered by WiiM's current OS.

For all the revamped Audio Pro speakers, this offers a redesigned app interface, advanced EQ and room correction settings, "enhanced" multi-room and grouping capabilities, along with a more intuitive set-up and playback control experience.

Streaming service support includes Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer, TuneIn internet radio and more. We imagine most of the features available on a WiiM streaming product should carry over here, but we will confirm this during testing.

Existing owners of previous Audio Pro products aren't left behind, as all new W-generation speakers are backwards-compatible with Audio Pro’s current models for seamless integration of multi-room systems.

Sound quality has also been "redefined" in the W-generation series, with Audio Pro's engineers refusing to rest on their laurels. Every product in the range has been optimised to deliver "greater clarity, lower distortion and a huge increase in loudness."

We are promised a sound profile, from all new speakers, that is "immersive, powerful and musical."

Henrik Dunér, CTO of Audio Pro, says: “Our goal wasn’t to tweak the sound. It was to rethink it from the ground up, tackling the full audio spectrum and get the most musical sound from our small form factors."

While the speakers retain their previous physical forms, small refinements to the cosmetics (such as the button panels, back plates, texture finishes, logos) aim to unify the typically minimal Scandinavian design and make the speakers look more cohesive.

The W-generation range includes single-unit wireless speakers in various shapes and sizes, small bookshelf speakers and two pairs of floorstanding speakers with integrated streaming – these are available in various shades of grey, while the A28 is available in an additional walnut finish.

The same physical connectivity options on all speakers should carry over to the updated versions, too.

To add a cherry on top of this news, most of the new speakers are set to remain very similar to their original prices, too.

The Audio Pro W-generation speakers are:

C20 W - £450 / €550
C10 MkII W - £350 / €400
C5 MkII W - £250 / €300

A10 MkII W - £220 / €250
A15 W - £350 / €400

A28 W - £500 / €600 (£540 / €650 for walnut finish)
A38 W - £700 / €800
A48 W - £950 / €1100

Drumfire II W - £600 / €700
Drumfire D-2 W - £350 / €400

US pricing will be available in October. We currently have the C20 W, C5 MkII W and A28 W models in for review – stay tuned for our verdicts in due course.

MORE:

Read our five-star Audio Pro C20 review

And our WiiM Amp Pro review

The Eversolo T8 streaming transport wants to deliver “high-end audio experience for music lovers and audiophiles alike”

As live gigs become more ambitious to stage and expensive to attend, TV coverage is ramping up, meaning it could be time to give your home cinema a musical makeover instead.

MTV has returned to its roots with 24/7 music videos this week, the BBC and Sky Arts deliver wall-to-wall festival coverage, concerts can be downloaded in exceptional quality, and streaming giants are increasingly broadcasting artist tours and documentaries.

The music content we can now stream at home has evolved far beyond, and deserves far better than, basic TV speakers. It has created new demands for your home cinema setup, and positively demands an upgrade to a versatile all-in-one music system, or active stereo speakers with an HDMI eARC input.

Turning to TV

The catalyst for all this excellent content isn't nostalgia – it's economics. As anyone scrambling for Oasis tickets will tell you, concert tickets have become prohibitively expensive, while shows sell out instantly, only to reappear on extortionate reseller sites.

Jamie Tagg, Festival Director of Mighty Hoopla, reveals the harsh reality: “Our talent budget has well over doubled, if not even tripled, in the last few years. And that's for a whole host of reasons. Not only is top talent huge now, the numbers are just insane.”

“The market is so different to 10 or 15 years ago when touring was part of your campaign. Now it is your main driver of income, and we all want exclusivity on our lineups – so I’ve got to pay for that.”

Tagg also cites increasing customer expectations for the ticket price – bountiful hand sanitiser, glamping-style flushing toilets, and gourmet food choices. It’s an economic reality that has priced out countless music fans.

Matt Kaplan, UK & EU Director at ethical ticket reseller Tixel, which caps prices at 20 per cent above face value, says over 90 per cent of tickets on the platform are for last-minute gigs taking place that week. But if they can’t get one, music television can be the next best thing.

“I don’t think there’s ever going to be a substitute for the religious experience of going to the show. But if that’s supplemented by digital or virtual experiences for those who couldn’t be there or want to relive it, then that’s a good thing.

“Ultimately, shows have a certain capacity, and high-demand events are going to sell out, leaving many fans disappointed. But there are other ways artists and their management can offer access to the music.”

Gig-ready home cinema

Here's where most home cinema enthusiasts get it wrong. Traditional surround-sound systems, and even soundbars, are designed for dialogue-heavy films and explosive action sequences, and often disappoint when playing musical content.

Music demands stereo imaging, tonal balance, and rhythmic precision over directional effects – qualities many home cinema speakers (and especially most soundbars) prioritise less.

The solution lies in music-first audio equipment that combines streaming convenience with serious musical chops. Modern hi-fi streaming products, all-in-one systems and active speakers all prioritise stereo performance over surround effects, and take up less space than a 5.1 surround sound system.

Many of these stereo products now also include HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) connectivity, which allows your TV to send high-quality audio signals to dedicated music-first audio equipment.

So, your options are no longer limited to a traditional multi-box surround system or poor soundbars; for those who want a great-sounding and immersive music experience, the best TV sound setup for music streaming in 2025 is a seriously capable stereo product that embraces HDMI eARC connectivity for seamless TV integration, and recognises that musical and cinematic priorities often differ.

Here are our five-star suggestions below.

Best all-in-one systems with HDMI ARC connectivity

If you don't want multiple boxes and cables, then an all-in-one system is a great (and stylish) option. The Ruark Audio R410 combines classic British styling with modern connectivity. Its warm, musical character suits acoustic and vocal-heavy content particularly well.

Meanwhile, the Naim Mu-so 2 delivers the British manufacturer's characteristic rhythmic drive and punchy timing – qualities that make live concert streams feel more immediate and engaging. Its distinctive design also serves as a statement piece.

The Cambridge Audio Evo One makes it a clean sweep for the Brits, thanks to its broad, room-filling presentation and fluid handling of dynamics. It is ideal for spacious and immersive concerts and documentaries, coming across almost like a live living room performance.

Active stereo speakers for music streaming

The desktop speaker-sized KEF LSX II system represents the sweet spot for compact, all-in-one wireless speakers with HDMI eARC capability. These diminutive speakers deliver remarkable clarity and stereo separation that make studio recordings and live performances equally engaging.

For maximum musical impact, though, the bigger KEF LS50 Wireless II scales up that concept significantly. Larger drivers and more powerful amplification mean this speaker system can handle everything from intimate jazz recordings to full-scale concert broadcasts with finesse.

Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 powered speakers. While lacking built-in streaming (only Bluetooth), they offer excellent musical performance (and far better than any budget soundbar) when paired with your TV via HDMI.

Music streamers with HDMI eARC

For maximum flexibility, consider building around dedicated components. A music streamer is an increasingly popular source – just remember that you will have to provide amplification and speakers to complete the system.

The WiiM Ultra offers exceptional value as a music streamer, supporting as it does all major streaming services while providing the crucial HDMI eARC connection for TV integration.

Premium alternatives include the Eversolo DMP-A6 and Cambridge Audio EXN100. Each offers enhanced build quality and a more sophisticated DAC section for improved sound quality as you go up the price range.

Sonically sound streaming amplifiers

The WiiM Amp Pro represents remarkable value in the streaming amplifier category, combining as it does streaming capabilities with amplification – you just need to add speakers. Its compact form factor suits modern living spaces, too.

Mid-range to premium streaming amplifiers include the Ruark R610, NAD C 3050 and Naim Uniti Atom. Each offers distinct sonic characteristics and varying degrees of power output. Naim emphasises timing and rhythm, Ruark provides warmth and musicality, while NAD delivers power and control.

For those preferring entirely separate amplification, the high-end Cyrus 40 AMP offers audiophile-grade performance and an e-ARC input, though you will need to add a separate streamer (and speakers) to complete the system.

The psychology of music streaming at home

Jamie Tagg believes the key difference to watching music content at home lies in the storytelling. “We put Kate Nash and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra together and then thought we’ve got to document this. That’s going to be out soon, and it’s a really lovely thing to watch.

“We’re all walking behind the Beyoncé Coachella documentary, which was a performance, but it had insight, it had commentary, and it was interesting, so I do think there is a huge world of that coming.

“Blur’s To the End was excellent, as was The Stone Roses: Made of Stone. When you get to see the journey, that to me is much more fascinating than just watching a gig.”

As live music costs continue to rise, Matt Kaplan notes the likes of Viagogo and Stubhub employing something called speculative listings to assess demand, but the tickets don’t exist yet.

“That’s how prices are artificially inflated. They might think there’s a super hot show and decide to buy X amount of stock, put them up for £1,000 or whatever the mark-up might be, and they only need to sell a fraction.

“So with Beyoncé, her actual stadium shows weren’t sold out, but I’m sure the brokers had sold a lot of tickets. They don’t necessarily care about filling the room; they just care about offloading stock. It’s like an arbitrage game for them.”

Kaplan adds that most artists and managers aren’t making money; they are merely covering costs. So while Tixel supports the grassroots LIVE Trust with a £1 levy on every ticket sold, music TV and online content could be a vital revenue stream.

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Prime Day has plenty of discounts, but they're not always on the best products around. But thankfully there are some genuinely good deals on best-in-class products – you just have to know where to look.

Which is here.

Because while older products have fared particularly well this Prime Day, we have seen plenty of current Award-winners discounted as well. The below products all picked up What Hi-Fi? Awards in the most recent ceremony, which distinguishes them as the best of their kind.

There are some sizeable discounts too, in a list that includes soundbars, headphones, TVs, hi-fi speakers and more. Check this lot out...

11 Award-winning products discounted for Prime Day

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This year's Amazon Prime Day sales event is well underway, and while we haven't had the biggest variety of deals on hi-fi products, these are biggest savings I've found on five-star products we highly recommend.

I always have a hitlist of products that I'm hoping will enjoy big savings during any of these big sales events, and I'm delighted to see that the two WiiM streamers and Cambridge Audio desktop DAC I was hoping would drop in price are enjoying significant Prime Day savings.

I've also found a superb lowest-ever price on a pair of budget bookshelf speakers, and there is a Bowers & Wilkins headphones deal (sadly, not on a speaker yet...) that I just couldn't ignore.

These products are great value at full price anyway – as evidenced by the five-star rating we gave them during our reviews – but we all love a discount, and the big savings you can currently get on these excellent products are worth shouting about.

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M desktop DAC

This one may be a few years old, but I still use the DacMagic 200M at home: it's the perfect desktop size, has extensive hi-res audio support (including DSD and MQA files) and is a dream to use.

Sound-wise, it has a full, smooth tonality that's complemented by an open, expressive and authoritative manner. It digs out a great amount of detail – a true all-rounder.

Used with a good pair of wired headphones, this DAC and headphone amp will boost your laptop-based music performance considerably. It's a nicely made DAC, too, and we've never seen it drop down to such a low price before.

WiiM Pro Plus budget music streamer

Our favourite budget music streamer can do it all. A tiny box that brings you easy wi-fi streaming from all the most popular apps and supports all streaming methods, this unit is easy to use, has a great control app, and sounds great for the price.

The Pro Plus remains our current Award-winner, and we can't recommend it enough. This Prime Day deal drops the price to £175 – we'd snap it up if you want the best (and most affordable) way to inject streaming into your hi-fi system

WiiM Ultra music streamer

WiiM's top-of-the-range streamer is its best yet, with the WiiM Ultra offering a lively, engaging sound and a powerful platform. The touch-screen interface is a joy to use, and its only con is that it lacks AirPlay. It also works as a preamp and headphone amplifier.

This is the first time we're seeing a significant deal on the five-star Ultra, with this £70 saving available across Amazon and specialist hi-fi retailers.

Q Acoustics 3010i bookshelf speakers

While I was hoping we'd spot a good deal or two on newer speakers, it's hard to ignore this fantastic drop in price on a pair of Q Acoustics 3010i standmount stereo speakers.

These have been on the market for many years now, but they are five-star performers that are easy-going, musical and will work happily with just about any partnering equipment and in most spaces. While newer speakers from Elac, Dali, B&W and Q Acoustics themselves deliver finer detail and greater precision, we still appreciate just how unfussy these 3010i are.

And with this plunge in price to just £149, the 3010i are a great bargain buy.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones

While not strictly hi-fi, this great deal on a premium pair of wireless headphones deserves a mention.

One of the best-sounding new wireless headphones we've tested this year, Bowers & Wilkins took the fight to Sony, Bose, Apple and more rivals with the luxurious Px7 S3 over-ears.

They look and feel fabulous, with 30 hours of battery life, support for decent ANC, higher-quality Bluetooth codecs and wired listening. Sound-wise, they are mightily impressive, bringing out even more detail and insight, along with plenty of punch, dynamism and refinement.

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The Lindemann Limetree Bridge II is a network bridge, sometimes referred to as a streaming transport. It plays music files from streaming services, any attached storage on your home network or connected directly into its USB socket and Bluetooth sources. Just add a quality DAC and off you go.

The vast majority of music streamers on the market include a DAC, of course, but the Limetree Bridge II’s lack of such a circuit may not be the issue it initially appears to be. We’ve come to the point in hi-fi where it isn’t unusual for a DAC module to be included in a stereo amplifier or a CD player to have digital inputs.

Failing that, there is no shortage of excellent outboard converters such as the Award-winning Chord Qutest, which we partnered with the Bridge II for this test.

Build & design

The Limetree Bridge II is a tiny unit that takes about as much shelf space as a coaster. Its casework is made from aluminium and is only available in silver as standard.

There isn’t a display, which leaves the front panel looking rather barren, with just a toggle switch and a couple of LEDs to provide some interest.

The toggle performs three functions depending on how long it is activated: a quick nudge upwards switches the steamer in and out of Standby, holding it for three seconds upsamples the incoming signal, while keeping the toggle activated for ten seconds resets the unit.

The LEDs indicate the signal sampling rate and operating status.

Connectivity & features

Given that the only outputs provided are coaxial and optical, there are firm upper limits for the signal the Limetree Bridge II can deliver. The coax is limited to 24-bit/192kHz streams while the optical tops out at 96kHz.

So, while the Limetree is compatible with hi-res 24-bit/384kHz PCM music files, they will be downsampled to 192kHz at best. DSD isn’t even on the menu.

Most modern designs don’t suffer from such shortcomings, and just about every one of them also includes either Apple AirPlay or Google Cast, if not both, which the Bridge II doesn’t.

On the plus side, music streaming services such as Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Deezer, Spotify Connect and internet radio are all on the menu. This unit is Roon Ready certified too.

Overall, there is no denying that the Lindemann has some notable gaps in its feature list, and for some, these may be enough to be a deal breaker. We advise people to think carefully about their requirements before considering a purchase.

Look around the back and there are the aforementioned pair of SPDIF digital outputs, a USB Type A socket (for connection to file storage) and the Ethernet LAN socket. Wireless connection to the network is possible too.

Compatibility

So far, the Lindemann Limetree Bridge II hasn’t put up a great showing for something that costs as much as it does. Start using it, however, and things turn for the better. This streaming transport is a breeze to set up thanks to an intuitive and simple app.

It connects to our network without issue, working with a slickness and stability that most rivals would envy. Our NAS units are quickly found, and we’re logged into Tidal and Qobuz in minutes. Even Bluetooth pairing with our elderly iPhone 12 Pro Max is a work of moments.

Given the Lindemann’s price point, partnering it with Chord’s Qutest DAC (£995 / $1625 / AU$2400) seems reasonable. The company makes a partnering Limetree DAC, but we haven’t heard it and so can’t recommend it as a good option. We suspect it will be worth a listen, given our experience of the brand’s other products.

The rest of our system is Burmester’s 088/911 MkIII pre/power and ATC SCM50 speakers, though we also try the Lindemann/Chord front end with the more price-compatible Naim Nait XS3 integrated amplifier driving a pair of Epos ES-14N speakers.

There aren’t many streaming transports on the market, so we decided to use the digital output from the Audiolab 9000N streamer (£2499 / $3699 / AU$5499) as our main comparison. For fun, we also compare the Lindemann’s performance to that of the Wiim Ultra streamer (£349 / $329 / AU$599), with both feeding the Chord DAC.

Sound

Stop reading if you think that the sound of the digital outputs from all these music streamers should be identical, because that’s certainly not what we hear. Feeding the Chord Qutest DAC, the Wiim puts on an admirable show given its relatively low price. However, it clearly loses out in terms of dynamics, detail and rhythmic precision to the others.

The comparison between the remaining two is much closer, but ultimately the Lindemann emerges on top. That’s no slight on the Audiolab, though, given that it includes a good DAC and has many of the features the Limetree Bridge II lacks.

The Lindemann wins out because it is a more expressive and enjoyable performer. As we listen to Sibelius’s Karelia Suite Op.11, it is the Limetree that holds our attention better, thanks to its more fluid sense of drive and more subtle way with dynamics.

There is a touch more detail too, though it is the way the little network transport puts all the information together to form a musical and engaging whole that we enjoy.

It sounds bold and powerful without getting overblown. Large-scale dynamic shifts come through with enthusiasm, yet subtle instrumental strands, and the positive impact they have on the piece, never get overlooked.

Tonality really isn’t something that a streaming transport influences a great deal, as other parts of the system are always going to be more characterful, but we can say that the Bridge II is as even-handed as we would expect it to be. The system’s stereo imaging is pleasingly large-scale and stable. It retains precision even when the music becomes busy.

While the Lindemann/Chord combination is hugely capable, it doesn’t deliver a massive amount of sonic weight or heavyweight bass that some streamers can. What we get instead is class-leading agility and definition of low notes combined with a high level of transparency.

That’s a trade-off we are happy with.

We spend many hours working through our music collection from our NAS units as well as streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz. Nina Simone sounds as passionate and forceful as we would expect, her voice on Sinnerman is as clear and driven as we’ve heard at this level.

The instrumental backdrop sounds on point rhythmically and carries us along in the music’s energy. Radiohead’s The National Anthem blasts out of our ATCs with no shortage of enthusiasm. There is refinement to the sound but it doesn’t go as far as civilising a hard-charging track such as this.

It’s equally good news when we try the Bluetooth connection with our iPhone. While such a connection would never be our first choice for top-class sound, there is no denying its convenience. Using this input, the Limetree sounds solid, bold and capable, proving stable in use.

There is a good level of insight, and we find ourselves enjoying Armand Amar’s Poem Of The Atoms II rather than worrying about any degradation the wireless format may have added. We can’t ask for any more than that.

Verdict

We are surprised that there aren’t more streaming transports available given the sheer number of products in the market that have digital inputs.

The Lindemann Limetree Bridge II may not look like anything special, and its feature set may be a problem for some, but when it comes to performance, we have heard few alternatives that we prefer.

Review published: 20th June 2025

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 4
• Features 3

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Also consider the Cambridge Audio EXN100

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

I've spent an ungodly amount of time with the WiiM Ultra music streamer. We usually pack up a product after we have reviewed it, to make space for the next one, and then the one after.

But ever since we reviewed the Ultra in February, I haven't been able to part ways with it. It has remained unboxed, connected and in constant play in our test room.

It isn't just because it's a very appealing five-star performer with an attractive touchscreen display; it's also because the very stable Ultra has been useful for our general testing process.

The Ultra has been handy for checking status and features when Qobuz Connect launched in May; for double-checking our internet connection when another streaming product is misbehaving or can't see our media servers; for trying out smaller desktop systems; for running in wired headphones.

Over the past few months, I have also delved even deeper into the Ultra and its myriad settings in the WiiM Home app that lets you customise nearly everything related to source inputs, audio quality and even its display settings.

So here are the key settings that I think you should check out to get the most out of the WiiM Ultra.

1. Customise EQ settings for each audio source

That the WiiM Ultra has EQ settings is no secret and is to be expected in a product of this type. That you can set different EQ settings for every input is a level of customisation that we don't often see.

There is a 10-band graphic equaliser that you can customise and save your own setting, as well as 24 preset options. Acoustic is my favourite preset EQ, as it adds a little more punch and immediacy to vocals, although it does bring the mids a little more forward in the balance.

As an alternative, there is a more-involved parametric EQ setting that offers a different way to make finer adjustments across the frequency bands, by inputting numbers for every frequency, gain and Q factor. We suggest leaving this one to more advanced users.

These EQ settings are available across all inputs – Wi-fi, phono, HDMI ARC, line, optical, Bluetooth – meaning you can tailor the EQ settings for each of your connected devices to your heart's content.

2. Per-source volume control

This isn't unusual, but it is a setting that is hidden away in the 'audio input' section in the WiiM app. This feature essentially keeps the volume distinct for each source; it will save the last used volume for each source, so it isn't too loud or too low when switching between multiple inputs.

It's a useful feature if you come across this issue often.

For instance, if you have 50 as your preferred volume level when streaming via wi-fi, but need to have the listening level at 80 when a turntable is plugged into the MM phono input, the volume won't jump to 80 (and be so much louder) when you switch back to the wi-fi input.

3. How much adjustment for each volume step?

Sticking with volume, this is an unusual feature we really like. You can set the amount of volume adjustment that one step or button press takes. Scroll down in the app's settings page until you get to the Hardware section, and you'll find a "Knob Volume Step" option.

There are five levels here – fine adjustment, small step, medium step, large step and quick adjustment – so you can choose how much of a leap you want one volume step change to make.

I prefer being able to make super-fine volume adjustments with my music's volume, but others might prefer a more obvious and greater step up. Definitely one worth experimenting with.

4. Selecting max digital output resolution to match your DAC

If you have an older DAC in your system or one that isn't capable of accepting higher resolution limits, then you can adjust the Ultra's digital output resolution limits accordingly in 'audio settings'.

Some DACs can't handle files beyond 96kHz; some might even have lower limits. To ensure music can be played, WiiM lets you select 16-bit or 14-bit and 44.1, 48, 96 or 192kHz options for the coaxial and optical outputs.

The WiiM will play a test audio sound to check that your connected DAC (or "downstream device") can support the selected resolution. If no audio tone plays, you'll have to pick a lower resolution.

5. Adjust line-out levels to match active speakers or power amp

In the 'audio output' or 'audio settings' sub-sections, you have the option to adjust the line-out level. This setting is useful if you are connecting the WiiM Ultra to a pair of active speakers or a power amplifier, and using the Ultra as a preamp.

Line-out level matches the Ultra's output to the input sensitivity of the active speaker or power amp.

If the WiiM's output level is too high, then all of your volume adjustment is done in the very short first travel as you move the volume dial. This doesn't give you a lot of subtlety for volume adjustment.

If you find this is an issue, then setting a lower line-out level – from 2 Vrms down to 500 or 200 mVrms – allows you to use more of the volume control travel and as a result, you get more scope for making subtler volume adjustments.

6. Set presets for your favourite playlists and radio stations

This is one of the key attractions of the WiiM Ultra's touchscreen display – so it's not exactly a hidden benefit, but one I think is worth highlighting as it's my favourite feature.

Being able to set presets on streamers isn't new, but on the WiiM Ultra you can save up to 12 presets that you can easily access via the display screen's app. You can save your most-used BBC radio station (6 Music for me), your favourite Tidal or Qobuz playlists (or both), and even an album you love replaying in full.

By having these presets available at your fingertips through the screen, it negates the need to pick up your smartphone and fire up the WiiM app – unnecessary additional steps.

I find that selecting the preset from the unit rather than the app is always quicker and easier, and means I can start playing music with no delay.

7. Customise the display to show sampling rates (and personalised wallpaper backgrounds)

Here are some fun settings – rather than audio-related – to customise your Ultra to how you want to use it. You can set alarms, change the screen brightness, toggle on/off the display screen or status lights, change the clock settings and the background wallpaper.

There are various clock-face designs you can choose from, or you can customise the background wallpaper to use photos from your camera roll, either as a static display or as a slideshow. You can display holiday snaps, abstract artwork or photos of your pet – it's a great way to really personalise the Ultra to be your own.

Additionally, can opt for full album artwork or VU meters as the playback screen, but I prefer the option where you can see the sample rate (e.g. 24-bit/96kHz) and bitrates (e.g. 2820kbps) being played with each source clearly displayed.

Nerdy, I know, but it is satisfying to see.

MORE:

Read our WiiM Ultra review

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Our guide to the best music streamers across all budgets

If you're looking for a budget music streamer to add to your hi-fi system, it's quite likely that you will be considering one of WiiM's fine models, such as the superb Pro Plus. But I've spotted an even cheaper option.

You can now get the Audiolab 6000N Play streamer for the ridiculously low price of just £199 at Peter Tyson. That's even cheaper than the £219 you'll pay for the current five-star and Award-winning WiiM Pro Plus.

We reviewed the Audiolab 6000N Play in 2020 when it cost £449, but the price has dropped to £249 in recent years. Right now, however, you can get an additional £50 off if you sign up to Peter Tyson's VIP club – and it's free to join with no hidden charges.

£199 is dirt-cheap for any hi-res music streamer, especially one with Audiolab's pedigree. While it's an older model and may not have all the bells and whistles of newer units, its core network music streaming credentials remain solid.

The 6000N Play is superb value for this ultra-budget deal price. Whether you're looking to modernise an old hi-fi system with network streaming capabilities or simply have a strict budget, this is a fine option at a great price.

With its screenless front, the Audiolab 6000N Play is an unassuming piece of kit, but inside lies Audiolab's hi-fi expertise coupled DTS’s Play-Fi hi-res, multi-room streaming platform.

You have an array of streaming services at your fingertips, including Spotify Connect, Tidal, Amazon Music, Qobuz, TuneIn internet radio and more. As an older product, it may not have support for newer features such as Qobuz Connect and Tidal Connect, but it has the basics covered nicely.

The Audiolab at its core is a network player with DLNA and UPnP compatibility, meaning it can play hi-res music files up to 24-bit/192kHz from a networked server or music library stored on a hard drive.

The unit is controlled via the third-party DTS Play-Fi app, which we found to be relatively fuss-free and simple to use in our testing for all the basic controls, even if it's perhaps not as slick and sophisticated as newer options from WiiM or BluOS.

The Audiolab has a couple of nice features at your disposal too, such as the ability to assign up to six custom presets so you can hit a button and be taken straight to the source of your choosing, whether that’s a streaming service or your favourite internet radio station.

We were “agreeably entertained” during testing, calling the 6000N Play an “insightful and involving listen” and an “affordable way to implement streaming into your system without compromising sonic quality”. Pricier (and newer) streamers such as the Bluesound Node (2024) and Cambridge Audio MXN10 will offer greater punch and dynamic subtlety, but the 6000N Play counters with a clarity, openness and a down-the-middle tonal balance that remains a pleasing listen.

Being able to snag a former Award-winner that is still ongoing for this super-low £199 deal price is unheard of. So if you've been in the market for a network music streamer that suits your needs and tight budget, don't miss out on this fantastic Audiolab deal.

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It's no secret that WiiM's streaming products have taken the hi-fi world by storm. The amount of features and performance they pack into compact, affordable boxes is impressive, but the true secret of its success lies in WiiM's excellent operating system and streaming platform.

The WiiM Home app – crucial to the streaming experience – is well designed, easy to use for hi-fi novices and seasoned audiophiles, and the platform itself is terrifically robust.

No wonder then, that Pro-Ject has decided to tap into WiiM's software expertise for its new streaming amplifier, the Pro-Ject Uni Box S3, while bringing its own analogue expertise to the amplifier side. Pro-Ject and WiiM share the same distributor in the UK (Henley Audio), so perhaps the collaboration isn't entirely a surprise, but it's a smart move.

The Uni Box S3 is based on the same dual-mono architecture analogue design as that of the MaiA S3 integrated amplifier, offering 40W per channel into 4 ohms (or 23W per channel into 8 ohms).

Here, Pro-Ject promises to "preserve the rich character of analogue sound by keeping the analogue signal path intact." Pro-Ject says that any source connected to the analogue inputs remains analogue throughout, with no extra digital conversion marring the signal.

The preamplifier and power amplifier sections are kept fully analogue, while the brand has "taken great care to integrate the streaming input with clear separation of analogue and digital devices".

Connectivity is ample from this compact unit, allowing you to connect to a CD player, turntable, TV and a pair of headphones.

You get a moving-magnet phono stage, a dedicated headphone amplifier with 6.3mm output, RCA line level, optical and coaxial inputs, and an HDMI eARC input. There is also a subwoofer output.

Wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.1 are on the menu, while the WiiM streaming platform brings support for Qobuz, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Deezer, Amazon Music, TuneIn internet radio, and many more. We've asked if Qobuz Connect is supported in this unit, and will update this article as soon as we have an answer.

Instead of using an ESS Sabre DAC as we have seen in many streaming products we have tested recently, Pro-Ject instead opts for a Cirrus Logic CS4344 DAC in the Uni Box S3, which can handle up to 24-bit/192kHz hi-res files.

Also new is the Pro-Ject Home app, which is very similar to WiiM's Home app in design, allowing you to adjust EQ settings, control multi-room features and playback across other connected Pro-Ject units.

Housed in an aluminium chassis and with a fairly compact footprint, the Uni Box S3 is also designed with longevity in mind.

Pro-Ject claims that by keeping the analogue and streaming elements separate, the Uni Box S3 can continue to function as an analogue system if the streaming tech evolves or becomes obsolete.

The Pro-Ject Uni Box S3 streaming amplifier is available now in black or silver finishes, and costs £699 / $1099 / €799. That's significantly higher than the price of the WiiM Amp Pro we recently tested at £399 / $379 / €459, in comparison.

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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

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Read our review of the WiiM Amp

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

The annual High End Munich show is a place for brands to showcase the pinnacle of what hi-fi can achieve. That takes various forms. They can either be million pound/dollar speakers with wild designs, gigantic amplifiers built like a tank, or they can be ultra-modern and deliver cutting-edge technology, regardless of what form or price this takes.

High End Munich 2025 had a bit of everything this year, but there was one type of product that kept rearing its head as I covered the show: the streaming amplifier. A single box that combines amplifier, DAC, streaming, volume control and inputs; you just have to add speakers.

It’s a neat solution for those who don’t want the complication of separates and mess of wires. But these products have been around for a long while now – so what was different this year?

I think streaming amplifiers have levelled up: the sheer variety of streaming amps available today, packed with the latest streaming tech and DAC chips, and in more desirable shapes, sizes and designs simply appeal more to the modern hi-fi user. Not to mention there are more products with competitive specifications available across the price spectrum these days.

One common theme I saw that has elevated this new crop of streaming amps above its predecessors? A full-colour touchscreen display. This shouldn’t feel revolutionary, but it does prevent these products from feeling like yet another anonymous black rectangular box. These streaming amplifiers are more inviting and engaging – literally.

As I noted when reviewing the WiiM Ultra, the touchscreen display invites you to interact with the streamer, thus giving you a more tactile connection with your hi-fi. It’s also more accessible and quicker to use at times than firing up the app, too – always a bonus.

The new WiiM Amp Ultra, then, is the affordable streaming amplifier that heads my list of the best streaming amp launches from Munich. Whereas WiiM’s current streaming amps – WiiM Amp and step-up WiiM Amp Pro – are discreet, minimal designs, the screen-toting Amp Ultra design makes total sense for a modern streaming amplifier. It will make it easier to control playback and quickly access your presets in particular, if it follows the same blueprint as the Ultra.

This model combines the Ultra’s slick streaming platform with 100 watts per channel amplification in a tidy compact box. Pricing will be announced later this year, but we have to assume it will remain affordable and competitive, as WiiM has proven so far. £400 / $400 perhaps? A bargain.

Eversolo Play is another streaming amp that will be leveraging the brand’s excellent streaming interface and touchscreen display, both of which we praise highly in our DMP-A6 streamer review.

Like the WiiM, this is a compact, desktop-friendly design that doesn’t look like a traditional hi-fi product. The colourful screen dominates the product and offers extensive scope to access all your apps and features with a tap and swipe, in an experience akin to using your smartphone.

There is also a CD Edition of the Eversolo Play, which features an integrated CD-ROM drive to the design – which is hugely appealing for physical media fans, of which there remains many of us! Costing £599-£699 / $699-$799 depending on the model you get, this could be the sleeper hit of the year.

Going up the price ladder, we saw new streaming amplifiers launch from NAD, Lyngdorf and Cyrus Audio. NAD’s M33 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is a feature-packed model, introducing MQA Labs' new FOQUS and QRONO technologies for a more accurate signal conversion, along with Gen 2 Purifi Eigentakt amplification modules and the popular Dirac Live Room Correction. This one is yours for a more premium £4999 / $5999 price tag, and is available in August.

Lyngdorf’s TDAI-2210 (£3499 / $4499) is the middle child of the Danish brand’s streaming amplifier range. Its USP is that it uses fully digital amplifiation (not Class D), with 105 watts per channel and RoomPerfect calibration to fine tune the sound to your room. Lyngdorf promises “best-in-class volume control” and the “most uncolored sound you have ever experienced”.

Possibly the most exciting model is the Cyrus 80 AMP. It has us interested for two reasons: it’s the first time Cyrus has gone full-width, a historic moment in the hi-fi world on par with Naim ditching olive green from its identity. And second, we have loved what Cyrus has done with the 40 Series – both visually and sonically – and the step-up 80 AMP looks the business.

I only saw a display model at the show, as it was just a preview, but it looks smart – the modern redesign makes even more sense in a full-width design, with the crisp and clear touchscreen display and illuminated dials and icons looking very enticing.

The 80 AMP also runs on the BluOS streaming platform, but features Class A/B amplification – 150W per channel – which is a departure from the dominant Class D usage in the products in this list. The Cyrus 80 AMP is out in November with price set to be in the £3000-£4000 region.

It should go without saying that all the products here support not just various streaming methods and apps (bar a few notable omissions depending on the brand/platform), but also ample physical analogue and digital connectivity, with an HDMI ARC input pretty much standard across all new streaming amps.

What's more, these are products that have the sense of being a bit more grown up, having learned lessons from previous generations and refined what is required of a modern streaming amp.

I haven't heard any of these new streaming amplifiers yet, but I can hope – and reasonably expect – that the sonic performance has also matured across the board, even accounting for the compromises made when combining all separate hi-fi elements under one roof.

I have reviewed and used various streaming amplifier over the years – from the premium Naim Uniti Atom to the Cambridge Audio Evo 75 to the more recent Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier – but this next generation of streaming amps is the one to get me properly excited.

I can’t wait to try them out.

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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.

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

WiiM has taken the affordable audio world by storm in recent years with its high-value streamers and amplifiers, the most compelling of which so far have been the Pro Plus and Ultra streamers. The brand has emerged as an unlikely frontrunner in the budget streaming component space, and it isn’t stopping there.

Having formerly partnered with multi-room mogul Audio Pro to dip its toes into the wireless speaker waters with two ‘WiiM Edition’ models, the company is now diving into it with its very own smart speaker.

The WiiM Sound reminds us of something, don’t you think? Indeed, its resemblance to Apple’s established HomePod is difficult to ignore, but look past that obvious design inspiration and WiiM’s knack for offering extensive features and an accessible user experience begins to surface.

The Sound is based on WiiM’s operating system, controlled by the accompanying Home app, offering owners myriad ways to stream their music. There’s support for Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and DLNA, with Google and Alexa voice control covering the ‘smart’ in smart speaker, too.

The speaker can work in a multi-room environment with other WiiM products; two Sounds can be paired together to make a left/right stereo set-up; and home cinema integration is possible by using the speaker as a surround or centre channel in a Dolby 5.1 solution.

Room correction and EQ customisation could well be further useful in-app features, too. Not an app kind of music listener? An alternative means of playback control comes courtesy of a 1.8-inch touchscreen. This has been a much-rumoured feature for Apple’s next HomePod family member, so has WiiM beaten the tech giant to the punch?

Only time in our test room will tell us how competitive the Sound, er, sounds, of course, but its audio specs are promising, if not unique. A four-inch woofer and dual-balanced mode radiator tweeters together deliver 100 watts of “room-filling” audio, with hi-res support included all the way up to 24-bit/192kHz.

What may well be key to how competitive WiiM’s smart speaker turns out to be is its price, which will be announced later in the year.

The company’s success has largely been down to its cutthroat pricing, so we believe it’s likely the WiiM Sound will undercut the £299 / $299 / AU$479 Apple HomePod.

So what about this other ‘surprising first’? Indeed, WiiM is branching out into a second new product category this year – subwoofers. The Sub Pro's size makes it an unusual partner for something as compact as the Sound, but clearly WiiM believes the affordable sub is an opportunity market.

The Sub Pro is a 250-watt Class D design with an eight-inch driver and many of the company’s smart audio integrations – audio streaming (via wi-fi or Bluetooth) via the Home app and automatic room correction, plus an RCA input.

Again, pricing will be announced later in the year.

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WiiM may be spreading its wings by entering two new product markets this year, but it is also buckling down on its speciality – affordable streaming components.

Its new Amp Ultra is a streaming amplifier that, by name at least, combines the talents of its Ultra streamer with those of its existing Amp (and Amp Pro) streaming amplifier. We may not have loved the Amp when our expert reviews team tested it last year, but the Ultra streamer proved, like its cheaper Pro Plus sibling, a runaway success.

If it is indeed the foundation of WiiM’s latest streaming product, and the company can build on that with decent-sounding amplification circuitry, the WiiM Amp Ultra should be a tantalising proposition that's hard to resist.

WiiM says that the Amp Ultra builds on the streaming power of the Amp and Amp Pro models, delivering 100 watts per channel (into eight ohms) compared with 60 watts.

That touchscreen from the Ultra, which we described as “nearly as slick as using a smartphone screen”, has been carried over, while the aluminium chassis is also familiarly minimalist.

As with all products in the company’s ecosystem, the central nervous system of the Amp Ultra is WiiM’s operating system and Home app, which is an access gateway to several music streaming apps, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal and Qobuz.

Google Cast, Alexa Cast, DLNA, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Bluetooth are also supported, as is voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant and the included WiiM Voice Remote.

WiiM product users will be familiar with the additional functions offered by the app, such as automatic room correction, multi-room grouping and control, and EQ customisation.

And in addition to its music duties, the Amp Ultra offers TV integration features such as HDMI ARC, Dolby Digital decoding and a subwoofer output. In fact, as the streaming amplifier can simultaneously power up to four passive speakers, it can be used as the hub in a multi-channel (up to 4.1) speaker system, or alternatively used to drive a couple of stereo set-ups in the home.

With the Ultra, Amp and Amp Pro each priced below £400 / $400 / AU$600, could the WiiM Amp Ultra be the component to push the ceiling higher? We will have to wait patiently to find out; WiiM says it will announce pricing later this year.

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There is a small but significant change happening in the world of hi-fi right now. While traditional separates set-ups are still going strong, many manufacturers are now putting together complete systems that offer customers new to the world of hi-fi everything they need in one box, from all the components to even cables.

This may not feel like a particularly revolutionary endeavour (or even a new one), but it's one that has been missing in recent years. As brands are searching for ways to entice the next generation of hi-fi fans into the fold, I think this is a considered and inviting approach.

At the Bristol Hi-Fi Show earlier this year, I heard a refrain of "smaller systems in a box" being repeated in various rooms throughout the show weekend, with manufacturers feeling the urgent need to entice younger audiences to the world of hi-fi in a more appealing, beginner-friendly way.

You can't expect someone new to hi-fi separates to care about system matching and finding the cables straightaway. Not everyone is as keen about the minutae when starting on their hi-fi journey. Not everyone has the space these days for multiple large boxes, either.

And it would be wrong for us seasoned hi-fi fans to assume and insist this should be the case for anyone with a fledgling interest in good audio kit. I, my friends and so many of my colleagues would have started listening to music on a Walkman, Discman, an all-in-one stereo boombox picked from the Argos catalogue or similar. We didn't care about sampling rates or DSD files; we just wanted to listen to our music in the most accessible, space-saving (and affordable) way possible.

When unboxing the WiiM Amp Pro streaming amplifier recently, I was struck by how generous (and unusual) it was that all the interconnect cables you'll need – optical, RCA and HDMI – are included in the box.

Some brands used to do the same in previous years, but we imagine it stopped being in vogue due to cost-cutting measures. There is also the notion that most hi-fi buyers will already have a box of spare cables, or will choose and buy their own cables separately (and perhaps even carefully match their new components).

But what of newcomers to hi-fi, who are starting afresh and won't have a stash of tangled cables to dig into? Of course we want hi-fi fans to appreciate good kit and take an interest, but shouldn't we appeal to them without expecting them to know what an S/PDIF socket is from the start? Giving them a helping hand as they start their journey can go a long way, especially if we want help them graduate from that one-box wireless boombox.

It's not like this 'younger generation' isn't interested in enjoying higher quality music, especially in old-school physical formats. Just look at the ongoing popularity of vinyl and turntables – sales are continuing to rise year-on-year and people's interest (especially the younger generation, thanks to Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and more releasing their new albums on vinyl) in this pricey but enduring analogue format isn't abating.

The demand for hi-res and higher-quality streaming from Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music (and even Spotify) is growing, too – so there is a genuine interest and demand for quality. Alongside this is the demand for instant access, for convenience, and for being able to listen to music without any barriers.

Newcomers to the industry like WiiM have also proven there is huge appetite for tech-laden separates components; they're just wrapped up in a more modern, consumer-friendly skin than the long, rectangular black boxes we've come to associate with hi-fi.

WiiM's affordable pricing and super compact form factor are a huge part of their appeal. I think its products are also a great example of eliminating barriers simply by offering all the cables and accessories you need in the box (for no extra cost), as I've encountered with the Ultra streamer and Amp Pro.

It means you can plug your new hi-fi product to your TV or turntable straight away – there's no delay or guesswork, you don't have to know the name of the connections, and if you don't need a specific cable right then, at least you have it spare for later.

Ruark Audio is another brand that also wants to make it easy for younger generations to start their audio journey, or for parents to pass on their hi-fi to their kids.

The Ruark Sabre-R bookshelf speakers and R610 streaming amp can be purchased together as a complete system. It is compact and stylish, boasts all the modern streaming smarts as well as hi-fi heritage.

Unboxing the R610 uncovered a surprise: there were speaker cables included in the box. Now, I can't remember if I've ever seen speaker cables included with a hi-fi product, let alone a modern streaming amplifier. Even the cheapest speaker cables can get pricey once you add up the length you need (and times by two), so this is a great touch by Ruark.

And it makes perfect sense here; the compact R610 'music console' has network streaming, Bluetooth, Tidal/Spotify Connect and internet radio all included, so all you need to do is add a pair of speakers to complete the system. Bundling in a pair of speaker cables brings the customer closer to that ultimate aim: enjoying listening to your new stereo kit straightaway.

Pro-Ject is taking it another step further. Recognising that people want a proper turntable, but many not know all the elements you need in a system to play a record (e.g. a phono stage, an amplifier), it puts everything you need in just one box.

The Pro-Ject Colourful Audio System E and step-up Colourful Audio System 2 provide you with a turntable, a super compact amplifier (that includes phono stage, analogue and digital inputs, even Bluetooth) and a pair of bookshelf speakers, including all the cables needed to hook everything up and get music playing.

Like WiiM and Ruark, the components in this complete Pro-Ject system aren't the full-width size of traditional separates; apart from the turntable, they're fairly compact and easy to fit on most furniture. That they come in a variety of matching, fetching shades is attractive, too.

This means your new customer can have a hi-fi system ready to go from unpacking just one box – without needing to visit a shop, Google for additional components or put in an Amazon order for anything missing.

It's a neat and appealing proposition; much more so for many of the younger generation, who likely won't have ever set foot in a hi-fi shop, or find it a bit daunting. There can be an element of gatekeeping or the need for you to know a system's technical specifications by heart when stepping into the world of hi-fi – but really, the main aim is to listen to and enjoy music, isn't it?

If we as an industry – one which still very much loves and cares for this particular hobby of ours – want the younger generation to get involved and appreciate just how amazing music can sound on great-quality kit, why not make that introduction to 'proper' hi-fi more welcoming and easier to access?

And once they're hooked in, well... we know it's all uphill from there.

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Today marks Day 2 of the High End Munich show!

It's the last time Europe's biggest hi-fi trade show takes place in Munich (the show moves to Vienna next year), and it's going out with a splash. There are over 500 exhibitors and 1000 brands showcasing the latest and greatest audio products throughout the week. The show started on Thursday, 15th May and ends on Sunday 18th.

The What Hi-Fi? team are on the ground at the MOC Event Center Messe München to bring you all the latest hi-fi news and launches, while raising a stein (or two!) to the venue's last hurrah.

We've already seen multiple launches from some of the biggest hi-fi brands out there, including high-end amplifiers from Mark Levinson, Audiolab's new DACs, a high-end streamer from dCS, a new phono stage from Chord Electronics, and a special Charlie Brown turntable from Pro-Ject. Scroll down for all the key news and highlights.

We'll be bringing you exclusive product news, hands-on images, first impressions and more insights from the event, so keep an eye on the website, our Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive photos and videos from the show floor.

High End Munich 2025: latest news

Latest news and what to expect

Audiolab
Audiolab has started things off with a bang, announcing two new standalone DACs – the D7 (£499) and pricier D9 (£1099) – that are descendants of the much-loved, well-regarded Audiolab M-DAC. The D7 (pictured above) and D9 are packed with new technologies and features.
Read the full Audiolab D7 and D9 story

Audiovector
The Danish speaker company will be demoing its new flagship R10 Arreté floorstanders, which cost a cool £127,5000 / $165,000 / €147,500 per pair. We've already had a first look and listen to these new floorstanders, and you'll get a chance to hear them yourselves at the show.
I listened to Audiovector's flagship floorstanders, and they're an incredibly fun way to spend a small fortune

Auralic
Auralic will be unveiling its new Aquila X3 streaming media processor at Munich, which promises "a cutting-edge feature set and true modular design, offering users unmatched flexibility and upgradability." The X3 will be on demo to showcase Auralic's LightningCast technology that is said to be "revolutionising high-resolution streaming".

Audio-Technica
There's a new flagship turntable in town. Audio-Technica has launched the AT-LPA2 (pictured above), with chassis and platter made of clear acrylic to achieve that striking transparent look. It comes fitted with the AT-OC9XEN dual moving coil cartridge, has a separate power supply unit, and is yours for £1699 / €1999.
Read the Audio-Technica LPA2 story

Advance Paris
The French brand will be launching a number of new products at the show, details of which are under wraps for now. But if you like the look of the beefy A12 Classic integrated with VU meters, keep an eye out for its new releases.

Astell & Kern
A&K has a brand new flagship portable music player – the A&ultima SP4000 – which is packed with more ways of playing high-resolution music than you would think was possible from a portable device. We don't have official pricing yet, but the previous five-star SP3000 flagship cost £3799 / $3699 / AU$5499, so expect a similarly lofty price.

Burmester
Not content with one product launch at High End Munich, Burmester has refreshed its entire Reference line of products. This sees the arrival of the 257 turntable, 249 preamplifier and 259 stereo power amplifier, which are all brand new designs and share nothing from their predecessors.
Read the Burmester story

Chord Electronics
Chord teased a new flagship product for its Ultima Reference range, and we now know it's the company's flagship Ultima Phonostage (pictured above). We don't have a price at this stage, but it was on display at Munich High End together with some initial specifications.
Read the Chord Ultima Phonostage story

Cyrus Audio
Cyrus has dropped some huge news at High End 2025 with the launch of its first-ever full-width products. The new 80 Series features casework which, according to Cyrus, is simply an extension of that used for its 40 Series. Besides giving its rengineers more room to work in, the new chassis also allows the company to accommodate its external power supply (the 40PSU) in 80 Series products.
Read the Cyrus Audio story

Dali
Dali has brought the bass to High End 2025 with the V-15F, its most powerful subwoofer yet. Weighing over 50kg, it's a bit of a beast with a huge 16-inch driver and no fewer than four continuous flare reflex ports. A serious speaker for stereo and AV use.
Read the Dali V-15F story

dCS
The new Lina DAC X music streamer launched earlier this month and we hope to have a peek of the new £13,500 / $15,500 player at the show. We were impressed with the Lina DAC (five stars), so have high hopes for this evolved step up.
Read the dCS Lina DAC X story

Electrocompaniet
Electrocompaniet will be launching a new product called the EC 5.0, a fully analogue preamplifier, at the show on Friday 16th May.

Elipson
The French brand will be showing off three very different speakers at High End Munich. First up are the eye-catching, globular Planet L Performance speakers, which will be on demo. Also on show are a new version of the Prestige Facet II bookshelf speakers and an updated Legacy range of speakers.

Eversolo
The Eversolo Play streaming amplifier is a new product from the brand that we're keen to see first-hand. It combines extensive streaming features with a Class D amplifier in its compact box, yours for €699. There's also a version with a CD player built-in for €799 – that's a potent combination of talents for a modern do-it-all system!
Read the full Eversolo Play story

Fyne Audio
A new addition to its F700SP line-up will be unveiled at Munich. The F704SP gets the 'Special Production" treatment, with IsoFlare driver technology and innovations drawn from the brand's flagship F1 Series. Price? £20,000 / $26,000 / €24,000 per pair.
Read the Fyne F704SP story

Genelec
Finnish audio brand Genelec will have its mammoth five-way 8381A speakers on demo at the show in a piano black finish. Alongside that are smaller Genelec The One three-way bookshelf speakers that come in a variety of colourful finishes.

Gryphon Audio
2025 marks the 30th year of Gryphon's Antileon Series power amplifier and at High End Munich 2025 the company has launched its fifth-generation version: Antileon Revelation. As with all Gryphon power amps, both stereo and mono versions are available, delivering 160 and 180 watts per channel (RMS) of Class A power, respectively.

Read the Gryphon Audio story

IsoAcoustics
Known for its isolation products, IsoAcoustics will be showcasing two new product ranges: the GAIA Neo and GAIA Titan Neo acoustic isolation feet. Designed to be more user-friendly and flexible than before, thanks to height adjustment and simplified installation.

iFi Audio
iFi has launched the UP Travel Bluetooth DAC – a compact transmitter and receiver that offers hi-res Bluetooth from in-car audio and in-flight entertainment systems to your devices, removing the need for cables and adapters. A 3.5mm connector, 10-hour battery and support for aptX Adaptive and LDAC codecs.

JBL
JBL's flagship, high-end Summit series of loudspeakers has gained three new models, all named after mountains. Joining the giant Everest and K2 models are the smaller-but-still-quite-large Makalu and Pumori floorstanders and Ama standmounter. They start at £14,998 / $19,995 per pair. Ambitious. Read the JBL Summit speakers story

Klipsch
The American speaker brand will have one of its latest flagship horn speakers – the La Scala AL6 – on demo throughout the show, alongside its Klipsch Ojas collaboration speakers. Over at the Motorworld hotel next door, Klipsch's Flexus 300 (the first ever soundbar with Dirac Live) and Reference Premiere speakers will be on show.
Read the Klipschorn AK7 & La Scala AL6 story

Luxman
Celebrating a monumental 100 years, high-end Japanese brand Luxman has launched the P-100 Centennial headphone amplifier and E-07 phono preamp, both of which we expect will be on show.
Read the Luxman Centennial story

Mark Levinson
Mark Levinson has unveiled a whole new range of high-end amplifiers. Its 600 series comprises the No. 626 preamplifier, No. 632 two-channel power amplifier and No. 631 monoblock tower. With prices starting at £24,000 / €28,000 / $25,000 for the No. 626 this is a trio made for serious hi-fi systems.
Read the Mark Levinson 600 series story

Meze Audio
Meze Audio will be showcasing its open-back POET headphones at the show, which launched earlier this year at £1850 / $2000 / €2000. Also making their debut at the show are the new open-back 105 Silva – official price and launch later in the year.
Read the Meze 105 Silva story

Musical Fidelity
We first saw Musical Fidelity's new midrange B1 series of hi-fi separates at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show earlier this year. The B1 xi integrated amplifier and B1c CD player are both on display at Munich, too.
Read the Musical Fidelity B1 range story

NAD
NAD has taken the wraps off two new amps for its Master Series range: the M33 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier (£4999 / $5999) and M23 V2 Stereo Power Amplifier (£3499 / $3999).
Read the NAD story

Nagaoka
The Japanese cartridge brand is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a brand new flagship cartridge. The Nagaoka MP-700 promises "exceptional detail retrieval from vinyl grooves" and is yours for £1149 / $1399.
Read the Nagaoka MP-700 story

Onkyo
We're excited to see Onkyo's Icon series at the show, which marks the brand's return to hi-fi after many years of absence. The Icon includes a streaming integrated amplifier, a network preamplifier and a power amplifier, and they certainly look smart from the pictures we've seen so far.

PMC
PMC has confirmed that it will be demoing its new Prophecy range of speakers, which includes one pair of standmounters, three pairs of floorstanders and a centre speaker, with prices ranging from £2275 / €2775 to £8975 / €10,945.

Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject has unveiled a Peanuts-themed record player – to coincide with comic strip's 75th anniversary – and Charlie Brown's round head on the platter just looks adorable. Previous years saw the launch of the ultra-cool Metallica turntable, the beautiful Pink Floyd one, and the lovely Yellow Submarine deck.
Read the Pro-Ject Peanuts record player story

Qobuz
Finally, the long-awaited Qobuz Connect feature has launched at High End 2025. In line with Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, Qobuz's version will hopefully bring a more seamless streaming experience to your hi-fi system and a simpler way of controlling your Qobuz music library across devices.
Read the Qobuz Connect story

Sennheiser
Head to the Sennheiser booth and try out its "immersive mirror box", which offers a short "multi-sensory light and sound experience, followed by visual snippets with behind-the-scenes insights." We're excited to find out what this experience entails.

T+A
A new streaming integrated amplifier called Symphonia will be on demo, paired with the Talis S 330 floorstanding speakers. Visitors will also get their first look at a new E Series receiver concept running the latest T+A OS user interface – both are currently in development.

TAD
The high-end Japanese brand will be showcasing its ultra high-end TAD-ME1TX standmount speakers, which boast "meticulous engineering and superior materials", with the price tag starting at a wallet-busting £17,500 / $18,200 / €17,300 per pair.

Technics
While we don't have any indication that Technics will be unveiling something brand new at the show, the legendary Japanese brand is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, so expect to see their latest launches – SL-1300G turntable and EAH-AZ100 wireless earbuds (both five stars) – on display.

Wharfedale
We've seen a new range of speakers from Wharfedale at High End 2025. Evo 5 replaces the well-received Evo 4 line and boasts five different models with updated cabinets, drivers and crossovers and new damping technology. Prices start at £549 / €699 / AU$1249.
Read the Wharfedale Evo 5 story

WiiM
WiiM had a big High End Munich last year, launching the WiiM Ultra (five stars) and WiiM Amp Pro (currently being tested). Munich 2025 will be similarly significant thanks to the launch two new product types: the HomePod-looking WiiM Sound smart speaker and the WiiM Sub Pro subwoofer. We're also excited to see the new WiiM Amp Ultra streaming amplifier (pictured above), which combines the Ultra's touchscreen display unit with 100W of amplification, along with plenty of streaming features and connectivity.
Read the WiiM Sound story
Read the WiiM Amp Ultra story

You can see the full list of brands exhibiting this year.

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The best music streamers across all budgets

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

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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Vinyl Week 2025: exclusive reviews, features and advice in the run up to Record Store Day

Our guide to the best stereo amplifiers

Read our LG G5 OLED TV review

In today's world, streaming and vinyl are both claimants to the throne. The cutting-edge former is the most popular and convenient way to play music nowadays, while the nostalgia-soaked latter has become the coolest, most involving and artist-supporting way to enjoy tunes. But unlike monarchs, you don't have to choose between them when it comes to building an audio system, even if your budget is modest – you can have your cake and eat it.

Indeed, this system is designed to bring you joy, whether you're streaming the latest hits or rediscovering classic albums from your library – or, come to that, starting a brand new vinyl collection. And hey, it will even please headphone lovers.

This system is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend an absolute fortune to enjoy great sound. For £1221 / $1798 / AU$2696, you have a delightful blend of digital convenience and analogue warmth, and pretty much cover all bases (save for CDs) with just four products...

The system

• Music streamer: WiiM Ultra (£349 / $329 / AU$599)
• Turntable: Rega Planar 1 Plus (£399 / $725 / AU$899)
• Active speakers: Elac Debut ConneX (£339 / $595 / AU$999)
• Headphones: Røde NTH-100 (£134 / $149 / AU$199)
• Total price: £1221 / $1798 / AU$2696

WiiM Ultra

We get a lot of requests and feedback from our readers about WiiM; the budget Chinese hi-fi brand certainly has many fans out there, who are only too keen to extol its virtues. And, while we have been chastised over our reviews of some WiiM products (we’re mainly looking at you, WiiM Amp), for some of the brand’s offerings, we are in full agreement with the enthusiasts.

The Pro Plus, WiiM’s budget music-streaming offering, was a remarkable achievement, with a performance that you would need to spend twice as much to better. That it won a What Hi-Fi? Award was one of the least surprising announcements we made last October.

WiiM's more recently launched Ultra, however, has possibly a greater challenge. It is much closer in price to those capable rivals than its little brother.

Yet it still enjoys an enthusiastic five-star rating from our review team. Which is why it earns its place as the digital heart of our system here.

This network streamer is packed with features that make accessing your digital music library a breeze. It supports a vast array of streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music, so when you simply want to get your music playing without fuss you will never be short of listening options.

While the Ultra’s feature list is remarkable, this little box impresses us enough with its sonic performance too. It brings a refined sound that is clean and detailed and can extract nuances from recordings with decent precision. The intuitive interface and responsive app make navigating your music library a pleasure, and the build quality feels solid and reassuring. Whether you're streaming your favourite playlists or exploring new artists, the Ultra is an excellent hub for all your digital audio needs.

Rega Planar 1 Plus

Ease of use is all very well – and often very welcome – but sometimes it feels right to make an occasion of your music listening, and go to the trouble of selecting an album and sitting down to a long-playing record. So, to add some analogue magic to the system, we have included the Rega Planar 1 Plus turntable.

Rega’s turntable is a simple, well-engineered deck that delivers a warm, engaging, and thoroughly musical experience. We have gone for the Planar 1 Plus, which has a built-in phono stage, because while the WiiM Ultra does have a phono stage it is one of the weaker aspects of the streamer. The Planar 1 Plus, then, can take care of business in that area – just plug it in and you’re ready to go.

And it will do a great job with your vinyl, revealing the subtle nuances and textures that digital audio sometimes misses. There’s a natural flow to its sound that draws you into the music and keeps you listening. Build quality is excellent, and the minimalist design is both elegant and functional. If you’re looking to rediscover the joys of vinyl or start your collection, this is a great choice.

Elac Debut ConneX DCB41

To keep things in this capable system as streamlined as possible, we have combined amplification and loudspeaker duties into one neat package – Elac’s splendid Debut ConneX DCB41 powered speakers.

These compact wonders may not look imposing, but they deliver a surprisingly big and bold sound. The expansive soundstage brings good stereo imaging, with instruments and vocals placed precisely within the mix, while the bass response is solid and punchy, providing a firm foundation for all kinds of music. To top things off, the midrange is clear and articulate, allowing vocals to shine, and the treble is crisp and detailed without ever sounding harsh.

What sets these Elacs apart is their versatility. With a range of inputs, including HDMI ARC, they can connect to just about anything. This makes them ideal not only for music listening but also for enhancing your TV’s audio, making this system as versatile as they come.

Røde NTH-100

However great your system sounds, there will always be times when the “do not disturb” vibes are buzzing around the house. While we’re all for domestic harmony, it would be a shame not to be able to enjoy your precious tunes whenever you like. So we have added a pair of top-notch, superb value-for-money headphones to this mix.

The Røde NTH-100 are Award-winning over-ears that offer a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to listen for hours without fatigue. They provide a detailed but neutral sound signature, with a wide soundstage and precise imaging, meaning they are excellent for critical listening and allow you to hear every nuance in your recordings. Don’t let that fool you into thinking you won’t have fun when listening to these. They stay nicely within the bounds of entertaining.

And the NTH-100 are built to last, with high-quality materials and robust construction. The cable is detachable, and the ear cushions are replaceable, so these headphones should serve you well for years to come. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the NTH-100 deliver a refined and immersive listening experience.

Our system verdict

The WiiM Ultra provides a seamless and high-quality streaming experience, the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 deliver a lively and engaging sound with surprising scale, the Rega Planar 1 Plus brings the magic of vinyl to life, and the Røde NTH 100 offer a detailed and immersive personal listening experience.

Each component complements the others perfectly, creating a cohesive and enjoyable system that should satisfy even the fussiest of listeners.

Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or just starting your audio journey, this system offers excellent value and a truly enjoyable musical performance. It will encourage you to explore your music collection, discover new artists, and simply enjoy the sheer pleasure of listening. And that, if you don’t mind us saying, is what it’s all about.

MORE:

New to hi-fi and starting from scratch? Here's how to build the perfect hi-fi system

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There’s a common misconception that music streamers are simply about the qualities of their digital chipsets alone. That is, the computer-like streaming module that pulls digital music data from the cloud (from Tidal’s server, say) and packages it into a smooth constant data stream, and the digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) that then turns that data stream into an analogue waveform the rest of your hi-fi system can understand.

It somewhat stems from the broader fallacy that digital audio’s inherent ‘ones and zeros’ makeup means that there can be limited differentiation in their delivery.

But as eloquently illustrated by Cambridge Audio, such chips are comparable to how an orchestra performs: “If the conductor isn’t very good, the orchestra won’t perform as well as they can. However, if the conductor is surrounded by poor musicians or the wrong instruments, again the performance won’t be as good as it could be.”

Indeed, while chipsets do matter, and it is true that all streamers perform one stage of the process with parity (which we’ll get to), their audio performance is predominantly down to how the chips are implemented.

As Paul Neville from Harman International told us, “Engineering a high-quality music streamer requires a holistic approach to the signal path, from the network input to the final analogue output.”

So what exactly matters in music streamer design? Here’s what experts over at Audiolab, Cambridge Audio, Chord Electronics, Cyrus, dCS, Fell Audio, WiiM, Lenbrook (NAD, Bluesound) and Harman International (Arcam, Mark Levinson) had to say about what makes streamers truly sing…

Chips do matter

The streaming module is a crucial music streamer component. It communicates with the source to get your music before packaging it up in a digital language the DAC chip can understand. Up until this point, the digital audio data is more or less handled as it would be had it come from a CD transport.

As dCS’s James Cook tells us, this first process performed by the streaming module guarantees bit-perfect data from a lossless source.

“This means two comparable streamers that support the same version of a streaming service will output an identical data stream,” he says. “This holds true largely regardless of network conditions, the equipment upstream of the network streamer, and to a degree the streamer itself.”

That’s the parity – and to some extent why some people believe that music streamers (those that are DAC-less, anyway) should all sound the same.

What about your home network conditions; does that affect the obtaining of networked music?

“While network stability is important, the reality is that most modern connections, whether wi-fi or wired, offer ample bandwidth for even the highest-resolution audio,” says Cambridge Audio’s engineering team.

“Streaming 4K video with multi-channel audio is a far greater data demand than high-resolution audio. If your network can handle that, it can almost certainly handle your music.”

How the data stream is rendered before the digital-to-analogue conversion stage, however, does make a difference. “The way a streamer unpacks and processes a digital file has already shaped the final sound,” says Fell Audio’s Luke Tyson.

“Its handling and transmission of ones and zeroes within the [circuit] board affect timing, accuracy and ultimately musicality; garbage in, garbage out!”

Tyson says that in this world of increasingly affordable music streamers, “it’s easy to assume that a great music streamer is simply defined by the DAC chipset or streaming module it uses”.

The quality of the streaming and DAC chips themselves does matter – specifically in the case of the latter.

“The first step is selecting the right chip,” says Harman International’s Neville, while Cambridge Audio and Audiolab also stress the importance of using a good-quality DAC chip. But achieving good performance goes far beyond picking expensive chipsets.

“Often you see ‘insert latest DAC name here’ as a marketing bullet point as if just having it in that product guarantees a good sound,” says Cyrus’s Nick Clarke.

But as Audiolab and Cambridge Audio reiterate, the truth is that just as crucial is how it is implemented within and complemented by the surrounding components and circuitry. And often, Clarke continues, “As the performance and functionality of these devices [chips] increase, the scope for not handling them correctly also increases.”

Negating the noise

Several design factors need careful consideration in order to prevent a plague affecting all hi-fi: noise. “Even the best DACs and processors won’t perform optimally if the power supply is noisy or the circuit design introduces unwanted electrical interference,” says WiiM’s Dr. Lifeng Zhao.

Let’s take the power supply. Ideally you want separate supplies feeding the digital (DAC) and analogue (post-DAC) stages with, as Audiolab’s Jan Ertner describes, “clean, consistent power”.

Ertner says that the DAC’s supply in Audiolab’s flagship 9000N (our current Product of the Year streamer) having multiple discrete ultra-low-noise regulators providing power separately to the left and right channels for each conversion stage is a “vital contributor” to its performance.

As an aside, Neville at Harman believes that linear power supplies are preferable to the smaller and arguably more efficient switch-mode supplies here, as they produce less noise and provide “cleaner and more stable power for optimal sound quality”.

As he rightly points out, you need these separate analogue and digital supplies to be isolated from one another, too. And ‘away’ from sensitive circuitry, full stop.

But you can go one better than that. Chord Electronics’ Matt Bartlett says that using a streamer with an external DAC is “one of the best ways to isolate the audio signals, as this allows you to keep all the analogue audio signals you actually listen to, away from any of the noisier streaming functions”.

As we mentioned earlier, the majority of music streamers (including those in our best music streamers buying guide) do, however, have DACs built-in.

Those without one do the pre-DAC music pulling and processing only, are often aspirational designs and are referred to as ‘network transports’ or ‘network bridges’; the recently reviewed Lumin U2 Mini is an example of such.

You then have noise creeping into the audio path or supply from the streamer processing or conversion. Bartlett likens streamers to computers (they are “computers optimised to run dedicated audio/streaming software”), which are inherently noisy.

“They have a lot of clocks and signals that, if not handled correctly, can induce noise,” he says. “This is exacerbated by the need to make the software run as fast as possible to give a positive user experience; users will not appreciate lags and delays in playback if the software cannot keep up. To do this effectively, larger processing and memory is required which, more often than not, also requires faster clocks and more demand on the power supply, and so more noise.”

Cyrus’s Clarke explains that the way streamers receive and decode data – by receiving it in blocks (sometimes referred to as ‘packets’) and placing it in a buffer for decoding in blocks – can also produce noise.

“Specifically when dealing with compressed audio, a poor [decoding] implementation will have measurable artefacts at the block-processing frequency,” he says.

In summary, “A low-noise environment is crucial to unlocking the full potential of high-resolution audio,” says Cambridge Audio.

A question of timing, among other aspects

One of the most important aspects of digital audio delivery is trying to prevent (or minimise) ‘jitter’.

In the case of music streamers, this is the distortion artefact that occurs from slight timing deviations in the clocking signal during the digital-to-analogue conversion stage. These small errors mean the reproduced analogue waveform isn’t exactly the same as the original.

Unsurprisingly then, every manufacturer we spoke to here mentioned the importance of clock design in a music streamer.

The most important one is the ‘master’ that regulates the conversion stage; however Cyrus’s Clarke also explains that there is scope for large amounts of jitter in the sending of data to the DAC (as there is with any digital source pre-DAC).

He says that while modern DACs are then “very good at handling this ‘automatically’, it would be much better if the data was correctly timed in the first place”.

This somewhat goes back to Clarke’s earlier comments that what happens before the DAC stage has an impact, as well as Tyson’s claim that “the way the renderer buffers and reconstructs the digital audio signal before passing it to the DAC can make or break the overall performance”.

For this reason, dCS’s Cook says that for high-performance streamers it is vital that the streaming solution can accept an external clock signal as this helps to ensure that the DAC-bound audio signal leaving the streamer has a low level of jitter.

“A key feature of this is having high-quality clock circuitry inside the product running at integer multiples of the two base audio sample rates (44.1kHz and 48kHz) which can be fed into the streamer,” he says.

Clocks and timing aside, Greg Stidsen of Lenbrook says that the circuit board layout is important too: “How the traces are laid, where the components are placed – all of this affects the sounds to varying degrees.”

Stidsen keenly reminds us that these kind of changes almost exclusively evolved the Bluesound Node 2 (2015) to the Node 2i (2018) on the engineering side of things, and that we noted in our review just how much the performance had improved in the newer model as a result.

Harman International’s Neville agrees that “adherence to high-speed circuit board design principles” is crucial for signal integrity.

Neville and Clarke (Cyrus) discuss how in such hybrid digital and analogue products, careful management of signal grounding (the reference point at which voltages are measured) is also important, with particular focus on where the analogue and digital ground domains intersect to minimise noise and interference.

Of course, Neville adds, on the whole, carefully tuned analogue stages are essential too!

Software and sound

Where digital is the topic of conversation, software isn't far behind.

When you think of music streamer software, you likely think of the app – the thing that can turn your phone or tablet into a practical and intuitive remote control for the platform your streamer runs.

And indeed it’s that operation, alongside the behind-the-scenes design, that impacts not only a product’s user experience but also its audio performance.

Stidsen of Lenbrook – who knows a thing or two about developing streaming systems, with the company’s Bluesound brand having developed its own system (BluOS) based on a Linux kernel – goes as far as saying that “audio quality is defined just as much by software as it is by hardware in a streamer”.

“A well-designed streaming app directly impacts how music sounds, from how the signal is routed to how it interacts with the hardware,” says Audiolab’s Jamie O’Callaghan, tying in with an earlier point that the way in which a streaming platform processes digital data is primarily down to software.

“The various codec implementations and audio chain are all areas where the sound quality can be greatly diminished if the software engineer does not have audio expertise,” adds Stidsen.

WiiM’s Dr. Lifeng Zhao also shares the opinion that hardware alone doesn’t guarantee a great streamer, and it is unfortunate but true that our reviews team has come across great-sounding streamers that we haven’t been able to wholly recommend due to their sub-par user experience.

Nothing is worse than buggy app control prone to drop-outs or lag. Actually, there is one thing: music playback glitches.

“A platform must have a proven track record of stability, ongoing updates and innovations,” says O’Callaghan at Audiolab, while his colleague (and others) stress the importance of platform relevance and longevity, considering the never-ending road of streaming service updates and protocols that lay ahead of music streamer development.

The big picture

Going back to our earlier point, despite those who, from the dawn of digital audio, have insisted that all digital audio kit must sound the same, Audiolab’s Ertner says that “this is demonstrably not the case, and that includes music streamers – even those that use the same streaming platform or chips”.

As several streamer manufacturers have examined here, everything from power supply and analogue stage design to software processing and platform handling impacts streamer sound performance – not just chipset selection.

To that end, Fell Audio’s Tyson proffers a fitting denouement: “A more entry-level ESS Sabre DAC chip, when given a carefully considered discrete power supply feed, better component layout, and efforts to keep signal integrity, can yield superior results and will most likely provide a more complete musical performance than simply opting for the more expensive DAC model.”

So the next time you’re shopping for and comparing music streamer specifications, it would be wise to remember the bigger picture.

MORE:

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Industry sources:

• Audiolab – Jamie O’Callaghan, Global Marketing Director; Jan Ertner, Head of Electronic Design
• Cambridge Audio – engineering team combined
• Chord Electronics – Matthew Bartlett, MD
• Cyrus – Nick Clarke, MD
• dCS – James Cook, Product Marketing Manager
• Fell Audio – Luke Tyson, Design Lead
• Harman International – Paul Neville, Senior Director of Global Audio, Luxury Audio
• Lenbrook Group – Greg Stidsen, CTO
• WiiM – Dr. Lifeng Zhao, CEO

We had our first glimpse of the new WiiM Vibelink Amp at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show last month, and now we have the full final details of this amplifier, including the official pricing.

The Vibelink Amp is a fully standalone integrated stereo amplifier, and it marks WiiM stepping into a brand new category. It's the brand's first product that doesn't include any wi-fi streaming, instead embarking into an arena that has much stronger competition from established hi-fi brands such as Cambridge Audio, Rotel, Rega and Marantz.

WiiM has garnered many fans and high praise for its affordable, feature-packed streaming products, including the Award-winning Pro Plus and five-star WiiM Ultra, but how will it perform as a standalone amplifier?

The Vibelink Amp's specifications sheet looks strong. It boasts 100W per channel into 8 ohms of Class D amplification, with an ESS 9039Q2M DAC chip handling hi-res audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz through the digital inputs. Inputs include a pair of stereo RCA, optical and coaxial (one apiece) alongside a set of speaker terminals on the rear panel. There's no USB input or subwoofer output, although these connections are available on the Ultra music streamer.

WiiM promises "room-filling sound, capable of handling complex soundscapes and details without distortion" along with rich detail and clean sound.

The unit has a large aluminium heatsink and specially designed copper heat pipes to help dissipate the internally generated heat of the amplifier, and uses "PID-based thermal management software to ensure optimal temperature regulation". The amp also incorporates anti-pop noise technology to prevent interruptions in playback when switching between inputs or audio resolution, or when adjusting settings.

On the very minimal front panel you'll find a large volume control knob and a button for selecting the source, next to LEDs that indicate which input is being used.

WiiM says the Vibelink Amp can be used with any of its streamers, but pairing it with the Ultra seems the most natural intention, as both have a very similar footprint and aluminium chassis, and matching finishes of silver and space gray available.

This means you can neatly stack them in a modern twist on a traditional hi-fi separates system, and with this WiiM combo taking up less desk space than your laptop, we can see it having wide appeal for those looking for space-saving systems. A small, slim metal remote with basic controls is also included with the stereo amp.

The price remains ultra-competitive, with the Vibelink Amp costing £319 / $299 – that puts it even cheaper than our current favourite budget stereo amplifier, the Rotel A8 at £399 / $449. We weren't too keen on the WiiM Amp streaming amplifier's sonic chops, but the Vibelink integrated promises even better sound than the upgraded WiiM Amp Pro – so here's hoping it can succeed as its streaming siblings have.

The WiiM Vibelink Amp is available in the US now and will be in the UK from April, and we can't wait to find out how it performs once we get a review sample.

MORE:

Read our WiiM Ultra review

Check out our guide to the best stereo amplifiers

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

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

March is finally here – which means a fresh entry into our Pick of the Month column. Here, then, we detail the top hi-fi and home cinema products to pass through our testing rooms over the past 30 days.

February was a particularly interesting and fast-moving month, with our team having (and happy, of course) to contend with surprise Apple product launches and a wealth of new audio hardware at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025.

Despite that manic rush, we managed to uncover five key products worthy of our hallowed five-star rating over February.

Here’s what you need to know:

The WiiM Ultra is the latest product we have tested from a brand you, our readers, can’t seem to get enough of.

Thankfully, after a sea of comments came flooding in after we announced we were testing it, we can now confirm the sleek music streamer is a fantastic performance-per-pound option for any hi-fi fan.

During testing, despite its lower than you might expect price tag, it competed with a number of heavyweight rivals including the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and Bluesound Node Nano.

Highlights include crisp, clear audio with a balanced tone that works with nearly every genre of music, solid connectivity and streaming support, plus a cool “Mac Mini” like design, complete with a touch-screen interface.

All of which make it an easy recommendation. As our review notes: “With remarkable versatility for its affordable price, the Ultra is a hugely appealing design that is a joy to use.”

Score: 5/5

Read our full WiiM Ultra review

Technics SL-1300G

Technics’ direct-drive record players have carved out a strong niche in the DJ space thanks to their near indestructible build and high-torque motors. Now though, having put it through its paces in our review rooms, we can confirm the brand’s latest new SL-1300G turntable is also pretty awesome for music listening.

Featuring Technics' newest direct-drive system, which combines a twin-rotor motor with the firm’s Delta-Sigma Drive control, the unit delivered excellent results when paired with our reference system. Hence our five star rating and verdict:

“The Technics SL-1300G turntable is a great alternative to the existing class leaders. It is superbly made, easy to use and well-engineered. We love its fuss-free nature almost as much as its powerful and wonderfully stable sonic character. If you are looking for a record player at this level, this one deserves to be heard.”

Score: 5/5

Read our full Technics SL-1300G review

Esoteric F-01/PS-01F

The Esoteric Class A F-01 amplifier is the only Temptations product in this list. It’s an interesting beast: despite costing £22,000 / $18,000 / AU$30,000 it offers just 30 watts of power per channel – which is unusual to say the least.

Thankfully there’s a good reason for this: Esoteric has configured the Class-A amplification intentionally this way to reduce heat.

This, plus clever optimisations to its circuitry and power-supply design, paid of in spades during our tests; the amp delivers excellent detail resolution and class-leading refinement when paired well. As we say in our Esoteric F-01/PS-01F review:

“It should be clear by now that we have fallen for Esoteric’s F-01/PS-01F in a big way. Provided it is matched with care, this hefty integrated delivers one of the most alluring performances we have heard from an amplifier at this level. Yes, it is hugely expensive, but the rich strain of magic that flows through its circuitry is truly spellbinding.”

Score: 5/5

Read our full Esoteric F-01/PS-01F review

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition

The B&W Zeppelin is a piece of hi-fi history. It started life as an iPod dock, before evolving into a premium wireless speaker; sadly, it didn’t quite deliver the goods in that guise, with the 2021 iteration earning a respectable four-star rating from What Hi-Fi?.

Thankfully B&W has come back swinging and fixed the minor wobble on the new Pro Edition. It features the Zeppelin’s iconic design, but benefits from a wealth of under-the-hood updates to its driver design and wireless connectivity. The end result is a cool-looking speaker capable of delivering a muscular, full-bodied sound with plenty of detail. As we say in our review of the Zeppelin Pro:

“Powerful, authoritative and sonically superior to the 2021 edition, we’ve got a whole lotta love for this latest addition to the Zeppelin roster.”

Score: 5/5

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition review

Fyne Audio F501E

The Fyne Audio F501E floorstanders are part of the Scottish brand’s new F500E entry-level range of speakers, which is replacing the firm’s well-received budget F300 series.

What makes them of particular interest is the inclusion of Fyne’s trademark Isoflare driver array, which places the tweeter in the throat of the mid/bass unit in a bid to improve audio performance. This is the first time we have seen the technology trickle so far down Fyne’s portfolio.

Thankfully, we found that, as well as being technically interesting, the floorstanding speakers live up the F300’s legacy and are unfussy to match with other products, while offering excellent sound quality. Highlights include a cohesive, expressive and entertaining presentation with taught and tuneful bass.

This, along with their stellar build quality, makes them an easy five-star recommendation and led our testers to conclude: “Fyne’s F501E are terrific performers for the money and are good enough to upset the established class leaders.”

Score: 5/5

Read our full Fyne Audio F501E review

MORE:

These are the best floorstanding speakers we have reviewed

We rate the best stereo amplifiers

Our picks of the best wireless speakers

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

There are two ways to procure a hi-fi system: build one out of hi-fi 'separates', where every component (amplifier, speakers and at least one source) is housed in a separate box, or buy an integrated system whereby every element can be covered with simply one or two products.

This buying guide covers the latter – integrated multi-tasking music machines that typically pack every job of a system into fewer boxes, making your journey to audio nirvana much simpler. To a large extent, it takes the space, expense and the time to research product synergy and set up out of the equation.

Such hi-fi systems come in many forms. You have all-in-one microsystems complete with speakers; stereo speaker pairs housing everything you need, including amplification and streaming; or single amplifier boxes of streaming, CD- or vinyl-playing electronics to which stereo speakers must be added. And naturally, they vary wildly in performance capabilities and asking prices.

The best of each kind is covered in our definitive list below, but they all share one thing in common: class-leading performance at their price level. They combine flexible features and intuitive usability, too, ensuring they are as pleasing to operate as they are to listen to.

Our expert in-house reviews team tests hi-fi systems throughout the year and across the market, with each one benchmarked against its closest competitors. Naturally, only those that come out of our comprehensive testing criteria with flying colours make it into this definitive hi-fi system buying guide.

Best overall

To look at, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) was just another product cashing in on the whole retro revival, with its walnut-covered casework and old-school VU meters harking back to the classic hi-fi of old.

In no way, however, is this some sort of anachronistic dinosaur. The NAD exists as a decent integrated amplifier, but once fitted with the MDC2 BluOS-D module that gives it streaming powers, it becomes an extremely talented just-add-speakers streaming amplifier.

The NAD is equipped with a moving magnet phono stage, two-way Bluetooth (of the aptX HD variety), coaxial and optical digital inputs and a decent power output of 100 watts per channel. There's also a front panel-mounted 6.3mm headphone output and an HDMI eARC input to help the NAD integrate into an AV set-up.

With that BluOS module included, you can stream music files from your home network, play internet radio or access any of the usual streaming services through wired or wireless means, with support for PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz. The BluOS platform and controller are stable and easy to use with multiple sources and large libraries.

There's no DSD file support on offer here, and while Spotify and Tidal in Connect form are available, Qobuz Connect isn’t just yet. Similarly, Apple AirPlay 2 is on the menu, but Google Cast isn't supported on a BluOS system.

Take a look inside and you will find NAD’s trusted HybridDigital UcD output stage delivering a solid 100 watts per channel into both 4-ohm and 8-ohm speaker loads. The output rises to a claimed 135 watts per channel on short-term dynamic peaks.

A Texas Instruments PCM5242 differential 24-bit/192kHz DAC chip is at the heart of the C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module)'s digital circuit, with NAD’s engineers choosing it for its dynamic performance and resistance to clock jitter.

As a result, the streaming amp really packs a punch. The NAD has a huge array of talents on which it can draw, exhibiting outstanding midrange clarity and fluidity to make vocals shine, and while it can be subtle and refined, the BluOS-boosted C 3050 has the bite and brawn to give orchestral pieces the cinematic treatment.

As we said in our review, the NAD "sounds muscular, delivering lows with a richness and punch that’s enjoyable. The presentation is airy but still manages to retain the music’s exuberance" no matter what we feed it.

With its retro appeal, outstanding sonic abilities and enviable streaming smarts, the C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) is highly recommended as a beautifully rounded streaming package.

Read our full NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) review

Best microsystem

The default budget all-in-one system choice for years, this Denon multi-Award winner is still at the top of its game, so much so we're yet to really find anything of its type that can outdo it at a similar price.

You can buy the D-M41DAB with or without Denon's own speakers. Without, the system is called RCD-M41DAB and can be found online for under £250 / $350 / AU$500. The speakers are dubbed SC-M41; put the two together and you have the D-M41DAB. Indeed, we'd happily recommend Denon's speakers if you don't have your own already.

The inclusion of Bluetooth (which can be turned on or off to avoid affecting the D-M41DAB’s overall performance) is cause for celebration, as is the superb sound quality. In terms of performance, this system could hold its own against groups of separates at a greater cost, with a graceful, insightful and expressive sound.

"The combination of low-end stability and dynamic sensibilities leaves us with a remarkably human performance for a hi-fi system at this price," our in-house experts penned in our D-M41DAB review.

Microsystems may seem like a dated concept nowadays, but this Denon proves that they can still be a perfect route to convenience and great-value sound; a way to get true stereo room-filling sound that a one-box system can't always deliver. A truly remarkable system for the money.

Read our full Denon D-M41DAB review

Best budget speaker system

If you're seeking a great, affordable active wireless speaker system, the Award-winning Triangle AIO Twin is your best bet. These active speakers have fully-fledged streaming support, making them a perfect little system in their own regard without needing an external source or amplification.

The handsome AIO Twin can play just about anything, from Bluetooth streams with apX HD support to music files stored on your home network (via wired Ethernet or wi-fi), with the likes of Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer all supported. You can even get your vinyl spinning thanks to the Triangle's handy built-in phono stage.

Physical connections, meanwhile, include an RCA analogue pair, 3.5mm aux input, an optical input, USB-A for charging your phone, and a subwoofer output if you're keen on boosting your bass via a three channel setup.

It won't let you down sonically, either. As we said in our original review, the AIO Twin is "incredibly fun to listen to. It’s an enthusiastic performer, happy to tackle any music genre and recording quality, and simply wants you to enjoy the music being played".

That sense of fun is tempered by an underlying mature and composure, offering excellent handling of timing and dynamics and a its balance across the frequencies, anchored by a taut, controlled bass reproduction.

The phono stage isn't quite up to the standard the rest of the Triangle exhibits, and while its peppy character remains the same, it doesn’t sound as clear, precise or expressive compared with the other inputs. If you're serious about your records, maybe invest in an external phono stage.

That aside, if you’re looking for a fun music system that also sounds hugely capable in hi-fi terms, and that you don’t have to pay big money for, the Triangle AIO Twin is well worth your attention.

Read our full Triangle AIO Twin review

Best desktop speaker system

The KEF LSX II LT represents outstanding value for money. Taking the original recipe of the Award-winning LSX II, dropping a few minor features (no aux input here, sadly) and replacing the wireless inter-speaker link with a purely wired connection, the desktop and lifestyle-friendly LT represents as much pound-per-sound performance as you're likely to get from an all-in-one wireless speaker system of this type.

Acting as a network streamer, Bluetooth receiver and amplifier built into a compact pair of stereo speakers (the speakers are smaller than the Triangle AIO Twin boxes above), the KEF LSX II LT is a great way of getting the look and feel of proper hi-fi speakers without the need for a host of separates and external modules.

KEF's slimline system offers streaming over DLNA or from Tidal, Spotify Connect, Roon compatibility and AirPlay 2, as well as the very useful addition of HMDI ARC and USB-C for TV and laptop/phone connectivity respectively. All of that functionality in units that only stand 24cm tall? Very nice.

Just because the LSX II LT slimmed down the original LSX II's suite of connections, that doesn't mean the sound has suffered as a result. In fact, the sound is unchanged between the two five-star models, which is excellent news. The LSX II LT house a Class D power amplifier dedicated to each drive unit, with 30 watts driving the 19mm aluminium tweeter and 70 watts powering the 11.5cm aluminium mid/bass for each channel making for 200 watts in total.

That power, when feeding KEF's patented Uni-Q driver array, makes for sonic magic. As our in-house experts noted in our review: "There’s very little fatness to the KEFs, and while that might have you summoning adjectives such as “thin” or “lean” in your mind, the LSX II LT instead feel immediate, taut and controlled, like a ballerina’s calves as they perform a perfect plié.

The ballet dancer analogy is an apt one, in fact, with the LSX II LT also conjuring the sort of subtle mix of emotional expression and insight combined with the deft aptitude for control, poise and perfect balance so often exhibited by the likes of Fonteyn or Nijinsky."

This entry-level KEF system is a superb step up from the more budget Triangle AIO Twin above. If you can push your budget just a little further (and are happy to wait until discounts and sales periods arrive), the LSX II LT makes for a fantastic investment, especially for smaller spaces.

Read our full KEF LSX II LT review

Best premium speaker system

Premium versions of the LSX II LT above, KEF's sequel to its outstanding LS50 Wireless speakers improves on greatness – no easy feat, even for an audio brand as surefooted as KEF.

They sit below the very premium JBL 4329P as well as KEF's pricier LS60 Wireless offerings in the burgeoning market, in terms of both price and performance, but if the LS50 Wireless II suit your budget more, you won't be disappointed with this premium system.

Like their illustrious predecessors, the LS50 Wireless II serves as a superb all-in-one system (streaming and amplification are built-in) by dint of their advanced connectivity. Improvements include upgraded components and a new KEF Connect app where you can access the likes of Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Deezer. Not that you'll need to reach for any of the aforementioned apps; these speakers are capable of streaming via AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth, and are also Roon Ready.

KEF's striking design is matched by stunning sonics, enhanced by refreshed Uni-Q drivers and KEF's all-new MAT absorption technology. The presentation is more refined and the addition of MAT can be heard in the treble and midrange, which our in-house experts described as "cleaner-cut".

Our LS50 Wireless II review reads: "The whole presentation has been opened out, that extra room not only filled with subtler, more precise detail, but also allowing for greater instrument separation."

Quite simply, if you're in the market for a high-fidelity all-in-one system packed with streaming smarts, this sophisticated sequel should top your list.

Read our full KEF LS50 Wireless II review

Best budget streaming amp

If you're looking to build a neat, versatile and streaming-savvy hi-fi system for around £500 / $500 / AU$1000, the WiiM Amp Pro isn't a bad foundation from which to start. (Nor are the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 speakers terrible partners for it!)

This new streaming amplifier is the most affordable we can recommend of its kind, costing just £399 / $379 / AU$699, and it ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to connectivity, usability and performance.

You get a wealth of connectivity, both in terms of streaming and physical sockets, including Spotify Connect, Chromecast, Bluetooth and HDMI (albeit not AirPlay 2). And the app-controlled streaming platform is both smart and user-friendly.

Sound-wise, you get a clean, open and smooth presentation (not unlike the sonic character of the five-star WiiM Ultra streamer) that is easy to listen to. "Streamed songs [have] ample space to flourish, with voices projected clearly and in focus, and instruments working together to deliver an engaging, lively sound," we said in our review.

Compared to the WiiM Amp, there is more punch, snap and sparkle to the sound, as well as more in the way of detail and dynamic expression. Overall, it's a very pleasing streaming amplifier to listen to music through.

It isn't perfect, as the greyed-out fifth star suggests. Despite its modest price, we would still like a bit more rhythmic precision and texture. As our experts note in our review, "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."

Still, for the money it gets more things right than most, and is therefore a compelling option at this sparse end of the market.

Got a bigger budget? If you want a step up in all-round sonic ability, then the more powerful WiiM Amp Ultra is worth considering for £499 / $529 / AU$899.

Read our full WiiM Amp Pro review

Best premium streaming amp

If you're seeking a remarkably adept hi-fi solution that offers a wide range of streaming smarts, and impressive amplification in a modern package, it's very hard to look past the newly Award-winning Arcam SA35.

The SA35 is actually Arcam's 'entry-level' streaming amplifier, costing a hefty £2999 / $3300 / AU$6495. That's still a reasonable chunk of cash to spend, so what are you getting for what is a not-inconsiderable financial outlay?

Well, aside from a beautifully made and handsomely finished product (we do like Arcam's signature blend of blacks and yellows), this is a seriously thorough spec sheet. Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music and Roon are all here, and there’s also playback from UPnP servers and the system can handle a multitude of high-res formats up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256.

There’s also two-way Bluetooth connectivity, which not only allows you to stream music to the system from a smartphone or tablet but also allows you to stream music from the Arcam to any pair of Bluetooth headphones you want to pair with the unit. If you want a standard headphone connection, a 3.5mm socket has you covered.

Connectivity also includes a pair of optical digital inputs, a pair of coaxial digital inputs (both styles of digital input support datastreams up to 24-bit/192kHz) and HDMI eARC for anyone wanting to use the Arcam to receive audio from a compatible TV.

The SA35 isn't all tricks and no trousers, either. 120W of Class G amplification per channel provides the muscle behind the music, and the result is a beautifully composed, controlled performance from Arcam's streaming amp that finally usurped the spot long held by Naim's Uniti Atom.

The Arcam is a deeply musical streaming amplifier, revealing both textural details while delivering all of the weight and emotional impact that only comes from a top-level performer. When the time comes to turn up the heat, the SA35 is more than capable of stretching to trickier fare, showcasing immense agility and confidence across a range of frequencies, from a well-controlled treble to its taut, nimble yet powerful lower end.

Our review summed it up nicely: "Where people want the convenience of a one-box solution but don’t want to make huge sacrifices where sound quality is concerned, the Arcam SA35 streaming amplifier is one of those rare do-it-all devices that does it all extremely well. Highly recommended".

Read our full Arcam SA35 review

Best all-in-one system

The single-box Ruark Audio R410 is a success, to a lesser or greater extent, in every respect. As an object, a piece of furniture, it’s gorgeous and, quite simply, brilliantly realised. As a flexible, function-rich piece of audio equipment, it is hard to find fault with (except for the absence of a dedicated control app).

In terms of the sound it makes, there’s an awful lot to like, not least its eloquent, direct and balanced presentation – and next-to-nothing to take issue with. While it may only be one box, "‘Room-filling’ is not too mild a description of its talents where out-and-out volume is concerned," notes our R410 review.

The R410 has more features than you'll probably need onboard – Bluetooth 5.1, wi-fi and UPnP, the ‘Connect’ versions of Spotify and Tidal, Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. Ruark has a rich history with radios and so we can expect FM, DAB/DAB+ and internet radio to come as standard.

There’s an aerial to facilitate radio reception on the rear of the R410, and that’s also where you find all the physical connections, including an HDMI eARC input that makes the R410 TV-friendly too.

Overall it’s a fearsomely competitive product, and represents money well spent. Looking for this kind of style and substance in a more affordable package? The next-model-down Ruark Audio R2 Mk4 is another great-value, five-star radio streaming system.

Read our full Ruark Audio R410 review

Also consider

• Technics SA-C600: An Award-winning streaming amp with a CD player, this five-star Technics is a unique proposition today, but a hugely compelling one. Often available at a discount, it's great for those who value both streaming and physical disc playback in one sleek housing.
• WiiM Amp Ultra: A step up in price and performance from the WiiM Amp in the main list, the Amp Ultra is a solid option for a small ‘just add speaker’ solution. Easy to use, easy to accommodate and solid in its performance, it's a great way to start off a fledgling hi-fi setup.
• Naim Uniti Atom: Stylish? Yep. Sounds great? Yep. Versatile? Yep. The long-running premium Uniti Atom is a five-star operator, combining streaming smarts and amplification to stunning sonic effect, all while looking the business.
• Ruark Audio R610: The streaming amplifier category has exploded in recent years, and Ruark's one combines gorgeous retro looks with tactile control and a rich, dynamic sound. Make sure you partner the R610 with its matching Ruark Sabre-R speakers if you want to get the most out of what is an outstandingly musical performer.
• Focal Diva Utopia: If you have the cash and desire to go all-in on performance and convenience, this £29,999 / $39,999 / AU$59,999 luxury stereo streaming speaker system is well worth considering. It combines high-end performance with every feature you would need, and delivers a large-scaled, powerful sound.
• Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier: The Robocop-looking Roksan blends a friendly, easy-going presentation with an ample feature set and a stylish, simple to navigate design.

How to choose

Choose your style
So do you buy a microsystem? A just-add-speakers streaming amplifier? A vinyl system? Or a fully fledged stereo speaker system? It probably won't surprise you to read that your decision will likely come down to two things: what sources you use, and what budget you have.

If your budget is limited to hundreds as opposed to thousands, your best bet is to consider either a complete stereo speaker system like the KEFs and Triangle above, or an entry-level streaming amplifier like the Technics with a separate pair of stereo speakers. That'll ensure you have a complete music system in two or three boxes without breaking the four-figure barrier.

A bigger budget will open doors to better sound quality, and unless you are set on having everything within two cabinets, as the JBL system on this page offers, we'd recommend going down the streaming amplifier plus speakers route.

Consider what features you need
Spending more doesn't necessarily get you more features these days, mind you – a budget system is just as likely to tick as many boxes as one five times the price. What you should do, however, is ensure you buy one that covers the sources you need. For example, if you want to connect a turntable, ensure it has a phono stage (unless you're happy to buy an external one to connect via its RCA input).

Only want to play vinyl, easily and affordably? Just buy a turntable system like the Rega. And what if integrated CD playback is a priority? Make sure your system has a built-in disc drive, as the Technics above does. Make a list of your desirable features, and see which recommended systems with them fit your budget.

Equally, be wary of buying a system with more features than you need, as you could be paying for them! If you don't need network connectivity because you'll primarily be connecting a turntable or using Bluetooth, look into a pair of active speakers or an integrated amplifier with Bluetooth instead.

Budget for extras
Lastly, don't forget to budget for extras, such as speaker stands and, if you need them, speaker cables.

Recent updates

• February 2026: New entries on the main list include the NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) and the Arcam SA35, while older models have been removed, and we've marked the current What Hi-Fi? Award winners. The also consider list has also been updated with fresh models.
• April 2025: No product recommendation changes this time, although the new Cambridge Audio Evo One joins our Also Consider list as a recommendable all-in-one system.
• February 2025: We had high hopes that the new Technics SC-CX700 would give the KEF LS50 Wireless II below a run for its money, but it has proven disappointing, receiving only three stars. Meanwhile, the stupendously high-end Focal Diva Utopia makes our Also Consider list.
• December 2024: The newly crowned What Hi-Fi? Award winners have been labelled as such. Since our last update, we've reviewed and can recommend the Yamaha R-N800A but it doesn't make this definitive list.
• October 2024: No newcomers make the list this time, although we look forward to putting the newly announced Technics SC-CX700 speaker system against the class-leading KEF LS50 Wireless II shortly.
• July 2024: No new entries, with the recently reviewed Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier impressing but ultimately not enough to muscle in between the Technics and Naim network amps on this list.
• May 2024: No new entries, although the newly tested Audio Pro C20 all-in-one system has been added as an Also Consider for those looking for a mature one-box wireless speaker.
• March 2024: Swapped the KEF LSX II for the company's new, more affordable LSX II LT. We added an 'also consider' section to give readers more options, too.

How we test hi-fi systems

Here at What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year, including plenty of hi-fi systems, in our dedicated, state-of-the-art testing facilities, where our in-house experts carry out all of our testing.

Collectively, the What Hi-Fi? team has more than 150 years experience of in reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics. Our strict criteria and unique listening room environment give us complete control over the testing process, ensuring consistency and scrutiny within an industry-leading context of every core field in hi-fi.

All hi-fi systems are compared to best-in-class rivals in the same price category, so when a new one comes along it will be listened against the most similar What Hi-Fi? Award winner and/or five-star competitor in the field. As the hi-fi system is an eclectic category, if a product isn't an 'all-in-one' solution and instead requires partnering with other kit (as streaming amplifiers do, requiring speakers), we will test them with optimum price-comparable partnering equipment to ensure we are hearing them at their best and in a suitable, real-world setup.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than a single reviewer, too, helping to avoid individual subjectivity. That's why our reviews are trusted by retailers, manufacturers and shoppers alike.

Every category of product we test has a Best Buy buying guide like this one, and only the top products feature in them. So if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended above, or on any other Best Buy page, you can rest assured you're getting a What Hi-Fi?-approved product.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

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When smart speakers first emerged just over a decade ago, sound quality was not their strong point. With brands from Apple to Sonos now integrating voice assistants into their products, it’s possible to get both AI-powered smart skills and top-notch audio performance from one device, as long as you know where to look.

Before scrolling down to find out which smart speakers our experts recommend, it’s worth looking at which AI assistants are available. Amazon’s Alexa is probably the most famous and widely supported, with Google Assistant a close second, while Siri is only found on Apple products.

All three have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one you’re most used to using might dictate which of the products below are best-suited to you. If you just want to know which is the best wireless speaker or the best Bluetooth speaker, we've got guides for those, too.

All of the smart speakers featured on this list have been comprehensively tested by our team of experienced experts, and as well as the usual focus on sound quality, build and features, we’ve also assessed how responsive they are to voice commands and how well they perform their various smart duties.

You can find out more about how we test smart speakers at the bottom of this page, but first, check out our pick of the best smart speakers we’ve reviewed.

Best smart speaker overall

In terms of overall performance at a competitive price, there are few better smart speakers than the Sonos Era 100. Released as a cheaper, slimmer alternative to the superb Era 300, the Era 100 keeps up with its bigger, more expensive sibling by delivering a host of streaming playback features within a robust, deeply musical speaker.

Most of the same smart capabilities are on display here, too, and while Google Assistant has been officially dropped, Sonos' voice control and Amazon Alexa are here to take over such duties.

If you’re not keen on splashing a lot of cash to foot the £449 / $449 / AU$749 asking price for the Era 300, the Era 100 is a great option as a smart home speaker that will suit most needs almost all of the time. The number of streaming features is vast, and everything is as well-made and reliable as you’d expect.

Just like its larger counterpart, the 100 delivers a spacious, open sound, a lovely sense of rhythmic drive and all the detail and precision you could hope for considering the money paid.

As we said in our review: "There’s an ease with which Sonos delivers every track we play through it. It never feels dull or distant, nor does it try to attract your attention unduly; this is an overall pleasing sound that is comfortable to listen to for hours". Nice.

No, we’re not exactly happy to be spending extra money for a dongle to allow a wired connection, and the HomePod makes voices sound a touch more natural, but if you’re still happy to spend a decent amount without making as much of a dent in your funds as the 300, the Era 100 works superbly as a dedicated music player and a clever smart speaker.

Job done.

Read our full Sonos Era 100 review

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Best smart speaker for spatial audio

If home spatial audio is a priority, then smart speakers don't come much more impressive than the Sonos Era 300. With the Era 300, Sonos has delivered a smart speaker capable of voice integration alongside revolutionary sound and an embarrassment of cutting-edge features to rival the best that Apple or other rivals have to offer.

Smart features are courtesy of Amazon Alexa and Sonos voice control, with Google Assistant dropped due to a change in Google’s technical requirements for third-party devices. That's not the greatest loss considering it's never been the most popular AI helper, anyway.

With its unique, “cinched hourglass” shape, there’s no question that the Era 300 is a bit more of an acquired taste than most of the brand’s rather more conservative designs, but what isn't up for debate is how superbly the five-star Era 300 manages to perform. Per our review: "It all sounds detailed, engaging and accomplished, and it’s fun, too".

That fun is key to the Era 300, as is its versatility. The Sonos is a versatile and confident performer, consistently filling our testing rooms with cohesive, spacious sound across a swathe of genres. Big choral numbers feel broad and immersive thanks to spatial audio (although there's no support for Dolby Atmos on Tidal yet), but the Era 300 excels across hip-hop, classic rock, movie soundtracks and more.

Yes, it’s expensive and yes, it smacks of a rip-off having to pay extra for a wired connector, but the Era 300 has earned the right to be so impertinent.

A five-star performer and one of the best smart speakers you could hope to find, especially if you're mad about spatial audio.

Read our full Sonos Era 300 review

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Best budget smart speaker

If the HomePod 2 (below) is too big and expensive for your needs but you love the idea of an Apple-made smart speaker that will fit perfectly into your iOS-oriented ecosystem, the HomePod Mini is your best bet.

At just 8.4cm tall and 9.8cm wide, it’s quite a bit smaller than the similarly spherical Amazon Echo, but it certainly doesn't lack power. Get its swirling orb of coloured light up and running to signify that Siri is listening or processing and you're in for a real sonic surprise.

Siri, of course, is your voice assistant, and after a short period of learning it'll respond to the phrase “Hey Siri, play something I'll like” not by streaming your most played track of the last few weeks, but by playing something that you probably haven't heard before but which has been curated to fit in with your current tastes and habits. As a powerful way to discover new music, it's fantastic, and Alexa simply isn't as good at it.

The HomePod Mini goes loud, too. From the moment we start playing music, it’s clear that the Mini is happy to outperform its size and price, impressing us with the organisation and maturity of its bold, assertive sound that, as we stated at the time, "embarrasses its direct competition with the sophistication and maturity of its sound".

Apple products have occasionally laboured under the reputation of being a little overpriced, but the HomePod Mini, hovering around the £100 / $100 mark, actually seems like superb, Award-winning value.

Just be aware that there's no dedicated companion app, and you'll only get the most of it if you're committed to the rest of the Apple ecosystem, including Apple Music.

As is the case with the HomePod 2, we're hoping for a new model, Mini or otherwise, to arrive in 2026, but for now, the current Mini makes for a superb budget option. A no-brainer for Apple lovers everywhere.

Read our full Apple HomePod Mini review

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Best smart speaker for Alexa

Love Alexa? We'd heartily recommend the inexpensive and very cheerful fifth generation of the Echo Dot as the direct, if cheaper, rival to the HomePod Mini above. We 've reviewed the more recent Echo Dot Max, but given that the 5th-gen speaker is cheaper, oft-discounted and a better performer, it's the one that gets our seal of approval.

Amazon's smart speaker range has become big business in the last decade or so, with Alexa now almost synonymous with the whole concept of integrated, domestic AI. The Echo Dot (5th Generation) takes things to new levels, a powerful and clued-up smart speaker that practically gives itself away thanks to its meagre asking price and five-star quality.

Not that the Dot feels cheap - in fact, quite the opposite. Whereas once Alexa was a one-note performer capable of answering basic questions about the weather and or what the capital of Germany is, she's as filled to the brim with knowledge as Stephen Fry after a year in the British Library (with Alexa+ on the way to boost that even further).

The Dot's cybernetic assistant is more helpful than ever before, stuffed with so many tricks and quirks that you'll often find yourself falling into the trap of speaking to Alexa as though it, or rather she, were a real person. You can even use her to play Skyrim, albeit in a strange, truncated form.

Audio has come a long way, too. We weren't mad about the sound of Amazon's early Echo models, but the trajectory has been very much one of continual improvement courtesy of Jeff Bezos' tireless team of audio tinkerers.

Amazon's so-called “best-sounding Echo Dot yet” still distorts if you pump the volume too high, but it lives up to its billing thanks to a single 44mm front-firing speaker (4mm larger than the previous gen’s 40mm).

The result? A sound that, as our review surmised, is "peppy, robust and often genuinely musical from a small unit at an even smaller price". Great stuff.

Read our full Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation) review

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Best portable smart speaker

When we reviewed it a few years ago, we dubbed the Beosound A1 "the weightiest and most refined little speaker we’d heard in a while", all while praising its "classy, well-made design, easy to use operation and the bonus of Amazon Alexa". Our initial affections, thankfully, haven't changed at all since the Beosound dropped in 2020.

Yes, the hugely impressive Beosound A1 qualifies as a smart speaker, even if you might think it's just a Bluetooth model at first glance. Thanks to its built-in Alexa compatibility and support from Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec, the A1 is a proper smart speaker, something that's made even more remarkable considering how rugged, well-made and superb-sounding this bap-sized wonder is.

Most smart speakers are wedded to the mains as part of their nature, but the A1 has Alexa capabilities while also being a well-made and sophisticated piece of portable tech. That's a winning combination in our book.

In fact, the Besound A1 is something of a Jack-of-all-trades, master of many. Sonically, the well-made, hugely attractive unit offers a pleasingly comfortable yet authoritative performance that you'd be happy listening to all day, complementing your musical catalogue with an expansive, meaty and assertive presentation.

At the higher ends, there's very little strain, while an expansive, weighty bass lays the groundwork with ease. Oh, and there's even a convenient strap for ease of transport for what is still a primarily portable unit.

It's expensive, sure, and it's certainly not the newest, but if you have money to spend, the smart Beosound A1 is a rather remarkable all-rounder, and one you'd be happy showing off to your friends.

There's good news for fans of B&O: there's a new Beosound A1! The third-gen model is more costly (boo!) at £299 / €349, and it doesn't have Alexa, but it's made it onto the 'also consider' section of our best Bluetooth speakers list thanks to its rich sound and effortlessly stylish aesthetic.

Read our full Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) review

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Best Apple smart speaker

If you love Apple tech and want a great-sounding smart speaker with room-filling audio, the HomePod 2 is almost certainly the best option we’ve tested, and a fine alternative to the Sonos Era 100 above.

Apple's five-star model is the larger option in the Californian brand's current line-up, sitting above the smaller HomePod Mini in terms of weight and size. It's also one of the finest Apple products around today, even if we're been waiting for a while for a new model to drop. We were supposed to be getting a HomePod with a screen at some point in 2025, but as of yet, there's been no official sighting, so who knows what 2026 holds?

The HomePod 2's main draw is its ability to scan and optimise its audio settings for the room and position it's in on-the-fly, something which worked superbly during our own tests. Picking it from a place in free space and moving it close to a wall, our testers could hear it changing its settings in real time, mainly by reducing unnecessary bass that tends to muddy the sound when it isn't wanted.

We were particularly impressed with how well the HomePod 2 dealt with an Apple Lossless version of SBTRKT’s Trials Of The Past, a taxing track that can often suffer from unwanted sibilance and harshness. No such problems with the HomePod (even if some rivals do sound more direct).

Once set up, the built-in mics and smart features all worked perfectly. Siri universally heard and enacted our voice commands, even while music was playing and we were talking to the speaker from across the room.

We were also hugely impressed by the built-in temperature and humidity sensors which can be used to create custom automations using other smart home devices.

From top to bottom, the HomePod 2 is the smart speaker to beat for dedicated Apple acolytes (limited third-party support makes it less suitable for others), and the fact that it's still claiming What Hi-Fi? Awards only testifies to its supreme capabilities.

Read our full Apple HomePod 2 review

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Best smart speaker for Google Assistant

Alexa is by far the most common voice assistant when it comes to smart speakers, but if you’re more Google than Amazon there’s a lot to like about the JBL Authentics 300, not least the fact that it actually supports both. It’s not necessary to choose which one you want to use, it’ll automatically respond to requests directed at either, with both responding equally eagerly.

Retro designs aren’t to everybody’s tastes, but it’s hard to deny the appeal of the Authentics 300. The chunky controls on top could feel a bit nicer to twiddle, but on the whole we’re big fans of its waffle-esque grille and sleek metallic trim. The handle and 4800mAh battery inside also mean that it’s technically portable, but at almost 5kg it’s not something you’d want to lug around for long.

When plugged into the mains and connected to Wi-Fi the JBL puts on an assertive sonic performance with plenty of punch. It’s not quite as sharp over Bluetooth, and it can occasionally tip over into brashness with certain songs, but you can’t fault its enthusiasm.

With multiple connectivity options, including AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect, plus a lesser-spotted aux input and an intuitive companion app, the JBL Authentics 300 makes for a versatile option to anyone who’s committed to the Google ecosystem.

Read our full JBL Authentics 300 review

Also consider

WiiM Sound: WiiM is taking on the HomePod 2 with the similarly-shaped WiiM Sound, and giving Apple's finest a run for its money thanks to the Sound's pleasing design, excellent streaming feature set and smooth, fluid presentation. It doesn't sound as good as the HomePod 2, but we can't help but wonder if it's just a matter of time before WiiM really cracks the audio side of things.

Sonos Play: Think of the Play as a smaller version of the Move 2 below. In fact, the Play does pretty much everything a Move 2 can do, including integrating within the Sonos ecosystem, streaming via the wi-fi and housing dual voice assistants, but its smaller size gives it greater portability credentials as if you just want a robust, easy to manage Bluetooth speaker. An impressive jack of all trades.

Sonos Move 2: While it didn't quite hit the heights of a full five-star haul, there's so much to recommend the Move 2. As we've said many times before, part of the major appeal of a Sonos speaker is its compatibility with the peerless Sonos ecosystem, and while we felt the second-gen Move couldn't quite justify its hefty price tag, there's lots to like about that big, confident sound and excellent array of streaming features.

Audio Pro Addon C5A: What does the "A" in the Audio Pro Addon C5A stand for? Alexa, of course! Yes, the C5A is essentially the Alexa-enabled version of the excellent Addon C5 and that, as it turns out, is a winning combination. Merging the C5's detailed, engaging and snappy sound with frictionless Alexa integration, the C5A is like discovering how well salt goes with caramel. Delicious.

JBL Authentics 500: The biggest member of the Authentics family boasts Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility but also sports spatial audio support via Dolby Atmos. It's larger, louder and bolder sounding than anything else in the range, although a lack of an internal battery means you'll need to connect it to the mains at all times.

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How to choose a smart speaker

Compatibility
The first thing to consider is compatibility. Many smart speakers are platform agnostic, so they'll work with both Android and iOS devices, but Apple's HomePod range isn't much use without an iPhone or Apple OS device to set it up.

You also won't be able to make the most of it without an Apple Music subscription as support for third-party streaming services is limited. If you're a Spotify or Tidal subscriber, you'll be better off picking something that has Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect baked in.

Ecosystem
It's also worth thinking about which ecosystem you use most. While most voice assistants do work with other services, they're tightly integrated with those made by their creators, making them much slicker to use. If you frequently use Google's services, for instance – Calendar, Maps, Gmail – maybe a product with Google Home onboard would be best for you.

Love shopping at Amazon and have a Prime account? An Amazon Echo might be right up your alley. Or maybe you want more flexibility and a wider choice of streaming features (hi, Sonos).

Sound quality
We're What Hi-Fi?, so the audio quality of a smart speaker still matters over the AI tech. This can vary quite a lot between models and manufacturers, and while spending more doesn't always guarantee a better listening experience, you do get the benefit of your investment here.

Some of the smaller smart speakers are limited purely because of their dimensions, so be realistic about your budget and what to expect. Find the right balance between great sound for your tunes and a helpful AI assistant, though, and you're on to a winner.

Connectivity
Most smart speakers will do everything you need straight out of the box, so wired connectivity tends to be fairly limited. If you’re looking for something that’ll allow you to connect external sources, Sonos is probably your best bet – and even then, you’ll need to buy an adaptor to do so.

How we test smart speakers

Everything we test at What Hi-Fi? is subject to the same stringent approach, but there are some differences depending on what type of product it is, and smart speakers throw up some challenges not found in most other product categories.

In many ways we approach smart speakers in the same way we would any other wireless speaker, setting them up in our state-of-the-art listening facilities where our team of expert reviewers perform the majority of our product testing.

This is where we will test their sound quality by listening to various genres of music and judging how well the speaker reproduces all areas of the frequency range.

While we’ll also test how responsive the voice control is at this point, we also like to try it out under more appropriate real-life conditions: with the TV on in the background, when the kettle’s boiling, or over the sound of the dog barking.

This gives us a better idea of how a smart speaker will perform day-to-day and how well it integrates into a wider smart home setup.

As well as testing every product in isolation, each one is also compared to the best in its class on design and build, features, and sound quality. What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, so we keep our Award-winners on hand to enable unbiased comparisons between new products and ones we know to have performed highly in the category.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the entire team, rather than an individual reviewer, to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being completely thorough.

There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to awarding star ratings or deciding on our overall verdicts.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

FAQ

Recent updates

June 2026: Added the WiiM Sound and Sonos Play to our also consider section.

January 2026: Updated and refresh our copy for the start of the new year.

December 2025: Despite recently testing the Amazon Echo Dot Max, our mainline list remains unchanged.

August 2025: We haven't had many smart speakers pass through our test room doors recently, so we've made sure all of our existing copy is up to date.

May 2025: No new entries, but we've updated our copy to make sure it's all up-to-date and accurate.

March 2025: JBL Authentics 300 promoted from 'also consider' to the Best for Google Assistant slot due to lack of availability of the Sonos One, which has been removed. Expanded the FAQ section with two new questions. Refreshed the intro and added more detail to the 'how we test' section.

February 2025: Updated copy following recent Apple recent press event and improved intro readability.

January 2025: Ensured that all copy is up-to-date for the start of 2025.

October 2024: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2024 Awards Best Buys announcements.

August 2024: Some small copy adjustments and added pictures to our image galleries.

May 2024: Added JBL Authentics 300 and 500 to our 'also consider' section.

March 2024: Added FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions and an 'also consider' section to offer alternative buying options for readers.

November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.