The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 - Review
Published on
28th February 2025
We head to the annual celebration of high fidelity - the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025. Swapping our usual quiet Friday for the busier Saturday. Thankfully, we can still get the sweet spot in the listening rooms, and there’s plenty of space in the corridors to chat with suppliers and fellow music lovers. Dean even bumps into someone he last saw 30 years ago at an altitude of 8,000ft in the Inca temple complex of Machu Picchu, Peru!
I bump into a mate I play 5-a-side football with, who I saw last Tuesday, so not as impressive.
This year’s show includes re-imaginations of 1960s hi-fi and features some exciting technological innovations. There is an ultra-sleek streaming amp from French brand Devialet; loudspeakers from Britain’s finest ATC, PMC, and Harbeth; new electronics by Rega; and immersive, experimental head-fi from Meze Audio, Astell & Kern, and Campfire Audio.
Read our highlights from the show below:
Please note - There were also some lowlights from the show, trust us, but we won’t darken these pages with mention of them.
QuadQuad - 33 Pre-Amp & 303 Mono Amps
QUAD’s 33 Pre-Amp & 303 Mono Amps, featuring the iconic orange display and Dieter Rams inspired design, it’s obviously trying to tap into feelings of nostagia, and it works. Dean owns an original 1967 Quad 33, so we’ll definitely be dusting it off on our return to the shop to compare the sound. A great system for under £4k.
The 33/303s are paired with Wharfedale Super Linton Loudspeakers and delivers an engaging, rich, balanced sound.
QUAD’s 33 Pre-Amp
PMCPMC - Prophecy 9 Loudspeakers
PMC’s new Prophecy Loudspeakers feature their unique Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) design that produces deep bass from a slim profile.
The flagship Prophecy 9 floor standers, powered by the COR amplifier with a Michell gyroscopic turntable as the source, give the music incredible presence.
We’re fans of the new proprietary waveguide on the mid-range drivers.
PMC Prophecy 9 Loudspeakers
Sugden AudioSugden - Sapphire FBA-800 Power Amp
Sugden’s Class A Sapphire FBA-800 Stereo Power Amp, paired with the Sapphire DAP-800 Pre-Amp and Graham loudspeakers, produces an immersive, warm sound, and has that creaminess you only get with Class A amplification.
The Graham BBC Licensed LS5/9 speakers are the ideal pairing for the Sugden amps, similar to the alchemy of the Harbeth/Sugden combination. Yello’s ‘Til Tomorrow’ plays - we’re pulled into the song and treated to all its intricacies.
The source is the Auralic Vega S1 Streaming DAC, and it’s definitely one of the most impressive sounds of the show.
Sugden’s Class A Sapphire FBA-800 Power Amp
ATC ATC - SCM20ASL Limited Edition Loudspeakers
In the ATC room, the ATC SCM20ASL LE Standmount Speakers, finished in their signature blue high gloss lacquer, impress with clarity, detail and impeccable timing.
We chat with Ben Lilly from ATC and he informs us they have perfectly matched 200 watt Class A/B power amps within.
The C4 Mk2 Subwoofer, hooked up to an effects pedal, provides a bass boost when needed. The piano on Hiromi’s ‘Seeker’ feels like it’s being played in the room - it's so lifelike. The Rolling Stones’ ‘Love in Vain’ shows how these speakers handle delicate jazz and gritty blues effortlessly.
Solid - as you’d expect from ATC.
ATC SCM20ASL LE Standmount Loudspeaker
DevialetDevialet - ASTRA Streaming Amplifier
Devialet’s ultra-slim ASTRA high-end integrated streaming amplifier, paired with YG Acoustic Carmel 3 Reference loudspeakers, delivers a refined and powerful sound.
The ASTRA retains the speaker matching technology that we loved in its predecessor the Expert 440 Pro.
Max Richter’s ‘On the Nature of Daylight’ really shines, proving that this system is as much about design as it is about performance.
It wins our award for its aesthetics - it’s a beauty, and oozes luxury. Form & function.
Devialet ASTRA Streaming Integrated Amplifier in light bronze
Rega ResearchRega - Brio Mk7 Integrated Amplifier
Rega’s Brio MK7 is the latest version of the half-width integrated amp. Offering 50 watts per channel, a phono stage, and a new performance DAC—all for £799.
It’s an affordable yet modern take on Rega’s sound, with versatile new digital outputs.
They also have the Rega P3 RS Edition Turntable with the dark brushed metallic finish and high gloss black edges. Beautiful.
Inside the Rega Brio Mk7 Integrated Amplifier
HarbethHarbeth M.30.3 XD2 Loudspeakers
Harbeth’s M.30.3 XD2 Loudspeakers offer a perfectly balanced, open & clear, neutral sound.
Listening to Dave Brubeck ‘Far More Drum,’ and then Trentemøller’s ‘Evil Dub’ we’re immersed in every note. So involving - you just get lost in the music.
We speak with Alan Shaw, Head Designer at Harbeth, and he’s equally excited about how they sound. He gives us an insight into new crossover design and the advanced RADIAL4™ driver technology that’s improves these already impressive speakers.
We’re then guided to a side room to preview the 3-way Harbeth NLE-3 loudspeaker prototype—a bold new design with a bass driver that extends to the edge signaling. An exciting shift in design for Harbeth. One that will hopefully prove popular.
Harbeth’s M.30.3 XD2 Loudspeakers
Head-Fi Meze Audio / Astell & Kern / Campfire Audio
Meze Audio’s Empyrean II headphones, paired with Astell & Kern’s SP3000M Portable Player with its sharp edges, bring Johnny Cash’s ‘A Boy Named Sue’ to life. I’m immediately transported to San Quentin, chuckling alongside the prisoners, and cheering on the Man in Black.
Meanwhile, Astell & Kern’s SR35, paired with the super comfortable Meze’s 109 Pro headphones, immerses you in Dylan's ‘Blowin' in the Wind’ and makes it sound like you’re listening with fresh ears.
The Campfire Audio in-ear headphones are made in Portland, USA. You get the feeling they’re designed and produced in a cloud of marijuana. Each wired earphone is voiced slightly differently so you can find your perfect pair. Just make sure to create a seal when you place them into your ears - for ultimate bass.
Campfire Audio Fathom, Andromeda, Solaris in-ear headphones