Halloween might be in the rearview mirror, but the real excitement is just kicking off with a flood of cutting-edge hi-fi gear that promises to elevate your listening experience to legendary levels!
As the spooky season wraps up, we're shifting into high gear for the ultimate deal-hunting frenzy. And while Black Friday looms large on the calendar, hi-fi and home-cinema manufacturers haven't slowed down one bit. They're keeping our team buzzing with fresh announcements, product launches, and reviews that are too good to ignore.
Let's dive into the highlights you absolutely need to know about.
Michell Audio's sleek two-box phono stage is a game-changer – and yes, that's a nod to RuPaul's flair!
The legendary British brand Michell Audio had a whirlwind October, not just introducing the innovative Revolv and Gyro turntables (which replaced a true icon in the process), but also delivering their sophisticated Apollo phono stage to our testing labs. For those new to the world of vinyl, a phono stage is an essential device that amplifies and equalizes the delicate signal from your turntable's cartridge, transforming it into something your speakers can handle – think of it as the unsung hero that unlocks the full magic of records.
Once we hooked this clever two-box setup to our go-to Technics SL-1000R turntable, paired with a Burmester 088/911 MkIII amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers, it didn't just perform – it dazzled! Every song we played showcased lush, revealing, and seamless audio quality. That's why it earned our top five-star rating and this enthusiastic verdict:
"In a crowded field, the Apollo's unbeatable mix of capabilities is irresistible. Its straightforward design, captivating sound, and solid craftsmanship set it apart as a premier choice in this category."
Check out our in-depth Michell Apollo review for all the details.
Technics bids farewell to an icon, but not without a spectacular send-off. And this is the part most people miss – it's not just an end, but a celebration of evolution.
If you're a devotee of Technics' legendary SL-1200G turntable, brace yourself for mixed emotions. The company recently announced that after five decades of dominance, the 'G' series is being phased out. But here's where it gets intriguing: Technics isn't going quietly. They're capping off this iconic run with a limited-edition Grand Class SL-1200G/1210G Master Edition – a final burst of innovation featuring refined design elements and upgraded components that represent the pinnacle of the G-series legacy.
These exclusive models are set for release in January 2026, but with only a handful available, you'll need to act swiftly to snag one. It's a bittersweet moment for audiophiles, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge tweaks that could make these the ultimate collector's items.
Dive into the full story: Technics says goodbye to the immortal SL-1200 turntable with ultra-rare Master Editions.
Sony's Bravia Projector 7 keeps the momentum rolling, defying tough competition. But here's where it gets controversial – is premium pricing worth it when budget options are out there?
Long-time readers know we're huge advocates for Sony's projector lineup, having honored the VPL-XW5000ES and Bravia Projector 8 with What Hi-Fi? Awards this year. Despite facing stiff rivalry from more affordable models, the Bravia Projector 7 – positioned as the middle ground – proved its worth in our rigorous tests.
What you get for your investment is a versatile, true-to-life projector that produces vibrant, well-rounded, and intricate visuals with a depth and dimension that's often absent in competitors. As our review puts it:
"If you're aiming for a projector that amps up the cinematic feel with harmonized tones, superior contrast, and finer nuances, the Bravia Projector 7 is a solid leap forward – as long as your finances are on board."
Read our comprehensive Sony Bravia Projector 7 review to learn more.
We curated a playlist of Bruce Springsteen's finest tracks to test your setup.
In honor of the recent bio-pic 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere' hitting theaters, our squad at What Hi-Fi? compiled a selection of the Boss's top tunes from his extensive discography. These aren't just favorites; we often use them to push hi-fi systems to their limits, revealing every subtle detail in the music.
Explore the complete list: Eight standout Bruce Springsteen tracks perfect for evaluating your hi-fi gear.
Triangle elevates its Capella speakers with smart upgrades.
Wrapping up this edition of our Rewind column, Triangle has unveiled its new Capella 2 wireless active speakers. These build directly on the previous Capella standmounts, which scored four stars in our tests last year.
The upgrades are noteworthy: now including Spotify Connect Lossless and Tidal Connect for high-quality streaming, enhanced Wi-Fi, a modernized chipset, and a dedicated subwoofer output. Could these enhancements finally secure that coveted fifth star? We're eager to get them into our labs and find out!
Read the full scoop: Triangle's improved Capella 2 speakers arrive with Spotify and Tidal integration.
MORE INSIGHTS:
Discover our top bookshelf speakers for unbeatable value.
Explore our recommendations for the best projectors on the market.
Check out our selections of top phono preamps.
Alastair serves as What Hi-Fi?’s editor-in-chief, bringing over a decade of journalism expertise covering consumer and business tech alike. His portfolio includes everything from the debut of the Amazon Echo to cybersecurity policies. Before joining us, he led Trusted Reviews as editor-in-chief. Beyond tech, he holds a Master's in Ethics and the Philosophy of Religion from King’s College London, dabbles in guitar (though not very skillfully), and even maintains a webcomic in his free time.
What do you think – is the end of the SL-1200G series a sad loss or an opportunity for innovation? Do you believe Sony's high-end projectors justify their cost, or should beginners stick to cheaper alternatives? Share your views in the comments below; we'd love to hear your take on these audio and tech debates!
