Innehållsförteckning för Issue 363 från Sound + Image

During the preparation of this issue, there took place the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Dinner, a special evening for recipients of Sound+Image’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been presented annually since 2006. For this new Dinner event, I myself and we the magazine can take credit for neither its inception nor its organisation; it was the idea of the 2013 recipient, Mr John Cornell, and I consider myself lucky to have been invited, given that I was the only non-gong-winner at the table, notwithstanding spouses and notable sons. It was a delightful evening: not too much shop, as attendees included both retired and active industry members, and more talk about dogs than politics; but perhaps I should not report in further detail anyway, since it might be considered a what-happens-at-the-dinner-stays-at-the-dinner scenario.…

The British brand says its very first soundbar, the XIO, is the “KEF signature hi-fi system in a soundbar”; it’s certainly pitched high, at $3600 without a subwoofer (though you can add one), but there’s plenty of innovative technology for your money. For starters, the XIO includes six Uni-Q MX drivers (three on top for upward-firing sound), which a new type of Uni-Q. Instead of separate concentric drivers, the new MX driver has a dual diaphragm, using a mechanical crossover to allow the high-frequency central section to operate separately. In addition there are two conventional 50mm drivers, and four P185 LF bass drivers with indented ‘P Flex’ surrounds on ‘racetrack’ -shaped (51×180mm) rectangular units. The combination plays Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks in 5.1.2, driven by 12 Class-D amplifiers for…

As we note alongside some models in the EISA Awards this issue, televisions can vary between markets in both software and hardware, so you can’t always compare either reviews or awards reliably across borders. And the US gets some of the widest variations compared with Australia, the UK or the EU. So results from the annual screen shoot-out hosted by US retail chain Value Electronics should not be taken as directly relevant to Australia, given differences between international models, and especially as the four models included one from Panasonic, which no longer supplies Australia at all. But it’s nevertheless interesting that of the other three OLED TVs, from LG, Samsung and Sony, it was the Sony which was crowned ‘King of TVs’ overall, a position it has held now seven…

The Hisense 100U7Q* reimagines home cinema with its giant 100-inch panel, bringing wall-sized visuals into the living room with powerful Mini LED technology with Quantum Dots. Designed to deliver impactful performance across a massive canvas, this ULED TV harnesses a full-array backlight with over 600 local dimming zones for exceptional contrast control and consistent brightness, reaching peaks up to 1000 nits. Driven by the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, it optimises picture quality in real time: enhancing detail, colour fidelity, and motion clarity. The powerful 2.1-channel audio system complements the visuals with rich, room-filling sound, while gamers benefit from a 165Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and AI Smooth Motion for ultra-fast gameplay. Equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports and Bluetooth 5.3, the 100U7Q is built for modern connectivity. Running on VIDAA…

The Hisense 65U8Q* redefines flagship value by packing premium performance into a refined, slim design. Its next-generation MiniLED PRO display with Quantum Dots reaches a blazing 5000 nits of peak brightness and utilises over 2000 local dimming zones, delivering breathtaking contrast and precision in both cinematic and bright room viewing. At the heart of this powerhouse lies the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, orchestrating vivid colour, adaptive sharpness, and seamless motion handling. The 165Hz Game Mode Ultra ensures fluid responsiveness, with AI Smooth Motion and ultra-fast input for competitive gaming. The 4.1.2-channel surround system envelops the listener with multi-dimensional sound, ideal for movies, music, and games. With three HDMI 2.1 ports and a versatile USB-C port supporting DisplayPort 1.4, it’s fully equipped for high-end setups. Running on VIDAA U9 and is…

The Loewe stellar 65 dr+ stands out for its elegant design and cutting-edge tech. Crafted in Germany, it features a sculpted rear in cement, basalt lava, or aluminum, blending luxury with industrial style. The advanced META 3.0 OLED panel reaches 2200 nits brightness, with ultra-low reflectivity, wide colour gamut, and reduced energy use. Powered by the intuitive Vidaa U9 smart platform, it ensures a seamless, connected viewing experience. An optional motorised aluminum stand allows smooth rotation, while the 1TB SSD enables dual-tuner recording and timeshift features. Premium materials define the build, from brushed aluminum frame to sleek metallic backlit remote. Supporting Dolby Vision IQ Precision Detail, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, it delivers cinema-grade visuals straight from the box. With 80W Class D amplification audio system, the Stellar isn’t just a…

The Philips 55OLED810 sets a new benchmark in OLED performance, combining high-end specs with smart design at an accessible price point. Its cutting-edge OLED-EX Prestige panel delivers up to 1500 nits peak brightness and a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The 9th Gen P5 processor with Adaptive Intelligence ensures real-time optimisation of image quality, analysing content and ambient light for stunning results. Philips’ iconic Ambilight enhances immersion by extending colour beyond the frame. With support for every major HDR standard - including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and their Gaming variants — the 55OLED810 is ideal for both cinephiles and gamers. The Game Bar 2.0 features AI-powered game detection and customisable profiles, while the 70W multi-speaker audio system with DTS Play-Fi offers room-filling sound. Running on Google TV with built-in AirPlay 2, and…

Hisense redefines smart projection with its M2 Pro, a 4K RGB laser projector with 1.3× optical zoom. Equipped with a triple-laser engine, it offers rich colour, high brightness (1300 lumens), and ultra-precise colour accuracy. Its advanced DLP technology and gimbal-inspired design make setup effortless, while features like automatic keystone correction and wall colour adaptation ensure optimal image geometry anywhere. It can create images from 65 to 200 inches. The M2 Pro boasts premium streaming via VIDAA OS and features dual 10W speakers with Dolby/DTS support, ultra-fast boot-up, and HDMI 2.1 gaming capabilities (up to 240Hz in FHD). With support for Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+ decoding and Filmmaker Mode, it’s a cinematic powerhouse tailored for next-gen users. It’s a bold leap in home entertainment.…

In a world where Blu-ray innovation dwindles, Magnetar stands tall as the last player manufacturer, redefining excellence with the UDP900 MKII. A redesigned hi-fi two-channel audio board elevates stereo output, pushing THD from 80dB to over 100dB. TMDS retiming on HDMI Audio minimises jitter, enhancing digital signal integrity, while USB audio now supports PCM768 and DSD512, delivering reference-grade playback. Housing a powerful ESS9038PRO DAC for immersive 7.1 audio, dual 60W power supplies, a spray-painted aluminum chassis with double shielding, and noise-dampening cotton for ultra-quiet operation, the MKII pairs visual brilliance (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) with audiophile-grade performance. Magnetar’s commitment ensures cinematic and sonic mastery.…

CD is experiencing a mild resurgence; cassettes are cool again; nearly everyone is streaming. Yet it’s vinyl which continues to win new fans and bring a fresh generation to the joys of real hi-fi performance, and to music shared on speakers, not headphones. And that’s been good for the whole hi-fi industry. You can find bargain turntables under $100, but we’d say that’s just too low. It’s no coincidence that the concept of ‘source-first’ in hi-fi was popularised by a turntable maker. As a electromechanical system there are few limits on how high the art of turntable design can go, but equally if you spend too little, the compromises accumulate. There’s no other component in hi-fi where spending a little more can reap rewards, and where underspending can cause sound…

Pro-Ject is a dominant force in the turntable market; unlike almost everyone else, this was a company that invested in turntables just when the world was giving up on them, so it was then well-placed to reap the rewards when vinyl began its global revival. Remarkably the company continues to manufacture primarily in Europe, rather than offshoring to Asia, while its leader and owner Heinz Lichtenegger also insists that he prefers a distributor model through real hi-fi stores rather than any direct or online sales model — not that you can’t buy many Pro-Ject turntables online for delivery. As vinyl grew back ever more strongly, Pro-Ject’s ranges have expanded to today’s bewildering set of turntables that rise to a flagship model over $20,000, not counting those from the higher-end E.A.T.…

It took only six years for Panasonic to realise its mistake when it stopped making Technics turntables in 2010, having cited the declining vinyl market as its reason for exiting production. But the world disagreed. Multiple clones of Technics decks proliferated successfully in the market, especially of the direct-drive SL-1200 DJ model. Panasonic must have faced a ‘doh!’ moment as the vinyl market was rebuilt year after year, with multiple manufacturers calling in their retired turntable engineers to oversee new versions of classic decks. The rebirth of the Technics turntable has been fascinating to watch. Having lost its position in the mass market, and having already re-established the Technics brand with shiny higher-end electronics, it now aimed deliberately higher on its return to vinyl, with big decks shining with gold…

For many people, the Revox name is globally famous for one key line: reel-to-reel tape machines. The company’s founder actually named two of the great reel-to-reel brands: after spending the Second World War in the Swiss Army, Mr. Willi Studer founded Fabrik für Elektronische Apparate (Electronic Devices Factory) in 1948, which eventually yielded both ReVox and Studer tape machines, though its initial brand name was DynaVox. Willi Studer built his machines from scratch after studying the early reel-to-reel machines which were coming out of the US, which had brought home (some might say stolen) German magnetic tape development that had begun before the War. AEG had shown the world's first practical recorder, the Magnetofon K1, at the Berlin Radio Show in 1935, though at the time its recordings were noisier…

Crowning a line-up of rock royalty including the Faces and Mott The Hoople, The Who went in to bat for Bangladesh famine relief at The Oval cricket ground in London on September 18, 1971. At the Goodbye Summer concert The Who brought the art of raising a fuss and a holler to its absolute zenith, with newly-released masterpiece ‘Who’s Next’ tucked under their arms. The 15-strong set kicks off proper with Summertime Blues, hurtles into My Wife, switches between classic 45s (Substitute, I Can’t Explain), and goes headlong into tour de force Won’t Get Fooled Again and showstopper See Me Feel Me. Townshend captains the band on the front foot, steered by Entwistle’s bass mastery. It’s not all bluster, as Daltrey excels on a quietly devastating Behind Blue Eyes. Keith…

1973 Between 1970 and 1972, Black Sabbath released four albums that still stand as one of the greatest hot streaks in rock — ‘Black Sabbath’, ‘Paranoid’, ‘Master Of Reality’ and ‘Vol. 4’. But when it came to making their fifth album, they found the tank was empty. An attempt to write new songs in Los Angeles ended in failure. Panicked, the band returned to the UK and rented Clearwell Castle, in the Forest Of Dean. It was there that they finally kick-started things — and, with Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, produced one of the most memorable riffs in history. “We set up the equipment in the dungeons of the castle, to try and get some vibe going,” remembered Sabbath guitarist and riff lord Tony Iommi. “And then that was it —…

It may be the best loudspeaker Bowers & Wilkins has ever made to date, taking the ‘Signature’ edition of the top-of-the-line model in the current 800 Diamond Series, and adding still more extra-special snazzing-up to create this ‘801 Abbey Road Limited Edition’. The new release partly celebrates the 45-year partnership between the company and the iconic London studio, and was partly inspired by it — the bespoke red ‘Leather by Connolly’ trim ties to the Studio Two control room and the red leather chairs used throughout the building, while the vintage walnut finish is said to be inspired by the traditional interior of the studios, perhaps in in more of a ‘vibe’ kinda way. As the story goes, the collaboration began back in 1980 when John Bowers took his then-new…

A whole raft of updated new soundbars are on the way from JBL, including a Mk2 of the Sound+Image award-winning Bar 1300, which now delivers Atmos soundtracks through a massive channel count of 11.1.4 channels! Due to roll out in Australia during October and November, all five new JBL Bar models use the JBL One Platform for customisation and music streaming — which can include hi-res and spatial audio content. There are also new audio technologies, including ‘SmartDetails’ which promises “the subtlest audio nuance from a soft footstep to the creak of a floorboard”, while the Bar 1000 Mk2 also gets ‘AI Sound Boost’ for “powerful bass of intense scenes without distortion, even at high volumes”. The line-up also features PureVoice 2.0 for dialogue clarity, and MultiBeam 3.0 technology to…

Tom Waters, a long-time president of the Sydney Audio Club and a long-time contributor to our sister magazine Australian Hi-Fi, died peacefully on 7 August 2025, after a four-year battle with multiple myeloma. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1952, Waters studied computer science at Saskatchewan University and worked in the IT industry in Canada for many years before emigrating to Australia in 1984 where he worked for Digital, Compaq and Hewlett-Packard. It was while working for H-P that Tom met Ewa Pawlus, the woman who would become his life partner. Waters’ profession was programming, but his passions were music and the equipment necessary to reproduce it at the highest level, a passion that came into being at just 12 years old, upon hearing The Beatles and subsequently purchasing his (and…

The TCL 98C8K is more than just a television, it’s a bold statement piece, redefining cinematic immersion on an epic scale. With its expansive 98-inch QD-Mini LED panel, this top model delivers uncompromising visual impact powered by super-condensed lens technology, and an advanced light control system. Its CrystGlow Wide HVA panel with virtually zero bezels supports precise local dimming across 3480 zones and reaches a stunning 5000 nits peak brightness, ensuring HDR performance in any format, including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+. The AiPQ Pro Processor guarantees refined tone mapping and smooth motion with 120Hz interpolation, while gamers benefit from 144Hz UHD (or 288Hz FHD), FreeSync Premium Pro, and ALLM. Complementing the visuals is a powerful 6.2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen system with 90W output and immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X…

The Hisense 65U7Q PRO sets a high bar in premium mid-range TVs, offering cutting-edge Mini LED panel with Quantum Dots and smart features in a sleek, uni-body chassis. Its MiniLED PRO backlight delivers dazzling peak brightness up to 2000 nits and precision contrast control through over 500 local dimming zones. Powered by the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, it analyses content in real time to enhance colour, motion, and clarity with remarkable precision. For gamers, the inclusion of Game Mode Ultra brings a blistering 165Hz refresh rate with AI Smooth Motion and four HDMI 2.1 ports, ensuring ultra-responsive, tear-free performance. The 2.1.2-channel audio system creates immersive surround sound, while VIDAA U9 enriches the smart TV experience. With Pantone validation ensuring colour accuracy, the 65U7Q PRO is engineered to captivate both casual…

The Samsung 65S95F is a flagship OLED TV that blends cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Featuring the latest generation QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display, it reaches up to 4000 nits peak brightness and minimises reflections with a glare-free coating, perfect for bright rooms. At its heart is the powerful NQ4 AI Gen3 processor with 128 neural networks, delivering real-time picture and sound optimization, 4K AI Upscaling Pro, and adaptive AI Gamma correction. It supports 4K gaming up to 165Hz via Motion Turbo and HDMI 2.1. Dolby Atmos audio (4.2.2 channels, 70W) syncs beautifully with Samsung soundbars via Q-Symphony. Tizen OS ensures 7 years of updates, AI Auto Game Mode tailors settings per genre, and SmartThings integration turns the TV into a smart home hub. The S95F also features a gesture-controlled…

Combining striking design with breakthrough performance, the Hisense PX3-PRO redefines ultra-short throw projection. Its triple-laser light engine delivers 3000 lumens while supporting image sizes from 80 to 150 inches with motorised focus and manual keystone correction. Designed for Xbox and ideal for gamers, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate in FHD and ultra-low latency. HDR support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced. Powered by a VIDAA OS, it delivers responsive smart streaming, voice control, and AirPlay 2 integration. Acoustics are elevated by Harman/Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos. With wide connectivity, precise focus, and exceptional out-of-the-box colour accuracy, the PX3-PRO offers reference-level audiovisual performance in a sleek chassis, setting a new benchmark in large-screen home entertainment. *No Australian equivalent, advises Hisense Australia. The PX3 available locally is equivalent to the…

Compact and cylindrical, it slips into any backpack, yet transforms patios, campsites and rooftops into vibrant cinemas. With a bright DLP/LED engine (1080P, 460 ISO lumens) and dual 6W harman/kardon speakers, it delivers rich visuals and immersive sound, even without full darkness or extra gear. What sets it apart outdoors is the built-in 360-degree rotating stand, letting you pivot the projector effortlessly toward walls, ceilings, tents, or screens. Its outdoor versatility shines through features like automatic keystone correction, and a 2.5-hour built-in battery. Whether it’s a sunset screening, spontaneous gaming under the stars, or music-backed ambient light shows, the MoGo 4 adapts effortlessly. Add Google TV, HDMI ARC, USB-C, and RGB lighting, and you’ve got a festival-ready powerhouse.…

Step into a world of immersive audio with the Hisense HT SATURN Home Theatre System. Designed with four wireless speakers and a subwoofer, it creates a powerful 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundstage, bringing cinematic clarity to your living room. Each speaker is tuned by Devialet and equipped with three drivers — 3.5-inch, 2-inch, and 1.5-inch (two full-range, one tweeter) delivering 60 watts RMS of vibrant output. Complementing them is a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer that pumps out 120 watts RMS of deep, resonant bass. Enjoy seamless integration with the HT Saturn’s central hub, featuring Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI (ARC), HDMI IN, and optical in making it effortless to connect TV, Blu-ray player, gaming console, or smartphone. Whether you’re watching or streaming, the HT SATURN wraps you in immersive, untethered audio.…

Yamaha’s soundbar trajectory has been wild. After leading the earliest days of surround sound with its processors and receivers, the Japanese company predicted the soundbar market with some serious ‘Sound Projectors’ that were laden with dozens of curious little (2cm) circular dome drivers supposedly capable of forming ‘beams’ that could then be directed to bounce rear sound behind you. As a bonus, some such projectors could even beam the sound off to one side for when you were cooking in the kitchen. Tech marvels! But suddenly they disappeared. Soundbars became as basic as could be. Yamaha released a series of small soundbar and subwoofer combos — impressive for their size and price, but nothing like the old days. Then came the ‘True X’ soundbar system, released at the end of…

The remarkable Sound Burger was created in 1982, and was then updated and revived 40 years later to celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary in 2022, when Audio-Technica released a limited edition in red. This sold out instantly, prompting a full production run, differentiated by a choice of black, white, or yellow. The versions in the latest colours have the same updates added for the first 21st-century Burger, including Bluetooth playback and rechargeable (rather than replaceable) battery operation. And we know what you’re thinking, but really, the Burger was no toy, but rather a surprisingly competent turntable released to fight back against Sony’s cassette Walkman, which was riding high back in 1982. Audio-Technica had released a ‘Point’ series of lightweight headphones for that market, but then came up with the idea…

Still made in England, Rega’s turntables roll off production lines in Southend-on-Sea. And there’s a distinct Rega philosophy for turntables. Many manufacturers go for large solid plinths and platters, with the thinking that high mass will assist speed stability, while lowering and spreading resonances. But that’s not the Rega way. Rigidity yes, but not through piling on weight, because mass absorbs energy, says Rega. Slowly-released energy adds coloration, and lost energy equals lost music, it says. So at Rega it’s all about stiffness and bracing and lightness: the lightest possible chassis, with the stiffest possible brace. This leads to the peculiar scenario where Rega’s turntables tend to get ever more skeletal as you go up the range, with ever more esoteric materials delivering the rigidity as Rega chips away at…

The Planar 3 has traditionally been the sweet spot of Rega’s turntable range, iconic both in name and by reputation, historically loaded high with industry awards. There are also ways to upgrade the standard Planar 3’s performance — add an outboard power supply and/or upgrade to a better cartridge, for instance. But there is quite a gap to the next rung up the ladder, which is the premium Planar 6 deck ($2699 without cartridge). Until recently the Planar 3’s standard cartridge options were to get no cartridge at all ($1599), or a choice between Rega’s Elys 2 or (in some markets) Exact cartridge. While you can still purchase the Planar 3 cartridge-free at $1599, there are now two new fitted-cartridge options aiming to improve the performance. You can add the…

SUMMARY Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Price: $699 + Full-bodied sonic character + Impressive levels of textural insight + Decent array of features – Strong competition – Can’t fold them up – Some features still to come Compared with some other notable headwear brands, Bowers & Wilkins is a marque still relatively new to headphones. But it’s been at it for 15 years now, which has been long enough to see the company’s designers refine their big speaker expertise into tiny speaker expertise, while going through a notable learning curve. The early models tried a few things that didn’t work so well, like black carbon-fibre composite arms which were designed to be lightweight and durable but which turned out to look ugly and grubby. And it has sensibly moved away…

For The Black Keys there’s always gold on the ceiling, even if it sometimes feels a little out of reach. In 2024, amid poor ticket sales and a split with management, the Ohio nu blues duo cancelled a US tour and instead made this 13th album of their near-quarter century together. And a surprisingly vibrant, bright-side kind of album it is too. The title, and resonant electro-rock title track, outline the philosophy: got to have dark times to appreciate the light. Or, as Dan Auerbach sings early on: ‘The damage is done, it won’t be long till we’re back in the sun.’ And throughout, this album surfs the ups and downs of life’s tides with the undimmed enthusiasm of men shaking themselves off and racing out to catch the next…

When Jeff Beck released ‘Truth’ in 1968 he was still smarting over Hi Ho Silver Lining representing his first solo venture after getting sacked from The Yardbirds, despite that single scoring a top 20 hit. While producer Mickie Most’s pop plans floundered after two more singles, their blues-based B-sides heralded the direction Beck blazed with his band that included little-known singer Rod Stewart and bassist Ronnie Wood. After the Jeff Beck Group became a hit touring America before its release, ‘Truth’ made No.15 in the US album charts. Riff-heavy blues rock was still finding its feet when the album appeared brandishing templates Led Zeppelin ran with, including Beck’s heavyweight churn through Willie Dixon’s You Shook Me. Starting by kissing goodbye to his past with its slowed-down take on the Yardbirds’…

While Bluesound’s Node Icon reference streamer takes out an EISA award (see page 34), a new Bluesound Powernode (N331) arrives. It’s the brand’s latest powered streamer, effectively a ‘just-add-speakers’ system, announced at $1949 for Australia. Given that’s exactly the same price as the Node Icon streamer alone, this is clearly not that same Node plus amplification; rather it continues the brand’s previous screenless tiered aesthetic, updating the previous Powernode (N330 from 2021) with improvements in processing power, DAC architecture and connectivity — while adding the remarkable ability to access a third channel of amplification. This is a clear differentiator from all competitors: a third set of speaker outputs to the rear (see back panel) which allows you to expand from stereo to add a centre-channel speaker, along with the further…

Following the successful launch last year of its flagship three-way Celata 88 loudspeakers, SpectraFlora has launched the new Aphelia 8. The company, based in Inverleigh, Victoria, says that the new design shares the same sonic DNA as the flagship, but in a more compact two-way form. Bass duties are handled by an 8-inch graphene-coated magnesium driver housed in a sealed cabinet, while the compression driver behind the Dynamic Waveguide is a new one-incher from Beyma in Spain that uses a hard polymer annular ring diaphragm. “We modify it to have a 19mm exit and add our own adapter to match the Aphelia 8 Dynamic Waveguide throat angle”, says MD Steve Van Sluyter. “We went with a sealed, heavily-damped cabinet and 8-inch woofer to ensure outstanding bass and mid-bass clarity and…

Beyerdynamic has a well-priced new pair of wireless noise-cancelling Aventho headphones, the Aventho 100 at $349, which are closed-on-ear designs as opposed to over-ear designs (the over-ear Aventho 300s are currently selling at $584). The new closed-back cans use a set of 45mm dynamic drivers within a premium construction for the price: aluminium and durable textile elements in a foldable design of remarkable lightness that aims to prevent wearer fatigue. Their slightly vintage aesthetic aims to bring “timeless style to today’s listeners”, says the company. The Aventho 100 offers noise cancelling in two flavours — classic ANC, plus a pass-through transparency mode — as well as voice calls powered by Qualcomm’s Clear Voice Cancellation technology. Battery life is impressive: up to 60 hours of listening without ANC and up to…

The flagship SVS subwoofer series has been recognised in the EISA Awards this issue by both EISA’s Hi-Fi and AV Expert Groups. But at the same time the Ohio-based company had redeveloped its more affordable subwoofers — though the price gap is narrower than you might expect. “While other manufacturers are still chasing benchmarks we established with the flagship 17-Ultra R| Evolution Series, we raised the bar and redefined what is possible at even lower prices with the 5000 R|Evolution Series,” said SVS President Gary Yacoubian as it launched the SB-5000 R|Evolution sealed cabinet subwoofer and PB-5000 R|Evolution ported cabinet subwoofer. Both models feature the brand’s first-ever high-excursion 15-inch driver, with the first-ever dual edge-wound copper-clad aluminium voice coil and a massive 17.2kg toroidal ferrite magnet motor, driven by a…

Sound+Image and Australian Hi-Fi magazines are EISA’s exclusive representatives for Home Theatre and Hi-Fi respectively here in Australia. EISA is a community of currently 54 technology magazines, websites and social media commentators from 27 countries, specialising in hi-fi, home theatre, photo and video, in-car and mobile electronics. Every year the EISA jury of experts combines their editorial experience to reward the best products in each class of each sector with a coveted EISA Award. The judging process includes a long series of online presentations and global seminars between EISA editors, manufacturers and product designers, followed by judging sessions between EISA’s various Expert Groups to nut out the final winners which will represent the world’s best in the final Awards. Then we all gather for the EISA Awards Gala, currently held…

Striking a perfect balance between immersive entertainment and all-around versatility, the TCL 75C7K stands out as the ideal family television. Its large 75-inch QD-Mini LED screen delivers vivid UHD picture quality, powered by a CrystGlow HVA panel with 1248 local dimming zones, achieving peak brightness up to 3000 nits. This ensures jaw-dropping HDR performance across all formats, including Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ and HLG. The AiPQ Pro Processor, combined with 23-bit driving and all-domain halo control, guarantees lifelike colours, smooth motion, and fine shadow detail. Making it perfect for movies, sports, and kids’ content alike. Families will also love the cinematic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, courtesy of a 6.2.2-channel system by Bang & Olufsen with 60W output. With Google TV at its core, UHD at 144Hz, and support for Filmmaker…

With its advanced QD-Mini LED panel and gamer-focused specs, the TCL 55C6K stands out as a top-tier choice for high-performance gaming in the 55-inch segment. It features 180 local dimming zones, 1000 nits of peak brightness, and covers 93% of the DCI-P3 colour space, resulting in dazzling HDR performance and rich, lifelike colour. TCL’s AiPQ Pro Processor powers the set with intelligent precision, optimising image clarity, motion, and tone mapping in real time. Gamers benefit from UHD playback at up to 144Hz and an astonishing 288Hz in FHD, enhanced by FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and 120Hz motion interpolation for silky-smooth gameplay. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and support for Filmmaker and IMAX Enhanced ensure cinematic excellence outside of gaming. Complementing the visuals is a 2.1 Onkyo sound system with 40W output…

The 65OLED+950 represents the pinnacle of Philips’ OLED innovation, pairing cutting-edge visual performance with thoughtful smart features. At its core lies the new META V3 OLED panel, delivering up to 3700 nits peak brightness at 144Hz, setting a new standard for HDR brilliance. Its four-sided Ambilight enhances immersion, while the 9th Gen P5 Dual Picture Engine uses AI to intelligently fine-tune every frame. Gamers benefit from Game Bar 2.0, complete with minimap zoom and automatic AI-powered game detection, plus VRR support up to 144Hz. The 70W multi-speaker sound system, powered by DTS Play-Fi and Dolby Αtmos, ensures powerful performance. With Google TV, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, and the Moments app, the 65OLED950 is a flagship model that delivers a truly premium home entertainment experience.…

With its commanding 85-inch screen and powerhouse specifications, the TCL 85C9K* transforms any living room into a movie theatre. Engineered for movie lovers, this QD-Mini LED flagship delivers dazzling clarity and contrast through over 3000 local dimming zones and a peak brightness reaching 5000 nits. Its CrystGlow Wide HVA panel ensures wide viewing angles and precise black levels, while the new display architecture brings out the finest shadow detail and HDR nuance in every frame. The AiPQ Pro Processor enhances colour, sharpness, and tone mapping in real time, supporting formats like Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ and HLG. Movie soundtracks come alive via an immersive 6.2.2-channel 90W system tuned by Bang & Olufsen, complete with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. With support for IMAX Enhanced, Filmmaker Mode, and Google TV built-in, the…

The Denon AVC-A10H is a 13.4-channel home theatre amplifier, expertly crafted at Denon’s Shirakawa factory in Japan. Built with state-of-the-art components and advanced audio engineering, it features nine ESS ES9018K2M DACs and a robust 8.1kg EI transformer with pure copper windings. Its monolithic design provides 150W of power across 13 channels, with four independent subwoofer outputs for thunderous bass. It supports immersive formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D. With seven HDMI 2.1 inputs enabling 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, and room correction via Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and optional Dirac Live, the AVC-A10H delivers an exceptional cinematic and musical experience, complemented by HEOS multiroom streaming, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth connectivity.…

Experience a new dimension of TV audio with the TCL Q65H soundbar. Enjoy authentic 5.1 surround sound, enhanced by RAY· DANZ acoustic reflector technology, which expands the soundstage for a wider soundstage. A powerful wireless subwoofer brings rich, resonant bass to every scene. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus AI Sonic-Adaptation, TCL’s intelligent audio calibration technology, the Q65H personalises sound based on your environment. HDMI and HDMI eARC ensures seamless integration with modern TVs. Beautifully crafted with the signature Inky Arc design, the Q65H also introduces “Tutti Choral” syncing for elevated pairing with TCL TVs. Enjoy epic blockbusters or stunning symphonies with sound that elevates your entire viewing experience thanks to the Q65H, which transforms any TV into a powerhouse of immersive audio.…

SUMMARY Epson EpiqVision EF-22B Price: $1599 + Epson-quality projection + Brighter than most small projectors + Rotating stand & smart set-up + Good brightness for its size… – …but lumens ultimately limited – Only one HDMI input It’s time for Epson to take its undisputed expertise in cinema projection, event projection, installation projection, and shrink it all down in a bid for smaller and more convenient projection glory. The growing mini projector market has been developed by big TV brands and some independent Chinese brands, along with the myriad forms delivered by Taiwan’s BenQ. Epson had some unusual catching up to do. The Japanese company makes an excellent opening gambit with the eye-catching EF-22B reviewed here, which is the higher-priced of two related mini laser TV projectors for the home…

So what is the ‘360 Spatial Sound Mapping’ which Sony puts at the heart of this system’s performance, as it did with the original HT-A9? Here it is described as follows: “360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology creates up to 12 phantom speakers around the room, enabling cinema-style surround sound with just a handful of physical speakers.” Why 12? We have no idea. There seem to be 11 on Sony’s diagrams (below), unless it’s including the optional subwoofer. Considering the system physically, there are four clear phantom ceiling speakers, produced by bouncing sound from those four very real upward-firing drivers. And it’s reasonable to refer to a phantom centre here, since a physical centre is omitted, assuming you’re not using a Sony TV with Centre Sync for that. But then Sony…

While the two Audio-Technica turntables in this group are relatively entry-level, we should remind readers that this Japanese company has expertise at the highest level. Along with that anniversary Sound Burger in 2022, for example, the company simultaneously released a moving-coil cartridge priced at $15,999. But the company’s founder Hideo Matsushita was motivated by bringing affordable high-quality music to the home —which is exactly the brief of the AT-LP70X here. It is nearly entry-level (there is an AT-LP60X below it), though it achieves a certain style through its bronze and black finishing, which nicely masks the plastic construction that is more evident in an all-black version. It is also a very helpful deck, suiting a generation of users new to vinyl, who may have never levelled a tonearm or fiddled…

From the product name here, you can see that USB has made it through our net again here; we had intended to focus on simple decks, but this Denon not only brings a built-in phono stage, it also has an analogue-to-digital converter and a USB-A socket for recording your vinyl to a USB stick. Once you’ve read our review, you can decide if this will be useful to you — if not, you can save $200 by getting the USB-free and DAC-free but otherwise identical Denon DP-400 turntable. But it’s such a neat bonus, you may join us in feeling it worthwhile. Denon is not often credited for its turntable heritage, yet it has been making turntables more than twice as long as your Regas or your Linns; it started…

You have music on your phone. Or maybe on some network resource in your home. And you are at home. And in your home you have a wonderful high-fidelity music system, the system through which you want to listen to the music. So you cast the music. That is, you dial up the music on your phone or tablet using an app, and tell it to play on some device connected to your high-fidelity system. There are three main ways of casting, not counting the various proprietary ones, or the ‘Connect’ versions of Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz which move the stream direct to a streaming device. But in this context, from device to system, the three key options are Apple AirPlay (these days, typically AirPlay 2), Google Cast, and DLNA/UPnP.…

Solid proof that gatekeeping works, the self-titled debut album from Isle of Wight’s Wet Leg — the chosen hype act of Rock Hack Twitter 2022 — was a charming and acerbically melodic collection of spite-rock and lust-pop akin to a barbed but romantic Blur. Follow-up Moisturizer finds singer Rhian Teasdale far more loved-up and ready to experiment. The grungey Britpop vibe — encasing a crisp folk-rock core – persists on highlight tracks such as Liquidize and Mangetout, but elsewhere Wet Leg branch out into warping shoegaze pop (Jennifer’s Bod, Don’t Speak), space lounge (the somewhat aimless 11:21), retro-electro (the Metronomy-esque Pokemon) and krautrock groovers (Pond Song, featuring Teasdale singing like a mechanised sexbot). Things get rough and rocky in places, as Teasdale croons, trills and deadpans images of love as…

Dr. Feelgood were not the sort of geezers you’d want to meet down a back alley after dark (or before, for that matter). Hard-drinkin’, hard-workin’ blue-collar sorts fuelled by the dementedly-choppy guitar and songwriting of cultural icon/hardman Wilko Johnson and fronted by the tatty mohair suits and skinny ties of psychotic Canvey Island dandy Lee Brilleaux, forever blasting down a harmonica. Not forgetting John B Sparks (bass) and The Big Figure (drums). Formed in 1971 in Canvey Island out of the detritus of previous R&B bands, Dr. Feelgood released an astonishing eight albums in five years, beginning with 1975’s ‘Down By The Jetty’ — pure adrenaline thrill, not a note wasted, not a snarled vocal out of place. Johnson’s finger-picking percussive guitar style eschewed the need for lead guitarists —…