Andy Madden
Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.
Latest articles by Andy Madden

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: which wireless earbuds are better?
By Joe Svetlik published
Will Sennheiser's newcomers topple the reigning champions in the wireless earbuds space?

12 of the best British indie and alternative tracks to test your hi-fi system
By Lewis Empson published
We've rounded up our favourite British indie and alternative tracks that we use to test hi-fi kit and headphones

8 of the best British DACs of all time
By Andy Madden last updated
We've tested some exceptional five-star DACs over the years, many of which have UK heritage.

11 of the best Arcam products of all time
By Andy Madden last updated
Arcam has produced some sensational hi-fi and home cinema products over the years – here are just a few highlights.

13 of the best British CD players of all time
By Andy Madden last updated
British Hi-Fi Week We round-up some of the best British CD players to grace the world of hi-fi, including entries from Arcam, Cyrus, Meridian and more.

Roon’s CEO talks acquisitions, hi-fi enthusiasts and the “tyranny of choice” for music streamers
By Andy Madden published
We sat down with Roon at CES 2024 to discuss its acquisition by Harman International and future plans for the platform.

Affordable hi-fi is here to stay, but OLED TVs will remain a luxury: 6 things we learned at CES 2024
By Alastair Stevenson published
Our team of experts detail the biggest insights CES has given about what to expect from hi-fi and home cinema companies this year

I saw Fiio’s cassette player at CES 2024 and it had me feeling warm, fuzzy and frustrated
By Andy Madden published
At CES 2024, Fiio gave a public debut to its new CP13 cassette player - is it time to dust off your tape collection?

Samsung takes the OLED TV battle to LG with its brightest screens yet
By Andy Madden last updated
Samsung has officially unveiled three new ranges of OLED TV for 2024, including its brightest sets to date.

JBL’s Xtreme 4 wireless speaker uses AI to boost sound quality
By Andy Madden published
JBL looks to build on the five-star Xtreme 3 with a new AI-powered, sound-boosting algorithm.

JBL’s new wireless earbuds are smarter than your average AirPods rivals
By Andy Madden published
JBL’s Live TWS 3 Series is the second range to feature JBL’s Smart Charging Case, complete with touchscreen LED display.

Samsung’s 8K Neo QLED TV range uses AI to supercharge picture and sound quality
By Andy Madden published
Samsung has taken the wraps off key models from its 2024 TV line-up, including an 8K range with advanced AI processing.

Dear LG and Samsung, I really want you to start making great audio products again
By Andy Madden published
Samsung and LG have had some success in the audio sphere before, but what’s holding them back?

Best of 2023: from top-tier OLEDs to retro revivals, our team picks its favourite products
By Alastair Stevenson published
2023 has been a busy year, but these are the What Hi-Fi? review team's personal highlights.

7 things I’ve learned testing in-car hi-fi for a decade
By Andy Madden published
Listening to everything from budget to high-end set-ups, I've learned a thing or two that you might find helpful.

6 sound settings you shouldn’t ignore on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
By Andy Madden published
Handy hints and secret sound settings will help you make the most of Bose’s five-star noise-cancelling over-ears.

Bose’s spatial audio tech is a nice idea for headphones but it’s too hit-and-miss
By Andy Madden published
I've been spending some time using Bose's Immersive Audio tech with its Ultra range of headphones – here's my verdict

I’m a hi-fi expert and these talented systems deliver stunning value and performance
By Andy Madden last updated
I’ve spotted some excellent all-in-one systems with big money off, courtesy of Audiolab, Cambridge Audio and KEF.

What Hi-Fi? Awards: 26 Product of the Year winners announced for 2023!
By Andy Madden published
Today we have decorated 26 of our 107 Best Buy winners with the even more prestigious Product of the Year accolade…

HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC: everything you need to know
By Andy Madden last updated
In-depth Ever wondered what the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input on your TV means? And where does the newer HDMI eARC fit in?

Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System (BMW 5 Series 2023)
By Andy Madden published
Not yet ratedWe've been out for a spin with Bowers & Wilkins' in-car system for the new 2023 5 Series. Here are our first impressions.

It’s a clean sweep for Sony’s wireless headphones at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023
By Andy Madden published
Sony served up an absolute feast of five-star wireless headphones this year and it has reaped the rewards.

If Apple launches two AirPods 4 models in 2024, I can see one big problem
By Andy Madden published
Leaks suggest Apple is working on two different pairs of 4th Gen AirPods, but will the designs go far enough?
Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.