Independent reviews
From everyday tech and home products to lifestyle and specialist gear, each review focuses on practical use, strengths, limitations, and who the product suits.
Streaming DACs
A practical comparison of three high-end digital front ends: the all-in-one Auralic Altair G1.1, the value-focused Gustard R26, and the purist Denafrips Venus 2.
Hi-Fi Audio
Three streaming DACs compared side by side, plus the optional linear power supply that changes the maths on the least expensive of them.
Streaming DACs
Four streaming options, one buying decision: how the compact Argon Audio Solo stacks up against the WiiM Mini, the Bluesound Node and the Hegel H190.
Studio Subwoofers
Four compact studio subwoofers compared on measured low-frequency extension, maximum output, distortion and group delay, with clear guidance on which one suits your room and workflow.
Hi-Fi Amplifiers
A close look at Sugden's flagship integrated amplifier, a 33 watt pure Class A design built in Yorkshire, and what it does better than almost anything at its price.
Phono Cartridges
The Sumiko Wellfleet moving magnet cartridge brings a low-noise, clearly defined sound to mid-priced turntables, with easy installation and a cedar presentation box.
Power Protection
A practical look at three panel-mounted surge protection devices from Surge Pure, what separates them, and which type of installation each one fits.
Subwoofers
A compact dual-driver subwoofer built for small rooms, plus how the SVS SB-1000 Pro and Sonance MS10 compare.
Subwoofers
A close look at two compact subwoofers: the app-controlled SVS 3000 Micro and the force-cancelling KEF KC62, and which type of system each one suits.
Subwoofers
A practical look at the SVS 3000 Revolution series, covering the shared amplifier, DSP, and driver design, then comparing the sealed SB3000 with the ported PB3000.
Subwoofers
How the sealed SVS SB5000 Revolution and the ported SVS PB5000 Revolution differ, what they share, and which one fits your room and listening habits.
Hi-Fi Speakers
A two-way bookshelf speaker with a 6.5-inch glass fiber woofer and a diamond-coated aluminum tweeter, and a sound that differs meaningfully from the Ultra series.
Home Audio
A two-piece in-wall subwoofer system with an external amplifier, app-based tuning, and reported output down to 22 Hz, plus the drywall work it demands.
Subwoofers
A detailed look at the SVS PB17 Ultra, a 164-pound ported subwoofer with a 17-inch driver, 2800-watt amplifier, deep extension, and app-based tuning.
Home Audio
A close look at the SVS PB17-Ultra and SB17-Ultra, two reference subwoofers that share a 17-inch driver and dual mono amplification but differ in cabinet design, output, and tuning flexibility.
Bookshelf Speakers
A compact bookshelf speaker with excellent build quality and high clean output, plus the tonal balance and EQ notes worth knowing before buying.
Bookshelf Speakers
A practical comparison of two SVS bookshelf speakers covering tonality, sensitivity, bass limits, distortion, placement, and the amplification each one really needs.
Floorstanding Speakers
A three-way floorstanding speaker with punchy, clean bass, a warm midrange, and a well-behaved aluminum dome tweeter.
Floorstanding Speakers
A compact three-and-a-half-way floorstander with an even, unforced character that handles film dialogue and two-channel listening equally well.
Powered Speakers
A second generation powered speaker pair that adds a front panel display, presets, a larger mid-bass driver and HDMI eARC to an already capable streaming formula.
Subwoofers
A close look at the SVS SB17-Ultra, a 124 lb flagship subwoofer with a 17-inch driver, 2,800 watts of continuous power, and measured linear bass from 20 Hz to 200 Hz.
Streaming Amplifiers
A close look at the second-generation SVS SoundBase Pro Wireless, including its HDMI ARC input, AirPlay and Chromecast support, improved gapless streaming, and natural amplifier sound at $700.
Speakers
A practical comparison of four floorstanding speakers, from the lively SVS Titan and the neutral KEF R11 Meta to the Q Acoustics Concept 50 and Klipsch Cornwall IV.
Home Audio
A practical walkthrough of all seven SVS Ultra Evolution models, from the flagship Pinnacle tower to the wall mounted Elevation and the matching center channel.
Bookshelf Speakers
A compact two-way bookshelf speaker with strong bass for its size, coherent drivers, and easy amplifier matching. Here is what to know before buying.
Floorstanding Speakers
A close look at the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle, a nearly 100-pound flagship tower with four 8-inch woofers, 30 Hz bass, and a warm, high-dynamic character.
Floorstanding Speakers
SVS rebuilt its flagship tower from the ground up. Here is how the Ultra Evolution Pinnacle sounds, where it works best, and what to weigh before buying.
Home Audio
A detailed look at the SVS Ultra Evolution Titan, a three-way tower with a curved baffle, seven drivers, and a sound that stays coherent from top to bottom.
Home Audio
The SVS Ultra range is being discontinued and discounted. Here is how the bookshelf, center, tower, surround, and Prime models compare before you buy.
Floorstanding Speakers
A close look at the SVS Ultra Tower floorstander: its 3.5-way driver array, near full-range bass, forward upper midrange, and what placement and room treatment do to the sound.