We’ve all been recipients of disapproving head shakes after asking the DJ for a particular tune… haven’t we?

Well, gone are the days of disc-jockey rejections, because Spotify has introduced an AI feature that allows paid users to control the app with their voice (and text) in order to create playlists, learn about songs, and even explore their own listening history.

The “Talk to Spotify” feature is available within the Home and Now Playing views on the mobile app. To use the feature, users have to press the mic button in the search field, and can then talk or type commands.

If you’re a fan of streaming music, you’ll be aware that there has been much recent discourse about cutting down on AI in the world of streaming services.

Just last month, Tidal joined Deezer and Qobuz in a clampdown on AI generated music, and even Spotify has recently culled a batch of AI generated songs, despite the company’s boss defending AI music in the not too distant past.

But when it comes to in-app functions, it seems that Spotify is embracing the technology with open arms.

The new feature joins an existing batch of AI functions within the Spotify app, which include an AI DJ that picks music based on your listening habits, an AI playlist builder that can create custom playlists in response to prompts, and Daylist, a playlist that updates to suit the mood throughout the day.

The Talk to Spotify function is now being rolled out to Spotify Premium users aged 18 and above in the US, Ireland and Sweden across iOS and Android devices in English.

According to Spotify: “Like any beta, it’s a work in progress: responses won’t always be perfect, and your feedback directly shapes what comes next.”

So, when it comes to the UK, we will be giving the new feature a try and thinking up our action points. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

MORE

How much of your playlist is AI-generated? Find out with Deezer’s new AI music detector

Tidal is the latest streaming service to clamp down on AI music – but there's a flaw

Hi-res music streaming services compared: is Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, Amazon or Apple Music better?

Skullcandy has released new premium wireless headphones, the Crusher 1080 ANC.

But rather than go it alone, the firm has enlisted the help of a powerful ally in a bid to get its latest cans competing with the best in the business.

That ally, in case you hadn't guessed already, is Bose.

The Crusher 1080 ANCs' extensive feature set is powered by 'Sound by Bose' technology, meaning the new headphones boast 'QuietControl' noise cancelling and 'TrueSpatial' sound design.

These let them deliver Bose's Immersive Audio, and 'SpeechClarity' features for, as you might have guessed, clearer voice calls.

You even get Bose-tuned EQ modes to more accurately tailor the sound to your specific preferences.

That's a lot of Bose-made tech, but what about how the Crusher 1080 ANC actually sound?

As you might have gathered from the name, the new over-ears promise "bass you can feel", complemented by "a rich, balanced sound" with plenty of "immersive detail", all aided by Bose's 'WaveForm' audio engine for improved signal processing.

The Crusher 1080 ANC boast a very impressive 60 hours of battery life with noise cancelling switched off, dropping to around 50 hours when ANC is in play, while a 'Rapid Charge' facility will grant four hours of battery life from a 10-minute boost.

Elsewhere, a decidedly premium feature set includes Google Fast Pairing, Multipoint Connectivity and Auracast audio sharing technology, as well as a low-latency audio mode for gaming and movies.

Outside of the Bose tech, the headphones also feature Skullcandy's patented 'Crusher Bass' technology, which allows you to use the Skullcandy app or a dedicated 'Crusher wheel' to dial up your lower-end reproduction and "create a physical bass sensation that adds impact and immersion to music, movies, and games".

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC are available now, priced at £220 / $280 / AU$400, in a choice of Brown, Pink, Grey or Black finishes.

MORE:

Read our SoundCore Liberty 5 Pro review

I auditioned a bunch of AirPods Max replacements, but none could match Apple's secret AV weapon

Best wireless earbuds: 7 sensational pairs reviewed and rated by our experts

We Are Rewind has announced its latest collaboration, which sees the cassette revival champion join forces with Pink Floyd to release a limited edition Dark Side of the Moon box set.

Alongside a Dark Side of the Moon-themed WE-001 cassette player, the set includes an exclusive limited-edition, high-quality cassette of the album’s 50th anniversary remaster.

Retro though this all sounds, cassette sales were up by 53 per cent year-on-year in the UK in 2025, as the physical sales charts saw Gen Z re-engaging with physical media.

But this cassette player is no trip down memory lane, with an aluminium casing and metal buttons for forward and rewind controls, as well as an overall modern aesthetic. Mind you, for those hoping to embrace the old-fashioned look, We Are Rewind also sells a belt clip for £24 / $32.

With Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for wireless listening, a 3.5mm headphone output, line-in recording capability and a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 12 hours of playback, We Are Rewind says this release builds on the success of its WE-001 cassette player.

Notably, with this model, the company claims it has upgraded the cassette player’s frequency response, quoting the current range as 30-14,500 Hz ± 3 dB.

According to Romain Boudruche, founder and CEO of We Are Rewind: "To call The Dark Side of the Moon a classic album is an understatement [...] We're happy that We Are Rewind can play a part in helping preserve the physical album experience."

The limited edition The Dark Side of the Moon WE-001 box set is now available for £159 / $199.

MORE

Feeling nostalgic? We Are Rewind's limited edition cassette player takes you back to the '80s

My first time using a portable cassette player reminded me of what I love about listening to vinyl

I tried this Bluetooth cassette player so you don't have to

Premium TV brand Loewe has released its latest range of Antares 4K OLED TVs, boasting that the new premium sets combine "timeless design with genuine engineering innovation."

Loewe's Antares TV features OLED modules that the brand claims are individually calibrated before leaving the Loewe factory in Germany to deliver a "viewing experience that remains faithful to the filmmaker's intent."

The calibration comes instead of a next-gen panel, such as the Primary RGB Tandem OLED tech seen in the LG G6 or the QD-OLED in Samsung's S99H TV. These are rival next-gen OLED panel technologies that aim to boost picture quality in key metrics including peak brightness and colour accuracy.

Gamers will be pleased to hear that there is HDMI 2.1 connectivity with up to 144Hz VRR and ALLM. We're waiting for confirmation of exactly how many, however.

The TV features Loewe's os9 platform, which gives users access to most mainstream streaming services, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. There's also voice control included with the set, so in theory, you can navigate to what you are looking for without flicking through the menus.

There's an optional Antares 80W soundbar you can add to the system as well, which delivers "greater depth and immersion". That will cost you an extra £300, though. You can also use the TV's built-in speakers or hook up a separate sound system.

You can customise the TV with the optional aluminium onlays, which come in Silver or Black. Plus, you can choose to mount the TV on the wall, a rotating floor stand or even a motorised rotation system that is controlled with a remote. That gives you a fair bit of flexibility, although you will have to factor in the extra costs.

There is a range of sizes from 42 to 65 inches. The cheapest option comes in at £2500 ($3370 / AU$4815) for the 42-inch model, and the largest size will cost a hefty £4000 (around $5390 / AU$7705).

That's certainly the high end of the OLED market, and even the flagship 65-inch LG C6 TV comes in at a more palatable £3000 / $3399 / AU$4999. Still, it might be a more appealing option for the premium buyer looking for ways to customise the screen to their space.

The Antares star is the brightest in the Scorpius constellation, so we are curious to see whether the TV will live up to its namesake and deliver a dazzling picture performance.

MORE:

Loewe's new premium LCD TVs save on space – but cost as much as an OLED

Check out the best TVs

And here is our review of the LG C6

Projector brand Xgimi has been on a roll with a continuous stream of new models flooding the shelves in the last year. And there are two more joining their ranks.

The new Elfin Flip Laser and flagship Elfin Flip 4K claim to build on the existing Elfin series to deliver “a significant upgrade in both optical performance and audio experience”.

Both projectors offer a claimed maximum brightness of 1600 ISO lumens and use an RGB triple laser light source. Unsurprisingly, the flagship model offers 4K resolution compared to the Flip Laser’s 1080p.

For gamers, the 4K model also offers VRR and ALLM support. However, like most projectors, it only runs at 1080p@120Hz. 4K is still locked to 60Hz.

The design looks practically identical to the predecessor, featuring a “book-sized” foldable build that can be tucked away when not in use. “Pick it up, place it, and the picture is ready” is Xgimi’s mantra here.

Both projectors come with Google TV built-in, which gives you access to a range of streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Netflix. In terms of sound, the models are equipped with a 7W Harmon Kardon tuned speaker with Dolby Audio support, which will supposedly “eliminate the need for external audio equipment”.

There is a range of features designed to make setup easier as well, including auto-keystone, auto-focus and obstacle avoidance.

The Elfin Flip 4K is priced at £869 / $999, and the Elfin Flip Laser comes in cheaper at £689 / $799.

That puts the flagship against the likes of the Award-winning Hisense M2 Pro, which is currently available for around £870. The five-star Hisense model will certainly prove tough competition for Xgimi’s latest bombshell, thanks to its bright picture and easy setup.

Still, the Elfin’s more portable design and promising picture specifications could challenge the current champion.

MORE:

These are the best portable projectors

And check out the best projectors

This is our review of the Xgimi MoGo 4

Apple has officially launched the public beta programme for its 2026 software releases, which includes early access to tvOS 27.

The forthcoming update introduces a bevvy of new features and performance upgrades, including Hi-Res Lossless playback in Apple Music, a redesigned Podcasts app, a more responsive Control Centre, and faster wireless connections to other Apple devices (including HomePods for TV audio) via AirPlay.

However, the biggest upgrade relates to the day-to-day performance of the nearly four-year-old streaming box. Apple says app loading times will be reduced by 30 per cent, and animations should feel smoother too. This means that the whole tvOS interface should feel slicker and more responsive.

This update comes in the wake of a price increase, which means the current-generation Apple TV 4K now starts at £199 / $199 / AU$299, or if you want 128GB of storage and an Ethernet socket, then you can expect to pay £249 / $249 / AU$399.

While the tvOS 27 update isn't expected to launch to all users until September, members of the Apple Beta Software Programme can enrol their Apple TV 4K and install the update via the Settings app, under the System tab.

If you're not in the beta programme, you can sign up here for free, and Apple lets anyone trial its software and provide feedback via the Feedback Assistant app.

Be warned, this software is still in beta, and while Apple's pre-release software is generally stable and safe to use, we'd recommend exercising some caution.

If you happen to have a spare Apple TV 4K lying around, then we'd suggest installing it on that rather than loading it onto your main device, as bugs and glitches can cause issues.

MORE:

Read our full Apple TV 4K review

Check out our picks for the best streaming devices

As well as the best streaming services for movies and TV shows

Rejoice, Sonos fans! After months, even years, of turmoil and trouble, Sonos is making serious steps towards fixing the app that, after a disastrous redesign in 2024, threatened the company's future and forced its then-CEO to step down.

Now, Sonos is doing everything it can to repair the damage. We reported in June that CEO Tom Conrad had written on Reddit detailing some of the changes set to come to the platform, promising that the Sonos team had spent "hundreds of hours" watching people use the app to find its weak spots.

Now, Sonos is ready to put it all into practice, making the new version available in public beta form for Android and iOS users. Any customer with app version 87 can switch on 'Enable Improved Navigation' in their Settings to access the Beta as Sonos collects feedback over the next few months.

That new beta iteration touts some promising upgrades, including improved navigation, more intuitive system tab controls and an overhauled volume tuning system, as well as what Sonos terms 'Quality-of-life fixes' across Now Playing, playlists and iPad views.

The new changes are currently rolling out in their beta form as part of an opt-in public test phase, with changes set broadly to become the default once feedback has been gathered. This could be in the autumn, but no definitive date has been given.

Has Sonos learned from the mistakes of its past? You can switch to the updated version of the app in your settings and judge for yourself.

MORE:

Which Sonos speaker should you buy?

Check out our recent Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker review

Sonos Play vs HomePod 2: which should you buy?

This is a lovely name for a pair of wired earbuds.

Sivga has introduced its new Lyrebird wired in-ear headphones, designed to produce "a high-end listening experience at an accessible price point".

The in-ears feature a quad-driver, hybrid driver array, consisting of a 10mm polymer dynamic driver handling the bass frequencies alongside a dedicated balanced armature unit designed to produce vocals with "exceptional clarity and detail".

A micro planar driver seeks to add a "smooth treble extension", while a 9.2mm multilayer ceramic driver rounds things off, dealing with "the finest high-frequency nuances".

Each earpiece is constructed using a handcrafted wooden faceplate, treated with resin to improve durability and, says Sivga, help reduce unwanted resonances for a cleaner, more refined audio signature.

The wooden faceplates combine with precision-machined aluminium alloy housings in further pursuit of an elegant yet durable aesthetic.

Included with the Lyrebird is a 4.4.mm balanced-ended cable combining silver-plated copper and gold-plated conductors, designed to help preserve the earbuds' "smooth, detailed presentation". The new in-ears also come with a leather carry case and a selection of silicone ear tips.

The Sivga Lyrebird are available now, priced at £149 / $149 / €167.

We reviewed another bird-themed pair of Sivga headphones – the over-ear SV021 Robin – back in 2024, and while their sound didn't quite take flight, there was enough evidence to suggest that Sivga's fledgling talents could one day see the brand soar.

MORE:

Now Playing: supercharge your summer listening with the 7 best tracks we’ve been using to test hi-fi

I've handpicked the best expert-approved deals on great-value soundbars, five-star AV receivers and luxury audiophile headphones

These are the best wired headphones you can buy

Any new product launch from Marantz is sure to grab headlines, and this is one of its biggest yet. The Japanese hi-fi giant has finally unveiled replacements for both its all-conquering and Award-winning PM6007 stereo amplifier and CD6007 CD player…

The Model 70 and CD 70 enter the separates arena with a new look, which brings them in line with the rest of the company’s hi-fi and home cinema electronics.

This means design touches such as textured surfaces on the front of both units and the inclusion of Marantz’s trademark circular ‘porthole’ on the Model 70 amp.

These are not just pretty new faces, either. Marantz has promised multiple internal upgrades, all of which are designed to extract the best sound quality possible.

These include “optimised circuit layouts, carefully selected components and vibration-resistant chassis structures.”

We’ll start with the Model 70 amplifier, which is a Class A/B design delivering 50 Watts of power per channel. It uses an upgraded power supply and preamplifier circuit, plus a larger power transformer than its predecessor.

It also features an electronic volume control as opposed to the analogue design used on the PM6007.

There’s a high-performance DAC on board, a high-quality MM phono stage, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive Bluetooth (including the ability to transmit and receive) and an HDMI ARC connection.

There are also your standard suite of analogue and digital connections, plus preamplifier and subwoofer preouts. The Model 70 includes a new low-phase noise clock to reduce the effects of jitter, i.e. digital timing errors, and deliver more accurate playback of your CDs.

The CD 70 uses the same DAC as the Model 70 and offers a USB (Type-A) input on the front that allows you to connect an external hard drive. It supports a range of file types, including WAV, FLAC, AIFF and DSD.

Also on the front is a 6.3mm headphone socket which connects to the fully discrete headphone amplifier contained within the unit. To help with headphone compatibility, Marantz includes adjustable gain control, which you access through the player’s on-screen menus.

It also features an upgraded power supply, plus a double-layered chassis and rigid isolation feet to keep outside interference to a minimum.

The CD 70 costs £499 | €600 | $750 | AU$1100 (exc VAT), which, given its predecessor launched at £399 / AU$999 back in 2020, isn’t really a huge increase.

The Model 70, on the other hand, costs £749 | €850 | AU$1600 (exc VAT), which represents a larger jump from the £499 / AU$1199 launch price of the outgoing PM6007. Both are available in either black or silver and gold.

One thing you might have noticed is that there is no US price for the Model 70 amplifier. It won’t be available in North America when the products officially go on sale on the 15th August. We have reached out to Marantz for a comment about this and will report back as soon as possible.

It’s fair to say Marantz’s CD6007 and PM6007 have had a great innings – almost six years to be precise – so while it’s obviously sad to see these repeat What Hi-Fi? Award-winners replaced, it’s a change that has been coming, and we are excited to hear what the new models offer.

We currently have both models in our dedicated test rooms and will be reporting back with our official verdicts in the very near future. Keep your eyes peeled!

MORE:

Our pick of the best stereo amplifiers you can buy

And the best CD players

How to choose and set up a stereo amplifier

What is a headphone amplifier and why should you buy one?

KEF has teased that a new speaker is in the works, with an Instagram video showing the brand's iconic Uni-Q driver and promising "a new definition of luxury."

The new speaker is said to have a "sculptural" form designed by Welsh industrial designer Ross Lovegrove. Lovegrove and KEF have a long history of working together. This includes his work on the brand's flagship Muon speakers, Muo Bluetooth speaker and Mu wireless earbuds/headphones, which all have curvy forms that certainly stand out.

In a blog post on KEF's website, the brand teases that the new speaker will take inspiration from these products, promising "a visual identity unlike any other."

There's little else revealed about the speaker beyond the inclusion of the Uni-Q driver, but KEF is promising "stunning sound clarity, sharper details and an expanded soundstage, that fully immerses you in the artist's creative vision."

That's quite a lofty promise, and we're left wondering just how "luxury" these new speakers will be when it comes to their price.

The new speakers are said to be "effortless in sound" and "composed for those who listen deeply." More bass? Large speaker? Your guess is as good as ours at this point.

Will the new speaker be a passive design and follow in the footsteps of the Q Meta and R Meta speaker series? Will there be a long-awaited update to our multiple Award-winning KEF LS50 Meta? Or will this be a new entry in KEF's LS wireless active speaker range, which features five-star products such as the LSX II and LS50 Wireless II?

We've got a couple of weeks to keep guessing, as the new KEF speaker will be revealed on Thursday, 30th July.

MORE:

Read our KEF LSX II review

And our KEF LS50 Meta review

Our guide to the best speakers we've tested and recommend across all budgets and types

This could be the best thing to come to Netflix since Hot Frosty. The service's free trial is back, after a six-year hiatus. And it includes the Premium tier with 4K and HDR.

According to Android Authority, the free trial is available in multiple regions around the world, but not the UK and US. The trials offered vary between seven and 30 days in duration, though some users claim to have cleared their web browser's cookies or opened the same link in an incognito window to get the maximum 30 days.

You have to select a tier before getting the free trial period, and if you don't cancel, you will be charged the full amount from that month onwards. Like most streaming services, you can cancel Netflix with just one month's notice.

Interestingly, the Netflix support page for the UK and US says that it doesn't offer free trials, but in various other countries (including those in Europe and Asia) it reads: "Netflix is offering a limited free trial to eligible new members in certain countries. If you are eligible, the free trial option will automatically appear during sign-up. If you don't see it, the free trial option is not currently available for your location or device."

Not to be outdone, Disney+ is reportedly considering making some of its content available for free. Business Insider reports the service is mulling over hosting certain content on Disney+ without a paywall in order to compete with free services like YouTube, according to people familiar with the matter.

Product and tech chief Adam Smith reportedly floated the idea during a town hall meeting on Thursday.

So are we entering a new era of streaming? Music streaming service Spotify still offers a free, ad-supported tier, and if competition increases, the film and TV streamers could be forced to offer something similar.

MORE:

The best streaming services for movies and TV shows

The best music streaming services

Don't let the algorithm decide – this music service now offers a better way to stream

You might have heard of Tiny Vinyl, the delightful 4-inch records that launched last year. Well now the company has launched a dedicated turntable on which to play them.

The Tiny Vinyl Player is only slightly bigger than a shoebox, and was built with the sole purpose of playing Tiny Vinyls. It is also completely unnecessary, as Tiny Vinyls play on most full-size 33⅓rpm turntables. But where’s the joy in only doing what’s strictly necessary?

The Player wasn’t part of the initial plan for Tiny Vinyl. Co-founders Jesse Mann and Neil Kohler were keen to make the format as versatile as possible. But once sales took off – they just pressed their millionth Tiny Vinyl in only around a year of being on sale – both fans and their biggest retailer Target were urging them to make a dedicated Tiny Vinyl turntable. So here we are.

No small task

Creating a turntable from the ground up – especially one this titchy – is no small task, no pun intended. But, being based in Nashville, the duo are surrounded by music industry peers only too willing to lend their expertise.

“We hooked up with someone who makes the Marshall Bluetooth line of accessories,” says Mann. “He sent us some amazing initial drawings, and then it was off to the races.”

As you can imagine, it posed a bit of an engineering challenge, not least because it boasts its own built-in speakers as well as Bluetooth for playing your vinyls wirelessly on an external speaker.

“We thought adding Bluetooth would be straightforward, but it was a bit of an exercise,” admits Kohler. “It was worth it though – as well as built-in speakers, we wanted the option of playing on your own Bluetooth speaker for more versatility.”

These challenges also opened the pair’s eyes to the intricate workings of a turntable.

“One of the technical things that was interesting to watch from a testing perspective was the rpm (revolutions per minute),” says Mann. “It had to be calibrated to 33⅓rpm, and seeing it being measured with the calibrator to ensure it ran perfectly at that tiny size, that was really fun to see.”

Broadening vinyl’s appeal

Not all the parts had to be created new – the cartridge and needle are off the shelf (though they wouldn’t tell me who makes them). But lots of elements had to be made especially for this product, including the tiny tone arm, the platter and the control panel. The result is something as fun and adorable as the 4-inch vinyls themselves.

“It’s not something you sit down with to listen to The Dark Side Of The Moon,” says Kohler. “It’s not that kind of product, and it was never meant to be.” Rather, it’s an on-ramp to the world of vinyl, helping to broaden the appeal to those shut out by a traditional deck’s greater complexity or higher pricing.

This accessibility is a big part of the appeal. “When we go to vinyl conferences, we’re always surprised by the number of people who thank us for getting more people into vinyl,” says Kohler. “One thing they always say is ‘Thank goodness they’re not on Spotify!’”

The pair have also launched the Frame for displaying Tiny Vinyls on your wall, and the Crate for storing your Tiny Vinyls. The Player sits on top of the Crate in a satisfyingly space-saving way. They are also launching custom, artist-themed Players next year, making another way for fans to connect with their favourite musicians, and all through the medium of vinyl.

The Tiny Vinyl Player is available now from Target for $50 (around £38 / AU$73), with a UK launch hopefully in the autumn.

MORE:

“Vinyl records will be around for ever” – the Tiny Vinyl founders on the black disc’s enduring appeal

The best turntables – all of which are full size

The best budget record players – all of which are more affordable

Majority has announced a new radio, and it has one feature sorely lacking from the four-star Little Shelford: a rechargeable battery.

When away form the mains, the Little Shelford relies on four AA batteries to provide 15 hours of battery life. As we commented in our review, that could soon get expensive if you're using it on the go a lot. But the Mini Shelford solves this problem with a built-in 2600mAh rechargeable unit that gives you up to 20 hours of runtime.

The Mini Shelford has a shorter, wider design than the Little, but still comes wreathed in retro styling. It too offers Bluetooth connectivity (for beaming content like playlists, podcasts and streaming services to it from your phone) and a DAB+/FM radio.

And if you don't want to go wireless, you can connect wired headphones to it using the 3.5mm socket.

There's a full colour display for showing album art and track info, and you control it using the rotary dial. Other features include a dual alarm and sleep timer.

We were impressed with what the Little Shelford offered for the price, and the Mini Shelford is only a few pounds more expensive. It goes on sale in August for £49.95 (around $67 / AU$97), and comes in Dusty Rose, Olive, Black and Cream finishes.

MORE:

Read our Majority Little Shelford review

Check out the best DAB radios

And the best internet radios

Japanese manufacturer Final has announced its new flagship closed-back headphones, the DX10000 CL, which the company calls its “most ambitious headphone project to date”. And we should hope so, too, considering that the standard edition’s pricing begins at £7499 / $8499.

So, what justifies the cosmic pricing of these high-end headphones?

Well, to start with, at the heart of the DX10000 CL is Final’s newly developed 40mm True Diamond diaphragm dynamic driver.

According to Final, diamond’s high rigidity and strong internal damping allow the diaphragm to maintain pistonic motion, reducing diaphragm deformation and suppressing residual vibrations after the signal is cut, for faster transient response and lower distortion.

A similar degree of care has been taken inside the headphones’ silver-accented, high-rigidity aluminium-magnesium alloy housing. Unnecessary material has been removed to reduce weight, and the resulting cavities have been filled with acoustic damping to minimise internal reflections.

The earpads are made of ultrasuede (a blend of ultra-fine polyester and elastic plastics), which Final says achieves the “intended acoustic response” through carefully controlled air permeability while ensuring “long-term comfort”.

According to Final, the DX10000 CL are “a closed-back flagship designed to sound powerful and immersive without losing the openness, clarity and natural tone expected from the highest level of personal audio”.

The headphones use screws rather than adhesives throughout the construction, which ensures that components can be replaced and serviced throughout their lifetime.

Included with the headphones are two silver-coated cables: a 1.5m cable with 4.4mm connection, and a 3m cable with XLR connection. 6.3mm adapters for each cable are also included for use with a wide range of sources.

The Final DX10000 CL are now available to pre-order, with shipping expected by the end of July.

The first 150 pairs of these high-end headphones are available as a limited collector's edition, which have gold-coloured accents, and include a presentation box, a silk pouch and a CNC-machined aluminium headphone stand for an extra £500.

MORE

Final brings Hybrid ANC and long battery life to two competitively priced wireless headphones

Focal Utopia (2022) review

Best headphones 2026: tested by our experts

Sony has unveiled its latest pair of wired in-ear headphones, the IER-M500.

Developed in collaboration with monitoring engineers, Sony bills its latest in-ear headphones as being the perfect partner for musicians and performers who require "reliable and accurate in-ear monitoring" for both performance and practice.

The IEMs' fully sealed structure, combined with a large acoustic chamber, offers outstanding sound isolation, even in noisy live environments.

A set of 5mm dynamic drivers are complemented by a large acoustic chamber in pursuit of "deep, controlled bass", while the headphones' optimised internal structure has been designed to give a more refined high-frequency reproduction.

Designed to blend comfort and stability, the IER-M500 feature what Sony calls "fitting supporters".

This is a loop at the top of each earpiece which nestles under the inner ear ridge to anchor the IEMs in place. To further facilitate a better fit, four sizes of noise-isolating ear tips are included, as is a 1.6m detachable cable with a 3.5mm jack.

While they don't carry an official IP certification, Sony pledges that the IER-M500 are capable of handling moisture, such as splashes of water or human sweat, without too much trouble.

The IER-M500 will be available from August in a choice of Clear, Black and Red & Blue finishes, priced at £99 / $120 / €115.

MORE:

Like wired headphones? Read our recent Grado SR325 Classic review

Now Playing: supercharge your summer listening with the 7 best tracks we’ve been using to test hi-fi

Best wired headphones: from outstanding in-ears to five-star over-ears

Australian-owned audio platform AudioBro — which promises a smarter, more cost-effective way for hi-fi and home cinema enthusiasts to improve sound quality, without investing in new equipment — has announced it is now available worldwide.

The web-based platform is the brainchild of founder Ateeq Sheikh, who has spent the past three and a half years developing it. At its core, AudioBro aims to identify the weak links in a system — whether that’s room acoustics, speaker placement, subwoofer integration or calibration.

The paid service analyses customer-supplied data, including photographs, room dimensions, speaker layouts (from two-channel stereo through to full surround systems), in addition to calibration screenshots and acoustic measurements from third-party tools such as Dirac Live, Audyssey, REW and Anthem ARC Genesis.

From there, it prioritises the most critical issue and recommends a practical first step to improve performance. Once changes are made, users can upload new measurements to verify the results. As the company puts it: “Improvement is only considered verified after the listener makes a change and completes a comparable retest.”

A suite of tools underpins the platform. Photo Acoustics provides a visual room analysis, flagging potential reflection issues such as large window surfaces, while RoomMatch suggests optimal speaker placement based on the listening position. Tune My Sub offers guided subwoofer optimisation, and Fix My Room delivers a measurement-led diagnosis of the space.

Additional features include BassMap, which helps determine ideal subwoofer positioning based on measurement data; My Rooms, which stores test results across multiple spaces; and Guided Workflows, offering consultant-style reports and step-by-step optimisation paths.

Following its global launch in June 2026, AudioBro has also introduced a standalone Room Review service. Available separately from a subscription, it supports both self-guided optimisation and more hands-on analysis. Pricing starts at $97 for a quick review and rises to $199 for a more in-depth, measurement-based assessment.

The company says Room Review is intended as a room-first advisory tool rather than a replacement for on-site calibration. Users simply upload photos and measurements, after which the AudioBro team identifies the most likely limiting factor, then recommends a key first step and outlines practical next moves — typically within 72 hours.

Full access to the platform requires a subscription, offered in two tiers: Starter at $24.99 per month and Pro at $49.99 per month, with annual plans priced at $199.90 and $399.90, respectively.

Early adopters, however, can secure lifetime access for a one-off fee of $199 (Starter) or $299 (Pro).

MORE:

The best speakers you can buy in 2026

Bad news for Tidal users as the music-streaming service reveals an August price hike

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Fans of Blu-rays have suffered relentless waves of bad news lately, the latest being that Sony's next PlayStation will likely be an all-digital affair with no disc drive in sight. But at last, there is some good news, of sorts.

Japanese manufacturer Buffalo will continue to make Blu-ray disc drives (as reported by PC Watch, via TechRadar), despite previously saying it would stop because of a lack of available components. However, there are a couple of caveats.

First of all, Buffalo will only keep making drives as long as the newly sourced components last. Once they dry up, production will stop, possibly for good. The exact end date will depend on inventory, so no warning will be given.

Also, Buffalo drives will cost more than they did previously. PC Watch reports that the price hikes will be between 33 per cent and 51 per cent, depending on the model of the disc drive. These price rises are said to be due to the global semiconductor shortage and the rising prices of raw materials.

Buffalo is far from the only company affected by these factors. Apple recently raised prices on certain devices, citing the same issues.

Buffalo's drives were due to cease production this month, according to the firm's announcement in February. The one silver lining is that the reason given is component shortages, and not lack of demand. But it's a very small crumb of comfort for us fans of physical media formats.

Previously, Pioneer and LG announced they would withdraw from the disc drive market.

So could this be the end of Blu-ray as we know it? Or could the format 'do a vinyl' and continue to live on?

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Danish hi-fi firm Dynaudio is exiting the US market just a few months short of its 50th anniversary.

According to a press release, Dynaudio has chosen "to focus its future market development efforts on Europe and Asia as part of its long-term business strategy."

As a result, it will "cease operations of its commercial activities in North America and permanently shut down its U.S. subsidiary in the fall of 2026."

Dynaudio cites "ongoing economic challenges and market uncertainty" for its withdrawal, despite sales having grown in the region. US president Donald Trump recently repeated his claim that Greenland should be controlled by the US and not Denmark – it's not known if tensions between the two countries played a part in Dynaudio's decision.

Dynaudio says it is committed to ensuring a "smooth transition" for customers and business partners in the region, and will soon share a plan for continuity of product support and customer service.

We've contacted Dynaudio for more information and will update this story if we hear back.

Founded in 1977 in Skanderborg, Denmark, Dynaudio makes a range of speakers for the consumer, studio, car audio and custom install markets. In 2022 it revamped its Focus active range, and about 18 months ago announced a premium concept soundbar – the Symphony Opus One – which it demonstrated at the recent High End Vienna show. It has previously made speakers for Volvo, Volkswagen and Bugatti cars.

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Ruark has announced its R410 Anniversary Edition, a limited-production celebratory spin on the brand's established all-in-one music system.

Built to commemorate 40 years of Ruark as a brand, the special edition system follows the same design language as the established R410, exhibiting the same slatted metallic grille and rectangular cabinet design which wowed us when we reviewed the standard model in 2023.

What marks the R410 Anniversary Edition out as unique is its hand-crafted White Oak cabinet complemented by an ebonised grille and inlay.

A new high-resolution colour screen displays vitals such as playback information and album artwork, while Ruark's established 'RotoDial' control returns to take care of volume, play/pause and presets.

Each system is finished with a commemorative anniversary badge to mark out its exclusivity, so everyone will know you've got your hands on something special.

Under the hood, the new system features optimised reflex enclosures within the cabinet to provide "ideal conditions" for the system's twin 10cm long-throw 'NS Plus' bass-mid units. Ruark promises "seamless, powerful and controlled bass through to a natural midrange".

The R410 also boasts custom 20mm tweeters, taken from the brand's five-star MR1 Mk3 powered speakers, for handling the higher frequencies.

As before, the R410 Anniversary Edition boasts an extensive streaming suite, offering support for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, among others.

The 40th anniversary edition system boasts a fully active 120W RMS Class D amplifier, while hi-res audio support for PCM files up to 24-bit/192kHz is on the menu.

According to Alan O'Rourke, Ruark's founder and managing director: "The R410 Anniversary Edition brings together everything we care about. Extraordinary sound, considered design and exquisite materials chosen not just for how they look but how they sound. This system is the culmination of 40 years of hard work and it’s something we’re proud to make and hopefully you can be proud to own.”

Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the R410 Anniversary Edition will be available in an Ebony and White Oak finish, priced at £1399 / €1599.

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Italian brand Volumio has been making waves with its compact streaming products that offer ample features in designs don’t look like traditional hi-fi.

The Primo V3 is the latest iteration of its music streamer and DAC, and it packs quite a number of features into its petite dimensions.

Volumio’s network streaming platform gives you access to Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz Connect, and internet radio services like TuneIn. It is DLNA compliant and Roon Ready certified, and Bluetooth 5.0 is also available.

The updated ESS Sabre 9039Q2M DAC handles hi-res audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, and the unit offers wi-fi and Ethernet connections to your network.

Analogue outputs include balanced XLR and RCA line level, with eight adjustable voltage levels to fine tune the unit’s output to your partnering amplifier or active speakers.

There is a video-only HDMI output for seeing the Volumio OS on a screen, a microSD card slot to integrate your digital library directly without needing a network connection, and there are two USB-A ports for connecting hard drives. Notably, there are no coaxial or optical connections.

You can use either USB-A port as a digital output connected to a compatible USB DAC, via which it can handle ultra high resolutions files: PCM files with a high sampling rate of 1536kHz, and DSD1024.

Volumio says this allows you to “preserve the full fidelity of your music system” and “retain the full resolution of the original recording”. Those files must be rarer than hen's teeth, as we have rarely come across downloadable hi-res tracks beyond 24-bit/192kHz – which the Volumio natively supports.

The Primo V3’s quad core CPU is faster and more powerful than before, while care is taken internally to shorten the signal paths of the circuitry and it uses a linear power supply stage to reduce noise and interference. Combined with a high-precision clock, this helps to reduce jitter and keep the signal as clear as possible.

You can further fine tune the sound of the streamer thanks to eight DAC filters.

The Volumio Primo V3 streamer sports an all-black minimal design, and is available now for £769 / $1049 / €849.

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Our guide to the best music streamers for all budgets

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Bad news for Tidal users as the music-streaming service reveals an August price hike

The peak of summer has coincided with the World Cup this year, leaving many of us in a conundrum as to how to keep up with the games while escaping sweltering houses.

Fortunately, Roberts has thought up a solution with its latest DAB+/FM radio with Bluetooth, the SolarDAB 99, which can harness the unrelenting sunshine as a power source thanks to built-in solar panels.

But this portable radio is no fair weather friend. Designed for outdoor use, it also has an IP55 water and dust protection rating, a 20-hour rechargeable battery life and even a dynamo which can be cranked to charge the radio instantly (one minute of cranking will give you up to seven minutes of playback, mind you). In more domestic conditions, USB-C charging is also available.

The SolarDAB 99 supports DAB, DAB+ and FM radio, alongside Bluetooth audio streaming. For easy access to your preferred radio stations, Roberts has also included 40 storable presets: 20 for FM stations, 20 for DAB.

For late-night listening that won’t wake up the campsite, the radio has a 3.5mm headphone output, as well as a USB-A port for device charging. A 3.5mm auxiliary input allows you to connect your own devices to use the radio as a speaker.

The visual display includes a backlit LCD screen showing radio band selection, battery status, signal strength, station presets and alarm settings.

According to Owen Watters, CEO of Roberts Radio, "We’re seeing a real shift in how people are choosing to spend their time - more outdoors, more off-grid, more present, and with that comes a growing awareness of being prepared for the unexpected."

And prepared you will be, because the rugged SolarDAB 99 is even equipped for emergencies, with an LED flashlight, alternating red and white lights with SOS morse code, alongside an emergency siren.

With a weight of 837g and an attachable carry strap, Roberts says this radio will be able to accompany you on your travels, no matter where you end up, “from remote campsites and festival fields to garden days and emergency situations.”

The Roberts SolarDAB 99 radio is available to buy now for £150.

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If you've desperately been trying to fill the iPod Nano-sized hole in your life since its demise in 2017, Shanling might just have answered your somewhat niche prayers.

The Chinese manufacturer's latest portable music player, the M0 Pura, puts us in mind of the Nano in its sixth-gen incarnation, offering up a compact design complete with a 1.54-inch colour touchscreen.

It also boasts many mod cons that, back in 2017 at least, Apple's much-loved micro-player wasn't capable of providing.

The M0 Pura is built around dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs, with support for PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz alongside DSD128. In order to drive more demanding headphones, the new player can offer up to 250mW of output power into 32 ohms when using an optional 3.5mm to 4.4mm balanced adapter.

Shanling claims up to 9 hours of continuous playback from a single charge, while your music collection is handled via microSD card. The built-in slot supports cards up to 2TB in size.

Unlike the now-deceased iPod Nano, the M0 Pura offers two-way Bluetooth, so you can use the player to transmit to headphones and speakers, or to receive and act as a Bluetooth DAC for a connected smartphone or laptop.

USB-C connectivity also enables Shanling's new player to act as a digital transport for external USB DACs.

The Shanling M0 Pura is supplied with a USB-C to USB-C cable, though we'd reiterate that if you want a 3.5mm to 4.4mm balanced adapter, you'll need to buy one separately.

The Shanling M0 Pura is available now, priced at £129 / $129 / €129. Rather fittingly, that makes it a similar price to the 6th-gen Nano, which arrived on the scene for £129 / $149 (8GB) back in 2010.

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If recent rumours are to be believed, Samsung is about to jump on the clip-on trend with its latest pair of wireless earbuds.

We've not had official confirmation yet, but one rather sharp-eyed Twitter / X user noticed an update to Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app which, among other things, listed the term 'Galaxy Able' in reference to a new pair of earbuds.

This tallies with earlier reports that Samsung is set to debut an entirely new product line – separate from its Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds Pro ranges – this year.

According to Forbes via Android Authority, earlier leaks using the moniker "BUDSABLE" and the model number SM-U6000 had confirmed that a new pair of buds could be on the way. Leaked artwork then suggested that a clip-on design could be the direction in which Samsung was headed.

Dedicated Samsung site sammyguru.com, also alleges they might even use bone conduction technology, similar to the tech used in the sport-centric Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 from 2024.

It certainly wouldn't surprise us if Samsung ended up jumping on the ever-growing open and clip-on wireless earbud trend.

Recent clip-on offerings have included the likes of Huawei FreeClip 2 and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, as well as the open-style Sony LinkBuds Open and the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC, all of which eschew traditional in-ear configurations in pursuit of a more comfortable, out-of-ear design.

Those rivals are all born from big-name brands, so it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility if Samsung moved to match its competitors by offering an open alternative to keep its Galaxy-focused fans happy.

Samsung's recent Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are some of the best buds we've yet tested from the Korean giant, so it might be in the perfect position to start rivalling its competitors in this emerging corner of the market.

Samsung has its annual Unpacked event slated for the 22nd of July, so there's a good chance we might get a proper unveiling of the new buds – and its next-gen foldable phones – when we attend in a few weeks time.

Naturally, we'll let you know what we discover.

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These are the best cheap wireless earbuds on the market

Nothing is back with a brand new pair of affordable, colourful wireless earbuds, the Ear (3a).

The latest addition to the brand’s more affordable, fun-centric (a) series, the new buds blend “immersive listening” with a “playful design” at a price that won’t exactly break the bank. They also have a rather intriguing feature up their sleeve…

Before we get to that, the Nothing Ear (3a) use a set of 12mm dynamic drivers designed to deliver “deeper bass and greater detail” than their previous generation antecedents, while a lightweight PMI diaphragm aims for “clear, detailed highs”.

Bolstering the buds’ new hardware is support for LDAC, the Sony-developed codec which allows for hi-res audio transmission up to 24-bit/96 kHz from a compatible source.

Noise cancelling is also available, with the Ear (3a) using an improved acoustic mesh and a more advanced ANC algorithm to keep you even more shielded from the sounds of the outside world, with Nothing promising nearly 20 per cent better performance when compared with their predecessors.

The Ear (3a) deliver up to 10 hours of playback from the buds and up to 42 hours with the charging case when noise cancelling is switched off. With ANC enabled, they offer up to six hours from the earbuds and a total of around 25 hours in total with the case in play. When things get low, a quick five-minute charge provides around one hour of playback in a pinch.

What was that intriguing feature we mentioned earlier? The Ear (3a) offer ‘Audio Snapshot’ technology, letting users instantly clip media they are listening to, be it a an online lecture, a call or a voice note, by pinching both earbuds to create an “audio screenshot” for posterity.

Nothing’s ‘Static’ spatial audio tech is also in the mix, while a three-mic array on each earbud promises clear calls, even in busy environments.

The Nothing Ear (3a) are available now, priced at £99 / $99 / €99, in a choice of Black, White, Yellow or Pink finishes.

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These are the best cheap wireless earbuds on the market

What Hi-Fi? has once again partnered with Residential Systems and TWICE to celebrate the most innovative products at this year's CEDIA Expo in September. And entries for the Best of Show Awards are now open.

This prestigious awards programme is an opportunity for your brand to stand apart from the competition in the connected space arena.

CEDIA showcases next-gen products, immersive demos, and innovative technologies in the space, and provides a platform for tech companies to engage with customers.

Here's why you should enter.

• All entries will receive a fully licensed nominee badge to use in both digital and print promotions.
• Dedicated editorial coverage across participating brands. As a winning entry, you will receive promotional coverage across social media, websites, newsletters and magazines from the official award brands – Residential Systems, TWICE and What Hi-Fi?
• Winner marketing assets to further promote your success. You will receive an official award winner's badge, fully licensed to be used with your winning product both domestically and overseas at no additional cost in addition to a winner's social assets.
• Crystal glass trophies to display your win. Individual trophies will be sent directly to winners after CEDIA, so you can continue celebrating your success after the show.

Entries must be submitted by 23:59 ET on August 21, 2026.

The only criteria for entry is that the company must be exhibiting at the show and the product must be set to ship within 12 months, if it isn’t already available.

As ever, the What Hi-Fi? entries will be judged from a purely home entertainment perspective, Residential Systems entries are judged through the lens of the residential integrator, while TWICE will judge them from a consumer electronics retailer’s point of view.

Winners will be announced on the last day of the show, which is Friday, September 4.

Interested in entering? Just follow this link and click the Start Your Entry button. You can nominate multiple products if you like – there's no limit on how many entries you submit.

The deadline for entries is 23:59 ET on August 21, 2026.

The CEDIA Expo 2023 is set to take place September 1-4 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO. Make sure to check back with What Hi-Fi? on the show’s final day, when we’ll announce this year’s winners.

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Marshall has updated two of its long-running home-based Bluetooth speakers with the launch of the Acton IV and Stanmore IV models.

Building upon the existing Acton and Stanmore models, the fourth-generation speakers feature upgraded tweeters and waveguides, updated connectivity and a refreshed design.

The updated tweeters and waveguides on both models aim to deliver “a wider, more evenly dispersed and expansive soundstage.” Both home speakers have a similar configuration of two tweeters and a woofer, with the bigger Stanmore IV model featuring a larger woofer driver.

The bass ports on both models have been redesigned for improved airflow, which should result in “cleaner and more powerful” bass performance. Marshall says the cables have also been repositioned to allow the speakers to be placed “flush against a wall without affecting audio quality”.

Along with Bluetooth and higher-quality LDAC codec support for streaming from mobile devices, both speakers feature a 3.5mm auxiliary and new RCA stereo inputs. The latter lets you connect a variety of audio sources, for instance, a turntable with a built-in phono stage such as the Sony PS-LX3BT.

The Acton IV and Stanmore IV both feature a ‘Dynamic Loudness’ setting, which automatically rebalances bass and treble frequencies in order to preserve “clarity, richness and warmth” at any volume. Improved limiters in the new models also promise to deliver a “cleaner” sound when playing at high volumes.

Although the classic look of the popular guitar amp-inspired home speakers has been preserved, their retro brass control panel sees physical improvements to the controls. On-board controls include tonal adjustments and a "media jog" that lets you play/pause/skip songs. A brand new ‘M-button’ also allows users to easily switch between EQ settings and Spotify Tap options.

For further customisation, the dedicated Marshall app allows users to adjust EQ presets and “optimise audio” with placement compensation settings. Notably, built-in Auracast technology means that Acton IV and Stanmore IV can be connected to each other for multi-speaker listening.

To integrate older-generation Acton III and Stanmore III models into a multi-speaker set-up, you will need to purchase Marshall’s streaming hub, called Heddon, to bridge the gap between generations. This is available for £180 on its own, and is free of charge when buying two or more eligible Marshall home speakers.

According to Simona Berbec, Product Manager at Marshall Group: "These always-in-place speakers... [are] chosen time and again for their iconic design, premium build quality, rich, powerful sound, and intuitive tactile controls. With our fourth generation, the focus has been on protecting and strengthening these core qualities, building on what people love rather than reinventing it.”

The Marshall Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers, priced at £260 / $300 and £350 / $400 respectively, are available to buy from today in black or cream finishes.

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There has been a lot of controversy surrounding digital film and TV downloads lately, so it's nice to finally hear some good news.

While Sony announced that it's ditching physical PlayStation discs and removing purchased content from users' libraries, Apple has taken a major step to improve the content within its users' Apple TV digital libraries.

A selection of around 50 TV shows has been quietly upgraded from HD to 4K, and that change is being retroactively applied for users who have already purchased these shows, at no additional cost.

The selection includes some high-profile releases, such as all seven seasons of Mad Men, the first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and recent TV phenomenon Heated Rivalry. You can find the full list below:

• Aerial Australia
• Aftertaste (Season 1)
• American Magik (Season 1)
• Auto Exotica (Season 2)
• The Basement Talks (Season 1)
• Black, Brilliant, and Bold (Season 1)
• Blossoms Shanghai (Season 1)
• Bong Zombies (Season 1)
• Building Nations (Season 1)
• Car & Country Quest (Season 1)
• Changing of the Gods (Season 1)
• Chasing the Tide (Season 1)
• Claire-ity (Season 1)
• Clash of Dynasties: St. Edward vs Walsh Jesuit
• The Coroner's Assistant (Season 1)
• Drink: A Look Inside the Glass (Season 1)
• The Envoy, Pilot
• The Eternal White (Season 1)
• Extreme Airport Africa (Season 2)
• Founder (Season 1)
• Gatherings (Season 1)
• Gentle and Lowly Video Study (Season 1)
• Guerrera (Season 1)
• Gus Plus Us (Season 1)
• Heated Rivalry (Season 1)
• Honor Guard (Season 1)
• Hunting to Save the Rhinos (Season 1)
• The Hunting Wives (Season 1)
• Ice Airport Alaska (Season 5)
• Killer Whales (Season 2)
• Legacy Makers (Season 1)
• Mad Men (Seasons 1–7)
• Missionary: Obeying the Great Commission (Season 1)
• My Name is Anxiety (Season 1)
• Office Joe (Season 1)
• Perfect Sweat (Season 1)
• Q: Into the Storm
• The Religion Business and the Nonprofit Goliath (Season 1)
• Rich Africans (Season 1)
• RuPaul's Drag Race UK (Season 5)
• The RVers (Seasons 3 and 4)
• Selling Superman (Season 1)
• Sexpectations (Season 1)
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Season 1)
• That’s Wine (Season 1)
• Third Shift
• Tractor Ted (Season 3)
• The Twilight Zone (Reboot) (Season 1)
• The Wingfeather Saga (Season 2)

This upgrade was spotted by X (formerly Twitter) user Sigmund Judge (via FlatpanelsHD), and users in the UK and US who have purchased these TV shows from the Apple TV Store (formerly the iTunes Movies & TV Shows store) should already be able to access the upgraded 4K versions from within their Apple TV library.

It's worth noting that Apple has a track record of providing free 4K upgrades to its Apple TV users. It began upgrading purchased movies from HD to 4K HDR alongside the launch of the Apple TV 4K back in 2017, and we've since seen free Dolby Atmos, HDR10+ and 3D 4K upgrades hit users' Apple TV libraries too.

This is how you win digital media sceptics over, and other companies should certainly take note.

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A network transport is quite a niche product – essentially, it fetches your digital music from a NAS drive, network storage or streaming service and passes it to a DAC in order to play it. There’s no built-in DAC, as you get with most music streamers, but that’s no problem if you already have one elsewhere in your system, or you’re happy to buy a dedicated unit and go the separates route.

Now new Polish brand Ferrum Audio has announced the Broen, a premium network transport that promises an “uncompromising digital audio performance”.

It aims to provide a clean and precise digital signal path, alongside “flexible connectivity, intuitive operation and extensive streaming support”.

It is built around Ferrum’s Serce DDC (digital to digital converter) module, which should optimise every stage of digital-signal handling. Because there is no analogue circuitry inside, Serce focuses just on digital processing, which, Ferrum claims, “delivers outstanding precision while maintaining complete separation between input and output domains.”

Galvanically isolated audio outputs and ultra-low jitter clocks help to preserve signal integrity.

It supports both wired and wireless networking; as well as wi-fi, it has a modular SFP port that can take either a standard ethernet module or an optical module. That means it can hook up to compatible SFP network switches for less electrical noise and cleaner digital transmission.

Of course you will need a DAC, and Ferrum is only too happy to sell you one. The Broen works seamlessly with Ferrum’s Wandla range of DACs, thanks to the Ferrum Streaming Control Technology (FSCT). Connect a Wandla DAC to the Broen via USB, and you can control the latter from the former’s touchscreen or remote control. Artist information, album details and playback status will appear on the DAC’s screen.

At the heart of the Broen is the Volumio streaming platform. This brings a range of music services and playback options, including Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz (with their Connect variants), AirPlay, UPnP/DLNA, internet radio, CD, multi-room, AI-powered SuperSearch, Infinity Playback and enhanced album and artist metadata.

You can add more storage using the internal SSD slot, while over-the-air firmware updates allow new features to be added remotely in the future.

The Broen is out now, and costs £1995 / $2275 (around AU$3800). That’s a similar price to the Lumin U2 Mini to which we awarded five stars last year.

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When Sony officially unveiled its 2026 TV range, there was plenty of disappointment that it didn’t include a new OLED model – much of it from me.

These days, Sony tends to work on two-year lifecycles for its TVs, so I wasn’t expecting a successor to last year’s Bravia 8 II; but a replacement for 2024’s Bravia 8 seemed a fairly safe bet – as did a successor to the A90K, which is now an incredible four years old.

The omission prompted some (again, mostly me) to theorise that Sony had in fact turned its back on OLED entirely, and that the Bravia 8 II could be the brand’s last OLED model.

Last month, though, we reported on rumours that Sony was bracing to launch a brand-new OLED TV. And now, those rumours have been all but confirmed by the appearance of this new OLED set on several of Sony’s own websites.

The listings, first spotted by High Def News (thanks, The Walkman Blog), confirm that the new OLED is indeed the Bravia 6. And, if the name wasn’t a big enough hint, the TV’s tagline – “OLED essentials, now within reach” – also confirms that this is indeed an entry-level OLED TV.

Naturally, I’m disappointed that Sony isn’t launching a new flagship OLED at this stage, but if the Bravia 6 is indeed Sony’s most affordable OLED TV yet, as the tagline suggests, that’s rather exciting news in its own right.

Full tech specs are currently absent from the live pages (another suggestion that they have gone live earlier than planned), but there are some nuggets of information to be gleaned.

First, the TV is listed in sizes ranging from 48 inches to 83 inches. That’s a broader range than Sony typically offers for its OLED TVs, but it’s also highly suggestive of the Bravia 6 using LG Display’s new OLED SE panel, which is available in exactly those sizes and notably not in 42 inches.

While it’s not confirmed, we believe this is the panel that is already found in the LG B6, a set we will be reviewing very soon.

Another encouraging detail is that the Bravia 6 sports four HDMI 2.1 sockets. Gamers (myself included) have long lamented Sony’s models being limited to just two HDMI 2.1 sockets, with that limitation even being true of the new flagship Bravia 9 II, so this is very good news.

The listing also confirms that Dolby Vision is supported on the video side, and that Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are present on the audio side.

Unsurprisingly, like every other modern Bravia TV, the Bravia 6 also features the Google TV platform, which can be operated via voice control (though it’s not clear whether this is via a microphone built into the remote control or the TV itself).

We do know the TV includes ambient sensors, with the listing promising automatic picture adjustments based on room conditions.

None of the leaked listings includes pricing, so we don’t yet have any indication of where the Bravia 6 will sit in Sony’s range.

We don’t even know, in fact, whether the Bravia 6 will even come to the UK. Sony has a recent habit of releasing some models in certain regions but not others.

If it does launch the new model in the UK, there’s no guarantee that it will do so in all sizes: I note that Sony Hong Kong is listing the Bravia 6 in 48-, 55- and 65-inch sizes, while Sony Gabon is listing the 55-, 65-, 77- and 83-inch sizes.

We have approached Sony UK for comment. We don’t expect the company to confirm the Bravia 6 ahead of an official announcement, but with multiple regional Sony websites now listing the TV, that announcement surely can’t be far away.

Stay tuned for more on the Sony Bravia 6 as we get it.

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Fancy something for the weekend? Well Sony has just the thing. Its Award-winning WH-1000XM6 headphones have just gained a new firmware update that enables an ultra-low-latency mode.

The update is also available for Sony’s 1000X The Collexion.

The update adds support for the Bluetooth LE Audio Gaming Audio Profile (GMAP). This reduces latency (the time that a sound takes to reach your ears) to less than 40 milliseconds.

As the name suggests, this will predominantly be of interest to gamers.

GMAP has four signal profiles (A-D) depending on whether speed or stability is the priority. Profile A is the quickest, while D is better suited for areas with lots of interference. GMAP is part of the Bluetooth specification laid down by the Bluetooth SIG, and so can work on other wireless headphones too.

In order to hear the benefit, your audio source also needs to support GMAP.

The new feature is available now via the 3.1.5 firmware update for the XM6 and 1.3.0 for the 1000X The Collexion. You can install the updates for both pairs of headphones using the Sony Sound Connect app.

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Read our Sony WH-1000XM6 review

And our Sony 1000X The Collexion review

I spent 10 hours on trains listening the Sony WH-1000XM6 – here’s what I learned

You can’t always get what you want in the world of home entertainment. In an ideal world, we would all have a house with a bespoke home cinema, fully kitted out with in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, a serious 4K laser projector and some top-notch amplification.

Sometimes, though, you can get what you need as far as enjoying movies and sport at home goes. And that’s where this month's cover-star soundbar systems come in.

The summer is also a great time to invest in a premium Bluetooth speaker – especially if you want to do your music justice at home, while at the same time being able to take your tunes out and about with you in the fine weather.

Superb soundbar systems for serious home cinema sound

We have often wondered what it would be like to have your cake and eat it.

Of course, that phrase exists to describe the kind of best-of-both-worlds scenario that could never actually exist. Sometimes, though, it really is possible to get the best of both worlds, and in home cinema land, two sonic worlds coalesce beautifully in the shape of the soundbar system.

By supplying a ’bar together with a subwoofer and a pair of satellite speakers set behind your seating position, soundbar systems allow you to enjoy genuine surround sound without having to accommodate a collection of bulky boxes in your living room. Far from being a compromise, for many the impressive performance and neat convenience of such a set-up hits the home-cinema sweet spot.

The key to the neatness of this solution is that, in most examples, both the subwoofer and satellites are significantly smaller than those you would find in a conventional speaker package.

For this month's round-up, we have picked five models from a variety of price points to help you find the soundbar system that best suits your needs and budget.

So make yourself a cuppa, sit down and read on. And have some more cake.

The best Bluetooth speakers to take your tunes on the go

A Bluetooth speaker is one of the simplest and best ways to get your music playing wherever you roam. In fact, these wireless wonders can be stunningly versatile. Perhaps you want one in your office to help your working day along. Or as accompaniment to a sunbathing session in your back garden. Or maybe you’ll want to pop one in your backpack and take it further afield, to the park, the beach, or up a mountainside – or anywhere you want to take your tunes.

There are, of course, a huge number of capable Bluetooth speakers out there, of all shapes, sizes and prices. Here, though, we’re focusing on the upper echelons of this particular product category.

This month, we round up a quartet of our favourite premium wireless speakers from highly regarded audio brands Bose, Dali, Bang & Olufsen and JBL. All impressed our reviewers when we originally had them in for testing, and all remain at the top of their game for their spread of talents.

The models we have brought together for this Group Test add a hefty slice of style to their list of attributes too. Indeed, you may not even want to take them out for fear of getting them dirty – though all of them have been designed with rugged portability in mind. Either way, you’re sure to be the envy of everyone involved in your al fresco music party.

Can RGB Mini LED defeat the best OLED TV around?

There’s a war going on for your living room. The premium TV technology of choice of the last few years – OLED – is under attack from a new, stunningly bright and vibrant foe – RGB Mini LED.

Every major brand has either launched its first RGB Mini LED TVs or is about to. Hisense launched its first such models last year, but those were gigantic, 100-plus-inch sets. Now, though, it has become the first brand to submit to us a proper, mainstream RGB Mini LED TV, the UR9.

We’ve tested the Hisense UR9 and Sony Bravia 8 II side by side, feeding all of our favourite discs and streams into both simultaneously, and judging them on picture quality, sound quality, features, usability, design and price.

Find out which TV tech triumphs in August's What Hi-Fi?

Great prog rock albums that will give your system a work-out

Progressive rock is a staple in hi-fi circles, and for good reason. Explore it, and you’ll find everything from experimental, album-length tracks chronicling epic space wars to short and sweet, gentle ballads celebrating young love on a UK council estate. The only connecting factor between them is a progressive virtuosity focused on pushing sonic boundaries.

And, when done right, this means it’s a genre that can really stretch any hi-fi system, which is why it makes sense that our readers talk about it so much on our forums and social media pages. It’s also why more than a few of the What Hi-Fi? team have a soft spot for the genre and often listen to it for fun as well as work.

Here we offer our two cents on the top prog rock albums for hi-fi fans, based on those we frequently use for testing as well as some of our own personal favourites.

First with reviews

As always, our First Tests section is where you'll find What Hi-Fi?'s considered verdicts on the very latest hi-fi and AV gear.

We kick off this month with the return of an iconic hi-fi brand, with the aptly named Onkyo Icon A-50 streaming amplifier. Boasting expansive delivery and an organised sound, does the Icon indeed live up to its name? Find out in this month's What Hi-Fi?

TCL just keeps on reinventing the value rulebook with its TVs – and this month saw another of its crazy-good-value sets, the Q6C, pass through our test rooms. The Wharfedale Diamond name carries an impressive legacy, and the hi-fi firm's latest floorstanders, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i got the full review treatment from our team of experts this month.

In August's What Hi-Fi? we also take a thorough look at (and listen to) Sharp's RP-TT100 record player, Samsung's excellent S99H OLED TV, the JBL Go 5 portable speaker, Sony's 1000X The Collexion headphones, Apple AirPods Max 2 and more.

Find all these reviews in August's What Hi-Fi? – out now!

Now arriving at Temptation Station

Our Temptations section of the magazine is where you'll find the highest of the high-end of hi-fi and AV products.

This month, feast your envious eyes on the Esoteric N-05XE streaming preamplifier. At £13,000 it's not cheap, of course, but it mightily impressed our reviews team. "Stereo imaging is excellent," they reported, "with a broad and spacious soundstage populated by crisply focused instruments." Got that kind of money? Jump in!

Graham Audio has resurrected a classic, BBC-originated speaker with the LS5/9. Modern speaker design owes something of a debt to classic standmounts like these, and we were suitably awed.

Find out more in this month's What Hi-Fi?

Finally, don't forget to check out our Buyer’s Guide, featuring a definitive and freshly updated list of all the best home entertainment kit you can buy – including winners of 2025's What Hi-Fi? Awards. If you’re looking to purchase anything from a pair of the best wireless headphones to a home cinema speaker system, this section will tell you where to spend your money wisely.

Whatever you do, don't miss the August 2026 issue of What Hi-Fi?. Grab a copy today, or simply download it onto your tablet or smartphone. Enjoy!

You can subscribe or buy the latest issue here, or buy the digital edition on iPhone, iPad, Android devices or Kindle edition

LG has launched its latest moveable screen display to deliver “a more flexible and enjoyable entertainment experience”.

That comes in the form of the rather clunkily named StanbyME 2 Max (does anyone else have Ben E. King stuck in their head now?), which expands on the first iteration five years after it came out.

The idea is to take the screen with you from room to room, as it features a detachable display that can be mounted on a wheeled stand. You can use it in either portrait or landscape mode, and you can use the screen-mirroring function with your phone.

The previous model was available in 27 inches; the new version bumps that up a little to 32 inches. This display supports up to 4K resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision HDR.

There is also a built-in battery that offers up to 4.5 hours of use before needing to be plugged into the mains, so it should last for at least the runtime of Oppenheimer (and then the start of Barbie).

In terms of audio, there is Dolby Atmos support to provide “an enveloping soundscape with richer detail”. The system is also powered by LG’s Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen3, which uses AI to deliver a virtual 11.1.2-channel surround sound.

When not in use, it can display artwork from the LG Gallery+, which will possibly make it less of an eyesore.

We are still waiting on UK or Australian pricing, but it costs $1299 in the US (around £970 / AU$1870). That seems pretty steep for a 32-inch display, even if it can be wheeled around the house.

Whether it will be a practical portable addition to your home or just a bigger screen to doom scroll on remains to be seen, but we are certainly curious to find out.

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Sonus Faber has unveiled the third generation of its premium Olympica loudspeaker range, which features new acoustic technology taken from the Italian audio brand's flagship Suprema speaker system, alongside cosmetic refinements. The five-strong range consists of two floorstanders, a standmount speaker, a centre channel and slim on-wall unit.

All speakers in the new range feature the Camelia midrange that was first developed for the Suprema system. Inspired by the shape of the camelia flower, this non-circular driver is made from fibre materials and features a fabric surround, and its distinct, irregular shape is designed to reduce the unwanted resonances found in more conventional drivers.

It is left unpainted too, and promises "exceptional clarity, transparency, and vocal realism."

All speakers feature a silk dome tweeter, while the 16.5cm woofers in the floorstanders (three for the Olympica V, two for the Olympica III) are new for the third-generation and feature an 'organic basket' with a honeycomb structure.

This helps to maximise airflow around the woofers while providing exceptional mechanical stability, for tighter, cleaner bass reproduction. Coupled with an advanced aluminium phase plug and new damping ring technology, this should result in greater dynamics and clarity too.

Additionally, the two floorstanders – Olympica V and Olympica III – feature a cork lining in the closed tweeter and midrange housing, which absorbs unwanted energy and reflections within the chamber to further aid the natural quality and transparency of the midrange performance.

Both floorstanders are three-way designs, with the larger Olympica V promising "expansive scale, powerful dynamics and full-range performance" that is ideally suited to larger rooms. The step-down Olympica III floorstander aims to bring that sound to "room-friendly proportions" for a wider range of spaces, while the Olympica I is a compact two-way standmount speaker that brings the range's sound signature to a smaller rooms while still offering "exceptional imaging, clarity, and emotional engagement."

All three speakers feature a silk dome tweeter and have a ported design.

“What has always defined Sonus Faber is our belief that beauty and performance should never be separated,” says Jim Mollica, president of Luxury Audio at Bose, who are the new owners of Sonus Faber. “While others prioritise one or the other, Olympica G3 unites refined Italian design and handcrafted attention to detail with advanced acoustic innovation to bring listeners closer to the music.”

The three-way Centre channel is designed to deliver articulate dialogue for use within in a home cinema surround system, while the slimline two-way Wall speaker is designed to be more discreetly integrated in on-wall systems.

The Olympica G3 features hallmarks of the brand's luxury craftsmanship, such as the lute-shaped cabinet design, which now features a herringbone real wood veneer – taken from the celebrated Stradivari floorstanders – and aluminium accents for an elevated look.

The range comes in Walnut or Wengè finishes, and is available to buy now. Sonus Faber's hand-crafted speakers are firmly on the high-end side, and the new Olympica G3 is no different, although it's a far cry from the £470,000 / $850,000 price tag of the reference Suprema floorstanders.

Prices are as follows:

Olympica G3 V floorstanders: £25,000 / $30,000
Olympica G3 III floorstanders: £20,000 / $24,000
Olympica G3 I standmounts: £10,000 / $13,000
Olympica G3 Centre: £9300 / $10,500
Olympica G3 Wall: £6500 / $8000

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Sony has dealt a critical blow to physical media with its latest PlayStation announcement.

Starting in 2028, Sony will end physical disc production for PlayStation games, meaning you will be able to access future titles only digitally. Sony confirms that retailers will carry digital download codes for games from 2028 onwards, with the PlayStation Store as the most convenient place for gamers to access new titles in two years.

The Japanese AV and gaming goliath confirms that this change will affect only new titles, and that “this transition has no impact on games that already released, or will be releasing, prior to January 2028 in disc format”.

This news follows the announcement that Grand Theft Auto VI, which is expected to be one of the biggest video game launches of all time, will be available only in digital formats on PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

The reasoning behind this monumental change, given by Sony, is that it simply follows consumers’ wants and needs. The company had this to say in a PlayStation Blog post made yesterday:

“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends, as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.”

While Sony claims that this decision has been made with consumer interests in mind, the general reaction to the news has been less than positive from gamers. At the time of writing, there were 6256 comments on Sony’s blog post, and the consensus is overwhelmingly negative.

Comments on the blog post from PlayStation users include: “Do not like this, I’ve always preferred physical to digital”, “Shame on you Sony”, “Revert this decision right now”, and “We literally own nothing now but licenses; this is a horrible decision, Sony”.

This also comes in the wake of a digital-media fiasco made by PlayStation a mere three days ago. The company announced that, due to a content licensing agreement with Studio Canal, users will lose access to more than 500 films and TV shows that they have bought from the PlayStation Store here in the UK.

If that’s not already concerning enough, Sony confirmed that the affected content will be removed from users’ video library with no mention of refunds or compensation. This makes Sony’s announcement to ditch physical game releases even more troublesome.

It has been made clear time and time again that access to digital media can be revoked in a heartbeat, so seeing physical media being phased out is leaving gamers feeling understandably insecure.

While it is currently far too early to speculate, it’s presumed that Sony will lift the lid on the PlayStation 6 next year, just in time for this new digital revolution.

Therefore, it’s not out of the question to assume that the PS6 will be a digital-only console, which could deal a critical blow to the 4K Blu-ray format.

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Focal has revealed the Scala Utopia Evo M floorstanding speakers.

An evolution of the brand's established Scala Utopia Evo, these new 'M' edition floorstanders are defined by two core innovations: the inclusion of Focal's new 'PRISM' tweeter and a new 'M-profile' W midrange driver.

That PRISM tweeter was first introduced recently in Focal's high-end Diva Alta Utopia wireless speaker system and now makes its way to the three-way Scala Evo M towers. This unit uses a combination of composite materials to strike the ideal balance between lightness and damping – Focals says it achieves an even higher level of rigidity than the beryllium tweeter used in previous generations.

The new M-profile W midrange unit is derived from the Utopia Main professional monitor range, with a structure that teases "exceptional rigidity" and ultra-low distortion. Focal claims this should result in a mid-frequency response that is "more transparent, precise and natural" than before.

The W woofer has also been completely redesigned, and uses a dual-ferrite motor that promises "powerful, deep, controlled bass."

Further technologies that have appeared in other high-end Focal speakers aim to add "balance and coherence" to the new floorstanders.

Focal's 'TMD' driver suspension limits cone deformation and reduces resultant distortion, while the proprietary 'Optimum Phase Crossover' technology diminishes phase issues and enhances the speakers' ability to adapt their tonal balance according to the size and type of the room in which they're placed.

The three-way towers employ Focal's 'Focus Time' configuration, which is an articulated spine structure that arcs the speakers' design towards the listener, aiding with time alignment with the various drivers in play.

The overall aim of the Scala Utopia Evo M is to deliver "even more faithful and dynamic reproduction, capable of revealing the full richness of the most demanding recordings."

Available in five high-gloss lacquer or natural wood finishes, the new Focal Scala Utopia Evo M floorstanders are available now, priced at €40,000 / $46,000 per pair (UK price to be confirmed).

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We don’t know about you, but it feels like no month passes without a music or video-streaming service announcing a price hike for those wishing to access its wares.

This month it’s Tidal on the agenda. The service has sent out an e-mail to subscribers which says, “Starting on your first billing date on or after August 3rd, the price for Tidal will increase to £12.99 per month”.

It appears US pricing is going up to $11.99, and for Australian users it will go up to AU$15.99. Previously, it was £10.99/$10.99/AU$12.99.

While this shift in pricing brings it into line with Spotify Premium and Qobuz, that’s not great news when you consider it is now more expensive than Amazon Music Unlimited (£11.99/$11.99 per month or £10.99/$10.99 for Prime members) and Deezer (£11.99/$11.99).

It also leaves Apple Music as the cheapest music streaming service if you want high quality, with £10.99 giving you access to Apple Music Lossless.

If you're a new user starting from scratch, you can get 30 days free before you have to pay the new pricing, which is already on Tidal's website.

So, why the change? According to the e-mail, and Tidal, “This is the first time we’ve adjusted our base plan pricing in three years. The change goes toward fairly supporting the artists and rightsholders behind the music you love, and continuing to build a better experience for you.”

There isn’t a music-streaming system that hasn’t undergone pricing changes in recent years. And Tidal has gone through more than its fair share, mainly because until a couple of years ago it used to be the priciest way to enjoy hi-res streams.

24-bit hi-res tracks were locked in a monthly £19.99/$19.99 ‘HiFi Plus’ tier until April 2024, when it scrapped its multi-tier system in favour of a streamlined and cheaper £10.99/$10.99 offering.

Rumours have been rumbling along for some time that all might not be well at Tidal Towers, so it will be interesting to see whether or not this price change affects its current user base.

If you’re a Tidal user, how do you feel about the price hike? Let us know in the poll below.

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Tidal has become the latest music streaming service to clamp down on AI music, following Deezer and Qobuz.

Its new AI policy (whose page seems to be down at time of writing), sets out to shield artists financially while also keeping listeners informed about who (or what) made what they're listening to.

Tidal will identify and flag AI-generated music within the app, giving each track an "AI" badge. It will bar any AI-generated music that impersonates any artist or group, or that "facilitates fraudulent activity." It will remove these using "automatic tools" both immediately and on an ongoing basis.

Music that is 100 per cent AI-generated will also not be allowed to earn any money. Tidal won't allow such tracks to earn royalties, nor to be sold direct to fans.

These tools will only apply to music that is 100 per cent generated by AI, but will roll out to music that's substantially AI-generated "when AI detection technology is sufficiently reliable to do so." And there's the rub.

Like other music services taking a stance, Tidal will rely on AI to detect AI. And as the book world has learned, that's not always 100 per cent accurate.

Also, it's not always clear what qualifies as AI. If someone creates an original composition, but fine tunes it with AI, does that count? The lines are blurred, and will only be more so as AI becomes more sophisticated.

Tidal's policy will kick in on 15th July.

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FiiO has unveiled its latest pair of wireless headphones, the EH13.

The new over-ears are conceived as a pair of budget-friendly cans that go big on features while keeping costs to a minimum, aiming to give would-be buyers "high-quality audio at an accessible price".

The EH13 feature a set of 40mm dynamic drivers fitted with sapphire-coated composite diaphragms, while support for the Sony-made LDAC codec allows for hi-res Bluetooth streaming up to 32-bit/96kHz.

Despite their modest price, the EH13 offer hybrid active noise-cancellation, while five built-in microphones and advanced 'Environmental Noise Cancellation' algorithms aim for clear voice pickup and reduced surrounding noise during calls.

The EH13 grant up to 45 hours of playback with ANC on, rising to a whopping 75 hours when noise cancelling is switched off. Further, Multipoint Bluetooth allows for connecting the FiiO over-ears to twin devices simultaneously.

The new headphones house a 3.5mm input and come with a provided cable if you want to hook up directly to your chosen music source, while a fully foldable design makes the budget cans easier to transport.

If you want to tinker with your listening experience, including altering your EQ settings, you can do so via the provided FiiO Control App.

The FiiO EH13 are available now in a choice of black or beige finishes, priced at £49 / $49 / €49. That sort of money puts them in direct competition with the budget Sony WH-CH520 (tested at £49 / $59 / AU$79) that we've so often praised since their release in 2023.

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Canadian manufacturer, PSB Speakers, has launched two new all-in-one wireless speakers as part of its iQ series. The range includes the iQ1, priced at £899 / €999 / $999, and the iQ2, available for £1299 / €1399 / $1499. At this price point, the speaker systems fall into competitive territory, rivalling the five-star KEF LSX II and Award-winning LSX II LT.

Both the iQ1 and iQ2 use the established BluOS streaming platform to give users access to popular music streaming services such as Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal, as well as internet radio stations such as TuneIn, while also allowing hi-res streaming from connected hard drives.

Other streaming methods include Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Bluetooth aptX HD. In both models, the internal DAC can natively handle hi-res files up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM.

Wired connections for both models include a pair of RCA stereo inputs, HDMI eARC for connecting to a TV, optical, USB-A and USB-C audio inputs, and a subwoofer output. The speakers also feature a built-in moving-magnet phono stage for connecting a turntable directly.

PSB says the iQ1 and iQ2 systems have been designed to “fit comfortably into everyday spaces”, with humble dimensions of just 14.5 x 24.6 x 19.2cm per speaker.

Both speakers feature fully active designs and DSP crossovers, with tuned bass ports providing “deeper, more powerful bass”.

Their similarities don’t end there. The iQ1 and iQ2 have identical total power outputs of 270 watts via Class D amplification, and they even share the same drivers, employing a 1.9cm aluminium-dome tweeter paired with a 10cm propylene mid/bass driver.

Each speaker has a 90-watt amplifier dedicated to each woofer, but they differ in the way they drive their tweeters; the iQ1’s tweeters share a two-channel amplifier, delivering 45 watts to each unit, while the iQ2’s tweeters are fed by independent 45W amplifiers.

They also differ in how the left and right speakers connect: the iQ1 uses a wired speaker cable; the iQ2 employs a low-latency wireless link.

The iQ series can be controlled using the BluOS Controller app, which is compatible with Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, or via a touch panel on the primary speaker.

Both iQ speaker systems are available now, and the iQ1 comes in in black or white vinyl finishes. The more premium iQ2 comes in black, white, ember red, boreal green, granite grey, and sandstone beige, while a walnut veneer finish costs an extra £100 / €100 / $100.

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If you have purchased a movie on the PlayStation Store, then you may well be impacted by the brand’s latest announcement.

In September, PlayStation will remove more than 550 films from its catalogue. Which means any affected films will be wiped from your video library, even if you paid for them.

The company is not offering refunds to users, and there’s not even an option to offload them to another device. Sony, which owns PlayStation, says that they will be removed due to content licensing agreements with Studio Canal.

You can read the full list of affected movies on PlayStation’s website but some of the most notable titles include Moonlight, Rambo First Blood, Apocalypse Now, and Pan’s Labyrinth.

At the moment, this affects only customers in the UK, although the brand pulled the same move in Germany and Austria back in 2022.

It’s a rather unpleasant reminder that you can never truly own a piece of media online, as you are always at the whim of licensing battles. We have seen the issue with streaming services before, with Netflix most recently hitting headlines for removing all seven series of Gilmore Girls from its US site.

That’s why physical media is still so important. There is no substitute for holding a copy of your favourite movie or TV show in your hands.

Investing in a 4K Blu-ray is usually the more expensive option, but it gives you proper ownership while also providing the best picture and sound quality you can get at home.

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Topping is back with yet another DAC.

Hot on the heels of its recently announced E50 II budget model, which arrived at just £199 / $189, Topping is once again targeting the more affordable side of the market with the new DX1 II desktop DAC / headphone amplifier.

The new unit’s digital-to-analogue stage is built around an ES9039Q2M ESS DAC chip. It features a dual-DAC architecture which combines twin digital to analogue convertors on a single chip to process the left and right audio channels independently, to reduce distortion and improve audio fidelity.

The DX1 II also uses a 16-core XU-316 XMOS chip to handle input-signal processing, aiming to deliver “exceptionally high dynamic range and ultra-low noise” while minimising channel crosstalk. The analogue stage features a fully balanced architecture, again designed to lower distortion and improve sonic performance.

The DX1 II supports hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz alongside DSD256. In terms of connections, the digital side is covered by a USB-C input as well as an optical input and output, while line outputs include stereo RCA and balanced 4.4mm. For personal listening, 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs are provided.

The new DAC grants access to Topping’s ‘Parametric EQ’ system, allowing for control of frequency, gain and bandwidth across ten customisable bands so users can tailor their sound to their needs and preferences.

Thanks to its compact dimensions and modest weight of 275g, the DX1 II is intended by Topping to be portable if needs be. The manufacturer promises that the aluminium enclosure is robust enough to handle being throw into your bag and taken on your travels.

At the front of the DAC’s body is a multifunction rotary control dial, sitting to the right of a large LED display which shows core vitals such as volume level, file sample rate and input/output selection.

The new Topping DX1 II is available from July in black, white or silver finishes, priced at £119 / $119.

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Two landmark rock albums from the 1970s are now available in the reel-to-reel tape format: Fleetwood Mac and ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres.

Each album was meticulously duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the flat analogue master tapes. This means a “master-quality listening experience that captures the full dynamics of the recording without the surface noise or groove wear of vinyl,” according to the albums’ label Rhino, which is the legacy arm of Warner Music.

So what about the tape itself? The 15 IPS (inches per second) half-track 1/4-inch tape is produced to the IEC equalisation standard on premium RTM LPR90 tape stock and stored on a 10.5-inch metal reel.

To play them, you will, of course, need a dedicated reel-to-reel tape machine.

And the albums? Released in 1975, Fleetwood Mac (also known as The White Album) was actually the second album of that name to be released by the band. It marked a change of course, with newcomers Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks lending a more pop-driven sound. It wasn’t a huge success at first, but reached number one after a year of the band touring. It has now been certified platinum nine times over.

Tres Hombres came out in 1973, and was ZZ Top’s first gold record. It signalled a mainstream appreciation of the band’s gritty Texas blues-rock sound, with tracks such as La Grange, Jesus Just Left Chicago and Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers establishing the Top as a major force in 70s rock.

Both albums are limited to 500 copies, and are available only from Rhino.com, where they cost £228 / $300 (around AU$430) each.

Rhino is currently working through the Warner Music back catalogue and releasing select albums on the reel-to-reel format. It recently announced Joni Mitchell’s Blue, and has previously released albums by Curtis Mayfield, The Stooges, Yes and T.Rex. Each comes with archival-grade packaging to honour the album’s original intent both visually and aurally.

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Vertere has upgraded its Award-winning phono stage once more. The Vertere Phono-1 LX is the new and refined version of the excellent Phono-1 MkII L, and features improvements both within and cosmetically, promising to be the product's "most significant evolution yet."

The latest generation of the Phono-1 handles both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, and features a wide range of adjustments so that it can be used with just about any price-compatible cartridge fitted to your turntable.

The Phono-1 LX's upgrades include a new, higher-quality PCB board that's built for long-term reliability, while retaining the same internal circuit. The internal DC power supply uses upgraded components to deliver a more stable, consistent and lower noise feed to the audio circuitry, while the mains power input has been improved to reduce the amount of interference entering the unit.

Additionally, a two-way earthing switch ('Earth Lift' or 'Earth Connection') now replaces the three-way switch in the older model for easier use and longer service life.

All together, Vertere promises these upgrades will result in less noise, higher dynamic range, "razor-sharp" spatial imaging and "a vocal texture so lifelike, the performance feels present in the room."

Considering we already think quite highly of its predecessor, we're intrigued to find out just how much of a difference these upgrades bring to the performance.

Vertere has also taken the opportunity to further polish up the unit's design, with the aim of offering "a visual presence worthy of the engineering within."

So that the Phono-1 LX is more visually consistent with Vertere's high-end, five-star Calon phono stage and its Award-winning DG-X turntable, the phono stage's casing now has a finely textured metallic finish, the LED power indicator is now a blue-green colour, and the top fixing screws have been removed for a seamless look.

As before, the Vertere Phono-1 LX comes in four finishes: silver, black, orange and black acrylic. The price has gone up a fair bit this time, with the new phono stage now costing £1650 / $2399 / AU$3250.

We have a sample of the Phono-1 LX that we've been testing, so stay tuned for a our full review very soon.

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With all the madness of the Prime Day sale, you might have missed that today is Global Beatles Day. Started in 2009 as a thank you to the world-conquering band, it's a celebration of all things The Beatles. And we thought we'd get in on the act.

Why 25th June? That was the day in 1967 when the band performed on Our World, the first live multinational multi-satellite television production that saw them broadcast in 14 countries simultaneously, being seen by up to 700 million people. That's when you know you've made it.

If that's got you in the mood, or you just want to revisit some classic albums, here are the best Beatles LPs and the best turntables to play them on.

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The best Beatles albums on vinyl

Remember when tech used to get cheaper throughout its life span? Those were the glory days; but that all seems to be in the past now.

Apple is the latest company to hop on the trend of upping prices on its older products. It has just rolled out a fairly egregious swathe of updated pricing on its hi-fi and home cinema offerings; we think it’s fair to say that this is really not good news.

The Apple TV 4K now starts at £199 / $199 / AU$299 (originally £149 / $130 / AU$219) for the 64GB version, or £249 / $249 / AU$399 (originally £169 / $179 / $249) for the 128GB with ethernet. And this, we remind you, is the 2022 version, so it has been on the market for almost four years now.

The HomePod range hasn’t got off lightly either. The HomePod 2 now costs £349 / $349 / AU$549 – up from £299 / $299 / AU$479 – while the HomePod Mini (which launched in 2020 and hasn’t really been updated since) is now £129 / $129 / AU$199, up from £99 / $99 / AU$149.

There are price hikes across Apple’s iPad and Mac devices too.

The only products that appear to be mostly untouched are the iPhones and AirPods ranges; in fact, it looks like the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC have dropped by £10 for both models.

If you had been holding out in the hope of new models launching – rumours of a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod with a display have been circulating for years – you might be better off pulling the trigger and snapping up the current-gen models from the retailers that haven't yet caught on to the price increases.

We have rounded up the retailers from the UK, US and Australia that are still selling these products for their original prices at the time of writing.

There’s no guarantee that these original prices will stick around, or if they will be updated in the next couple of hours.

Apple TV 4K (2022)

Apple HomePod 2

Apple HomePod Mini

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Danish hi-fi brand Tangent overhauled its Spectrum speaker range only a few months ago, but now it has a new addition: the Tangent Spectrum II X5 Active BT.

These are active speakers, featuring two 50W Class D amplifiers, so you don't need an external amp. The 130mm cellulose‑pulp mid/bass driver and 25mm soft‑dome tweeter combine to deliver a soundstage that is described as “balanced, dynamic and natural”, with precise bass, expressive vocals and refined, transparent highs.

But that’s not the only improvement. The feature set has been beefed up, offering Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD for better-quality wireless playback, and a built-in moving magnet phono input for hooking up a turntable. You can use these speakers for your TV audio too, thanks to the HDMI ARC port, while you also get optical, coaxial and hi-res USB Audio inputs, plus a subwoofer output for adding more bass.

As you would expect from Tangent, the aesthetic is best described as clean and minimalist, i.e. very Scandi. They come in black or white, one of which should, no doubt, match your interior style.

The Spectrum II X5 Active BT are out now for £499 (around $660 / AU$940) per pair.

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French audio manufacturer Triangle has unveiled three passive speakers as part of its new Solstice range. Building on the legacy of the Esprit series, the Solstice lineup features the Solstice 8 floorstanders, the Solstice 3 standmounters, and the home-cinema-oriented Solstice C3 center channel.

The new Solstice speakers aim to offer a "natural and deeply lifelike sound reproduction" that will appeal to demanding audiophiles and first-time hi-fi buyers alike.

Priced at £1999 / €1999 / $2799 per pair, the Solstice 8 floorstanders feature a three-way design. This configuration combines Triangle’s new 25mm horn-loaded tweeter with a 16cm driver and a pair of 16cm woofers. To enhance low-end performance, the speakers also include a concealed bass port, which has been neatly integrated into their base.

The Solstice 3 standmounts, costing £999 / €999 / $1349 per pair, are a two-way design intended to create an “open and precise sound”. The speakers pair a 16mm mid/bass driver with the same 25mm tweeter and inconspicuous bass port design found in the Solstice 8.

In our five-star review of Triangle’s Esprit Comete Ez, we emphasised the speakers’ need for solid stands. Triangle appears to have taken note, because the Solstice 3 have been specifically designed for use with the company’s S05 stands, which are available separately for those willing to fork out £279 for a pair.

To complete the range, the Solstice C3 centre channel “ensures perfect sound consistency within home cinema set-ups” according to Triangle. Priced at £579 / €575 / $750, the C3’s sealed enclosure houses a two-way design, featuring dual 16cm midrange drivers and the signature 25mm tweeter.

You might have noticed that all of the Solstice speakers employ Triangle’s visually striking new horn-loaded tweeter. By including an injection moulded phase plug and barrel-shaped cut out at the base of the horn, Triangle claims the new design delivers a more consistent frequency response and better integration with the midrange drivers.

The cabinet for each speaker has new internal reinforcement to reduce unwanted resonances from affecting the signal, in pursuit of improving the "acoustic neutrality" of the speaker.

Starting from today, Triangle’s new Solstice speakers are available in teak, birch, white and ash black finishes.

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Bose is launching its own record label, but not in the traditional sense. Bose Studios is described as a "music-focused content platform" which will combine "original content, artist-led experiences, music TV and film projects, and partnerships designed to help fans discover new artists and connect more deeply with music."

But questions remain over exactly how it will work.

Bose CMO Jim Mollica told Business Insider that Bose Studios won't aim to compete with the big three record labels, and that it will help break under-appreciated or new artists. Bose won't take a cut of their sales or streams, and won't own the masters, but it will be able to use the music in its adverts.

Bose artists will also be free to sign with other labels.

Mollica promised its original TV and film projects have attracted "some legendary Hollywood names", though he stopped short of naming them. We're also promised a YouTube series, podcasts, and live music events.

It's all a way of giving people "a deeper connection to the music they love," Bose says. The fact it describes this as a shift for the brand as it "expands beyond traditional campaign marketing and invests more directly in music culture" suggests its core business of selling speakers and headphones won't be going anywhere.

Bose has previously formed relationships with artists through its marketing. Earlier this year, it collaborated with Grammy-nominated Twitch streamer PlaqueBoyMax, who created music on the hoof for a livestream during the NBA's All-Star weekend.

We've contacted Bose for more information. Bose will announce its first artist soon, which it says "will provide more context around the platform."

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Dan Clark Audio is making some bold claims about its latest wired headphones. It says the Aeon Core set a new standard for closed-back headphones under the £1000 mark, thanks to their new planar magnetic driver, revised tuning and wider compatibility.

Believe it or not, like others in the Aeon line before them, these are the brand's entry-level pair. Which gives you an idea of its prestige.

It also claims that their sound is "unusually open" for a closed-back pair, delivering a "spacious, detailed, articulate and expressive" performance.

At the heart of these cans is the all-new planar magnetic driver stack, which promises efficiency, tonal consistency and unit-to-unit reliability. Dan Clark Audio claims this makes them easier to drive than most planar magnetic headphones, with their sensitivity reaching 97dB/mW making them compatible with portable DAC/amps, dongles and desktop setups, as well as more powerful headphone amps. All you need is 125mW into 16 ohms, and you're away.

This new stack features a new diaphragm material which enhances efficiency and reliability, while the brand's V-Planar tech is found on the diaphragm's surface to reduce distortion, enhance dynamic performance and optimise the frequency response.

The Aeon Core are also the first headphones to be developed using a new variation on the Harman Curve, the industry gold standard frequency response profile that Dan Clark Audio feel is now outdated due to modern sound measuring technologies. Company founder Dan Clark worked with original Harman Curve inventor Dr. Sean Olive to come up with an updated version.

Hence the tuning has been slightly tweaked from previous Aeon models. We're promised a slightly leaner upper bass, gently lifted lower midrange and softer upper midrange.

But from a design perspective, the cans are recognisably Dan Clark Audio. Their new aluminium and dark wood aesthetic combines with the signature Aeon earpads, lightweight titanium headband and self-adjusting suspension strap. At 440g, they might be light for a pair of planar magnetic headphones, but they're still heavier than the AirPods Max 2.

Bundled is a detachable cable with either a balanced 4.4mm, 4-pin XLR or 6.35/3.5mm connector – the choice is yours.

The Aeon Core go on sale in early July for £920 (around $1200 / AU$1700). In the UK, they're distributed by Electromod.

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Bang & Olufsen has unveiled its Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition, a compact music system comprising a restored Beogram 3000 Series turntable alongside a pair of modern Beolab 8 wireless speakers.

As part of the Danish brand's 'Recreated Classics' initiative, the limited edition Beosystem 3000c setup pledges to "bring together the tactile ritual of vinyl and the flexibility of contemporary listening in one compact music system".

At the centre of the setup is an original, restored Beogram 3000 Series turntable, the first of which launched in 1985, sporting a lightweight tonearm and B&O's 'Optimum Pivot Point' technology for reducing vibrations from interfering with playback.

In case you're unfamiliar, the Beolab 8 are wireless speakers with built-in network streaming capabilities, supporting Tidal and Spotify Connect alongside Chromecast AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.3. To get a standalone pair, you'll tend to pay around £2199 / $2749 / AU$4499.

The Dune Grey Edition of the Beosystem 3000c pairs grey aluminium with dark walnut details on both the speakers and the turntable, a combination "inspired by the tones and textures of the Nordic coastline".

Getting hold of a system will put you in a rather exclusive club. The Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition is limited to 100 pieces worldwide, with each unit individually numbered, engraved, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

According to Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, Director of Product Circularity at Bang & Olufsen: “Our Recreated Classics programme goes beyond the preservation of nostalgia. It is about honouring the fact that exceptional audio designs continue to matter to people over time. The Beosystem 3000c represents a more intentional way of listening, built around ritual, presence and emotional connection to music".

The Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition is available now from selected B&O stores, priced at £22,800 / $30,000 / €27,000.

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