December 2024

Welcome To The Hi-Fi+ 2025 Awards
Congratulations to our £2,900 contest winner!
Editorial By Alan Sircom

  As this Awards issue went to press, we heard news that audio giant Bose will purchase the McIntosh Group, the company behind McIntosh audio electronics and Sonus faber loudspeakers. The inevitable stream of online comments ensued, with everything from expecting McIntosh and Sonus faber to disappear by the end of the week, through general hatred toward late-stage capitalism, to a few positive voices.

Although such buyouts are often uneasy actions, there's three things to consider here. First, this is not the McIntosh Group's first time it's been bought and sold. The group has been through several venture capitalist and managed buyouts in recent years. Bose might just be its forever home. Secondly, Bose brings a lot of corporate firepower (and a well-stocked war chest) to the party... who knows, maybe we'll see the return of Wadia, as the brand name is a vestigial part of the McIntosh Group. Finally, there's a big difference between McIntosh Group being snapped up by an acquisitive asset stripper and a long-standing audio-directed trust like Bose.

Given that the purchase has just been announced, it's a bit early to start panicking about the future of McIntosh and Sonus faber under new ownership. So, maybe stop doom-scrolling and give it time.

We were saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Paul Burnip, 55, lately best known for his work with Decent Audio. Paul, who had worked in the audio industry in the UK for many years and with several big name brands, was one of the most positive and friendly people in the audio world. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Errata: In the WADAX Studio • Player review in last month's issue (237), we suggested that the player had a Bluetooth connection. This was incorrect; Bluetooth is NOT supported in the WADAX Studio • Player. Instead music can be controlled by smartphone using Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect native apps. In addition, we have been informed that all the issues reported have now been resolved with the latest firmware update. Our apologies for any confusion caused.

Finally, we would like to congratulate Robert Frank of Shaker Heights, Ohio, USA, who wins the excellent $1,899 Benchmark DAC3 B digital converter. We would also like to congratulate Chris Moore from Nottingham in the UK, who wins a pair of the outstanding Graham Audio LS6 Anniversary stand-mount loudspeakers worth £4,022. Finally, we would like to congratulate Sean Brazier from Stockport in the UK who wins a Gold Note IS-10 integrated amplifier worth £2,900. Well done, everyone!

Alan Sircom, Editor hi-fi+

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