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iFi GO Bar Kensei review: the stylish steel swordsman of portable DACs
7:00 pm | May 5, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Audio Computers Gadgets Hi-Fi | Comments: Off

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Two-minute review

The iFi GO Bar Kensei is another reminder that iFi knows precisely what’s what when it comes to headphone amps and DACs of all shapes, sizes and prices. More often than not, it’s among the leaders in any given market. And so it’s decided what the humble USB DAC/headphone amp needs is a bit of glamour to go along with performance. Hence, the GO Bar Kensei.

On paper and in the palm, it makes a lot of sense. The specification is extensive, the finish – all tactile Japanese stainless steel that catches the light – is unarguably upmarket. If you want to put an absolute rocket up the sound of your smartphone and enjoy ownership of a premium product as you do so, it would seem to be just the ticket.

And in practice, the GO Bar Kensei makes good on a lot of what it promises. It’s a deft, rhythmically adept and impressively spacious listen, able to retrieve a huge amount of detail and put it all into the proper context. It has plenty of dynamic headroom, and is able to apply its talents to any digital audio file no matter where you source it from. 

It overplays its hand somewhat at the top of the frequency range, though – ‘brilliance’ is not always a positive when it comes to treble sounds, especially when there’s not the substance to balance it out. And there’s a periodic glitch in the way the GO Bar Kensei performs that sends an unpleasant burst of noise to your headphones at the start of a new file, too. Both of these things undermine the iFi somewhat when compared to the best portable DACs, and make it a fair bit less compelling than it otherwise would be.

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Price and release date

the iFi GO Bar Kensei on top of a wooden box

(Image credit: Future)
  • Released in March 2024
  • Priced at $499 / £449 / AU$769

The iFi GO Bar Kensei portable headphone amp/DAC is on sale now for $449 in the United States, £449 United Kingdom and in Australia, it will set you back AU$769 or thereabouts.

The world is not short of portable USB headphone amp/DACs, of course. What it is slightly shorter of is really quite expensive USB headphone amp/DACs, and shorter still of really quite expensive USB headphone amp/DACs that have gotten completely carried away with Japanese sword master analogies. So this iFi has quite a bit to prove… 

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Features

iFi GO Bar Kensei

(Image credit: Future)
  • 32bit Cirrus Logic DAC
  • ‘K2HD’ audio processing technology
  • Balanced and unbalanced outputs

The GO Bar Kensei is necessarily compact, but that hasn’t prevented iFi from cramming it with features.

On the inside, iFi has sourced components from companies as well-regarded as muRata, Panasonic, TDK and Tantalum. These all serve to facilitate a 32bit Cirrus Logic DAC chipset that supports digital audio files of up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 resolution, with full MQA decoding on board too. The DAC uses a 16-core XMOS microcontroller to process the audio data received at the USB-C input. 

And iFi has deployed technology derived from JVCKenwood too – ‘K2’ was originally developed to try and bring an ‘organic quality’ and ‘sound quality correction’ (JVCKenwood’s words, not mine) to digital recordings. iFi has breathed on it to the point that JVCKenwood asserts that it’s ‘the original ideal K2 sound’. Which is why, presumably, iFi has decided to refer to it as ‘K2HD’. 

Further finessing of the sound is available via four digital filters and a couple of analogue processing modes, all of which will be familiar to anyone who’s paid any attention to iFi products released over the last few years. ‘Bit-perfect’, ‘GTO’ (which stands for Gibbs Transient Optimised, of course), ‘minimum phase’ and ‘standard’ are all, supposedly, able to make particular genres of music sound, well, more genre-ish. ‘XBass+’ intends to accentuate the lower frequencies, and ‘XSpace’ wants to expand the sound field. 

No doubt you’ll investigate all of these options at your leisure. But no matter what your eventual preference(s), getting sound out of the GO Bar Kensei happens using either the 3.5mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced output at the opposite end of the device to the USB-C slot.  

Features score: 5 / 5

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Sound quality

iFi GO Bar Kensei

(Image credit: Future)
  • Rapid, detailed and spacious sound
  • Positive and dynamic attitude
  • Overplays its hand with treble sounds

The sound quality the GO Bar Kensei delivers is, I reckon, a game of two slightly lop-sided halves plus a bit of extra time. And everything I’m about to say applies no matter which of the many filter and/or processing options you deploy. It’s possible to fiddle around the edges of the iFi’s sound, but its fundamental character is always apparent.

The first of the halves centres on just how rapid, detailed, open and organised a performer the GO Bar Kensei is. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing a 24bit/96kHz FLAC file of David Bowie’s Low, a Dolby Atmos stream of De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising or a 24bit/192kHz copy of Billie Eilish’s When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? - every time, the iFi extracts and contextualises a huge amount of both broad and fine detail. No occurrence is too felting or too far back in a mix to escape its attention – and as a result, the sensation that you’re getting a complete picture is always present.

It digs reasonably deep at the bottom of the frequency range, and controls the low end to the point that rhythmic expression is good and momentum is undeniable. The big, open and well-defined nature of its soundstage allows every element of a recording the space it needs to properly express itself, and it allows vocalists in the midrange to communicate explicitly. There’s real eloquence and directness to the way the GO Bar Kensei delivers a singer, a sensation of positivity that feeds into the overall idea of ‘performance’ and ‘unity’.

Dynamic expression is good too, whether it’s the shifts in volume and intensity that many recordings indulge in or the more subtle (but no less significant) harmonic variations in a solo voice or instrument. The iFi can be muscular when needs be, but it’s just as capable of being tender and delicate.

The second half concerns the way the GO Bar Kensei deals with the top of the frequency range. To put it bluntly, it’s altogether too confident where treble sounds are concerned – they’re overstated in every circumstance, and tonally they lack substance and body. The top end here is crashy and splashy, hard-edged and thin – and these unhappy traits are only compounded by increases in volume. If you pair the iFi with similarly treble-centric headphones then your teeth will constantly be on edge.

And there’s extra time, which has nothing to do with the way the GO Bar Kensei sounds but everything to do with the way it performs. On occasion, when one file ends and the next begins, the iFi will let loose a very short burst of utterly startling electrical noise, a sort of exclamation of white noise that is, of course, entirely unwelcome and obviously unintentional. It doesn’t happen every time, but it happens often enough. And it’s not as if it’s provoked by switching from one streaming service to another or anything like that – simply hitting ‘play’ on a playlist can goad it. As I say, this is by no means a constant – but in some ways, it’s even more upsetting because it doesn’t happen every time. It seems to happen (to me, anyway) more often when using iFi’s USB-C/Lightning connector attached to an iPhone than when using the USB-C/USB-C cable with a Samsung smartphone… but either way, I’m not a fan. 

Sound quality: 3.5 / 5 

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Design

iFi GO Bar Kensei

(Image credit: Future)
  • 65 x 22 x 13mm (HxWxD)
  • Japanese stainless steel
  • Very, very small user interface

At 65 x 22 x 13mm (HxWxD) the GO Bar Kensei is certainly pocket-sized, but at almost 66g it feels quite dense. The fact that it’s built almost entirely from Japanese stainless steel is probably to blame – but while it puts a little more strain on your pocket that most USB DACs, there’s no denying the iFi feels (and looks) like a premium product.

At one end of the stick there’s a USB-C slot, and at the other you’ll find the 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs. Along one side there are a few controls – a multi-function button that allows you to check out the various digital filters and analogue processing modes, a button each for ‘volume up’ and ‘volume down’ and the ‘IEMatch’ switch. This last has three positions: ‘off’, ‘3.5’ and ‘4.4’.

On the rear of the stick, etched into the steel surface and consequently only visible when a) very close, and b) in favourable light, are a strip of miniscule LEDs that let you know what’s what (if your eyesight is up to it) in terms of mode, file type and file size. And on the top surface, there’s a company logo and some Japanese characters reading ‘Kensei’ – which apparently translates as ‘sword saint’.  

Design score: 4 / 5 

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Usability and setup

iFi GO Bar Kensei on top of a phone

(Image credit: Future)
  • Plug your source into the USB-C input…
  • Plug your headphones into the 3.5mm or 4.4mm output…
  •  …and select your ‘IEMatch’ position

‘Setup’ is to overstate what’s required here. The GO Bar Kensei attaches to your source player via its USB-C slot (iFi provides short, good-quality USB-C/USB-C and USB-C/Lightning cables for this purpose) and to your headphones using either its 3.5mm unbalanced or 4.4mm balanced output. 

Then you simply need to decide if you need to deploy the ‘IEMatch’ switch, and whether or not you enjoy the effect of the ‘XBass+’ and/or ‘XSpace’ settings – and that’s about everything. Audio equipment doesn’t get any more straightforward.

Usability and setup score: 5 / 5 

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Value

  • Priced in line with rivals
  • Comparative to the cost of a digital audio player

iFi GO Bar Kensei

(Image credit: Future)

It depends which way you look at it, really. The iFi GO Bar Kensei is among the more capable USB-sized headphone amp/DACs around – although it’s far from perfect – and is able to turn your smartphone into a far better source of music than it’s capable of being by itself. 

But it costs the sort of money that can get you close to buying a very decent dedicated portable music player… but if you decide to spend the money on one of the best MP3 players instead, you have to take two phone-sized devices out with you… decisions, decisions…   

Should I buy iFi GO Bar Kensei?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

iFi GO Bar Kensei review: Also consider

How I tested the iFi GO Bar Kensei

iFi GO Bar Kensei

(Image credit: Future)
  • Tested for a week 
  • Used with iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Listened with Grado SR325x headphones

On and off, I spent maybe a week listening to the GO Bar Kensei. I used it with Apple iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 smartphones. I connected it to Sennheiser IE900 in-ear monitors via its 4.4mm balanced output and to a pair of Grado SR325x over-ears using its 3.5mm connection. 

I used it while at home, on the street, and on the train. I mostly listened to music from TIDAL and Qobuz (because these streaming services are full of high-resolution content of MQA and 24bit/192kHz standard), and I checked out its various digital filters and analogue processing modes as I did so.

HyperX Cloud III Wireless Review – fantastic battery life and booming audio
5:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: | Comments: Off

One-minute review

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless cuts the cord on one of HyperX’s longstanding models and brings it into the twenty-first century, where wireless headsets seem to rule the roost. The big draw here is with its rated 120 hours of runtime, which is among the very best wireless headsets out there, and means you won’t be having to charge the Cloud III Wireless regularly.

Its bass-heavy audio and solid imaging make it an excellent choice for games, although it isn’t the best I’ve tested for music. There is spatial audio present, although that can be quite hit-and-miss. The same also goes for the NGenuity software which, while lightweight, offers only basic functionality compared to the competition.

The Cloud III Wireless is well-made, offering plush memory foam earcups and fantastic comfort for extended periods, so long as you adjust the headset correctly. Its mic is clear for communication over Discord or conferencing apps, and while it lacks the overall richness of features compared to other options from SteelSeries and Razer, this remains a competent choice.

HyperX Cloud III Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

Price and availability

  • $149.99 / £169.99 / AU$279
  • Available in the US and UK
  • Much better value in the US

Much like with the JBL Quantum 910X, the Cloud III Wireless is cheaper across the pond in the US than it is in the UK, being $149.99 and £169.99 in terms of retail pricing. That puts it in a similar ballpark to other class leaders such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X, with its $179.99 / £174.99 price tag, and while it’s slightly more expensive, you do get wider compatibility and connectivity options with Bluetooth, although HyperX’s competitor has a much longer battery life. 

It’s also comparable in price to one of our favorite wireless gaming headsets, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, with its £179 / $179 price tag, and while the Cloud III Wireless is cheaper in the USA, it’s roughly equivalent in the UK, meaning this has got a lot to live up to. The Cloud III Wireless is also available in Australia at a price of AU$279.

Specs

HyperX Cloud III Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

Design and features

The Cloud III Wireless is a signature headset from HyperX in terms of its design, carrying the same recognizable shapes as the brand’s previous entries. In fact, squint, and you might think you’re looking at the Cloud Alpha Wireless instead.

The most noticeable differences here compared to the Alpha Wireless are the lack of red stitching on the headband, and slightly angular earcups compared to the perfect ovals found on other headsets in the HyperX range. The Cloud III Wireless also comes with bright red aluminum forks, as well as speckled black and red wiring from the headband to the earcups, which looks excellent.

This is a well-made headset, with no creaks or odd noises from the plastic. Its headband and earcups are noticeably plusher than the Cloud Alpha Wireless, while the cups are deep, aiding comfort and also helping the Cloud III Wireless to provide some class-leading passive noise isolation. At 11.6oz / 330g, this sits in the middle of over-ear gaming headsets weight-wise and feels reasonably comfortable to wear for extended periods, although the slightly lighter clamping force can mean the Cloud III Wireless moves around on your head if not adjusted properly.

Luckily, this is a comfortable headset to wear for extended periods, once configured for your head properly. I had little trouble setting it up for hours of use and found the Cloud III Wireless to be one of the more comfortable headsets I’ve used, especially with those deeper earcups. There isn’t much room for adjustment around those earcups, however, as the Cloud III Wireless doesn’t fold flat, or offer much rotation there.

As with other HyperX headsets, the Cloud III Wireless features physical controls which are well-distributed across both earcups. The left-hand option features a power button and mic mute, as well as a USB-C port for charging and a place for slotting the detachable boom mic into. The right-hand side is home to a tactile and textured volume roller. Luckily, the buttons are different sizes, so it’s easy to find the one you want with ease.

While this headset solely connects via the bundled 2.4GHz receiver, it is at least quite a small option compared to other receivers which can be quite bulky and protrude out from a USB port on your PC, PS5, or Switch. The Cloud III Wireless’ receiver also boasts a detachable USB-A adapter alongside its initial USB-C connector, therefore improving compatibility.

HyperX Cloud III Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

Performance

The Cloud III Wireless sounds superb in games with overall solid positioning in the likes of Counter-Strike 2 and other high-paced first-person shooter titles where finding the overall position of an enemy in time to pepper them with bullets is of top priority. In addition, engine notes in the likes of Forza Horizon 5 and F1 22 were clear, while explosions and gunfire in CS:2 had fantastic power thanks to the prominent low-end.

A word of advice - don’t enable the DTS Headphone:X spatial audio when listening to music, as it muddies the entire experience and can make some tracks sound as if they are being played from the next room, or down a loudspeaker. It is better with games, although only works in fully supported titles such as Forza Horizon 5. With games that don’t have full DTS Headphone:X support, the Cloud Wireless III has mixed results, occasionally spitting out a crunched-up mess as it attempts to process the signal. You’re better off leaving it off completely for the best performance.

As is typical for gaming headsets, the Cloud III Wireless has a lot of bass and this is particularly noticeable when listening to music. Rush’s Sweet Miracle offered plenty of low-end grunt, while Daryl Hall and John Oates’ Maneater presented more low-end than competing headsets, especially against Hall’s leading vocal on the verse lines.

HyperX Cloud III Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

Mids and highs are clearer than the low end, with the Cloud III Wireless representing vocals especially well such as on James Taylor’s Caroline I See You, while the top-end hi-hats on Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley were bright and crisp. The Cloud III Wireless doesn’t offer the widest soundstage, as busier recordings such as Rush’s Sweet Miracle can feel hemmed in with this particular set, while the prominent bongos on Earth, Wind and Fire’s September feel closer to my right ear than on other similarly-priced headsets and audio-focused headphones.

The Cloud III Wireless’ boom microphone is clear, offering a good amount of body from its pickup in my testing, while its rejection of noise other than voices is also pretty good. Compared to other options though, it lacks some low-end so recordings can sound a little open-ended at the bottom, although the mid-range where your voice lives is more than adequate.

Connectivity over the 2.4GHz receiver is convenient, and I had no trouble pairing the Cloud III Wireless to my PC. It’s a simple case of plugging the receiver into a spare USB-C or USB-A port and turning the headset on. The Cloud III Wireless flashes a green LED, bleeps, and then connects. The same also went for use with my Nintendo Switch.

The main reason for purchasing the Cloud III Wireless over its rivals is its especially long battery life of up to 120 hours. It means that you won’t be charging this head for a good couple of weeks for more intensive use, and for longer if you’re using it less frequently. In my fortnight of testing the Cloud III Wireless, I only had to charge it once, and it otherwise chugged along nicely. For reference, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X will only last for 38 hours between charges, while the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro only offers up to 24 hours, meaning this Cloud III Wireless has them both beat in terms of endurance.

Unfortunately, the Cloud III Wireless falls down with its software control. HyperX’s NGenuity software has never been the best option for peripheral controls, and that continues with the Cloud III Wireless. For a headset priced so optimistically against the competition, NGenuity feels cheap, only offering basic customization for picking an EQ preset or creating your own from a ten-band EQ. Otherwise, it provides toggle switches for mic monitoring and spatial audio, as well as volume control for the headset and microphone.

HyperX Cloud III Wireless

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the HyperX Cloud III Wireless?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

If the HyperX Cloud III Wireless isn’t your jam,  then you should consider these two multi-platform marvels instead:

How I tested the HyperX Cloud III Wireless

I tested the HyperX Cloud III Wireless for two weeks, using it as my main headset during that time. I used it for playing a wide range of games on both PC and Nintendo Switch, as well as for conferencing duties on PC during working hours. As for games, I tested the Cloud III Wireless with a range of titles where directional audio was of major importance, including the likes of Counter-Strike 2, Forza Horizon 5, and F1 22. I also streamed music through Spotify and with high-quality MP3 files for understanding how the headset handles music. With the microphone, I tested it with online gaming sessions and recorded tested files in Audacity.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed May 2024

Deals: iPhones are £100 off, this time including the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
1:14 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Amazon UK has dropped £100 off the prices for the entire iPhone lineup (except the SE). A while back there was a similar price drop, but it only covered the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus – this time the two Pro models are discounted as well. Starting with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the base 256GB model is over a thousand pounds even with the discount. But iPhones were never cheap, the Pro Maxs least of all. Still, it's the best Apple phone ever made at least until this September. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max £100 off ...

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless Keyboard and Mouse review
9:50 am |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

The Ody II is a budget wireless keyboard from Trust that promises a quiet typing experience. If, like us, you’re coming from the clacking and clattering of a cheap full-sized keyboard, the difference is immediately noticeable. Smooth, near-silent, spill-proof, this is an impressive unit for the price. 

We’ve tested out plenty of office keyboards, keyboards for programmers, spent decades hammering on wired and wireless and cheap and expensive and full-sized and compact models. If  you spend a lot of time writing reports, essays, code, your latest screenplay and you don’t want to disturb those around you, and you don’t want to break the bank, the trust Ody II is worth checking out. 

That’s the TLDR. And it comes with some caveats. This isn’t ergonomically designed, it’s not low profile, and it’s not a mechanical keyboard - although it offers a closer typing experience compared to a lot of modern, flat keyboards, and even boasts a numpad. But is silence really golden? We put the Ody II to the test. And yes, in true review fashion, this one was written using the keyboard in question.  

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Pricing & availability

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

The Trust Ody II silent keyboard is available as a standalone unit or as part of a keyboard and mouse combo, like our review unit. This set comes in at £20 and is widely available in the UK, from the likes of Argos, and across the rest of Europe. 

US availability appears non-existent. For a US equivalent, we’d be looking at something like the Logitech MK295 wireless keyboard and mouse set.  

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Design & build

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

Despite being a budget model, we were impressed with the overall design and construction of the Ody II. With its professional heavy black and embossed pebbling along the upper strip, it’s as sharp as a tailored business suit. There’s a nice weight to it, bolstered by the required three AAA batteries, and unlike many cheap keyboards, the casing doesn’t feel too plasticky. The keys themselves have a smooth feel to them, which is good for longer typing sessions. 

Along the top row of the keyboard, you’ll find the physical on-off switch, while Function keys can be switched to media playback and hotkeys by pressing Fn + Tab. This works well in practice, but we would’ve liked to see some visual cue to show which is active. 

The mouse bundled alongside the keyboard is fine. This is a standard 800 dpi - 1.600 dpi pointer with a speed button beneath a scroll wheel that’s very satisfying to roll. Comfortable enough under-hand with its rubber coating making it feel slightly more premium than it is, and like the keyboard, clicks are relatively quiet. Also like the keyboard, it’s not an ergonomic design. It uses a single AA battery. 

Tucked away beneath the keyboard, you’ll find the Bluetooth adapter which feels snug in slot, but comes out easily. This single adapter is used to connect your PC to both devices. So, if you’re limited on ports, this is a good space-saver. Our experience here was good. We removed our wired unit, plugged in the USB-A adapter, then the keyboard and mouse worked. It was all very simple, seamless instant, the way it should be. No-one wants to be diving into Bluetooth settings just to write an email. 

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Performance

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

Using the Ody II has been a joy. A softer, gentler, typing experience, that feels like it can still take a beating when you’re pounding out a report past the deadline. It’s not completely silent, but certainly whisper quiet and unlikely to disturb those around you even during a writing frenzy. We came from a similarly designed but very noisy keyboard, and the difference is remarkable. That overall pleasing experience is aided by its elevated or ‘floating’ keys. This further dampens sound, while allowing for greater depth and travel. 

During our time with the Ody II, we experienced no issues whatsoever. No lag between key presses, or having to press buttons multiple times to get them to work. Any typos are purely the writer’s own. Under day-to-day office usage, it performed very well. As a wireless unit, it works up to 10m away from the Bluetooth adapter - you’ll know when you’ve strayed too far, as the board’s green light disappears, showing connection loss. This also happens when you don’t use the keyboard for some time, but we found ‘awakening’ it was instantaneous. 

Using the bundled mouse, too, was a lag-free experience with none of the frustrations you sometimes get with cheap or budget brands. It’s not the best mouse we’ve ever used, lacking ergonomics for all-day use, but if you just need a classic office mouse for everyday use, it’s a welcome addition. 

The real question for us is how long will the batteries last. Both devices had low-end batteries included, which are still holding up post-review. In an ideal world, we’d add a recharge option here - a cable for wired and wireless connections, making it useful for those who prefer the reliability of wired keyboards, and those who like the flexibility that comes from wireless models. 

Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Final verdict

Trust Ody II Silent Wireless keyboard and mouse during our test and review process

(Image credit: Trust)

Really, we can only re-iterate what we said right at the start. If you do a lot of typing and want a silent experience on a budget, the Trust Ody II wireless keyboard is a fine bit of kit. While not totally silent, it’s as quiet as a whisper, the keys softly muted when pressed, and the overall experience of writing is incredibly comfortable, if not ergonomic. 

For us, the mouse is very much a secondary character - a classic office mouse that’s comfortable enough if you don’t mind the lack of ergonomics. It’s nice to have, if you pick the combo set, but either way the keyboard is the real star of the show. Well-priced, well-designed, and mostly silent. 

Should I buy?

Weekly poll: who will splurge on the Honor Magic6 RSR Porsche Design?
8:01 am |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Earlier this week Honor started the global rollout of the Honor Magic6 RSR. This is largely similar to the Magic6 Ultimate on the inside, but the outside is the work of Porsche Design. One thing that puts it above the Ultra is the 24GB of RAM on board (paired with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3). There is only one storage option and it is 1TB. As for colors, there are a couple to choose from – Frozen Berry (the hero color of the 2020 Taycan) and Agate Gray (a classic paint job of Porsche 911 race cars). Honor Magic6 RSR in: Frozen Berry • Agate Gray We have a detailed review if you...

Weekly poll results: Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is shaping up to be a hit, Pura 70 tops the Pro model
4:03 am |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The lack of Google Play Store on the Huawei Pura 70 series is not ideal but not a deal-breaker either – per the comments under last week’s poll, some are already using Google-less Huawei phones and are eyeing the new series. That said, it is a no-go for others as some vital apps (e.g. local banking apps) are missing, but it seems like Huawei did a good job of stocking up the App Gallery. So, what do people think of the four phones? Well, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is a blockbuster in the making with half of voters expressing interest in it and only a fraction of those are waiting on reviews...

Deals: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 FE prices fall
12:11 am |
Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Last week a 512GB Galaxy S24 Ultra was $1,220, now it’s down $50 on both Amazon and Best Buy. The 256GB model remains at $1,100 and doubling the storage is well worth the $70 if you ask us. It will help with the phone’s longevity (it will be supported for 7 years) as OS and apps will continue to grow in the coming years. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 12/512GB $250 off Read our review $1,170 at Amazon US $1,170 at Best Buy The Samsung Galaxy S23...

The Hisense U9N 4K TV is mini-LED taken to the max, with powerful built-in Dolby Atmos sound too – Samsung should be worried
9:00 pm | May 4, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Comments: Off

Hisense just announced its new Hisense U9N series mini-LED TVs, and as part of that announcement, the company invited reviewers, myself included, to spend quality hands-on time with a pre-production 75-inch version of the U9N at a launch event in New York.

The Hisense U9N series TVs slot between the company’s flagship ULED X series and the new U8N series (review coming soon) TVs, and incorporate technology from the ULED X lineup. Specifically, they use Hisense’s Hi-View Engine X picture processing and a mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 local dimming zones. That’s a strikingly high number, even among the best TVs that use mini-LED – the Hisense U8K, in contrast, topped out at around 1,000 local dimming zones.

As you might expect, the premium tech packaged in the U9N series comes with a price boost over the U8N series, with the 75-inch version selling for $2,999 (around  £2,400 / AU$ 4,530) and $3,999 (around  £3,200 / AU$ 6,050) for the 85-inch version. (Compare that to the $1,999 pricing for the 75-inch Hisense U8N.) Hisense plans to ship both models this summer, and they will be sold at Best Buy and Amazon.

HIsense U9N close up of speaker

The Hisense U9N features substantial side-firing speakers, as shown here. (Image credit: Future)

The U9N series also has a premium design that aligns closely with the ULED X series TVs. That includes an aluminum bezel and side-mounted speakers, with the latter providing the left and right channels for the TV’s built-in 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker system, which gets up to 82 watts of power (on the 85-inch model).

Picture-enhancing features of the U9N series include Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ high dynamic range support, and IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode presets. An ultra-wide viewing angle feature ensures that picture quality is maintained when viewing from off-center seats and the screen also has an anti-glare coating to reduce reflections.

On the gaming front, the U9N series supports a 144Hz refresh rate, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Dolby Vision gaming. 

The Google TV platform handles smart features and streaming and there’s an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving next-gen digital TV broadcasts.

Color test pattern shown on the Hisense U9N TV

The U9N's off-axis viewing performance is excellent as demonstrated by this color test pattern shown straight on and at an extreme angle. (Image credit: Future)

Picture Performance

Along with its massive dimming zone count, Hisense has made dramatic brightness claims for its U9N series and the other new Hisense TVs announced for 2024. With the TV in its Filmmaker Mode picture preset, I measured around 3,000 nits peak brightness on a 10% white window pattern – a result that bests even the new Samsung QN900D flagship 8K TV, which measured around 2,400 nits on the same test. Dramatically high brightness confirmed!

Brightness with a fullscreen white test pattern in the same mode was 600 nits, a result that also bests Samsung’s flagship TV. On other tests, the 75-inch U9N managed a very impressive 99.3% coverage of the UHDA-P3 color gamut and 82% of the BT.2020 color gamut, and a measured input lag of 15.2ms when in Game mode. That level of input lag isn’t the best we’ve measured – some of the best gaming TVs clock in under 10ms – but it’s still considered good enough.

Along with its stellar measured performance, the QN9 has excellent off-axis uniformity. Looking at a pattern from the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc designed to test off-axis performance, the TV’s ultra-wide viewing angle feature ensured that color and contrast were perfectly uniform even at a far off-center viewing position.

Hisense U9N showing screen reflections

Although this picture exaggerates the effect, screen reflections could be seen on the U9N with overhead lights on. (Image credit: Future)

With 5,300 local dimming zones, you’d expect to see detailed reproduction of shadows in dark scenes, and the UN9 didn’t disappoint. Watching the scene in Dune: Part One where Paul Atreides is tested by the Reverend Mother (Question: “What’s in the box?” Answer: “Pain”), backgrounds in the dim environment had a high level of clarity, and the mesh covering her face was a deep, solid black tone.

While I didn’t notice anything off with movies, I did note some “black blotching’ effects on a starfield test pattern on the Spears & Munsil disc designed to test local dimming performance. Basically, with local dimming switched off, I could see plenty of stars in the pattern, and when switched to the Filmmaker Mode’s default High setting, large patches of stars disappeared. Hisense told me the issue is something they had also noted, however, and it will be fixed before the UN9 ships this summer.

Turning to No Time to Die, another demo 4K Blu-ray and one that I use to test motion handling, there was a high level of motion judder in a shot where the camera pans across a cemetery on a craggy hillside. Adjusting both the Custom Judder and Blur settings in the Motion Clarity menu to +4 remedied the issue, and it only added a very slight amount of “motion smoothing” to the image.

Although the U9N is touted as having an anti-glare screen, I could see a fair amount of screen reflections when I turned on the overhead lights in the room I tested it in. It certainly wasn’t the worst instance of this I’ve encountered, but having seen the new Samsung S95D OLED TV’s Glare-Free technology in action, which proved completely immune to room lighting, I’m starting to have higher expectations for glare-reduction tech.

Sound performance 

Most high-end TVs now arrive with built-in 4.1.2 Dolby Atmos speaker systems, which use actual upfiring speaker drivers on the TV’s top edge rather than virtual processing to deliver Dolby Atmos soundtracks. Hisense’s U9N managed to play loud during the action scenes in both Dune and No Time to Die without sounding overly strained and there was good bass and dialogue clarity. Built-in TV speakers typically aren’t a match for the best soundbars, but anyone wanting spacious Dolby Atmos sound from a TV alone will not be disappointed with the U9N’s performance.

Hisense U9N TV remote control held in hand

The Hisense U9N comes with a much improved new remote control with a backlit keypad. (Image credit: Future)

Mini-LED to the max 

The Hisense U9N’s high brightness and impressive local dimming make it a hot prospect to land among the best TVs of 2024. And even though the 75-inch model’s $2,999 price could be considered high for a TV, it’s still quite reasonable compared to the mini-LED competition – it's lower than the 75-inch Samsung QN90D, for example, which costs $3,299.

Does the Hisense U9N leave room for improvement? Its motion handling isn’t the best, and when I measured it in Filmmaker Mode, both gamma and white balance were less accurate than what I usually expect from a premium TV. Even so, I walked away from my encounter with the U9N impressed, and could see it making serious waves this summer once it arrives.

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Samsung Q990D review: the best Dolby Atmos soundbar, and now perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X, too
8:00 pm |
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Two minute review

The Samsung HW-Q990D follows in the footsteps of one of the best soundbars in recent years, the Samsung HW-Q990C, but adds gaming features including 4K 120Hz and VRR pass-through, along with a more refined and controlled sound profile. 

Filled to the brim with features, the Q990D offers plenty of settings for those who like to experiment. AI enhancements including Adaptive Sound and SpaceFit allow the Q990D to analyze sources and the viewing environment to create the best possible experience. Alongside these, the new gaming features enable users to get the most from their PS5 or Xbox Series X. And for those with a Samsung TV, there’s also Q-Symphony and a wireless Dolby Atmos option.

Carrying 22 speakers across four units, with an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D confirms Samsung's continued domination of the soundbar market, especially when it comes to immersive Dolby Atmos sound. But, it’s not just immersive sound where it succeeds, as bass levels are punchy yet refined and trebles and mids can breathe easy over the bass.  The Q990D also serves as an excellent music streaming option whether over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with its wide soundstage giving every aspect of a song the space it needs.

Although on the bulkier side, the Q990D feels every bit its premium price thanks to its solid build quality, and it has a sleek, modern look. The main soundbar’s size may be an issue for some and its front LED display is not the most user-friendly, but for many, it will beat the mess of cables you get with a wired home theater setup.

With a variety of control options including a supplied remote and the Samsung SmartThings app, the Q990D is easy to use and tailor settings to how you like. Initial setup is a breeze, making it simple to get great sound. 

The Q990D may be a premium soundbar, and there are cheaper options such as last year’s Samsung Q990C and this year’s Samsung HW-Q930D, but neither of those carries the full range of features or the performance found in the Q990D. Although pricey, it delivers the best Dolby Atmos soundbar experience you can get today. 

Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers

The Samsung HW-Q990D comprises a soundbar, subwoofer and two surrounds, with 11.1.4 channels across 22 speakers. (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Price & release date

  • Release date - March 2024 
  • Price - $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995 

The Samsung HW-Q990D is Samsung’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar for 2024. Released at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar package.

For context, that’s roughly $400 more than the JBL Bar 1300X, an older soundbar that includes wireless rear speakers and a powerful subwoofer, but is roughly $500 more than the most widely available Sonos home theater package, which features the Sonos Arc, Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and a pair of Sonos Era 100s as rears.

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Specs

Samsung HW-Q990D in front of the Samsung S95D

The Samsung HW-Q990D (connected to the Samsung S95D TV) now has gaming features including 120Hz and VRR. (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Features

  • 11.1.4 speaker channels 
  • HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support  
  • Wireless Dolby Atmos  

The Samsung Q990D has many of  the same features as its impressive predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q990C, including 11.1.4 speaker channels and 22 speakers spread across the four units (soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers).

One new feature is HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, with both HDMI inputs supporting 4K120Hz and VRR. Both HDMI ports also pass through HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats.

Supported sound formats include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD. 

The Q990D is stacked with sound-enhancing features including Adaptive Sound, which analyzes what you’re watching and intelligently adjusts audio levels; SpaceFit Sound Pro, which analyzes your environment and tunes the Q990D’s audio output for the space; and Game Mode Pro, which tailors directional sound to optimal levels when gaming.

Wi-Fi streaming on the Q990D supports hi-res audio formats including ALAC, FLAC and WAV and also Dolby Atmos music tracks found on streaming services such as Apple Music and Tidal. Speaking of streaming, there is also Spotify and Tidal Connect support. 

There are some Samsung-exclusive enhancements alongside these features (meaning they only work with compatible Samsung TVs). The first is Q-Symphony, where the Q990D works with the speakers of a Samsung TV to boost sound even further. The next is wireless Dolby Atmos, where a Samsung TV can stream Dolby Atmos soundtracks - albeit a compressed version - to the Q990D.

Last is Tap Sound, where you tap your Samsung smartphone on the Q990D and it starts playing the music you’re streaming. 

Control options include a hardware remote control and the Samsung SmartThings app. With the app, you can make EQ adjustments, activate voice and bass enhancement, and select Night Mode, which adjusts the sound to a suitable level for late-night viewing or listening. The app also isn’t just for the Q990D, but can control any compatible Samsung product.

  • Features score: 5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D main bar

The Samsung HW-Q990D main soundbar  (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Performance

  • Exceptional immersive sound
  • Powerful, yet detailed audio 
  • Impressive gaming performance 

For years, Samsung’s flagship soundbars have continually impressed, serving as a pinnacle of what a soundbar-based home theater audio system is capable of, and the Q990D continues this trend. 

With 22 speakers across the four units, including four height channels, in an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D creates an outstanding immersive experience, with expert reproduction of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks and real surround sound.

Watching Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney Plus, the final attack and ensuing space battle involving the Death Star was every bit as cinematic as it should be. As X-Wings and Tie Fighters shot across the screen from every angle, the direction of the soaring engines glided across the speakers impeccably and John Williams’ iconic score in the rear speakers kept the tension high without drowning out other effects. Dialogue was crisp and clear, cutting through the densely packed mix of engines, lasers and music. Watching this, I truly felt like I was in the cockpit, as the iconic screech of the Tie Fighter passed over my head. 

Although immersive sound is where the Q990D succeeded the most,  bass levels from the weighty subwoofer also impressed. The rumble of the Batmobile’s engine in The Batman during the Penguin car chase sounded meaty with plenty of low-end punch. On previous Q990 generations, the bass could get carried away on occasion, but the Q990D’s bass feels more nuanced and controlled - dynamic but without overwhelming the rest of the mix.

Even when watching movies with a stereo soundtrack such as The Amazing Spider-Man on DVD, the Q990D boosted the sound through upmixing and gave more oomph to every fight sequence and web swing through NYC. 

Other parts of the audio mix are well-balanced on the Q990D. High notes come across without being too shrill whilst mids sit comfortably where they should in the mix, with everything combining to create a full, detailed sound. 

Although it’s not as impressive with music as with movies, the Q990D is still a triumph. When I streamed tracks from Tidal and Spotify in uncompressed hi-res and compressed formats respectively, the Q990D did a good job of balancing instruments and handled every genre well. Listening to Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World, the bass and drums sounded punchy, and the trebles of the synths and guitars sliced through evenly.

Listening to Dolby Atmos music tracks via Tidal, the Q990D again showed its prowess. Thelonius Monk’s Monk’s Dream (Take 8) spread out across the Q990D’s speakers, with every instrument given equal room to breathe - from the twinkling piano to the bright sax and the warm bass notes. 

Sometimes the mix would sound forced on these Dolby Atmos tracks, with some instruments pushing a little too hard. But the Q990D generally continued to shine and even tracks streamed over lower quality Bluetooth sounded good. 

The Q990D was connected to a Samsung S95D TV during my testing, with Samsung-centric features such as Q Symphony available. And while this did provide an extra layer to the sound, adding a greater sense of space and power, the Q990D gave a great cinematic experience without it. 

As for gaming performance, when playing Battlefield V with an Xbox Series X, gaming was smooth, as switching between targets felt easy and the action suitably pacy. 

The most surprising element of the Q990D’s gaming performance was the low 9.2ms input lag time, meaning its HDMI pass-through didn’t add any latency. For those needing 4K 120Hz, VRR and low input lag for their console, the Q990D can provide. 

  • Performance score: 5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D front display

The Samsung HW-Q990D's front display isn't the easiest to read... (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Design

  • Solid, premium design 
  • Front display isn’t easiest to read
  • Slightly wider than a 55-inch TV  

The Q990D comprises four units: a soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers. The subwoofer is sizable and hefty, but its wireless connection allows it to be placed anywhere in the room (as long as there’s a mains socket nearby to plug in for power). The rear speakers, meanwhile, have a compact yet sleek design. 

The soundbar itself measures 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, making it slightly longer than a 55-inch TV (which roughly measures 1200mm). At 595mm, it isn’t the tallest soundbar, but could still cut off the bottom of a lot of TVs. The soundbar is also weighty, although that demonstrates its premium quality. 

The soundbar and rear speakers sport a gray/navy matte finish that gives them a minimalist, modern appearance. A mesh grille on the soundbar’s front makes it quite difficult to see what input you’re using and other information provided on the front panel LED display, however.

  • Design score: 4 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D supplied remote

The Samsung HW-Q990D can be controlled with the above supplied remote, the Samsung SmartThings app or your TV remote via HDMI-CEC. (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Setup & usability

  • HDMI eARC connection to TV
  • Wireless connection between units  
  • Remote or SmartThings app for control  

With four separate, wireless units, setting up the Q990D seems like it would be daunting, but the Q990D makes setup almost effortless. Once all units are plugged in and the soundbar is connected to the TV by HDMI eARC, the subwoofer and rear speakers connect by simply pressing a button on the back and you’re ready to go.

You can either use the supplied remote or the Samsung SmartThings app for control, with adjustments for boosting voice, bass and more. The Q990D can also be controlled via the TV remote using HDMI-CEC. Finally, there are control buttons and an LED display on top of the soundbar. 

For those looking to optimize audio based on their room’s layout, there is also the SpaceFit Pro calibration system, which can be performed during initial setup or on the fly using the SmartThings app. 

  • Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5

Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar

The Samsung HW-Q990D is pricey, but you get an entire Atmos experience across four units. (Image credit: Future)

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Value

  • Premium price 
  • Best home theater soundbar option
  • Samsung Q990C still available   

Priced at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar. And although its features and excellent all-around performance justify the price, it is no doubt going to push some people’s budgets.

The Samsung HW-Q990C, the Q990D’s predecessor, is still available and sells at a reduced price that’s only going to fall further - I’ve seen it selling for roughly $400 / £600 cheaper than the Q990D. It does miss out on the Q990D’s gaming features, but if they’re not relevant to you, the Q990C is fine. Another option is the Samsung HW-Q930D, the step-down model from the Q990D which comes with fewer channels and features. 

Still, in terms of features and performance, the Q990D offers a Dolby Atmos home theater experience no other soundbar can offer. To beat it, you’d need to look at full AV setups that don’t allow for the same tidy installation or ease of use.

  • Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990D?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Samsung HW-Q990D review: Also consider

How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990D

Samsung HW-Q990D in front of TV

(Image credit: Future)
  • Connected to the Samsung S95D 
  • Tested with variety of sources 
  • Both surround sound and stereo sound tested

To test the Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar, I connected it to the Samsung S95D - the flagship 2024 OLED TV from Samsung. The majority of testing was done with Q-Symphony and any other Samsung-centric features turned off to see how the Q990D would fare if connected to sets from other brands. 

After some run-in time, I selected reference scenes from both streaming and 4K Blu-ray to test spatial sound, mainly Dolby Atmos. I then used lower-resolution sources such as DVD to test the Q990D on its handling of non-surround movie audio. I analyzed the Q990D's spatial sound but also bass, trebles, mids, and dialogue clarity. 

After this, I streamed music through both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to test the Q990D's music playback quality. I played hi-res audio and Atmos music tracks from Tidal and lossy quality tracks via Bluetooth from Spotify. 

Read more about how we test

  • First reviewed: May 2024
vivo X100 Ultra’s camera samples shared by company official
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Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

vivo is expected to unveil the X100s and X100 Ultra this month. The brand recently shared camera samples of the vivo X100s, showcasing the phone's AI-powered image editing capability. Now, we are looking at a couple of pictures clicked with the vivo X100 Ultra, which were shared by the company's VP on Weibo. These pictures show China's Chang'e 6 lunar probe. The photos' borders reveal the camera has an f/2.67 aperture, while the focal length equivalent to 230mm suggests they were captured at 10x zoom. vivo X100 Ultra camera samples Reliable tipster Digital Chat Station says...

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