A collection of nearly 1300 Beatles rare records is going on sale later this week.

Once part of a large private collection, many rare and unique pressings are set to be available via Discogs and Black Plastic Records, a record store in Dortmund which has worked to identify and catalogue the records ahead of their public release.

Available exclusively through Discogs Drops, the newly on-sale assortment includes original UK pressings, promotional singles, export editions, and rare releases from across Europe.

The musical treasure trove spans mono and stereo LPs, compilations, singles, and 7-inch EPs. Various international LPs will also be available with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, as records didn't look or sound the same across differing markets and territories.

A 1964 Italian edition of No Reply / Baby’s in Black, for instance, features an early cover design that was later replaced by a more familiar international version.

Among the standout finds is a 1963 promotional pressing of Please Please Me, one of only 250-or-so copies produced for radio stations ahead of the single’s commercial release, as well as a promotional pressing of From Me to You, the group’s first UK number one.

According to Russ Ryan, Director of Seller Experience at Discogs: "People forget Beatlemania never landed the same way twice. Different sleeves, different pressings, promo copies nobody’s seen in 60 years. That’s devotion, and a lot of record culture comes down to that: wanting to stand as close to the music as a pressing can put you".

The first release of nearly 1300 records from the collection will be available exclusively through Discogs Drops beginning October 30th, 2026 at 1pm GMT (2pm CET). The sale will remain exclusive to Discogs for its first 10 days, while fans in Dortmund can browse the collection and arrange in-store pickup at Black Plastic Records.

MORE:

I've heard dozens of wireless headphones this year – trust me, we've never had it so good

Forget the vinyl revival – I'm getting excited about CD players again

This classic album just turned 50 – here's why it's the ultimate test for your system

Technics has today announced a new direct-drive DJ turntable, the SL-1210MKX, which the company says was “developed with direct input from working DJs and sound engineers to deliver greater stability, enhanced pitch precision and expanded creative freedom”.

According to the Technics, the new model is positioned above the SL-1210MK7 as the latest evolution of its iconic SL-1200 series.

The turntable has been designed specifically to address the challenges DJs face “in high pressure performance settings where powerful sound systems, deep bass, structural vibration and extended operating periods place exceptional demands on equipment.”

To confront these challenges, the SL-1210MKX features a “significantly heavier, optimally balanced chassis”, which Technics claims improves resistance to external vibration, while the turntable’s isolation feet have been re-engineered to balance “effective feedback isolation with the stability required for confident scratching and performance use.”

In a first for the SL-1200 Series, the SL-1210MKX features a ±4% pitch modulation range, allowing users a finer degree of adjustment for “accurate beatmatching and subtle tempo correction”. Alongside standard pitch settings, there is also a ±50% range, which expands the series’ tempo variation options.

Other developments include a quieter reset switch, which Technics says was inspired by earlier SL-1200 models, and a coreless direct-drive motor with adjustable start-up torque and brake speed, 78rpm playback and reverse functionality.

Emphasising the model’s “premium character”, a polished silver tonearm and a black finish pay tribute to the SL-1200MK2, a staple turntable in DJ history.

According to Stefanie Baron, manager Technics DJ channel Europe, Panasonic Consumer Europe (PCEU): “The SL-1200 Series has earned its reputation through decades of real-world performance in clubs, on stage and in studios around the world. With the SL-1210MKX, we wanted to build on that legacy by working closely with professional DJs and sound technicians to better understand the challenges they face. The result is a turntable that delivers even greater stability, precision and creative freedom while staying true to the qualities that have made the SL-1200 an industry standard for more than five decades.”

The SL-1210MKX will be available from January 2027 for £1299 (we will add US pricing once we get it). At this price, the turntable comes up against the slightly cheaper, What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Rega Planar 3 RS Edition, which is currently available for around £1099 / $1,795. We can’t wait to see how these turntables compare.

MORE

Read our full Technics SL-1300G review

Plus, our guide on how to choose the right record player for you

Stay up to date with our pick of the best turntables tested by our expert reviewers

English manufacturer Audiolab has announced the release of its first standalone phono stage in almost 20 years, the PPA7. The company says that the new unit is “much more than a traditional phono stage”, calling it “a veritable multitool for vinyl lovers”.

It may not include a corkscrew or a nail file, but the PPA7 doesn’t fall short of its “multi-tool” status, with a built-in headphone amplifier and an analogue to digital converter (ADC).

In this case, the ADC serves the dual purpose of enabling wireless streaming to Bluetooth headphones or speakers via Bluetooth 5.3 (with support for the hi-res aptX HD codec), and also allows the unit to be connected to a PC or Mac via USB-C for digitising and storing records.

The ADC supports 16 and 24-bit recording at sample rates ranging from 44.1kHz to 192kHz. Audiolab says the ADC's adjustable output level allows users to “achieve an ideal balance between recording loudness and the audible noise floor”.

The company has acknowledged the PPA7’s visual likeness to the five-star rated D7 DAC, which launched last year. The units have identical 5.6 x 18 x 20.8 cm (hwd) aluminium cases, sharing features “right down to the multifunction rotary controls” which flank the 33mm OLED display.

Separate stereo RCA inputs are included for moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, alongside RCA outputs for connecting to an external amplifier or powered speakers. The output can be switched between fixed or variable modes, the latter of which engages a built-in volume control for direct connection to a power amplifier.

Both types of cartridge are well-accommodated by the PPA7. For MM cartridges, a 47kOhm input impedance can be switched between capacitances of 100pF and 220pF, while selectable 100 ohm and 330 ohm resistance loads provide further flexibility for MC cartridges. Audiolab claims that these settings allow users to “fine-tune the sound to suit their system”.

Gain can also be adjusted with a maximum value of 52dB for MM and 66dB for MC cartridges.

A front-mounted 6.35mm headphone socket can deliver up to 600mW of power to drive loads ranging from 20 to 600 ohms, supporting “a detailed and dynamic performance with a broad range of wired headphones”.

Future and past-proofing the PPA7’s design, a USB-A input has been included for firmware updates, while a 12V trigger inputs allow the unit to be integrated into a wider system for coordinated powering up and down.

We've previously seen headphone amps integrated into phono stages, with five-star products such as the Cambridge Audio Duo pulling it off in style, but we look forward to testing the extra functionality of Bluetooth and USB that the PPA7 has to offer.

The PPA7 will be available for £499 / $699 / AU$1099 in a choice of black or silver, with sales beginning in late October.

MORE

Read our full Audiolab D7 DAC review

Plus, our Cambridge Audio Duo MC/MM review

Stay up to date with our pick of the best phono preamps tested by our expert reviewers

Cambridge Audio has announced a new turntable, the Spira, which the company says is “built to work with any system you already own, whether that’s a full hi-fi set-up, active speakers, a Bluetooth speaker or even headphones”.

According to Cambridge Audio, “Spira has everything you need straight out of the box”, including a pre-fitted Audio-Technica cartridge, a built-in phono stage and a Bluetooth transmitter for streaming to wireless headphones or Bluetooth speakers.

We have previously seen similarly equipped turntables from Cambridge Audio, such as the premium Alva TT V2 and Alva ST models, but at a price of £329 / $499, the Spira is the company’s most affordable model to date.

What’s more, despite its reasonable pricing, the turntable has kept flexibility and upgrades in mind. A removable headshell makes cartridge changes “far easier”, while the built-in phono stage can be bypassed, allowing users to connect their own external phono stage.

But it’s not all about change. Cambridge Audio says the turntable has been “tuned to perform and made to last”, with an aluminium alloy tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skate, alongside a 1.8kg steel platter mounted on a “solid wooden” plinth for “stable, low-vibration playback”.

Speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM are supported, but however fast you spin your wax, your records will be safe from harm thanks to a full dust cover. To “keep rumble out of the signal”, the turntable also comes with a felt mat and vibration-absorbing feet.

The Spira comes in Black, White, Green, Orange and Blue finishes, which are conveniently matched to Cambridge Audio’s L/R active speakers.

The Cambridge Audio Spira is available now, priced at £329 / $499. This puts it right between two of our favourite Bluetooth turntables – the Sony PS-LX3BT and the Sony PS-LX5BT, both of which received five-star reviews earlier this year – so we can't wait to hear how the Spira compares.

MORE:

Read our full Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 review

Don't know where to start? Consult our guide on how to choose the right record player for you

Plus, check out our pick of the best turntables tested by our expert reviewers

Rega has announced a brand new budget turntable with a completely new design, aiming to “remove all the paranoia and confusion” of the vinyl world by creating the “perfect” plug-and-play deck for new vinyl listeners.

The Rega Replay is the brand’s new entry-level offering priced competitively at £259 in the UK. Labelled as the “audiophile gateway drug”, the turntable has been designed from the ground up over three years, to “deliver exceptional sound at an accessible price”.

The Replay sits just under the multiple Award-winning Planar 1, which has traditionally been the most affordable record player in Rega’s line-up. We originally tested the current Planar 1 back in 2016 at £250, but the price has steadily risen over the years to £329 now.

The Rega Replay features many of the core elements of the standard Planar 1 – the phenolic resin platter with flywheel effect, the RB110 tonearm, and the Carbon moving-magnet cartridge fitted as standard.

But instead of a full-size conventional rectangular plinth, the Replay’s plinth is as minimal as can be.

Inspired by the skeletal plinths of the more premium Planar 8 and 10 turntables, the Replay features a reduced plinth footprint that weighs a mere 2.2kg in total.

The plinth features a laminated “high rigidity, low skeletal mass” design with an MDF core. This follows Rega’s long-held engineering belief that more mass saps music’s natural energy and introduces unwanted resonances that negatively affect the turntable’s performance.

The motor module under the main pulley also features the power input, power switch and a new PCB with built-in ventilation, and incorporates one of the three feet of the turntable.

The turntable remains a manual, belt-driven design, although there is no need to set the tracking force or anti-skating weight or balance the arm – you simply push the counterbalance weight on the tonearm as far as it will go, and that’s all the set-up required. Rega claims the Replay “can be set up and ready to use in under one minute”.

The Replay comes with a white mat that has a “different texture on one side to optimise grip on the textured platter surface”, says Rega, while the dustcover included is a minimal design, rather than a full-size hinged lid.

The Rega Replay will be going up against another long-running Award-winner, the Pro-Ject Primary E, which has been our favourite budget turntable for eight years now at a similar price of £249 in the UK. That’s going to be quite the battle.

We are waiting to get a sample of the new Rega Replay in for testing, so stay tuned for a full review soon.

MORE:

Read our recent Rega Planar 6 RS Edition review

Our guide to the best turntables for every budget

• Check out our best turntables buying guide

HMV has announced it will close its flagship Oxford Street store next year.

The store previously closed in 2019, nearly 100 years after first opening, when the chain collapsed into administration. HMV was rescued by Canadian retail tycoon Doug Putman, with the store at 363 Oxford Street reopening at the end of 2023.

Now it will close in March 2027.

The chain blamed a combination of soaring rent and the cost of “substantial” renovations. It said the landlord wanted to double the current rent.

However, the chain insists it will maintain a “significant presence” in London. It’s looking for an alternative site for a West End store, and will seek to minimise job losses by redeploying staff.

“This is a special store. It’s where we began 100 years ago and bringing it back to life in 2023 was a big moment in our recent history,” said managing director Phil Halliday.

“It’s frustrating that it has been made commercially unviable. However, we are looking ahead, and our focus is now on what we do to make exciting steps for HMV in 2027.”

What will those steps entail? Halliday didn’t say. But HMV is in rude health generally – the chain reported a 15 per cent rise in sales for the first nine months of 2026. Revenue from its 123 UK shops and online is set to reach £240million, up from £212million in 2025 – likely driven, in no small part, by physical media such as vinyl records and CDs.

So while it’s disappointing to see such a high-street stalwart suffer, there are still plenty of reasons for fans of physical media – and bricks-and-mortar shops – to be happy.

MORE:

The UK’s best independent record shops – as chosen by readers

How vinyl record shops are thriving in the digital age

Proof they can play nice: hi-res streaming hits record stores as Rough Trade and Qobuz announce global partnership

Take the Award-winning Planar 6 turntable, add elements from the next-tier-up Planar 8 model, and give it the visual treatment we liked so much in the Planar 3 RS Edition. It’s a formula that simply can’t go wrong, can it?

Rega’s experiment with its first ‘Rega Special’ Edition resulted in the superb, talented Planar 3 RS Edition (a prestigious Product of the Year winner, no less), and now it has given the RS treatment to the next rung on its turntable ladder. Considering the Planar 6/Nd7 package is a five-star, multiple Award winner, and the Planar 8 is also a five-star, former Award winner, a product that Frankensteins the best bits of these two models together is surely a recipe for success.

Can this more premium Planar 6 RS Edition win us over in the same way its sibling did? It doesn’t take long for us to answer that question.

Price

The Planar 6 RS with Nd9 moving magnet cartridge is cannily priced at £2000 / $3195 / AU$4199. This puts it right in between the standard Planar 6 with Nd7 MM cartridge at £1655 / $2595 / AU$3499, and the Rega Planar 8 with Nd9 at £2554 / $4200 / AU$5399. We tested the Planar 8 with the older Apheta 2 MC cartridge back in 2018, and the current package with the newer Apheta 3 MC costs £3000 / $4945 / AU$6299 in total.

The Nd9 cartridge included here as standard is the brand’s top-end moving magnet cartridge and costs £695 / $1095 / AU$1499 on its own, and features a boron cantilever and fine line nude diamond stylus profile that is based on the brand’s reference high-end Aphelion 2 MC cartridge (£3640 / $5545 / AU$7499). The Nd9 isn’t available as a factory-fitted option with the standard Planar 6, so adding it on separately will exceed the value of the 6 RS.

For those who prefer a moving coil cartridge, Rega offers a Planar 6 RS Edition bundle that includes the Ania MC fitted and Fono MC phono stage for the same price as the Nd9 package. It’s pretty compelling value no matter which option you choose.

Build & design

Rega’s use of the ultra-lightweight Tancast 8 polyurethane foam material in the plinth is what sets its premium models (Planar 6, 8, 10, Naia) apart from the MDF plinths in the sub-£1000 Planar 1, 2 and 3 models.

Rega’s defining engineering philosophy is that adding mass to a turntable absorbs energy and this saps the life out of the music, alongside transmitting unwanted resonances that negatively affect the sound – hence its continued pursuit of materials that are very light but also deliver exceptional stiffness.

The Planar 6 RS Edition uses the same Tancast 8 foam core sandwiched between two layers of very thin but stiff HPL (High Pressure Laminate) construction as the Planar 6 and 8, which offers a rigid but extremely low mass base for the turntable. Even after all this time, we’re surprised by just how light the turntable is when taking it out of the box.

Like the Planar 3 RS, the Planar 6 RS has a brushed metallic finish that not only looks stunning, but also acts as another ultra-thin skin around the plinth. As a way of visually differentiating the two RS models, this metal skin is a lighter finish on the Planar 6 RS and wraps all around the edges of the plinth, whereas the darker Planar 3 RS has mirrored black edges.

The Rega Planar 6 RS Edition is a lovely looking piece of hi-fi. Its minimal, belt-drive design is further accentuated by the sleek finish, while every element on the turntable – from the tonearm to the sub-platter to the screen-printed logo – is built to an impressively high standard.

That the Planar 6 RS sticks with the more conventional rectangular plinth design and full-size hinged dust cover is surely another reason why it has been so popular since it was announced earlier this year. It’s ideal for those who want the benefits of the Planar 8’s advanced technology, but aren’t enamoured with the skeletal plinth design or find its moulded dust cover impractical.

The Planar 6 RS adopts the hand-assembled RB880 tonearm found in the Planar 8, and this – along with the step-up Nd9 cartridge – is a big part of the 6 RS’s performance upgrade. The RB880 tonearm is a step up from the RB330 found on the standard P6, and is further refined to reduce resonances throughout the one-piece tube.

It features an improved aluminium and stainless steel vertical bearing assembly, with zero-tolerance bearings that are adjusted to less than a 1000th of a millimetre for near-frictionless movement. In use, there is no undue play and the movement is incredibly smooth.

Additionally, the 6 RS Edition features a twin motor pulley with two drive belts, which help deliver more accurate and stable speed control. It’s another design point taken from the premium Planar 8.

Other elements remain from the standard Planar 6, which include the nicely machined aluminium sub-platter, the dual-layer glass platter, and the double-brace system that strengthens the area between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing. This is a clever way of adding extra rigidity without adding too much unwanted mass to the turntable.

As with every deck from Planar 6 upwards, the 6 RS Edition’s low-noise 24v AC motor is powered by an outboard Neo Mk2 power supply unit, which offers electronic speed switching (33⅓ and 45 RPM) and is hand-tuned to match the motor on the turntable it is paired with. So if you’ll be auditioning the Planar 6 RS against the standard P6, make sure both models are used with their matching PSUs.

With the Nd9 factory-fitted, setting up the Rega turntable isn’t complicated at all. Simply balance the arm using the stainless steel counterweight, set the tracking weight and bias to the cartridge’s recommendations (1.75g in this case), and plug the captive phono leads into a capable stereo amplifier, and you’re good to go.

Sound

We plug the Planar 6 RS into our reference Naim Nait XS 3 integrated, and switch between the Epos ES-7N standmounts and PMC Prodigy 5 floorstanders during our testing. The Naim is discontinued now, so we would suggest Rega’s own Elicit Mk5 amplifier and the Fyne F502S or PMC Prophecy 1 speakers as a good pairing for the 6 RS Edition’s talents.

It doesn’t take us long to hear the step up in performance from the standard Planar 6. The recognisable Rega sonic characteristics are there – agile timing, superb dynamic ability, and a lovely balance between authority and subtlety.

We spin some of our favourite test records – Holst’s wide-ranging The Planets, Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged live set, the ambient soundscapes of Four Tet, and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours – and find that the Planar 6 RS Edition simply elevates all those recognisable sonic aspects even further.

The upgrades on the Planar 6 RS all pull together to deliver a sound that is more stable and composed, and even more expressive and delicate. The turntable offers a quieter background for detail from the vinyl grooves to flourish, and it’s a more three-dimensional sound, too.

The positioning of instruments in Holst’s chaotic, intense Mars is more definite within the sweeping, broader soundstage, with the edges of notes relayed with a greater degree of authority and precision. The sweeter, delicate notes of Venus are just that – the higher tones of the flute, clarinet and violin sound subtle and textured alongside the delicate shine, with a fluidity that holds our attention even in the movement’s quieter moments.

That meaty bassline in The Chain is deep, punchy and pulled taut; the Rega’s tremendous agility combines with a greater amount of low-level dynamic finesse so that it sounds even more tuneful and impactful. The 6 RS Edition does a fine job of keeping all the strands of the chorus organised and balanced – no single element jostles for the limelight over another.

With Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged record, we find the 6 RS better conveys the space of the room the musicians are playing in compared with the standard model, while Kurt Cobain’s voice sounds even more raw and revealing. Dynamically, there’s simply more going on – guitar strums are more emphatic, silences are deeper, and the way his voice reaches hair-raising intensity during the closing track sounds more visceral and organic.

Switch back to the standard Planar 6, and we still find it delivers an agile, fluid and dynamically exciting performance, with plenty of fine detail. The 6 RS Edition simply locks everything into place with a greater sense of composure and confidence. Voices are more intimate and have more presence; the switch from a quiet moment to a big crescendo is more dramatic; and we are drawn into the music with greater emotion, no matter the genre.

Verdict

As the Planar 3 RS Edition bridged the gap between the standard Planar 3 and the step-up Planar 6, this model is a similar stepping stone between the P6 and the more premium Planar 8, and offers excellent value for the combination of its advanced technologies.

The Rega Planar 6 RS Edition is a beautifully and cleverly made turntable, and its stylish looks and great sound will be a siren call to any vinyl fans who can afford to level up to this price.

Review published: 8th October 2026

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 5
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Rega Planar 6/Nd7

Also consider the Rega Planar 8

Best turntables: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

Deal events that span a couple of days come in different varieties. The more disappointing sort sees a gradual thinning out of discounted products as people snap up bargains.

During certain events, however, the second day of sales can have just as much, if not more, to say for itself than the first.

And as far as physical media is concerned, that seems to have been the case for this Amazon Big Deal Days event. Overnight, a few great bargains on vinyl and CDs have popped up, so we thought it only right to draw attention to these last minute deals before they're gone.

Collecting physical media can be a costly business, but we think the extra expense is worth it – even more so at a discount. Not only does such a collection put your music in your own hands, it also remunerates artists more fairly, thereby keeping the music industry alive and well.

And after all, without music, what use would hi-fi be?

So, get stuck into these last minute deals before they're gone:

This bumper pack of physical media bargains could quite reasonably lay the foundations for an emerging collection, or top up an existing catalogue with some classic albums.

With 25 per cent off Nirvana's hit record, Nevermind, which catapulted grunge into the mainstream, we've kicked off this collection with head-banging angst.

But it can't all be slamming bedroom doors and charity shopping for the biggest pair of jeans you can find. So, for some balance, we've included some slightly older rock favourites, including a compilation album from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's Deja Vu, and Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album, Fleetwood Mac.

If some synth-led new wave is more your thing, you'll be pleased to see a healthy 18 per cent off the 2023 vinyl reissue of New Order's Substance.

And there are a few more golden oldies there, too, with discounted CDs including Talking Heads' Speaking In Tongues, Prince's Purple Rain, and Low by David Bowie.

For something more contemporary, which (unbelievably) turned 10 years old this year, Drake's Views is currently reduced by 26 per cent on vinyl. Charli xcx's How I'm Feeling Now is also seeing a whopping discount of 33 per cent, so there really is something for everyone here.

Exciting though these discounts are, don't forget, they end tonight!

MORE

Gen Z is having more of an impact on physical sales than you might think

Our selection of the best CD players tested by our expert reviewers

Plus, check out our pick of the ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system

The physical media revival has brought with it some strange side effects, from production bottlenecks and extended wait times on new vinyl, to unexpected, novel tech developments, such as Bluetooth-enabled cassette players.

Perhaps the strangest byproduct of all, however, is a new kind of vinyl buyer: one who doesn’t even own a record player.

We recently covered a report that stated 30 per cent of Gen Z vinyl buyers didn’t own a turntable, while a 2023 report from Luminate found that, in the US, only 50 per cent of people who had bought a record (within a 12-month window) actually owned a turntable.

While we think buying vinyl and never listening to it is a forgivable sin, through a sceptical lens, you could put this consumer behaviour down to posturing. Some might even call it a waste of a physical music format that’s becoming ever more challenging to produce and facing emergent challenges, such as the creation of counterfeit records.

Who is buying vinyl?

But Scott Hagen, CEO of Victrola – a turntable manufacturer with over 100 years of experience – is no sceptic. He understands that Gen Z’s interest in vinyl has made the generation one of his company’s key consumer bases.

We haven’t yet fully reviewed any of Victrola’s products, but we couldn’t miss the chance to talk to the CEO of a company whose history goes all the way back to the days of the gramophone. These days, the company’s aesthetic is far from gaudy, making stylish, lifestyle-friendly record players, which incorporate modern features such as Bluetooth, wi-fi and Auracast into their designs.

Hagen explains that one of the first consumers Victrola considers when designing new products “is somebody that purchased vinyl, or someone who is considering buying a record player for the first time, and they think, ‘You know, this looks like a lot of fun’.

“Gen Z, or that age range – call it 18 to around 30 – is the fastest growing segment of vinyl purchasers,” says Hagen.

And indeed, recent research by Key Production – a physical media broker and manufacturing agency – showed that the proportion of people listening to music in physical formats was greatest among those aged 18-24. As an encouraging side note, the survey also found that 18-24-year-olds were the most willing of all age groups to spend more on their wax in the name of eco-friendly production.

“Simple set-up to get a quality solution”

But for Gen Z, who are the first generation fully native to mobile devices, getting into analogue audio comes with a few hurdles.

“There’s a bias that it’s very difficult to get a great sounding, great looking product that’s not hard or scary to set up,” says Hagen. “At Victrola, we love music, we love hi-fi and all the great, beautiful products that are out there. What we don’t love is scaring people with this hi-fi, snobbish ‘analogue has to be perfect’ mindset, because, frankly, that isn’t who the core audience purchasing vinyl today are – so, we want to take the fear away.”

As a solution, Hagen stresses that “simple set-up to get a quality solution” remains a key tenet in Victrola’s new designs.

An apt example is Victrola’s Automatic turntable, which features Bluetooth connectivity, fully automatic operation, and a continuous repeat function that lets you loop one side of a record without the need for manual resets. Such products offer a middle ground for those newly interested in vinyl, allowing them to engage with physical music without the complexity of a fully manual turntable and hi-fi separates.

According to Hagen, consumer expectations around audio quality have been steadily rising. “Frankly, there’s more music being consumed today, in all different ways, than there was 20 or 30 years ago.”

With persistent upgrades to the quality of on-the-go listening formats, such as affordable wireless headphones, portable music players and in-car audio systems, Hagen says that “the expected base-level quality of sound is significantly higher” than it was in vinyl’s heyday in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

In an effort to meet that need, Hagen says that he and the company “take learnings from higher-end products, then figure out how we can implement them in a way that other people haven’t, to provide an even better product”.

As an example of this approach, he points to vibration-elimination technology developed for the company’s new Soundstage soundbase. This is a compact speaker unit that sits beneath a record player to deliver sound – it’s a convenient, space-saving solution for those wanting a compact vinyl set-up, but also a move that has the potential to cause feedback and distortion.

“Previously, we came up against a bunch of barriers. Take the Eastwood (a turntable with built-in speakers), for example. There, we were able to keep an isolated front array of speakers and get a lot more output than we, or our competitors, had… But we hit a barrier at some point, where we could only make it go so loud without vibrating the thing off the table.”

The company went back to the drawing board, and eventually returned with Victrola’s down-firing symmetric drive woofer, which uses a dual-diaphragm design with opposing woofers that share the same voice coil to produce bass while cancelling unwanted low-frequency vibrations.

“Now we’re taking those learnings and, over the course of the next couple of years, bringing them back into our lower-line products,” says Hagen.

“The industry is behind vinyl”

His confidence in the stable growth of vinyl, he says, is based not only on the consumer response to the company’s products, but also the vested interests of musicians and the wider music industry in physical media.

“I would say the industry is behind [vinyl],” he says. “Ultimately, content availability and content support from the studios and production and the artists themselves is what's always driven the demand and the consumption of the content itself. And the studios and the artists are so behind this format.”

According to 2026 statistics from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), UK vinyl sales jumped by 19.9 per cent, driving a third consecutive year of growth in physical music revenue.

Here at What Hi-Fi?, we are always pleased to see interest in physical media grow, and alongside the vinyl sales, we’ve seen turntables continue to grow from strength to strength across all price ranges, as you can see from our best turntables buying guide. Even as times change, we’ve encountered superb new turntables, from affordable Bluetooth-equipped models such as Sony’s PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT turntables, to more upmarket, purist offerings from Rega and Pro-Ject.

Of course, streaming remains the dominant financial source for the music industry as a whole, rising to a record level of £1.07 billion in the UK in 2025, but Hagen believes that vinyl occupies a unique and robust position.

“People aren't going to buy [vinyl] necessarily because they think it has better quality sound, or because they think it's more convenient,” he says. “People aren't going to buy it because they think it's the most affordable, either. People are buying it because it is the second version of them going to a concert, and it is an incredible way for them to celebrate what they love with their friends.”

Looking to the future of turntable manufacturing, Hagen does not believe that innovation will be driven by “the most recent Bluetooth chip, or adding the most up-to-date amplifiers or preamps that are out there.”

Instead, he thinks that keeping a close eye on the ways that home life changes and understanding which types of connectivity and features best “connect with the way people live” will be key to keeping future customers engaged.

“I think it’s really going to be about industrial design,” says Hagen. “[It will be about] having the best industrial designers that are most connected to the end consumer, and working with them to learn as much as possible.”

What do you think? How do you see turntables evolving in the near future? Are there any features you hope to see included in modern turntables? Let us know in the comments.

MORE

Gen Z is having more of an impact on physical sales than you might think

I’ve started collecting vinyl records of this unusual music genre – and it’s been a lot more rewarding

Check out our pick of the best turntables tested by our expert reviewers

Well that didn't take long. Fresh from its five-star review in April, Sony's latest Bluetooth turntable has now plummeted to a new low price. It's just £217 at Amazon as part of the Prime Big Deal Days sale – that's a saving of £82 off the RRP.

Read on to see why it's a great first step into the world of vinyl.

Sony Bluetooth turntable best ever deal

So why is it so good? It builds on its five-star predecessor (the PS-LX310BT) with a similar fuss-free design and straight-out-of-the-box functionality. It also has an aluminium tonearm with a precision pivot bearing, an aluminium die-cast platter and a rubber mat.

Because it's an automatic turntable, there's no need to fiddle with tracking weights or cartridges, which makes playback a breeze. If you're a bit daunted by all the turntable terminology around, a simple model like this is ideal.

Pairing via Bluetooth is very straightforward too, and with support for the aptX Adaptive codec, sound quality is top notch (as long as you pick a compatible wireless speaker).

As we wrote on our review: "We're taken with just how composed, controlled and well-organised the Sony sounds, marvelling at the effortless cohesion and solidity it brings to the entirety of Michael Jackson's Bad album."

There's genuine musicality, which is not always found at this price. And with over £80 off, there's never been a better time to dip your toe in the vinyl waters.

MORE:

Read our Sony PS-LX3BT review

Compare the best Bluetooth turntables

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Live: the best deals as they happen

Harkening back to when Prime Day occupied just a single day feels a bit like reminiscing about cars without seatbelts or steam trains.

The times have most certainly changed, and special though those early days of technology surely were, we are compelled change with them. These days, Prime Day happens several times a year, and this year's Prime Big Day Deals have finally arrived, to provide an autumnal dose of discounts.

As ever, when such an occasion comes around, certain members of the What Hi-Fi? team keep a diligent eye out for bargains on vinyl. What with the booming revival of physical media, we're always happy to give the format a helping hand, and hopefully get that extra bit of money back to musical artists.

So, this year, we've gone virtual crate diving, to find you deals on the records we think will give your hi-fi set-up a run for its money.

We're certain that even more records will see discounted prices on Prime Day, but, for now, here's the best and cheapest wax you'll find on offer:

Kicking things off with Kendrick Lamar, DAMN. is the Californian rapper's Pulitzer Prize-winning fourth album. The album strips back the ambitious jazz arrangements of Lamar's earlier work, going for a more trap-infused sound and diving into topics such as morality and faith.

Next up, The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main Street is, in our opinion, an album that no record collection is complete without. Blending country music, blues, gospel and rock across its tracklist, this album features paired-back recordings such as Sweet Virginia, which leave you feeling as though you're sat right in the middle of the band as they shamble their songs together.

Queen appear quite frequently during sales events, and their Greatest Hits II is a fine, if somewhat unusual entry point to the band's music. Tracking their biggest hits between 1981 and 1991, this record features big-hitters such as Under Pressure, A Kind of Magic and Radio Ga Ga, plus some tracks that might be new to more uninitiated listeners.

Dire Straits could be considered the sultans of sales, as their music so frequently pops up during these events. Nonetheless, their self-titled debut album has a well-earned place in the rock music canon, with some all-time classic guitar riffs. There's a reason this album went double platinum in both the UK and the US, after all.

The enigmatic Rodriguez is a character that has captured the imaginations of generations of music lovers. With a sound that is something akin to a fusion of Bob Dylan and Scott Walker, Cold Fact is at once eerie and comforting, and includes some of the singer-songwriter's best-loved tunes, such as Sugar Man and Crucify Your Mind.

But if feeling unsettled isn't your thing, maybe some classic guitar-led rock from Jeff Beck will put you at ease. Widely hailed as one of the earliest heavy metal albums, Truth is Beck's 1968 debut and introduces his talented backing group, The Jeff Beck Group.

To round things up, Chemtrails Over The Country Club is the ever-melancholic Lana Del Rey's seventh studio album. Featuring collaborations from Nikki Lane, Weyes Blood and Zella Day, this folk/Americana record was released to widespread critical acclaim and centres on themes of family, heartbreak and nostalgia.

MORE:

Beware: these vinyl albums are actually worse than their streaming versions

Our selection of the best turntables tested by our expert reviewers

Plus, check out our pick of the ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system

The Beatles have released an expanded special edition of their 1965 album, Rubber Soul, featuring new stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes, archival recordings from early sessions, and a variety of physical formats.

The special edition features new mixes by Giles Martin (producer and son of George Martin) and engineer Sam Okell.

Alongside the new Dolby Atmos and stereo mixes, the collection includes the original mono mix, the original Capitol US Album Version, and previously unreleased session recordings and home demos, plus a double A-side single featuring Day Tripper and We Can Work It Out.

A few versions of the new release are available, including single CD and LP editions, double CD and LP Special Editions, and four-CD and five-LP Super Deluxe editions. A Blu-Ray edition will also be available, featuring the Dolby Atmos mix, a hi-res stereo version and promotional films for Day Tripper and We Can Work It Out.

UMG and Apple Corps Ltd have also announced limited-edition orange vinyl and D2C exclusive Zoetrope vinyl editions.

Those willing to fork out on the Super Deluxe editions can expect to hear 24 early session recordings, including 20 previously unreleased takes and three previously unreleased home demos, one of which, titled Little Girl, is touted to be a “previously unheard” John Lennon song.

Super Deluxe buyers can also expect an 88-page hardcover book to accompany their CD or vinyl, with an introduction by Paul McCartney and foreword pieced together from John Lennon’s own words.

The Rubber Soul special edition collections are available to order now. Full UK pricing is as follows:

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Standard: 1CD: £13.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Standard: 1LP: £29.99

Rubber Soul - Blu-ray Edition: £29.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Deluxe: 2CD: £22.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Standard: 1LP Zoetrope £31.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Deluxe: 2LP: £44.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Super Deluxe: 4CD Box Set: £119.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Super Deluxe: 4CD Box Set + Posters + Art Cards: £129.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Super Deluxe: 5LP + 7" Single Box Set: £189.99

Rubber Soul - Special Edition Super Deluxe: 5LP + 7" Single Box Set + Posters + Art Cards: £199.99

MORE

12 of the best songs by The Beatles to test your hi-fi system

Stereo? Who needs it: I think The Beatles sound better in mono

Check out our pick of the best turntables tested by our expert reviewers

With vinyl records’ resurgence continuing unabated, there are now plenty of options for record fans when it comes to replay. Handsome budget decks and high-end players abound, but this month we are focusing on what could well be the sweet spot for many: turntables priced around the £1000 mark.

We recently compared three such decks that combine classy design with the sonic chops to match that not insubstantial price. One is an existing champion – Rega’s Planar 3 RS Edition is an upgraded package that elevates the standard Planar 3’s performance for a competitive price (£1099 / $1795 / AU$2399). The RS Edition is a beautifully made deck that sounds fantastic. From its improved plinth to included external power supply, the ‘Rega Special’ turntable is a worthy 2025 Product of the Year What Hi-Fi? Award winner.

But last month, two new models arrived in our test rooms to challenge its supremacy, from two other big players in the turntable business. First up is the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 (£999 / $1499 / AU$2349), the most premium member of the brand’s long-established and lauded Debut range to date. Accordingly, this new iteration incorporates a new tonearm, platter and sub-platter as it looks to compete in this premium price range.

It’s joined by Technics’ SL-1500CS (£1099 / $1799 / AU$2499), an update to the superb direct-drive SL-1500C. The difference, apart from the added letter? It’s all in the new deck’s motor controller circuit that is designed to provide a purer signal feed, theoretically resulting in a motor that spins more smoothly and accurately.

Both are worthy challengers to the Rega on paper and both have gained five-star reviews. But when it comes down to the all-important listening, will they be rebuked by the champ, or steal away its crown? We had all three in our test rooms together to find out...

The three turntables

All three contenders would be fantastic options for vinyl fans, but for the sheer joy of playing records, the Rega proves hard to beat

Each of the three record players on test here has been put under the microscope and has come out with a glowing five-star report. There is no bad option here. All three are capable of excellent results in any sensibly chosen system, are well-built, and easy enough to set up.

That doesn’t mean that they are all the same, though. Each one has a distinctive character and particular strengths that may appeal more to some than others.

Pro-Ject: an easy-going, stable and clear performance

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10, for example, probably has the most showroom appeal. It is the cheapest of the three models, yet the combination of a 10in carbon fibre tonearm, acrylic platter and option of balanced output marks it out as something different.

But, behind all the headline-grabbing materials and interesting features, there is real substance too. The Debut Reference 10 is a fine all-rounder that digs deep into the record groove to produce a superbly balanced and entertaining performance.

We said in our review: "The Pro-Ject’s delivery sounds clear, organised and authoritative, and its presentation is open and spacious, too. Resolution levels are impressive, be it the punchy percussion scattered across Michael Jackson's Bad or the hazy basslines that are the trademark of Nas’ Illmatic."

In relative terms, its character veers towards a more relaxed presentation, which may well suit many, but the deck retains enough of the music’s energy and drive to deliver a truly enjoyable listen.

• Read the full Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 review

Technics: powerful and muscular sound, with robust build

We admit, we feared for the new Technics SL-1500CS when it was announced. We love the standard SL-1500C. It is a superb deck for the money, and a former Award-winner. It also includes a built-in phono stage, which neither the Pro-Ject or Rega rivals do. So, when Technics changed nothing but the quality of the power-supply signal to the motor unit and added a couple of hundred pounds to the price, we worried.

It turns out there was no need. That apparently small change to the power supply makes a notable difference to the performance. It wouldn’t take long in any half-decent system to spot the improvements during a comparison. The SL-1500CS is notably more expressive and detailed. It simply reveals more of the information in the record groove without adding any weaknesses of its own.

Up against class rivals, this Technics stands out for the authority and stability of its presentation. Lows come through with impressive punch too. However, up against its Rega rival, we find that the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition "tells us more about the recording and edges ahead when it comes to dynamic subtlety and rhythmic precision".

Still, add well-proven build quality, a superb built-in phono stage and fuss-free operation, and we think the SL-1500CS is going to make an awful lot of people very happy indeed.

• Read the full Technics SL-1500CS review

Rega: hugely entertaining, insightful and rhythmically agile sound

That leaves us with the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition. The price may have gone up a bit in the past year (from £999 to £1099), but for us, this remains the finest-sounding record player on the market at this level. It is a complete performer that gets straight to the emotional core of the music thanks to expert handling of dynamic nuances and rhythmic precision.

In our three-way test, we found that the Rega "outguns its Pro-Ject rival, bringing so much snap and verve to Jackson’s Dirty Diana that the Reference 10 can’t quite keep up." Similarly, the Rega deck is "ultimately the more transparent and insightful performer" compared with the Technics.

Good as its five-star rivals are, neither quite manages to tell us as much about the music and recording. We said in our review that "There is a confidence and effortless quality to the way this turntable sounds compared with the standard Planar 3; the RS Edition locks every detail, every instrument, every vocal into place in an assured way that is admirable and wholly enjoyable."

The Rega may not include a phono stage, as the Technics does, or have the Pro-Ject’s headline-grabbing materials and features, but when it comes to the sheer joy of playing records, the Planar 3 RS Edition gets our winning vote.

• Read the full Rega Planar 3 RS Edition review

MORE:

We asked what got you into hi-fi – and glorious audio-related chaos ensued

New issue of What Hi-Fi? out now: it's a bumper 50th Anniversary special!

Quiz! Take on our turntable-themed crossword for a spin and see how quickly you can solve the clues

You may have seen in the news recently that a vinyl pirate was jailed for three-and-a-half years after police seized the largest haul of counterfeit records ever found in the UK. The man made a whopping £2.7 million between 2017 and 2024 by selling knock-off versions of albums by Ed Sheeran, The Beatles and Taylor Swift, among others.

The counterfeiter used four 70-year-old vinyl presses to copy legit records at the industrial unit in Acton, west London. Police also found 3000 metal stampers and thousands of sleeves and centre labels.

In total, they seized 18 tonnes of evidence during the bust in 2024. The pirate was sentenced a couple of weeks ago.

According to City of London Police, the evidence pointed to "a long‑running, highly organised and entirely unlicensed manufacturing operation capable of producing counterfeit recordings at a scale rarely seen in the modern music industry."

Which suggests that counterfeit vinyl is a substantial problem.

Indeed, the issue is pretty widespread, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), who referred the case to the City of London Police's Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU). Speaking exclusively to What Hi-Fi?, Peter Ratcliffe, the BPI's Director of Content Protection, said that unfortunately the vinyl format was becoming a victim of its own success.

"After 18 consecutive years of growth in vinyl LP purchases in the UK (and likely to be 19 after this year), it's sadly inevitable that some people with more sinister motives will try to exploit this demand and the love people have for the format," he said.

Since 2025, Ratcliffe’s unit has seized 600,000 units with an estimated value of around £8 million – and that's not including the nearly £3 million worth seized during the Acton raid in 2024.

A pretty bleak picture, then. But there are some glimmers of hope.

The BPI has been scoring "some notable successes", Ratcliffe said, "thanks in part to improved field intelligence and operational processes as well as greater industry collaboration".

He added that "we hope the problem is now in decline or at least is becoming contained". Fingers crossed.

Stay well away

We would always advise against buying counterfeit vinyl, even if it is cheaper than the real thing. Not only is the sound quality usually worse, playing a knock-off record can actually damage your turntable.

And that's before you get to the fact that it denies any earnings to everyone involved in creating and distributing the music, from the artists themselves, to everyone who works at the record label and in the independent record shops that we treasure so fondly.

Or, as Ratcliffe puts it, "fake vinyl (and CDs) denies artists and the record labels that support them significant revenues that rightly should go to them, while, of course, it also undermines the retail community and wider music ecosystem and cheats fans out of an authentic experience".

But perhaps most seriously of all, the "ill-gotten proceeds tend to fund other forms of criminality that can impact us all. It is far from being a harmless activity that we should turn a blind eye to".

So even if you're not a fan of the fat cats at major labels, you should still avoid buying counterfeit records.

Thankfully, they're pretty easily avoided, as long as you shop at the right places and exercise a bit of caution. You shouldn’t find any knock-off vinyl at your local independent record shop, for example.

"In general, reputable record shops do not get approached by the counterfeiters," Mark Burgess, the owner of Flashback Records, told us.

"The records are poor quality and illegal, so there is no incentive for us to buy them. You'll find these counterfeits at markets and boot fairs."

And if in doubt? You can always consult our guide on how to spot fake vinyl.

MORE:

How to spot fake records: a definitive guide

The best independent record shops in the UK – as chosen by you, the readers

The best turntables to play your (legit) records

If you've been keeping up with the latest Prime Big Deal Day deals, you’ll know there are a few offers on turntables. I, of course, would love there to be more, but Amazon AU isn’t exactly known for its extensive catalogue of hi-fi separates.

Still, with discounts on the superb Sony PS-LX310BT and Technics SL-40CBT up for grabs with a discount, the Prime Day sale (which ends this coming Monday, October 5) could be a prime time to start your own turntable-based system.

And if you need new vinyl records to go with your fledgling hobby, you’re in luck, as Amazon has also discounted a decent selection of albums, spanning multiple genres. And given the fact that vinyl records can be really expensive these days, any discount is welcome. In fact, there’s up to 48% off select albums, with the likes of The Beatles’ White Album, Nirvana’s Nevermind and the live version of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours all up for grabs; you won’t want to miss out.

If my picks aren't to your taste, be sure to check out the full selection of vinyl available at Amazon AU.

Even if you already own a great turntable and are just looking for some savings on records, these deals should tempt you to complete your collection. Remember, these deals expire on Monday, October 5 or when stock runs out.

Best Prime Day Vinyl deals

The first play is a big moment for any turntable. You've agonised over exactly which model to buy, possibly lugged it home from the shops, taken time to set it up properly and now, finally, is its time to shine.

But what do you play on it?

It's a big decision, as chances are, this performance will live long in the memory. Get it right, and your new deck will be off to a flying start. Choose a dud, and it could taint everything you play on it subsequently.

Do you go for a well known classic from a band like The Beatles? Something more obscure that only you know and love? A track that brings back memories of a certain time in your life? Or something modern that you've been loving of late, to see how the sound compares to how you've previously been enjoying it?

Whatever you go for, it's not a decision to take lightly.

If you can't make up your mind, we've got plenty of lists of test tracks for your system, from acoustic tracks and movie scores to those by artists like Radiohead and Nick Cave. But that's us. For this month's Ask The Reader, we want to know what you choose.

You can tell us about your favourite first-play tracks in the comments below, on our forum, or on our social media channels. We'll put them all together in a follow-up article so you can see your fellow readers' picks. So let us know!

MORE:

These are the best record players we have tested

We rank the best stereo amps

Our picks of the best hi-fi systems

The Velvet Underground’s 1969 album, The Velvet Underground, is set to receive a sonic upgrade as the latest addition to UMe’s (the global catalogue division of Universal Music Group) Vinylphyle series.

The Vinylphyle edition features all analog mastering “by an elite group of today’s top vinyl cutting engineers” and comes on 180g black vinyl, pressed at RTI’s pressing plant in California. This release presents Lou Reed’s original “Closet Mix”, which featured on the very first pressings of the album in 1969.

The record is housed in a tip-on gatefold jacket with a four-panel insert, which includes scans of the album’s source-recording tape alongside newly commissioned liner notes by Grammy nominee and rock historian, Scott B. Bomar.

At the time of its original release, The Velvet Underground marked a shift from the fiercely experimental sound of the band’s early recordings to a more melodic, paired back approach – best summarised by songs such as Pale Blue Eyes and Candy Says – which brought Lou Reed’s songwriting talents to light.

UMe’s Vinylphyle series, which the company has dubbed “a premium vinyl experience for people who love vinyl”, launched in November 2025 with four legendary titles: The Velvet Underground & Nico, Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Band’s Northern Lights-Southern Cross, and Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song.

This release delves deeper into The Velvet Underground’s back-catalogue.

The Vinylphyle edition of The Velvet Underground is now available to order at a price of $40 from uDiscover Music. Additional shipping fees will be added for customers outside the US, with shipping expected on 24th September.

MORE

Quiz! Take on our turntable-themed crossword for a spin and see how quickly you can solve the clues

Check out our pick of the ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system

Rewind to the 1970s with this Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of the Moon, cassette player boxset

German manufacturer Clearaudio has announced a petite new phono stage, Compact Phono, which the company says is “small enough to fit discreetly into virtually any setup”.

The phono stage measures just 2.6 x 11.5 x 8cm (hwd), but Clearaudio says “its compact dimensions belie a serious phono stage”.

Ease of use has been taken into consideration for a new design, which makes switching between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) operation easier than on the company's previous phono stages – which required the unit to be opened and internal jumpers reconfigured – with a button on the front panel.

At the heart of the unit are “extremely low-noise, high precision operational amplifiers”, with gain split across two stages: the first handling “the bulk” of amplification to “maximise signal-to-noise ratio”, while the second stage uses targeted filters to limit unwanted frequencies.

A 16Hz subsonic filter removes unwanted low-frequency rumbles, while a 70kHz ultrasonic filter “reliably catches cartridge resonances”. Clearaudio says that the new filtering system provides “broader protection against unwanted signals than the subsonic-only filtering found in earlier designs, while maintaining precise RIAA equalisation and complete signal stability”.

The Compact Phono has also been designed with flexibility in mind and will "accommodate everything from entry-level cartridges to extremely quiet MC systems”.

This is done by the inclusion of adjustable input loading, which provides 47kΩ / 100pF for MM and 100Ω / 100pF for MC. Additionally, switchable gain of 40dB and 60dB allows the unit to be matched to a “wide range of systems”.

Clearaudio says that both gain settings are higher than those offered by its predecessors, while MC operation promises a headroom of 29dB, which is “comfortably ahead of previous models”.

The Compact Phono includes an ±18V power supply, which Clearaudio claims delivers an “extremely stable, noise-free voltage supply” in combination with two linear voltage regulators.

According to Clearaudio, “top-quality” components have been used in the Compact Phono’s circuitry, which is all housed inside a low-resonance metal enclosure with isolating feet – which will minimise rumble as you stomp your feet to your favourite records.

The new phono stage is also more efficient than previous models, for a “lighter, cooler running” operation.

The Clearaudio Compact Phono is available now in finishes of black and silver for a price of £490 / €490 / $639.

At this price, the Compact Phono comes up against tough competition, including the similarly well-equipped, but cheaper, Cambridge Audio Duo MC/MM (£299 / $399 / AU$559) and the Award-winning, slightly more expensive, Graham Slee Reflex M (£540 / $960 / AU$1290).

MORE

Read our Vertere Phono 1-LX review

Updating your turntable system? We compared three step-up phono stages to find out which offers the biggest upgrade

Our pick of the best phono preamps, tested by our expert reviewers

Pro-Ject’s Debut range of turntables has been on quite the journey.

The original Pro-Ject Debut broke cover at the end of the 1990s, carving out a stellar reputation as one of the best-value decks for buyers who wanted a terrific budget turntable that delivered that coveted combination of reliability and simplicity.

Like a young executive upgrading their home as they climb the corporate ladder, the Debut line has become steadily more premium over time, with 2023’s Award-winning Debut Pro making the transition to a more upmarket price of £699 / $999 / AU$1079 to significant acclaim.

At a not-trivial £999 / $1499 / AU$2349, the new Debut 10 Reference turntable once again moves the price needle upwards. Sporting a similar overarching design to the Pro-Ject Debut Pro, this new iteration incorporates a new tonearm, platter and sub-platter as it looks to compete in the higher echelons of vinyl society.

The Debut Reference 10 has traded Cup-A-Soup for caviar, but in moving even further upmarket, does Pro-Ject still remember its Award-winning roots?

Build & design

We have few complaints about the construction of the Debut Reference 10. Certain ‘blingier’ design elements won’t be for everyone, but there’s little question that this is a turntable of admirable build quality.

Those blingier elements include a rather whopping aluminium bearing block and counterweight attached to a carbon fibre tonearm, contrasting starkly with the matte finish of the MDF chassis. The turntable is only available in the satin black finish of our review sample, a colourway that, in our experience, is susceptible to attracting fingermarks.

The Debut Reference 10 incorporates a good deal of shining metal in its construction, from the various milled aluminium components – including an optional record puck and that massive shining counterweight – to the height-adjustable damped feet at its base.

The main platter of the belt-driven record player is made from acrylic, designed to contribute to what Pro-Ject describes as a “natural, liquid sound signature” while reducing the need for additional damping materials.

The main platter is paired with an aluminium sub-platter, machined to add mass to the ensemble and further reduce unwanted sonic resonances, sitting atop a main bearing that uses a stainless steel axle with a bronze bushing.

Setting the Debut Reference 10 apart from its forebears is a new 10-inch tonearm – a good deal longer than the 8.6-inch model of the Debut Pro – made using a carbon-fibre and aluminium sandwich construction. According to Pro-Ject, this longer arm helps reduce tracking and inner-groove distortion, thus improving the resultant sonic fidelity.

At the end of the tonearm is Pro-Ject’s own Pick It Pro Balanced moving magnet cartridge, a revised version of the brand’s Pick It model, and built for reduced noise and interference via its balanced signal transmission.

Nothing here is tricky to set up or to use. The cartridge comes accurately aligned in the tonearm’s headshell, while a detachable acrylic dust cover clicks in and out of place without much trouble. You’ll need to attach the small anti-skating weight and large counterweight to set the cartridge’s recommended 2g tracking force, and while there aren’t any numbers marked on the arm to assist you, Pro-Ject thoughtfully provides a stylus weight scale in the box.

Pro-Ject also provides a decent-quality detachable tonearm lead, which allows an avenue for future upgrading, meaning you can try different leads depending on your personal preference. There is also a mini XLR cable provided to make a balanced connection with Pro-Ject’s own suitably equipped phono stages.

Internally, the Debut Reference 10’s 15V AC motor is decoupled from the rest of the turntable and housed in its own substantial base to prevent vibrations from transferring to the chassis. A small switch on the left-hand side of the deck controls your turntable’s speed electronically, with a click to the left setting it to 33⅓ RPM and a click to the right setting it to 45 RPM.

If you want to go up to 78 RPM, you’ll need to attach the alternative round belt to the outer edge of the deck’s larger pulley, and then move the speed changer to its right-hand setting. The belt does slip off a couple of times as we test out our test turntable’s 78 RPM rotation, but after a few tries, we manage to get everything spinning at the speed we require.

Sound

There’s a weight of expectation sitting on the Pro-Ject’s shoulders as we connect it to our trusty Naim Nait XS 3 stereo amplifier and a pair of five-star Epos ES-7N standmounts.

We need to know exactly what this player can do, so to fully spotlight the extent of the Debut Reference 10’s abilities, we also spend time listening to it plugged into our reference Burmester 088/911 MkIII pre/power combination and a pair of the super-revealing PMC MB2 SE loudspeakers.

These choppy waters aren’t short of rival sharks willing to take a chunk out of the Debut Reference 10, including the Award-winning Rega Planar 3 RS Edition (£1099 / $1795 / AU$2399) and the new Technics SL-1500CS (£1099 / $1800 / AU$2499).

We don’t let the Debut Reference 10 off lightly as we spin our first records, either. We flit between Beethoven’s challenging Ninth Symphony and Dirty Diana from Michael Jackson’s Bad, yet the Pro-Ject takes everything admirably in its stride. Beethoven’s Ninth is handled with precision, authority and stability, while Dirty Diana is suffused with bite and ample lower-end grip.

So easily could the former have sounded muddled and the latter hurried, but Pro-Ject’s impressive performer gives each track just the right amount of rope – not too much for the music to sound strangled and restricted, not too little for things to become slipshod or hurried.

This finely judged balance isn’t the only weapon in the Reference 10’s arsenal. The Pro-Ject’s delivery sounds clear, organised and authoritative, and its presentation is open and spacious, too. Resolution levels are impressive, be it the punchy percussion scattered across Bad or the hazy basslines that are the trademark of Nas’ Illmatic.

The Debut Reference 10 has won us over, but how does it shape up against its key rivals? The Technics SL-1500CS sounds more powerful and authoritative thanks to the deck’s considerable sonic brawn, whereas Rega’s raucously entertaining Planar 3 RS Edition continues to lead the pack when it comes to rhythmic and dynamic expression.

In a pitched battle against the Debut Reference 10, the Rega outguns its Pro-Ject rival, bringing so much snap and verve to Jackson’s Dirty Diana that the Reference 10 can’t quite keep up. For making you want to don your white suit and bust out your best Moonwalk, the Rega remains the king of this particular castle.

That doesn’t, by any means, render the Pro-Ject obsolete or unworthy of praise. This is still a terrifically talented turntable, and with the Rega’s recent price hike taking it from £999 to £1099 in the UK, one that costs a not-inconsiderable chunk of money less.

Drop back to something a little slower-paced, such as Tom Jones’ Did Trouble Me, and the Pro-Ject is back in its element. Jones’ voice is as rich and smooth as a cigar soaked in malt whisky, and the Debut Reference 10 has the requisite weight and warmth to give the gospel tune that lovely feeling of soulful sincerity.

Verdict

Amid such strong competition, there was always a danger that the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 might become lost among the crowd. After all, when you’re up against the likes of Rega and Technics, you’re always going to have your work cut out.

Fortunately, the Debut Reference 10 is talented enough in its own right to grant it significant appeal. For its expertly judged blend of sonic authority and spaciousness, not to mention its quality build and ease of use, the Reference 10 is a smart choice for customers not willing to break the £1000 / $1500 barrier.

Review published: 9th September 2026

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 5
• Features 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition

Also consider the Technics SL-1500CS

Read our Rega Planar 3/Nd3 review

Best turntables: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

The phrase ‘appearances can be deceptive’ could have been coined for the new Technics SL-1500CS turntable. Despite the notable price difference – the standard SL-1500C costs £899 / $1499 / AU$1899 – there is nothing obvious to distinguish the pair on first viewing, bar the new deck’s Metallic Grey finish.

At first we thought the SL-1500CS was intended to replace the original, but Technics sees it as the next step in its turntable hierarchy, with the standard model continuing in production.

Build & design

What’s the difference between the two? It comes down to the direct-drive’s motor controller circuit. The new SL-1500CS design repurposes the company’s Delta-Sigma Drive technology, as seen in its digital amplifiers, to give the motor a purer signal feed. The result is a motor that spins more smoothly and accurately. This may not sound like much, but it affects every aspect of the record player’s performance.

Elsewhere, everything feels reassuringly familiar. The robust-feeling plinth remains a sturdy mix of aluminium, ABS and glass fibre to deliver a rigid, low-resonance structure. It is only available in a single finish, Metallic Grey, and to our eyes at least, looks smart.

The resonance-control theme continues with the SL-1500CS’s platter. It is made of die-cast aluminium and heavily damped with rubber on the underside to produce a more inert support for the record.

The record player’s ‘S’-shaped tonearm is a well-proven aluminium design. Its bearings are smooth and relatively play-free, while the detachable headshell makes cartridge swapping a breeze. The easily adjustable arm height is another tick in the Ease-Of-Use column. The lift/lower lever works well enough but doesn’t feel particularly precise or positive in use.

Technics has included an Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge as part of the package, and it is a good choice. This much-respected design is an unfussy yet capable performer that tracks securely at a steady 1.8g.

Speed switching is easily done at the touch of a button, with the SL-1500CS offering 78 RPM alongside the usual 33 ⅓ and 45 choices. We like the way the platter gets quickly up to speed without the judder and fuss of most belt-driven rivals.

The SL-1500CS is a semi-automatic design. It can be set to lift the arm at the end of a record side. This takes around ten revolutions to kick in, so don’t worry if it doesn’t happen as soon as the stylus tip reaches the run-out groove.

There is also a built-in phono stage, unchanged from the standard SL-1500C. Most included phono stages tend to be stop-gap efforts that are easily bettered by modestly priced outboard units. That’s not the case here.

We think this Technics phono module is good enough to hold its head high against most sub-£200 phono stages we’ve heard. If the urge to upgrade does strike, the circuit can be taken out of the signal path with the flick of a small switch on the back panel.

Setting up the SL-1500CS is easy. Once the deck is out of the packaging, the user just needs to fit the platter, attach the headshell, and set the tracking weight and bias to match. The Ortofon cartridge is already fitted and aligned in the headshell.

A quartet of large spring and rubber feet provide a degree of isolation from external vibrations, though as with any turntable, a level, low-resonance support is still recommended.

The deck’s tonearm leads are detachable. They do the job, but still leave a little too much on the table for our tastes. They would be our first port of call when the urge to upgrade strikes. All the SL-1500CS’s sockets are deeply inset under the plinth. While this makes for a neater installation, making the initial connections is more fiddly than we would like.

A record player at this level demands a good quality partnering system. We get great results with the Technics feeding an Arcam A15+ amplifier and KEF LS50 Meta speakers. We also installed the Technics into our reference system of Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2 phono stage, Burmester 088/911 MkIII amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers, to really put a spotlight on its performance.

Our benchmarks are the similarly-priced Rega Planar 3 RS Edition and the standard SL-1500C (fitted with an Ortofon 2M cartridge as standard). The comparisons are intriguing.

Sound

How much difference does improved motor control make? It turns out that the answer is quite a lot. Given how similar the two Technics decks are, the sonic differences are surprisingly large in a suitably transparent system.

The SL-1500CS is a livelier and more energetic performer. Beethoven’s 9th Symphony comes through with greater conviction, with more expressive dynamic shifts and a stronger handle on the individual instrumental strands.

The new model sounds composed and organised, making more sense of the music. We’re having more fun too, thanks to an increased sense of verve and drama.

Both Technics decks are supplied with the same Ortofon cartridge, so there is little difference in tonal character. They both sound even and balanced, though the new model offers notably more insight into the recording.

In general terms, the SL-1500CS proves to be an excellent performer for the money. That improved detail resolution doesn’t just better its cheaper stablemate; it is impressive for the price too. Control and composure are also top class.

We love the Technics deck’s sense of power when playing large-scale music. Its presentation is big, muscular and punchy. Crucially, it avoids sounding brutish; there is too much in the way of finesse to let that happen.

However, given appropriate music, the low-end kicks hard with plenty of weight and authority. Bob Marley’s Catch A Fire comes through with its energy and attitude fully intact. Move up the frequency range, and there is a good degree of clarity, with Marley’s voice coming through with natural warmth, body and emotion.

Add an impressive sense of stability coupled to surefooted rhythmic ability, and it is hard to escape the conclusion that this is one of the best record players we’ve heard anywhere near this price.

Our current class leader is Rega’s mighty Planar 3 RS Edition, of course. This comes fitted with the excellent Nd5 moving magnet cartridge, and sets sky-high performance standards for the price.

Unlike the standard Planar 3, the RS Edition features electronic speed change as well as a smarter finish on the plinth. There is no built-in phono stage, so this isn’t quite an apples-to-apples comparison, but it is close enough to prove useful.

Cutting to the chase, the Rega is ultimately the more transparent and insightful performer. It tells us more about the recording and edges ahead when it comes to dynamic subtlety and rhythmic precision. The Technics counters with more powerful, though less articulate bass and a fine sense of stability, so it isn’t all one-way traffic.

Verdict

If you are after the most sonically capable record player at this level, then go for the Rega. It is a superb product that’s beautifully engineered and a pleasure to use. However, the Technics SL-1500CS isn’t short of appeal either.

It too is superbly made, and feels like it will survive decades of use. If you are the kind of person that loves swapping cartridges, it makes that so easy. Factor in the impressive built-in phono stage and there are enough plus points for the Technics to be considered a worthy alternative to the Rega. The SL-1500CS deserves a high place on any shortlist.

Review published: 7th September 2026

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 5
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition

Also consider the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10

Best turntables: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

Japanese high-end audio manufacturer, Esoteric, has launched a new turntable, the T-01, which includes a contactless magnetic drive system for “uncompromising precision, energy, and realism”.

The T-01 turntable costs £41,999 / $50,000 and includes features from the company’s flagship record player, the Grandioso T1, such as a triple-layer aluminium and MDF cabinet construction and 10MHz external clock synchronisation. The turntable’s clock sync is compatible with the G-01XD and G-05 Master Clock, too.

The turntable also features a Magne-Float platter, which uses magnetic repulsion to reduce the effective mass of the platter from 13kg to 4kg, thereby minimising spindle bearing friction.

The patented drive system, which the company calls “Esoteric MagneDrive” was first used in its Grandioso T1 record player. Esoteric says that the system achieves “extraordinary rotational silence, stability and high-torque performance, revealing music with uncompromising precision, energy and realism”.

According to Esoteric, the “MagneDrive” system was more than five years in the making. It sees a soft Iron induction wheel surrounding the lower part of the aluminium platter, which spins in response to the rotation of a magnetic driver mounted on the drive motor. Consequently, there is no direct physical contact between the platter and motor assembly, keeping the platter isolated from the motor's vibrations.

The turntable has rotational speeds of 33⅓ and 45 RPM, and features a +/- 12 per cent speed adjustment option (in 0.1 per cent increments).

The T-01 consists of a main unit and a power supply unit, which Esoteric says will enhance “sound isolation”.

The turntable will be available with or without a tonearm, priced £38,999 / $46,000 without tonearm and £41,999 / $50,000 with the tonearm included.

Shipping begins in September.

MORE

Read our full Esoteric F-01/PS-01F review

Or I’ve just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned

You can also stay up to date with our pick of the best turntables for all budgets, tested by our expert reviewers

Another week, another chance to flex your hi-fi and home cinema muscles with a quiz on a topic close to all our hearts.

This time it’s turntables, but we’ve gone down the crossword route – all you need to do is use our playful clues to help fill the squares on the board.

Think you’ve got the knowledge required to complete the challenge? Click play and take it for a spin, and the fastest time will sit proudly on top of our leaderboard!

MORE:

Quiz! Can you name the first audio product from these 12 iconic hi-fi brands?

Quiz! Can you name all the types of hi-fi and AV cables from the photos?

Quiz! Can you remember when these pioneering AV products first came out?

Quiz! How fast can you solve our turntable challenge? Test your wordsearch skills now

R.E.M.’s sophomore album, Reckoning, is about to get a sonic upgrade.

The 1984 American rock classic is set to be released on 180-gram vinyl, with audio sourced from the album’s original master tapes, on 18th September. The reissue comes as the latest addition to Intercope-Capitol Records Definitive Sound Series.

The original co-producers of the album, Mitch Easter and Don Dixon, were personally involved with the release, which was mastered by Grammy-award winning engineer, Chris Bellman.

According to a post shared by R.E.M on Instagram, the involvement of the original engineers “helped ensure that every decision remained faithful to the warmth, dynamics, balance and distinctive character of the original 1984 recording.”

Upon hearing the upgraded masters, Dixon commented that he was “hearing details within the recording that had escaped him on previous vinyl editions”.

When it was released in April, 1984, Reckoning found widespread critical acclaim. One of the album’s songs, So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry), secured R.E.M. their first ever spot in the Billboard Hot 100.

As part of Interscope-Capitol Records’ Definitive Sound Series, the band’s debut EP, Chronic Town, and debut album, Murmur, have also been reissued as limited editions. Both releases have since sold out.

The Definitive Sound Series edition of Reckoning is available to pre-order now and will be limited to 5000 numbered copies – so move fast if you want to hear So. Central Rain like never before.

MORE:

Quiz! Take on our turntable-themed crossword for a spin and see how quickly you can solve the clues

The ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system

Rewind to the 1970s with this Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of the Moon, cassette player boxset

Technics paints it black with The Rolling Stones themed wireless earbuds

It probably won't surprise you to hear that, here at What Hi-Fi?, we are big fans of turntables and records.

They were, of course, a core part of the magazine when we first launched back in 1976, and no one was more delighted than we were when the format experienced a surprise resurrection starting in the late 2000s.

Now, with physical media as a whole at greater risk than ever before, we are highlighting some of the best turntables that have passed through What Hi-Fi?’s test rooms, as well as some of our favourite records to spin.

All of the turntables below have been tried and tested by our expert reviewers, and all have earned at least four stars to earn our coveted recommendation.

We don’t review records, and of course one of the beautiful things about music is that everyone has their individual tastes and preferences. However, we have selected a couple of our go-to testing choices, old favourites and newer discoveries, covering everything from Steely Dan to Billie Eilish.

Take a look, and let us know in the comments if you have any favourite vinyl discs!

If you're a beginner, have a small budget, or both, then the Pro-Ject Primary E is a great choice. It lacks fancy features such as USB ripping, Bluetooth and automatic operation, but if you're looking for a purist design and great quality sound, then the Primary E can be yours for the cost of only a few records.

If you're considering the Primary One E, the Rega Planar 1 Plus is a very similar offering, but with the convenience of a built-in phono stage. This makes for a fuss-free plug-in-and-play setup, but also superb sound with excellent clarity and subtlety.

A 2025 Award winner, the Pro-Ject Debut Evo Pro 2 is our current mid-range pick. It's highly appealing in looks and sound, with voices and midrange in particular presented wonderfully. If you've got the budget, upgrades such as the High Power it 2 fully grounded power supply improve the sound even further.

If you've really got a budget though, you'll want to consider the Technics SL-1300G. Technics is usually known for its DJ decks, but the SL-1300G shows the audio brand can stand toe-to-toe with the hi-fi competition too, thanks to its ease of use, powerful, punchy presentation and solid build.

We first reviewed the Technics SL-1500C back in 2019, but it remains one of the best record players at its price. It's beautifully made, fuss-free in use and offers a defined, insightful and musical sound. An excellent choice at this level, especially if you'd like a built-in phono stage.

If you're after the convenience of a Bluetooth deck, then few are as appealing as the Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT. Easy to set up, a joy to listen to and lovely to look at, the T1 Evo set new standards for Bluetooth turntables at this price.

MORE:

Hands on: Technics SL-1200/SL-1210 MK7 review

I’ve just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

Technics is celebrating 55 years since the launch of its iconic SL-1200 turntable with a new limited-edition model, the SL-1200 55th Anniversary Edition.

According to Technics, “The model pays tribute to a turntable lineage that has helped define DJ culture.”

Limited to 12,000 units globally, this anniversary turntable will see the conventional SL-1200 design adorned with gold coloured details, including a gold anodised S-shaped aluminium tonearm, a gold-finished tonearm base, a platter with a gold-coloured rim and strobe marks, gold knobs and buttons, and a specially designed gold-themed slip mat.

Each turntable will also feature an individually engraved anniversary badge with its serial number, highlighting the commemorative quality of the release.

The SL-1200 55th Anniversary Edition’s design is based on the standard SL-1200 MK7 DJ turntable, and includes a digitally controlled, single-rotor direct drive, a vertical pitch fader with a range of up to 16 per cent, an adjustable height tonearm, as well as a Reverse Play mode.

Originally released in 1972, the SL-1200 was developed, says Technics, as a “high-performance direct-drive turntable for demanding music lovers”. But the SL-1200 soon found favour among DJs for its reliability beyond the living room, thanks to features such as its die-cast aluminium cabinet, high-torque motor, stable rotation and quick start-up.

The Technics SL-1200 55th Anniversary Edition is planned for global release in September 2026 and will be available in seven colours: gold, blue, red, black, green, white or grey.

The price of this limited-edition model hasn’t yet been confirmed, with Technics saying it will be shared closer to launch.

MORE

Hands on: Technics SL-1200/SL-1210 MK7 review

I’ve just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

Pro-Ject has given Bluetooth powers to its entry-level E1.2 turntable, alongside a new iteration which features a built-in phono stage.

The Bluetooth-capable E1.2BT and phono-sporting E1.2 Phono ape the general design and configuration of the standard E1.2 model, focusing on budget-friendly performance and convenience bolstered by Bluetooth 5.4 streaming or a phono preamplifier, respectively.

The E1.2 BT turntable features a built-in Bluetooth transmitter with hi-res aptX HD codec support, meaning you can wirelessly stream vinyl playback wirelessly to speakers, headphones, or even compatible amplifiers if you so choose.

The Phono edition, conversely, incorporates what Pro-Ject describes as a “high-quality phono preamp for superior signal processing and noticeably improved sound performance”, boasting advanced circuitry designed to reduce noise and distortion while preserving the detail and natural character of your vinyl.

The E1.2 BT and E1.2 Phono share the same heavy die-cast aluminium main platter as their standard E1.2 counterpart, creating what Pro-Ject describes as an “ideal, anti-resonant platform”. In pursuit of more stable playback, the platter has been precision-balanced to grant a more even rotation and improve acoustic performance.

Each new turntable comes equipped with a Pick It MM E phono cartridge, which uses a conical diamond tip to deliver “warm and smooth audio” with low background noise.

The cartridge is attached to a pre-calibrated 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm with a carbon-reinforced headshell and a heavy-mass gimbal bearing for smooth movement during operation.

Both belt-driven players feature electronic speed-switching for 33⅓ and 45rpm via a single button, with Pro-Ject again aiming for a pair of entry-level decks that prioritise ease of use as much as sonic performance.

The Pro-Ject E1.2 BT is available now, priced at £399 / €399 in the ‘standard’ High Gloss Black or Walnut finishes. The five 'Colour' finishes, which include Satin White and a rather sunny Satin Golden Yellow option, will bump that price up to £449 / €449.

The E1.2 Phono is available now in High Gloss Black, Satin White and Walnut colourways, priced at £319 / €359.

MORE:

Read our Pro-Ject Primary E review

Five mistakes to avoid when setting up your record player

Our guide to the best Bluetooth turntables we have tested

When you buy a piece of vinyl, you can be certain of a couple of things. First, it's going to sound better than the version available on streaming. And second, it's yours forever, and won't be taken away from you due to a change in licensing agreements.

But if you assumed your 12-inch would contain all the same tracks – with all the same elements – as the streaming version, then we have bad news for you.

Because recently, vinyl albums have been dropping with glaring omissions, including elements of tracks missing, unfinished mixes, and even entire songs absent. Meaning that the lower-quality version you'll get via streaming services is actually superior in some respects.

Understandably, fans are pretty miffed. And the record labels could be doing a lot more to prevent these mistakes from happening, or at least to communicate to fans that the version they're buying is going to be different.

Should do better

The Guardian recently documented cases of this happening, and it's all mainstream artists from big labels who really should do better: Raye, Charli xcx, Olivia Rodrigo, The Weeknd. It's not just a recent phenomenon: the first vinyl pressings of Beyonce's 2024 album Cowboy Carter were missing five tracks that appeared in its digital incarnation, while other albums (like Lil Wayne's Tha Carter VI) were released in much shorter vinyl versions than on digital.

Why is this happening? It's not just ineptitude on the part of the labels, though that does play a part. Vinyl pressing plants need information like artwork and audio masters from the labels weeks ahead of the album's release date in order to guarantee the place in the queue. The Guardian piece quotes six to eight weeks, but an industry source tells us lead times of eight to 10 weeks are more common at the moment.

That means any last-minute changes – or even entirely new mixes created during those weeks – will miss the cut-off.

Streaming services, by contrast, only need around five days to upload digital files for the audio, artwork and promotional materials.

Another reason is cost. Deluxe double- and even triple-albums cost a lot to release on vinyl, not only because they involve more 12-inch records, but also due to the premium packaging. Though you would think the higher asking price would cover that.

Be careful what you buy

Now obviously it's down to the artists and labels to hit their deadlines, and to make sure they're happy with the finished product before sending it off. Admittedly that can be trickier when it comes to collaborations, as it involves aligning the diaries of lots of very busy people (filmmaker David Cronenberg's contribution to Charlie xcx's album Music, Fashion, Film was one of the most egregious omissions from a vinyl version in recent memory). But that's no excuse.

And if there are omissions from the vinyl album, fans deserve to know about them before shelling out their hard-earned. Vinyl isn't cheap. A new LP costs around £30. To then find out that you're not even getting the finished article is pretty galling, to say the least.

So what's to be done?

Until record labels become more honest and open about any differences between the physical media and digital versions, not much. You can hold off buying an album on release day and wait to see what other fans report, but that's not ideal. Instead, we would petition your favourite artists and labels to make clear any discrepancies so us punters can make an informed purchasing decision. £30 is a lot to spend on an album only to find out that the 'full' version is free on Spotify at a crappy bitrate.

MORE:

This album was the 1980s poster boy for CD – but I prefer it on vinyl

Why vinyl is greener than streaming

Oh no! Not even vinyl records are free from AI slop

Another week, another opportunity to take part in a quiz designed by the team at What Hi-Fi? Towers.

This week we've put our hi-fi hat on and designed a wordsearch inspired by our love of the turntable.

We’ve hidden several key components from a record player in our grid and sprinkled in a handful of brands associated with the product category to keep your brain spinning.

See how quickly you can complete the search, and let us know your time in the comments below!

MORE:

Quiz! Can you name the first audio product from these 12 iconic hi-fi brands?

Quiz! Can you name all the types of hi-fi and AV cables from the photos?

Quiz! Can you remember when these pioneering AV products first came out?

Canadian manufacturer Kanto Audio has just announced the second generation of its first ever turntable, the Obi3, less than a year after the original was released.

The first-generation Obi3, released in October 2025 for £179 / $179, was an entry level belt-drive turntable, featuring a switchable phono stage and built-in Bluetooth.

The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree between the Obi3’s generations, with features such as a switchable built-in phono stage, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and RCA line-level outputs remaining consistent in the new second-gen turntable. The new Obi3G2 even comes with the same J-shaped aluminium tonearm and pre-fitted Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge as the original model.

But there are a few notable upgrades.

The Kanto Obi3G2 is significantly heavier than the Obi3, weighing 5.5kg compared with the Obi3’s 3.9kg. The company says this extra bulk will help eliminate unwanted vibrations from affecting vinyl replay.

To further help with playback stability, Obi3G2 also features a built-in speed sensor, allowing for continuous speed correction as the record plays. Playback speeds supported are 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM.

Priced at £180 / $250, the new Obi3G2 is cheaper than our current benchmark for a budget Bluetooth turntable, the excellent five-star Sony PS-LX3BT, which is now available for £233 / $350. Like many turntables in this price range, the PS-LX3BT is fully automatic in operation – where the tonearm automatically cues up at the start of the record with the push of a button – whereas you'll have to position the Obi3G2's tonearm on the record yourself.

There is one convenience added by Kanto: when you reach the end of your record, the Obi3G2’s auto-stop feature will kick into action and stop playback, protecting your stylus from any unnecessary wear.

The tonearm on the Kanto has an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate so there is a degree of setting up required, and there is a ±10% pitch control, too. Kanto Audio says the Obi3G2 is designed to be “a proper manual turntable, without stepping up to a specialist unit”.

According to Brett Smalley, Kanto Audio’s director of marketing: “We wanted the 2nd gen of Obi3 to feel like a high-end turntable at an entry-level price, one you can set up, adjust and grow into.”

The Kanto Audio Obi3G2 is available in five finishes: black, white, green, ice blue and walnut. It is currently on sale in North America, while worldwide sales are set to open in early September.

MORE:

Read our Sony PS-LX3BT review

Best Bluetooth turntables 2026: wireless record players tried and tested by experts

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

Quiz! How fast can you solve our turntable challenge? Test your wordsearch skills now

Ruka Studio, a Los Angeles based company that was founded by a group of former Apple engineers and designers, is set to launch its first product: a vertically spinning turntable, the TD-1.

Currently priced at $1399, which the company claims is “the lowest price it will ever be”, the turntable features an aluminium body and “switches that click” for playback controls, rotational speed and even Bluetooth pairing.

A magnetic clamp holds records in place, which is good news, given that they appear to hang in the air – equally a feast for the eyes and challenge for the nerves.

The TD-1 includes a swappable moving-magnet cartridge – the company says that buyers can select “which cartridge [they] want” for no extra fee before shipping – and features conventional RCA wired outputs as well as the option for wireless playback via Bluetooth.

The turntable is belt-driven, with a motor that is de-coupled from the platter to minimise unwanted vibrations for a “quieter and smoother listening experience”. The TD-1 is also wall-mountable via a rubber-coated magnetic plate that fixes to the wall.

Those of you familiar with the agony of trying to hang a painting straight will be pleased to hear that the wall-mount features a built-in spirit level. But if this all sounds like too much bother, don’t fret, a record stand and floor stand are also available. No prices have yet been confirmed for the stands, but Ruka Studio’s website says that a ‘table stand’ is also on the way.

The Ruka Studio TD-1 will soon be available to pre-order and waitlist spots for the first production run (of just 500 units) can currently be reserved for $100 on the company’s website. Notably, that $100 credits in towards the full balance of the record player and locks it at a price of $1399. The deposit is also fully refundable.

Pre-ordered units are expected to ship in 2027.

MORE:

This listening bar experience made me question whether the trend has gone too far

I have just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

I’m always on the hunt for ways to find new music, but I have found myself listening to the same few albums on repeat these last few weeks. Maybe it’s because the ease of streaming has made me complacent, or that the endless options at my fingertips are simply too overwhelming.

That’s why I ventured to a listening bar in central London last week in a bid to find my new favourite artist or "earworm". If you’ve never found yourself in one, here’s what to expect.

Listening bars, or hi-fi bars, are dedicated spaces designed for enjoying curated music (usually on vinyl) on a high-quality sound system while relaxing with a drink in your hand.

It's not about a specific genre or style – the music will depend on DJ on the night. It's also not about requests. Instead, the focus is on listening to the selections of a music lover through some great speakers. (That doesn’t mean you cannot go up to the DJ to ask what they are playing, of course.)

On my most recent visit, however, I started to wonder whether we'd drifted away from the original definition. Most obviously, few people there seemed to be paying attention to the music, and at certain points I couldn't even hear the track over the noise of the room.

There was no denying the bar looked the part, sporting the brown wood and leather-clad seating that has become synonymous with these venues. I just couldn't help but feel that it had become a little style over substance – excellent Instagram fodder but without the genuine desire to really enjoy the music.

Back to basics

Hi-fi bars were born from the Japanese jazz kissa cafes that popped up in the late 1920s. This was in the days before home audio systems, so they became somewhere to collectively listen to music with a quiet appreciation.

This idea was reborn when pioneering spaces, such as Spiritland in King's Cross, London, decided to once again make a great-sounding system, and the music being played, the real focus of the venue.

And the idea arrived at an ideal moment. People are again craving that shared experience around music, since streaming platforms and portable audio have made listening more of an individual affair. I just hope the idea doesn't become commoditised.

Thankfully, there are still plenty of hi-fi bars that put the music at the forefront of the experience, and I have been to my fair share. But it does mean you have to be a little more selective.

If a bar has a detailed description of the system, from the amplification to the turntables and speakers, for instance, that should be a good indication that they really do care about delivering an "audiophile" experience.

Some venues, such as the long-standing Shelter in Tokyo, offer a carefully acoustically treated space to listen and others, such as Jazu in Deptford, London, encourage you to get up and dance to their curated setlist, played through their bespoke sound system. And both approaches definitely work for me.

With an increasingly long list of listening bars across the UK, it’s encouraging to see the concept reach more and more people. We just hope that everyone remembers to keep the music, and the system, at the heart of the venue – and we don't end up with listening bars where nobody is actually listening.

MORE:

These are the best turntables

Check out the best speakers

And here are 9 tips for hi-fi collectors

If you’re brand new to the grand old art of vinyl collecting but don’t know where to start when it comes to turntables, then this is very much the deal for you.

We've only reviewed the five-star Sony PS-LX3BT earlier this year, but you can already get it for £233 at Sevenoaks and Amazon, a saving of £66 on its original £299 asking price. And let's face it, the only thing better than a great-value Bluetooth turntable is a great-value Bluetooth turntable on a discount.

The Sony PS-LX3BT is ideal for vinyl novices. It's easy to set up, simple to operate, can be used in multiple different ways and, perhaps most importantly of all, it's supremely affordable, especially with that aforementioned discount knocking the price down by over £60. Lovely.

Being a budget Bluetooth turntable, the Sony LS-PX3BT can be connected up to a classic hi-fi system, but you can also hook it up to a Bluetooth speaker or a pair of Bluetooth headphones if that’s how you want to enjoy your record collection.

You’ll get better audio quality if you go the traditional route, and there's even a built-in phono stage if your stereo amplifier doesn’t have one, but there’s something to be said for the simplicity and accessibility afforded by having Bluetooth on board.

Adding to that simplicity is the fact that the PS-LX3BT is a fully automatic deck, meaning you only have to press a button and the machine will spring into life, moving the arm into place and lowering itself down onto your record. When it reaches the end of the record, the arm lifts automatically and returns to its starting position.

If you do want to pair with a Bluetooth speaker or pair of headphones, all you have to do is press the large pairing button on the top of the deck, and your turntable should connect automatically to the speaker or headphones in question.

Admittedly, this is a turntable that doesn’t exactly ooze glamour, but it does exactly what it says on the tin, and at this level, that's what matters most.

In our Sony PS-LX3BT review, we proclaimed: “We’re taken with just how composed, controlled and well-organised the Sony sounds, marvelling at the effortless cohesion and solidity it brings to the entirety of Michael Jackson’s Bad album.”

It’s a musical-sounding deck, and one that can entertain with any genre of vinyl placed on its platter, from the pop perfection of Michael Jackson to the classic rock of Fleetwood Mac.

Over Bluetooth, the Sony still sounds impressive, delivering music full of life and character, making it a great all-round recommendation for anyone looking to scratch that vinyl itch for the very first time.

The fact that you can now pick one up for £233 at Sevenoaks and Amazon should be music to your ears.

MORE:

Want the next step up? Read our full Sony PS-LX5BT review

Sony PS-LX3BT vs PS-LX5BT: what are the differences?

These are the best Bluetooth turntables we've tested

Victrola has launched a new finish for its Bluetooth and Auracast enabled Wave turntable and Tempo Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, meaning that your wireless vinyl set-up could look more integrated than ever before.

The Walnut finished edition has also been fitted with an upgraded Ortofon OM5E moving magnet cartridge with a removable headshell, allowing you to upgrade and replace cartridges to your heart’s desire.

According to Victrola, the Wave turntable is engineered around a low-resonance MDF plinth, which the company claims has been designed to “minimise unwanted vibration and maximise audio performance”.

Like previous models of the Wave, the Walnut edition will also feature an aluminium platter, a silicone anti-vibration slipmat and lightweight aluminium tonearm with an easy-set counterweight for “optimal tracking performance with minimal set-up”.

Integrated Auracast support means that your vinyl can be played wirelessly on an unlimited number of compatible Auracast-enabled speakers and headphones. For standard Bluetooth streaming, the turntable also supports aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs.

Notably, the turntable doesn’t only transmit Bluetooth, but also includes a Bluetooth input function, enabling music from compatible devices to be played back through your connected system.

In terms of wired connections, the Wave includes a switchable phono preamp, allowing direct connection to powered speakers, while RCA outputs ensure compatibility with traditional amplifiers and hi-fi systems.

Alongside the new Walnut model, a limited edition collaboration with Jack White’s US label, Third Man Records, will see the turntable available in Third Man’s signature yellow and black colours with a custom slipmat thrown in for good measure.

The Victrola Wave is available now, priced at £349 / $499.

MORE

Victrola drops Bluetooth turntables with streaming smarts and an all-in-one vinyl system at CES 2025

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

This £13k Ortofon MC Vertex is the firm's "most advanced moving coil cartridge" ever – and is joined by a new MC X model

Vinyl lovers, you might want to look away now. Because AI slop is coming to a record player near you.

That's right, AI music creation platform Suno now lets you press your AI-prompted tracks onto 12-inch records to play on your turntable.

Suno lets you create songs with 'prompts' – record a sample of you singing, tell it what genre you'd like your song to fit, and it'll generate a track. You can also remix original songs in different ways, and edit manually using instruments and its own software.

Each Suno vinyl fits a maximum of 46 minutes of music. Once you've got your tracks, you can upload your own artwork or create it using Suno to design your own sleeve, cover and label.

Each record costs $45 (around £33 / AU$64) plus shipping.

Suno has proved controversial. In 2024, it was sued by the three major record labels who alleged it didn't pay the musicians on whose tracks the AI model was trained. Warner Music settled its case last year and struck a licensing deal with Suno, but Universal and Sony Music remain plaintiffs in the case.

Suno has also just lost a copyright infringement case to Germany's state-mandated licensing agency GEMA. The court in Munich ruled that Suno violated copyrights in its data scraping practices and must now disclose illicit revenue. Suno will be ordered to pay damages which haven't yet been set.

Suno also suffered a data breach in November 2025 that exposed the personal information of over 55 million users.

All of which is exactly the opposite of everything we love about vinyl.

MORE:

The best turntables you can buy

Why vinyl is greener than music streaming

The A-Z of vinyl: know your cartridges from your cantilevers

You might have heard of Tiny Vinyl, the delightful 4-inch records that launched last year. Well now the company has launched a dedicated turntable on which to play them.

The Tiny Vinyl Player is only slightly bigger than a shoebox, and was built with the sole purpose of playing Tiny Vinyls. It is also completely unnecessary, as Tiny Vinyls play on most full-size 33⅓rpm turntables. But where’s the joy in only doing what’s strictly necessary?

The Player wasn’t part of the initial plan for Tiny Vinyl. Co-founders Jesse Mann and Neil Kohler were keen to make the format as versatile as possible. But once sales took off – they just pressed their millionth Tiny Vinyl in only around a year of being on sale – both fans and their biggest retailer Target were urging them to make a dedicated Tiny Vinyl turntable. So here we are.

No small task

Creating a turntable from the ground up – especially one this titchy – is no small task, no pun intended. But, being based in Nashville, the duo are surrounded by music industry peers only too willing to lend their expertise.

“We hooked up with someone who makes the Marshall Bluetooth line of accessories,” says Mann. “He sent us some amazing initial drawings, and then it was off to the races.”

As you can imagine, it posed a bit of an engineering challenge, not least because it boasts its own built-in speakers as well as Bluetooth for playing your vinyls wirelessly on an external speaker.

“We thought adding Bluetooth would be straightforward, but it was a bit of an exercise,” admits Kohler. “It was worth it though – as well as built-in speakers, we wanted the option of playing on your own Bluetooth speaker for more versatility.”

These challenges also opened the pair’s eyes to the intricate workings of a turntable.

“One of the technical things that was interesting to watch from a testing perspective was the rpm (revolutions per minute),” says Mann. “It had to be calibrated to 33⅓rpm, and seeing it being measured with the calibrator to ensure it ran perfectly at that tiny size, that was really fun to see.”

Broadening vinyl’s appeal

Not all the parts had to be created new – the cartridge and needle are off the shelf (though they wouldn’t tell me who makes them). But lots of elements had to be made especially for this product, including the tiny tone arm, the platter and the control panel. The result is something as fun and adorable as the 4-inch vinyls themselves.

“It’s not something you sit down with to listen to The Dark Side Of The Moon,” says Kohler. “It’s not that kind of product, and it was never meant to be.” Rather, it’s an on-ramp to the world of vinyl, helping to broaden the appeal to those shut out by a traditional deck’s greater complexity or higher pricing.

This accessibility is a big part of the appeal. “When we go to vinyl conferences, we’re always surprised by the number of people who thank us for getting more people into vinyl,” says Kohler. “One thing they always say is ‘Thank goodness they’re not on Spotify!’”

The pair have also launched the Frame for displaying Tiny Vinyls on your wall, and the Crate for storing your Tiny Vinyls. The Player sits on top of the Crate in a satisfyingly space-saving way. They are also launching custom, artist-themed Players next year, making another way for fans to connect with their favourite musicians, and all through the medium of vinyl.

The Tiny Vinyl Player is available now from Target for $50 (around £38 / AU$73), with a UK launch hopefully in the autumn.

MORE:

“Vinyl records will be around for ever” – the Tiny Vinyl founders on the black disc’s enduring appeal

The best turntables – all of which are full size

The best budget record players – all of which are more affordable

In case you hadn’t realised, vinyl is making a bit of a comeback. Who would have guessed that a plastic disc which first arrived on the scene in 1931 would still be bringing so much joy 95 years later?

Although a lot has changed in the world over that time, the format itself and the techniques used to create it haven’t evolved massively. So, is vinyl currently as good as it gets, or could it be improved upon?

We reached out to some of the best turntable engineers in the business to see what they think about the state of the format in 2026.

They say that you should never judge a book by its cover, and we think much the same applies to hi-fi components. Over the years, we have come across no end of impressively specified products that fail to thrill musically while seemingly prosaic alternatives shine.

What of the new generation Vertere Phono-1 LX? On the surface, little appears to be different on this premium phono stage, bar some cosmetic tidying of the casework. Perhaps, more surprisingly, there are no great claims for the inside either, with the basic circuit design remaining unchanged. So, it is natural to wonder whether the change to LX status offers anything meaningful.

Build & design

Delve into the details, however, and the development work put into this new generation phono stage becomes more obvious. The circuit may be the same, but the main PCB is of higher quality than before, ensuring better contacts at soldered joints and superior long-term reliability.

The performance of any hi-fi component is reliant on the quality of its power supply. Here, Vertere has upgraded components to deliver a more stable, lower noise feed to the audio circuitry. Even the mains power input has been improved by using inductors to reduce the amount of RF energy entering the unit.

Elsewhere, there is a new two-way earthing switch that is claimed to offer a longer service life than the three-way option fitted to the previous generation of Phono-1 MkII L, as well as simplifying the choice for listeners.

Given the hum issues that record players can suffer with, we’re glad Vertere continues to take grounding seriously and understands that a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t really work in every situation.

As before, the Phono-1 LX is nicely made and pretty compact at 5.5 x 21 x 24cm. It should slot into any equipment rack with ease. This new generation model looks a little smarter than before, thanks to the new textured paint finish on the lid and the removal of the previous generation’s top panel securing bolts.

Put old and new side by side, and it is surprising just how much difference such small details make.

There are now four finish options for the front panel: black, silver, orange, and another black acrylic option styled to match the company’s DG-X record player.

Compatibility

The Phono-1 LX is compatible with both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, having a gain range of 40-63dB selectable in 12 steps via a series of dipswitches on the base.

While this is enough for most cartridges on the market, if you do have a very low-output moving coil, Vertere has you covered. It is possible to order a high-gain version of this phono stage with an extra 6.4dB of gain at no extra cost.

As far as cartridge loading goes, this Vertere phono stage offers a generous range of resistance (78 ohms - 47kOhms) and capacitance (100pF - 1.02uF) options, so that it is possible to optimise the results from just about any price-comparable cartridge on the market.

Aside from the slight awkwardness of the small dipswitches – the company provides a tool in the box to make using them easier – the Phono-1 LX is about as straightforward as phono stages get in terms of usability.

On the back, there is a single set of connections, both input and output are single-ended, and a couple of earthing posts. The Vertere’s front has just a simple on/off toggle and a small power LED.

Given the price point, this Vertere deserves a top-class record player. For testing, ours is the Technics SL-1000R turntable with a choice of moving coil (Kiseki Purpleheart, Ortofon MC X30) and moving magnet (Vertere Dark Sabre, Nagaoka MP-200) cartridges.

The rest of our system is Burmester’s 088/911 MkIII amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers. We also try a second, more price-appropriate set-up of PMC Cor integrated amplifier driving a pair of Epos ES-14N speakers.

Sound

We start by comparing the Phono-1 LX with its predecessor, the Award-winning Phono-1 MkII L, and it doesn't take long to realise that, despite sharing so much DNA, the new model is a clear step forward. Considering just how highly we rated the old one, this comes as quite a shock.

Regardless of the cartridge we use, the newcomer sounds more transparent and detailed. As we listen to Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, it is hard to miss the improvement in clarity.

Instrumental textures are rendered more convincingly, and it is easier to grasp the scale of the orchestra and recording venue. There is little to criticise when it comes to control and composure, even when the music becomes demanding.

Stereo imaging is precise and nicely layered. We are pleased with the stability of the presentation and the Vertere’s ability to convey image depth in an authentic manner. Of course, the partnering record player has to resolve all this information in the first place.

The Phono-1 LX’s dynamics are stronger too, with the orchestra coming through with greater verve and impact, making for a more entertaining listening experience. We are surprised by how much more authority is on offer, with the new generation sounding considerably more solid and powerful through the midrange and lows.

These gains pay dividends when switching to Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & the Wailers. We enjoy the Vertere’s rhythmic drive and cohesion with this album, and the way it delivers Marley’s voice with such finesse and passion. The album’s basslines hit hard but display a pleasing amount of articulation and grip. In comparison, the last-gen version sounds thinner and more tentative.

The Phono-1 LX’s tonality remains convincing and refuses to skew too far off kilter at either frequency extreme when provoked. There is enough top-end refinement here to avoid things sounding aggressive, even with less-than-perfectly produced records, but feed the Vertere something well-recorded, such as Quincy Jones’ Back On The Block set, and it shines.

Verdict

The Phono-1 LX may look much the same as its Award-winning predecessor, but it has taken a notable step forward in performance. It is more expressive and pulls us into the music with even greater ease.

Provided you have a talented record player and a system capable of great transparency, this Vertere phono stage is an easy recommendation.

Review published: 1st July 2026

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Build 5
• Features 5

MORE:

Also consider the Cyrus 40 PPA

Best phono preamps: budget to high-end, tried and tested

Vertere has upgraded its Award-winning phono stage once more. The Vertere Phono-1 LX is the new and refined version of the excellent Phono-1 MkII L, and features improvements both within and cosmetically, promising to be the product's "most significant evolution yet."

The latest generation of the Phono-1 handles both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges, and features a wide range of adjustments so that it can be used with just about any price-compatible cartridge fitted to your turntable.

The Phono-1 LX's upgrades include a new, higher-quality PCB board that's built for long-term reliability, while retaining the same internal circuit. The internal DC power supply uses upgraded components to deliver a more stable, consistent and lower noise feed to the audio circuitry, while the mains power input has been improved to reduce the amount of interference entering the unit.

Additionally, a two-way earthing switch ('Earth Lift' or 'Earth Connection') now replaces the three-way switch in the older model for easier use and longer service life.

All together, Vertere promises these upgrades will result in less noise, higher dynamic range, "razor-sharp" spatial imaging and "a vocal texture so lifelike, the performance feels present in the room."

Considering we already think quite highly of its predecessor, we're intrigued to find out just how much of a difference these upgrades bring to the performance.

Vertere has also taken the opportunity to further polish up the unit's design, with the aim of offering "a visual presence worthy of the engineering within."

So that the Phono-1 LX is more visually consistent with Vertere's high-end, five-star Calon phono stage and its Award-winning DG-X turntable, the phono stage's casing now has a finely textured metallic finish, the LED power indicator is now a blue-green colour, and the top fixing screws have been removed for a seamless look.

As before, the Vertere Phono-1 LX comes in four finishes: silver, black, orange and black acrylic. The price has gone up a fair bit this time, with the new phono stage now costing £1650 / $2399 / AU$3250.

We have a sample of the Phono-1 LX that we've been testing, so stay tuned for a our full review very soon.

MORE:

Read our Vertere Calon review

Check out the best phono preamps we've tested and recommend

Moving magnet vs moving coil: which cartridge is right for you?

Assembling a vinyl collection on a budget can be hard work – especially when you’re on the hunt for some wax you’ll really cherish, not just second-hand records with grooves worn thin.

So, as Prime Day rolled around this year, I was eager to see what discounts might pop up on the records that have been missing from my collection.

With all the recent talk of Gen Z’s growing interest in physical formats, I was hopeful that this year’s Prime Day might see a broader spectrum of genres becoming available at a discount. Amazon, surely, are down with the kids… right?

Boy, was I wrong.

Unfortunately, this year’s range of discounted vinyl has been – to put it mildly – disappointing. Better deals were available outside Amazon, such as HMV’s three for £66 bundle, but even still, the bargains were scarce.

Still, never one to give up too early, at least not when browsing records, I trawled through the digital crates so you don’t have to, and came across three Prime Day picks that I think are worth your money.

All Prime Day deals end tonight, so if you’re feeling enticed, now is the time to grab these discounted picks.

We would have liked to provide a more extensive list of vinyl deals, but this year, Prime Day simply hasn’t had much on offer. Either way, we think these three albums will make fantastic additions to any record collection.

Of course, we always advocate for visiting your local record stores, where who knows what deals could be hiding in the crates.

MORE

Last chance! The best 72 Prime Day deals on headphones, TVs, speakers and more (that are still in stock)

You can ignore all the Prime Day cheap-turntable deals – these two five-star record players are the only ones to consider

Best turntables 2026: top record players tested by our expert reviewers

Above, you can see the Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT, sitting on a bookcase at the back of my living room. It's a fairly recent addition to my system, but one that I've quickly fallen in love with.

A big part of that is because it is, in fact, my very first turntable. I've been involved in lots of turntable reviews in my 19 years at What Hi-Fi?, but it's taken until this year for me to get a deck home.

Honestly, it's pretty much transformed my music-listening, taken me back to the pre-streaming years when I would buy an album and listen to it on repeat until its tracks had been absorbed at an almost molecular level.

My family has been loving it, too: the artwork, the process of placing a record on the platter and lowering the arm, the rich sound quality – it's all so tactile and rewarding.

As you can imagine, though, my vinyl collection is currently minuscule – just eight records – so I decided to add a fairly inexpensive streamer to my system, too.

The WiiM Pro Plus came highly recommended by my colleagues Kashfia Kabir and Harry McKerrell, and I now know why: its detailed, crisp and rhythmic delivery is great for the everyday streaming I'm doing between vinyl plays.

The good news is that both of these bits of kit, both of which I use at home and wholeheartedly recommend, are currently available with big discounts: the Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT is available for £399 at Richer Sounds, and the WiiM Pro Plus is down to just £175 at Richer Sounds.

The Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT is one of the best entry-level decks we've tested.

We awarded it five stars for its wonderfully balanced performance, praising its ability to sound detailed, insightful and rhythmic while remaining approachable for vinyl newcomers. It also helps that it's beautifully made, with a premium finish that makes it feel much more expensive than it actually is.

Bluetooth support is the icing on the cake, giving you the flexibility to pair it with compatible speakers or headphones if you want to – I've got it wireless connected to a pair of KEF Coda W Bluetooth speakers, as it happens.

The WiiM Pro Plus earned the same five-star verdict for very different reasons.

It's an astonishingly capable music streamer for the money, with support for just about every streaming service you could want while delivering a sound that's clean, expressive and engaging. It extracts an impressive amount of detail from recordings, with plenty of drive and precision to keep music sounding lively and entertaining.

What I particularly like about this pairing is that it means you don't have to choose between analogue and digital. When I want the ritual of putting on a record, the Pro-Ject is ready to go. When I just want instant access to millions of songs while I'm lazing on the sofa or working from home, the WiiM takes over seamlessly.

Of course, there are better turntables and better streamers available if you're prepared to spend significantly more. But if you're looking to build a hi-fi system that covers both vinyl and streaming without spending a fortune, this combination is hard to beat.

MORE:

Here are all of the best turntables and music streamers you can buy right now

Regular readers of this website might be familiar with my turntable journey, where I fell hard for the vinyl revival a few years ago and upended my home system (and rearranged furniture) to make space for a turntable system.

My original system was modest and patched together: a Rega Planar turntable hooked up to the tiny Fono Mini A2D MkII phono stage and then connected to the Ruark MR1 Mk2 desktop speakers I've had for years. It was a lovely little set up and, most importantly for me, I did find myself using it regularly to play my slowly growing vinyl record collection.

But, as someone who loves traditional hi-fi separates, I was hankering for something more ‘proper’, and last year I finally graduated to a pair of Neat speakers and Naim’s Nait 50 stereo amplifier.

The Naim upgrade meant a couple of crucial things. First, it has a fantastic moving-magnet phono stage built-in, so my system actually ended up being neater as I no longer needed that outboard phono stage.

Second, it has a headphone amplifier with a 6.3mm socket. This section is completely new – it wasn’t on the original Nait 1 amp from 1983 – but the 50th anniversary homage adopts the headphone amp circuit from the five-star NSC 222 streaming preamplifier.

While I haven’t taken advantage of it so far, I have been thinking about finally getting a pair of wired headphones. As the summer days get longer, I find myself wanting to listen to my records late into the night while the rest of the house has gone to sleep – but obviously without disturbing my husband, my cat or my neighbours.

I have been eyeing up the awesome Sennheiser HD820 closed-back headphones for ages. We tested these five-star premium audiophile headphones a few years ago, noting their full-bodied, detailed sound and satisfying punch and agility in the low frequencies.

The problem is, the HD820 are way out of my budget even with the discounted price of £1299 at Sevenoaks. As I kept searching for something more in my price range, I found that the Sennheiser HD 505 wired headphones we tested last year are available at a much more wallet-friendly price of £180 at Amazon – and I’m tempted.

It’s not just the price that’s appealing – although that £50 discount off the original £230 test price is pretty good. That they're also an open-back design is what has caught my eye. I do find listening to closed-back headphones quite fatiguing after a while, so an open-back pair – with their more airy, open presentation – might be more amenable to the way I like to listen to music.

We say in our review that the HD 505 headphones’ “top end is wonderfully smooth, with no undue sibilance or brightness – overall this is as easy-going a listen as you could hope for.” That sounds ideal to me. The more budget pricing doesn’t mean Sennheiser has cut corners either. We found these headphones particularly talented in the midrange, with voices delivered with subtlety, clarity and a refinement that’s impressive at this level.

Grado’s SR325x and the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 are snappier, punchier and more agile open-back rivals (and are pricier), but I think I’ll prefer the Sennheiser’s smoother balance and more comfortable, lightweight build quality overall. During our testing, we found the earcups to be roomy enough that over-heating wasn’t an issue, and they weren’t fussy with partnering equipment, which means they should play nice with my Naim amp.

The HD 505 are a great entry point to Sennheiser’s audiophile wired headphones, and the relatively affordable price helps too. Will they transform my late-night vinyl listening sessions? I can’t wait to plug them in and find out.

MORE:

I’ve always had a soft spot for micro hi-fi systems, so I’m excited to see this awesome-sounding, five-star favourite discounted for Prime Day

Want to stop using streaming services but find physical media too expensive? This great vinyl deal might be the secret to building your record collection

Forget Prime Day – I’ve found 12 terrific hi-fi deals you won’t find anywhere on Amazon

During Prime Day, I always get asked, “are there any good cheap turntables?”

It’s not surprising given how vinyl, and retro hi-fi in general, seems to be growing in popularity with young people (heck, I caught my niece rocking wired headphones the other day!).

And, because I’m lazy, I have decided to address the sea of questions asking exactly that during this year’s Prime Day, here, in one handy article.

And it’s both good and bad news. Yes, there are two very good cheap turntables available right now that will delight hi-fi newbies or people looking to add a cost-effective record player to their existing system. But the deck we recommend most hasn’t had a Prime Day discount.

First up, for people who value audio quality above all else, but are on a tight budget, we have our standard recommendation, the Pro-Ject Primary E.

This is the cheap turntable we have recommended in our best record player guide for years, and the top option right now. It’s available on Amazon, and pretty much all of the specialist hi-fi retailers, for its bog standard £229 (ignore the save £20 icon on some shops, it’s been that price for ages).

The turntable offers the best audio quality you will find for less than £250, and has a pleasingly simple plug and play nature. That’s why we have recommended it for so long; our review verdict sums it up:

“There is a whole cavalcade of budget turntables flooding the market – from Crosley, Lenco, Audio-Technica, Majority and more – with fancy features, electronic speed change, and built-in preamp speakers in snazzy, trendy-looking designs. We can see their appeal, but remain unconvinced when it comes to their sound quality.

“We have no such reservations about the musically entertaining Pro-Ject Primary E. For a beginner’s vinyl revival path who has this kind of budget and is more fussed about getting the best sound from your records than about features such as record ripping and automatic operation, the multiple Award-winning Primary E could be just the ticket.”

That’s as true now as it was in 2018 when we first wrote it.

And if you’re getting a sense of déjà vu, there’s a reason: I have written a version of this piece every Prime Day since I joined What Hi-Fi?.

The only downside for the Pro-Ject Primary E is the lack of an in-built phono stage. This means you need to have an amp or system with one built in, as well as a pair of speakers, to get it running.

If that’s a problem, I am pleased to report there has been one cool development since my last warning against bogus turntable deals; we have a new cheap unit with a built-in phono stage to recommend.

Say hello to the Sony PS-LX3BT, a five-star entry-level turntable we recommend to proper hi-fi newbies who don’t own, or want, a separate system. The unit has a solid built-in phono stage, an equally easy plug-and-play nature as the Primary E, and comes with the added allure of Bluetooth connectivity.

The unit is available for £220 (save £79) on Amazon, though the retailer is reporting only having one left in stock. The next best price is on Sevenoaks Sound and Vision which is selling it for £223.

The Sony PS-LX3BT is a stellar option for people who want a just-add-speakers set-up – if you don’t already own a stereo pair, we recommend the Award-winning Dali Kupid, which cost £299.

The only reason we don’t recommend the Sony over the Pro-Ject overall, is that, during testing when we ran the two head to head, we found the Primary E is still the top dog for audio quality at this price. If plug and play simplicity is your main priority, however, the Sony is the one to get.

MORE:

These are the best desktop speakers we have reviewed

We rank the best turntable speakers

Check out our Prime Day 2026 hi-fi and home cinema deals guide

I've tested quite a few budget Bluetooth turntables this year, including the Sony PS-LX3BT and the Sharp RP-TT100, but my top pick for overall sonic performance has to be the Sony PS-LX5BT. Like its LX3BT sibling, the PS-LX5BT earned the full five-star haul earlier this year thanks to its commendable sonic talents alongside excellent usability and multiple ways to listen.

Now that it's dropped to £307 at Amazon, Sevenoaks and John Lewis this Prime Day, you're in a great position to pick up five-star quality for £92 less than its standard RRP of £399. That's roughly 23 per cent off a supremely talented Bluetooth deck that we only recently reviewed!

Best Sony turntable Prime Day deal

The PS-LX5BT gives you the full Bluetooth turntable package, with a built-in phono stage, fully automatic operation and great sonic performance on a budget, although if you're looking to save even more cash, the step-down PS-LX3BT is also on sale for Prime Day.

That said, if you pick the LX5BT, you'll get a better cartridge, a slightly different arm tube, slip mat and finish, as well as fully detachable interconnect cables.

This being a fully automatic turntable, operation and setup are simple. The PS-LX5BT is easy to use and responsive to our commands, without needing to manually adjust the tonearm or tinker with tracking weights.

The PS-LX5BT is supplied with a pre-fitted moving magnet cartridge with a 2g tracking force, with much of the PS-LX5BT's improved performance likely deriving from its more premium cartridge.

For Bluetooth, there’s support for the hi-res aptX Adaptive codec for handling files wirelessly up to 24-bit/96kHz to compatible Bluetooth speakers and headphones, with the PS-LX5BT allowing up to eight devices to be paired at any given time.

Why would you get the PS-LX5BT over the cheaper PS-LX3BT? For us, the costlier deck does a great job of justifying its not-inconsiderable price increase over its more entry-level counterpart, offering a more open, spacious and more detailed sound than the LX3BT.

It also grants more space around instruments and gives the music greater breathing space within its broader, wider soundstage, leading to a more natural and immersive performance. Judged on its own or against its smaller sibling, Sony's affordable player really shines.

All in all, a great turntable with fantastic usability and class-leading sound at a fantastic knocked-down price. Find it at Amazon, Sevenoaks or John Lewis before Prime Day ends.

MORE:

Hi-fi speaker deals are thin on the ground this Prime Day, but I've tracked down six of the best worth a closer look

Stay up to date with Prime Day 2026 LIVE: our hi-fi experts choose the best speaker, headphone and turntable deals

Prime Day 2026 LIVE: our home cinema experts' picks of the best OLED TV, Dolby Atmos soundbar, projector deals and more

With all the madness of the Prime Day sale, you might have missed that today is Global Beatles Day. Started in 2009 as a thank you to the world-conquering band, it's a celebration of all things The Beatles. And we thought we'd get in on the act.

Why 25th June? That was the day in 1967 when the band performed on Our World, the first live multinational multi-satellite television production that saw them broadcast in 14 countries simultaneously, being seen by up to 700 million people. That's when you know you've made it.

If that's got you in the mood, or you just want to revisit some classic albums, here are the best Beatles LPs and the best turntables to play them on.

The best turntables for listening to Beatles records

The best Beatles albums on vinyl

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” So goes Twain’s aphorism.

And as the vinyl resurgence ploughs on, something of that sentiment can be felt in the kinds of products that are undergoing discounts as part of this year’s Prime Day sales.

Most vinyl enthusiasts will know the score: a beloved old turntable and an up-to-date, perfectly functional hi-fi system. Both are great things to have, but sometimes the sonic limitations of retro gear can stand out on more modern systems.

Alternately, you might have bought a budget turntable and have a pair of active desktop speakers, and now you need that crucial phono stage element to get them working together.

For those in either situation, this Cambridge Audio Alva Duo phono preamplifier is a discreet and inexpensive addition that will give your vinyl system the sonic upgrade it deserves. Why repeat, after all, when you can rhyme?

Right now, the Alva Duo is seeing a £50 discount, and is available for £249 from Amazon.

This five-star outboard phono stage is compatible with moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges. In an unusual, but highly convenient twist, the Alva duo also features a built-in headphone amplifier stage and volume dial.

This is great news if your old-school turntable doesn’t have a headphone socket, and means you can blast your records late into the night, without making enemies of the neighbours.

Note: if this is your plan, you’ll also want a solid pair of wired headphones, for which you can consult our top wired headphones of the year.

For any newbies to the world of turntables, adding this Duo phono stage to a pair of active speakers will make sure your records are conveyed with a smooth, full-bodied sound.

Admittedly, our current favourite phono stage, the Rega Fono MM Mk5, will provide a punchier and more rhythmically precise sound for a similar price, but it lacks some of the extra features that make the Duo so irresistible.

Most of the budget to mid-price turntables that we would recommend using the Duo alongside will be likely to use an moving-magnet cartridge as standard, but if you wanted to explore moving-coil options at any point, the Duo allows you to expand your horizons. A word of warning, though: MC cartridges tend to be a lot pricier.

Whether your hooking up a desktop vinyl system or refreshing a golden oldie, we think this deal is worth serious consideration. With a stylish look, dynamic sound and great features, the Alva Duo could be yours for a deal price of £249 from Amazon, Richer Sounds and Cambridge Audio.

MORE

Read our full Cambridge Audio Duo MC/MM review

Check out our best phono preamplifiers 2026: budget to high-end, tried and tested

Stay up to date with Prime Day 2026 LIVE: our hi-fi experts choose the best speaker, headphone and turntable deals

Sony is always good for a Prime Day deal, and this year has been no exception. We've spotted the lowest-ever price on the WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds, but if you're just getting into the world of vinyl, there's also a significant saving to be had on Sony's outstanding PS-LX3BT Bluetooth turntable.

The affordable deck is perfect for anyone dipping their toe into the sea of vinyl for the first time, and with the excellent plug 'n play spinner falling from £299 to £223 at Amazon, now is the time to strike.

The PS-LX3BT is such an easy to use turntable that we'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants to dip their toe into vinyl waters.

Its automatic operation means you don’t even need to adjust the tonearm, while playing and stopping tracks is made easy via ‘start’ and ‘stop’ buttons respectively. Once your record has reached its end, the arm will automatically return to its resting start position, so you barely have to touch it at all.

Speaking of tonearms, the Sony deck features an aluminium model with a precision pivot bearing, as well as an aluminium die-cast platter and a rubber mat. You also get a pre-fitted moving magnet cartridge with a tracking force of 3.5g, but as there’s no quick way to remove it from the tonearm, your options for upgrading are limited.

The PS-LX3BT offers Bluetooth streaming with support for the aptX Adaptive codec for hi-res streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz to compatible Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones. That's a great bonus if you have, say, a JBL Charge 6 or Flip 7 knocking around and want quick and simple streaming to impress your mates.

Impress is the word. Within a proper hi-fi setup, the PS-LX3BT sounds punchy, alive and focused, with a balance that blends muscle and drive with enough space to give your music room to breathe. Affordable Bluetooth record players can often sound compromised, especially at the cheaper end of the market, but that's not a criticism we could level at this Sony.

All in all, an excellent starter point for users seeking a lethal blend of performance, usability and flexibility. Check it out at Amazon this Prime Day.

MORE:

Amazon Prime Day 2026 Live Q&A: personalised hi-fi and home cinema buying advice, direct from our experts

Discounts galore! These are the best early Amazon Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals

These are the best Bluetooth turntables you can buy

The human conscience is a funny thing. Most of us, I suspect, can relate to how easy it is to know something is wrong and go on doing it on a regular basis, regardless.

But in this age of convenience, I am starting to feel my moral concessions piling up. Every day, there are a number of things I do that are inarguably within my power to change... and to change fairly easily, at that.

And so, starting with the small things, I'm trying to act.

To get started, I'm targeting music streaming. Specifically, I'm moving away from it.

Since streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music became available, as a music fan, I have fallen for the model hook, line and sinker. Millions of songs at my fingertips, for only a tenner or £12 per monthly subscription. No wonder it's the dominant way we listen to music now.

But as someone with many musician friends, I have seen first-hand the impact that certain platforms' revenue models have on the way musicians are – or more accurately, are not – reimbursed for their art.

I did indulge in a modest turntable set up at home, but with physical media often seeming too expensive these days, I've found myself reluctant to make the leap entirely.

That's why, this Prime Day, I've been on the hunt for a vinyl deal that will equip me with a library that doesn't consist solely of second hand Dire Straits and Simon and Garfunkel records. Nothing wrong with either artist, but I'm looking for some diversity.

Thankfully, for those in my situation, HMV is running a multi-buy deal in which you can buy three vinyl records for £66.

I know this discount might not sound like much, but with many vinyl records' full prices sitting at £40 and beyond, this deal has the potential to cut the cost of your record collection in half.

What's more, the selection on offer at HMV is vast. Much more so than what's available at Amazon, which barely has any deals on vinyl records or CDs this year.

While browsing, I spotted a number of the What Hi-Fi? review team's favourite classic albums, including Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, Radiohead's In Rainbows and Jeff Buckley's Grace, alongside more contemporary titles such as Geese's Getting Killed and Olivia Dean's The Art of Loving.

Among the most expensive records involved in the deal are The Cure's Show at £49.99, The Verve's red vinyl edition of A Northern Soul at £45.99, and Elliott Smith's Figure 8 at £43.99. On those three records alone, you could make a whopping saving of £73.97 with this HMV offer.

This is a fantastic deal for anyone looking to add some big name titles to their record collection, and also a great way to invest in the artists making the music you love.

MORE

Find the best Amazon Prime Day deals here

Discover how Gen Z is having more of an impact on physical sales than you might think

I've handpicked the 12 best-value Prime Day home cinema and audio deals – all under £200

The Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT is a budget Bluetooth turntable done right, and it's back down to its lowest price thanks to Prime Day.

Well, sort of. Down from £479, you can get the T1 Evo BT for £399 at Richer Sounds, although if you do want to do the whole Prime Day thing, you can get the same deck from Amazon for £439. Ironic, then, that the best deal this Prime Day is from a non-Amazon site...

The Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT is an appealing, accessible and fuss-free Bluetooth turntable. In fact, it even makes an appearance on our best turntables guide as the best Bluetooth turntable we recommend.

It's ideal for beginners, as the T1 Evo BT is one of the easier turntables to set up. You'll have to fit the platter, mat, belt and dust cover yourself, but this is hardly a tricky task even if you've never done it before.

As the name suggests, Bluetooth 5.0, which can be toggled on or off via a switch on the right-hand side, is supported. Connecting to Bluetooth headphones and speakers is easy and seamless, resulting in a solid, stable sound, as a result.

A phono stage is built in for those looking to reduce costs, but there are line-out terminals if you'd rather outsource such duties to an amplifier or standalone phono preamp. Support for 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM speed settings means you have a plethora of options with that £20 vinyl credit.

However you listen to the T1 Evo BT, you'll quickly be rewarded with a smooth, fluid sound.

"What hits us immediately as we spin our first record is the feeling of weight and smoothness the T1 Evo BT exudes," our Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT review reads. "It’s a refined and easy-to-enjoy spinner that demands little from the listener, excelling when we pull out a pressing of Nas’ Illmatic and bask in the groove-laden warmth of tunes such as N.Y. State of Mind and The World Is Yours."

If you're looking for a convenient, easy-to-use entry to the world of vinyl, or indeed are upgrading from a budget set, then the five-star Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT is very much worth considering, especially now that it's £399 at Richer Sounds.

MORE:

I've handpicked the 12 best-value Prime Day home cinema and audio deals – all under £200

Amazon Prime Day 2026 Live Q&A: personalised hi-fi and home cinema buying advice, direct from our experts

Discounts galore! These are the best Amazon Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deals

Bang & Olufsen has unveiled its Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition, a compact music system comprising a restored Beogram 3000 Series turntable alongside a pair of modern Beolab 8 wireless speakers.

As part of the Danish brand's 'Recreated Classics' initiative, the limited edition Beosystem 3000c setup pledges to "bring together the tactile ritual of vinyl and the flexibility of contemporary listening in one compact music system".

At the centre of the setup is an original, restored Beogram 3000 Series turntable, the first of which launched in 1985, sporting a lightweight tonearm and B&O's 'Optimum Pivot Point' technology for reducing vibrations from interfering with playback.

In case you're unfamiliar, the Beolab 8 are wireless speakers with built-in network streaming capabilities, supporting Tidal and Spotify Connect alongside Chromecast AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.3. To get a standalone pair, you'll tend to pay around £2199 / $2749 / AU$4499.

The Dune Grey Edition of the Beosystem 3000c pairs grey aluminium with dark walnut details on both the speakers and the turntable, a combination "inspired by the tones and textures of the Nordic coastline".

Getting hold of a system will put you in a rather exclusive club. The Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition is limited to 100 pieces worldwide, with each unit individually numbered, engraved, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

According to Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, Director of Product Circularity at Bang & Olufsen: “Our Recreated Classics programme goes beyond the preservation of nostalgia. It is about honouring the fact that exceptional audio designs continue to matter to people over time. The Beosystem 3000c represents a more intentional way of listening, built around ritual, presence and emotional connection to music".

The Beosystem 3000c Dune Grey Edition is available now from selected B&O stores, priced at £22,800 / $30,000 / €27,000.

MORE:

Mark your calendars: the dates for the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2026 have been confirmed

Prime Day Predictions: The What Hi-Fi? team’s hopes, fears and dreams for Amazon Prime Day

Best turntables: the finest record players for your vinyl