
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

Christmas comes early! Award-winning Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar now £127 off
By Lewis Empson last updated
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2), one of our favourite Dolby Atmos soundbars, is down to £372 with this festive deal.

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.

Quick! AirPods Pro Cyber Monday deal ends today – only $190 at Target
By Andy Madden last updated
Hurry – you have one day left to save yourself $60 (or 24%) on these excellent earbuds

Don't buy Apple AirPods 3 this Cyber Monday, I've found a better wireless earbuds deal
By Andy Madden published
I've seen a lot of fantastic wireless earbuds deals over the past 48 hours but the AirPods 3 isn't one of them.

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?

9 of the best Halloween tracks to test your hi-fi system
By Ainsley Walker published
We've put together some of our favourite Halloween-themed tracks that are perfect for putting your kit through its paces

Sony's next PS5 controller could have a surprise treat for wireless earbuds fans
By Andy Madden published
Sony has filed a patent for a clever next-gen PlayStation 5 controller that can also house a pair of wireless earbuds.

Apple, I owe you an apology about the AirPods Pro 2
By Andy Madden published
Apple’s earbuds have never been near the top of my list, but its flagship in-ears have changed all that.

Eye-catching Prime Day 2 deal sees five-star Bose wireless earbuds get over 30% off
By Andy Madden published
As far as early Black Friday deals go, this big saving on one of our favourite pairs of earbuds shouldn't be ignored.

The Sonus Faber Duetto is a KEF-rivalling wireless speaker system with streaming smarts
By Andy Madden published
Sonus Faber’s new active system includes music-streaming smarts, HDMI connectivity and more.

7 of the best Taylor Swift tracks to test your wireless headphones
By Andy Madden published
This hand-picked playlist from pop's finest will put any wireless headphones through their paces.

This awesome hi-fi deal combines a five-star Marantz amplifier with fantastic Dali speakers
By Andy Madden published
We've spotted a great deal combining two five-star and Award-winning products from Marantz and Dali.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphone range goes big on spatial audio – and includes Sony XM5 rivals
By Andy Madden published
The new range of noise-cancelling headphones features Bose Immersive Audio, the company's take on spatial audio.

There's one huge audio announcement that Apple didn't mention at the iPhone 15 launch
By Andy Madden published
The AirPods Pro 2 are going to support Lossless Audio, but only with Apple's Vision Pro headset.

I switched from the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II to the Sony XM5 and... I’m torn
By Andy Madden published
I’ve moved from one pair of fantastic five-star wireless earbuds to another, but I’m not sure I’ll stay.

Hurry! Disney+ slashes 75% off the price of a three-month subscription for a limited time
By Andy Madden published
Thinking about joining Disney Plus? This tempting subscription offer could be the deal you’ve been waiting for.
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