
Andy Madden
Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.
Latest articles by Andy Madden

“It matters – but it’s rarely the number one reason someone buys an amplifier.” Hi-fi giant IAG talks about sustainability and its impact on performance and price
By Andy Madden published
A complex subject with no easy answer

NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module)
By Ketan Bharadia published
NAD’s C 3050 amplifier may evoke memories of the past, but fitted with the optional BluOS streaming module, it becomes a modern streaming system to reckon with.

The best AirPods deals 2025: big savings on all Apple headphones
By Kashfia Kabir, Harry McKerrell last updated
Deals Grab a deal on your next AirPods purchase, with the latest discounts we've found.

This hidden hi-fi danger can ruin the sound from your stereo speakers – here’s how to avoid it
By Andy Madden published
It’s not just about where you sit…

Sonus Faber launches the ultimate £100k stereo speakers that are ideal for Lamborghini owners
By Andy Madden published
High-end speakers to match your high-end supercar

We've crowned a new noise-cancelling champion in our best wireless earbuds guide
By Andy Madden published
Arise, our new ANC kings!

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: which are best?
By Esat Dedezade, Joe Svetlik last updated
Bose's entry-level noise-cancelling wireless earbuds are impressive, but how do they compare to the flagship model?

Focal Bathys Mg
By Andy Madden published
Focal’s flagship wireless headphones aren’t cheap, but this level of sound quality rarely is.

Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2
By Ketan Bharadia published
The AE300 MkII are a wonderfully balanced pair of standmounters that will work well in a wide range of systems

What are your top tips for hi-fi newcomers? Tell us your best bits of buying advice
By Andy Madden published
Pass your knowledge on to the next generation

Best wireless earbuds 2025: top pairs tested by our reviewers
By Andy Madden last updated
Best Buys Our review team has tested multiple pairs to find the best wireless earbuds for every budget – here are our top picks.

PMC edges out Wharfedale as a top pick in our best floorstanding speakers buying guide
By Andy Madden published
Great sound in a relatively compact package

Onkyo adds “high performance” budget C-30 CD player to its Icon Series of hi-fi separates
By Andy Madden published
Onkyo’s three-strong line-up becomes four

I think we’ve reached peak wireless headphones – where do we go now?
By Andy Madden published
Is it time for someone or something to shake up the market?

JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx
By Kashfia Kabir published
JBL’s flagship wireless headphones have ample features, a comfortable portable design and a friendly sound, but they face fierce competition at this premium price level.

Best wired earbuds: top choices tried and tested by our experts
By Harry McKerrell last updated
Best Buys These are the best earbuds we've tested, including cheap pairs as well as premium options for serious listening.

10 mistakes to avoid with your stereo speakers
By Andy Madden published
Don't let sound quality suffer

Ortofon MC X30
By Ketan Bharadia published
Ortofon’s MC X30 is a superbly balanced moving coil that ticks all the boxes at its price.

I love Bowers & Wilkins’ Pi8 flagship wireless earbuds, but there’s one thing I would change (and it isn’t the noise-cancelling)
By Andy Madden published
A little tweak could go a long way

Best iPhone headphones 2025: budget to premium, tested by experts
By Joe Svetlik, Andy Madden last updated
best buys Make the most of that excellent sound quality with our pick of the best iPhone headphones on the market right now.

Forget Sony WH-1000XM6 deals this Prime Day, there's better value in the older XM4 and XM5
By Andy Madden published
A decent discount will take time...

The best Sony WF-1000XM5 Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals
By Harry McKerrell last updated
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are our favourite wireless earbuds and can be found at some bargain prices

My dream Dolby Atmos soundbar combines the best bits from JBL, Samsung, Sonos and Sony
By Andy Madden published
I've attempted to build one soundbar to rule them all
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.