“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
Whether it’s an all-in-one system, stereo speakers or a Dolby Atmos soundbar, good sound is good sound
Hi-Fi
Thought CD was dead? Our audio experts pick out the best CD players and some of our favourite test discs that you can own for ever
No price hikes when your music is safely on your shelf
Clearaudio’s new phono stage is designed to “tuck discreetly alongside any turntable”
Sometimes good things come in small packages
Rotel Michi Prestige X430
The Rotel Michi Prestige X430 is a carefully considered and superbly executed high-end integrated amplifier.
iFi has squeezed a DAC and headphone amplifier into its latest USB-C in-ear monitor cable
Though she be but little, she is fierce
Headphones
I test headphones for a living – and this obscure classical album is my new secret weapon
FiiO's flagship planar headphones use diamond coated drivers to create an "open, spacious soundstage"
I needed a quick, cheap Bluetooth earbuds replacement – and this Award-winning £28 pair was a lifesaver
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Speakers
Wharfedale’s Nova series subwoofers aim for “balance, texture and precision”
A more refined approach to bass
Hisense brings the boom with its robust, party-ready line of portable Bluetooth speakers
Yet another boom-based Bluetooth range
Marshall Kilburn III
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?
IKEA’s latest Bluetooth speaker is boxy, budget, and built for the indoors
The Badkruka literally means “bath-coward”, apparently
TV & Home Cinema
I'm not surprised this is Amazon's best-selling soundbar – this Award-winning model offers Dolby Atmos at an incredible price
An unbeatable Atmos bargain
“We have to have an edge, otherwise we’re not going to survive” – this huge home-appliance brand is adding TVs to its portfolio, and a major British hi-fi brand is on board
It’s also looking towards the Korean brands for inspiration
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I just ran the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 big UST projector shootout – and I have two words of warning
Progress has been made, but old ghosts haunt the category
There's been a big problem with some Sony TVs – but a fix might finally be here
New software is finally out, and early user reports suggest it fixes the long-running eARC issues
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Streaming & Entertainment
Why the Emmy-winning Widow's Bay is a brilliant test for your TV and sound system (and your nerves)
Apple TV’s latest hit swept the board at the Emmys this week and it’s a winner in technical terms, too
DJ Shadow’s landmark debut album turns 30 this week – here’s what makes Endtroducing a unique test for your hi-fi
Even after three decades there’s still nothing else that sounds quite like it
I spent a week with the Vodafone TV – here are three things I like and two I don't
There’s a lot of promise in Vodafone’s set-top streaming box, but there are still a few unknowns that could trip it up
This hi-res streaming service dedicated to jazz and classical music is now available on WiiM products
New users of Presto Music can also get a three-month free-trial via the WiiM Home app
More from What Hi-Fi?
New iPhones, wireless open-back headphones, a five-star spin on a classic turntable and more
It was quite a week for hi-fi and home cinema fans
Our experts have handpicked the best deals on bargain Bluetooth headphones, budget soundbars and Award-winning earbuds
Rock-bottom prices on top-tier tech
The biggest hi-fi and home cinema trends, releases and more still to come in 2026
There are only four more months, but there's still a lot to come