The relentless march of audio innovation continues as What Hi-Fi?’s testing rooms delivered decisive verdicts this week. Among multiple high-profile releases, one product emerged as a clear champion: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) secured a flawless five-star rating, setting a new benchmark for premium wireless earbuds. This achievement stands in stark contrast to Marshall’s ambitious but flawed first Dolby Atmos soundbar debut, highlighting the competitive intensity of today’s audio market.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) Redefine Excellence

In a saturated wireless earbud market crowded with contenders, Bose’s latest iteration delivers a masterclass in audio engineering. Despite minimal driver upgrades touted by the manufacturer, our rigorous testing revealed significant advancements. The earbuds produced a remarkably punchy, full-bodied sound across diverse genres—from intricate classical arrangements to bass-heavy electronic tracks. This sonic excellence pairs seamlessly with industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively neutralizes ambient noise in both travel and office environments.

Comparative testing against flagship rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM5 demonstrated Bose’s superior balance of clarity, depth, and comfort during extended listening sessions. The earbuds’ ergonomic design ensures secure fit without fatigue, while intuitive touch controls simplify playback adjustments. What Hi-Fi?’s review team concluded: “Outstanding noise-cancelling capabilities, excellent design and a punchy, entertaining sound make for a powerful combination – these Bose 2nd Gen earbuds are pleasing all-rounders.” With a retail price positioning them as premium contenders, they offer compelling value for audiophiles seeking reference-grade portable audio.

Key Hi-Fi Developments Reshape the Market

Marshall’s Dolby Atmos Debut Stumbles

Marshall’s inaugural Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Heston 120, faced tough scrutiny against category leaders like the Sonos Arc Ultra. While offering commendable low-end heft and clear dialogue reproduction, it struggled with spatial precision—failing to create Atmos’ signature “dome of sound.” Testing revealed noticeable sibilance in high frequencies, leading to What Hi-Fi?’s assessment: “Falls a long way short of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars at this level.” Priced competitively, it remains an ambitious first attempt but can’t dethrone established frontrunners.

Premium Audio Expands Accessibility

Two major launches targeted budget-conscious audiophiles:

Musical Fidelity’s B1xi amplifier (£699) entered production after its February showcase at Bristol Hi-Fi Show. Its Class A/B design delivers 60W/channel via toroidal transformers, challenging rivals like Arcam A5 and Rega Brio Mk7.
Monitor Audio’s Bronze Series 7G speakers debuted with Bronze 50 standmounts (£500/pair) and Bronze 300 floorstanders (£1000/pair). The range includes Dolby Atmos-enabled modules and a center channel, promising “new benchmark” entry-level performance according to the manufacturer.

The week also saw poignant industry reflections as What Hi-Fi! paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne following the metal icon’s farewell concert, acknowledging his enduring influence on audio enthusiasts and vinyl culture.

Industry Reports:

Monitor Audio’s new speaker range vows to “set a new benchmark” for entry-level performance (What Hi-Fi?, October 2023)
Musical Fidelity’s highly-anticipated integrated amplifier promises “great sound at an affordable price” (What Hi-Fi?, October 2023)

For top-performing alternatives, explore our guides to the best bookshelf speakers and best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

This week’s audio landscape proves excellence demands precision engineering – Bose’s earbuds deliver a rare synthesis of innovation and execution, while competitors highlight how easily ambition can outpace acoustic mastery. As holiday season approaches, these releases offer clear guidance: prioritize verified performance over hype. Audition top-rated gear through certified retailers to experience these differences firsthand.

Must Know

What makes Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) stand out?
They combine best-in-class active noise cancellation with a balanced, energetic sound signature suitable for all genres. Their ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, while intuitive controls and reliable connectivity add practical value. Testing confirms they outperform key rivals like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 in overall sonic coherence.

How does Marshall’s first soundbar compare to Sonos?
The Marshall Heston 120 delivers solid bass and dialogue clarity but falls short in Dolby Atmos immersion and high-frequency refinement. Sonos Arc Ultra remains the category reference for precise object-based audio and room-filling soundscapes at this price point, according to comparative testing.

Are Monitor Audio’s new Bronze speakers worth considering?
While full reviews are pending, the Bronze Series 7G’s competitive pricing and comprehensive range (including Dolby Atmos modules) make them promising. Their performance claims align with Monitor Audio’s reputation, but hands-on evaluation against class leaders like Q Acoustics 5010s remains essential.

What distinguishes Musical Fidelity’s B1xi amplifier?
Its fully discrete Class A/B design and toroidal transformers target “purest sound quality” at sub-£800 pricing. With 60W/channel power, it contends with award-winning alternatives from Arcam and Rega—making it a compelling option for entry-level hi-fi systems pending performance verification.