Hold onto your headphones, folks – the holiday season is almost here, but before we dive into festive cheer, we’ve got a lineup of audio and visual delights that are anything but ordinary. From groundbreaking innovations to high-end upgrades, these five products are set to redefine your listening and viewing experience. But here’s where it gets exciting: we’re not just talking about any gadgets – these are the ones that have us buzzing in the What Hi-Fi? test rooms. Let’s dive in!
First up, a historic debut: Rotel, a brand with six decades of legacy, is stepping into uncharted territory with its very first headphone amplifier, the DX-3. Dubbed the 'ultimate desktop audio companion,' this sleek device isn’t just about looks. It packs a DAC, preamp functionalities, and dual headphone ports with adjustable gain settings. And that’s not all – it supports aptX HD Bluetooth, handles hi-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, and offers a robust array of analog and digital connections. At £1399 / $1499, it’s a compact powerhouse that’s as desktop-friendly as it is feature-rich. But here’s the question: can it live up to Rotel’s storied reputation? We’re eager to find out.
Next, a successor to a legend: Luxman’s E-07 phono stage is here, and it’s not just any follow-up – it’s part of the brand’s 100th-anniversary celebration. Building on the success of the EQ-500, which wowed us back in 2017, the E-07 promises refined craftsmanship, tactile toggle switches, and components meticulously selected for supreme audio quality. At £5500, it’s a premium investment, but one that demands a top-tier turntable system to truly shine. Will it surpass its predecessor? Only time – and our rigorous testing – will tell.
And this is the part most people miss: Cambridge Audio’s Evo 150 SE is the latest iteration of their beloved streaming amplifier series. Replacing the Evo 75 and Evo 150, this all-in-one model retains the sleek industrial design while adding a large display screen, swappable side panels, and a host of connectivity options, including an MM phono stage and HDMI ARC. Powered by the StreamMagic Gen 4 platform, it delivers 150 watts per channel via a new Hypex NCOREx module. Cambridge Audio claims it’s their best-sounding Evo yet – but does it justify the £1999 / $3299 price tag? We’re putting it to the test.
Now, for the TV showdown: Sony’s Bravia 3, an entry-level 4K HDR TV, is going head-to-head with TCL’s C7K, a 2025 What Hi-Fi? Award winner. The Bravia 3 lacks local dimming, but Sony’s legendary processing might just level the playing field. At £849 for the 65-inch model, it’s a budget-friendly contender. But can it outshine the TCL’s punchy picture and excellent value? We’re tuning in to find out.
Finally, the game-changer: Philips’ OLED910 is the brand’s first Primary RGB Tandem OLED TV, combining cutting-edge panel technology with Philips’ signature Ambilight design. It’s brighter, more vibrant, and boasts an integrated Bowers & Wilkins 3.1 sound system – all at a price that undercuts rivals like LG and Samsung. Supporting HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, it’s a multimedia powerhouse. But is it the best OLED TV on the market? Our final verdict is coming soon.
As we wrap up another year, we’re grateful for your support and excited to bring you more in-depth reviews in 2026. Got questions about these products? Drop a comment below or email us at whathifi@futurenet.com – we’re here to help. And here’s a thought to leave you with: In a world of ever-evolving tech, which of these innovations do you think will stand the test of time? Let us know in the comments – we’re all ears!
