The latest hi-fi news, products, music & our cultural highlights!
Newsletter - April 2026
With Record Store Day 2026 approaching, we’d love you to celebrate all things vinyl and hi-fi with us at the shop this Saturday, 18th April, from 12-4pm. Feel free to bring your favourite records, and we’ll play them on our reference hi-fi system:
You’ll experience the Linn LP12 Turntable, dCS Lina DACX Streamer, dCS Rossini APEX Player & Clock, D’Agostino Pendulum Amp, and Wilson Audio SabrinaV Loudspeakers - you’ll go deeper into your music than you’ve ever gone!
We’ve also refreshed the shelves with a vinyl restock; they’re packed full of essential classics from the likes of Aphex Twin, Bill Withers, MF DOOM, and Eric B & Rakim.
ATC Active Loudspeakers - Soundstage Hi-Fi’s Expert Guide
ATC is one of the best-kept secrets in hi-fi. This company has been making drive units and loudspeakers in the Gloucestershire countryside since the ‘70s, yet the brand has a low profile in all but the studio world. In the US, it is only known for producing pro audio speakers, but therein lies its strength. Many years of experience in providing monitors for the most demanding clients in the audio world mean that ATC speakers are phenomenally capable and almost bombproof. You want loud and clean, look no further.
In Conversation with Ricardo Franassovici
I had the pleasure of chatting with the legend of hi-fi, Ricardo Franassovicia, in the Soundstage Hi-Fi listening room last month! In our 20-minute interview, we explore what defines a world-class hi-fi system, and why a love of music combined with decades of expertise matters as much as the equipment itself.
Together, we discuss the philosophy, heritage, and stories behind our favourite brands such as dCS, Dan D’Agostino & Wilson Audio, the importance of carefully matched hi-fi systems, and how great audio can shift listeners from analysing high-fidelity sound to feeling emotionally connected to the music.
The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026 - Highlights
Last weekend saw our annual trip to the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, held in the city centre’s Marriott. Hotel rooms aren’t purpose-built listening spaces blessed with amazing acoustics, which makes it all the more impressive when you do find a hi-fi system that truly shines.
The best of British hi-fi is well represented at the show: ATC, Rega Research, Harbeth, and Neat Acoustics. It’s the ideal opportunity for these brands to get genuine feedback on all the hard work that goes into designing and manufacturing throughout the year. These brands aim to remain good value for money, push the boundaries as technology & materials advance, whilst staying true to their signature sounds.
New - ATC EL50 ANNIVERSARY Loudspeakers
Discover the new ATC EL50 Anniversary Active Loudspeakers, launched ahead of the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026. Featuring discrete active tri-amp technology, in-house drive units and an elliptical cabinet design inspired by the EL150. Limited to 50 pairs worldwide at £49,500.
The Best of 2025 - Hi-Fi, music & culture
We take a look at the music & hi-fi that have made life better in 2025. With our customers' help, we've created some beautiful hi-fi combinations and discovered lots of great music. Below are some of our highlights, and find out what we’re looking forward to in 2026 - along with hi-fi gift ideas for Christmas.
Newsletter - November 2025
Autumn is a time to retreat to our listening spaces and fine-tune our hi-fis to get that perfect sound. We’ve had some beautiful Linn Sondek LP12 Turntables in for servicing, refreshing, and upgrading — each holding musical memories. It’s always a pleasure to get them back to their prime and playing music again.
As we move into the darker half of the year, there’s no better time to lose ourselves in music. We’re loving new albums by OneOhTrix Point Never and Dave on the Harbeth XD2 line — the craftsmanship and attention to detail bring the sound even closer to how the artist intended.
British Music Culture - Nookie - Thurs. 4th Dec - 6-9pm
Calling all Junglists!
We’re celebrating British Music Culture with a true pioneer — Nookie (aka Gavin Cheung) — joining us at Soundstage Hi-Fi on Thursday, 4th December (6–9pm).
From “Only You” and “The Sound of Music” to co-producing The Renegade ft. Ray Keith – “Terrorist”, with its rhythmic drums and deep sub bass shaking the foundations of Jungle — Nookie helped define the sound of a generation.
He’s worked with legends like LTJ Bukem, Moving Shadow, and Reinforced Records, leaving a legacy that still inspires today.
Nookie will be spinning tunes on our Technics 1210s and TPI hi-fi system — a rare chance to hear Jungle classics on an incredible hi-fi setup.
Tickets are super limited — reserve your spot now!
Harbeth XD2 Loudspeakers - Transparent, Natural Sound
The XD2 is a complete refresh of the Harbeth XD line of standmount loudspeakers.
Clarity, imaging, detail, and tonal balance - all improved thanks to the new RADIAL 4 driver technology. A refinement of the crossover network means smoother integration of bass, mids, and treble for even more organic & natural sound.
Premium wood veneers from a choice of Cherry, Walnut, Black Ash, Oak, and Rosewood - means acoustics and aesthetics are ideally matched.
The Harbeth XD range is already value for money, and the XD2 is thankfully priced the same.
Harbeth loudspeakers are easy to drive, and we’ve found that Sugden amplification, particularly the A21 SE Integrated Amp, is the perfect match if you enjoy a warm, laid-back sound.
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.
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.
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.
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.