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.
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.
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.
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.
April 2024 - Newsletter
We had a mind-elevating experience last weekend. Nightmares on Wax recreated the entirety of their Carboot Soul LP with The Outlook Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. Opening with the soaring strings on the first track Les Nuits it was a night full of emotions and reminded us of why we love what we do: recreating the experience and beauty of live music in the comfort of our homes.
The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2024 - Review
We walk into the ATC's listening room and instantly feel at home. ATC have a system featuring the ATC SCM50ASLT Active Tower Loudspeaker in Piano Black. Everything about the demonstration feels effortless - no expensive power chords or cables. We’re not thinking about the hi-fi system, as we're 100% absorbed in the music. Dean sums it up, "There's no bullshit - just good engineering."