The Best of 2023 - Hi-Fi, music & culture
Here’s a round-up of our highlights for 2023. We’ve installed some incredible hi-fi systems this year and listened to a lot of great new music. Below are a few of our hi-fi & musical highlights - we think you’ll enjoy them too!
Top 3 - Music
1. Matthew Halsall - An Ever Changing View
Our most-played album in the demo room this year. A captivating blend of modern jazz, warm magic realism, laid-back grooves, and hip-hop beats from trumpeter Halsall.
Favourite track: “Field of Vision” - a beautiful vignette with bird song to ease the soul.
2. Warrington Runcorn New Town Development Plan - The Nation’s Most Central Location
“When I was a child, the future seemed exciting. Now I'm an adult, the future seems terrifying. And I would like to return to when the future seemed optimistic. I’m nostalgic for an optimistic future.”
Reminds us of the best bits of Tomorrow’s Harvest by BOC.
Favourite track: “Busway” - it's the most emotional music about a bus lane you’re ever likely to hear.
“The female-led discodelic soul band Say She She, named as a silent nod to Nile Rodgers (C’est chi-chi!: It's Chic!”), release their 2nd album Silver on the heels of an epic break-out year that grows brighter by the day”
Favourite track - “Astral Plane” Spiritually uplifting disco banger
Top 3 - Hi-Fi
These are our pick from the Avalon Precision Monitor range. Beautifully designed - these loudspeakers will win you over with their form factor and then make you fall in love with their open & natural sound.
The dCS Bartók is our number one source for 2023 - it brings clarity, detail, and realism to your music.
3. Shunyata Everest 8000 Power Distributer
Alex says, “The difference the Shunyata Everest 8000 makes to the overall sound of your hi-fi is unreal. Read the Hi-Fi + review here.
Top 3 - Hi-Fi Brands
1. Vitus Audio, Denmark
The Vitus Audio RI-101 Mk.II integrated amplifier consistently impresses us with its clean, natural, laidback sound that still has plenty of punch & power.
2. Dan D’Agostino, USA
Dan D'Agostino creates the ultimate high-end amplifiers - unmatched power, performance, and sonic purity. Come and listen to the Progression Integrated Amplifier.
3. Shunyata, USA
Shunyata designs high-performance audio systems for the purest sound experience. Attach their power supply to any hi-fi system and it will dramatically improve musical performance!
“…stopping all those power supplies from clashing with one another makes them get out of the way of the sound in some surprising ways. Basslines aren’t just cleaner. They are funkier and more menacing when (and only when) required. You hear more of the body of the instrument and the player behind that instrument too.”
Alan Sircom ( Hi-Fi + Magazine, March 2023 )
Top 3 - Podcasts
1. McCartney: A life in lyrics
Irish poet Paul Muldoon talks with Paul McCartney about the stories and myths behind his most famous lyrics.
2. Rick Rubin - Magic, Everyday Mystery and Getting Creative
Friend of Soundstage Hi-Fi, Rick Rubin, talks about his creative process in this insightful interview.
3. Jon Hopkins - Hanging out with Audiophiles
Discover why Jon Hopkins went from classical to electronica and how psychedelics & meditation in the Mojave desert helped inspire his music.
Top 3 - Live music
1. Aphex Twin - Field Day @Victoria Park, Hackney
Watch Aphex Twin’s performance of his headline set at Field Day 2023. Live in 360-degree, interactive video live on NTS radio. Visuals by Weirdcore. A genius at work.
2. Matthew Halsall - Audiophile DJ tour @Spiritland, Kings Cross
Halsall treated us to a heady mix of jazz, soul, hip-hop, breakbeat, reggae, dub, afrobeat, house, and electronica. All played through Spiritland’s high-end audio system - featuring their custom-made Living Voice loudspeakers.
3. James Blake - “Playing Robots Into Heaven“ - Album Launch @Tate Modern, Southbank
James Blake took over Tate Modern’s South Tank and turned it into an underground rave. He teamed up with Bowers & Wilkins who supplied the sound system for this one-off show.
Top 3 - For 2024
1. The Smile - “Wall of Eyes” LP released Jan. 26th 2024
The 2nd album from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke & Jonny Greenwood, with Sons of Kemet drummer, Tom Skinner. We’re in for another treat!
2. Idles - “Tangk” LP released Feb. 16th 2024
Bristol’s finest release their 5th album in the Spring. With Nigel Godrich on production.
3. Electric Dreams @ Tate Modern, Bankside from Nov. 28th 2024
An exhibition that showcases the early innovators of optical, kinetic, programmed, and digital art. Celebrating those who used technology to create immersive experiences and explore the future of visual art.
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/electric-dreams