In this issue

Inside the May issue: Rotel Michi X3 integrated amplifier, JBL 4349 two-way standmount loudspeaker, Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition two-way standmount speaker, Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd Gen portable Bluetooth speaker, Audio-Technica AT-LP5XC direct-drive turntable, Focal Celestee closed-back over-ear headphone, Musical Fidelity M6x Vinyl MM/MC phono stage, T+A Caruso R network receiver, Grado Hemp open-back headphones, a retro appreciation of the Technics SP-15 direct-drive turntable, the fascinating history of radio, Kate Bush in Music legends and a Group Test of six first step integrated amplifiers.
Regulars include contributor Opinion columns, Readers’ Letters and the 100+ product Buyers’ Guide.

True nobility

Texan range comes to the UK

1 min

Rotel's X Appeal

The up-market Michi series makes a welcome return with two new integrated amplifiers overflowing with power, but can they match up to their EISA-award winning predecessors?

8 mins

Cambridge Audio AXA35 £300

This is textbook budget integrated fare, but Cambridge makes it look and feel so much more special than that

3 mins

Edwards Audio IA5 £500

Here’s an amp that ditches fancy features in favour of quality electronics and high performance

3 mins

Marantz PM6007 £500

Can the latest take on one of recent history’s most praised amps stay ahead of the pack?

3 mins

NAD D 3020 V2 £400

The original 3020 rewrote the budget amp playbook, can its digital take do the same?

3 mins

Pro-Ject MaiA S2 £450

The updated MaiA has several refinements but, as before, size is the real surprise

3 mins

Rega io £380

Though Rega’s amplification starting point is analogue only, its sonic talent is no surprise

3 mins

Sixth sense

It might not be supernatural, but David Vivian can’t help but wonder just how B&W has managed to finesse the original 606 quite so effectively

6 mins

Disc, man

B&O’s sturdy portable speaker gets a makeover just in time for summer. CliffJoseph fires up the barbecue

3 mins

Direct action

Audio-Technica has updated its hugely successful affordable direct-drive turntable, so Ed Selley gives it the shake down

3 mins

Allez les Bleus!

As Focal beefs up its closed-back headphone offering Ed Selley works out if blue really is the warmest colour

6 mins

Read all stories from Hi-Fi Choice

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!