Sony

• The November 2025 issue of ‘Hi-Fi Choice’ highlights the Acoustic Energy AE300 standmount speakers, showcasing innovative two-way audio design.

• The main topic addresses the addition of lossless streaming tier by Spotify, compared to Qobuz's established high-resolution service since 2007.

• A new HFC Qobuz playlist is introduced, featuring curated high-resolution tracks, available in the magazine and online.

• RGB Mini LED technology, as LCD-based, features improved brightness and color rendering, with increased dimming zones for enhanced picture quality.

• OLED TVs remain technically superior due to self-emissive properties, offering precise HDR and consistent image quality, especially during gaming.

• Sony showcased RGB Mini LED models in early 2025, joined later by Samsung, Hisense, and TCL.

• Sony is developing the WF-1000XM6, the successor to the WF-1000XM5, introduced in July 2023 for approximately €209.

• The WF-1000XM6 has passed FCC certification under the identifier YY2985, signaling progress toward its market release.

• It features the MediaTek MT2855 Bluetooth audio chip, consistent with Sony's use in other advanced audio devices like the LinkBuds.

• Sony has updated the WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds with new features enhancing the LE Audio experience and Gemini Live support.

• Gemini Live and Audio Sharing with Fast Pair are now supported on both devices, improving audio sharing capabilities.

• The WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 now include functionality like Head Tracking and digital assistant usage during LE Audio connections.

• Sony collaborates with ZETA DIVISION to release special edition INZONE Buds gaming earphones, available in white and black color options.

• Features include maximum 12-hour battery life, advanced noise-canceling technology, and compatibility for immersive gaming experiences.

• The earphones are priced at ¥31,900, but a limited-time sale offers them for ¥27,500 until October 8th.

• Dream Theater's new concert album marks their 40th anniversary:** Titled 'Quarantième: Live à Paris,' releasing November 28, 2025, through InsideOut Music/Sony Music.

• Captured during the 40-year anniversary tour:** Recorded at the Paris Adidas Arena, showcasing performances from across their career, including tracks from the album 'Parasomnia.'

• Special editions available:** Including a deluxe artbook with 3 CDs, 3 Blu-rays, a booklet, and additional bonus materials.

• Dolby Laboratories' AC-4 audio and HDR dynamic metadata technologies were adopted by ARIB for Japan's next-generation terrestrial broadcasting standards.

• The AC-4 audio format supports immersive 3D sound and is utilized by major broadcasters in the US and Europe.

• Dolby Vision HDR technology is employed for commercial broadcasts by entities like NBC/Comcast and Canal+, enhancing sports and event coverage.

• Sony introduces Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, compatible with PlayStation 5, Windows PCs, and Macs, during the State of Play event.

• Utilizing planar-magnetic drivers and dedicated woofers, these speakers deliver studio-inspired sound quality and enhanced bass performance.

• Featuring PlayStation Link technology, they ensure low-latency connectivity via a 2.4 GHz USB-C dongle; Bluetooth compatibility also supports multi-device connections.

• Sony releases the USB Type-C wired earphones 'IER-EX15C', available in four colors, priced approximately 3,200 yen, launching October 10 in Japan.

• The 'IER-EX15C' features Sony's proprietary 5mm drivers, designed for compactness and high-quality balanced sound, suitable for users with smaller ears.

• The earphones include tangle-resistant serration cables, inline remote control, cable slider, and an adjustable cable accessory for convenience.

• NEXTGEN TV introduces ATSC 3.0, providing free over-the-air broadcasting with features such as HDR, immersive audio, and interactive content.

• Broadcasted HDR supports formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, enhancing picture quality with high frame rates up to 120 fps.

• Audio upgrades include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering immersive sound experiences alongside advanced multilingual and emergency alert capabilities.

• Sony introduces the special edition "MDR-CD900ST x THE FIRST TAKE Collaboration Box," featuring a professional monitoring headphone and exclusive cap.

• The MDR-CD900ST headphones, renowned for studio use since 1989, offer high-resolution sound with minimal distortion, ideal for precise audio monitoring.

• Included is a limited "NEW ERA 9TWENTY" cap adorned with "A MUSIC MOMENT" embroidery and "THE FIRST TAKE" logo.

• Sony unveiled the RGB-Mini-LED TV technology at IFA 2025, showcasing prototype models with advanced capabilities and promising performance.

• RGB-Mini-LED TVs feature LEDs capable of emitting pure Red, Green, and Blue light, improving color accuracy and brightness.

• This technology reduces blooming effects, enhances contrast ratios, and achieves near-OLED black levels by adapting backlight colors to the displayed image.

• Spotify introduces lossless streaming for Premium users, offering 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC quality, surpassing CD standards but trailing competitors like TIDAL and Apple Music.

• The rollout is gradual, reaching over 50 markets, with device compatibility expanding to include brands like Cambridge Audio, Sony, Bose, and KEF.

• Cambridge Audio's StreamMagic platform is fully compatible with Spotify Lossless, highlighting their proactive approach to streaming advancements.

• The HiFi Forum Baiersdorf introduces its redesigned "Sound Garden" featuring three distinct zones showcasing innovative outdoor speaker integration.

• Outdoor audio options include sculptural design speakers, discreet garden monitors, and high-powered outdoor systems, catering to diverse aesthetic and functional needs.

• High-quality outdoor projection options are available, such as the Leica Cine Play 1 portable projector for events like open-air movie nights and sports broadcasts.

• The Jimi Hendrix Experience's 1967 album 'Axis: Bold As Love' will be released in expanded box sets on November 7, 2025.

• The collections include 4CD+blu-ray and 5LP vinyl+blu-ray editions, featuring remastered original stereo and mono mixes.

• A total of 40 alternate takes, demos, and live performances, 28 of which are previously unreleased, are included in the sets.

• Sony unveiled a prototype for its RGB-Mini-LED television at IFA 2025, showcasing advancements in display technology.

• RGB-Mini-LED TVs feature backlighting with separate red, green, and blue LEDs, significantly improving color reproduction and brightness.

• The technology enhances contrast and reduces blooming effects, delivering picture quality that rivals OLED displays.

• Technics EAH-AZ100TWS headphones feature 10mm aluminum diaphragm drivers with magnetic fluid technology, delivering balanced sound and adaptive noise cancellation using feed-forward and feedback microphones.

• Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones utilize HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 with 12 microphones for comprehensive noise reduction, offering 30-hour battery life and LDAC codec support for detailed audio reproduction.

• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones combine aptX Lossless codec, advanced DSP and DAC circuits, and eight microphones for immersive audio and effective noise cancellation.

• Sony introduces the INZONE H9 II Wireless Gaming Headset, featuring a 30mm dynamic driver from the WH-1000XM6, FPS Mode, and a detachable microphone.

• The H9 II offers a quick charge of 5 minutes for 1-hour playtime, an AI-based noise-cancellation system, and weighs 273 grams with the microphone.

• Sony INZONE E9 In-Ear Monitors are released for competitive gamers, with passive noise isolation, 360 Spatial Sound, and a weight under 20 grams.

• IFA 2024 Highlights Include TCL's A300 Pro Smart TV**: Competing with Samsung's The Frame, featuring innovative design and functionality.

• Technics SC-CX700 Speakers Introduced**: Compact and wireless, with features rivaling KEF LS50 Wireless II.

• Auracast Technology Spotlighted**: Enhancing headphone connectivity with models like Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

• Reavon, a French company known for its premium UHD Blu-ray players, has ceased production due to component shortages.

• Models like UBR-X100, UBR-X110, and UBR-X200 supported 4K HDR video but are now discontinued globally.

• The company confirmed the inability to repair their players due to the same component scarcity.

• Sony introduces an optional "Energy Saving Mode" for PS5, reducing power consumption in compatible games, promoting eco-conscious gaming.

• This mode, disabled by default, requires game-specific support and is incompatible with VR experiences.

• Speculations suggest a potential PS5-compatible handheld leveraging power efficiency, addressing portable gaming challenges.

• Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones experienced hinge durability concerns, reminiscent of issues with the WH-1000XM5, despite design improvements.

• New design changes include a folding mechanism and metal-reinforced hinge, aimed at enhancing durability over previous models.

• A reported case of hinge failure raises worries about widespread issues, especially given the premium cost of $450 USD.

• Sony is reportedly developing the WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds, successors to the WF-1000XM5, with a potential release in late 2025.

• Import filings reveal the earbuds are being sent to Vietnam for testing, indicating the project is in advanced stages.

• Speculation suggests the integration of the Mediatek MT2855 chip for enhanced Bluetooth capabilities and improved connectivity.

• The Focal Bathys MG headphones feature magnesium drivers, achieving audiophile-grade sound quality in wireless active noise-canceling headphones.

• Bowers & Wilkins' Px7 S2e and Px8 models stand out for their luxurious design and warm, detailed soundstage performance.

• Sony's WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 models offer advanced noise cancellation, dynamic sound tuning, and improved ergonomic designs.

• The Sony ECM-778 microphone is designed for professionals in television, cinema, and documentary production, offering high-quality audio performance and practical features.

• Compact at 17.6 cm and 102 g, its durable aluminum build minimizes electromagnetic interference and vibrations, aiding seamless camera or boom use.

• Features a brass acoustic tube and updated capsule, it delivers a frequency range of 40 Hz to 40 kHz, suitable for Hi-Res Audio recording.

Pioneer QX-8000 (1974) lies at the heart of this setup, delivering rich, analog warmth and the classic quadraphonic experience. Paired with a JVC JL-F50 turntable, it brings out every subtle pop and c

• WiiM Amp offers all-in-one streaming and amplification with support for multiple services and high-res audio for ~$299.

• Sony SS-CS5 speakers deliver balanced, clear sound with a compact design for ~$150, creating a $449 high-quality setup.

• Budget-friendly alternatives include Polk Audio T15 ($100), Pioneer SP-BS22-LR ($160), and Micca MB42X ($90), all with unique sound qualities and compact designs.

• Dedicated Gaming Zone at High End Munich 2023, introducing high-quality audio setups for consoles.

• Cutting-edge audio equipment like Mission LX Connect and Audeze Maxwell enhance immersive gaming experiences.

• Live gaming demonstrations by Germench featuring popular titles and speedruns.

• Integration of noise-cancellation into the open-ring design, a unique leap in functionality.

• Expected sound quality comparable to Sony's high-end WF-1000XM5 earbuds.

• Powered by MediaTek MT2833 chipset for robust performance.

• Features planar magnetic drivers for audiophile-grade, ultra-detailed sound.

• PlayStation Link™ ensures fast, lossless wireless connectivity.

• AI-powered noise cancellation enhances voice clarity in noisy environments.

The setup is a curated showcase of the Sony ES series, known for its detailed sound reproduction, displayed with an evident appreciation for design and auditory experience.

This setup is a testament to the enduring appeal of music across generations. Anchoring the experience is a Sony STR-7055 amplifier-receiver from 1973, providing a warm, vintage sound that modern devi

Tucked away in the intimate confines of a former garage now repurposed as an office, a cherished hi-fi setup finds its home. At the heart of this musical sanctum, an Orbit turntable from U-Turn Audio

This unique setup marries the timeless warmth of vintage audio components with the convenience of modern technology, creating a soundscape that resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary ease.

Steve Dyer's setup is a harmonious blend of analog warmth and digital precision. Anchored by the Pro-Ject Carbon Debut turntable and driven by the stalwart Technics A900s MK2 power amplifier, his coll

• High-resolution audio as a standard in modern DAPs enhances immersive, studio-quality listening.

• Android integration turns many DAPs into multifunctional devices while appealing to purists with dedicated music-only options.

• Connectivity advancements include Wi-Fi streaming, robust Bluetooth codecs, and offline flexibility.

Dive into the world of a modest yet masterfully balanced hi-fi setup, featuring the sleek Pro-Ject Carbon Debut turntable, the classic Wharfdale Denton 80th Anniversary speakers, and the versatile Son

Nestled within a carefully arranged space, this home theater setup strikes a remarkable balance between aesthetic elegance and auditory excellence. Central to the experience is a state-of-the-art flat

In this office audio system, sleek Linn Keilidh speakers and a robust Linn Lk100 amplifier promise rich, detailed sound. The Wiim Pro streamer/preamp offers seamless digital listening, while the Denon

• Sony acquires Audeze, aiming to innovate PlayStation audio while maintaining Audeze's independent operations.

• Integration of Audeze's planar magnetic drivers with Tempest 3D AudioTech could elevate gaming audio standards.

• Speculation surrounds Audeze's balance between gaming partnerships and its audiophile legacy.