Competitive analysis of OLED TVs featuring a distinctive five-star amplifier from Chord, as well as fresh releases in hi-fi from Onkyo and other products
In the realm of high-fidelity audio and home cinema, this week has been a bustling one. Here's a roundup of the key announcements and developments that have caught our eye.
Chord Electronics has entered the fray with the release of the Alto, a unique hybrid analogue amplifier. Originally designed for studio engineers needing to swap headphones frequently, the Alto boasts four headphone outputs and can also double as a high-end pre-amp. The Alto has been praised for its neutral, detailed, and punchy sound, earning a niche five-star recommendation.
Onkyo has also made its mark with the introduction of the Icon C-30 CD Player, part of its Icon Series of separates. Designed for recording and mastering studio engineers, as well as for use as a high-end pre-amp, the Onkyo C-30 promises high performance. While details are still emerging, Onkyo remains active in launching products for audiophiles.
LG has expanded its offering of cinematic display technology with the release of the LG CineBeam S projector. This addition to their home cinema equipment lineup emphasizes the company's commitment to providing top-tier home entertainment solutions.
TCL updates were not explicitly detailed in the week's announcements, suggesting no major product launch or news was highlighted this week. However, our team is eagerly anticipating a full review of TCL's 98-inch C7K Mini LED TV, which promises to be a game-changer in the home cinema market.
Additional context includes ongoing industry events like Audio Advice Live 2025 and CEDIA Expo 2025, which highlight the latest in A/V integration and luxury audio experiences. However, these events did not spotlight TCL or LG announcements specifically.
In summary, this week’s notable hi-fi and home cinema news centres on Chord Electronics’ Alto amp, Onkyo’s new CD player, and LG’s CineBeam S projector release, with TCL no major updates reported. Stay tuned for more updates and reviews as we delve deeper into these exciting new products.
Meanwhile, our team at the website continues to champion under-appreciated options in the top end of the market, such as 48-inch OLED TVs, and advocates for features like Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect for AirPlay to stream at higher bitrates and quality on Apple Music.
As always, we'll keep you posted on the latest developments in the world of hi-fi and home cinema. Happy listening!
- The Chord Electronics Alto, a new hybrid analogue amplifier, has garnered a niche five-star recommendation for its neutral, detailed, and punchy sound.
- Studio engineers looking for a high-end pre-amp can consider the Onkyo C-30 CD Player, the latest addition to their Icon Series.
- LG's LG CineBeam S projector demonstrates the company's commitment to providing top-tier home entertainment solutions.
- While no major TCL updates were announced this week, our team is anticipating a full review of their 98-inch C7K Mini LED TV.
- Audio Advice Live 2025 and CEDIA Expo 2025 are upcoming events highlighting the latest in A/V integration and luxury audio experiences.
- The Alto amp, Onkyo CD player, and LG's projector release are the key focus points of this week's hi-fi and home cinema news.
- Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect are features championed for streaming at higher bitrates and quality on Apple Music.
- Under-appreciated options in the top end of the market, like 48-inch OLED TVs, are advocated by our team.
- Amplifiers, CD players, projectors, TVs, and streaming services are among the brands, products, and topics constantly under the spotlight in the realm of high-fidelity audio and home cinema.
- In the fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, data-and-cloud-computing, technology, and travel sectors, there may be exciting updates and developments just around the corner, but for now, the hi-fi and home cinema industry is stealing the show.
- The world of hi-fi and home cinema is ever-evolving, with new products being unveiled and breakthroughs being made in audio technology, making it an exciting and dynamic field to follow and participate in.
