The Hi-Fi Edit · October 2026
Great sound starts with the right gear.
Honest, hands-on reviews of speakers, headphones, amplifiers and projectors. We live with every product for weeks before we score it.
5 products tested
4 scoring criteria
0 sponsored scores
KEF LS50 Meta
Compact bookshelf speakers with a remarkably clean, open sound, thanks to KEF’s latest Uni-Q driver and Metamaterial Absorption Technology.
From €1,399 per pair
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Find the right gear for your room
The ranking
Every product we tested, best first
Scored on sound or picture, build, features and value. Click through for the full review.
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KEF LS50 Meta
Positives- Precise, spacious stereo imaging
- Very clean, low-distortion treble
- Beautiful build in several finishes
From €1,399 per pair
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Sony WH-1000XM5
Positives- Best-in-class noise cancelling
- Light and comfortable for hours
- Around 30 hours of battery life
From €379
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Rega Elex Mk4
Positives- Lively, engaging sound with real drive
- 72 W per channel drives most speakers
- Good built-in DAC and MM phono stage
From €1,299
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Technics SA-C600
Positives- Amp, CD player and streamer in one
- Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect
- Room calibration with Space Tune
From €899
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XGIMI Horizon Pro
Positives- Sharp, bright 4K picture
- Auto focus and keystone correction
- Built-in Harman Kardon speakers
From €1,299
Build a system
Your first hi-fi in three steps
A tried and tested combination from our reviews, from speakers to source.
01
Pick your speakers
They shape the sound more than anything else. Spend the biggest share of your budget here.
02
Add an amplifier
Passive speakers need power. A good integrated amp adds a phono stage and a DAC too.
03
Or go all-in-one
Short on space? One box with an amp, CD player and streaming does it all.