TechRadar
one of the very best pound-for-pound powered stereo speaker systems around
What the hi-fi press says about the brands we carry. Every entry links to the original review; excerpts are short and credited. Browse by brand, or search by model or publication.
one of the very best pound-for-pound powered stereo speaker systems around
an astonishing one and the current Best in Class
if you simply want an amplifier, this is a fabulous one
Top-tier phono stage with exceptional sound and flexibility, but too expensive for most.
Japanese no-feedback electronics · 13 reviews of current models
Soulnote builds its electronics around a no-feedback design approach. The reviews below cover its amplifiers, DACs, phono stages and network transport.
I want this sound forever, numbers be damnedRead the full review
Very fast, open and dynamic with strong drive; held back by price and limited connectivity.
A top-tier phono stage that improves on the original and leaves little reason to upgrade.
Read the full reviewvery engaging indeed and unusually easy to live withRead the full review
High-end DAC with excellent spatial presentation and natural tone that puts sound before convention.
Presents it as a natural, lively, spacious-sounding purist amp, crediting the no-feedback design and tuning by ear.
A precise, low-coloration amp that conveys drive and groove.
Read the full reviewTop-tier phono stage with exceptional sound and flexibility, but too expensive for most.
that's why Soulnote's M-3X are simply excellentRead the full review
Ranks it among the best integrated amplifiers he has heard for musicality, control and power.
Read the full reviewTop-tier, natural and transparent amp with no real sonic weaknesses, though power is modest for demanding speakers.
A smooth, coherent streamer with excellent depth and staging, though he could not separate it from the DAC used.
Read the full reviewThe SoulNote M-3 has a human dimension and a human approach to sound
British all-in-one music systems and speakers · 27 reviews of current models
Ruark makes compact music systems, radios and speakers in the UK. The reviews below cover its all-in-one systems, desktop speakers and bookshelf speakers.
These are lovely little bookshelf speakers.
The Ruarks should top your short list of auditions.Read the full review
The Ruark MR1 Mk3 is a worthy upgrade over its predecessor.
one of the very best pound-for-pound powered stereo speaker systems around
the Ruark MR1 Mk3 should definitely be on your shortlist
the Ruark MR1 Mk3 has been worth the wait
The powerful, punchier and bigger sound evolves the concept further
This system comes warmly recommended then, especially to style-conscious music lovers in space-limited places.
a wonderfully modern hi-fi performance in every way
they aren’t all-rounders, but their presentation is likeable and charming
a near-perfect blend of modern tech and old-school cool
we think the R810 is well worth the investmentRead the full review
does little badly and plenty very well
Sonically the Ruark R810 is an absolute knockout
this sophisticated, versatile internet radio is a tempting proposition
a bold and brilliant take on how to integrate sound and screenRead the full review
This is one of the best-looking, best-sounding systems ShortList has reviewed.Read the full review
makes surprisingly few concessions in pursuit of convenience and style
A superb sounding streaming system that puts rivals to shame on the styling front.
one of the best premium DAB/internet radios you can get right now
The Ruark R410 sounds as good as it looks and comes highly recommended.
It’s a fearsomely competitive product, and represents money well spent.
The Ruark R1S is a serious all-rounder.Read the full review
The R2 Mk4 sounds brilliant and is a pleasure to use.
the Ruark R1S is an excellent choice
It’s a perfect all-in-one for secondary rooms, and for lovers of radio especially.Read the full review
the R2 Mk4 deserves a place in your home
British amplifiers and source components · 19 reviews of current models
Exposure is a long-established British maker of amplifiers and source components. The reviews below cover its integrated amplifiers, separates, CD players and DAC.
the Exposure DAC is easily recommended to purists
Music-making doesn't always sound this effortless
the result is certainly of an excellent level and justifies itRead the full review
an absolute belter that loves music and just wants to have fun
the 3510 CD proves big, gutsy, informative and, above all, highly enjoyable
A substantially reworked design, not just a bigger stereo amp.
The result is pure listening pleasure
the most musically complete, balanced integrated amplifier I have heard in yearsRead the full review
an astonishing one and the current Best in Class
Exposure Electronics must be on your shortlist
remarkable piece of kit that flies under the radar
It has few, if any, real weaknesses
Deliberately old-school, minimalist full-width integrated with upgrade-friendly connections and a capable headphone output.
Charming, articulate and non-harsh compact duo that matches full-size separates, though the top-loader feels old-fashioned.
Read the full reviewthis Exposure is just the ticketRead the full review
Well timed and not harsh, but sounded distant with some speakers and much better with others.
Read the full reviewthe XM5 comes Highly Recommended
The Exposure XM5 is a neat and well-equipped integrated amplifierRead the full review
Energetic, direct, cohesive sound with punchy bass and strong dynamics, but not neutral or very detailed.
Revived Polish hi-fi · 28 reviews of current models
Unitra is a revived Polish hi-fi marque. The reviews below cover its amplifiers, CD player, DAC, turntables, speakers and accessories.
Audionation note: reviews marked “Reviewed: standard WSH-805” tested the original WSH-805. Audionation stocks the WSH-805 Classic Edition.
the Unitra excels in many areas
Strongly recommended; sound exceeds its price class with many inputs and dual outputs.
Dynamic, fast and focused with excellent detail separation; more neutral and controlled than its rival.
Until that changes, our money would go elsewhere.
a stress-free, organic sound suited to hours of musical discovery
It doesn't have today's sound, nor does it need to.Read the full review
Top-tier retro-styled deck with calm, detailed sound.
Substantial redesign, not an update; neutral, orderly and precise, preferred over the ZGZ-801.
if you simply want an amplifier, this is a fabulous one
The natural midrange and forgiving treble are particularly notable
What results is a pretty formidable statement of intent
Fast, firm and controlled, with a neutral studio-monitor character; could use more power and scale.
Unitra's WSH-605 is a fine amplifier for the money
Both records are well made and useful for setup; English-only materials are a drawback.
Well made, basic cables; the KG-40 adds bass and energy for about 6,000 CZK more.
The Fryderyk is livelier and less refined than the Edmund.
Very quiet, steady running; clear, easy-to-follow sound with good detail; cartridge could be upgraded later.
Impressed overall, especially by the ZGB-401 with the WSH-805.
Strong retro-styled amp whose sound matches established modern brands; main drawback is no DAC or Bluetooth.
High-end-style sound with detailed treble, open mids and controlled bass; good value; slightly thin lower treble and upper mids.
Precise, fast and near-neutral like a studio monitor; detail over dramatic bass; needs a powerful amp.
Well engineered and balanced, but the bundled cartridge holds it back, so plan to upgrade it.
Distinctive sound with a full, rich midrange and punchy bass; upper bass slightly coloured; strong build.
Spacious, lively and unaggressive, with an analogue, club-like sound; controlled bass; measures well.
Excellent: neutral, detailed and evenly balanced; very good value.
Both decks are well built and sound good, but the factory cartridges hold them back.
Modernised revival of the 1970s WSH-205; energetic and detailed, bright top end and bass emphasis.
Well built and measures well; balanced but somewhat reserved in AB and warmer in Class A.
Hand-built speakers from Wales · 14 reviews of current models
Ophidian designs and builds loudspeakers in Wales. The reviews below cover its bookshelf and floorstanding models.
Audionation note: the Audio T entry comes from a UK retailer’s blog rather than an independent publication, and is labelled as a reseller review.
Fast, precise and neutral, with bass lower than its size suggests; needs a capable amplifier.
Read the full reviewThe sound is refined and the ride luxurious
Neutral and dynamic with an expansive soundstage, but it needs room space and a strong amplifier.
Read the full reviewNatural, coherent sound that rewards patient listening, with a darker, warmer tilt.
Read the full reviewThis is a superb design based on years of experience and talent
sonic bang-for-the-buck is of an extremely high orderRead the full review
at £6,000 the Incanto represents extremely strong value.Read the full review
it should be on your list of small speakers to audition
I loved these speakers and would highly recommend them to anyone in the marketRead the full review
It's a thoroughly engaging loudspeaker that brings performances to life
Spectacular sound and a huge, believable soundstage that justify the 14,000 pound price, though the size will not suit everyone.
Read the full reviewthat price is commensurate with the performance of the Mambo 2sRead the full review
Unusually deep bass and a wide, open soundstage for its size; a strong pick for small rooms.
These speakers have excellent sound and are well worthy of their asking price.
Swedish near-wall loudspeakers · 3 reviews of current models
Guru is a Swedish loudspeaker maker known for designs that sit close to a wall. The reviews below cover the Guru 8 and Guru 28.
More important however is that the Guru 8 keeps you listening.Read the full review
Spacious, neutral and dynamic with solid bass, but needs careful wall placement and cannot play at extreme levels.
A remarkable speaker with an airy, precise, engaging soundstage and surprisingly deep bass.
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Reviews are the opinions of their authors and publications, not of Audionation. Short excerpts are shown with attribution and a link to the original; all rights remain with the publishers. Reviews are added as we find them.