Articles by Phillip Powell

When choosing high-end headphones, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of driver technology. The two main options are planar magnetic and dynamic drivers—and Audeze has built its reputation by mastering the planar magnetic approach. In this article, we’ll explore the differences, explain why Audeze’s technology stands out, and highlight real-world benefits for discerning audiophiles.

When it comes to getting the best performance from your Hi-Fi system, speaker stands and equipment racks are often underestimated. Atacama Audio’s award-winning designs – from the NeXXus and Moseco speaker stands to the Evoque Eco and Eris Eco Hi-Fi racks – are engineered to deliver clear, detailed, and engaging sound. Below, we explore five ways they can enhance your listening experience, with a closer look at some of their most popular products.

For over 50 years, QED has been a driving force in audio-visual connectivity. Founded in 1973 in the UK, the brand quickly redefined how music and movies are experienced by proving that cables are more than just accessories, they’re essential to system performance. Today, QED remains one of the most awarded connectivity brands in Europe, trusted by audiophiles, home cinema fans, and leading equipment manufacturers worldwide.

In high-fidelity audio, clarity and realism depend on far more than just your amplifier or speakers. The cables connecting your system play a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the music signal. Tellurium Q has built its reputation on tackling a subtle but highly impactful issue: phase distortion. In this article, we’ll explore what phase distortion is, how it affects your music, and how Tellurium Q’s unique approach delivers a purer, more engaging listening experience.

HDBaseT technology has transformed the way AV installers and enthusiasts distribute ultra-high-definition video, high-resolution audio, and control signals. By transmitting multiple data streams over a single Cat cable, it offers a simplified, reliable solution for both residential and commercial projects. Blustream is at the forefront of HDBaseT innovation, delivering solutions that ensure pristine 4K UHD performance, long-distance reliability, and future-proof compatibility.

When it comes to digital-to-analogue conversion, most hi-fi manufacturers rely on off-the-shelf DAC (Digital-to-Analogue Converter) chips from suppliers like ESS, AKM, or Burr-Brown. These chips handle the crucial job of turning your digital music into an analogue signal your amplifier and speakers can use. While convenient and cost-effective, they come with inherent limitations, both in processing capability and in how the manufacturer can fine-tune the sound.

When upgrading your audio or home cinema setup, the quality of your cables and power delivery is just as important as your source, amplifier, or speakers. At Future Shop, we often hear one key question from customers exploring AudioQuest for the first time: “Where should I start?”

This guide breaks down how to approach building or upgrading your system using AudioQuest’s proven cable and power solutions, helping you get the most from your investment, one step at a time.

Upgrading your system with Chord Company cables is one of the most effective ways to unlock more from your hi-fi or AV setup. But with a broad range of analogue, digital, speaker and power cables available, knowing where to begin can be a challenge. This guide helps you prioritise upgrades based on the signal path and your system’s needs, so you can experience the greatest benefit at each step.

Whether you're refining a serious Hi-Fi system or upgrading from bundled interconnects, Atlas Cables are designed to extract more performance from your audio setup. But with multiple product tiers, materials, and technologies like Grun grounding and cold-weld terminations, choosing the right Atlas cable can feel overwhelming at first.

This guide breaks down the key concepts and helps you decide where to start, what matters most, and how Atlas’s design philosophy sets them apart.

WireWorld has built a reputation for developing high-performance cables that offer genuine improvements in sound and picture quality. But with so many options in their line-up, from entry-level interconnects to flagship HDMI and power cables, it can be tricky to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the WireWorld range and choose the best cables for your system.

In the pursuit of perfect sound, most audiophiles focus on loudspeakers, DACs, amplifiers, and cables. But there’s one part of the signal chain that’s often overlooked: your network. Even the best digital streaming setups can be compromised by electrical noise and interference coming from your router or Ethernet cables. That’s where ADOT comes in.

Known for their uncompromising sound quality, premium materials, and innovative digital audio technology, Astell&Kern remains the gold standard in high-resolution portable music players. Whether you're a long time audiophile or just beginning to explore lossless listening, Astell&Kern offers a range of Digital Audio Players (DAPs) to suit every need. In this 2025 buyer's guide, we break down the current A&K lineup to help you decide which model best fits your listening style and budget.