What Hi-Fi? | Tech news and reviews

Welcome to What Hi-Fi?'s British Hi-Fi Week 2023 A seven-day salute to the brands and products that have shaped the British hi-fi industry

Rega talks digitising amplifiers, the product it’s been happiest with for years, and what's next In its 50th year, the revered British hi-fi brand is still nailing its niche

British Hi-Fi Week

This terrific-value hi-fi system is great, British – and punches above its weight A great (British) stereo system to meet your vinyl and streaming needs

British Hi-Fi Week

Step-up British hi-fi system for CD and streaming joy A stunning system that will do justice to your digital sources

British Hi-Fi Week

The best Radiohead songs to test your hi-fi system Don’t let your hi-fi leave you High And Dry

British Hi-Fi Week

12 of the best British stereo amplifiers of all time Brains, brawn and British – the mighty from Blighty

British Hi-Fi Week

Latest Reviews

Apple HomePod 2

By What Hi-Fi?

Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 review

By What Hi-Fi? published 20 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week Cambridge Audio’s Alva TT V2 features solid build, a capable sound and aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity.

British Hi-Fi Week

AKG K371 review

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 17 March 23

AKG’s K371 over-ear wired headphones benefit from a neat design and a satisfyingly hefty delivery.

Philips OLED907 (55OLED907) review

By John Archer published 15 March 23

Philips’ latest step-up OLED TV delivers an irresistible combination of spectacular pictures, potent audio and Ambilight.

TAD DA1000TX review

By What Hi-Fi? published 13 March 23

TAD’s DA1000TX is an obsessively focused and beautifully built high-end digital-to-analogue converter.

OnePlus 11 5G review

By What Hi-Fi? published 10 March 23

After almost a decade of OnePlus devices, has it struck the optimum performance to price balance?

Streaming stick: Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max

Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max review

By What Hi-Fi? published 9 March 23

Amazon’s latest Fire TV Stick promises to take 4K streaming to the Max, and it mostly succeeds in doing so.

Sonos One review

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 8 March 23

Updated Despite now having a successor in the new Era 100, Sonos's popular One speaker with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in is still a winner in every sense.

Updated

Hands on: Sonos Era 300 review

By What Hi-Fi? published 7 March 23

Not yet rated

Our initial impressions of the new Sonos Era 300 wireless smart speaker, designed for spatial audio playback...

Noise cancelling in-ear headphones: JBL Live Pro 2 TWS

JBL Live Pro 2 TWS review

By What Hi-Fi? published 3 March 23

JBL’s wireless earbuds tick a lot of boxes and don’t cost the earth, but is their audio quality up to scratch?

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Latest News

Front of the Sony STR-AN1000 AV receiver

Sony unveils five new AV receivers for 2023, but there’s a catch

By Andy Madden

Beats Studio Buds Plus rumoured to have better ANC, clearer transparency mode

By Joe Svetlik published 23 March 23

Beats is reportedly readying a new pair of wireless earbuds, and they look like a decent improvement on the Studio Buds.

Nothing announces updated Ear (2) wireless earbuds promising hi-res audio, better battery life and adaptive ANC

By Harry McKerrell published 22 March 23

New kid on the block Nothing returns with updated Ear (2) wireless earbuds featuring re-engineered sound, dual connectivity, adaptive ANC and improved controls.

New Amazon Fire TV 2023: All the facts on the Omni QLEDs set to arrive this year and more

By Alastair Stevenson published 22 March 23

Our team of experts details everything you need to know about Amazon's latest Onmi QLED and affordable 2 and 4-Series Fire TVs

Amazon affordable QLED is coming to the UK, and you could save up to £300 if you're quick

By Lewis Empson published 22 March 23

Amazon has expanded its own Fire TV range into the UK and Germany after a successful launch in the US last year.

Delorean Apha 5 with Cambridge Audio in-car system

Spatial Audio makes more sense in a car than a living room, says Cambridge Audio

By Alastair Stevenson published 22 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week Cambridge Audio CEO, Stuart George, talks to What Hi-Fi? about the company’s plans for Spatial Audio in the wake of the Apple HomePod 2 and Sonos Era 300’s arrival

British Hi-Fi Week

Western Electric 91E is a valve amp 150 years in the making

By Joe Svetlik published 22 March 23

The Western Electric 91E harnesses all of the company's 150+ years of knowhow to create a thoroughly modern valve amp.

Jabra’s Elite 4 wireless earbuds pack a punch in the feature department, but won’t hurt your wallet

By Lewis Empson published 21 March 23

Jabra has announced its latest Elite 4 wireless earbuds, complete with ANC, aptX support and Bluetooth Multipoint - all for under £100

Castle Windsor Series loudspeakers are born and bred in Britain

By Joe Svetlik published 20 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week How better to kick off British Hi-Fi Week than with new Castle speakers that are designed and manufactured in the UK?

British Hi-Fi Week

Sony WF-1000XM5 leak shows smaller earbud design, new case

By Joe Svetlik published 20 March 23

Leaked certification pictures of Sony's upcoming XM5 wireless earbuds show smaller buds and a new-look charging case.

Elipson’s Horus range of compact, affordable speakers is coming to the UK

By Harry McKerrell last updated 17 March 23

Elipson’s new affordable range of loudspeakers - with standmounter, floorstander, centre channel and sub – is ideal for those with small spaces and tight budgets.

Klipsch announces four new subwoofers to accompany its Reference Premiere speaker line

By Lewis Empson published 17 March 23

American speaker brand Klipsch has announced a quartet of new subwoofers to accompany its Reference Premiere speaker series.

Integra announces new flagship AVR that's "designed for integrators"

By Lewis Empson published 16 March 23

Integra has introduced its latest flagship AVR which it says will provide top-tier sound while remaining convenient to install and use.

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Latest Advice

Sonos Era 300 and Era 100: everything you need to know about the new speakers

By Joe Svetlik last updated 21 March 23

Sonos has launched two new wireless smart speakers, Era 100 and Era 300 – here's everything you need to know about them.

Integrated amplifiers: Cambridge CXA81 vs Rega Elex Mk4

Cambridge Audio CXA81 vs Rega Elex Mk4: which integrated amplifier is the best?

By What Hi-Fi? published 21 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week Cambridge Audio and Rega go head-to-head with two thrilling stereo amplifiers vying to be the beating heart of your hi-fi system. But which one is best for you?

British Hi-Fi Week

Spotify HiFi: quality, price, release date and latest news

Spotify HiFi: release date news, price prediction, quality, and latest rumours

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 20 March 23

Everything we know about Spotify's upcoming CD-quality streaming tier ahead of its delayed launch date...

LG OLED G3 vs Sony A95L: will MLA or QD-OLED come out on top?

By Lewis Empson published 20 March 23

With the LG G3 OLED and Sony A95L QD-OLED both releasing later this year, we pit them against each other to find out which one you should buy.

Sony WF-1000XM5: rumoured release date, price, specs, and more

Sony WF-1000XM5: release date rumours, potential price, features and spec leaks

By Joe Svetlik published 20 March 23

Sony's next true wireless earbuds could launch in the next couple of months. Here's what to expect.

Which Sonos speaker should you buy in 2023?

By Joe Cox, Becky Roberts last updated 14 March 23

Got your heart set on Sonos but unsure which is the best Sonos set-up for you? Here's our guide to help you decide.

Sonos Move 2: release date rumours, price predictions, expected design and more

By Harry McKerrell published 14 March 23

Here's what to expect from Sonos' sequel to its first Bluetooth speaker.

Samsung S95C vs S95B: which Samsung QD-OLED TV is best?

Samsung S95C vs S95B: will Samsung's new QD-OLED TV beat its predecessor?

By Joe Svetlik published 14 March 23

Samsung's new QD-OLED TV looks a big improvement on the old model – here's how it compares.

Dolby Atmos Music: everything you need to know about the spatial audio tech

By Becky Roberts last updated 9 March 23

The lowdown on Dolby's quest to get you listening to music in surround sound.

Latest Features

Monitor Audio thinks separates are more sustainable than all-in-ones – here’s why

By Alastair Stevenson published 23 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week Monitor Audio thinks separates and more intelligent design are key to a sustainable future for hi-fi.

British Hi-Fi Week

8 most exciting British hi-fi products launching in 2023: Rega Naia, KEF R3 Meta and more

By Alastair Stevenson published 23 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week Some seriously cool products including turntables, speakers, streamers and more from big names in British hi-fi are coming this year. These are the eight we’re most excited about

British Hi-Fi Week

13 of the best British CD players of all time

By Andy Madden last updated 23 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week We round-up some of the best British CD players to ever grace the hi-fi world, including entries from Arcam, Cyrus, Meridian and more.

British Hi-Fi Week

Back to the future: Cambridge Audio on selling CDs and separates to the next generation

By Alastair Stevenson published 23 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week Cambridge Audio's CEO, Stuart George, reveals the biggest changes he expects to see in the world of hi-fi – including his belief that CDs are on the verge of a big comeback.

British Hi-Fi Week

The best British turntables of What Hi-Fi?'s lifetime

11 of the best British record players of all time

By Joe Cox published 21 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week We pay tribute to some of our favourite British turntables, featuring Linn, Rega, Michell and Wilson Benesch.

British Hi-Fi Week

Bowers & Wilkins Continuum midrange driver

7 of the best British hi-fi innovations and technologies

By Alastair Stevenson last updated 21 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week KEF, Wilson Benesch, Bowers & Wilkins, Acoustic Energy and Quad all make the cut...

British Hi-Fi Week

Why the 1970s were the perfect time to start a hi-fi company

Why the 1970s were the perfect time to start a British hi-fi company

By Ketan Bharadia published 20 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week Rega, Naim and Linn turn 50 this year, and it got us thinking: why did the 70s spawn so many exceptional hi-fi brands?

British Hi-Fi Week

The Era 300 is everything I want from a Sonos speaker, but it’s just too expensive

By Tom Parsons published 10 March 23

The Sonos Era 300 may well prove to be absolutely brilliant, but surely it's overkill for a surround speaker.

Record Store Day 2023: dates, full vinyl release list and our top picks

By Harry McKerrell published 9 March 23

Record Store Day 2023 returns with a blockbuster list of exclusive releases and editions to celebrate the cultural contribution of indie record stores worldwide.

5 things we want to see in a future Sonos Era 500 speaker

By Alastair Stevenson published 8 March 23

We break down the five biggest things we want to see from the rumoured successor to the Sonos Five - the Era 500.

The 15 best Record Store Day releases 2023 – Pixies, T. Rex, The 1975 and more

By Becky Roberts published 8 March 23

It’s almost that definitive time of the year when your beloved turntable deserves to spin some new records...

Will UWB change the world of headphones? Because Bluetooth can't

By Jez Ford published 8 March 23

Bluetooth cannot transmit lossless high-res audio. Ultra-Wideband can. Will it change the world of headphones?

Latest Best Buys

Best iPhones 2023: the best budget and premium iPhones

By Joe Svetlik last updated 23 March 23

Whether you want an entry-level XR for the basics or the larger Pro Max for watching movies, Apple has an iPhone for you.

Best iPhone headphones 2023: budget, premium, wireless

By Joe Svetlik, Andy Madden last updated 23 March 23

best buys Make the most of that excellent sound quality with our pick of the best iPhone headphones on the market right now.

best buys

Best Alexa speakers 2023: the best Alexa-enabled smart speakers

By Becky Scarrott last updated 23 March 23

Best Buys Upgrade your life with the help of Alexa smart speakers and combine good sound and great features.

Best Buys

Best running headphones and wireless earbuds 2022

Best running headphones and wireless earbuds 2023

By Joe Svetlik last updated 23 March 23

Best Buys The best running headphones will deliver great sound while offering sweat-resistant designs that stay in place.

Best Buys

Best sports headphones 2023: keep active with the best workout earbuds

By Joe Svetlik, Joe Cox last updated 23 March 23

Best Buys The best sports headphones, featuring wireless sports headphones, sports earbuds, Bluetooth in-ears and more.

Best Buys

Best AirPods Max alternatives 2023

By Joe Svetlik last updated 23 March 23

Best Buys You don't need Apple's premium headphones to have a great wireless, noise-cancelling experience.

Best Buys

Best wireless earbuds 2023: budget and premium

By Andy Madden last updated 22 March 23

Best Buys Our pick of the best wireless earbuds look, feel and sound the part – we've rounded up our favourites for all budgets.

Best Buys

Best AirPods: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated

Best AirPods 2023: Apple's wireless headphones ranked and rated

By Joe Svetlik last updated 21 March 23

Apple's AirPods span a range of prices and designs, but which pair of wireless headphones will suit you best?

Best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls 2023

By Joe Svetlik last updated 21 March 23

Best Buys Want a great pair of headphones for phone calls and video chats? These are your best options.

Best Buys

Best British speakers 2023: great speakers from British brands

By Joe Cox, Lewis Empson last updated 20 March 23

British Hi-Fi Week There are some brilliant British hi-fi brands making great British speakers, from affordable bookshelf speakers to stylish floorstanding speakers.

British Hi-Fi Week

Best over-ear headphones under $200: wired and wireless Bluetooth

By Joe Cox, Joe Svetlik last updated 20 March 23

Best buys You can have an excellent pair of over-ear headphones for under $200 – simply consult our list of recommendations.

Best buys

Best budget record players 2023: affordable and amazing turntables

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 17 March 23

Best Buys You don't have to spend a fortune to get a great record player, so here are the best budget models we've tested.

Best Buys

Meet The Team

Ketan Bharadia

Technical Editor

Andy Madden

Deputy Editor

Tom Parsons

TV and AV Editor

Becky Roberts

Managing Editor

Ruben Circelli

Staff Writer

Kashfia Kabir

Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Joe Svetlik

17 years in tech journalism