We’ve officially entered the most fantastic time of the year,and while many of us will be getting ready to decorate our christmas tree and pondering if it’s okay to start blasting out Last Christmas from our rack,hi-fi and home cinema firms have continued working.
So much so that our reviewers have had no respite and, like Santa’s elves, have continued diligently working, covering all the latest important news to break over the past week. And there’s a lot,including our final verdict on Sennheiser’s latest wireless headphones,a key upgrade to a repeat What Hi-Fi? Award-winner and more.
Here’s what you need to know.
One of our favorite DACs got an upgrade
(Image credit: Chord Electronics)
Chord Electronics has announced the Mojo 2 DSP, a significant upgrade to its hugely popular Mojo portable DAC. The DSP version adds a new digital signal processing chip,allowing for the implementation of advanced filter options and improved performance. It’s available now for £695 / $795 / €795.
The best headphone deals of October 2023: Sennheiser, Sony, Bose and more
Table of Contents
October is shaping up to be a great month for headphone deals, with discounts across a wide range of brands and styles. Whether you’re looking for noise-cancelling headphones for travel, wireless earbuds for the gym, or a high-fidelity pair for home listening, there’s likely a deal to be found. Here’s a rundown of some of the best headphone deals currently available:
top Deals Right Now:
* Bose QuietComfort 45: Save $50 on these top-rated noise-cancelling headphones at Amazon. These are known for their extraordinary comfort and effective noise cancellation.
* Sony WH-1000XM5: Currently $328 at amazon, a significant drop from their original price. These are widely considered to be among the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, offering superb sound quality and features.
* Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Available for $249 at Amazon, down from $349.These headphones deliver a detailed and balanced sound, with excellent battery life and a cozy fit.
* Technics EAH-AZ80: These premium earbuds are $199 at Amazon, a $50 discount. they offer excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable, secure fit.
* Chord Mojo 2: Find this portable DAC/headphone amp at Walmart.
Sennheiser’s latest wireless headphones are an audio treat with a neat trick
[Image of Sennheiser HDB 630 over-ear headphones]
The Sennheiser HDB 630 over-ear headphones offer a compelling combination of sound quality, comfort, and a unique feature: the ability to seamlessly switch between wired and wireless listening. They are available now for $199.95.
JBL Bar 300MK2 Review: A Great Entry-level Soundbar
We found a really good entry-level soundbar to recommend.
The JBL Bar 300MK2 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s audio without spending a fortune. This soundbar delivers a surprisingly immersive experience, especially considering its price point. It supports Dolby atmos, offering a wider soundstage and more realistic audio effects.
Key Features
- Dolby Atmos: Creates a more immersive sound experience with height channels.
- Multi-Beam Technology: Provides wider soundstage without needing additional speakers.
- Built-in Subwoofer: Delivers deep and powerful bass.
- HDMI eARC: Allows for high-quality audio transmission from your TV.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Performance
The JBL Bar 300MK2 performs admirably for its price. the Dolby Atmos effect is noticeable, adding a sense of height and spaciousness to movies and TV shows. The built-in subwoofer provides sufficient bass for most content, and the Multi-Beam technology does a good job of creating a wider soundstage. Dialog is clear and easy to understand.
Design and Setup
The soundbar has a sleek and minimalist design that will blend well with most home entertainment setups. setup is incredibly easy. You can connect it to your TV via HDMI or Bluetooth. The included remote control is simple and intuitive to use.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Dolby Atmos support
- Built-in subwoofer
- Easy setup
- Sleek design
Cons
- Bass isn’t as powerful as higher-end soundbars
- Dolby Atmos effect is subtle
Verdict
The JBL Bar 300MK2 is a fantastic entry-level soundbar that offers excellent value for money. It delivers a significant audio upgrade over most TV speakers, with the added benefit of Dolby Atmos and a built-in subwoofer.If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your home theatre experience, the JBL Bar 300MK2 is definitely worth considering.