Hi-Fi

The Velvet Underground Vinylphyle reissue sleeve
This classic 1969 album by The Velvet Underground is getting a “vinylphyle” upgrade

By Ioan Hazell Published

The new release features Lou Reed’s original “closet mix”

Vinyl
3D TV, Sonos and Spotify – former What Hi-Fi? editor recalls a time of huge transition, including the launch of the website and the "pivot to video"

By Dominic Dawes Published

The late ’00s brought streaming, iPads, 3D TVS and more, while What Hi-Fi? added more TVs and home cinema to its mission and went online…

Hi-Fi
Quiz! We’ve created a beginner-friendly hi-fi wordsearch for audio fans

By Andy Madden Published

Hunt down 13 classic brands

Hi-Fi
Clearaudio CompactPhono silver and black on white background
Clearaudio’s new phono stage is designed to “tuck discreetly alongside any turntable”

By Ioan Hazell Published

Sometimes good things come in small packages

2 Comments
Phono Preamps
Rotel Michi Prestige X430 integrated amplifier
Rotel Michi Prestige X430

By Ketan Bharadia Published

The Rotel Michi Prestige X430 is a carefully considered and superbly executed high-end integrated amplifier.

Stereo Amplifiers
iFi Go Cable plugged into laptop
iFi has squeezed a DAC and headphone amplifier into its latest USB-C in-ear monitor cable

By Ioan Hazell Published

Though she be but little, she is fierce

DACs
ALL HI-FI

Headphones

Wireless headphones are about to get even more advanced with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon Sound tech

By Joe Svetlik Published

Wireless Headphones
Beats 360 wireless headphones in a variety of colours
It's official: Beats’ new flagship wireless headphones are here, and they are pitched as the brand’s best-sounding cans ever

By Harry McKerrell Published

Wireless Headphones
Sonos Ace Ultra wireless headphones
Sonos Ace Ultra

By Harry McKerrell Published

Wireless Headphones
Apple AirPods Max 2 over-ear headphones
Best AirPods Max alternatives 2026: amazing options picked by our experts

By Joe Svetlik Last updated

Best Buys
Open wireless earbuds: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Forget the QuietComfort Ultra – these are the new Bose earbuds I can't wait to try

By Harry McKerrell Published

Wireless Earbuds
Ivan Wyschnegradsky's album playing on Tidal
I test headphones for a living – and this obscure classical album is my new secret weapon

By Ioan Hazell Published

Headphones
ALL HEADPHONES

Speakers

REL’s flagship stackable subwoofers offer upgraded technology – but their eye-watering price may be a drawback

By Robyn Quick Published

Over ten grand for a single subwoofer?

Subwoofers
Wharfedale’s Nova series subwoofers aim for “balance, texture and precision”

By Joe Svetlik Published

A more refined approach to bass

Subwoofers
Hisense WeBoom Bluetooth speaker outside in front of some picnickers
Hisense brings the boom with its robust, party-ready line of portable Bluetooth speakers

By Harry McKerrell Published

Yet another boom-based Bluetooth range

Wireless Speakers
Marshall Kilburn III wireless speaker
Marshall Kilburn III

By Kashfia Kabir Published

Marshall’s premium Bluetooth speaker boasts a massive battery life and a tactile, retro design that’s sure to appeal – but can its bold, energetic sound compete with the best?

Wireless Speakers
A pink IKEA Badkruka Bluetooth speaker nestled into a shelving unit
IKEA’s latest Bluetooth speaker is boxy, budget, and built for the indoors

By Harry McKerrell Published

The Badkruka literally means “bath-coward”, apparently

Wireless Speakers
Official loudspeaker partner Bowers & Wilkins takes you on a tour of Abbey Road

By What Hi-Fi? Published

An exclusive look behind the scenes at the world’s most famous recording studio.

Hi-Fi Speakers
ALL SPEAKERS

Meet The Team

TV & Home Cinema

The Sonos Beam Ultra is great, but where are all the good new cheap Dolby Atmos soundbars hiding?

By Alastair Stevenson Published

Considering the cost-of-living crisis, the lack of affordable options for home cinema fans is a growing problem

Soundbars
Epson’s new AI-powered projectors offer big, bright pictures that are “ideal for premium media rooms and high-performance entertainment set-ups”

By Lewis Empson Published

Images up to 500 inches, if you have the space…

Projectors
Sonos Beam Ultra and Beam Gen 2 on a red and grey background
Sonos Beam Ultra vs Beam (Gen 2): which Dolby Atmos soundbar is better?

By Joe Svetlik Last updated

Does the addition of up-firing drivers justify the new model's higher price?

Soundbars
The Sonos Beam Ultra and Sonos Arc Ultra soundbars in black on a red and grey background with a white versus sign between them.
Sonos Beam Ultra vs Arc Ultra: which five-star soundbar should you buy?

By Joe Svetlik Published

Two Ultra models, but two quite different propositions...

Soundbars
The Sonos Beam Ultra is finally here – these are three things we liked and two we would change

By Robyn Quick Published

A sublime sonic treat

Soundbars
“Good sound is good sound, regardless of whether it's hi-fi or home cinema” – how a surprise product reminded me of this simple truth

By Alastair Stevenson Published

Whether it’s an all-in-one system, stereo speakers or a Dolby Atmos soundbar, good sound is good sound

TV & Home Cinema
ALL TV & HOME CINEMA

Streaming & Entertainment

Why the Emmy-winning Widow's Bay is a brilliant test for your TV and sound system (and your nerves)

By Tom Wiggins Published

Apple TV’s latest hit swept the board at the Emmys this week and it’s a winner in technical terms, too

Streaming & Entertainment
DJ Shadow’s landmark debut album turns 30 this week – here’s what makes Endtroducing a unique test for your hi-fi

By Tom Wiggins Published

Even after three decades there’s still nothing else that sounds quite like it

Music Streaming
Presto Music streaming on a WiiM streamer on a wooden counter
This hi-res streaming service dedicated to jazz and classical music is now available on WiiM products

By Ioan Hazell Published

New users of Presto Music can also get a three-month free-trial via the WiiM Home app

Streaming & Entertainment
Avengers: Endgame Encore is coming to the big screen, but is it worth another trip to the cinema?

By Robyn Quick Published

We dig into the differences

Streaming & Entertainment
Now you can stop your kid’s taste in music affecting your Spotify recommendations

By Joe Svetlik Published

Including in the annual Wrapped round-up

Music Streaming
The iPhone Duo looks great for movie fans, but I'm still waiting for this proper Apple home cinema announcement – and my patience is wearing thin

By Lewis Empson Published

Good things come to those who wait, but I've been waiting long enough

4 Comments
Streaming Hardware
ALL STREAMING & ENTERTAINMENT

More from What Hi-Fi?

We’re less than a month away from announcing the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 Best Buy winners!

By Alastair Stevenson Last updated

But there’s still time for you to have your say on two big categories

AV
A five-star integrated amplifier tested, confirmed fix for Sony OLED TVs and dinky treat for vinyl fans – all the latest news explained by our experts

By Alastair Stevenson Published

It was quite a busy week in the world of hi-fi and home cinema…

AV
The four star-studded movies (and one TV show) we have been using to test our home cinema kit this month

By Robyn Quick Published

From web-slingers to Transformers

AV
The next Amazon Prime Day sale is less than a month away

By Joe Svetlik Published

A date for your diary

Seasonal Sales
New iPhones, wireless open-back headphones, a five-star spin on a classic turntable and more

By Alastair Stevenson Published

It was quite a week for hi-fi and home cinema fans

AV
The biggest hi-fi and home cinema trends, releases and more still to come in 2026

By Daniel Furn Published

There are only four more months, but there's still a lot to come

AV