The Highlight of the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025
The Bristol Hi-Fi Show is back, marking another year of exciting audio innovation at the Bristol Marriott Hotel. This event is one of the largest and longest-running hi-fi shows, attracting both brands and enthusiasts each year. At the 2025 show, there were a variety of products on display, including some that had recently hit the market, brand new introductions, and a glimpse into future releases. We attended on the first day to check out the highlights.
The show featured an impressive collection of products catering to home cinema, personal listening, and high-fidelity sound systems. Some of the standout presentations included Arcam’s upcoming flagship SA45 streaming amplifier, which supports a wide range of file formats and Bluetooth streaming. Although pricing is yet to be announced, fans of Arcam have been eagerly awaiting this product.
Devialet showcased its new Astra amplifier, which features a futuristic design and offers extensive wireless connectivity options, including Google Cast and Bluetooth. This high-end model can deliver 600 watts of power, promoting audio that claims to have zero distortion. However, this luxury comes at a hefty price of £14,000.
HifiMan made waves with its HE1000 open-backed headphones. These headphones are known for their lightweight aluminum frame, large oval earcups with generous padding for comfort, and an ultra-thin diaphragm that provides rapid sound response. Priced at £2,499, the HE1000 delivered stunning audio quality that left a lasting impression.
Musical Fidelity unveiled two new products: the B1xi integrated amplifier and the B1xCD. The B1xi is a Class AB amplifier with Bluetooth capabilities and a host of inputs, including HDMI. Meanwhile, the B1xCD marks a revival for CDs, promising to extract maximum musical detail while minimizing jitter.
One of the lesser-known brands at the show, Morgan Acoustics, introduced the 1012 hi-fi speaker, which is designed to offer a wide frequency range and low distortion. Attendees noted the powerful sound quality during demonstrations, making it a brand to watch.
Pro-Ject displayed its Colourful Audio System series, which includes three products tailored for users seeking a simple, all-in-one vinyl experience. This trend emphasizes ease and integration for music enthusiasts, hinting at a resurgence of interest in physical media like vinyl.
Quad brought back its classic electrosatic speakers with the ESL-2912X. This new model promised an immersive soundstage and exceptional bass performance, defying typical expectations of electrostatic designs. It is set for release in summer 2025.
Rega’s Brio Mk7 amplifier was also a highlight. This latest version maintains the 50-watt output but features enhancements for lower noise and distortion. It comes with a price tag of £799, making it an attractive option for audiophiles.
Ruark Audio reintroduced passive speakers with the R610 + Sabre-R, which received positive feedback for their rich sound and clarity.
Finally, Optoma presented its Photon Go projector, an ultra-short throw model with a built-in battery aimed at convenience for home entertainment. This projector supports HDR10 and can project images up to 100 inches from just 25 centimeters away, set to launch in April 2025.
WiiM showed off its Ultra streamer and Vibelink amplifier, along with other exciting products on the horizon. Meanwhile, Wilson Benesch introduced their Horizon series of speakers, which, despite a compact design, produced a remarkable sound that surprised many.
Overall, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 showcased a wealth of innovations and exciting products that appeal to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike. The event promised a bright future for music lovers with plenty of options to enhance their listening experiences.
