The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026 wrapped up recently, offering a glimpse into the trends shaping the audio and home cinema landscape for the remainder of the year. While a multitude of new products were on display, several key themes emerged, signaling shifts in both technology and consumer preferences.
RGB Laser Projectors: A Bright Future
The transition from lamp-based projectors to RGB laser technology isn’t new, but 2026 appears to be the year it truly gains momentum. Trusted Reviews noted observing several RGB laser projectors throughout 2025, but the technology’s maturity is now becoming apparent. Optoma’s launch of the 4K RGB laser UHZ78LV at the Bristol show exemplifies this trend.
The UHZ78LV boasts support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision HDR, and IMAX Enhanced, and is capable of producing 5000 lumens of brightness. Optoma’s PureEngine Ultra technology aims to deliver a native 4K image characterized by brightness, detail, and color accuracy. Initial impressions, based on trailer demonstrations, highlighted the projector’s color fidelity and strong black levels. However, this performance comes at a premium, with a price tag of around £5999 when it launches in March 2026.
The Resilience of Two-Channel Sound
Despite the rise of immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Eclipsa Audio, two-channel sound systems are proving remarkably resilient. The format isn’t experiencing a resurgence so much as a continued presence, with manufacturers increasingly designing speakers that function effectively both within traditional hi-fi setups and as partners for modern televisions.
This trend is fueled by the growing popularity of active/powered speakers, and the ability to integrate passive speakers with streaming amplifiers that support HDMI ARC. DALI’s new Sonik range, showcased at the Bristol show, embodies this approach, demonstrating a design aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into living spaces while maintaining high audio quality.
Affordable Hi-Fi: Streamers and Budget Speakers
The accessibility of hi-fi is expanding, driven by the affordability of streaming technology. It’s now possible to assemble a functional streaming hi-fi system for under £500, combining a pair of bookshelf speakers with a streaming module like a WiiM or Bluesound Node. This contrasts sharply with high-end systems, such as the Audi3 A3HF1 speakers and A3IA1 streaming amplifier, which carry a price tag of £9950.
The availability of options at both ends of the price spectrum suggests a growing and diversifying market. While cassette tapes have seen a recent revival, the staying power of the CD player appears more substantial, with manufacturers continuing to launch new models.
Portable Players Double as Desktop Amps
Portable music players are finding new life beyond on-the-go listening. Manufacturers are increasingly positioning these devices as viable alternatives to dedicated desktop headphone amplifiers. The iBasso DX340, demonstrated at the show, exemplifies this trend, functioning as a portable player outdoors and a headphone amplifier indoors.
The DX340 is equipped with 8GB of RAM, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, dedicated headphone amplifier circuitry, and supports audio up to PCM 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512 decoding. Its storage is expandable up to 2TB. While the DX340 is relatively bulky, its specifications suggest a compelling option for audiophiles seeking a versatile solution.
CD Players: A Continued Presence
Alongside the renewed interest in vinyl, CD players continue to hold their own in the hi-fi market. Musical Fidelity’s B1xCD, showcased at the Bristol show, features a “true” Red Book CD-DA drive designed to extract maximum information from CDs while minimizing jitter. This suggests a continued demand for physical media, and a belief that the CD format still has value for discerning listeners. While cassette tapes may be experiencing a nostalgic revival, CD players appear to have more long-term staying power.
