First things first: obviously our week has been dominated by the announcement of the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2017 Products of the Year - as we may have mentioned. But it's been business as usual too...
This week, for example, Bowers & Wilkins announced the E1 headphones for use on Emirates Airlines, McInotsh revealed its most powerful single chassis monobloc and Hisense acquired Toshiba's TV business and production sites.
For reviews we have Q Acoustics' debut in the high-end speaker market (the Concept 500s), Dali's compact Spektor 1 standmount and Sony's premium UBP-X1000ES 4K Blu-ray player.
MORE: The What Hi-Fi? Awards 2017 Products of the Year revealed!
News
Bowers & Wilkins and Emirates launch E1 “tailored for flying” headphones
B&W and Emirates Airlines have teamed up to produce what they claim are the first headphones tailored for flying.
The E1s noise-cancelling functionality has been fine-tuned in a way that will "completely cancel ambient engine noise".
They'll be rolled out to Emirates flights from December onwards, though only to those travelling in First Class.
McIntosh MC1.25KW is 71kg, 1200-watt monoblock amp
Another week, another announcement of a McIntosh product. This time it's a monoblock amp.
The MC1.25KW directly replaces the MC1.2KW and has been redesigned from the ground up. It's McIntosh's most powerful single chassis monoblock amplifier, capable of delivering 1200 watts of power.
They'll be shipping later this month - although at £29,995 per pair you'll need deep pockets to afford them.
Hisense acquires Toshiba TV business
Chinese electronics brand Hisense has acquired Toshiba's TV production business.
Hisense has gained the licence to use the Toshiba brand for 40 years, along with two factories in Japan and a number of patents relating to Toshiba's TV business.
It's a surprise announcement in light of Toshiba's return to the European market under Vestel's wing, and continues Hisense's growth after it bought Sharp America in 2015.
More news
Freeview research: over half of Brits don’t know how to position their TV
Star Wars vs Stranger Things? Disney streaming service could rival Netflix
Lyric speaker displays song lyrics as you play your tunes
Geneva Lab launches "ultra-portable" Touring/xS Bluetooth speaker
New Deezer desktop app brings CD-quality streaming
Final Audio launches E3000 and E2000 in-ear headphones
Amazon kicks off Black Friday with 99p Music Unlimited offer
Biggest ever OnePlus screen for new 5T flagship smartphone
TEAC TN-420 is a £330 tie-dye turntable
You can now control your Sonos speakers using Tidal's app
Pro-Ject expands budget E-Line phono range with digital-friendly models
Meters Music introduces new wireless aptX HD headphones
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Reviews
The Concept 500s are among the most impressive high-end speakers we've heard in recent years.
They are strong in terms of dynamics, with excellent bass along with plenty of inisght and detail. They sound comfortable and composed regardless of what you throw at them.
They're superb performers for the price, and a confident entry into the high-end market for Q Acoustics.
If you want really small speakers on a pretty small budget, you can't go wrong with the Spektor 1s.
They're energetic and entertaining performers, with a good handle on detail and expressive dynamics. And that small size is useful if space is at a premium.
Compact, affordable and with great sound, they're an exciting pair of speakers.
Sony's latest 4K Blu-ray player is a premium effort that aims for the best possible performance.
Insight is impressive, with terrific handling of colour and contrast (though it lacks Dolby Vision). Sound quality is great, with plenty of energy and precision.
This is Sony at the top of their game, putting in a performance that's hard to beat.