What Hi-Fi? | Tech news and reviews

Latest Australian updates

Sound+Image's new issue reveals the AV athletes that bring big sport home

By Sound+Image published 1 July 24

AV athletes PLUS your next best buds to go in your ear PLUS three new top over-ear headphones PLUS hi-fi reviews PLUS so much more...

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X Limited Edition review

By Jez Ford published 24 June 24

Marking the centenary of Beyerdynamic, these ‘X’ edition headphones upgrade the standard version with the latest driver technology

Headphones

BenQ W5800 review

By Jez Ford published 23 June 24

A full-sized ‘true 4K’ home cinema projector – no dongles, no built-in speakers, just solid DLP projection delivering up to 200 inches of bigscreen real estate

Home cinema

What’s inside Sennheiser’s Mirrorbox at Vivid Sydney?

By Jez Ford published 24 May 24

Lights, AI mood readers, floor haptics and Sennheiser sound await visitors to Vivid Sydney this year

Dates announced for Australian Hi-Fi Show Sydney: 4-6 April 2025

By Australian Hi-Fi published 15 May 24

Three days of hi-fi and AV joy, returning to Sydney next April. Save the date now!

WINNERS REVEALED! Australia's top hi-fi and AV in the Sound+Image Awards 2024

By Sound+Image published 30 April 24

S+I AWARDS Our Awards recognise 40 winning products and companies in the ultimate audio and AV buying guide

S+I AWARDS

Sound+Image Special Awards Issue 2024 out now!

By Sound+Image published 28 April 24

Australia's no.1 magazine for audio & AV: new issue out now

Best-sounding rooms t the Australian Hi-Fi Show in Sydney 2024

Revealed: Best Sounding Room at the Australian Hi-Fi Show 2024 in Sydney

By Australian Hi-Fi published 24 April 24

The votes are in for the most amazing-sounding rooms at this year's Show – and there are some surprises

Latest Reviews

Monitor Audio Studio 89

By What Hi-Fi?

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4 tablet on white sideboard next to yellow roses

Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) review

By What Hi-Fi? published 5 July 24

The iPad is finally available with an OLED display – and the results are predictably brilliant.

Kaleidescape Strato C and Terra Prime 8TB SSD showing Strato C with remote on wooden bench

Kaleidescape Strato C and Terra Prime Solid-State review

By What Hi-Fi? published 3 July 24

Kaleidescape offers high-end server and 4K video player solutions with boatloads of customisation, but can it replace a 4K Blu-ray player in our AV testing room?

Home cinema

Hands on: Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review

By Harry McKerrell published 3 July 24

Not yet rated

We got some time with Cambridge Audio's bold foray into the world of over-ear headphones, but how do they stack up against the established front runners?

Headphones

A photo of the JVC DLA-NZ800 projector, taken from straight on

JVC DLA-NZ800 review

By What Hi-Fi? published 1 July 24

Can JVC continue its streak of delivering high-quality home cinema projectors for serious cinephiles?

Home cinema

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K review

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 28 June 24

updated Amazon’s big stick is one of the most advanced and fully-featured video streamers out there.

updated

Sivga SV021 Robin over-ear headphones on wooden table next to Astell & Kern music player

Sivga SV021 Robin review

By What Hi-Fi? published 27 June 24

Their upbeat, propulsive sound will appeal to some, but rivals offer greater musicality and depth than the plucky Sivga over-ear headphones.

Headphones

TCL 32SF540K 32-inch TV on wooden dining table with white chairs in shot

TCL 32SF540K review

By John Archer published 25 June 24

TCL adds Fire TV to its long list of supported smart systems without losing its knack for great value.

TVs

Audiolab 9000N music streamer on wooden hi-fi rack photographed from front showing colour display

Audiolab 9000N review

By What Hi-Fi? published 24 June 24

The hugely capable 9000N takes Audiolab’s streaming game to the next level.

Hi-Fi

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X Limited Edition review

By Jez Ford published 24 June 24

Marking the centenary of Beyerdynamic, these ‘X’ edition headphones upgrade the standard version with the latest driver technology

Headphones

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Latest News

High End Munich 2024 news and highlights: Arcam, Burmester, Focal and more

By Kashfia Kabir

Amazon's Fire TV Soundbar is now available in the UK

By Ainsley Walker published 4 July 24

This is the first soundbar Amazon has made and while it doesn't tick off our entire wishlist, could it have the potential to be a strong budget option?

Home cinema

The What Hi-Fi? Awards are back for 2024 – put these dates in your diary!

By Alastair Stevenson published 3 July 24

All the details on the fast-approaching 42nd What Hi-Fi? Awards.

Home cinema

A white pair of Camridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones on a black background.

Cambridge Audio's first over-ear headphones trounce the Sony XM5 in this key area

By Joe Svetlik published 3 July 24

The Cambridge Audio P100 boast an industry-leading battery life, sleek design and same tech as its Award-winning amps.

Headphones

Three iPhones showing customised homescreen layouts.

The iPhone 16 Pro's super bright OLED screen could be unveiled a month early

By Joe Svetlik published 2 July 24

Samsung Display's M14 screen is rumoured to feature in another phone ahead of the iPhone 16 Pro...

Tablets & Smartphones

A black Musical Fidelity M2sCD CD player at an angle on a white background.

Prime Day comes early! Save £500 on this 5-star CD player and amp duo

By Joe Svetlik published 2 July 24

It's sale time at Richer Sounds. The retailer has hundreds off a five-star Musical Fidelity CD player and amp as well.

Hi-Fi

Goldmund Telos 4800 mono power amp front shot

Goldmund brings flagship power and performance to a compact, luxury design

By Harry McKerrell published 2 July 24

The Telos 4800 mono power amplifier is mega powerful and boasts a mighty pedigree, but you're going to have to save up for years, maybe decades, to get one.

Hi-Fi

Wall-mounted TCL C641K in a modern marble living room

Don’t wait for Prime Day – get a 50-inch QLED TV for under £300 right now

By Ainsley Walker published 2 July 24

A solid £90 discount brings the TCL C641K down to its lowest-ever price.

TVs

This all-metal wireless speaker blends minimalist aesthetics with powerful sound

By Harry McKerrell published 2 July 24

The premium Monolith x Aluminium blends minimalist aesthetics with an environmentally conscious construction.

Hi-Fi

Amazon Fire TV Sticks are getting Xbox cloud gaming support

By Ainsley Walker published 1 July 24

The game streaming app, previously only available to Samsung TV users, will be arriving on select Fire TV devices next month.

Streaming

Monitor Audio Studio 89 bookshelf speakers sitting on blue shelf in lifestyle setting

Monitor Audio Studio 89 speakers reimagine an '80s classic with great success

By Becky Roberts published 1 July 24

Monitor Audio's striking Studio 89 pay homage to their Studio ancestor from 1989 in both name and aesthetic.

Hi-Fi

Sound+Image's new issue reveals the AV athletes that bring big sport home

By Sound+Image published 1 July 24

AV athletes PLUS your next best buds to go in your ear PLUS three new top over-ear headphones PLUS hi-fi reviews PLUS so much more...

Pro-Ject's nifty configurator tool lets you build the turntable of your dreams

By Harry McKerrell published 28 June 24

Pro-Ject's novel configurator tool lets you customise an Xtension 9 to your exact preferences.

Hi-Fi

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Latest Advice

Separates vs systems: the pros and cons of each path to hi-fi nirvana

By Verity Burns

The Panasonic MZ2000 TV on a TV stand, with a line of elephants seen from above on screen.

Which TVs have the best sound (as well as great pictures)?

By Joe Svetlik published 4 July 24

TV speakers can be underwhelming, so which TVs break the mould and deliver high-quality audio?

TVs

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

By Ketan Bharadia last updated 3 July 24

Advice Bought a new AV receiver? We guide you through the whole set-up process to get your home cinema working at its best.

Advice

Mixing desk and speakers in a Dolby mixing studio

Dolby Digital vs DTS: what you need to know about the two big surround sound technologies

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 2 July 24

Updated Dolby Digital or DTS? Dolby Atmos or DTS:X? What's the difference between the two surround sound formats, and which is better?

Updated

6 ways to get near-perfect Dolby Atmos sound in an imperfect room

By Verity Burns published 2 July 24

Our top tips to achieve great home cinema sound in any room.

Home cinema

What Hi-Fi? test room featuring two TVs, a projector and screen and several speakers

How to build the perfect home cinema system

By Becky Roberts published 1 July 24

If you’re serious about transforming movie nights, taking the time to properly shape an AV system will pay off in spades.

Home cinema

Sonus Faber Sonetto G2 5.1 surround speaker system in living room

5.1 vs 7.2 surround sound: which is better?

By Joe Svetlik published 1 July 24

Will a 5.1 system suffice? Or would you be better off with a 7.2 surround sound setup?

Home cinema

An Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max held in landscape orientation in front of a table bearing an incense burner. Ted Lasso from Apple TV+ is on the screen

iPhone 16 Pro: price and release date rumours, leaked photos and what to expect

By Joe Svetlik last updated 28 June 24

Looking forward to Apple's next flagship smartphone? Us too. Here's what to expect come September.

Tablets & Smartphones

Smartphone: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max on a wooden table with a street scene on screen.

iPhone 16: release date rumours, spec leaks and what features to expect

By Joe Svetlik last updated 28 June 24

Rumours are already swirling concerning Apple's next smartphone, but which are worth listening to?

Tablets & Smartphones

65-inch LG C4 TV photographed at a slight angle on a wooden stand. On the screen is an image of a group of women in brightly coloured dresses.

LG C4 vs C3: is LG's 2024 'value' OLED TV better than last year's?

By Joe Svetlik last updated 28 June 24

LG's C4 is much better in person than the specs suggest, but is it worth choosing over the cheaper C3?

TVs

Latest Features

Living with it: Sonos Arc long-term test

Sonos Arc long-term review: the highs and lows

By Jonathan Evans last updated 5 July 24

The Arc now has a software upgrade, another TV to play with – and some surround speakers added

Home cinema

The ideal home cinema sound system may not be what you think it is

By Ketan Bharadia published 4 July 24

Traditional AV amplifiers and speaker packages sound great but there are more domestically acceptable alternatives.

Home cinema

10 of the best tracks brought back to life by movies and TV shows

By Harry McKerrell published 3 July 24

Sometimes all it takes is one iconic scene to bring a track back from the brink of obscurity.

Streaming

It might not have Dolby Atmos, but my local indie cinema is still my favourite place to watch movies

By Kashfia Kabir published 3 July 24

Cult films, community events, great pizza – Reading's independent cinema is a thriving, welcoming space that I love visiting more than the Dolby-equipped London theatres.

Home cinema

11 of the best Netflix movies in 4K, HDR and Dolby Atmos

By What Hi-Fi? last updated 3 July 24

From tense thrillers to zany comedies, here's are the best flicks on Netflix to test your TV and sound system.

TVs

Tom Cruise returns as the titular pilot in Top Gun: Maverick

The best Dolby Atmos movies of the decade (so far) to test your home cinema

By Lewis Empson published 2 July 24

Here are some of our favourite films released this decade that are best experienced in Dolby Atmos.

Home cinema

Bowers & Wilkins 606 & 607 S3 surround speaker package arranged with books and CDs

My top tip to test-drive your home cinema system? Put away the movies

By Becky Roberts published 2 July 24

Testing your surround sound home cinema with anything other than a movie may sound as preposterous as learning the guitar without holding one, but hear me out...

Home cinema

The Pyramid stage lit up with thousands of fans during a Glastonbury Festival headline set

7 of the best Glastonbury 2024 performances to stream on BBC iPlayer

By Tom Wiggins published 1 July 24

Catch up on all the highlights from Glastonbury 2024 with these brilliant sets now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Streaming

The Matrix screengrab of Trinity and Neo walking along a building

18 of the best movies of the 1990s to test your home cinema

By Becky Roberts last updated 1 July 24

With both bonafide classics and quirkier cult gems, this '90s film list should help you find some home cinema entertainment gold.

Streaming

Sonos Ace and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones in their carry cases.

Sony, steal this Sonos Ace feature to make the XM6 the ultimate home cinema headphones

By Joe Svetlik published 1 July 24

Sony has the sound quality and the ecosystem to make the best home cinema headphones around. It just needs some inspiration from Sonos...

Headphones

Marantz M1 streaming amplifier on a desk

Rewind: Audiolab’s 9000N streamer tested, hands-on with Marantz’s M1 amplifier, Sony 2024 TVs and more

By Andy Madden published 1 July 24

Last week was a busy one at What Hi-Fi? Towers, especially when it came to music streamer news and reviews...

Hi-Fi

Colourful vinyl records displayed across a wooden record console

These gorgeous new vinyl reissues are a must-have for gaming and ambient music fans

By Kashfia Kabir published 29 June 24

These gorgeous vinyl reissues of brilliant, highly rated video game soundtracks are worth checking out for any indie game or ambient music fans.

Hi-Fi

Latest Best Buys

Pro-Ject Primary E1 turntable with a hand putting the needle on a vinyl

Best turntables 2024: top record players tested for every budget

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 4 July 24

Best Buys Treat your vinyl record collection with a brilliant budget turntable or a premium, high-end record player, all tested and rated by our experienced in-house reviewers.

Best Buys

A black Apple HomePod 2 on a white surface with its top panel visible.

Best Sonos alternatives 2024: multi-room music systems rated by experts

By Joe Svetlik last updated 4 July 24

Best Buys Sonos is the original, and one of the best, home wireless music systems – but there are alternatives worth considering.

Best Buys

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Apple AirPods Pro 2 side-by-side

The best AirPods alternatives 2024: reviewed by our experts

By Andy Madden last updated 3 July 24

Best Buys AirPods are a great shout for anyone in Apple's ecosystem, but rival brands boast some excellent alternative models.

Best Buys

Four pairs of headphones on a teal background

Best headphones 2024 – our expert picks of every type

By Becky Roberts last updated 3 July 24

Best Buys Our expert in-house reviews team picks the very best headphones you can buy, featuring wired and wireless earbuds and over-ears for every price and preference.

Best Buys

Best Sony headphones 2024: top options for every budget reviewed

By Andy Madden last updated 2 July 24

Best Buys Sony is making some truly remarkable headphones at the moment. Here are the finest.

Best Buys

Sony WH-CH720N lying on a wooden surface

Best noise-cancelling headphones 2024 – tested by our in-house experts

By Becky Roberts last updated 2 July 24

Best Buys Leave the noisy world behind and immerse yourself in music with our expert pick of the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy...

Best Buys

Sony WF-C500 vs Sony WF-C700N vs Sony WF-1000XM5

Best wireless earbuds 2024: top pairs tested by our experts

By Andy Madden last updated 1 July 24

Best Buys We've tested multiple pairs of wireless earbuds to find the very best for every budget – here are our recommendations.

Best Buys

iFi Zen DAC V2 connected to a laptop and headphones

Best DACs 2024: USB, desktop and portable digital-to-analogue converters

By Becky Roberts last updated 1 July 24

Best Buys The best DACs take hi-fi, desktop and portable systems to the next level. Our expert picks span various forms, features and budgets...

Best Buys

Best Bluetooth turntables 2024: wireless record players tried and tested by experts

By Kashfia Kabir last updated 28 June 24

Best Buys Whether you're after a cheap Bluetooth record player or a complete just-add-speakers turntable system, we have you covered with our tried and tested recommendations.

Best Buys

Best outdoor projectors 2024

By Lewis Empson last updated 28 June 24

Best Buys Want to bring big-screen thrills to your backyard? Here's our pick of the best outdoor projectors for 2024.

Best Buys

Best waterproof speakers 2024: all types tested for every budget

By Harry McKerrell last updated 28 June 24

Best Buys Whether you're hitting the beach or lounging beside the pool, don't forget to bring your waterproof speaker along for the fun.

Best Buys

Best wireless headphones 2024: tried and tested by our experts

By Becky Roberts last updated 27 June 24

Best Buys The best wireless headphones offer convenience and quality in one comfortable, great-value package. Here are the very best pairs on the market...

Best Buys

Latest News

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