In this issue

Inside the May issue:
Reviews: T+A PSD 3100 HV network-attached DAC/preamplifier, Creative Aurvana Ace 2 Bluetooth noise-cancelling earbuds, Audio-Technica AT-SB727 Sound Burger portable belt-drive Bluetooth turntable, OePhi Transcendence 2-way standmount loudspeaker, Audiolab 9000N network audio player, Neat Acoustics Mystique Classic 2-way floorstanding loudspeaker, WiiM Amp streaming amplifier, Austrian Audio The Composer open-back, over-ear headphone, Atlas Cables Eos 2.5em modular distribution block, Chord Company Clearway Streaming Ethernet Cable and a Group Test of Preamplifiers featuring Cyrus Classic PRE, Eversolo DMP-A8, Exposure 3510 Pre-Amplifier, Leema Acoustics Neutron, Parasound NewClassic 200 Pre, Pro-Ject Pre Box RS2 Digital

Regulars include Opinion columns, Readers’ Letters, Reasons To Be Cheerful, Music Legends (this month we feature Marc Bolan), our Flashback interview (this one’s with Keith Richards), a visit to Air Studios for a direct-to-disc recording session and the 100+ product Buyers’ Guide.

Old boys network

As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners

3 mins

DESTINATION: LEITH

Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith

8 mins

Core values

Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph

4 mins

Forty something

Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in

5 mins

One for all

German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp

5 mins

Three for all

The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares

2 mins

All in one

DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out

3 mins

Wooden wonder

Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin

4 mins

System matching

Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential

6 mins

Game on!

At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound

3 mins

ENJOY THE SILENCE

From sugary pop to drug-addled stadium fillers, Depeche Mode have seen it all. Music Legends’ own personal Jesus, Nigel Williamson, just can’t get enough

8 mins

"I WAS A HIGH PRIESTESS IN EGYPT"

It’s May 1989 and Steve Sutherland is meeting up with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac who is promoting her fourth solo album – The Other Side Of The Mirror. Will either of them remember the encounter?

7 mins

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

Exciting things coming your way in the month ahead

5 mins

Super stack

This four-box pre/power stack is a bank account buster that shares the styling of the Nu-Vista 800 integrated. Fantasy buy!

7 mins

Stand out

Nick Tate auditions six seriously special standmount speakers

10+ mins

Setting up your turntable

Proper record player installation pays dividends when it comes to performance. It’s time to shine a light on the dark art

7 mins

Banned on the run

Following the decision of Welsh rugby to ditch Delilah from fans' songsheets, Nigel Williamson struggles with the thorny issue of song lyrics being censored

3 mins

Vinyl: the next generation

A 2022 survey has found that, for a variety of reasons, youngsters as well as older generation music collectors are now buying vinyl. Neville Roberts digs into the data

3 mins

RX Reels

7in Carbon Fibre Tape Reel

1 min

Ecosse

The Symphony analogue interconnect

1 min

Look out it's the P word!

Dusting down his soapbox, Steve Sutherland answers the critics who reckon there's no room for politics in HFC, regardless of whether it be of the big or small P variety

3 mins

Try angular

Affordable hi-fi specialist Tangent has broadened its range into pre and power amps. Ed Selley checks them out

5 mins

Loch and load!

Looking for record cleaning without the stress? Ed Selley tries out a considered solution from Germany

3 mins

Music of the spheres

As the Monty Python team was fond of telling us, now for something completely different. David Vivian steps back in time

5 mins

Four-play

The Elex is the latest Rega amp to receive a refresh and Ed Selley can’t help but wonder if it’s the company’s best update yet

5 mins

FLOWER BOY

From poor-taste shock MC to mainstream super stardom, Tyler The Creator has done a lot of growing up. Nigel Williamson celebrates his genius

8 mins

Head masters

Cliff Joseph casts his expert eye (and ears) over headphones offering the best mix of audiophile sound quality and versatile connectivity features

10+ mins

Greatest honour

AUDIOFILE:  THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS...

8 mins

Light fantastic

The first one-box streamer from iFi looks superficially normal, but Ed Selley discovers there's rather more to it than meets the eye

4 mins

Elementary my dear...

Swiss brand Wattson Audio's flagship streamer is small, beautifully formed and sounds sublime. David Vivian is impressed

4 mins

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Hi-Fi Choice Magazine Description:

Hi-Fi Choice is the essential guide to getting the best possible sound from your hi-fi, whether you're buying, tuning or tweaking... It has a no-nonsense approach to reviewing the finest audio products available, from hi-res streaming and downloads to CD, vinyl and valves. Hi-Fi Choice magazine has been at the forefront of audio equipment reviews and buying advice for 40 years and no other magazine has the same passion for sound that we do!