This week, Technics announced a new version of its classic SP-10R turntable, Sony unveiled the LF-S50G smart assistant speaker and Philips revealed two new TVs, one an OLED set and the other a quantum dot effort.
For reviews, we have Sony's WH-1000XM2 wireless, noise-cancelling headphones and JBL's K2 S990 stereo speaker.
It's also new What Hi-Fi? week, as the October issue is now on sale. In it, you'll find reviews of Naim Uniti Atom and KEF LS50 Wireless system. There are also features on HDR 10 vs Dolby Vision and the best systems money can buy.
You can subscribe/buy the magazine, or buy the digital edition on iOS, Android and Kindle devices.
MORE: October 2017 issue on sale now!
News
Technics goes back to the future once more with SP-10R turntable
After reimagining its iconic SL-1200 turntable, Technics has gone even further back and announced a new version of its SP-10R turntable.
The Reference Class SP-10R features a coreless direct-drive motor and an ultra-low noise power supply. To further reduce noise and vibration, the power supply is separated from the platter.
The SP-10R will go on sale in summer 2018.
READ MORE: Technics goes back to the future once more with SP-10R turntable
Sony's new Google Assistant smart speaker costs £200
Sony has joined the smart speaker gang, with the launch of the LF-S50G wireless speaker.
It comes with Google Assistant built-in, but if you're tired of saying "Okay Google", you can use gesture controls instead.
The speaker emits sound via a 360-degree design and songs can be streamed via Bluetooth or wi-fi, with a 3.5mm aux for music players.
The LF-S50G will go on sale in November, priced £200.
READ MORE: Sony's new Google Assistant smart speaker costs £200
Philips unveils quantum dot 8000 series and flagship 65in 4K OLED TV
Philips revealed two new TVs at the IFA show, a quantum dot TV and flagship OLED 4K set.
The quantum dot TV comes in 55 and 65in sizes and features HDR10, Android TV OS and Google Assistant voice control.
The 65POS9603 OLED is a bezel-less effort, with essentially a soundbase built into the bottom. The 9603 is due to go on sale in January 2018.
READ MORE: Philips unveils quantum dot 8000 series and flagship 65in 4K OLED TV
More news
Samsung partners with Panasonic and 20th Century Fox for HDR10+
Sony announces new 1000X-series of wireless, noise-cancelling headphones
Sennheiser reveals wireless Momentum Free and upgraded IE 80 S headphones
Onkyo announces two smart speakers – one with Alexa, one with Google Assistant
UHD Alliance expands Ultra HD Premium certification
Sony launches £600 NW-ZX300 Walkman
Apple confirms iPhone launch event for 12th September
Toshiba back with 4K HDR OLED and Alexa-enabled TVs
Beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless headphones promise “customisable sound”
Amazon Alexa gets multi-room update
LG V30 flagship smartphone supports MQA, has sound quality focus
Deezer HiFi brings lossless audio and voice control to wireless speakers
B&O teams up with LG for BeoVision Eclipse 4K OLED TV
Panasonic unveils new smart speaker, huge 4K OLED TV and more
Samsung ditches the curve for Q8F flatscreen QLED TVs
Features
IFA 2017 news - LG, Technics, Philips, Sony and more
DACs: everything you need to know
High-resolution audio: everything you need to know
12 of the best vinyl test records
Listen to the What Hi-Fi? playlist
Best buys and deals
Best TV deals – OLED, smart, 4K TV
Best speaker deals - hi-fi, Bluetooth, wireless
What Hi-Fi? Deals of the Month
Reviews
Sony's MDR-1000X headphones from last year were fantastic, but Sony has decided to replace them with the WH-1000XM2s.
They are as good as, if not better than, the originals. Showcasing excellent sense of timing, plenty of detail and impressive noise-cancelling, our only issue is that the touchpad controls take a while to get used to.
Sony's competitors are going to have a tough time beating the 1000XM2s. They are a mighty pair of headphones.
Read the full Sony WH-1000XM2 review
The K2s are unmistakably huge, so you won't have any problems noticing them. They're also enormously expensive.
Put the price aside and you have a superb speaker that marries super-low frequency performance with great composure at high volumes.
It's kind to all types of music, and we have no complaint about the performance. But the size, price and looks may put some off what are a fantastic pair of speakers.
Read the full JBL K2 S9900 review