What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home cinema products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the best equipment for your cash, with the magazine's advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies.

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HOW WE TEST

Sony Bravia 8 II (K55XR8M2) • Better, brighter, sharper, cheaper

BenQ W2720i • BenQ’s W2720i is truly a projector for all seasons

Ruark Audio Sabre-R • Can these compact standmounters put their numerous rivals to the sword?

KEF XIO • KEF’s first soundbar does not disappoint

Audio-Technica AT-LP8X • Well made, convenient and capable

Majority Little Shelford • Little Shelford, little price

Lindemann Limetree Bridge II • A streaming transport with some feature gaps, but huge sonic talent

Canvas HiFi Canvas 65 • This unusual soundbar is an exciting (and niche) proposition

Sky Glass Gen 2 • A big upgrade and a very compelling all-in-one TV, soundbar and TV service solution

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BEHIND THE SCENES IN OUR AV TESTING FACILITY HERE ARE THE REFERENCE HOME CINEMA PRODUCTS WE USE EVERY SINGLE DAY • AV nerds assemble, this is our set-up for 2025

TOP FIVE LAUNCHES • Five products to look out for this month

The stream team • Modern streaming amps show that many manufacturers have mastered the art of combining a music streamer and amplifier in one box. Here are four models we really like

WiiM Amp Pro • Versatile and compact budget streaming amplifier

Technics SA-C600 • A truly compact just-add-speakers system that shines

Ruark Audio R610 • A beautifully made streaming amplifier

Naim Uniti Atom • A streaming amplifier that not only looks great but sounds great too

Qobuz Connect • Easy, hi-res streaming across a wide variety of hi-fi products

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 vs Sonos Beam (Gen 2): which of these mid-range soundbars delivers? • Sony adds a wireless soundbar to its range in the hope of toppling a long-standing favourite

Coaxial drive units • Technical editor Ketan Bharadia ponders the benefits of coaxial driver arrays in speakers

KEF LSX II • A fantastic, multi-talented streaming system perfect for smaller rooms

Fyne Audio F501E • The ‘E’ could stand for economy, but it could easily be for excellent value for money too

Headline acts • A talented lineup of classy wireless cans go head to head in our group test – but which pair will truly top the bill on the premium headphone stage?

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones • Bose’s latest flagship pair of wireless ANC headphones impress

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 • Beautiful headphones that make a stunning sound

Sony WH-1000XM6 • Can Sony’s new flagship wireless headphones set a new standard?

Apple AirPods Max • Apple’s over-ears more than justify their premium price tag… for Apple users

Dali IO-8 • Great build, premium feel and excellent sound

ON SALE NOW!

Verdict Winner: Sony XM6 • All five pairs of premium cans deserve a place on your shortlist. But if we had to choose – and we did – the XM6 are our pick

System of the month • BenQ’s excellent new projector inspired us to build a home cinema set-up that dazzles with movies and games

SME Model 8

Fyne Audio F701SP

BUYER’S GUIDE • The definitive guide to the best home-entertainment kit you can buy

HI-FI AMPLIFIERS • THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM

CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS • GET THE RIGHT PLAYER AND CD CAN STILL...