TV Contests: Pitting Top OLED Models, Exceptional Amplifier from Chord, Fresh Onkyo Hi-Fi Equipment, and More
Top News in the Hi-Fi and Home Cinema Industry
The past week has been a busy one for the hi-fi and home cinema industry, with several notable announcements and developments.
Chord Electronics Launches the Alto Amplifier
Kicking off the week, Chord Electronics unveiled the Alto amplifier, a niche product designed primarily for studio engineers. The Alto boasts four headphone outputs and the ability to drive speakers as a high-end pre-amp. In a five-star review, our hi-fi and audio editor, Kashfia Kabir, praised the Alto for delivering a neutral, detailed, and punchy sound, despite its somewhat niche focus [2].
LG Introduces New Products
LG also made headlines this week with the introduction of new tech products, including the LG CineBeam S, a home cinema projector. This announcement was part of a series of refreshed tech launches [3].
Apple's Upcoming Streaming Device
In other news, Apple is reportedly working on a refreshed streaming device priced under $100. This device is said to feature Wi-Fi 7 and a proprietary wireless chip upgrade, aiming to compete strongly in the streaming market [4].
Industry Events and Upcoming Announcements
Several high-profile industry events are underway or upcoming, such as Audio Advice Live 2025 in Raleigh, showcasing leading brands like Harman, Samsung, McIntosh, and Bowers & Wilkins, and CEDIA Expo 2025, featuring luxury immersive sound demonstrations by L-Acoustics [1][5].
Onkyo's New CD Player and Icon Series Products
Onkyo, a Japanese hi-fi and gin maker, made some key announcements this week. The brand launched a new budget C-30 CD player, part of its Icon Series of separates. Additionally, the P-80 network preamplifier, M-80 power amplifier, and A-50 amplifier from Onkyo's Icon Series were originally seen at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas [6].
CD Players and Mini LED TVs Reviews
Our website has published reviews for the best CD players and the best Mini LED TVs. In particular, the team at our website considers 48-inch OLED TVs to be an under-appreciated option in the top end of the market [7].
TCL's 98-inch Mini LED TV
Tom Parsons, our TV and AV editor, has expressed positive impressions about TCL's latest giant Mini LED, the 98-inch C7K. A review for this TV is forthcoming on our website [8].
A Wish for Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect for AirPlay
Lastly, Kashfia Kabir, our hi-fi head-honcho, has expressed a desire for a version of Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect for AirPlay to stream at higher bitrates and quality on Apple Music [9].
In summary, the week saw a notable niche amplifier launch from Chord, new home cinema products from LG, upcoming streaming device refresh from Apple, and ongoing industry events that hint at further innovations in high-end audio and home cinema soon [1][2][3][4][5]. Stay tuned for more reviews and updates on our website.
[1] Audio Advice Live 2025 [2] Chord Electronics Alto Review [3] LG CineBeam S Announcement [4] Apple's Upcoming Streaming Device [5] CEDIA Expo 2025 [6] Onkyo Icon Series Announcements [7] Best Mini LED TVs [8] TCL's 98-inch C7K Mini LED TV Review [9] Wish for Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect for AirPlay
- The Alto amplifier, newly launched by Chord Electronics, is a niche product aimed at studio engineers, boasting four headphone outputs and high-end pre-amp capabilities.
- LG has made headlines with the introduction of new tech products, one of which is the LG CineBeam S home cinema projector.
- Apple is reportedly developing a cheaper streaming device, featuring Wi-Fi 7 and proprietary wireless chip upgrade, aiming to strengthen its position in the streaming market.
- Major industry events such as the Audio Advice Live 2025 and CEDIA Expo 2025 are upcoming, featuring demonstrations by leading brands like Harman, Samsung, McIntosh, Bowers & Wilkins, L-Acoustics, and more.
- In addition to the Alto amplifier, Onkyo, a Japanese hi-fi brand, announced a budget C-30 CD player, as well as the P-80 network preamplifier, M-80 power amplifier, and A-50 amplifier from its Icon Series.
- Our website has published reviews for the best CD players and Best Mini LED TVs, recommending 48-inch OLED TVs as a top-tier, under-appreciated option in the market.
- Tom Parsons, our TV and AV editor, has expressed positive impressions about TCL's latest 98-inch C7K Mini LED TV, with a review to be published on our website.
- Kashfia Kabir, our hi-fi head-honcho, expressed a desire for Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect for AirPlay to stream at higher bitrates and better quality on Apple Music.
- The hi-fi and home cinema industry's upcoming news includes more reviews and updates on our website, keeping readers informed about new products, technology innovations, and industry events within the lifestyle, home-and-garden, and gadgets sectors.
