Sound + Image – Issue 364, August-September 2025

Inside This Issue: Hi-Fi, Home Cinema, and the Gear That Matters

For anyone keeping a close eye on high-performance audio and home cinema, Sound+Image Issue 364 (August-September 2025) offers a practical, well-researched snapshot of the gear and ideas shaping the hobby right now. This issue balances detailed equipment reviews with real-world feature stories and a generous helping of new product news.

Equipment Reviews That Get Straight to the Point

The review section spans televisions, soundbars, music servers, speakers, and headphones. Highlights include:

• TCL 65C8K MiniLED TV — attention to HDR brightness and performance, with the 65-inch model tested.
• JBL Bar 1300Mk2 soundbar — removable wireless rear speakers and multi-channel flexibility.
• Aurender A1000 server/streamer — music server and streamer with internal SSD and streaming support.
• Triangle Borea BR04 standmount speakers — larger bookshelf model aiming for full-range sound without floorstanders.
• Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro — improved wireless speaker system with a more attractive price point.
• Audio-Technica ATH-R70xa open cabled headphones — open-back design aimed at producers and content creators.

Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones Group Test 🎧

One of the issue’s highlights is a five-way comparison of premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones. The group includes the Sennheiser Momentum 4, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Apple AirPods Max. Each model receives focused attention on comfort, noise cancellation, sound character, and everyday usability, helping readers find the right fit.

Feature Stories and Show Coverage

Beyond the test bench, the issue visits a Queensland home cinema transformation by Wavetrain, inspired by a “Bond in the Bahamas” theme, and reports from the UK Hi-Fi Show Live at Ascot. Editor Jez Ford also shares a personal take on the growing appeal of Dolby Atmos music Blu-ray discs — a useful perspective for collectors interested in high-resolution surround sound.

News and New Launches

The news pages cover fresh projectors, including Epson’s EH-LS9000B laser home cinema model and Optoma’s UHR90DV, plus details on the Australian Hi-Fi Show Sydney 2026. Early-bird ticket information and coming attractions give readers a head start on planning their next audio event.

Why This Issue Is Worth Your Time

Sound+Image remains a reliable guide for readers who want clear, real-world evaluation of AV equipment. Issue 364 offers a balanced mix of in-depth reviews, comparative testing, and forward-looking news, all written for enthusiasts who enjoy both the technical and musical sides of the hobby.

If you are researching your next upgrade or simply enjoy keeping up with hi-fi and home cinema, this digital edition delivers a substantial read.