The latest hi-fi news, products, music & our cultural highlights!
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.
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.
Which iconic speaker features in Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" music video?
Kendrick Lamar’s ultimate diss track "Not Like Us" has a new video, and the stand-out star is a pair of iconic loudspeakers: the KEF Reference 105 Series II. These beautifully engineered speakers, crafted in 1979, were the top-of-the-line for KEF. They had a unique design sporting a moulded resin mid-range, and a tweeter sitting atop a powerful B-300 12-inch bass driver within a wooden cabinet.