News

Welcome to the October 2026 issue!
Around this time of year, with A Level results done and dusted, we customarily receive enquiries from parents and prospective first-year students about advice on affordably priced, low-maintenance hi-fi kit that will suit their new habitats. Halls of residence or rooms in shared houses call for space efficient ways of enjoying music, preferably Wi-Fi speakers or all-in-ones that will perform well whether seated on a shelf, a table or on the floor over there in the corner. An added bonus, of course, would be equipment that makes a visual statement too – something admirably cool to show off to your new undergrad pals.

Say hello, then, to this month’s cover star: Devaliet’s Mania portable music system, which should do the trick nicely. An absolute steal at £790, it looks like something out of Star Wars and, on testing, sounds absolutely fab. Job done!

Elsewhere in this issue there’s a fascinating look at the illustrious history of German manufacturer ELAC as it celebrates 100 years in business in Company Confidential, 20 tracks worth sampling in all their hi-res glory in our monthly Qobuz Playlist and over 100 recommended components in our essential Buying Guide.

Dig in and enjoy!