Hi-Fi Choice

Hi-Fi Choice is the essential guide to audio excellence in the home. It is a no-nonsense guide to the finest products available, from vinyl and valves, to multi-channel digital audio and high-fidelity video. Hi-Fi Choice sorts the best from the rest with rigorous test processes and a highly experienced team of reviewers.

Welcome

Diamonds are forever • Brand new British speaker range

Retro modern • UK update on Seventies classic

Vincent prize • Single-box wireless sound system

Spring into action! • New and improved version of active UK standmount

Top of the pops • Affordable high-end DAC

Stability ahoy! • Dual-purpose, reversible Irish turntable accessory

Four play • New member of the Model speaker family

Art nouveau • Fancy new ‘phones from Romania

Myth world • Swish in-ears from the US

Evo-lutionary • Newly developed UK streaming amp

Gold standard • Polish DAC and preamp upgrades

Magical history tour • New Brit music console and floorstanders

Pump up the Jamo • A trio of new affordable speakers

Max headroom • Pro-grade wireless headphones

Gala performers • Two new Slovak imports

Maximum joy • New dongle and DAC “reimagining”

One to watch • French portable SACD player

Rising stars • A trio of new products from China

Seven up! • Soon-come array of new turntables and more from Germany

Total eclipse of the art • A brace of new Canadian imports

Groove master • Classy new Japanese MC cart

High End Show Vienna 2026 • Moving home from Munich to Vienna, the High End Show still features the cream of the European hi-fi world. Here are some of the highlights

Dawn chorus • This latest moving-coil offering from Sumiko sees a tweak to an existing successful recipe. Ed Selley sees if it flies

Angle of attack • Grell Audio’s full-size headphones use some interesting thinking in its design and Ed Selley is rather taken with them

Basso profundo • Niche yes, but high-end DAPs are alive and kicking. David Vivian gets to grips with one that, in many ways, rewrites the rules

Less is more • Sonos’ entry-level speaker drops some of the features of its sibling to achieve a new lower price. Cliff Joseph checks it out

Personal stereo • The latest hi-res music player from Astell&Kern wants to listen to you before you listen to it. Ed Selley takes the test

Into the future • Nick Tate reckons Roksan’s Caspian 4G Streaming Pre-Amplifier and Power Amplifier are its best flagship combo yet

Mission accomplished • Mission’s range of electronics has been bolstered by an all-new network streamer. Ed Selley investigates

Just like heaven • Honouring Franco Serblin’s legacy, this latest floorstander is the walnut-hewn flagship of the brand’s Accordo range

Taktstock • Taktlink REV-STYLUS 01 stylus cleaner

Origin Live • Strata platter mat

Death to Spotify? • Not content with paltry payouts, Neville Roberts reveals that disgruntled artists are targeting Spotify’s co-founder because of his investment in AI military applications

Hi-fichoices • YOUR LETTERS & QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Musicreviews

Qobuz playlist AUGUST • This month’s pick of the best happening tunes to stream in hi-res from Qobuz

“Designed and built for those who listen” • Combining British craftsmanship with holistic inhouse design, Castle’s principles have delivered exceptional speakers for 50 years

Castle’s new lineup

Buying Guide

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL • Exciting things coming your way in the month ahead

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