We're already into August! Which means that most of 2026's hi-fi and home cinema launches are now out in the wild.

This includes the new Samsung S85H, which we only reviewed last week and is already in our deals coverage thanks to a tasty £241 discount.

That's not all, however, as the deals continue to be as scorching as the weather outside – there's a new lowest price (just about) on What Hi-Fi?'s favourite AirPods, as well as a truly unique Dolby Atmos soundbar from JBL.

Whatever the product is, you can be sure we've tried and tested it if it appears on this page. We review before we recommend, and every product here has earned at least four stars from our expert testing team.

So without further ado, here are this week's deals...

If you're after an entry-level OLED TV, then the Samsung S85H is one of the best we've tested. We anticipate it will go down further for Black Friday, but if you want to buy some of the latest 2026 tech now, the S85H offers a punchy, three-dimensional picture and impressive brightness for an OLED at this level. Use code SAMS10PERCENT to get this deal price.

The Focal Aria Evo X No3 have plenty of appeal, especially now they're cheaper than on Prime Day. The tall towers offer a refined, full-bodied sound, a classy, stylish appearance, and a price that has collapsed to its lowest-ever level.

The five-star Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our favourite AirPods, improving on the already impressive Pro 2 when it comes to sound quality and ANC especially. There are plenty of intuitive features too, including a built-in heartbeat monitor, live translation and the usual snappy connectivity with iOS devices.

Not sure if you want surround speakers taking up your living room space? The JBL Bar 1000MK2 comes with detachable surrounds that can snap back onto the soundbar if you'd prefer, or can even be taken into other rooms to act as a wireless speaker. Now at a new lowest price.

New to vinyl? Or just want an affordable Bluetooth turntable? Either way, we highly recommend the Sony PS-LX3BT. It's effortlessly easy to use, supremely affordable and produces an accomplished, enjoyable sound.

As the first TV with Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel technology, the LG G5 boasts a generational leap in performance. It's also a great choice for gamers thanks to four full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs. Use the code LG200JL to save £200 on the price shown, and you can also claim back an extra 10% (£179) from LG after purchase. Ts&Cs here.

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If you enter our AV test room, you will find a vast selection of 4K Blu-rays lining the shelves. That includes many new discs, but there is also a healthy collection of older movies that have had a 4K restoration. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, for instance, has quickly become a go-to for testing both sound and picture quality.

But how do these 4K restorations actually happen? To answer that question, I headed to Silver Salt Studios, which has restored countless titles. That ranges from Hammer Horror films, including The Curse of Frankenstein, to the 1995 TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Preparing the film

The journey starts with me making my way to the studio's headquarters, which are hidden along a side street in London, nestled between a row of offices. This is where the restoration magic happens, and I took a tour of the studio to see how a reel of old film becomes a gloriously bright 4K movie.

Once there, I'm greeted by Marie, who works with the original negative of the film being restored. These are often found in a less-than-desirable condition, as is the case with the one she's currently working on.

She gets it onto a specialised bench for inspection (as in the above image), where she carefully examines the reel frame by frame to find the damage.

There are a whole host of ways the film can be damaged. Marie shows me just a few, using the 1954 release The Men of Sherwood Forest as an example. There was a custom stamp at the top of one frame. Some were missing the sprockets on the edge, and various scratches and rips appeared across the film. Not to mention the reels have been sat in an archive for decades, so they can be further damaged by mould.

To my untrained eye, it seems like a lost cause. But Marie and the team managed to restore the film so you would not even think that it was found in such a sorry state.

After the damage is noted, Marie puts the reel through a special cleaning machine which winds the film around a series of little buffers to remove the surface dirt. If the film is particularly damaged by mould, she will hand-clean the reel to destroy the spores as best she can.

“I usually let the film build up and then have a big washing session”, Marie says, pointing to a few film reels lying on the side that are yet to be cleaned.

A Scanner Darkly

Next, I meet Silver Salt MD Mark, who is clearly very proud of the two scanning machines next to us, which he shows off with a smile.

One includes a wetgate, which is a particularly impressive piece of kit. If there’s a scratch across the film’s emulsion, it can fill the hole with fluid to remove the imperfections. “It’s great in theory, but getting it to work every time is another story,” says Mark.

The films are scanned in 6K, then downscaled to 4K. That turns the negatives into a raw DPX file, a digital format commonly used to transfer film images.

The artists at work

We move to a dimly lit office, with every screen displaying a frame of film that is at least 40 years old. Head of Restoration, Anthony, demonstrates how the scanned film gets divided among different members of the team, who remove more imperfections.

There are countless different computer software programs involved. He shows us one that highlights flecks of dirt in the image, and another that highlights tiny scratches. But the entire process calls for the human eye to painstakingly remove them piece by piece.

After all, the software cannot always tell the difference between the texture of a white sequined dress and snow, and might pick out the edge of a trouser leg as a stray bit of dust.

“Despite what people may think, we spend most of our time putting back in rather than removing dirt”, he comments.

Processing damage is one of the most difficult things to remove, Anthony tells me. He shows one film that previously had a yellow staining for about 15 frames but, after the team got their hands on it, is now imperceptible.

As the rest of the team gather around the screen to admire the work, they joke, “Whenever you have worked on something, you’re always looking at the frame like this,” before leaning in closer to the screen with a grin. To me, I would not have even known it was there.

They must also stabilise the image, then carefully watch each frame in quarters to make sure nothing has been missed. Once this part of the process is complete, they are left with an image that is incredibly detailed and clean.

Adding some colour

The final part of the process is colour grading, handled by Ray. He’s worked on all the Hammer Horror films handled by Silver Salt so far, and that’s just to name a few. He tells me he is retiring this year so his current project, a 4K restoration of the 1958 Dracula, is his “swansong”.

“I think people are really going to like it,” he smiles.

Over time, colours often fade in the original film, so it’s Ray’s job to restore films to their full potential. We get a glimpse of Dracula, which was originally made in Technicolour. The raw footage is somewhat muted and grey, and it doesn’t immediately draw the eye.

But Ray gives the footage a beautifully rich look, breathing new life into each frame. Part of his process is considering what the sets would have looked like at the time. In Dracula, for instance, he brings out the opulent reds in the velvet curtains and the crisp detail of a leafy bush that had fallen victim to black crush.

After playing around with different colours and bringing out the contrast, highlights and shadow, the grading is complete.

The final result feels like magic. What came into the studio as a worn film reel, left forgotten for decades, is now set to delight a new generation of audiences with its beautifully restored colours and crisp detail.

The newly restored Dracula is coming to cinemas and 4K Blu-ray in October. After getting a glimpse into the work that goes on behind the scenes, I'm excited to see the final result on the big screen.

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Heatwaves, the World Cup, a new Prime Minister (and Larry the cat’s subsequent reaction to his new housemate): a lot happened in July this year.

And while many of our eyes may have, justifiably, been focused elsewhere, that didn’t stop our reviewers from continuing their Sisyphean task testing a never-ending stream of new hi-fi and home cinema hardware in our dedicated viewing and listening rooms.

And while the heat may have made it slightly more challenging (and sticky) than normal, the effort was worth it as they found a staggering 10 hot-ticket items worthy of our hallowed five-star rating.

Here’s what you need to know about them.

Vertere Phono-1 LX

The Phono-1 LX is a new premium phono stage from Vertere, a firm with a proven track record in the space. It also is a successor to the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Phono-1 MkII.

Initially, our reviewers were a little concerned about the lack of changes made for the new model, with it featuring the basic circuit design and the firm being oddly reserved with its performance claims.

But our scepticism vanished the moment we plugged it into our reference system. Matched with price-appropriate hardware, the LX delivered a brilliant performance with improved dynamics, punch and bass authority over its still impressive predecessor.

As we said in our review: “The Phono-1 LX sets new standards for the price, delivering a class-leading combination of insight, dynamic punch and finesse.”

Five stars

Read our full Vertere Phono-1 LX review

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Regular readers will know that if you want your phone to work as a portable music player or mobile movie station, you’re usually better off going with an iPhone – such as the Award-winning iPhone 17.

But last month, Samsung delivered a handset that gave the Apple handset a good run for its money, especially for movie and TV watching, with its latest Galaxy S26 Ultra handset.

During testing, we discovered the firm clearly has taken learnings from its stellar five-star OLEDs and applied them to the Ultra’s display, which delivered the best picture quality we’ve experienced on a handset.

Hence, our glowing verdict: “Samsung has clearly made some under-the-hood improvements with the S26 Ultra’s picture processing capabilities, which makes it an even better handset for watching movies and TV shows.”

Five stars

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review

Dali Sonik 5

The Sonik 5 are the successors to the Dali Oberon 5. That automatically means they have some pretty big shoes to fill.

As a standalone pair of stereo speakers and the beating heart of a 5.1 surround sound package too, the Oberon 5 were multi-Award winners and a constant recommendation until they went to the audio farm earlier this year.

Having put them through their paces in our listening rooms, we’re pleased to confirm the Sonik 5 live up to the Oberon 5’s legacy. Featuring a similar driver configuration to their predecessors, the Sonik offer a refined version of the Oberon’s sound; one that’s full of expressive dynamics and generally fun to listen to.

Add to this their compact size and unfussy nature when it comes to partnering and they become an easy recommendation. As we said in our review: “With a pleasingly compact size and excellent sound, we think the Dali Sonik 5 will make a superb addition to any home set-up, especially if you’re working with small spaces.”

Five stars

Read our full Dali Sonik 5 review

Acoustic Energy AE Active

The AE Active continue Acoustic Energy’s hot streak, being the third set of stereo speakers in a row from the brand to earn a five-star rating, following our glowing reviews of the AE300 Mk2 and AE309 Mk2.

The AE Active are interesting as, despite being active speakers, in the sense they have built-in amplification, unlike rivals they’re otherwise fully analogue – you won’t find a DAC, streaming options, Bluetooth or digital inputs on them.

While this makes them a bit niche, if you’re one of their target market, a person who has separates to cover the above, they’re very competent performers, capable of delivering a powerful, dynamic and detailed sound.

As we said in our review: “The Acoustic Energy AE Active are a niche product in today’s audio landscape, but they are a tremendously talented and capable pair of active speakers. They are a viable alternative to a traditional separates pairing at this price, and could well be the last chain in your hi-fi system you’ll have to update. Highly recommended.”

Five stars

Read our full Acoustic Energy AE Active review

LG G6 (OLED65G6)

If you’re getting a sense of deja vu, don’t worry; there is a good reason for it. We actually reviewed the LG G6 earlier this year and gave it a four-star rating after experiencing several dark-detail performance issues. But last month, after LG promised us the issues were due to a software bug that has now been fixed, we re-reviewed it.

And thankfully, the flagship OLED TV’s performance has been much improved, with it delivering a punchy but never over-baked picture during all our checks. Hence its new five-star rating and our verdict: “The LG G6 offers minor but welcome improvements to the firm’s iconic line of premium OLED TVs.”

Five stars

Read our full LG G6 (OLED65G6) review

Hisense XR10

The XR10 is Hisense's latest flagship projector. Like the firm’s other offerings, it’s not a traditional long-throw projector, instead sitting in the fast-growing “home-cinema-in-a-box” category.

Featuring the firm’s proprietary triple laser lighting system, liquid cooling, a built-in Devialet sound system and Hisense’s Vidaa operating system, it has everything you need to power a big-screen movie night, neatly contained in one box.

It costs a lot, especially by 'casual' home cinema standards, but during testing it proved to be one of the most accomplished performers in its class. Well built and capable of the best picture quality we’ve experienced in its category, while its sound isn’t anywhere close to a replacement for a proper 5.1 system, the XR10 is an easy five-star recommendation.

As we said in our review: “The XR10 looks great and performs even better, setting new standards in the fast-changing projector world.”

Five stars

Read our full Hisense XR10 review

Denon AVC-A1H

The AVC-A1H is the latest flagship AV receiver from home cinema heavyweight Denon. Expensive? Yes. But for the money, this tank of a unit comes packed with tall the hardware you’ll need to power a proper home cinema, with it supporting speaker configurations up to 9.4.6.

But most importantly, it’s the best-sounding AVR we’ve experienced in quite some time. As we said in our review: “Denon’s flagship AVR ticks every box we can think of – feature-packed and offering up exceptional cinematic sound, it’s a mighty fine AVR if your budget allows.”

Five stars

Read our full Denon AVC-A1H review

KEF R Meta 5.1 Speaker System

“Huge, refined and exceptionally cohesive, KEF's R Meta package delivers an effortlessly immersive home cinema experience.”

We don’t give praise like that often, so it should be a clear indication of how impressed our reviewers are with the new KEF R Meta 5.1 surround sound package, which we reviewed in July.

The package uses a pair of R7 Meta floorstanders as the right and left channels, two (five-star) R3 Meta standmounters as surrounds, an R6 centre speaker, and the KEF’s unusually compact KC92 subwoofer for the low end.

Matched with the Denon AVR further up this list, and then our normal reference AVR, the Marantz Cinema 30, the speakers wowed the team, delivering a huge, spacious soundstage and wonderfully refined sound.

Hence our verdict: “The R Meta 5.1 package is beautifully engineered, immaculately built and packed with clever technology, but it's the effortless cohesion with which those individual elements come together that makes it so special.”

Five stars

Read our full KEF R Meta 5.1 Speaker System review

Marantz CD 70

CDs are back in vogue, according to most reports. Which is why you may be one of a multitude of people considering picking up a CD player. If you are, we have good news. We have a new recommended entry-level model: the Marantz CD 70.

Sure, to more casual music fans calling a £499 disc spinner “entry level” may sound a little weird. But for hi-fi fans it's the best player we’ve tested that affordable in quite some time.

The unit replaces the Marantz CD6007, which won six What Hi-Fi? Awards in its lifetime. The player has been completely redesigned, featuring new components, an updated power supply and spiffy new chassis. Testing the unit, we found the changes have paid off, with the CD 70 delivering a wonderfully clear and insightful sound, with a solid, tight bass and focused stereo image.

As we said in our CD 70 review: “The entry-level hi-fi market isn’t what it used to be, but it’s great to see Marantz deliver another excellent attainable CD player. The CD 70 is undoubtedly the new go-to recommendation at this level.”

Five stars

Read our full Marantz CD 70 review

KEF LS Luxe

KEF is one of the first names that comes to mind when you talk about speaker systems.

And with so many five-star, Award-winning products in its history, the association’s more than fair. It’s also why we were excited to get its LS Luxe active speakers into our test room, which aim to deliver an even more premium option for hi-fi fans looking to eschew separates.

Built in partnership with Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove, they may have a Marmite aesthetic, but sonically we’re pleased to report they live up to the brand’s strong legacy in the space.

Across every track we threw at the LS Luxe, the speakers delivered a wonderfully mature, balanced performance, with oodles of detail and nuance, making them a delight to listen to. Hence their five-star rating and our verdict:

“The KEF LS Luxe is a great all-round performer. Thanks to its mature, deeply satisfying sound, impressive feature suite and high-quality construction, this wireless active stereo system is crying out for a place on your shortlist.”

Five stars

Read our full KEF LS Luxe review

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It’s August, which means our stockrooms are starting to fill up with new products as we get into the swing of our annual Awards 2026 judging period.

You can read more about our Awards process over at our Substack – where our TV and AV editor Tom Parsons gives you a behind-the-scenes peek into what goes on during the next two months, as we listen to every new product submitted in hopes of winning a prestigious What Hi-Fi? Award trophy.

Every year, no matter how stressed we get, we are delighted with the calibre of the new hi-fi and AV products we come across.

Below is just a snapshot of the new products we have in at the moment – and more will be coming in over the next couple of weeks! Will any of the products below become new Award-winners this year? We can’t wait to start testing and find out.

As ever, if you have any questions about the products we’re testing, send us a comment below or email us at whathifi@futurenet.com, and we’ll endeavour to reply as soon as possible.

And you can also vote on the product you're most interested in at the bottom of the article!

Technics SL-1500CS

A new Technics turntable? Yes please! The SL-1500CS (£1099) is a step-up model from the five-star, Award-winning SL-1500C (now £899). It features much of the same design and features, including the built-in phono stage, fitted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, and semi-automatic operation.

The new ‘CS’ model includes Technics’ Delta-Sigma digital motor drive technology that aims to deliver the most accurate and stable rotational speed, thus improving overall sound quality.

We have experienced the effect this Delta-Sigma tech has had in the brand’s more premium models, such as the superb SL-1300G, so we can’t wait to find out how it enhances a more affordable, long-running favourite.

Cambridge Audio Evo 300

Cambridge Audio’s Evo series of streaming amplifiers has a new and most powerful flagship. We first set our eyes (and ears) on the new Evo 300 at the High End Vienna Show, and it left us wanting to hear more.

The Evo 300 follows the same design language as its Evo 150 SE sibling, and features double the power at 300W per channel of Class D amplification, a newer ESS DAC chip, and a larger display screen.

Streaming features and hi-res file compatibility remain as extensive as ever, while physical connectivity includes HDMI eARC and a moving-magnet phono stage. The more advanced Evo 300 comes with a higher price tag of £3499 / $3999 – which places it just above our current favourite in this category, the Arcam SA35.

Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar

Bose’s latest Dolby Atmos soundbar moves things upmarket: the Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar is the brand’s new flagship and has launched at £999, with our current Award-winning, the mighty Sonos Arc Ultra, clearly in its sights.

We weren’t blown away by Bose’s last soundbar effort (the three-star Smart Ultra Soundbar at £799), so here’s hoping this fresh model, with its lifestyle-friendly looks and 5.1.2 driver set up with proprietary Phase Guide speaker technology, will fare much better and give Sonos a run for its money.

iFi iDSD GR 2

Another exciting product coming through the doors at What Hi-Fi? Towers is iFi’s latest DAC/headphone amp, the iDSD GR 2, which aims to deliver “uncompromising” sound from your hi-res music files.

The iDSD GR 2 has been designed from the ground up to be the brand’s most versatile and advanced portable DAC yet, with a redesigned amplifier stage, greater headphone drive, and a new Burr Brown DAC chip chosen for its “warm, analogue character”.

There are 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone sockets, aptX Lossless and LDAC codec support for hi-res wireless listening over Bluetooth, and USB-C and optical/coaxial inputs, with file support up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512. It costs £/$529 and we have high hopes for this “portable powerhouse”.

Wharfedale Diamond 12i speaker package

Wharfedale’s Diamond 12 range has given us many Award-winners across the standmount, floorstander and surround speaker package categories. This beloved affordable range has been updated to the new Diamond 12i series – and so we naturally requested a full 5.1 speaker package made up of fresh 12i models to review anew.

We have already tested the Diamond 12.3i floorstanders on their own to five-star success, which bodes well for the 5.1 speaker package. The new range doesn’t try to reinvent itself; the updates include improving the bass performance and some new finishes, while Wharfedale is sticking to the same prices. Nice.

Marshall Kilburn III

Imbuing our stockroom with some classic rock’n’roll heritage, Marshall’s portable Kilburn III Bluetooth speaker certainly looks the part with its retro amplifier looks. The aesthetics have been updated and we get lots of tactile dials, switches and textures on this hefty portable speaker, which runs for an impressive 50+ hours of playtime.

Costing £300, this speaker isn’t just a pretty face. The Kilburn III offers 360 True Stereophonic sound, adjustable bass and treble controls, and a dynamic loudness setting that promises not to compromise musical detail across the frequency range when you want to turn things up to 11. We’re glad our listening room is in a warehouse when we come to test this speaker.

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Quiz! Can you name all the types of hi-fi and AV cables from the photos?

Last week was another busy one for the What Hi-Fi? team, with a wealth of hot new hardware landing in our review rooms and a few key announcements breaking.

These included a deep-dive look from our regular contributor, Becky Roberts, at how hi-fi might change over the next 50 years and our reviewers publishing their final thoughts on not one, but two, important products from powerhouse Marantz.

Here’s what you need to know.

We ask audio engineers to rank their favourite test tracks

If you’re into hi-fi, there’s a better than strong chance you are at least fond of music. That’s why we constantly update you with the tracks we turn to when testing hi-fi in our dedicated listening rooms. It's nice to have well-recorded music to listen to, after all.

But last week we decided to shift gears when staff writer Ioan Hazell talked to some of the biggest names in sound engineering to find out what the people making today’s records view as the gold standard. And the results were not what we expected!

Read the full story: We asked eight sound engineers for their top studio test tracks – here’s what they picked and why

We review the Marantz Model 70…

Last week, we finished reviewing the Marantz Model 70, the new stereo amplifier that replaces the long-running, five-star PM6007 in the brand’s range. While we found plenty to like about the new unit, which offers greater insight, muscle and clarity than its predecessor, plus a wealth of modernisations to its feature-set, its increased price puts it up against some even more accomplished rivals. As we say in our review:

“The Marantz Model 70 amplifier has plenty of appeal. It is well specified, decently made and works with a wide range of music. Had it been priced closer to the PM6007, we would undoubtedly be proclaiming it a class leader. However, the move up in price level puts it up against tougher competition and, in that context, it earns a more cautious recommendation.”

Read our full Marantz Model 70 review

…and the CD 70

As well as the new amp, our reviewers also finished testing the Marantz CD 70. While some might baulk at us describing a £499 CD spinner as “entry level”, in the current climate, this is by far one of the best options you will find without spending a lot more. Highlights include a clear, insightful sound, with solid stereo imaging and a nice tight low end. Hence its five-star rating and our verdict:

“The entry-level hi-fi market isn’t what it used to be, but it’s great to see Marantz deliver another excellent attainable CD player. The CD 70 is undoubtedly the new go-to recommendation at this level.”

Read our full Marantz CD70 review

We take a trip to the year 2076

As a part of our ongoing 50th birthday celebration, last week regular contributor and former What Hi-Fi? managing editor, Becky Roberts, decided to switch gears and take a future-gazing look forward, asking: what will hi-fi look like in 50 years?

Speaking to tech sages, industry legends and her local tea-leaf reader, Becky teased out an interesting mix of answers, ranging from China controlling production, to the impact AI might have on music, and by extension, hi-fi.

Read the full story: What will hi-fi look like in 2076? We asked some of the most influential experts in the industry

We test KEF's new premium wireless speaker system

It was a big week in the world of hi-fi with not only our Marantz reviews going live but also our in-depth review of KEF’s latest premium wireless system, the LS Luxe.

Designed by Ross Lovegrove, the man behind KEF’s ultra-high-end Muon speakers, LS Luxe is positioned above the brand’s LS50 Wireless II system and includes a 12th-generation 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver array.

And our team was suitably impressed. In our LS Luxe review, we describe it as “a great all-round performer” and say, “Thanks to its mature, deeply satisfying sound, impressive feature suite and high-quality construction, this wireless active stereo system is crying out for a place on your shortlist.” High praise indeed.

Read our full KEF LS Luxe review

There was bad news for some Disney+ subscribers

Some Premium subscribers to the service have lost the ability to watch in HDR and 4K “Following a recent court ruling affecting the technology we use to deliver 4K UHD and HDR, we have temporarily removed support for 4K UHD and HDR on Disney+,” The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic told Flatpanelshd.

It appears the move is the result of a recent court case, but nobody seems to know when access will be restored, or whether those affected will receive any compensation. Thankfully, it appears that the UK has been spared, for now at least.

Read the full story: Disney+ has removed these premium features from its Premium tier

TCL launches an 11.1.4 soundbar system

Bigger is better, right? That’s the approach TCL seems to be taking with its new flagship Q95K Dolby Atmos soundbar system, which was spotted in China last week.

There is no word yet on whether it will launch in the UK and US, but the unit is certainly interesting. The system combines a central soundbar with twin wireless speakers and a subwoofer, to offer buyers an 11.1.4 experience.

But what really caught our eye is its meaty 1420W of peak power, which reportedly drives a staggering 22 speaker units in the bar alone. If that wasn’t enough to grab your interest, it has also been tuned by Bang & Olufsen.

We have asked TCL for clarification on its launch plans outside of China, where it’s available now, costing 7999 yuan (around £889 / $1200 / AU$1700). Hopefully we will hear back soon and have a chance to hear how it performs in the real world.

Read the full story: TCL's new flagship soundbar features spatial audio and B&O tuning

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Every hi-fi or AV product that sits in your living room had to start somewhere. Some are brand-spanking new, while others have been around for more than 100 years.

Behind each product are years of experimentation and innovation. But where did their journeys start? We have picked a few of our favourite firsts, and challenge you to a battle of wits.

Plenty of technologies now used in the home were first developed for businesses, but we will be focusing on when they first became commercially available. There’s no prize for a spotless score sheet, but you can picture a thankful round of applause.

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Can you name all the types of hi-fi and AV cables from the photos?

Welcome to What Hi-Fi?’s latest quiz!

If the electronics are the beating heart of a hi-fi or home cinema system, the cables are the veins, transporting the vital picture and sound between the various components. If you didn’t run the odd cable or two between your kit, you’d be sitting there listening in silence or watching a blank screen.

But how good is your cable knowledge? Can you tell your HDMI from your USB? (There you are, we’ve given you a couple of clues already.)

We have put together images of 13 types of cable which we would like you to identify. Some are pretty straightforward, but we have dropped a couple of tougher ones in there to really put you to the test.

There’s no prize for full marks, we’re afraid, but hopefully you’ll be able to sleep more easily at night knowing that your cable-spotting skills are up to scratch. Good luck – and let us know how you did in the comments!

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The summer holidays are here and whether you’re schlepping it back to the office or staying home to have some quality time with the newly freed sprogs, we have a special treat for you: a fresh entry to our weekly hi-fi and home cinema news digest.

Sure, most attention was rightly on our special Home Cinema Week event, but between the sea of special features, a few key reviews and announcements also went live over the past seven days. Here’s what you need to know.

Denon’s flagship AVR is pretty awesome

There’s no getting around the fact £4999 is a lot of money right now. But if you have the cash and want a premium AVR to power your swish new home cinema, or upgrade the one you have, then we have a new recommendation: the five-star Denon AVC-A1H.

Expensive? Yes, but the flagship unit has rapidly become a favourite among the What Hi-Fi? home cinema team, with its rich, bold and powerful sound and wonderfully dynamic, fun presentation delighting every reviewer who listened to it. Hence our five-star rating and verdict:

“Denon’s flagship amplifier justifies its large price tag, and even larger chassis. With a rich, powerful and natural sound, it takes every film and song we throw at it and makes them shine without breaking a sweat. Equipped with an exhaustive feature set and an intuitive set-up, this enthusiast-level amplifier is actually a stellar choice for all levels of home cinema fans – providing they have a generous budget.”

Read our full Denon AVC-A1H review

K-Pop to the rescue

While certain team members are unashamed K-pop fans (staff writer Robyn Quick in particular), it’s not a genre you see talked about on What Hi-Fi? very often. But that all changed last week when reports broke suggesting K-pop powerhouse BTS helped cause a huge surge in CD sales, with the release of their new album ARIRANG. Specifically, data company Luminate showed that CDs sold 16.3 million units in the US between January and the end of June thanks to its launch – meaning for the first time in recent memory CD sales grew faster than vinyl during the period!

Read the full story: Growth in CD sales has overtaken vinyl in the US – the reasons for this might surprise you

We found out why Marantz’s new Model 70 stereo amp won’t launch in the US

Marantz launching its entry-level CD 70 CD player and Model 70 stereo amplifier was big news a couple of weeks ago.

But while we found lots to like about the two units, which are in our review rooms right now, there was one odd omission that gave us pause. Specifically, the Model 70 didn’t have US pricing – which gave us, and a number of readers, pause.

Last week our ever-inquisitive deputy editor, Andy Madden, took the time to ask Marantz if the Model 70 would be coming to the US market. Sadly it’s not good news, with a spokesperson telling us:

“Following careful evaluation, we determined that anticipated market demand in the region would not support the minimum production volumes required for a local launch. As a result, we have made the decision to focus availability for the initial launch in markets where consumer demand can be more effectively met.”

Read the full story: Here's why the Marantz Model 70 stereo amplifier isn’t going to be available in the US

McIntosh unleashed the MX124

Looking for a powerhouse AVR that can support 8K resolution, support four subwoofers and pretty much every HDR and audio format under the sun? Got £16,900 (around $23,000 / AU$32,000) to spare? Then we’ve got good news! McIntosh just launched its new MX124 AV receiver that delivers on all of those fronts.

Featuring nine 32-bit digital-to-analogue converters and new upgraded circuitry, this beast of an AVR is available now and claims to be a perfect fit for "today's most advanced home cinema systems".

We haven’t reviewed, or even seen, the unit in the flesh yet, so we can’t comment on performance. But considering the firm’s pedigree in the premium space, it’s certainly caught our attention! We’ll do our best to get one in for review ASAP.

Read the full story: The McIntosh MX124 AV receiver wants to be the beating heart of your monster home cinema setup

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Our picks of the best stereo amps

Earlier this month, we asked you which movie soundtracks you use to test your sound system at home.

Plenty of you sent us your number one picks, from old favourites to new releases that have quickly climbed to the top of your list. There were a range of different genres and styles, with some making an appearance more than others.

And it will soon become apparent that there is one composer that crops up again and again…

Sci-fi is a winner

There was one genre that got more recommendations than any other, and that’s science fiction. It’s hardly a surprise given the opportunity for otherworldly soundtracks that are written to transport you to another world.

Reader Andrew Rollins sent in a double recommendation, and outlined two staples of the genre. That includes Dune: Part One, depicting the origins of Paul Atreides as the world around him falls into political ruin. Hans Zimmer delivers a mesmerising score that adds a unique, powerful feeling to each scene.

Using a combination of synthesisers, oriental timbres and choral voices, Zimmer creates a textured listening experience that is a joy to behold with the right equipment. The bass is often low and rumbling, which requires competent handling of the low end without sounding blobby or out of control. But it also challenges your system’s Dolby Atmos presentation. When Atreides is challenged by the Bene Geserit with the Pain Box, for instance, his visions of fire and whispered voices should swirl around the listener in a vortex of sound.

Andrew also suggested the Interstellar score, which we have used many a time in our test room. Good ol’ Zimmer is the composer of this famous soundtrack as well, offering an ethereal and atmospheric score that will leave you with goosebumps by the end. Switch on the track Cornfield Chase and your system’s handling of dynamics will be properly challenged.

Some timeless classics are on the roster

Sometimes, you can’t beat the golden oldies. Quite literally, as Goldfinger was suggested by user AndyC405. He notes that the original “with Shirley Bassey is a great test for any bright system”, and we can’t help but agree.

This entry to the James Bond canon begins with a series of high-pitched brass notes that can easily sound too shrill and harsh on the ears. It calls for a system that can portray both the subtlety of the soft aspects of the score, as well as the power of the invigorating crescendo without sounding disorganised and overwhelming.

Another classic film soundtrack to get a shoutout was Gladiator, thanks to Instagram follower Jacob Edwards. It’s another great display of Hans Zimmer’s composing talents, and the collaboration with Lisa Gerrard (also known for her work on Whale Rider and The Insider) adds to the score’s complexities.

There are too many moments to choose from in this adventure epic, with the delicacy of Earth and Now We Are Free offering a brilliant challenge to any sound system’s soft side.

But The Battle is by far the most exciting to listen to, and calls for precision and punch from your audio equipment to capture the tension of the scene. As the Romans square up for a clash against the Germanic tribes and the horses charge into battle, the strings attack every note with ferocity and the brass instruments add to the sense of pressure. It’s a great track to behold, and makes for gripping listening even on its own.

A What Hi-Fi? Team addition

Go on then, we’ll stick our oar in. One of our most popular soundtracks in the test room recently is Sinners, a vampire horror that will have you quaking in your boots. The film revolves around young protagonist Sammie's connection to music, and the power it gives him to summon spirits.

This makes it a brilliant disc to test your sound system. One scene we always turn to is when Sammie first calls spirits from the past, present and future by singing I Lied To You at the newly opened juke joint.

The beautifully emotive vocals from Miles Caton as Sammie sound natural and full of subtle inflections on the right system, and the crowd's murmurings should wrap around the listener. As the spirits join the party and dance in harmony, your system's sense of precision is tested as the camera swoops around the space in one long shot.

Listen on your own system

Want all of these recommendations and more in one place? There’s good news, because we have made a Spotify playlist so they are only a few clicks away.

Feel free to save it to your collection, or you can transfer them to your streaming platform of choice. Thanks to everyone for contributing to this month’s Ask The Reader, and we appreciate all of your entries even if they were not featured this time around.

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Check out the best scenes to test your Dolby Atmos system

These are the best soundbars

And here are the best TVs

Home Cinema Week is almost at an end, and what a time it has been. From our review of the five-star AWOL Vision Aetherion Max projector to a behind-the-scenes look at our AV testing facility, it’s been a treat to dig into all things home cinema-related.

Our monthly Now Showing hasn’t gone anywhere, though, as we have still been beavering away in our test room to review the latest AV products. Each month, we take a look at the best movies and TV shows we have been using to test, as well as new releases that we cannot wait to use.

This can range from a film that puts your sound system’s Dolby Atmos presentation through its paces or challenges a projector screen’s black depth. Let’s take a look at the team’s top picks!

Ponies (2026-)

Words by Joe Svetlik

Cold War thrillers tend to be more po-faced than a Kremlin spokesman, so Ponies is a welcome addition to the genre. Ponies stands for Persons Of No Interest – CIA-speak for the wives of two Moscow-based US spies who die in mysterious circumstances. The men, of course, are Persons Of Interest, but their better halves? Given that neither Russia nor the US used female operatives at the time (in the series, at least), this gives the Ponies scope to fly under the radar and investigate their husbands’ deaths.

If that all sounds a bit gritty, trust me, it isn’t. The pairing of Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones) and Haley Lu Richardson (The White Lotus) lends the show plenty of humour – the former uptight and controlling, the latter a bohemian with an exaggeratedly carefree sashay. And they’re ably supported by Adrian Lester (Hustle) and Artjom Gilz (Das Boot).

The production is dripping with period charm, even down to being filmed in the 3:2 aspect ratio to mimic the feel of a pre-widescreen broadcast – that means vertical black bars either side of the picture, but it’s worth it to add to the vintage aesthetic.

The Russian accents are thick, the tension even thicker. And any series in which a touring Elton John accidentally disrupts a KGB murder plot has to be worth a look.

House Of The Dragon (Season 3)

Words by Lewis Empson

Game Of Thrones has had its ups and downs. While I still resent the ending of the main show over eight years later, the franchise as a whole has been steadily rebuilding since.

House Of The Dragon, a prequel series set roughly 200 years before the main show, has been fundamental in the franchise’s revival, and its explosive third season is broadcasting weekly right now.

After a somewhat weak ending to season two, I was immediately sucked into the third series' action-packed, bloody and emotional first two episodes. And while the pace has since slowed, the show has also tapped into the political-thriller elements of the original to great effect.

As ever with Game Of Thrones, this series also looks and sounds fantastic. Establishing shots of stunning natural vistas and sprawling naval battles are both dazzling in 4K, and with many sequences in dingy and dark castle corridors and chambers, this also happens to be a fairly thorough TV stress test. Shadow detail will be put to the test, and having watched all of this season so far on an OLED TV, I’ve certainly reaped the contrast and black depth benefits.

Your TV’s motion and sound capabilities will also be put to the test by swooping dragons as they launch screeching fire-breathing attacks on warring factions.

I also have an expert tip for watching House Of The Dragon in its best picture and sound quality. My advice is to skip Sky and Now and instead use HBO Max. If your budget allows, the top subscription tier unlocks 4K Dolby Vision streaming and Dolby Atmos audio, which makes the viewing experience a whole lot better.

If you’re already a Sky or Now subscriber, chances are that you already have access to HBO Max and can upgrade your account to access these features.

F1 The Movie (2025)

Words by Robyn Quick

Fast cars, roaring engines and juicy drama: that’s what you expect from a film about Formula 1. Joseph Kosinski’s F1 The Movie delivers on all of this, and it has quickly become a go-to in our test room since the 4K Blu-ray was released in November last year.

It’s one of my current favourites for testing both sound and picture quality and, when using the right system, the film makes for tense viewing.

During fast-paced racing scenes when the vehicles zoom around the course, you should be able to feel the cars move around the soundfield with a good Dolby Atmos audio system. This also calls for an excellent sense of precision, as the crowd calls out and announcements boom from off-screen.

On top of that, the myriad of races in the film are a great way to challenge your system’s motion handling. They must move naturally without looking too juddery or too smooth, which can be a tough balance to strike for premium and budget systems alike.

Widow's Bay (2026-)

Words by Tom Parsons

I came to Widow’s Bay late, mostly because in the remorseless tidal wave of new content, it simply didn’t stand out. The other evening, though, I decided to give it a go, and it’s actually well up there as one of my favourite shows of the year.

The story, about a small, somewhat backwards island community that badly needs an influx of tourists but also might – or might not – be cursed, is brilliantly paced. Fairly gentle but consistently gripping, it's an easy watch that's somehow impossible to stop watching.

The comedy-horror combo is really hard to get right, but creator Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai (he of Atlanta fame) have absolutely nailed it, with most of the humour coming from the Fargo-like characters, dialogue and setting, and the horror elements used sparingly and effectively.

Apple TV shows tend to have higher production values (and have higher bitrates) than those of rival streaming services, and while that’s not super-evident in the intentionally grainy, Twin Peaks-style aesthetic, it’s abundantly clear in the sound design, which is excellent.

This isn’t a show with loads of jump scares; it’s one where subtle sound effects (often footsteps) are used to create tension and creepiness, and if you’ve got a good Dolby Atmos system, they’re placed brilliantly effectively.

Even if you’re not a horror fan, Widow’s Bay is an absolute must-watch.

In the Mouth of Madness (1995)

Words by Tom Parsons

When the sad news of Sam Neill’s passing was announced, I could have chosen to watch in his memory Jurassic Park, Hunt For The Wilderpeople or Event Horizon, all of which I know and love. Instead, I decided to try In The Mouth Of Madness, which The Guardian boldly proclaimed to be the legendary actor’s best role.

Well, I’m not quite sure about that assessment, but he does play the role of an insurance investigator driven mad by a horror author’s writings with fabulous gusto.

The film is utterly bonkers, exactly as you'd expect from an early-'90s John Carpenter horror steeped in H.P. Lovecraft, but it's schlocky, gleeful fun. There are some great, gory, practical effects, too – one sequence weirdly reminded me of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, but The Thing is, less surprisingly, visible in there.

Not a movie to watch if you’re looking for fancy production values or a serious home cinema demonstration, but a lot of fun if weird horror from the last millennium is up your street.

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Check out the best TVs

This divisive Christopher Nolan movie has the perfect test score to get you in the mood

It's been Home Cinema Week here at What Hi-Fi?, and we've been celebrating all things TV, projector and surround sound related.

Luckily, there's also been some great savings on home cinema kit we recommend – including several products we only reviewed this week.

Not that hi-fi has been left out, as we've seen some super speaker savings also to break things up.

As ever, these are all products that we have tried and tested ourselves, and the devices below have all earned at least four stars to warrant our recommendation.

We'll go into more detail below, but for now enjoy some savings:

We only reviewed the AWOL Vision Aetherion Max earlier this week, but it's already jumped to the top of the list of our favourite UST projectors. With outstanding picture quality, good built-in audio and an impressive feature set, it's actually quite a bargain at this price.

The Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) has been a long-time favourite here at What Hi-Fi?, thanks to its expansive sound, weighty bass and competent Alexa integration. It's a handsome devil too, with a high-quality build and finish.

We've long been fans of JBL's bulky but quite unbreakable Xtreme line, and the fifth generation is the best yet. The JBL Xtreme 5 offers an impressive sense of scale, excellent clarity, and punchy, expressive delivery as well as the usual solid build quality.

After a re-review of the LG G6 with the correct software, we were very impressed by its punchy picture quality, flawless gaming specifications and excellent app support. You can also claim an extra 10% (£256) cashback from LG after purchase if you wish – full Ts&Cs here.

Denon's flagship home cinema amplifier has a large price tag and an even larger chassis, but justifies it with rich, powerful and natural sound no matter what film we throw at it. Add in an exhaustive feature set and an intuitive set-up, and the Denon AVC-A1H amplifier is a stellar choice for home cinema fans with the budget.

The recently reviewed Q Acoustics 3050c 5.1 package excites and thrills with its agile, energetic sound and impressive bass. We wish the centre channel paired well with the rest of the system, but there is plenty to like about this nicely-designed 5.1 package.

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And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Home Cinema Week is in full swing, and so far it has been a joy to delve into topics from 4K projectors to dissecting the definition of home cinema itself.

But we shouldn’t forget the story of how we got to the point of being able to have home cinema systems in our houses. That’s right, we are going way back to the early days of cinema.

I have found the perfect place to venture down this nerdy rabbit hole. Hidden in a residential corner of Kennington in London, there is a rather grand red-brick building with a story to tell.

The building used to be part of Lambeth Workhouse, with notable residents such as a young Charlie Chaplin throughout the late 1800s. It had a life as a hospital, but now it has taken its latest form as the Cinema Museum.

Founded in 1984, the museum is run by volunteers. It acts as a treasure trove to remember and celebrate the history of cinema. There are artefacts and memorabilia everywhere you look, from 100-year-old film cameras to cardboard cut-outs of Lara Croft.

On the top floor is a small cinema featuring plush velvet seats and disused signage, which is still used for screenings throughout the year.

The museum is open on selected dates every month, so I bagged myself a ticket to a tour led by our guide Andy. He tells me that much of the collection was rescued from rubbish bins back in the 1970s in Scotland, when many picture palaces were being demolished at an alarming rate.

Despite it being in the peak of one of the recent UK heatwaves, with everyone glugging from water bottles every few seconds, the volunteers conducted their tour with unrelenting enthusiasm and curiosity.

Really, there is too much to talk about – and I don’t want to spoil all the amazing finds for those of you who want to attend. So, just to whet your appetite, here are my three favourite spots at the museum.

The Latham Loop

One thing that is immediately made clear is that the early days of cinema were not for the faint of heart. It was an incredibly dangerous career, with experiments with new technology leading to numerous deaths and injuries.

Perhaps the most well-known cause of these incidents was the material used for the projector film itself. Early filmmakers tried out a whole bunch of materials, Andy says, from paper to celluloid.

The latter was more durable and flexible than paper, but it was also highly flammable, and the heat from the lamp light source only fanned the flames (so to speak).

That meant that there were countless fatalities during many screenings in the early days of cinema, including the audience members and staff. One of the most infamous examples of this comes from the Paris Bazar fire in 1897, which killed more than 100 people.

On top of that flammability, the celluloid would frequently be pulled and jolted through the projector, which led to rips that left the film unusable. That meant that films could never be very long, as longer lengths risked more of the film being damaged. A small yet essential innovation then made filmmaking a little easier. Enter the Latham Loop, which is – you guessed it – a small loop in the film strip that reduces the tension and pulling of the celluloid.

It’s still used today, and the film cameras scattered around the museum each feature that all-important loop. Keep your eye out for it the next time you have the chance to see a film projector in real life…

The birth of cinema sound

We take audio for granted now, but in the early days of cinema, it was an almost impossible dream.

The Cinema Museum houses a variety of ways that sound was delivered with picture, including vinyl, which had the sound recorded separately and was used until the early 1930s. Andy tells us that this caused its own problems, as the distributors would sometimes send the wrong record with the film. On top of that, the disc would have to be perfectly synced up with the projector, which would certainly be quite a skill to master.

Also on display is a 10-inch record used in the Hepworth Vivaphone. The ultimately unsuccessful audio attempt was made up of a gramophone record that the actors lip-synched along to, meaning you had to make sure the record matched the image.

This was all quite a challenge for cinema managers, and there was a fair bit of pushback as it was expensive and complex to integrate these methods into the cinema itself.

Compared with modern sound systems, where we can adjust voice-sync with the touch of a button, we certainly have it easy.

Frankenstein’s lab

There aren’t a huge amount of movie props around the museum – the focus is more on the behind-the-scenes of the cinema; but this bizarre-looking item sits between both categories.

The strange octopus-like item in the image above is actually a mercury arc rectifier, and its job on early film sets was to convert an AC to a DC current.

When it was being used, it would have a little bit of liquid mercury at the bottom, which would have produced a bright blue light. Sadly, I didn't get to see this in action as it is long out of commission, but it would have looked like something from another planet.

The director of the 1931 Frankenstein movie iteration, James Whale, clearly thought the same, as he spotted it behind the camera during filming and asked for it to be added to the set of the crazed scientist’s laboratory.

The scary-looking piece of kit would not have made a huge impact on screen as it was filmed in black and white, but it still played a key part in movie history. Thank you for your service, strange mechanical Kraken.

If you are looking to delve into the history of cinema with knowledgeable guides and early movie-making kit, the Cinema Museum makes for a fascinating visit. And who knows? It might give you a newfound appreciation for your fast-working AV setup.

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How watching Nosferatu taught me a valuable AV lesson

These are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

And check out the best TVs

New Marantz hi-fi; Sonos launching the beta version of its new app; something about a football tournament – there was a lot to deal with last week.

Which is why we have taken the time to write a fresh entry of our regular Rewind column, detailing all the top stories any discerning home cinema or hi-fi enthusiast should be aware of.

Without further ado…

Marantz launches some new hi-fi

If you’re a Marantz hi-fi fan, then we have good and bad news. The bad news is that last week the firm retired two classic products: the Award-winning PM6007 stereo amplifier and CD6007 CD player.

The good news is that it has replaced them with the new entry-level Model 70 integrated amplifier and CD 70 compact disc player.

The two feature a wealth of upgrades, designed to help them offer “much improved” audio over their predecessors. Highlights include everything from new optimised circuit layouts to improved “vibration-resistant” chassis. And if that wasn’t enough to get you excited, we have even better news: we have both products in our listening rooms right now and hope to publish our definitive reviews shortly. Watch this space.

Read the full story: End of an era as Marantz waves goodbye to two hi-fi classics and unveils new entry-level Model 70 integrated amplifier and CD 70 compact disc player

Sonos releases the beta version of its new app

Two years ago, Sonos released a “redesigned” app, which was so hated by customers that the firm’s then CEO stepped down. So last week, when the multi-room audio specialist launched the beta version of another new version of its app, it caught our attention.

Will it be enough to win back customer trust? It’s too early to tell; but the firm has worked hard to learn from its mistakes, promising the new version has been designed based on learnings gathered after its engineers spent “hundreds of hours” watching and learning from its users’ habits.

Read the full story: The new Sonos app hits its public beta phase – but will it be enough to win back fans?

We had a chat with Tiny Vinyl about its new turntable

Tiny Vinyl is an interesting company that created a new four-inch record format last year. Now, 12 months on, it has also launched a new Tiny Vinyl Player, bespoke-designed for said format. Eager to find out more, our intrepid contributor, Joe Svetlik, had a chat with co-founders Jesse Mann and Neil Kohler to discuss the firm’s journey to launch and future plans.

Read the full story: How Tiny Vinyl made the world’s smallest turntable

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These are the best turntables we have reviewed

We rank the best hi-fi systems

Our picks of the best stereo amps

Welcome to Home Cinema Week 2026 – our annual celebration of all things (you guessed it) home cinema. That covers everything from projectors to AVRs, and all sorts of products and topics in between.

This celebration is extra special for us, as it is What Hi-Fi?'s 50th birthday this year. Home cinema has played a massive part in our journey, as we have been reviewing a range of categories since they emerged many moons ago. We have seen trends come and go, but our quest to find the best kit on the market has never changed.

We have got a whole host of exciting content coming throughout the week to mark the occasion. That includes a look back at the first types of television technology to hit the shelves, reviews of premium AV kit, and a behind-the-scenes peek at our testing facility.

On top of that, we take a tour of London's only cinema museum, discuss the best ways to store your Blu-rays, and decide whether 8K TVs have well and truly died.

Keep an eye on our Instagram, TikTok and YouTube pages as well, where we are posting extra content to celebrate.

We will keep this page updated with all published articles throughout the week, so you can stay on top of the latest content. We have certainly enjoyed getting even more stuck into the wild and wonderful world of home cinema than usual, and hope you will too.

Day 1

Day one of Home Cinema Week gave us a five-star projector review, a home cinema setup made from Award-winning products, and an ode to the music from a particularly popular director's films.

You can find all of our Home Cinema Week 2026 day one articles below:

• Hisense XR10 review
• Excited for The Odyssey? This divisive Christopher Nolan movie has the perfect test score to get you in the mood
• Buying a TV from a bricks-and-mortar shop is a great idea – just avoid these 5 mistakes
• Arcam and KEF star in this home cinema system that also stuns in stereo
• 5.1 vs 7.2 surround sound: which is better?

Day 2

We had a bumper crop of home cinema content on day two, including a review of a new Q Acoustics speaker package, a behind the scenes look at London's hidden cinema museum, and a piece questioning what actually counts as home cinema.

• Thinking of buying a soundbar? Here’s a better alternative
• I took a tour of London’s only cinema museum – and these are my three favourite finds
• Here's how much your streaming habit actually costs each year
• Does it matter what size soundbar you buy?
• The McIntosh MX124 AV receiver wants to be the beating heart of your monster home cinema setup
• 14 of the best musical movies to test your 5.1, 7.2 or Dolby Atmos surround sound system
• What is home cinema? Perhaps this is controversial, but I think it’s anything you want it to be
• Looking for a 4K projector on a budget? This quality five-star Epson is highly recommended by our home cinema experts
• Q Acoustics 3050c 5.1 with Q SUB100 review

Day 3

Another big day of AV content, including a review of Denon's powerhouse flagship AVR, a selection of recommended portable systems for when you want to take home cinema out of the home, and a comparison of Dolby Digital and DTS.

• From Bond to Hitchcock: 7 non-sports movies with brilliant sports scenes
• Why Hollywood's greatest gunfight is also a great test for your home cinema
• Dolby Digital vs DTS: our experts explain the two big surround sound technologies
• The three best portable systems for picture and sound quality on the move, recommended by our experts
• Why do so many people make this rookie mistake with their TV?
• Our reviewers' picks of the best music videos to test your home cinema hardware – from 4K Peter Gabriel remasters to Pomme’s modern classic
• Denon AVC-A1H review

Day 4

Day four brought with it a tour of our test room and reference home cinema system (complete with a video!), a review of the best UST projector we've ever tested, a trip through the What Hi-Fi? archives at the defining TV formats of the millennium so far, and much more...

• Are we living in a golden age of home cinema? What Hi-Fi? writers, editors and experts weigh in
• Warning! If you’re storing your DVDs and Blu-rays like this, you could be damaging them
• The defining TV formats of the 21st century – 1080p, OLED, 3D, 4K, 8K and beyond – and the first time What Hi-Fi? reviewed them
• If you want a future-proof, five-star flagship OLED with two key features you won't find on its rival, our experts recommend this punchy LG TV
• AWOL Vision Aetherion Max review
• Behind the scenes in our AV testing facility – here are the reference home cinema products we use every single day
• LG's Creator Original Picture Mode lets filmmakers tweak your TV's picture – but we have questions

Day 5

The Friday of Home Cinema Week was jam-packed with AV-related content, including a review of Denon's new mid-range AV receiver, opinions from the industry on 8K TVs and the best scenes for testing, and how you can use VR to transport yourself to a private cinema.

• I traded my home cinema setup for a VR headset for an evening – here's everything you need to know
• How far away should you sit from your TV? We work out the ideal distance for the best viewing experience
• I've finally given in to HBO Max – but does it merit the hype?
• Are 8K TVs dead? I asked the industry heavyweights, and the silence was deafening
• We've just reviewed this futuristic AWOL 4K projector, and it might just be our favourite UST yet
• Denon AVR-X2900H review
• “This sequence is an absolute torture test for your subwoofer and amplifier” – AV engineers reveal the ultimate test scenes to benchmark your home cinema
• 5 movies and TV shows we’re watching (and testing home cinema kit with) this month

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These are the best AV receivers you can buy right now

Check out the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

And here are the best projectors

It has been quite a week for TV reviews here at What Hi-Fi?, with the arrival of Sony's new RGB Mini LED TVs causing much excitement in our test room.

This excitement has extended to the deals section, as both TVs are seeing generous discounts despite only just being reviewed.

They're not the only discounts available, however – there are five-star soundbar systems and JBL speakers on offer, while the LG G6 has also just been re-reviewed and is seeing a tasty saving.

These are all products that have been reviewed and rated by our expert testing team. They have to get at least four stars to earn our recommendation, so we only share deals on the best.

We'll go into more detail about why we like these products below, but for now, feel free to have a peruse:

The Sony Bravia 9 II is Sony's latest flagship, and one of the first TVs to use the new RGB Mini LED display technology. It's a breathtaking TV with colours that surpass every other TV we've ever tested, and is also exceptionally bright. Its sophisticated dimming system is also one of the best we've seen, but it can't quite beat the pixel-level control of OLED.

At better than half price, the Samsung S90F is exceptional value right now. The OLED TV is currently our top pick out of the best 50-inch TVs, thanks to its punchy picture, flawless gaming specifications and practical stand design.

The Sony Bravia 7 II is the Japanese company's step-down RGB Mini LED offering, with vibrant, natural colours and excellent depth and solidity for a backlit TV. Use the code SONY10PERCENT to get £200 off one of the best backlit TVs we have ever tested.

The Samsung HW-Q990H is the Korean brand's follow-up to an Awards winner, and the Dolby Atmos soundbar system doesn't disappoint. With a soundbar, two rear speakers and a very good subwoofer included, the Q990H is excellent at delivering an immersive, spacious sound with excellent height effects.

The JBL Authentics 300 may have retro looks, but it's a versatile speaker with seamless usability and a forthright, confident sound. Now at a new lowest price.

Now that we've tested the LG G6 with the correct, updated software, LG's latest flagship has now been awarded the full five stars. With punchy picture quality, flawless gaming specifications and excellent app support, this is a TV of serious ability.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Another Monday, another heatwave to contend with. We can’t help with the soaring temperatures, but as a minor recompense, we can offer updates on all the cool new hi-fi and home cinema hardware to arrive over the past week.

It was another busy one, especially for our reviewers, who popped down to B&W’s R&D lab to have an exclusive listen to the firm’s latest Diamond D5 range, before going on to review the highly anticipated successor to the iconic Dali Oberon 5.

Here’s what you need to know.

We had a listen to the entire 800 Series Diamond D5 range

Our ever-inquisitive global technical editor, Ketan Bharadia, took the time to visit Bowers & Wilkins’ R&D facility to check out the firm’s full range of 800 Series Diamond D5 speakers last week.

During the exclusive listening session, he got a chance to run them directly against their iconic predecessors and chat to the engineers about what improvements and changes they’ve made over the years.

Read the full story: We've had an exclusive listen to every pair of new Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond D5 speakers – here are our first impressions

A Sonik treat

The Sonik 5 are the successor to the Dali Oberon 5. That automatically gives them some pretty big shoes to fill, with the Oberon 5 winning multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards and remaining a staple recommendation until they went to the hi-fi farm earlier this year.

Do they live up to their predecessors' legacy? After putting them through their paces in our review rooms, we’re pleased to report the answer is a definitive yes. Even in the incredibly competitive, £1000-ish market, the Sonik 5 are a sonic treat – one that manages to give the Award-winning Fyne Audio F501E a run for its money.

As we said in our review: “With a pleasingly compact size and excellent sound, we think the Dali Sonik 5 will make a superb addition to any home set-up, especially if you’re working with small spaces.”

Read our full Dali Sonik 5 review

Good news for Blu-ray fans

Blu-ray fans are having a rough time of it. Every week, despite the format’s benefits, fresh reports break suggesting it’s on the way out. Which is why we were pleased to finally see some good news for physical media fans last week, when Japanese manufacturer Buffalo confirmed it will continue to make Blu-ray disc drives as long as stock of the components it needs lasts.

Read the full story: At last, some good news for Blu-ray fans as one manufacturer U-turns on exiting the market – but there's a catch

We had a chinwag with hi-fi engineers about vinyl

Speaking of physical media, our deputy editor, Andy Madden, did a phone round with all the movers and shakers in the turntable industry last week, hoping to get their thoughts on the vinyl revival and future of the format. And to his surprise, as well as its strengths, they all wanted to discuss one big flaw with the format that really needs fixing.

Read the full story: “Never before in our industry has a format come back from the dead quite like vinyl” – turntable engineers discuss all things record-related, including one major flaw that needs addressing

MORE:

We rank the best turntables for vinyl fans

Our picks of the best floorstanding speakers

These are the best speakers we’ve reviewed

Finding it a bit hot to do much?

Well, have no fear – you can sit and scroll through the week's best deals without moving, and there are some scorchers this time round.

Soundbars have been seeing great deals ever since Prime Day, but we're also happy to see one of our favourite mid-range AV receivers get a £600 discount, as well as a chunky saving on a pair of luxury audiophile cans from Bowers & Wilkins.

As always, these are products we've reviewed and rated ourselves, and all have earned at least four stars from our expert testers in order to earn our recommendation.

We'll explain why we like these products so much below – but for now, take a look at the deals....

The Denon AVC-X3800H is a five-star mid-range AV receiver packed with features and a future-proof design that lets you upgrade further down the line. With a warm, refined sound, it's also quite the bargain with £600 off.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are a few years old now, but that does mean that their premium asking price is now more affordable. With excellent build quality, impressive comfort levels and high levels of musical insight, these are luxury audiophile headphones now at a more affordable price.

It's summer party season, so if you are braving the weather for an outdoor get-together, then the Bose SoundLink Max can provide for a gathering of any size. The premium Bluetooth speaker comes with 20 hours of battery life and bucketloads of lively, energetic sound.

The Hisense HS214 is the cheapest soundbar we recommend. It is a simple, affordable way to upgrade your TV speakers. Despite its compact size, it offers a decent low end and clear vocal projection.

If you're really short on space or looking to upgrade your desktop sound, then the Creative Stage Pro is another easy and affordable choice. The 2.1 setup includes a subwoofer, which adds nicely integrated and surprisingly powerful bass.

If you're serious about ANC, then the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are the class leaders. They also have a smart, folding design and effective spatial audio for movie watching.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

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.

MORE:

Our pick of the best speakers you can buy right now

And the best TVs we've tested for all budgets

Last week was pretty eventful for fans of physical media. Sony announced that in 2028 it will end physical disc production for PlayStation games, meaning you will be able to access future titles only digitally.

In the same week, Sony also stated that users will lose access to more than 500 films and TV shows they bought from the PlayStation Store in the UK due to a content licensing agreement. Can’t we have anything?!

But physical media remains a steadfast necessity to theWhat Hi-Fi? team, with the majority of our AV testing relying on 4K Blu-rays to challenge the latest kit. That’s because they deliver the best picture and sound quality compared with even the top-performing streaming services. Plus, it’s reassuring to be able to hold your favourite movie in your hands without risking it being removed because of licensing agreements and the like.

We are always keeping our eyes out for upcoming discs, and there are three 4K Blu-rays that we cannot wait to get our hands on. These are our most anticipated releases, but which films are you most excited to see on 4K Blu-ray?

Obsession

Curry Barker’s Obsession was made on a budget of around $1 million dollars, but it has just surpassed $400 million globally at the box office at the time of publication. That is pretty jaw-dropping for an indie horror film.

After breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a young man named Bear finds himself getting exactly what he asked for; but he soon discovers that some desires come at a price.

The result is a chilling yet thoroughly entertaining watch that will have you cowering behind the sofa cushions.

Obsession is not yet available to watch on streaming platforms in the UK (although you can buy it in the US using Apple TV). It is still showing at a few cinemas, but its 4K Blu-ray release has already been announced.

The final artwork is yet to be released so we are not sure yet how it will look on your shelf, but if its artful filmmaking and disturbing cinematography are anything to go by, we should be in for a treat. Let’s just say, we are already obsessed.

Release date: TBC

Project Hail Mary

Who doesn’t love a sentient pile of rocks cracking excellent quips and bantering with Ryan Gosling? Project Hail Mary is a thoroughly gripping watch from start to finish, and that’s saying something considering its two-and-a-half hour run time.

The film follows Gosling’s Grace, a high-school science teacher who becomes embroiled in a last-ditch government effort to save the world from the dimming sun. After being sent to space as part of the operation, he befriends Rocky (the aforementioned sentient pile of rocks) and the two work together to save both of their worlds.

Apart from being an emotional rollercoaster, Project Hail Mary looks absolutely beautiful. It ditches the green screen, unlike most blockbusters these days, and relies primarily on practical effects to portray Grace’s spaceship and the vast expanse of space. That all adds to the film’s sense of realism, especially with Rocky, who was controlled by a team of puppeteers for much of the movie.

And, finally, the film is getting a physical release. The 4K Blu-ray is coming in August, and later in the year there will be a glorious Steelbook design with Kubrick-inspired artwork adorning the collection – although it has already sold out at HMV. Fingers crossed more will become available soon.

Release date: 10 August

K-Pop Demon Hunters

While obsession is the current talk of the town, we cannot forget one of last year’s most popular releases. That’s right, K-Pop Demon Hunters has finally announced its physical 4K release after more than a year, and it is joining the coveted Criterion Collection. There is no release date for the disc just yet, but the excitement is already palpable.

There are only 11 animated films included in the Criterion Collection canon, including Watership Down and Flow, so the Netflix original will be in good company.

The film follows three girls, all part of a K-Pop group named Huntrix, who also just so happen to fight demons. Clue’s in the name, I guess. When they sing as a group, a seal between our world and the demon realm is strengthened for another season. But when a rival boy-band group threatens to destroy everything they have worked so hard for, the fate of the entire world could be at stake.

We use the film, via Netflix, for testing a fair amount already. Its brilliant score has proved to be a great test of any home cinema sound system. And now that it is coming to physical disc, we can’t wait to test with it even more.

Release date: TBC

MORE:

These are the best scenes to test your Dolby Atmos system

Check out the best TVs

And here are the best streaming devices we have tested

The World Cup 2026 and the intense heat wave aren’t the only things whipping us into a frenzy as we head into the peak of summer. This is also the time of year when our test rooms get super busy, as brands across the consumer audio/AV industry ramp up their product launches and drop off their latest next-big-thing with alarming (and also exciting) frequency.

On the home cinema side, we have big news: Sony’s first RGB Mini LED TVs are finally in our test rooms, while Denon’s flagship Dolby Atmos AV receiver is waiting to be tested.

On the hi-fi side, we have our hands on the first samples of the long-awaited Acoustic Energy AE Active speakers and the new AudioQuest DragonFly Copper DAC, while Pro-Ject’s latest turntable could prove to be a sizzling head-to-head with a current Award-winner.

As always, feel free to drop us a comment below or send us an email to whathifi@futurenet.com if you have any questions about the products we’re testing, and we’ll do our best to get back to you with an answer. Enjoy the summer, and stay cool!

Sony Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II

After more or less two years of teases, Sony’s first RGB Mini LED TVs are in our test rooms for their full reviews.

Sony is grandly referring to its RGB Mini LED TVs as ‘True RGB’ models, and it is pitching the flagship model – the Bravia 9 II – above the awesome, Award-winning Bravia 8 II QD-OLED. Can the new, backlit model really be better than its OLED sibling? We’ll be testing the TVs side by side to find out.

At the same time, we will also be testing the Bravia 7 II, Sony’s step-down True RGB model. Far from being the poor relation, there’s every chance this could prove to be the performance-per-pound champ of the new range.

Acoustic Energy AE Active

We have had to wait even longer for a sequel to one of our favourite active speakers. We’ve been recommending Acoustic Energy's AE1 Active speakers for the better part of a decade, and the new AE Active (£1250 per pair) hope to continue that legacy.

Unlike most active speakers these days, which include Bluetooth, digital inputs, and network streaming features for added convenience, the new AE Active remain staunchly analogue throughout their signal path to “preserve audio integrity”; they offer only RCA and balanced XLR inputs. The two-way speakers feature a 27mm aluminium-dome tweeter and a new 12.5cm ceramic/aluminium mid/bass cone, each powered by dedicated 50W Class A/B amplifiers.

The cabinet, internal damping, reflex port and internal components have all been updated, and you can connect a source directly thanks to on-board volume controls. Can this old-school approach still have a place for modern hi-fi fans? We can’t wait to find out.

AudioQuest DragonFly Copper

We thought AudioQuest’s DragonFly range of very simple and excellent USB DACs was long gone, but the High End Vienna 2026 show gave us a nice surprise in the form of the new DragonFly Copper.

It has the same form that we loved so much in the Award-winning but now retired DragonFly Cobalt: a tiny, USB-stick-shaped DAC/headphone amp with a 3.5mm port at one end to connect your wired headphones, and a USB-A port for plugging into your laptop. A USB-C adapter is included for use with latest smartphones.

The Copper (£229) promises to be the most efficient and most powerful DragonFly yet thanks to a new 32-bit ESS Sabre chip, while the dragonfly logo still lights up according to the sample rate being played up to 96kHz. Can it still impress us in light of newer feature-packed, versatile rivals?

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10

Pro-Ject’s Debut range of turntables have long been the sweet spot of its extensive offerings, combining excellent performance with affordability, and with two What Hi-Fi? Award-winning products – the Debut Pro and the current Debut Evo 2 – among its ranks.

The Debut Reference 10 is the most expensive Debut yet at £999. It promises, too, to be its “most accomplished model yet”. It is based on the excellent Debut Pro’s build and features, with new elements including a longer 10-inch tonearm with an aluminium/carbon fibre construction and a “resonance-resistant” acrylic platter. It comes fitted with the Pick-It Pro moving-magnet cartridge, which can be upgraded.

At this price, it faces competition from the Award-winning Rega Planar 3 RS Edition and the new Technics SL-1500CS – it could be one of the most exciting and formidable trio of turntables we have tested in a long while.

Roksan Caspian 4G

Roksan’s Caspian 4G Streaming Preamplifier and Power Amplifier made quite the impression when we first laid eyes (and ears) on them at their launch demonstration at the start of the year. We finally have the duo in our test rooms, and are looking forward to put this rather stylish-looking top-of-the-range pairing.

The power amp boasts 105 watts of Class A/B amplification, while the preamp features extensive connectivity, including HDMI eARC input and moving-magnet phono stage. The BluOS streaming platform sits at the heart of the pairing, which brings networked hi-res streaming features and popular app services into the mix, while Roksan’s engineers have paid plenty of attention to the internal circuit and the physical design to ensure it sounds great and is user-friendly, too.

The £6500 / $8250 is almost sensible considering the amount of technology and features you get in two boxes; let’s hope it lives up to the high expectations.

Denon AVC-A1H

Denon’s flagship AV receiver is currently in our home cinema test room, warming up for its big review, which we will be publishing during our special Home Cinema Week (week commencing 20th July).

As you would expect, this is an absolute powerhouse of an amplifier, with 15 channels of amplification and 150W per channel. Fancy building a 9.4.6-channel Dolby Atmos home cinema? Then this could be the receiver for you.

Of course, it will need the sound quality to back up that impressive specification if it’s going to get a recommendation from us. For starters, it will need to sound better than its cousin, the Marantz Cinema 30, which is our current premium AVR of choice. Let’s see if it can manage that.

MORE:

I’ve been helping people buy TVs for more than four years – here are my four free tips that will make your TV feel (almost) brand new

Five game-changing iPod docks that shaped the modern wireless speaker market

I spent a day fixing vintage hi-fi – here’s what I learned

It’s Monday, Yay! Said no one… But to help you get through the start-of-the-week blues, we do have a special pick-me-up: a fresh entry to our weekly hi-fi and home cinema news digest.

For this week’s Rewind, we have some particularly fun treats, including a feature detailing our experience trying to repair some vintage hi-fi, the launch of new premium speakers from Focal and a new KEF LSX rival taking to the ring.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Repairing vintage hi-fi requires patience and Kit-Kats

Here at What Hi-Fi? we are all in favour of improving sustainability and reducing the impact our passion has on the planet. So much so that we ran a special themed week on the topic last year, and plan to do another in 2026 – watch this space.

Because of that, we’re always looking for ways to make our hi-fi last longer and save it from rusting on a scrap heap.

Last week, our intrepid regular contributor, Joe Svetlik, took the time to visit a volunteer repair club to learn more about its efforts restoring and repairing old hi-fi.

As well as showing quite how tricky it can sometimes be, it also proved that, like most of us, repair work is done best with good snacks, as well as tools, to hand.

Read the full story: I spent a day fixing vintage hi-fi – here’s what I learned

Two landmark rock albums launched on “audiophiles' format of choice”

If you ever visit a hi-fi show or pop into a posh showroom, there’s a strong chance you will hear Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album or ZZ Top’s Tres Hombres playing at least once.

Which is why it’s no surprise that just after we penned a feature looking into the new reel-to-reel trend sweeping the upper end of the audiophile market, both albums launched on the format.

That’s right, cash-flush audiophiles can now buy the two classic albums on the format. The albums have reportedly been duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the flat analogue master tapes, making them the most “authentic” and “true to life” way to listen to them, according to record label Rhino.

But there is one minor catch: as well as needing a compatible reel-to-reel tape player to play them, Rhino is only releasing 500 copies of each – so act fast if you want one.

Read the full story: Fleetwood Mac and ZZ Top come to the audiophile’s format of choice – but you’d better hurry

Focal launched its Scala Utopia Evo M floorstanding speakers

Focal launched its new high-end Scala Utopia Evo M floorstanding speakers last week. As the name suggests, the new model is an evolution of the base Scala Utopia Evo from 2017.

The big difference is that the new M model features Focal's new 'PRISM' tweeter and a new 'M-profile' W midrange driver – which aim to let them deliver a more transparent, precise and natural sound.

We’ve not heard them yet, but the upgrade comes with a premium price tag, with the Scala Utopia Evo M retailing for €40,000 / $46,000 per pair (UK price to be confirmed).

Read the full story: Focal's latest high-end floorstanders are "an ode to the art of listening at home”

A new KEF LSX II rival takes the stage

Active speaker systems are an increasingly popular category, with Cambridge Audio, Technics and more all trying to break into it and take top dog KEF’s spot as the lead player.

So PSB launching two new all-in-one wireless speakers as part of its iQ series with the same goal last week makes a lot of sense.

The cheaper iQ1 (£899 / €999 / $999) is set to take on the KEF LSX II LT, while the slightly more premium iQ2 ( £1299 / €1399 / $1499) will take on the LSX II.

Both speakers offer class D amplification, fully active designs, come with BluOS onboard and feature the same driver arrangement – a 1.9cm aluminium dome tweeter paired with a 10cm propylene mid/bass driver.

We’ll be curious to see how they compare to their KEF rivals when we get them in for review.

Read the full story: PSB’s BluOS-powered all-in-one wireless speaker systems aim to take on five-star KEF rivals

MORE:

These are the best hi-fi systems we’ve reviewed

We rank the best OLED TVs

Our picks of the best floorstanding speakers

Prime Day (or should that be Prime Week?) may just be a memory now, but that doesn’t mean the savings have dried up.

Several discounts have stayed live long after the Prime curtain came down, while others have popped up out of the woodwork. And (this shouldn’t be right, surely?) some top Prime Day deals have somehow got even cheaper.

So if you’re looking to upgrade your home cinema for the final weeks of the World Cup or seeking a Bluetooth speaker for the next heatwave, we’ve got you covered.

These are all products we have reviewed and rated ourselves, and all have been awarded a full five stars. So you can buy with confidence.

It’s been a banner week this week, with several Award-winners and new 2026 releases up for grabs. Take a look yourself:

If you’re after powered speakers on a budget, then the Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 are our recommendation. They are full of features, with Bluetooth connectivity, a switchable stereo input/moving-magnet phono stage and HDMI, optical and USB inputs; but most importantly they also serve up a balanced, insightful sound.

Two of our favourite OLED TVs of 2026 are on sale this week! Up first is our mid-range pick, the LG C6, which is even cheaper than it was during Prime Day. This deal price includes the £40 cost of an AO Five-Star membership, which is needed to unlock the discount.

The JBL Charge 6 is our Product of the Year Bluetooth speaker, and we were astonished when it dropped to £100 over Prime Day. We were even more astonished, however, when it dropped even further this week, with the black finish now £96 at Amazon.

If you’re after a new flagship OLED, then the Samsung S99H is the one to beat this year. It has dazzlingly bright highlights, awesome contrast and excellent three-dimensional depth, making it perfect for the World Cup, GTA 6, or pretty much anything you plan to use it for. Unlock the deal price with the code TRADE250 and a £250 cashback offer from Samsung – full Ts&Cs can be found here.

The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 7 + S excels where several Dolby Atmos soundbars fail, with the included subwoofer adding plenty of tight, agile bass. We reviewed this package only in April, and now it’s available with its first discount.

The Hisense AX5125H was one of the earliest deals we covered on Prime Day, and also one of the best. The fact you can get a Dolby Atmos soundbar system at this price is quite incredible. What’s more incredible is that it also sounds pretty good.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Like many of us, our reviewers had a tough time of it in June. As well as having to run top-of-the-line hardware in our test rooms during a record-breaking heatwave (that was fun), they had one of their busiest periods in recent memory. And seven products impressed them enough to earn five-star ratings.

To make matters worse (or better depending on how you look at it), this is just the start: entries for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 open in June as well. So we are expecting plenty more hardware to continue flooding our gates until entries close in August. Watch this space.

But, in the here and now, here is everything you need to know about June’s top-scoring hi-fi and home-cinema hardware.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i

The Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i are floorstanding speakers with big shoes to fill. They take the place of the iconic, multiple Award-winning Diamond 12.3, which we recommended to buyers on a budget until they went to the hi-fi farm last year.

Described as a “refinement” on the originals, the 12.3i feature a revised set of finishes, redesigned reflex ports and a tweak of each speaker’s internal damping.

The result is a solid-value set of five-star speakers with stellar low-end authority and punch, and a more exciting, dramatic character than the original 12.3. The only downside is that they are a lot fussier with placement and partnering – so make sure you match with care.

Five stars

Read our full Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i review

Esoteric N-05XE

“Classy, understated and beautifully engineered” – those are the words our reviewers use to describe the Esoteric N-05XE streaming preamplifier. The unit is a sign of the times, showing that even iconic separates makers are now interested in adding extra functionality to their wares.

Thankfully, as demonstrated by the N-05XE, when the stars align, they are also managing to do it without sacrificing audio quality. Despite packing network streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion and a preamplifier in one box, the unit delivers a five-star performance full of sonic refinement and an expansive stereo image. As we say in our review:

“Convenience and the high-end aren’t usually comfortable bedfellows, but this Esoteric proves it is possible to combine the two in a neat, easy-to-use package. The N-05XE is a hugely capable product that compromises very little compared to more purist options. If you are looking for a top-class sound and don’t want the clutter of conventional high-end separates, this Esoteric is a great place to start.”

Five stars

Read our full Esoteric N-05XE review

Samsung S99H (QE55S99H)

The S99H is Samsung’s latest flagship QD-OLED TV. It is also one of the biggest shakeups to the firm’s premium TV line in quite some time, featuring a distinctive new design and one of the biggest year-on-year picture quality upgrades we have seen recently.

Powering the TV up, our reviewers were surprised by quite how many changes Samsung has made in tuning the set and making the most of its new hardware.

Colours, in particular, feel vibrant but aren’t bombastic in the way some past Samsung sets have been. The change is indicative of a holistically more balanced, mature approach that earned it an impressive five-star rating. As we say in our review:

“With a stunning, contrast-rich picture, improved sound system and a feature set that blows most other TVs out of the water, the S99H is the flagship OLED to beat for 2026.”

Five stars

Read our full Samsung S99H (QE55S99H)

Focal Mu-so Hekla

The Focal Mu-so Hekla is one of the most interesting devices to pass through our review rooms this year. Built as a partnership between Focal and Naim, it aims to be an all-in-one device that can function as a single-box Dolby Atmos soundbar and hi-fi system.

It also comes with one of the highest price tags we have seen for a soundbar, costing a good grand more than the Award-winning KEF XIO, which is its closest rival in the home cinema space. While that makes it an undeniably premium product, having put it through its paces, it more than justifies its price, offering immersive, detailed audio with a wonderfully clean but impactful bass that will delight movie and music fans in equal measure.

As we say in our Mu-so Hekla review: “As far as all-in-one systems go, the Focal Mu-so Hekla offers the best of both worlds. It delivers all the drama you could want from a soundbar when watching movies, with controlled bass and authoritative overall sound that elevates each scene. But you can also feed it a delicate piece of music and be treated to a finessed performance that makes you feel the emotion of each note.”

Five stars

Read our full Focal Mu-so Hekla review

Sony Bravia Theatre Trio

The Bravia Theatre Trio is another interesting take on the traditional Dolby Atmos soundbar. The best way to think about it is as a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar chopped in three. At its heart, a small, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) sized soundbar acts as the centre channel, while two satellite speakers act as the left, right and height channels.

Those who wish to can also add wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer, using compatible Sony add-ons. During testing the basic Trio package proved itself to be a very competent performer, although we suggest considering the optional subwoofer for the best results. The unit delivers a huge immersive soundstage and a cohesive, convincing sense of height.

So much so that we report: “Ultimately, Sony’s deconstructed soundbar concept proves brilliantly effective. If you’re looking for a premium lifestyle Dolby Atmos system and have the budget to stretch this far, the Bravia Theatre Trio is one of the most compelling options in years.”

Five stars

Read our full Sony Bravia Theatre Trio review

Fyne Audio Cubitt 5

Active speakers are in vogue now in the world of hi-fi, with more and more firms interested in the space. We weren’t surprised, then, to see Scottish brand Fyne Audio get in on the action with its Cubitt 5 speakers.

Featuring an in-built phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity (including support for aptX HD), they are equally at home connected to a turntable as they are streaming music. But most importantly, a potent mix of competitive pricing and an insightful, balanced sound with a nicely controlled low end makes them an easy recommendation, even in the increasingly competitive space they inhabit.

As we say in our review: “Enjoyable sound, good features and comfortable in a range of listening environments, the Cubitt 5 set the bar high as Fyne Audio’s first active speakers.”

Five stars

Read our full Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 review

Graham Audio LS5/9

There are few speakers as instantly iconic as the BBC-designed LS3/5A. So much so that our editor (me) has them shortlisted as a pie-in-the-sky purchase, just so he can own a piece of hi-fi history.

So the Graham Audio LS5/9, which is marketed as being as true to the spirit of the original BBC design as is humanly possible, had some big shoes to fill when it arrived in our listening rooms.

While there are some compromises, and the retro, unashamedly functional design won’t be for everyone, we found a lot to like about them. Though the sound prioritises analysis over excitement, the speakers offer a wonderfully natural midrange performance and stellar sonic clarity and insight.

Hence, our five-star rating and verdict: “The LS5/9 was originally designed as a high-grade studio monitor, and it still shines despite the age of the design.”

Five stars

Read our full Graham Audio LS5/9 review

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We rank the best Dolby Atmos soundbars

Our picks of the best OLED TVs

Movie scores are a sure-fire way to test your sound system’s performance. There’s a whole lot of variety in that category, from emotive scores to pull on the heartstrings (hearing any piece of music from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial immediately takes me into a nostalgic wormhole) to tense action tracks to get the blood pumping.

In our AV and hi-fi test rooms, we often turn to movie scores to decide how well a sound system performs.

We have a page dedicated to tracking the best movie scores to test your system, although it has been a fair few years since it had a much-needed spruce-up. There are a bunch of brilliant soundtracks missing from the list, and we have a few entries in mind already that we will be adding.

That includes John Williams’ Theme from Jurassic Park, which features sparkling brass and is an excellent test of dynamics. There’s also the energetic soundtrack from Mad Max: Fury Road by Tom Holkenborg that can make for a punchy and tense listen with the right system.

But for this month’s Ask the Reader, we are opening the floodgates to you, our trusted readers, for your favourite scores that you use to put your sound system to the test. It could be a niche release or a decorated blockbuster, whatever floats your boat.

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“Hi-fi is like gardening; it’s never really done” – our readers discuss their life-long quest for audio nirvana

Check out the best speakers

And these are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars we have tested

It’s been three years since Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer hit the big screen. Since then, fans of the director have been waiting with bated breath for his next venture, and this time he is taking it back to basics.

Nolan is taking on one of the most well-known stories of ancient history by adapting Homer’s The Odyssey, throwing a star-studded cast (Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland all feature, just to name a few) into the perilous land of Troy.

But buying a ticket for Nolan’s latest release is not as straightforward as it probably should be. Depending on your local cinema, you could be choosing between IMAX 70mm, ‘standard’ IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 70mm film, 35mm or Premium Large Format.

The movie social platform Letterboxd has even released a digital punchcard to tick them off.

Let’s be honest, though, the majority of people will not be forking out the extra cash to watch the film more than once or twice in the cinema. So which of the many versions should you pony up for?

While we await the film’s release (17th July), let’s run through each of the available formats.

The aspect ratio basics

The biggest differences in the various presentations are the aspect ratios – how tall and wide the image is. This can be quite tricky to get your head around, so let’s start by trying to make sense of that.

Your TV at home has (assuming you’re not still rocking an old CRT model) a 16:9 aspect ratio, which ‘normal’ people tend to refer to as simply ‘widescreen’.

In the cinema, aspect ratios tend to use a different format. Converted to that format, your widescreen TV's aspect ratio is 1.78:1. This simply means that for every centimetre of height there is in the image, there’s 1.78cm in width. Bear that in mind as we outline the other aspect ratios below.

IMAX 70mm

The Odyssey is the first film to be shot entirely using 65mm IMAX film cameras (they’re called Keighley cameras), building on Nolan’s tradition of using the format for sections of even some of his earliest films.

Watching it in this original format means finding an IMAX 70mm cinema, where the movie will be presented in a 1.43:1 aspect ratio.

Compared with your TV screen, this will look much taller and is closer to a square than the more familiar rectangle. It’s the tallest aspect ratio on the list, which should give you a brilliant level of immersion when watching on the big screen.

In an explainer video on The Odyssey’s website, Matt Damon says: “Each film frame has 15 perforations, runs horizontally through the projector, making it the largest format available. Every frame was shot in IMAX, and when you’re in the theatre, you’ll feel the full impact of how it was shot.”

If you value cinematic authenticity, have the means to get to an IMAX 70mm cinema, and have the budget for what will be a very expensive ticket, this is the version to seek out.

You will need to travel to London or Manchester if you’re in the UK, though, as those are the only two places where you will find one of these very special cinemas. They are the BFI IMAX, the Science Museum IMAX Cinema and Vue Manchester Printworks.

IMAX

If you can’t watch the film in the 70mm format because of its price or inaccessible locations, then our second choice would be the standard IMAX presentation. As with the above format, this is only available in IMAX cinemas that combine the right screen design and use the brand’s proprietary picture and sound technology.

This changes the aspect ratio of the film to 1.90:1. That means you will get an image that's quite similar to the 16:9 ratio you're used to at home (although a touch wider), which sacrifices quite a lot of the top and bottom of the originally filmed image.

While this is a more widescreen format than the full-fat IMAX presentation, it's still a fuller image than you get from a standard cinema screen (more on that later).

Dolby Vision

You can also watch the film in Dolby Cinema, where it is presented using Dolby Vision. There are only eight Dolby Vision cinemas in the UK, so you will have to bear that in mind when considering your options.

Dolby Vision's high dynamic range generally allows for brighter highlights, deeper blacks and more visible detail at both ends of the brightness scale. On top of that, the dual-laser Dolby Vision projection system claims a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, helping it deliver much deeper blacks than conventional cinema projection.

It's unclear to what extent Christopher Nolan supervised the Dolby Vision grade, so we cannot say how close this Dolby Vision version gets to Nolan's intended presentation.

Depending on whether your local Dolby Cinema has a widescreen or flat screen, the film will be presented in either 2.39:1 or 1.85:1. The first is much wider and shorter than your TV screen, whereas the second is only a little bit wider than the common 16:9 ratio.

Dolby Cinema prioritises contrast, black level and HDR, whereas IMAX is primarily about image size and expanded aspect ratios, and you might prefer one approach over the other.

70mm film

With the 70mm film version, you will see the film in a 2.20:1 aspect ratio. This is wider but narrower than the standard 16:9 aspect ratio of your TV.

The movie’s site claims that it delivers a bright, clear image up to three times the resolution of standard digital projection formats, with rich analogue colour by projecting light through celluloid. There’s no IMAX on the cards with the version, though, which means you won’t be treated to the huge screen that the more premium format offers.

35mm film

35mm film is the most commonly used format for movies at the cinema – effectively the typical cinema experience offered by most multiplexes and independent venues. It offers an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, which, as we mentioned in the Dolby Vision section above, is wider and shorter than your TV screen.

It has four perforations with the film running vertically through the projector, and the site claims: “It projects light through the entire 35-millimetre frame to deliver clear, high-resolution images with rich analogue colour.”

Premium Large Format

Finally, you can watch The Odyssey in Premium Large Format. As with Dolby Vision, this is available in either the 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 aspect ratios – which one you get will depend on your cinema’s capabilities.

If you want to feel even more immersed, you can choose to watch the film in a 4DX or a D-Box cinema. These specialised cinemas throw a bunch of special effects at the viewer, including swaying seats, water sprays and bubbles, as well as pumping out different scents to match what is happening in the film.

This might not be everyone’s cup of tea (we can’t say we are tempted to get tossed around by a cyclops from the comfort of our seats), but some people love this unique experience.

The What Hi-Fi? recommendation

We must caveat this section by saying that we have yet to watch The Odyssey in any format, so we are purely going off the specifications and marketing materials we have for now.

That said, IMAX 70mm is clearly going to be the truest, purest version of Nolan’s vision, given the way he shot the movie.

Standard IMAX instinctively feels like the next best thing, whereas the Dolby Cinema version is more of an unknown quantity. After that, we’d be seeking out the 70mm version.

The standard 35mm version is your typical cinema experience, so that would be our backup option.

4DX isn’t really our kind of thing – at least not for a movie such as The Odyssey – but if it’s something that appeals to you, have at it!

MORE:

These are the best TVs

Check out the best scenes to test your Dolby Atmos sound system

We asked Dolby all the big questions about Dolby Vision 2

Between Amazon Prime Day and the heatwave, last week was challenging for a variety of reasons. It’s quite possible, then, that you have struggled to keep up with all the latest hi-fi and home cinema news.

Here to help, we have put together a fresh entry for our regular Rewind news digest, with all the top stories neatly explained by our experts.

Grado’s new headphones aren’t as fun as their predecessors

We reviewed the Grado SR325 Classic open back, wired headphones last week. As the name suggests, they are an update to the Award-winning Grado SR325x, which we often recommend, and view as a classic set of cabled cans in their own right.

During testing, we found plenty to like about the SR325 Classic, with the new open-backs delivering a clear sound with lots of detail, alongside rugged, reliable build quality. But there’s one key difference that stopped them earning a five-star rating: they’re just not as much fun.

Read our full Grado SR325 Classic review

Apple raises its prices

For a variety of reasons, lots of companies are raising their prices right now. And last week, tech giant Apple joined the list, raising the prices on a number of its AV products.

The entry level 64GB Apple TV 4K went up £50 / $50, for example. It now retails for £199 / $199. The HomePod 2 smartspeaker also jumped in price by £50 / $50 to £349 / $349, while the HomePod Mini now costs £20 / $20 more, retailing for £129 / $129.

Read the full story: Apple just raised the prices of its best hi-fi and home cinema products – here’s how to beat the price hikes this Prime Day

Triangle launches three new speakers

Triangle launched its new Solstice lineup of speakers last week. The range comes in three varieties, the Solstice 8 floorstanders, the Solstice 3 standmounters, and the home-cinema-oriented Solstice C3 centre channel.

The speakers are designed, says Triangle, to appeal to everyone from “hi-fi newcomers” to seasoned audiophiles. Marketing aside, the rangetargets the very competitive £1000-£2000 sector of the market, with the Solstice 8 set to retail for £1999 / €1999 / $2799 and the Solstice 3 standmounts £999 / €999 / $1349 per pair.

That puts them in square competition with some big players, with the Solstice 8 taking on the Award-winning PMC Prodigy 5 and smaller Solstice 3 the stellar PMC Prodigy 1.

Read the full story: Triangle's new speakers are aimed at those “looking for their first hi-fi system” and “demanding audiophiles” alike

We took a fond look back at Mission’s iconic 771e speakers

Ah, the year 2000. When Nu Metal was cool, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater was giving our thumbs a daily workout and we had just learned that the Y2K bug was not, after all, going to end the world. There was a lot to like about the 21st Century’s opening act.

Which is why last week, we took a look backwards and wrote a fond retrospective looking at the Mission 771e, a key set of speakers that cemented the brand’s presence, and lead, in the affordable market and got many a millennial into hi-fi.

Read the full story: Mission's 771e proved it could do no wrong in the budget speaker market at the turn of the century

Our former editor-in-chief took a trip down memory lane

Many big names have held the title of editor-in-chief at What Hi-Fi?. And to help celebrate our 50th birthday, last week we persuaded hi-fi PR powerhouse, and former What Hi-Fi? big-boss, Clare Newsome, to write a feature, chronicling the highs and lows of her time at the helm.

Read the full story: I edited What Hi-Fi? through the era of plasma TV, SACD and the iPod – and an infamous cover catastrophe

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These are the best floorstanding speakers we have tested

We rank the best hi-fi systems

Our picks of the best wired headphones

Another Prime Day has been and is almost gone, with Amazon’s summer sales event set to end in a mere few hours.

It’s been a bit of a doozy this year – and there is still time to grab a bargain.

If you want to watch the rest of the World Cup in style, there are somehow still some LG C5 models in stock; and our top outdoor projector pick, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air, has also held its rock-bottom price since last week.

On the hi-fi side, we have been treated to a whopping £600 off the sensational Sonus Faber Omnia, as well as the first-ever discount on the Dali Oberon 5.

• View all the Prime Day deals at Amazon

These are all products that we have tested and reviewed ourselves, so you can be sure that this isn’t an impulse buy you’ll regret – everything here has earned at least four stars or more.

So while there’s still time, take a look at the remaining Prime Day deals:

Micro systems were all the rage once upon a time – and are once again for Prime Day. The Award-winning D-M41DAB is still a very convenient and affordable way to get into the world of hi-fi, offering DAB, CD playback, Bluetooth streaming and a remote control all in one package. But, most importantly, the sound quality is excellent too!

The Cambridge Audio AXA35 stereo amplifier looks and sounds great – and is also a bit of a bargain at this price. Save £50 and be rewarded with a confident sound with a particularly expressive midrange, as well as a strikingly elegant look.

Mixing sound and style effortlessly, the sensational Sonus Faber Omnia is beautifully finished, with wonderfully spacious, clear sound and support for all the popular streaming services. Now with £600 off.

If you’ve bought one of the best turntables this Prime Day, you’re going to want some records to go with it – or perhaps to simply add to your collection. HMV’s Vinyl Multibuy offers you three records for £66, including the likes of Romance by Fontaines D.C., Purple Rain by Prince and The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean.

At its current price, the LG C5 is leagues ahead of the competition when it comes to value for money. If you’re after an OLED this Prime Day, we strongly recommend considering this multi-Award-winning TV.

The Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air is our favourite portable projector should you wish to watch the remainder of the World Cup outside. It’s incredibly easy to set up, attractive and well-built and offers picture and sound quality that’s a cut above the competition.

The Amazon Ember QLED with Fire TV is Amazon’s latest QLED and a solid, affordable TV. It offers a sharp and detailed picture with minimal fuss, and was already good value even before the hefty £450 discount!

If you’re a beginner or keen on Bluetooth, then the Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT turntable is tough to beat. Easy to set up and use, it comes with a built-in phono stage and offers a smooth, fluid sound.

The Dali Oberon 5 have been superseded by the Sonik 5, but they have just received their first discount in years. At their current price, they are still remarkably accomplished floorstanders that will delight hi-fi fans hunting for new speakers capable of delivering a truly entertaining performance.

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Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

As someone who tests home cinema products for a living, I have used countless 4K Blu-ray discs to challenge picture and sound quality on a range of different products. That includes some of the cheapest projectors we have tested (the Xgimi Vibe One, for example) and premium all-in-one sound systems such as the Focal Mu-so Hekla.

There are some discs that I turn to specifically for their unique specifications. Pan, for instance, is a pretty tedious watch, but it is mastered to a whopping 4000 nits, which makes it a great test of brightness.

But the majority of movies I use in the test room are films I would gladly turn on in my living room and watch all the way through. Sadly, I can't justify that when testing (cue the tears and sorrow).

So which 4K Blu-rays am I recommending this Amazon Prime Day?

There are almost too many to choose from, but I have managed to whittle my top picks down to a slender offering of six. Not only will these movies provide a gripping viewing experience, but they will also challenge your home cinema system, whether that’s with its picture, sound or both.

All of the 4K discs on this list are included in the 3 for £50 deal at HMV, which saves you about £10, although that is dependent on which movies you choose. As well as the movies below, I heartily recommend adding our all-time favourites Blade Runner 2049 and Dune: Part Two to your collection if you have not already.

Let’s dive in!

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These are the best Amazon Prime Day deals

Check out the best TVs we have tested for every budget

And here are the best soundbar deals too

If you're looking for the next film to take centre stage in your upcoming movie night, then you will find plenty of contenders on the plethora of streaming platforms at your fingertips.

There are times when you are craving something in particular, but it is nowhere to be found. That's why physical media is still so important. You can be safe in the knowledge that your favourite movies are tucked away on the shelf.

And if you are looking to jump into the world of Middle-earth with your next film night, then we have spotted the perfect Amazon Prime Day deal. You can pick up the complete The Lord of the Rings trilogy in 4K Blu-ray, including both the theatrical and extended releases, for a discounted price of £60 at Amazon.

That's the cheapest we have seen the trilogy this year, although it's not the lowest price we have seen it drop to since its release. You also have to be an Amazon Prime Video member to snag this deal, so remember to bear this in mind.

If one of the most successful and influential trilogies of the last 30 years has somehow passed you by, let us fill you in.

The first instalment in the series (The Fellowship of the Ring) sees our meek protagonist Frodo's begin his perilous journey to make sure the powerful One Ring does not fall into the wrong hands. In the rest of the trilogy, we follow Frodo and his band of companions as he puts everything on the line to complete his quest.

The theatrical release runs for just under 9 hours, and the extended version comes in at over 11 hours. That's a lot of time to spend with our friends from the Shire.

I've watched the movies countless times, with both versions delivering a masterclass in world-building and drawing me into the magical land of Middle-earth.

You can find the standard versions of the films on HBO Max, but there's no sign of the extended releases on the streaming service. There is the option to buy or rent from other platforms such as Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, but that does not have the same certainty as holding the discs in your hands.

And then there is the superior picture and sound quality to consider. Even the best streaming service cannot match a 4K Blu-ray's more detailed, sharper image and fuller-feeling audio.

So, if you are sick of searching for the full Lord of the Rings editions on streaming services, then this is a great solution, especially at such a good price of £60 at Amazon.

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This Prime Day 4K Blu-ray deal lets you watch your movies in higher quality and keep them for life

These are the best Amazon Prime Day deals right now

Check out the best 4K Blu-ray players

As we did during Black Friday, we launched an Amazon Prime Day live Q&A to give you, the readers, tailored and personalised buying advice during this manic sales period.

Only this time, we took the Q&A to the wild west that is social media, giving our Instagram followers a chance to get their hi-fi and home cinema questions answered over Prime Day.

• View all the Prime Day deals

We wouldn’t want to deny our website readers some of the buying advice that was dished out, so we have collated some of the questions and our answers below.

Take a look below to see what our readers were curious about and considering this Prime Day – and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram if you haven’t already!

Is the Sonos Arc Ultra still the best wireless soundbar, especially for the Apple ecosystem?

It is, yes! At least on a performance-per-pound basis and if we’re purely talking solo bars.

The only similarly priced alternative worth considering is the Samsung HW-Q990F (the newer H is still quite a lot more expensive). That delivers a more complete and immersive Dolby Atmos experience – but it’s also a four-box system. The bar alone isn’t a match for the Sonos, and if music also matters, the Sonos is again the best choice.

If you have a bigger budget, here are some better-sounding alternatives:

• Sony Bravia Theatre Trio (three-box system)
• KEF XIO

Really, though, we recommend going for the Sonos Arc Utra, which can be expanded with additional speakers further down the line if required as well.

There’s currently no Prime Day deal on the Sonos Ac Ultra, unfortunately, but it’s well worth the money even at full price.

Is it worth upgrading from the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 to the Bronze 50 7G?

Yes, the Monitor Audio Bronze 50 7G is a worthy upgrade.

The Monitor Audio Bronze 2 are stunning standmounters, but the 50 7G are a proper step up in build quality and offer a very clear, precise and confident sound.

“For a speaker at this price level, the Bronze 7G are unusually precise and controlled,” our Monitor Audio Bronze 50 7G review reads. “They are really clear, fast and detailed, and grab you right from the start with a front-footed, vibrant presentation that can’t be ignored.”

The current best price for the Monitor Audio Bronze 50 7G is £449 at Peter Tyson, a nice £50 saving from their test price of £499.

What’s the best 55-inch OLED deal?

There has been one OLED TV that has pretty much dominated Prime Day 2026 – the multi-Award-winning LG C5.

All sizes have seen rock-bottom pricing, including the 55-inch model, which is currently available for £969 at Richer Sounds with the code RSTV30.

If your budget can stretch, there are more-premium 55-inch TVs on offer, but the C5 is easily the best-value deal – under a grand for an Award-winning OLED is awesome.

What’s the best Sony WH-1000XM5 deal?

They may have been superseded by the Sony WH-1000XM6, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 have been one of the most popular products this Prime Day – thanks in part to some rock-bottom prices.

The best Sony WF-1000XM6 price is currently £179 at Amazon – but you might want to be quick, as stock seems to be drying up!

What is the difference in sound quality between the Denon AVC-A10H and the AVC-A1H?

Unfortunately, we haven’t tested these AV receivers – at least not yet. We have the Denon AVC-A1H in for review, so watch this space...

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Amazon Prime Day 2026 Live Q&A: personalised hi-fi and home cinema buying advice, direct from our experts

Prime Day 2026 Live: all the top TV, soundbar and projector deals handpicked by our home cinema experts

Prime Day 2026 Live: the best headphone, speaker and vinyl deals picked by our hi-fi experts

With Amazon Prime Day in full swing, it can be hard to sift through all the deals thrown your way, and see if they're worth the dent in your budget.

What if your budget is really tight and you can only consider deals under £50, or you simply can't go over a strict £150 limit? Don't worry, we're here to help.

I've been reviewing products at What Hi-Fi? over 14 years, and I love seeing a good discount on a product we've tested and genuinely recommend. So I've combed through the best audio and home cinema Prime Day deals currently live, to narrow down your choices to a select few that are worth your attention.

Every deal below is under £200, with clear price segments to make your choices easier. You'll find more details about the products below, but first, check out these excellent savings on products (many of which are five star-rated!) enjoying a Prime Day deal right now.

Deals under £50

Deals under £100

Deals under £150

Deals under £200

If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful deal under £50, you've got plenty to choose from. Nearly all of Amazon's Fire TV Sticks are enjoying a discount this week, but I've highlighted the HD version as it's the cheapest – just £16.99!

If you want 4K picture and Dolby Atmos, you can spend a little more for the five-star Fire TV Stick 4K Max for £38.

If we're sticking with Amazon, you can't go wrong with this 45% discount on the latest (and best) 5th Generation Echo Dot smart speaker. It's nicely made, Alexa is useful and it sounds decent, too.

Sony's headphones are having a fantastic week of discounts, but I've stuck with the very cheapest options here. The five-star WH-CH520 on-ear headphones are a robust on-ear pair that gets the basics right for just £30 (!); spend a little more and you'll gain the noise-cancelling talents of the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning CH720N model – both offer really enjoyable sound quality for very little money.

If you or your kids have been eyeing up a pair of AirPods, the standard AirPods 4 (without eartips) are the cheapest option yet under £100 – a pretty good bargain considering how expensive Apple products tend to be.

The AirPods with ANC are also on sale, but we would point you two the great alternatives from Bose and Sennheiser here if you're looking to spend between £100-£150. Both offer great sound, high comfort levels and decent battery life – it's simply a matter of preference, but you'll be well served with either option.

JBL's Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker is another great bargain we'd encourage you to snap up – its detailed, dynamic sound and excellent rhythmic ability alongside a rugged, portable build make them great to use outdoors (and indoors).

Don't think you can't get a proper hi-fi deal with such strict budget limits! The iFi Go Blu is a tiny portable DAC that you can put in your pocket to help boost the sound quality from your smartphone or laptop, and you can use wireless and wired headphones with it. For just £129, it's a great little audio gadget.

Spend a little more – but still keeping things under £200 – and you can nab the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning WiiM Pro Plus music streamer that we recommend during every sales period. It will imbue your old hi-fi system with cutting-edge streaming powers, and is so slick and easy to use.

For AV fans, Xgimi's adorable little Vibe One portable projector is fantastic option even at full price. It delivers a detailed, natural picture with good dark levels – ideal for impromptu late-night movies and World Cup watch parties in the garden.

And the most 'expensive' deal here is a corker of a bargain: the Award-winning, five-star Hisense Dolby Atmos wireless system offers impressive weight, scale and a convincing Atmos effect – all for under £200!

Prime Day quick links

• Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
• Richer Sounds: big savings on top-rated hi-fi and TVs
• B&W speakers: save hundreds at Peter Tyson
• Best Prime Day TV deals: LG, Samsung, Sony and more
• Sevenoaks: shop all the latest hi-fi and AV deals

MORE:

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

The "unbelievable" LG OLED TV deal I wrote about two days ago has been beaten – time to buy!

I would swap a week's worth of Tesco meal deals for these cheap £30 Sony headphones

As a deals writer, I spend my days hunting down the best savings on What Hi-Fi? recommended products, whether that's the latest home cinema release, hi-fi separate or other AV tech.

For Prime Day, though, I didn't have to hunt very hard – we've been flooded with savings, and luckily, most of them have been rather good.

So to celebrate, I've put together a little visual collection of some of the best Prime Day deals so far from the worlds of hi-fi and home cinema.

As always, these are all deals on products that we have tested and rated ourselves, and our expert reviewers have given them at least four stars – or, in some cases, five stars and maybe even a What Hi-Fi? Award.

I'll go into detail down below, but for now, feast your eyes on these great Prime Day savings.

The LG C5 won multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards at our most recent ceremony, thanks to its excellent picture quality and incredible gaming specs. There are LG C5 deals on virtually every size, but we've highlighted the 42-inch model as it gives you an Award-winning LG OLED TV for only £623.

The Dali Oberon 5 are a bit long in the tooth now, but they're still remarkably accomplished floorstanders for anyone getting into hi-fi or working on a budget. This is the first decent discount we've seen on the speakers – our Editor-in-Chief has been waiting half a decade.

The Award-winning Hisense AX5125H gave us quite the shock when we tested it – despite its low price tag, the soundbar system produced a room-filling, sofa-shaking, exuberant sound with amazing scale and a convincing Dolby Atmos effect. Get it quick, as it was also on offer during Black Friday last year and promptly sold out.

The JBL Charge 6 is our current Product of the Year in the wireless speaker category, thanks to its expansive, detailed and clear sound from a portable design. It hasn't been this low in price since Black Friday and is the top Bluetooth speaker deal we'd recommend this Prime Day.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 may have been replaced by their successor, the XM6, but they had a long reign as one of our favourite wireless over-ear headphones and are still an excellent choice to this day – especially at this new lowest price.

If you're looking for more budget headphones, then it doesn't get much cheaper than the Earfun Air. They're only £23, and are five-star earbuds that still offer great value.

MORE:

Amazon Prime Day 2026 Live Q&A: personalised hi-fi and home cinema buying advice, direct from our experts

Prime Day 2026 Live: all the top TV, soundbar and projector deals handpicked by our home cinema experts

Prime Day 2026 Live: the best headphone, speaker and vinyl deals picked by our hi-fi experts

A heat wave. Having to go back to work. Not being able to keep up with all the latest hi-fi and home cinema news. There’s a lot of stuff for us to deal with right now.

And while we can’t do much about the first two problems, we can help you with the third, with our latest Rewind column.

Once again, our team of experts detail all the top hi-fi and home cinema developments you need to know about over the past week.

We reviewed Focal’s new hi-fi system and Dolby Atmos soundbar hybrid

We first saw the Mu-so Hekla at a press event last year, where it piqued our interest. Built as a partnership between Focal and Naim, the unit aims to offer buyers a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar that can also function as a dedicated hi-fi all-in-one system.

After finally getting one into our test rooms nearly eight months later, we can confirm it was worth the wait. While its size makes it slightly awkward to place on traditional TV racks, it’s undeniably a fantastic performer, both for films and music. So much so that our reviewers reported:

“As far as all-in-one systems go, the Focal Mu-so Hekla offers the best of both worlds. It delivers all the drama you could want from a soundbar when watching movies, with controlled bass and authoritative overall sound that elevates each scene.

But you can also feed it a delicate piece of music and be treated to a finessed performance that makes you feel the emotion of each note. It might come at a high price but, if you have the funds, its performance more than justifies the cost.”

Read our full Focal Mu-so Hekla review

Sony’s dissected soundbar delivers the sonic goods

The Hekla was one of two atypical Dolby Atmos systems that we reviewed last week. We also got to put the swish new Sony Bravia Theatre Trio through its paces.

As the name suggests, the unit has three parts: a tiny Sonos Beam (Gen 2)- sized central channel and twin left and right channel satellite speakers. As well as widening the soundstage, the satellites also house the unit’s upfiring Dolby Atmos drivers.

While the setup is a little atypical, it managed to impress our testers, offering a huge, immersive soundstage and cohesive, convincing Atmos performance. Hence our five-star rating and verdict: “An ingenious Dolby Atmos system that combines huge scale, impressive cohesion and excellent usability in one stylish package.”

Read our in-depth Sony Bravia Theatre Trio review

Bang & Olufsen launched a “new” music system

Bang & Olufsen unveiled its sort of new music system, the Beosystem 300c Dune Grey Edition, last week.

We say “sort of new”, as it's largely built around a restored Beogramm 3000 Series turntable – a record player that first launched all the way back in 1985. Pairing the iconic turntable with a pair of the firm’s modern Beolab 8 wireless speakers, it aims to combine retro chic with cutting-edge performance.

As always, the design is eye-catching, with the press shots turning more than a few heads in What Hi-Fi? towers. Sadly, as is often the case with B&O hardware, it’s also ultra exclusive, with the firm releasing only 100 systems, each costing £22,800 / $30,000 / €27,000.

Read the full story: Bang & Olufsen's limited-edition turntable system is sleek, stylish and very exclusive

We had a chat with AudioQuest about the new DragonFly

The original 2012 DragonFly DAC is fondly remembered by many millennials, being one of the first devices of its kind and a convenient way to elevate any mobile device’s audio performance.

In fact, our editor (me) used it nearly every day during his days as a cub reporter who frequently had to travel. Which is why, last week, we took the time to talk to AudioQuest director of marketing, Stephen Mejias, to see if he has similar hopes for its recently launched new DragonFly with Gen Z.

Read the full story: “It would be disingenuous to say that we have a plan for attracting younger music fans” – AudioQuest on the new DragonFly and getting Gen Z into hi-fi

Monitor Audio launched three new hi-fi and home cinema speaker systems

Systems are all the rage right now, which is why it makes sense that Monitor Audio wants to get in on the action with its newly launched Radius Series 4G line of speaker systems.

The series currently offers three options: the Radius 1, the Radius 3, and the Radius On-Wall.

The units are designed to work equally well for stereo hi-fi, or home cinema multi-speaker set-ups and have been designed to “raise the performance benchmark of the compact speaker category”.

In keeping with that, Monitor Audio has already made some big performance claims about the series, boasting they will offer “genuinely high-fidelity sound”.

Here’s hoping those claims ring true when we get the new speakers in for review.

Read the full story: Monitor Audio’s versatile hi-fi and home cinema system boasts “genuinely high-fidelity sound”

MORE:

These are the best Dolby Atmos soundbars we have tested

Our reviewers rank the best hi-fi systems

The best turntables for serious music fans, according to our experts

The sun may be out in full force here in the UK, but that hasn't stopped us from burying ourselves in our dark test room to see how the latest TV and AV kit performs.

We have been testing out a range of products, from Dolby Atmos soundbar systems to QLED TVs. And all of those models need to be tested by the best test discs out there. There are steadfast classics that we turn to time and time again. If you regularly read our reviews, for instance, you will have spotted Blade Runner 2049, Civil War and Dune: Part Two making frequent appearances.

But we have to keep our eyes peeled for new movies and TV shows that will keep home cinema products on their toes. There are some on this list that have only just hit the cinemas and cannot wait to get into the test room, and others that we already regularly use.

Without further ado, let's get into it.

One Battle After Another (2025)

Words by Daniel Furn

After sweeping several award ceremonies over the winter, including this year’s Oscars, you probably don’t need to be told how good One Battle After Another is.

As long as you can stomach the 2-hour 42-minute runtime, Leonardo DiCaprio’s long-awaited collaboration with auteur director Paul Thomas Anderson doesn’t disappoint, following a washed up revolutionary who scrambles to find his daughter who scrambles to find his kidnapped daughter.

DiCaprio plays against type as the wide-eyed, stoned and super-paranoid Bob, and his lengthy phone calls to his former revolutionaries are the film’s comedic highlight, but the real standouts here are Sean Penn and relative newcomer Chase Infiniti as Bob’s military nemesis and spirited daughter, respectively.

I had the pleasure of watching the film in KEF’s Ultimate Experience Room and their 9.14.4 audio configuration, but whatever setup you have at home, the film will shine.

Anderson’s first foray into action means there are several scenes to test your sound system, including an opening raid on an immigration detention centre that sees gunshots and flares fired in all directions and bombings that will give the low end a workout. But the real benefit is to the score – Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood brings in skittery jazz and driving synths that ratchet up the tension more than any bullets, particularly during a lengthy climactic chase scene.

Legends (2026)

Words by Joe Svetlik

Legends refers to the secret identities assumed by undercover agents during an operation. But these are no ordinary agents – these are customs officers (i.e. airport bag checkers), who, incredibly, were enlisted by the Thatcher government in the war against heroin with minimal training. It’s quite a story, and it’s based on real events.

The biggest name is Steve Coogan, but the main character is played by Tom Burke, looking like a grizzled Charlie Brooker. He plays Guy, a bored customs officer who goes deep undercover with London heroin importers. But it’s really an ensemble piece, with Hayley Squires, Aml Ameen and Jasmine Blackborrow all putting in fine performances as the rest of the customs crew. Special mention goes to Charlotte Ritchie as Burke’s wife Sophie, encouraging him to finish the job while also struggling seeing him trying to reconcile his legend with his life as a family man.

Liverpool and London look their grimy best in the dying days of the Thatcher government – the gritty industrial wastelands are reminiscent of Newcastle in Get Carter (one of the main villains is also named Carter, possibly in reference to Mike Hodges’ landmark British thriller). And the soundtrack is A1 – The Stone Roses, Depeche Mode, The Cure, N-Trance, Happy Mondays… It gives a nostalgic wrapper to a show that demonstrates that the old days, like today, were something of a mixed bag.

Backrooms (2026)

Words by Alastair Stevenson

A horror about an empty, well-lit office doesn’t sound like nightmare fuel. But, Kane Parsons’ Backrooms somehow manages to make it exactly that and one of the most interesting horror movies I’ve watched this year, as a result.

That’s a particularly impressive accomplishment given the strength of 2026’s lineup, which also includes Hokum – a film I’ve already heaped praise on for its stellar use of audio. Based on internet folklore and Parsons’ previous YouTube series, the film sees furniture salesman, Clark, accidentally discover an endless network of interconnected rooms (most of which look like yellow offices) in the basement of his store.

Rather than jump scares or overt gore, the film gives a subtle nod to the classic psychological horrors of old, showing Clark slowly descend into madness as he delves deeper into the labyrinth.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I can say the film then takes the terror level up to 11, offering viewers a gradual stream of reveals that hint at, but never fully explain what it is he’s stumbled upon.

Add to this solid use of audio and compelling found-footage segments, and the film manages to create a chilling, slow-burning experience that keeps you guessing and glued to the screen for its entire runtime – so much so that I’ve found myself watching the old YouTube videos, which expand on the film’s lore in my spare time.

It's still only available to watch in cinemas, but we can't wait to get it into the test room once it is released on streaming and 4K Blu-ray.

Limitless With Chris Hemsworth (2022 - 2025)

Words by Harry McKerrell

Everyone knows that proper documentaries make great test room fodder. Anything fronted by the mighty Sir David Attenborough tends to set the standard in terms of the quality of the cameras and equipment used, with nature’s diverse array of weird and wonderful beings helping to give our testers a pretty firm idea of what any given screen can do.

Limitless with Chris Hemsworth isn’t a nature documentary per se, but it’s made in partnership with National Geographic and produced by Darren Aronofsky, so the budget is colossal and the production values are exquisite. Hemsworth is no Attenborough when it comes to pointing out the intricacies of the natural world, but he does have a much nicer torso.

That’s also not the point of the series. Big Chris’ job isn’t to explain nature, but to throw himself into it, all in a bid to fight the ravages of ageing with some surprisingly in-depth scientific backing. Fasting, exercising, brain training; he does the lot.

Theoretically, this could all have been performed in a drab science lab, but instead, Thor treks from exquisite location to exquisite location – the icy Arctic Fjords, the Australian Outback, the Swiss Alps – to take part in a series of challenges that will boost his longevity and, more importantly, look really cool on camera.

And most importantly of all, give him plenty of reasons to take his shirt off.

1917 (2019)

Words by Robyn Quick

I'm not usually the biggest fan of war movies, but the excellent sound and picture quality displayed in Sam Mendes' 1917 makes it an essential test disc.

Starring George McKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, the film follows two young British privates who are tasked to deliver a message across no-mans-land to prevent another battalion meeting a grisly death. Suffice to say, 1917 is certainly not a cheery watch.

It was filmed in a single-shot style (although it actually uses cleverly hidden cuts throughout). That creates a plethora of motion-heavy scenes, challenging your TV or projector to make movement look realistic without judder or excessive smoothness.

With the most iconic sequence of the film, you can also challenge your Dolby Atmos system. As McKay's Private Schofield sprints across the top of a trench while soldiers charge across his path, the layers of sound wrap around the listener to bring the battlefield to your living room. Shell explosions, gunfire and raining debris are heard from all directions as Schofield powers on, and your system should place them around the soundfield with startling accuracy.

MORE:

Check out the best soundbars we have tested

Here are the best OLED TVs

And these are the best streaming devices

Another Prime Day is on the horizon – or perhaps that should be Prime Days, with the sales event spanning from 23rd to 26th June.

Not content with four days of discounts, Amazon has started a week early, with some genuinely early Prime Day deals popping out of the woodwork.

With the World Cup happening simultaneously, there have been some great deals on home cinema, with Amazon’s own Ember TV range seeing up to £450 off.

That’s not all, though – an elusive AirPod discount is also upon us, as well as a saving on an Award-winning Audio Pro wireless speaker.

As always, these are all products we have reviewed and rated ourselves, and must have earned at least four stars to get our sought-after recommendation.

So take a look at the offers below – and make sure to check back next week, where we’ll be hunting for the best deals during the main event itself.

Formerly known as the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED, the Amazon Ember QLED with Fire TV is Amazon’s latest QLED and a solid, affordable TV. We reviewed the 65-inch model only back in March and it has already got a £450 saving in an early Prime Day deal.

The Audio Pro C20 W is currently our favourite premium wireless speaker. With a broad, clear, and detailed sound, it is easy to use and immensely versatile – it can stream music, serve as a turntable speaker, or function as a soundbar for your TV. You’ll need to be a Richer Sounds VIP member to get this discount, but it’s completely free to sign up.

If you don’t like eartips but still want noise-cancelling in your earbuds, then the AirPods 4 with ANC are for you. Jam-packed with features and a clean, detailed, and powerful sound, the brilliant buds are available at their lowest-ever price in this early Prime Day deal.

If you want a 4K projector that is just portable enough to take outside, then the Nebula X1 is a great choice. The X1 has a class-leading audio for a projector, so there’s no rush to buy speakers, and the claimed 300-inch maximum image size will be great for World Cup matches.

The TCL C6KS is our favourite budget TV, and was such good value for money that we gave it a What Hi-Fi? Award. The code TCLTV20 brings the price down to £336, and for the money you’ll get a 50-inch Mini LED with excellent brightness and contrast as well as comprehensive HDR support.

The Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air is our favourite portable projector. It doesn't boast the 4K resolution or the audio quality of the X1, but it’s a fair bit cheaper and comes with a built-in battery, an ultra-portable design and surprisingly good picture and sound quality.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Mark your calendars: we have set the date for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026. And this year, we will not only crown a fresh set of winners, but we’ll also be celebrating our 50th birthday!

Yes, on 12th November, the crème de la crème of hi-fi and home cinema will don their gladrags and descend on London to celebrate the top products in their categories at an exclusive black-tie event.

But ahead of the big hi-fi and home cinema gala, there are a few dates you should mark in your calendar.

As of now, companies can submit products for consideration on our Awards site. Submissions close on 12th August, at which point our team will get all the products into our viewing and listening rooms and begin testing in earnest.

These, along with any product that is still on sale that we have reviewed and awarded five stars, will then be considered for a Best Buy trophy in their relevant category.

After the AV battle royal plays out and we have decided which products are truly the best of the best in each category, we will then reveal the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 Best Buy winners on 13th October.

These brilliant products then form the shortlists for the Product of the Year categories, which will be revealed at the black-tie event on 12th November in London. While the event itself is closed to the public, you can follow along on our social media feeds, where we’ll be posting updates and all this year’s winners.

If you want to get even more involved in the action, we will also be running our special Readers’ Award. This lets you vote on a shortlist of products, created by our reviewers. Voting goes live on 14th September and closes a couple of weeks later on 28th September – so make sure to mark the date if you want to get involved.

On top of all that, as What Hi-Fi? is turning 50 this year, we’ll also have a special category that we have never run before. We’ll reveal details of that closer to the ceremony – so watch this space!

MORE:

Check out the full list of What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025 winners

Make sure to take a look at our What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame

Rega's Roy Gandy wins What Hi-Fi?'s Outstanding Contribution Award for 2025

June is always a tricky time for hi-fi and home cinema fans. For whatever reason, companies seem to think the Summer Solstice period is the perfect time to launch new products.

2026 has proven no different. Over the past seven days, our team has wrapped up its coverage of the High End Vienna show, dealt with some surprise AV announcements at Apple WWDC, all the while continuing its eternal search for the best hi-fi and home cinema products.

Eager to make sure you don’t miss any of the important announcements, we’ve inked a fresh entry for our weekly Rewind column detailing all the salient points.

We had an opening look at Dali’s new premium system

Hi-fi systems are a growing category, even at the premium end of the market. Which is why we were curious to check out Dali’s take on the format at the High End Vienna Show.

The giant new Dali Vega is an instantly eye-catching, eight-channel system designed with flexibility, as well as performance, in mind.

At a platform level, this is due to its use of BluOS, which means it has all the streaming smarts most music fans will need.

But it is also due to its design, with Dali claiming you can position it horizontally on a stand/desk or on a wall in either portrait or landscape without impacting performance.

Read our full Dali Vega hands-on preview

One of our favourite portable DACs is back

The appearance of a new AudioQuest DragonFly Copper portable DAC / headphone amp was a welcome surprise last week. Unveiled at High End, the tiny portable DAC is being pitched as a refinement, rather than a rethinking, of the DragonFly’s offering.

It’s a tiny USB dongle designed to offer hi-fi fans a quick and easy way to improve their laptop, tablet or phone’s audio. Key upgrades on its recently retired predecessor include the use of a new 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC and Microchip Technology Microprocessor.

The ESS Sabre doubles the unit’s power output, while the microprocessor reduces the current draw by 25 per cent. We didn’t get to demo it at the show, but we are hoping to get a DragonFly Copper in for review soon. Watch this space.

Read the full story: The DragonFly Copper hovers into view as AudioQuest's most powerful and efficient DAC yet

We had a chinwag with Ruark about why it loves CDs so much

There’s a lot of hype around CDs right now, with numerous reports suggesting Gen Z is suddenly interested in the format.

But, UK-based firm Ruark has long championed CD, even when it wasn’t in vogue with younger listeners.

Which is why, when the firm launched its new Ruark R710 streaming amplifier with integrated CD player at High End Vienna, our hi-fi and audio editor, Kashfia Kabir, headed straight to its stand to have a chinwag with owner and managing director Alan O’Rourke about it.

Read the full story: "It's the last physical format we'll ever have." How the demand for CDs, tactility and good design led to Ruark's new R710 streaming amplifier

Apple unveiled its new TV software

We’ve wanted to see a new Apple TV 4K streaming box for quite a while now – especially our senior staff writer, Lewis Empson.

While one didn’t appear at the tech giant’s WWDC developer conference, we did at least get a hefty update to the current Apple TV’s software, in the shape of tvOS 27.

The new OS promises to help give the long-in-the-tooth Apple TV 4K, which launched all the way back in 2022, a new lease of life, making it “30 per cent” faster and more responsive.

Read the full story: Apple officially announces tvOS 27 – and it nearly makes up for the missing next-generation Apple TV 4K

Moon’s new hi-fi left us wanting more (in a good way)

Moon’s latest 491 streaming preamplifier (£5950 / $6500) and 461 power amplifier (£4450 / $5000) are the latest additions to the firm’s high-end Compass Collection, which includes the five-star 371 streaming amplifier we reviewed in March.

Designed specifically for high-end hi-fi enthusiasts, both units come armed to the teeth with top-end features and hardware. So much so that after having an opening look and listen to both at the High End Show, our global technical editor, Ketan Bharadia, walked away wanting more, reporting:

“All in all, the Moon 491/461 combination makes a great first impression. We’re due to get the products in for review in the next few months, and we can’t wait to hear what they do in our test room's more familiar surroundings.”

Read the full story: Moon's new 491 streaming preamp and 461 stereo power amp is a formidable combination – our first impressions left us wanting more

MORE:

We rank the best stereo amplifiers for hi-fi fans

Our picks of the best hi-fi systems

The best DACs ranked by our experts

The World Cup is now officially in full swing, and you've likely had a taster of what your home cinema set-up can do when it comes to football.

But do you wish it could do a bit better? Well, we have you covered. This week has seen plenty more TV deals, from brand new RGB mini LEDs to budget 2026 OLEDs at head-turning prices.

Not that hi-fi has been left out – we've only just reviewed the stunning five-star Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i, but they've already got a tasty discount.

So what are you waiting for? We'll go into more detail on each product below, but for now, happy shopping!

The Hisense UR9 is one of the first mainstream RGB Mini LED TVs to hit the market, and the technology delivers an impressively controlled and consistent backlight performance. Enter the code RSTV100 at checkout to save £100, and you can also claim a 40-inch QLED TV absolutely free. Ts and Cs here.

The newly reviewed Wharfedale Diamond 12.3i replaces the Award-winning 12.3 model, offering a more exciting and dramatic listen as well as greater bass authority and punch. Excellent for beginners or those on a budget, especially with £30 off.

We haven't tested the LG B6, but we were impressed when we saw it in action and we're fans of previous B-series models. For £879 you'll get a brand new 2026 OLED, with superb gaming specs and plenty of features. Use the code LG20PERCENT to get this price.

The TCL C7K is mightily impressive, offering explosive brightness, contrast and colour as well as rich gaming support. What might be most impressive, however, is that it offers this picture quality and features for under £720. The code TCL10PERCENT gets you this deal price.

We've only just reviewed the Soundcore Nebula P1, and we were particularly impressed by the clean yet punchy sound. The code WS24D2431UK will get you a £51 saving, but bear in mind you'll have to cast from your phone or use a streaming stick to get BBC iPlayer.

If you're looking for the ideal blend of quality, portability, and affordability, then the recently discounted Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is a great choice. You'll get an abundance of features and a booming sound level for only £46.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

It might not be your first consideration when watching a film, but good sound design can take your movie viewing experience to the next level.

The most recent film to prove this point for me is Tuner. It follows Niki, a young man with a hearing sensitivity which makes everyday sounds seem much louder than they should – also known as hyperacusis.

The condition means he can’t pursue his rising career as a pianist, so instead works with his father figure, Harry, as a piano tuner. When Niki discovers he can use his sensitive hearing to open safes, a world of possibilities and danger opens up.

Niki often evokes Baby Driver’s Baby (played by Ansel Elgort), in exuding an aloof yet coy nature. Both films even have a song in common in the soundtrack, with Dave Brubeck’s Unsquare Dance playing as the two characters embark on their respective heists.

As you would imagine, that premise gives the sound team a lot to play with. Sound designer Johnnie Burn took the helm, with a back catalogue that spans a broad range of movies from The Zone Of Interest to Hamnet. Burn suffered from hyperacusis for a period, like Niki, which meant he could connect to the script on another level.

When watching the film in my local cinema, the sound design immediately gave me a taste of Niki's way of hearing.

As a motorbike passes him, the throbbing engine and squealing tyres make for an uncomfortable listen, which shows how difficult navigating the everyday is for our hero.

That’s taken to the next level when a fire alarm goes off, and the wailing sound completely fills the cinema. After the ear-splitting sound has stopped, our sound is muffled to match the shock that Niki is experiencing. Voices become vague and unclear, while a bothersome ringing persists in the foreground.

The safe-opening montages continue to bring us into Niki’s world. When methodically fiddling with the safe’s handle, we hear the subtle change in pitch as the metal clicks in and out of place. It becomes more like percussion thanks to the clever sound editing, and the lock’s clinking is placed with excellent precision around the soundfield.

This thoughtful sound design all creates an immersive and at times wince-inducing cinema experience that gives a glimpse into Niki’s hearing condition. The film is yet to be released on streaming or on 4K Blu-ray, but we can’t wait to get it in as a test disc to challenge all the latest home cinema kit.

MORE:

The challenges of taking sound from the cinema to the home

These are the best Dolby Atmos scenes to test your home cinema system

Check out the best TVs right now

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

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

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

WiiM launches its first-ever Dolby Atmos soundbar

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

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

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

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

Yamaha launches its new wireless speaker system to challenge KEF

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

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

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

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

We reviewed Esoteric’s high-end streaming preamplifier

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

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

Read the full Esoteric N-05XE review

We saw an unfortunate trend continue from TVs to cars

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

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

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

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

A selection of World Cup tracks to test your sound system

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

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

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

MORE:

These are the best TVs right now

Check out the best soundbars on the market

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

Temperatures might have dropped, but so have prices, with yet more products enjoying their lowest prices and five-star savings over the past seven days.

With less than a week to go until the World Cup starts on Thursday, there are only a few days left should you wish to get some home cinema equipment delivered and installed before Mexico and South Africa kick off to launch the festival of footie.

Luckily, the retailers have saved some of their best deals until now. There are great savings on brand new 2026 OLEDs, Award-winning 4K projectors, and Dolby Atmos soundbars, so you can kit out your home cinema any way you see fit.

Not that hi-fi has been left out – there is also a great value deal on some five-star Sony headphones.

All of these products have been tried and tested by our expert review team, and must earn at least four stars to get our sought-after recommendation. We’ll go into more detail on each product below.

The LG C6 is our favourite TV of the year so far, with its new processor resulting in brighter, richer and more refined pictures than the C5. Use the code LG20PERCENT to get this deal price.

The Epson EH-TW7100 was one of our 2024 Award winners, and still holds up thanks to its excellent contrast-handling and good connectivity options. A brilliantly well-judged and affordable 4K projector.

The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are the top budget choice from our pick of the best wireless headphones, thanks to their balanced and engaging sound, extensive control app, and whopping 50-hour battery life.

The 48-inch LG C5’s bright, detailed picture makes it a great choice for the World Cup, while the flawless gaming specifications and strong app support make it a great all-rounder. Use the code KICKOFF100 to get 46 per cent off our testing price.

It’s hard not to like the five-star JBL Bar 300MK2. It’s powerful and bassy, produces clear dialogue and has a rather convincing Dolby Atmos effect for a solo soundbar.

We have seen the TCL C6KS cheaper before, but even at full price, the Mini LED is one of the biggest bargains in television. For a shade under £400, you get excellent brightness and contrast, comprehensive HDR support, and plenty of features.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Summer is finally here. That means most of us are dusting off our beachwear and getting ready to enjoy the five minutes of sunshine Blighty offers.

But, our team of reviewers is forgoing the sunshine and remains locked away in our viewing and listening rooms, continuing their search for AV perfection.

Not even the record-breaking heatwave in our native-land could deter them from their sworn duty – we’re that committed/foolhardy.

Thankfully, the sacrifice was, for the most part, worth it, with our testers identifying five hot ticket items (see what we did there) worthy of our hallowed five-star rating in May.

Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless

Sennheiser holds an interesting place in the wireless headphone market. Both of its recent over-ear pairs, the Sennheiser HDB 630 and Momentum 4, scored solid five-star recommendations. But look at our list of Award-winners, and you’ll see they were overshadowed by even stronger performers from Sony in most segments of the wireless market.

Which is why we were happy to see the brand come out all guns blazing with its latest Momentum 5 Wireless, which pack a wealth of hardware upgrades, including reworked drivers, longer battery life and improved ANC. The combined package is so good that the new cans give the ruling Sony WH-1000XM6 a run for its money.

As we say in our review: “Sennheiser’s most ambitious wireless headphones don’t only nail sound quality in their own right, but also bless iPhones and other audio sources with a significant sound upgrade via a neat bundled accessory. The result? Sony XM6-beating sound performance in a well-built, feature-rich and competitively priced package.”

Read our in-depth Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless review

TCL Q6C (65Q6C-UK)

The TCL Q6C sits just above the Award-winning TCL C6KS. For film fans, the main difference between it and the five-star C6KS is the inclusion of more dimming zones and higher peak brightness.

For gamers, there are a few other quality upgrades, chief of which is the addition of 120Hz/4K signals. Outside of that, it tries to replicate the same stellar value for money performance as its sibling.

Given how much we like the cheaper C6KS, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is rather good as a result. For your money, you’ll be treated to a ridiculously good value Mini LED capable of excellent, bright picture quality. Hence, our five-star rating and glowing verdict:

“If the Q6C cost twice as much as it does, we’d still class it as good. In fact, for a 65-inch TV at its price, it’s nothing short of ridiculous. If this is how TCL signs off its current range, we seriously can’t wait to see what the brand brings to the table next.”

The only downside is that this set’s time in the sun may be setting; we are expecting TCL’s next wave of affordable Mini LEDs to start appearing in our review rooms in the not too distant future.

Read our in-depth TCL Q6C review

Naim NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR

There’s been a version of the Naim NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR pre/power combination in production for more than a quarter of a century.

While the name hasn’t changed, the firm has been making ongoing tweaks and improvements to the combo the whole time. Last month, our reviewers took the latest iteration of the iconic high-end amp combo for a spin in our listening rooms.

And the Naim NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR once again cemented its place as one of the top options for buyers looking for a new engine to power their high-end setup. Yes, it’s ruthless in its ability to expose flaws with partnered hardware; but if you have the high-end parts to make it shine, the results are sublime. The unit delivers class-leading rhythmic cohesion and transparency and an utterly engrossing sound that will delight any serious music fan.

As we say in our review: “25 years is a long time for any product to be in production. Having talked to Naim’s representative, there is no sign that this pre/power is going to be put out to pasture anytime soon. We are glad of that. The Naim NAC 552/NAP 500 DR pairing remains an exceptional performer and is up there with the best we have heard at this level. Highly recommended.”

Read our in-depth Naim NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR review

JBL Xtreme 5

The Xtreme 5 is the latest entry to JBL’s “adventure” speaker line. It’s a portable Bluetooth unit designed to be as rugged as possible, and equally at home on the beach or on the mountain-top, as it is on your patio table.

Though its design is a bit of a marmite factor, with it being unashamedly “hench” (our writer’s words, not mine) even compared with past Xtreme series speakers, it thankfully delivers on all the areas you’d expect, given its target market.

Despite their best efforts, including a prolonged water-resistance check with a Super Soaker, our reviewers couldn’t break it. And, while we would have liked aptX support for better quality Bluetooth streaming, it still offers decent audio quality.

During all our tests, the speaker delivered an impressive sense of scale and punchy rhythmic drive. As we say in our review: “JBL’s big Bluetooth speaker might have bulked up, but it's sounding better than ever.”

Read our in-depth JBL Xtreme 5 review

JBL Go 5

Right now, £40 doesn’t go a long way. A couple of LPs, a cheap takeaway, or a trip to the cinema? That’s about as far as it will stretch in the current economy.

But last month, our reviewers found a stellar, tiny Bluetooth speaker that costs just that: the JBL Go 5. If you’ve only got a stipend to spare and want a decent portable speaker with decent sound to take to the park, this is a stellar option.

Despite its low cost and small dimensions, the speaker delivers a surprisingly musical, engaging sound with impressive levels of detail and clarity. Add to this solid battery life and a small handbag, or satchel, friendly design, and it’s hard to fault.

As we say in our review: “As far as budget Bluetooth speakers go, the Go 5 is a no-brainer – we can’t think of anything that squeezes so much performance out of such a small form factor at such a low price.”

Read our in-depth JBL Go 5 review

MORE:
These are the best Bluetooth speakers we have tested

We rank the best Mini LED TVs

Our picks of the best stereo amplifiers

It's Awards' time at Sound+Image: we had the offical ceremony, now it's the official Special Awards Issue of Australia no. 1 mag for audio & AV reviews, news and technology.

Sound+Image Awards 2026
In our annual Special Awards Issue we announce this year's hi-fi and AV winners, the stand-out products which have especially thrilled us with their performance over the last year of equipment reviews and tests across our magazines and mastheads. All the key information for each winner is brought together only in this print and digital magazine, a celebration of the best and best-value consumer audio and AV products available in the Australian market today, and our top recommendations of the year.

FULL BUYING GUIDE
In addition to this year’s illustrious winners, there are many former winners from previous awards that are still on the market. That’s why we include our full Sound+Image Buying Guide, bringing together present and past winners in a complete set of recommendations, whether you’re after a $1000 streaming speaker, a $5000 separates system, or a home cinema totalling tens of thousands of dollars.

AUSTRALIAN HI-FI SHOW – FULL REPORT
Three days of music and movies across four floors of the Sydney Central Hotel: check out our full report and find out who won Best Sound in Show, as voted by show visitors!

Welcome to the latest entry of What Hi-Fi?’s regular news digest, where we, once again, detail all the top hi-fi and home cinema developments you need to know about.

It was another chockablock week for the team, with Sony unveiling its latest TVs and a new Dolby Atmos sound system, less than a day after audio heavyweight Sennheiser lifted the lid on its new wireless headphones.

Here are the Cliff Notes.

Sony hardware galore

Last week, Sony unveiled its new Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II televisions alongside its new Bravia Theatre Trio Dolby Atmos sound system.

The Bravia 9 II is the firm’s new flagship TV and a successor to the four-star Bravia 9 we reviewed a couple of years ago.

It is set to sit alongside the firm’s current top-end OLED, the Award-winning Bravia 8 II, not replace it.

The big selling point is its use of Sony’s True RGB panel tech. This is the Japanese giant’s take on RGB Mini LED. Below it, the Bravia 7 II is its latest upper-mid-range Mini LED.

Finally, the Trio is a new surround system, which combines a central channel with wireless left and right satellites. It’s being pitched as Sony’s most accurate sound system to date and a direct rival to the KEF XIO, our current recommended premium Dolby Atmos soundbar.

Read the full story: Sony's 'True RGB' Mini LED TVs have arrived – and the fight is on against Samsung and TCL

Sennheiser’s new Momentum 5 headphones are its best to date

Sennheiser has always been in a bit of an awkward spot with its wireless headphones. All its recent sets have been easy five-star recommendations, including the Momentum 4 and HDB 630, but they’ve never been the best of the best, usually losing out to their Sony rivals for the top spot.

Which is why we’re very excited about its new Momentum 5 wireless headphones. Launched last week, the Momentum 5 not only proved to be the firm’s best to date when we got them into our test rooms – they also matched, and at times beat, the Sony WH-1000XM6 we pitted them against.

Read our in-depth Sennheiser Momentum 5 review

Neat new speakers

Neat revealed its latest Vito speakers last week. Positioned at the top of the firm’s Classic range, Neat claims the speakers are its most advanced to date and will deliver a "spacious, natural and emotionally engaging musical presentation" with a sound that feels "both effortless and immersive."

Considering how impressed we were with the firm’s five-star Mystique Classic towers and Petite Classic standmounts, we’re taking the claims very seriously and can’t wait to see the new floorstanders at Vienna High End next week.

Read the full story: Neat adds a small-but-powerful pair of floorstanders to its popular Classic speaker range

MORE:

These are the best floorstanding speakers we’ve reviewed

Our picks of the best wireless headphones

We rank the best Mini LED TVs

The UK’s latest hot spell might be coming to an end, but the sun is still shining on several top deals which our experts have found over the past seven days.

Given that it’s pay day for many of us, it could be the perfect time to take advantage of that discounted piece of kit you’ve had your eye on in recent months.

This week, there’s more of an AV slant to the bargain products we have seen. There’s big money off Dolby Atmos Soundbars and both Mini LED and OLED flat-screen TVs. Pair them together, and you could have the perfect combination of picture and sound, all for a very reasonable price.

We haven’t forgotten about hi-fi, though. We have tracked down top discounts on two five-star pairs of headphones.

Only products we have tested appear in this list, and they have to have received at least four stars to receive our coveted recommendation here.

We’ll go a bit more in-depth on why we like these products so much below, but for now, happy shopping!

At 42 inches, the LG OLED42C5 is a fantastic five-star OLED TV from LG at a size that is becoming increasingly rare to find. If you want a premium performer without the price tag, this could be the TV for you.

Alternatively, we also picked a 65-inch Samsung TV, the QE65QN90F, which uses Mini LED TV technology and boasts excellent gaming specification, a punchy, detailed picture and a dazzling better-than-half-price discount.

On the soundbar front, we have a firm What Hi-Fi? favourite from Sonos in the shape of the Award-winning Arc Ultra, complete with awesome Dolby Atmos sound and all manner of streaming smarts.

We also highlighted a talented bar from JBL, the Bar 1000 MK2, which boasts a very neat party trick: its detachable surround speakers can also be used as normal wireless speakers and can be dotted around the house when not in use.

Hi-fi hasn’t been completely left out this week: the five-star Grado RS1x are a classy pair of wired headphones with a big discount.

Fancy going wireless instead of wired? There’s a solid saving on a long-term favourite of ours, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e. These classy-looking cans sound full of life and boast solid specifications.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

And the best TVs for all budgets

Interested in the bigger picture? Here are the best projectors we have tested

Welcome to Rewind, the weekly column where we sum up all the latest big (and small) developments in the worlds of hi-fi and home cinema.

This week, our team was particularly busy. First, our senior staff writer visited Denon and Marantz in Japan to check out the companies’ reference systems.

Then, back home, our reviewers were hard at work testing Sony’s new premium wireless headphones.

Here’s what you need to know.

Denon and Marantz’s reference system is pretty amazing

Denon and Marantz are two big names in home audio. The two are behind some of the top hardware that we still use as reference equipment in our review rooms.

Which is why our senior staff writer took the time to check out the firms’ reference systems while visiting their HQ in Japan. Combining more than £200,000 of hardware and fitted in a bespoke room, it was quite the experience.

Read the full story: Denon and Marantz took me to hi-fi and home cinema heaven with its £200,000 reference system, and it sounded out of this world

Is reel-to-reel making a comeback?

Reel-to-reel has never been “mainstream” in the way vinyl, CD or tape has. But that hasn’t stopped it from getting its own retro-revival.

Throw a stone in audiophile circles, and you are quite likely to hit at least one enthusiast who swears by it or is at least interested in the format.

Eager to understand the appeal, last week our regular contributor, Joe Svetlik, took the time to talk to some of the enthusiasts, manufacturers and record labels fueling the format’s resurgence.

Read the full story: Forget vinyl, reel-to-reel tapes are the last word in sound quality – and they’re making a comeback

We tested the Sony 1000X The Collexion

Sony’s wireless headphones have been on a winning streak for a while. Jump to our current What Hi-Fi? Award-winners list, and you’ll see plenty of examples proving that point.

Because of this, we were excited to review its new 1000X The Collexion wireless over-ears last week. Sitting above their five-star Sony WH-1000XM6 siblings, The Collexion are direct rivals to the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, Dali IO-8 and Focal Bathys.

They feature a completely new design and bespoke carbon-fibre 30mm drive unit, and Sony is pitching them as its most premium and refined wireless offering to date.

There is undeniably some truth to that boast, with The Collexion offering a spacious, open and mature sound with exceptional levels of textural detail. But, they didn’t quite deliver in one key area we care about: fun.

Read our in-depth Sony 1000X The Collexion review

Naim’s NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR impressed our reviewers

Last week, we tested the latest generation of the Naim NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR. The original version of the set-up launched around 25 years ago, and while the latest iteration looks similar, Naim has been making subtle refinements to it over the years.

This latest version in our test room, then, is a fairly different beast from the original. It’s also why this remains a stellar option for serious hi-fi fans looking for a premium amplification solution to drive their high-end setup.

Though they require careful partnering – as the combination is ruthless with its ability to expose components’ flaws – when matched properly the results are excellent. As we say in our NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR review:

“The Naim NAC 552/NAP 500 DR pairing remains an exceptional performer and is up there with the best we have heard at this level. Highly recommended.”

Read our in-depth Naim NAC 552 / NAP 500 DR review

The inside skinny on turntable design

What makes a great turntable? It’s a tricky question that engineers and members of our reviews team have spent entire careers trying to answer.

Last week, our deputy editor, Andy Madden, took up the challenge, interviewing some of the top names in turntable design on the topic. And, as is often the case with hi-fi, the answer, if you could even call it that, is incredibly complicated…

Read the full story: “The tiniest difference in a component can significantly change the sound” – hi-fi engineers discuss the subtle art of turntable design

MORE:

These are the best stereo amplifiers we have tested

We rank the best turntables for vinyl fans

Our picks of the best AVRs

With a bank holiday weekend coming up, there is now plenty of time to decide on that all-important World Cup TV.

Luckily, this week has seen some stellar deals on all sorts of great TVs. Whether you’re after a new-release OLED or a budget LCD, we’ve got those and everything in between.

Hi-fi hasn’t been left out either: the Award-winning Cyrus 40 ST music streamer is on offer again; and Sonos is running a sale that includes its five-star spatial-audio Era 300 speaker.

As always, these are products that we have tested ourselves. And they have to have received at least four stars to receive our coveted recommendation here.

We’ll go a bit more in-depth on why we like these products so much below, but for now, happy shopping!

The LG C6 is the latest in LG’s hugely popular OLED C-series, and has the brightest, richest and most refined picture quality yet. We only reviewed it in March, but you can get 20% off with the code ‘LG20TV’ – you have to be a My John Lewis member, but it’s free to sign up.

The Cyrus 40 ST may not be cheap even with this discount, but it’s worth every single penny. The What Hi-Fi? Award Winner is the top dog out of the high-end music streamers and an incredible piece of kit.

We reviewed the TCL Q6C just two days ago, and we call it “ridiculously good value for money”. Well, the 65-inch version of this Mini LED set is already on sale – and it offers far more than a TV at this price has any right to.

If you want to go big-screen on a budget for the World Cup, then the 65-inch Samsung U8000F is an excellent choice. The Standard mode is enjoyably punchy and bright, with lots of smart TV content available in one great value package.

The Sonos Era 300 is a former What Hi-Fi? Award winner, and offers an immensely immersive experience thanks to its engaging sound and convincing spatial-audio effects. And now it can be yours with a rare £90 discount.

The 48-inch Samsung S90F made headlines for its low prices over Black Friday, but now it’s available for even less. The five-star OLED can be yours for only £764, but first you’ll have to use the code ‘RSTV100’ at checkout and then claim 10 per cent back directly from Samsung. Full T&Cs can be found here.

MORE:

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds you can buy

And the best OLED TVs for all budgets

Interested in vinyl? Here are the best turntables we have tested

Denon and Marantz are two of the biggest names in audio, especially if you’re obsessed with AVRs like me. Whether it’s the affordable Denon AVR-X2800H or the premium (and super stylish) Marantz Cinema 30, these sister companies occupy three of the five slots on our best AV receivers list.

Speaking of, that list is probably about to receive a bit of a shake-up. Last month, I travelled all the way to Tokyo for a secret mission, which I can now reveal was to check out the highly anticipated AVR-X2900H and AVR-X3900H: both sequels to two home cinema test-room legends.

You can check out our AVR-X2900H hands-on review for our extended first impressions of the new amplifier. But seeing (or should we say hearing?) the new AVRs was only half of the experience.

The other half centred around touring Denon and Marantz’s facilities, which included speaking to the companies’ respective Sound Masters, and experiencing the listening rooms in which these products are developed and tuned.

Denon is based in the historic city of Shirakawa, 185km northeast of Tokyo. It has called this city home for more than 40 years, and around 200 people work here across various divisions, including manufacturing and research and development (R&D).

Marantz joined Denon here in 2002, and now both companies share the space. There’s a Hall of Fame and a museum dedicated to products that define both audio companies’ respective histories, and there’s a manufacturing plant on site. Everything from handmade turntable cartridges to mass-produced AV receivers are assembled here.

The most enticing part of my tour of this facility, however, was the listening-room experience that the brands hosted. Denon opted to show off a multi-channel demonstration, whereas Marantz stuck to stereo; both were equally entrancing.

The room featured a 9.4.6 speaker arrangement, with four pairs of Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 floorstanders as the headliners. These cost £36,000 a pair, so it should be clear just how serious Denon and Marantz are about home cinema and hi-fi sound.

These were joined by a matching centre channel – the B&W HTM81 D4 at £8250 – and four B&W DB1D subwoofers at £4600 a pop. Height channels were handled via six in-ceiling Bowers & Wilkins speakers, including one pair of CCM663s (around £650/pair) and two pairs of the CCM664 speakers (around £600/pair).

If our maths serves us correctly, that prices the speaker package at a staggering £172,500, and that’s before we take into account the room treatment, cables, disc players and amplification.

Put simply, this room is an audiophile’s dream, and it was the perfect space to experience the top-of-the-range products being shown by each brand.

Denon also confirmed that this is where it tests and benchmarks new products, including the freshly announced AVR-X2900H and AVC-X3900H home cinema amplifiers.

Each step in the production cycle is tested at the Shirakawa facility, from the first prototype model to the mass production units. Denon confirmed that it uses a mixture of measurements and real-world cinematic content to verify performance, with Godzilla: Minus One, Top Gun: Maverick and Dune: Part One being selected as standout test titles.

Finally, the room has been designed and laid out so that the engineers don't need to use Audyssey room correction during the testing process. This allows for a cleaner and more authentic sound so that the audio engineers know exactly what they are working with when designing a new amplifier.

With all of that important context explained, let’s get into the listening experience...

Denon’s cinematic AVR-A1H...

Denon led with its AVR-A1H home cinema amplifier, known as the AVC-A1H in the UK due to it lacking an AM/FM tuner.

This amplifier launched at £6800, and it sits above the top of the range X-series AVC-X6800H and AVC-A10H amplifiers.

It has been on the market for a few years now, but as the premier of Denon’s AVR offerings, it remains a stalwart for devoted home cinema fans. Featuring 15.4 channels of amplification, it supports Denon’s reference system without breaking a sweat, and is rated to deliver 150W of amplification with two channels driven, meaning it’s plenty powerful.

Denon opted to use three well-known demo sequences, one of which we often use to test Dolby Atmos soundbars and surround sound speaker packages.

Starting with the first performance of the track Shallow from A Star Is Born, the AVR-A1H delivered a powerful, rich and enveloping performance. It balanced immense scale with intricate detail and subtle dynamic shifts, resulting in a supremely natural sound.

I have heard this sequence at countless hands-on events, and in our home cinema testing room, and yet this demonstration revealed some subtle sonic elements that I'd never heard before.

Speaking of sequences I've heard more times than I can count, Denon followed up with the introduction to Unbroken. The dynamic build of the plane approaching at the very start of the film was conveyed with an impressive balance of subtlety and weight, allowing the engine sounds to swell naturally, and ultimately pass to the surround and height channels fluidly.

When the bomber comes under fire, the flak explosions were expressed with a crisp, weighty punch of bass that remained totally in control while also delivering the intended impact.

Denon rounded out the experience with chapter nine of Gravity, in which (spoilers ahead) the space shuttle reenters the Earth’s atmosphere, and the Denon AVR-A1H takes us full circle.

It carried the same authoritative, muscular and rich sound of the five-star AVR-X6800H, but with a much broader and more powerful character that tackles cinematic scale with ease.

The rattling and creaking of the shuttle as it plummets towards Earth felt textured, while the stray debris whizzing past carried a genuine sense of speed and danger.

While the wonderfully overkill speaker system undoubtedly played a part in making this demo as impressive as it was, the AVR-A1H’s balance of sheer power and finesse made it all the more impressive.

Marantz’s musical Model 10, Link 10n and SACD 10 trio...

Marantz followed up with a triple threat of reference hi-fi products. The Model 10 Reference Integrated Amplifier, to give it its full title, was the star of the show, launching back in 2024 for £13,000.

It was joined by the Link 10n network preamplifier (which launched at £10,400) and the SACD10 (also £10,400); essentially, this is Marantz’s full reference hi-fi lineup. While the same B&W sound system was used, Marantz switched to stereo instead of surround and used only the front left and right channels.

To establish its musical prowess, Marantz used classical compositions by Shostakovich and Stravinsky, alongside a duo of jazz renditions from Miyuki Koga and Fourplay.

The classical tracks revealed the system's ability to deliver punch, scale and drama, all while remaining intricately detailed and superbly controlled.

Shostakovich's Symphony No.5 II Allegretto emphasised the big, powerful and rich sound that this system can produce. It did come across as a touch too forward and assertive at times during this track, but that didn't detract from the scale and spaciousness shown during the demo.

Miyuki Koga's rendition of Put the Blame on Mame demonstrated a rich and natural vocal presentation, with a solid sense of timing to back the lyrics up. Despite a lot of words starting with ‘s’ in this track, there was very little sibilance to note.

Finally, Fourplay’s Chant was underpinned by a fresh, airy and open sound, held together by snappy, tight bass that kept everything in check. All of the instruments featured in the track sounded realistic and natural, with the bass guitar and woodwind instruments being two standout elements.

Both systems lived up to expectations in many regards – given the price, I would have been shocked if they hadn't. We’re eager to hear how this testing environment influences the sound of the final products – and the good news is that we won’t have to wait long.

The Denon AVR-X2900H has just landed in our AV testing room, so stay tuned for our full review.

MORE:

Read our Denon AVR-X2900H hands on review

As well as our full Denon AVR-X2800H review

And check out our list of the best AV receivers

Welcome to the latest entry to our weekly Rewind, hi-fi and home cinema news digest, where our team of AV experts detail all the top stories you need to know about.

Despite our pleas to the AV powers-that-be, it was another busy one for our team of experts, who had to contend with everything from AVR launches to new portable CD players, all while reviewing the latest hardware to arrive in our test rooms – which included a particularly special treat last week.

Here’s what you need to know.

Yamaha launched two new Dolby Atmos AV receivers

First up, we have Yamaha, which last week unveiled not one, but two new Dolby Atmos-ready AVRs: the 7.2-channel RX500A and 5.2-channel RX300A.

Both models are built on the same core DNA as the firm's higher-end models, coming equipped with Yamaha's Anti-Resonance Technology (A.R.T.). Both also feature four full-speed HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K/120Hz (and 8K/60Hz), VRR and ALLM. Passthrough of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ is also on board.

We’re waiting on pricing for the RX500A, but Yamaha has confirmed the entry-level RX300A will retail for a modest £349 (around $475) when it launches in August, making it an enticing prospect for home cinema fans on a budget, at least on paper.

Read the full story: Yamaha's two new Dolby Atmos AV receivers borrow one feature from their high-end siblings

Denon’s new AVR wants to dethrone Sony’s Award-winner

Speaking of AVRs, Denon also got in on the action, unveiling its swish new AVR-X2900H. Aimed squarely at the same step up space as the Award-winning Sony TA-AN1000, the unit comes armed to the teeth with new hardware and features.

The unit offers seven channels of amplification, running at 95W per channel. That means you’ll be able to run multispeaker 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos or 7.1 surround sound arrangements through it.

But the main upgrade Denon’s most excited about is its new 32-bit multi-channel DAC architecture, which it claims will offer “improved imaging, clearer high-frequency detail and more confident low-frequency energy across every channel”.

While it’s too early to deliver our final verdict on its performance, our senior staff writer, Lewis Empson, walked away from his hands-on demo with it in Japan impressed, leaving us eager to get it into our test rooms for the full What Hi-Fi? review treatment.

Read our in-depth Denon AVR-X2900H hands-on preview

Shanling made a portable CD player “for Gen Z”

Wired headphones, dumb phones, vinyl; everywhere you look, there are fresh reports of Gen Z getting into “retro” tech (an idea that makes me feel very old, as most of the stuff mentioned was cutting edge when I was a sprog).

Which is likely why Chinese brand Shanling decided to release a portable CD player that it’s marketing specifically to Gen Z. While we’re not sure what particularly justifies the age bracket it’s put in its marketing, there’s no denying Shanling's EC Play has some impressive hardware.

Highlights include Shanling’s proprietary active magnetic clamp mechanism, which aims to improve stability and reduce skips, a Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC at its heart, and Bluetooth connectivity – for the young folks yet to copy Zendaya and co by getting a pair of cabled cans.

Read the full story: Forget the vinyl revival, Shanling's latest CD player wants to bring the "Discman" to Gen Z

Our deputy editor visited New York’s House of Sound

Our deputy editor, Andy Madden, has seen many things in his tenure at What Hi-Fi?. Super yachts with Sonus Faber sound systems, KEF’s Music Gallery, super cars equipped with Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos entertainment systems and more.

So when he returned from a wee sojourn to the McIntosh Group’s “House of Sound” high-end demo area in New York, beaming with excitement, we couldn’t help but sit up and take notice.

Specifically, he came back enamoured with the six-story town house’s 29-speaker home cinema theatre system, which he described as a completely reasonable purchase, if you happen to have $550,000 to spare – and that doesn’t even include the projector, or source.

Read the full story: “He told us outside of the mastering studio, this was the best place he’d watched his movie” – listening to the 29-speaker home theatre system that thrilled an Oscar winner

We finished reviewing our first RGB Mini LED TV

Last but not least, last week we finished reviewing our first-ever RGB Mini LED TV, the Hisense UR9.

Pitched as an “OLED-killer”, Hisense has made a lot of noise about the new hardware, promising it will offer palpable brightness increases, better black levels and richer but more accurate colours than competing sets.

During testing, we found a lot to like about it, with the UR9 delivering impressively controlled and consistent backlight performance and a wonderfully bright, punchy picture, especially with HDR content.

But, running head-to-head with our Product of the Year Award-winner, the Sony Bravia 8 II, it didn’t quite fulfil its promise as an OLED-killer.

Side-by-side, the Sony’s picture felt a smidgeon more three-dimensional, offered the perfect blacks only OLED can and significantly better viewing angles. This meant the UR9 earned a positive four-star, rather than a wholehearted five-star recommendation.

Read our full Hisense UR9 review

MORE:

These are the best surround sound systems we’ve tested

Our picks of the best TVs

We rank the best CD players money can buy

With just under a month to go until a certain World Cup, TV manufacturers are looking to join in the football fever.

We've seen the lowest prices yet on some of our favourite OLEDs, including on Award-winners such as the Sony Bravia 8 II and the LG C5.

Not wanting to be left out, audio brands are joining in the discounts as well, particularly with Bluetooth speakers ready for summer garden gatherings. The JBL Xtreme 5, only reviewed two days ago, is already nearly ten per cent off.

As always, all of these products have been rated and reviewed by our expert testing team, and have been given a big thumbs up – and maybe even a What Hi-Fi? Award.

Take a look at the offers underneath, and we'll go into a bit more detail below.

The JBL Xtreme 5 had a high bar to reach, as previous Xtreme speakers had scooped up What Hi-Fi? Awards for their robust build, yet clean and detailed sound. Luckily, the Xtreme 5 received a full five stars only days ago, with a more powerful, clearer performance that made it the best-sounding Xtreme yet.

The Sony Bravia 8 II won our TV Product of the Year Award at our most recent ceremony, and is still our benchmark TV. The motion processing and OLED screen of the Bravia 8 II will make it an ideal World Cup TV, but it's stunningly authentic for movies too.

AirPods need no introduction, but the AirPods 4 with ANC are notable for introducing noise-cancelling to an open (no tips) design and making it work. iOS users will also find plenty of exclusive flagship features and snappy user-friendliness.

The KEF XIO is, quite simply, the best-sounding Dolby Atmos soundbar we have heard. It's also discounted for the first time, but bear in mind it's a cashback offer you'll have to claim back from KEF. Full T&Cs can be found here.

We're spoilt for choice with premium Bluetooth speakers this week. The Bose SoundLink Max wraps up excellent sound quality and an enjoyable experience in this attractive, outdoor-friendly package.

If you have a smaller room or are looking to upgrade to OLED on a budget, then this saving on the 48-inch LG C5 is for you. It's got flawless gaming specifications, excellent app support and is a whopping £618 off with the code 'HUGMAY8'.

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