This Hi-Fi Tape Recorder Changed Radio Forever
 This Hi-Fi Tape Recorder Changed Radio Forever

A German engineer wanted a cheaper cigarette. The popular crooner Bing Crosby wanted a vacation. Satisfying both desires inadvertently led to the invention of the laugh track. Along the way there were Nazis, spoils of war, and more than one accidental…

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I conducted a blindfolded Bluetooth speaker test with 4 colleagues and no, JBL didn’t win — here’s which portable speaker got the most votes based on their ears only
 I conducted a blindfolded Bluetooth speaker test with 4 colleagues and no, JBL didn’t win — here’s which portable speaker got the most votes based on their ears only

My colleagues blind-ranked 5 portable speakers from best to worst on sound alone — and the results may surprise you.

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Q Acoustics’ handsome 3040c floorstanding speakers are cheaper than most rival bookshelf buys, and a thorough testing reveals a poised, clear, balanced listen
 Q Acoustics’ handsome 3040c floorstanding speakers are cheaper than most rival bookshelf buys, and a thorough testing reveals a poised, clear, balanced listen

Q Acoustics completes the line-up of its acclaimed 3000c series of passive loudspeakers with this compact 3040c floorstander and for this money, knocks it out the park

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Custom McLaren paint jobs, tapered damping tubes, and drivers that ‘hang in the air’: I spoke to Bowers & Wilkins about its massive snail-shaped loudspeaker Nautilus, and why it’s still so successful it’s backordered for years, even 33 years after launch
 Custom McLaren paint jobs, tapered damping tubes, and drivers that ‘hang in the air’: I spoke to Bowers & Wilkins about its massive snail-shaped loudspeaker Nautilus, and why it’s still so successful it’s backordered for years, even 33 years after launch

Three years’ worth of backorders, custom paint jobs, and 33 years of success: I spoke to Bowers & Wilkins about its most iconic loudspeaker ever.

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I turned my guitar amp into a giant home speaker and it was a loud and stupid idea, but it basically worked (with some serious caveats)
 I turned my guitar amp into a giant home speaker and it was a loud and stupid idea, but it basically worked (with some serious caveats)

A Line 6 Spider IV, a turntable, some speakers, an iPad, an overdrive pedal, loads of cables… what could go wrong?

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How the odd after-market CD player in my mom’s old car helped me deal with the grief of losing her — and why I can’t sell it now (even though I should)
 How the odd after-market CD player in my mom’s old car helped me deal with the grief of losing her — and why I can’t sell it now (even though I should)

A shock loss, an old car stuffed with CDs and the Sharpie I used to write the track names on: how recorded music always brings you closer

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Exclusive: ‘Young people are obsessed by music, but no one’s talking to them’ — the new boss of Q Acoustics, QED, and Goldring has plans to give hi-fi its ‘mojo’ back, and it involves opening more ‘kissa’-style listening cafes and ditching Led Zeppelin
 Exclusive: ‘Young people are obsessed by music, but no one’s talking to them’ — the new boss of Q Acoustics, QED, and Goldring has plans to give hi-fi its ‘mojo’ back, and it involves opening more ‘kissa’-style listening cafes and ditching Led Zeppelin

Charlie Henderson’s background includes Naim and Cambridge Audio, and he has big plans for refreshing his latest hi-fi brands — ranging from rethinking cabling to helping people find their way into hi-fi in the first place.

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I tested Sony’s new entry-level turntable and, though it sounds decent enough, you deserve so much more than a brand logo for this money
 I tested Sony’s new entry-level turntable and, though it sounds decent enough, you deserve so much more than a brand logo for this money

The Sony PS-LX3BT is a competent performer of an entry-level turntable, let down by a cheap chassis and high asking price

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Ever wondered whether upping the sound quality of your PS5 might improve your gaming chops? If so, Topping’s cheap new DAC is worth an audition

Topping’s new DX1 II is an affordable DAC which is targeted specifically towards Switch or PS5 gamers —but even non-gamers should take note for this price

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I breathed new life into my vinyl with Fluance’s RT87 turntable and while setup was finicky, it’s well worth it for seasoned record collectors
 I breathed new life into my vinyl with Fluance’s RT87 turntable and while setup was finicky, it’s well worth it for seasoned record collectors

The Fluance RT87 sounds as great as it is finicky to set up — but then again, if you’re a seasoned hi-fi tinkerer, you may actually enjoy the process…

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