Hi-Fi Choice

Cambridge Audio is seeking to bring new standards of audio performance, build quality and battery life to the premium Bluetooth speaker market with the introduction of its new G5 wireless speaker. Having received the same attention to detail and first-class audio engineering skills normally reserved for the company's high-end audiophile products, the G5 is claimed to produce an impressive audio performance with a clear treble and bass detail not normally found in Bluetooth speakers. The build quality and design of the G5 is also aiming to be better than the rest, thanks to the combination of a premium leather and metal exterior, while the use of a special stiff and inert composite material, extensive internal bracing and each driver mounted in its own dedicated sealed compartment should provide a rattle-free, crystal-clear performance even at high volumes. Despite its compact and slim dimensions (270 x 121 x 55mm WxHxD), the G5 manages to cram two 30mm mid/high drivers and a dedicated 60mm subwoofer under the hood, plus two passive auxiliary bass radiators and a Class D amplifier.

Gibson Innovations has unveiled the Philips BM5, which is the first product in its new Izzy multi-room platform, designed to make using multi-room music is as simple as possible. The idea being that the user simple connects to a single speaker using Bluetooth and then Izzy will automatically find and connect to all other Izzy products around the home. The BM5 connects easily to your playback device via Bluetooth and is equipped with two 2. 5in full-range drivers while an integrated bass port delivers what the company describes as "a true, deep low-end performance".

Cambridge Audio has unveiled the second-generation of its Minx Air wireless speakers. The Air 100 V2 and Air 200 V2 are claimed to offer an improved, more rhythmic and musical sound, and now come with the addition of Spotify Connect and an update to the design. The V2 models now feature Cambridge-developed and patented fourth-generation BMR drivers – which are also found in the £1,000 flagship Cambridge Aeromax 6 floorstanding speaker tested in HFC 391 – specially designed to produce a rich, smooth and wide, room-filling sound. They use acoustically dampened, rigid cabinets to eliminate vibration and distortion, while a custom-developed Class-D digital amplifier and a bass port are hidden in the carry handle.

QED has introduced eight new Reference Series interconnect cables that have been designed specifically for hi-fi enthusiasts and home cinema fans. The new cables complete the company’s premium Reference Series, which includes the award winning Reference Audio 40 (tested back in HFC 387). The new products consist of the £79. 95 Reference Optical Quartz, £124.