STACK #249 July 2025

FEATURE TECH

SPEAKERS

What to consider: • Bookshelf speakers can connect wirelessly, or be directly wired. speakers deliver plenty of sonic punch and can slot discreetly into a shelf, as their name suggests. If you’ve no space for big or floor standing speakers, they’re a good alternative. • Powered speakers with an inbuilt amp are an ideal match for a turntable with a built-in preamp, or any Bluetooth streaming device. • Bookshelf speakers can also make a good addition to a home theatre surround system. BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS They may be compact but bookshelf

PARTY SPEAKERS

PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS Wireless Bluetooth speakers combine great sound quality with portable convenience and have revolutionised how and where we listen to music. Simple to set up and use, they come in a variety of sizes, funky designs, and colours to match your style. What to consider: Size and sound: Portable speakers deliver big sound, but quality will of course vary depending on size, brand and price. Look for a speaker with at least two drivers – and if you like it loud, go big or opt for a dedicated party speaker Battery life: Most portable speakers are designed for continuous use, so you’ll generally get all-day play – and often more – from a full charge. Durability: Portable speakers are susceptible to splashes and generally boast an IP67 rating for water and dust protection. Some can even float in the pool or hang in the shower. Connectivity: Many portable speakers can be paired with another compatible speaker for true stereo sound, or linked in a chain for multi-room audio and bigger sound at an outdoor party (see page 16). Adaptive audio: Acoustics change outdoors, and some speakers are smart enough to optimise the sound to compensate, using adaptive functions, auto tuning, or outdoor audio boosting. A turntable is more than a ”record player”; it’s a gateway to experiencing music the way it’s meant to be heard. Whether you’re rediscovering the warmth TURNTABLES

What to consider: • Lighting effects that sync with the beats to add a clubbing vibe to your party. • A karaoke microphone and guitar input can often be part of the feature set. • Connectivity with other compatible speakers for even bigger sound. • A good companion app to remote control music, lighting and general functions. From big boom boxes to towers of power, party speakers are ready to rock and fully portable with Bluetooth connectivity, long battery life, and are tough enough to withstand spilled drinks and light rain.

SOUNDBARS Soundbars are a powerful alternative to a TV’s inbuilt speakers, bringing blockbuster movies to thunderous life and firing audio in all directions for a truly immersive experience. Plus, you can add a separate subwoofer and surround speakers for the complete home theatre audio setup.

What to consider:

Size matters: Choose a soundbar that suits the length of your TV’s screen for better matching where sounds are coming from relative to the picture. Channels: Digits like 2.1 or 7.1.2 indicate the number of audio channels a soundbar can process. Surround sound systems generally comprise 5 – 7 channels, and many soundbars can simulate that by bouncing audio off the walls for a directional effect.

Connections: Optical cables are a good baseline, while HDMI ARC transmits both video and audio in two directions, and HDMI eARC transmits uncompressed surround sound and formats like Dolby Atmos. Smart features: Smart soundbars can include or support voice assistants for hands-free control, and can also control compatible smart home devices, while AI-driven functions can optimise dialogue and sound quality on the fly.

What to consider:

Drive type: Belt-driven turntables offer better sound quality and reduced vibration, while direct drive units are more durable and suited for DJs. A good stylus and cartridge: These are crucial for top sound quality, and protecting your records by minimising wear and tear.

Built-in preamp: This will simplify setup, especially when pairing with powered speakers, and also boost the signal produced by the stylus and cartridge. Bluetooth: Wireless connectivity enables simple connection to compatible speakers and multi room audio options (see page 26).

and depth of vinyl or building a new collection, a turntable offers a tactile, immersive listening experience that digital formats can’t match. For music lovers, it’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about connecting with albums in their purest form.

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