January is here which means the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2025) in Las Vegas is well underway, bringing with it a wealth of new home cinema and smidgeon of hi-fi launches.
Live on the ground our team of experts are fighting through the hordes of competing tech press and buyers at the show to get an opening hands on look at all the new tech, which this year includes everything from cutting edge new MicroLED TVs to affordable turntables.
In this live blog we’ll be constantly updating you with all the latest news, images and our team on the ground’s hands-on impressions of the new home cinema and hi-fi products. So make sure to keep checking back regularly!
CES 2025: the biggest home cinema and hi-fi reveals so far
- Onkyo returns to hi-fi with the launch of Icon Series separates
- LG's 2025 OLED TVs unveiled – we've been hands-on with the LG C5
- Hands-on with the Samsung HW-Q990F Dolby Atmos soundbar and Samsung S95F flagship QD-OLED TV
- HDMI 2.2 has been revealed
- Hisense launched the "world's first consumer-ready" MicroLED TV
- Hot-off-the-press is our full Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds review
Live updates
LG’s new OLED TVs came with a few big surprises
CES 2025 kicked off with a big launch from LG, which unveiled its G5, C5, B5 and M5 OLED TVs.
At a technical level the G5 and M5 are in most ways the most interesting. The G5 because it replaces the award winning, brightness boosting Micro Lens Array (MLA) screen tech we liked so much on last year’s LG G4 with new ‘Brightness Booster Max’. It’s also the first G-series to be offered with a 48-inch option – a fact that delighted our editor. The M5 is interesting because it’s a new completely wireless OLED from LG that shares most of the core DNA as the G5.
But it was the LG C5 that our intrepid staff writer, Lewis Empson, managed to get an in person demo of at the show. And while it may not a appear to be a huge upgrade on last year’s model based off its specifications, he came away with a positive impression of the set reporting:
"We're looking forward to getting the C5 into our TV testing space to ascertain exactly how much of an upgrade it is over the C4. Signs are pointing in the right direction, with its brighter panel and excellent feature set, but we're also concerned that the C5 is an incremental upgrade, much like how the C3 was to the C2.”
Read his full LG C5 hands-on preview here.
JBL’s Tour One M3 flagship wireless headphones are stuffed full of fancy features
It's Harry here, jumping in to update the live blog as CES 2025 continues to drop products and make earth-shattering announcements at an alarming pace. My fingers can only type so fast...
Some of us (me, mainly) were quietly hoping for the long-awaited debut of the JBL Flip 7 or even the Charge 6 to knock the socks off Bluetooth speaker fans everywhere, but a new pair of wireless over-ears isn't to be sniffed at. The JBL Tour One M3 flagship cans are absolutely stuffed with features and fancy tricks, supporting Bluetooth 5.3 and 24-bit/96kHz high-res audio and packing in 40mm mica cone drivers. Oh, and you get a whopping 70 hours of battery life and a remarkable five hours of juice from a five-minute charge. Incredible stuff.
Perhaps the biggest draw of the new flagship cans is their Smart Tx wireless audio transmitter. Doing the same job as the transmitter found in some of JBL's much-talked-about smart charging cases (see the Tour Pro 3 buds, for example), the Smart Tx enables wireless streaming from a source which doesn't have Bluetooth, such as an in-flight entertainment system or an old telly. Pretty clever, right?
We had an early listen to Samsung’s latest flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar package
Samsung’s 2024 flagship soundbar package, the Samsung HW-Q990D was one of the best surround sound systems to launch last year. Which is why it earned high praise and a five-star rating from our testers and What Hi-Fi? Award.
Which is why we have high hopes for its follow up, Samsung HW-Q990F system which launched this week at CES 2025.
While the system’s design hasn’t had a big refresh Samsung’s loaded a number of key upgrades into the Samsung HW-Q990F – chief of which is the new wireless subwoofer, which has been reduced in size.
Thankfully, having fought past the crowds to have an early listen our team on the ground at the show came away with positive impressions of the unit, reporting:
“It's too early to say, but the Samsung HW-Q990F is already showing signs of being a promising sequel to an Award-winning Dolby Atmos soundbar package.”
Read our full Samsung HW-Q990F hands-on preview.
Onkyo announces its new Creator Series of affordable powered desktop speakers
Onkyo is just one of many brands using CES 2025 as a chance to show off some juicy new tech to the general masses. The Japanese company unveiled its budget Creator Series of desktop powered speakers at the Las Vegas expo, aimed at those users who crave quality and convenience but don’t want to fork out a huge wad of cash in the process. Enter the GX10DB and GX30ARC.
Both sets of speakers pack Class D amplification, with the GX10DB offering 34W of total power against the 50W of the GX30ARC. The GX10DB pairs a 7.6cm woofer with a 2cm tweeter, while the more powerful GX30ARC uses the same tweeter but boasts a larger 10cm woofer instead. That's to be expected, as the latter speaker is the more costly option at $299, a good $100 more than the $199 asking price of the GX10DB.
If you're worried about mounts and stands, don't be. Both new pairs come fitted with a speaker stand/base angled up at ten degrees to take into account your sitting position. You even get a handy remote control as standard and a monochromatic choice of black or white finishes – those icy white examples in the press pics look pretty sharp to us.
Onkyo returns to hi-fi with the launch of Icon Series electronics at CES 2025
Desktop speakers are all well and good, but the big Onkyo news is that the Japanese brand has returned to the world of hi-fi. Hooray! Onyko has also used CES 2025 to launch its new Icon Series of hi-fi separates, consisting of the P-80 network preamplifier, the M-80 power amplifier and the A-50 streaming amplifier. Happy days.
Onkyo filed for bankruptcy back in 2022, so to see them make a triumphant return to the hi-fi realm is extremely gratifying for long-term fans and followers. Now owned by the Premium Audio Company, Onkyo envisions that the Icon Series will continue the company's legacy of "delivering unparalleled audio experiences for audiophiles" as part of the brand's "bold new vision for the future".
Check out our news story for the full-fat details, but we can tell you in our potted version here that all of the new amps are equipped with Onyko's DIODRC tech which looks to reduce higher frequency noise and improve audio signal reproduction for a more authentic sound signature. The trio all feature the same 5mm front panel, and you even get lovely glowing VU meters under glass on the M-80 power amp. Ah, glowing VU meters...
All three newbies will be available in silver or black finishes, but they won't be arriving properly until Q4 of 2025. The Icon P-80 and Icon M-80 will cost $1999 each, while the Icon A-50 will cost $1499, and we'll let you know when we get further pricing for other regions. For now, though, we're excited to see if our wait for the return of Onkyo has been worth it. Fingers crossed!
Samsung’s latest flagship QD-OLED looks swish
The LG C5 is one of many new TVs we’ve looked at in the past 24 hours. Our staff writer, Lewis Empson also elbowed his way into Samsung’s showroom to have an opening look and demo of the Korean firm’s latest S95F flagship QD-OLED.
The TV is the follow-up to the Samsung S95D, which earned a five-star rating from our reviewers last year, and a direct rival to the LG G5, which also launched at CES 2025. The TV has a wealth of upgrades on last year’s model, but the headline upgrade is its new QD-OLED panel. Samsung hasn’t confirmed if the panel is a true new generation of the tech or modest refinement, but it does quote it as being 30 per cent brighter than its predecessor. Considering how bright we found the S95D could run, that's a pretty bold claim.
Viewing conditions at the demo were far from ideal, so we’re holding off any firm judgements for now, but from what we saw, it could be a big upgrade and we’re very keen to get it into our test rooms for the full review treatment.
Read our full Samsung S95F hands-on preview.
TCL wants to fix a recurring problem we have with Mini LED TVs
We had a mixed relationship with flagship Mini LED TVs last year, with most proving good, but not perfect. Which is why at CES 2025 we were pleased to see TCL make steps to fix one big recurring issue we have with Mini LED TVs with its latest QM6K television.
As well as the usual brightness improvements, the TV is set to launch with new Micro OD technology. We haven’t had a hands on with the TV yet, but the tech is interesting as it aims to reduce blooming, or the halo effect, as it’s sometimes called.
This is a distracting screen phenomenon where bright objects on a dark background suffer from an unintended glow effect. The tech works to reduce it by reducing the optical distance between the backlight and diffuser plate – a move that according to TCL improves uniformity by 86 per cent, resulting in a 67 per cent reduction in blooming artefacts.
While those numbers are oddly specific if the tech works this could help fix one of our biggest issues with Mini LED sets.
Read the full story: TCL announces first 'Precise Dimming Series' QD-Mini LED TV at CES
There's a new HDMI specification in town
HDMI 2.2 is official. That's right, if you've been closely following the evolution of the HDMI specification you'll know it's been a while since HDMI 2.1 made its debut - 2017 to be precise. And at CES 2025 we have finally been given more information on the specs of its successor.
So, what can you expect? Faster 96Gbps bandwidth is on the list together with Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), which promises to improve audio and video synchronisation, especially when using an AVR or soundbar. It also priomises support for higher resolutions and refresh rates (although no specifics were shared), alongside more immersive applications such as augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality.
Read the full story: HDMI 2.2 has been revealed – and it could be a big upgrade for next-generation OLED TVs and projectors
Hisense claims it’s made the world’s first “consumer-ready” Micro LED TV
Micro LED panel technology isn’t anything new. Over the past few years we’ve seen everything from giant, whole wall-sized units to transparent concept TVs featuring the panel tech – usually at CES.
But this year, rather than weird gimmicky features to get the headlines Hisense chose to launch what it calls the first “consumer-ready” TV featuring the panel tech. Specifically, it showed off a new 136MX MicroLED TV.
While it doesn’t have a price and there’s no sign it will actually launch or retail at a normal store, the TV is on paper exactly what Hisense describes – a normal TV with a Micro LED panel. The set features a similar CPU to Hisense consumer models, supports standard HDR formats, features regular HDMI 2.1 and eARC inputs and runs on the same VIDAA software as its normal Mini LED sets.
Read the full story: Hisense launches first “consumer-ready” Micro LED TV at CES 2025 – but should OLED be worried?
Technics celebrates its Diamond anniversary by launching new flagship earbuds – and we've already reviewed them
Technics is kicking off its 60th-anniversary celebrations at CES by launching new flagship wireless earbuds, the EAH-AZ100. And thanks to early access, our reviews team has been testing a pair for a month and has already reviewed them. You can read our just-published Technics EAH-AZ100 review, which details how they compare to the premium entries from class leaders Sony and Bose.
The EAH-AZ100 have been redesigned over their predecessors to offer a smaller, more lightweight shape; they sport brand-new Magnetic Fluid Driver technology; and they are packed with features, including Bluetooth Multipoint, Dolby Atmos spatial audio capabilities with dynamic head tracking, and support for the higher-quality LDAC codec, as well as Auracast support.
Technics has been savvy in keeping the price consistent from the previous flagship AZ80 earbuds while offering significant improvements across the board. Is it a gamble that has paid off? Read our EAH-AZ100 review to find out...
Panasonic drops TWO flagship TVs – one Mini LED, one OLED
Panasonic is sticking with the two-pronged approach for its flagship models, giving consumers the choice between OLED and Mini LED panel technology.
You can read the full details of Panasonic's 2025 TVs at CES 2025, written by our TV man on the ground, Lewis, or you can settle for this brief blog bulletin...
The big news for the OLED (Z95B) is that, like the new LG G5, it has dropped MLA-OLED panel technology in favour of the just-announced multi-layer OLED stack panel composition, which Panasonic is calling a "Primary RBG Tandem Panel". The promise is "unprecedented brightness, high contrast, and exceptional colour volume".
The return of the integrated Dolby Atmos sound system (not a common TV feature by any means) sees a supposedly sleeker design and bolstered audio performance.
As for the Mini LED (W95B), we can expect a significant picture upgrade over last year's W95A courtesy of 2.5 times more backlighting zones and more granular control over each LED, a newly developed colour gamut backlight system and the introduction of Hybrid Tone Mapping to enhance HDR performance.
A more budget-orientated LCD (W70) TV is launching exclusively in the US, too.
Read the full story: Panasonic unveils its latest flagship OLED and Mini LED TVs at CES
We took an early look at how the LG C5 compares to the older LG C4 OLED TV
Whenever a new OLED comes out, the more enthusiastic home cinema fans among us always want to know if it’s time to upgrade or how it compares to the previous generation. We only had an opening hands-on look at the LG C5, so it’s way too early to make any final conclusions. But to help offer an early inkling, our team on the ground put together a quick guide detailing the key differences between it and the older LG C4. In it we detail the technical differences and share some of our opening impressions of the C5, which we had a demo of at the CES 2025 LG stand.
Read our full LG C5 vs LG C4 comparison here.
Vicrola launched a new all-in-one vinyl system
Victrola chose CES 2025 as the launch pad for its new Wave all-in-one vinyl system.
Featuring a turntable with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge included and stereo Victrola Tempo desktop speakers the system’s all any newbie will need to take their first dip into vinyl. But, as an added perk the system also has wireless smarts, with the package supporting Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and Auracast.
While we’re yet to review it, so can’t comment on performance this could make it an enticing bit of hardware for an vinyl curious buyer when it launches in spring this year with a $399 / £399 / €499 RRP.
Kanto Audio's UKI tiny speakers could be a big deal
The What Hi-Fi? team has long championed the need for more small, but awesome sounding speakers as it's currently a very underserved market dominated by KEF and Ruark. Which is why we were delighted to see Kanto unveil its new dinky UKI desktop speakers at CES 2025.
Starting with the obvious, they’re outright tiny measuring in at 6.5in/16.5cm tall and 4.3in/11cm wide. For context that means they’re even smaller than our favourite compact powered speakers, the Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2.
Under the hood they feature a 1/4in (6.35mm) silk dome tweeter and a 3in (7.6cm) concave cone mid/bass drive – sadly there’s no word on amplification ratings yet. On top of that the addition of Bluetooth wireless connectivity as well as RCA line level input, a USB-C port, a subwoofer output and a 3.5mm headphone jack cabled inputs make them fairly flexible.
If they can deliver decent audio this could make them a great option for people short on space, or music fans looking for an affordable set to pair with the MacBook – especially as they’re set to be super cheap and retail for just £199 / $199 when they launch later this year.
Read the full story: These tiny, desktop-friendly speakers aim to offer "exceptional sound clarity" in an affordable package
Hi-fi hit upgraded with AV features and more
Chinese-based audio brand Eversolo is behind some of today's most intuitive, feature-packed and forward-thinking music streamers, and its latest arrival looks to build on the DMP-A6 we awarded four stars to.
The new DMP-A6 Gen 2 brings a smattering of upgrades to the well-designed and decent-sounding streamer, including HDMI ARC and Trigger-out connectivity for easier home cinema integration; an enhanced linear power supply that supposedly reduces noise levels; the ability to wake up the streamer through the app, without manual operation; improved colour accuracy for its six-inch touchscreen; and a "significantly upgraded” XMOS audio chip that can decode native DSD512 and PCM 32-bit/768kHz.
Eversolo certainly seems keen to keep the buzz around its streamers alive, so needless to say it is a brand we're keeping a close eye on.
Read the full story: Eversolo follows up its hi-fi hit with the upgraded DMP-A6 Gen 2 music streamer
If you're thinking about dipping your toe into vinyl this year then Victrola's new Wave budget Bluetooth turntable (above) could be one to consider. It supports Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and Auracast and comes fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge. The asking price will be $399 / £399 / €499.
Victorla has also announced its new Harmony all-in-one turntable-based system with Bluetooth connectivity and matching speakers. The deck supports 33 ⅓, 45 and 78 RPM and comes fitted with an Audio-Technica ATN3600L cartridge. The whole package can be yours for a ridiculously low $199 / £199 / €249.
Two sets of potentially game changing headphones have caught our eye...
With CES 2025 just beginning to wind down a little, it's time to reflect on the best and brightest offerings from the Las Vegas expo. We saw plenty of budget earbuds and headphones revealed as part of the January showcase, and that's never a bad thing if the quality is up to standard, but it's two rather different, more premium sets that are setting our hearts all aflutter.
The first are the Technics EAH-AZ100, a premium pair of wireless earbuds that, following our recent five-star review, we feel could genuinely go up against the best that Sony and Bose have to offer. They're majestically clean and detailed to the point where we think they have their rivals beaten for clarity and textural insight, and if the Sony WF-1000XM6 are unveiled later this year, that could be a clash for the ages.
The second are the JBL Tour One M3 over-ears, a flagship set of cans that serve up 24-bit/96kHz high-res audio support, active noise cancelling and up to 70 hours (!) of battery life. They've also got the considerable boon of their clever charging "case" audio transmitter which allows audio transmission from "dumb" analogue sources provided they have a 3.5mm connection. They also have Auracast capabilities, something which could open up the Tour One M3 to a massive set of compatible wireless sources if the tech continues to take off.
CES might be winding down, but there's plenty to be excited about in the coming weeks and months, then.
Brands are changing the way they talk about Micro LED TVs
Micro LED concept TVs have been a staple sight at CES for a while. Over the past few years we've seen everything from giant sets measured in meters and feet rather than inches to see through concept sets with the panel tech. But, having done the leg work through the show and chatted to every TV maker we could, we noticed a profound change in the language used about Micro LED. Specifically, for the first time key brands including Samsung and Hisense talked about the tech being "ready".
Read the full story: Two huge Micro LED TVs launched at CES 2025 – could OLED finally get a proper rival?
We had an opening look at how LG’s new flagship OLED compares to its predecessor
The LG G5 was one of the most interesting OLED TVs to come out of CES 2025.
Highlights include a new Brightness Booster Max technology that replaces MLA, completely new AI-focused chipset and atypically small for a flagship 48-inch size option.
Which is why our staff writer, Lewis Empson, took the time to muscle his way past the crowds and take an opening look at it during the show (hands-on preview incoming). Here to help explain its other big differences, and our early impressions of how they impact performance compared to last year’s five-star LG G4, we penned this guide.
Read our full LG G5 vs LG G4 guide.
Our team reveal the best of CES 2025
CES 2025 is coming to a close and our reporters on the ground are packing their bags and preparing for the flight home. But ahead of that they've penned this fantastic guide detailing the top audio and home cinema products they saw at the show. These range from fantastic new Mini LED and OLED TVs to a surprise launch from one of hi-fi's most iconic Japanese brands.
Read the full story: Best of CES 2025: next-generation OLED TVs, 5-star earbuds and a hi-fi surprise
