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The Latest Breaking News from Simon Lucas

Austrian Audio’s new ‘semi-open-back’ wired headphones are named like some sort of hired assassin, but I tested them and if you want layered audio, they’re 'The Arranger' for you

With the awkwardly named ‘The Arranger’, Austrian Audio wants to try and bridge the gap between its excellent entry-level models and its excellent high-end products…

TechRadar

I tested PSB's new stereo speaker system and the punchy sound and compact styling are a delight, but don't bother if you listen to a lot of vinyl

The PSB iQ2 may be the largest model in the brand's stereo speaker range, but it's still pretty small — can it justify its big price-tag?

TechRadar

Bose’s chic Lifestyle Ultra speaker works fantastically over Wi-Fi and with surprising height to the sound, which is why the ‘vanilla’ Bluetooth support is a bit of a let down

The newest wireless speaker in the Bose line-up offers great audio over Wi-Fi, which is why its non-Wi-Fi chops could be improved, at this point

TechRadar

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The 11 best hi-fi upgrades of 2026 so far — we gave these speakers, turntables and DACs our highest marks after tough testing

From Sonos to Wharfedale to iFi — here are the highest-rated hi-fi and speaker upgrades we've tested

TechRadar

I tested it, and Astell & Kern’s new pocketable smartphone DAC is a clear winner for detail, marred just slightly by bantamweight bass

Astell & Kern realises we can’t all afford one of its lovely digital audio players. So it’s trying to bring a little of the A&K magic to your humble smartphone…

TechRadar

KEF's nouveau Muo is a solid little Bluetooth speaker, but the game's changed since 2016 — and it's no longer top of the pile

After too long a break, KEF is back in the Bluetooth speaker game. It’s aiming for the upper end of the market though — so does the Muo hit the mark?

TechRadar

Meze Audio's new closed-back headphones are gloriously green and expansive, but the soundstage isn't the only thing about them that's wide

In which Meze Audio takes elements of one of its more expensive models, adds elements from one of its similarly priced models, but manages to comfortably avoid a Frankenstein’s monster -style outcome…

TechRadar

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It ain't heavy, but Sony's new budget Bluetooth turntable is still a winner eight days a week

Sony’s PS-LX310BT has been a roaring success — but time waits for no Bluetooth turntable, so more than six years since the 310 launched it’s finally being replaced. Which means this PS-LX5BT has some big and successful shoes to fill…

TechRadar

I enjoyed testing this accomplished active stereo speaker system, until it threw in the towel too easily

The KEF Coda W has plenty to recommend it but the active pair of stereo speakers has involved the brand in an arms race with itself…

TechRadar

I spent two weeks with Cambridge's all-new active bookshelf speakers and they're an immediate pound-for-pound market-leader contender

The Cambridge L/R S active stereo speaker system has picked the hardest fight against market leaders, but it's a pound-for-pound contender.

TechRadar

I reviewed Philips' affordable Fidelio stereo speakers that look 'too good to be true' on the spec sheet — and they nearly pull it off

An active wireless speaker system with specification beyond the asking price, and an actually useful app — what’s the catch?

TechRadar

I reviewed the Eversolo DAC-Z10, and this DAC/preamp/headphone amp combo reveals details you didn't know were in your music

Eversolo continues its world domination of digital hi-fi with this amazing, five-star addition.

TechRadar

I tested the Philips turntable with a CD player squirrelled away in its plinth and honestly, for this money it's hard to argue with the versatility

In which Philips piles on the functionality without charging an arm and a leg –but is the Fidelio FT1 a music center for the 21st century?

TechRadar

FiiO's new elite hi-res audio player will delight you, provided you serve it only the best –but disappoint it at your peril

In an effort to produce the best-sounding digital audio player you can buy, FiiO has gone to town, thrown the kitchen sink at it, and all the other actions that indicate a complete lack of compromise…

TechRadar

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TechRadar

Goldring's G3 turntable is all about style and convenience, but there's one aspect I wish I could switch off...

The Goldring GR3 turntable offers plug-and-play convenience, great value and excellent sound but there's one areas you'll want to turn off

TechRadar

Rotel's bijou integrated amp is small but mighty —and it became my system's pint-sized powerhouse

Rotel has belatedly realised that ‘small’ really might be ‘beautiful’ after all – and the DX-5 wants to be your miniature stereo hero

TechRadar

I've spent 20 years testing hi-fi and these bookshelf speakers are the gateway drug to passive perfection

After chasing the pricier loudspeaker dollar, Dali has returned to its roots with the super-affordable Kupid. Is the company’s entry-level mojo still working?

TechRadar

FiiO's wired FT13 over-ear headphones offer unique design and an organized sound, they just lack a bit of bite

If FiiO spots even a slight gap in its product line-up it seems compelled to fill it – and if it can do so while telling an interesting story and adding a bit of visual interest at the same time, that’s even better…

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TechRadar

This superb turntable is so poised and revealing, but its hefty price and lack of a basic ingredient won't please everyone

The Technics SL-1300G turntable is the latest example of the premium brand delivering a premium product a decade into its second coming...

TechRadar

I love this headphone amp/DAC's confident sound, but it's far from the only game in town

The FiiO QX13 is a headphone amp/DAC with open and detailed sound to make your smartphone sing, but it's a little fiddly and has plenty of competition.

TechRadar

Bowers & Wilkins' new elite over-ear ANC headphones more than justify their price tag in this class-leading way...

Bowers & Wilkins gives a little and takes a little to deliver the Px8 S2 wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones – can they justify their lofty asking price?

TechRadar

I test audio kit for a living and these are among the best pound-for-pound powered stereo speakers I've heard

The Ruark MR1 Mk3 powered stereo speaker system is a pound-for-pound contender for best on the market.

TechRadar

I tested this digital audio player and its sound dominates almost any rival, but there's a catch

Not for the first time, Astell & Kern has delivered a digital audio player it suggests represents “the peak of performance and design”. Is the SP400 an actual peak this time, or just another step in the journey?

TechRadar

Want to stand out from the crowd? Here are the 5 most stylish headphones I've tested

Great sound quality is important, but so are dashing looks – these 5 headphone models are among the most stylish that money can buy.

TechRadar

Campfire's portable USB headphone amp/DAC proves an interesting listen but you should try before you buy

The Campfire Audio Relay is a solid and compact headphone amp/DAC but needs a performance taste-test before you buy it.

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