The latest hi-fi news, products, music & our cultural highlights!
How to choose the best hi-fi system for your space
At Soundstage we got into hi-fi because we love music and continue to explore and enjoy it in a wide variety of styles. Music should move, inspire, and enthuse you, and choosing a system to play it with isn’t about technical specs or lists of features, it’s about making the connection with the performers, about feeling what they are really trying to say.
We have been helping music lovers find systems for several decades, in that time we’ve found that no two listening spaces are alike.
Naim - Trade-In Programme - Until Oct 13th 2025
Rediscover Your Music Collection.
If you have an older Naim streamer, you've probably noticed that it's becoming increasingly difficult to find parts and service support. In collaboration with Naim Audio, we’re running an exchange programme that will allow you to upgrade, and receive money back on the latest models.
Newsletter - August 2025
As summer draws to a close, we're gearing up for what promises to be a busy September at Soundstage Hi-Fi — and we're very excited about what's coming up!
Growing up listening to hip-hop, we're thrilled to be hosting an event that celebrates the underground scene in collaboration with Velocity Press. Join us on Thursday, 18th September, for an evening that combines a book launch and DJ sets from author Ben Pedroche and the talented illustrator Dan Lish — both will also be in conversation with us here at the shop. It starts at 6pm and entry is FREE, so come and experience golden age hip-hop through our incredible TPI system. Bring the Noise!
While we're thinking about hip-hop culture, don't miss our latest blog post: ‘Technics SL-1200s: How Two Turntables Revolutionised Music – From Bronx Block Parties to Jungle’. We take a close look at the gear that shaped a generation of music & fashion.
Active vs Passive Loudspeakers: Which Is Right for You?
If you're building a reference-quality audio system, you'll face the active vs. passive decision early. Both can deliver stunning sound, but in different ways. Here's some expert insight from Deano to help you choose and what to consider for your ideal hi-fi setup.
Passive Loudspeakers: For the purists
Passive speakers are often what come to mind for high-end hi-fi. They need an external amplifier, and that's where the magic begins.
The appeal is for system autonomy. You choose amplification, experiment with pairings, and voice the system your way. You can upgrade anytime. Swap in a warmer-sounding valve amp or opt for solid-state precision - it's your choice. This freedom keeps passive designs central to world-class hi-fi.
How to optimise your hi-fi - a set-up tutorial
Set-up is the way a sound system is put together. You can buy a turntable, amp and speakers, plonk them down, connect up the wires and with luck it will play your music. But there is a lot to be said for setting up the system in such a way that it will deliver optimum performance. In fact if you are buying decent equipment, it would be crazy not to take a little time in placing and connecting them in such a way that you get the maximum sound quality.
This guide is designed to let newcomers and old hands optimise their sound system’s performance and was written by someone who has spent far too long doing just that with a wide range of audio components. It should help you understand both the basics and the finer points of the reasonably scientific sometimes artful and occasionally arcane pursuit of great sound so that your music sounds as good as it can.
Technics SL-1200s: How Two Turntables Revolutionised Music – From Bronx Block Parties to Jungle
Before the sampler, there was the turntable, specifically the Technics SL-1200. From the New York Bronx block parties of the 1970s to the basements of Bristol in the 1990s, the silver 1200 and its black twin, the 1210, became the heartbeat of hip-hop, the foundation of turntablism, and an essential tool in electronic dance and underground music culture.
Choosing the Right Loudspeakers for Your Space
Integrating loudspeakers into your professional studio or home listening space
Whether you're setting up a professional studio or creating the perfect listening room at home, choosing the right speakers makes all the difference. I've worked with countless engineers, producers, and music lovers who understand that the speakers you choose will significantly impact everything else about your acoustic treatment.
Newsletter - June 2025
We're applying the finishing touches to the listening room, ready for Saturday's dCS listening event. Come and join us from 11am—there are a handful of places left! You'll get to experience the new dCS LINA DAC X network music player, which looks and sounds incredible, and an exclusive listen to the Dan D'Agostino Pendulum Integrated Amp powering the Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy loudspeakers. It's guaranteed to be an immersive listening experience.
The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 - Review
We head to the annual celebration of high fidelity - the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025. Swapping our usual quiet Friday for the more vibrant Saturday crowd. The atmosphere is more buzzy, the listening rooms are comfortable, and there’s plenty of space to chat with fellow music lovers. Dean even bumps into someone he last saw 30 years ago at an altitude of 8,000ft in Machu Picchu, Peru!
The show includes re-imaginations of 1960s hi-fi and is teeming with technological innovations. An ultra-sleek streaming amplifier from Devialet; loudspeakers from Britain’s finest ATC, PMC, and Harbeth; new electronics by Rega; and immersive head-fi from Meze, Astell & Kern, and Campfire Audio.
Newsletter - February 2025
This month, we have a special feature on a brand we greatly admire - Gold Note. We learn about their meticulous design and build ethos - all manufactured in their factory within the idyllic Tuscan hills.
Linn has just released the much anticipated Bedrok plinth. Constructed from layered beech - the Bedrok is a beautiful-looking upgrade in performance for the iconic LP12 Sondek turntable.
Another future classic is the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition - a special edition turntable featuring a new aluminium metal skin HPL laminate, the handmade RB330 tonearm and the award-winning Nd5 moving magnet cartridge. These are limited and priced at £999. Find out more.
"il Suono Italiano"—the Italian Sound of Gold Note
Gold Note, based among the rolling hills of Tuscany, creates high-end audio products that capture the essence of "il Suono Italiano" — the Italian Sound.
Founded in 2012 by Maurizio Aterini, the company blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, drawing inspiration from the Florentine Renaissance's fusion of art & science.
Every Gold Note product is meticulously designed and assembled by hand at their factory in Montespertoli, ensuring exceptional build and sound quality.
‘We strive to emulate a fusion of past and future’, says Maurizo.
New - Linn Bedrok™ LP12 Plinth - Performance Upgrade
Bedrok™ for Sondek LP12 is the first-ever, plinth performance upgrade from Linn. Formed of orthogonal layers of beech placed under extreme pressure and heat to create an entirely new, solid and massive material; this engineered, ultra-dense wood has negligible resonance and offers a superior isolating housing for your turntable’s mechanism.
The Best of 2024 - Hi-Fi, music & culture
Read our guide to the highlights of 2024: featuring our top 3 must-have hi-fi products & new brands, favourite albums, tips for better sound, art & culture, live music, and what we're excited about for 2025.
Soulnote Listening Day - Thurs. 5th December (11am-7pm)
We're excited to invite you to an exclusive Soulnote event on Thursday, 5th December, from 11am to 7pm at Soundstage Hi-Fi. This is a unique opportunity to experience the remarkable sound and craftsmanship of Soulnote’s Integrated Amplifiers & Phonostages.
Newsletter - November 2024
Join us for an immersive listening event at the shop on Saturday, November 16th (11 AM – 4 PM). You'll experience three high-end hi-fi systems. The main system features the YG Acoustics Hailey 3 Reference Loudspeakers, powered by the Vitus Audio SIA-030 integrated amplifier. You’ll also gain insight from Alan Sircom (Editor, Hi-Fi+ Magazine), Chris Rees from YG Acoustics, and Glen Furness from AIRT.
Lowering the Noise Floor
What is Lowering the Noise Floor?
"It's all about reducing unwanted noise or interference - because a clean foundation allows us to connect with the music on a deeper level."
As Fraser from AIRT explains, "By lowering the noise floor, you will better connect with your music, transforming your already great hi-fi system into an exceptional one."
The noise floor refers to the background noise level in an audio system when no signal is present. So by Lowering the Noise Floor, you can significantly enhance audio quality.
AIRT are at the forefront of using the principles of LTNF, and work with like-minded brands such as Stillpoints, Acustica Applicata, Entreq and OePhi Acoustics.
You can elevate your listening experience by applying the three key principles of Lowering the Noise Floor: 1. Acoustically, 2. Electrically, and 3. Mechanically.
YG Acoustics & Vitus Audio - Listening Event - Sat. 16th November 2024
Join us for an exciting listening event on Saturday 16th November 2024 (11 am-4 pm). We love pairing YG Acoustics loudspeakers with Vitus Audio amplification, and you'll get to listen to three high-end systems made up of this perfect combination!
YG Acoustics - Trade-in Offer 2024
We’ve teamed up with YG Acoustics for a limited trade-in offer:
You can receive the full original value of your current speakers against purchasing brand-new YG Acoustics speakers. This applies to every model YG Acoustics produce - so you can upgrade to anything from the Peaks, Reference or Live ranges.
Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your listening experience.
Contact Alex to schedule a demo and learn more about this offer.
Newsletter - September 2024
Over the Summer, we've added several new brands to the shop. These include Shunyata, Stillpoints, Acustica Applicata, and Entreq. They all create audio products that help 'lower the noise floor' - reducing vibrations & eliminating any electrical noise getting into your system. Shunyata is leading the way in this area, and using their cables or power distributors can markedly improve your listening experience - getting you closer to the music you love.
OePhi UK Launch Event - Saturday 28th September - 10am-5pm
Join us for the exclusive UK Launch of OePhi Loudspeakers on Saturday 28th September 2024 at Soundstage Hi-Fi, North London. Discover Joakim Juhl's handcrafted speakers and cables, renowned for their minimalist beauty and exceptional sound quality. You’ll have an exclusive look & listen to the full range of loudspeakers, as well as an insight from the maestro himself. Reserve your space early as places are limited.