Articles by Tom Bedford, Contributor

The Topping DX1 II plugged into a tablet and some earbuds.

Ever wondered whether upping the sound quality of your PS5 might improve your gaming chops? If so, Topping’s cheap new DAC is worth an audition

By Tom Bedford Published 20 July 26

Topping's new DX1 II is an affordable DAC which is targeted specifically towards Switch or PS5 gamers — but even non-gamers should take note for this price

A split screen image showing CDs in their cases on one side and in sleeves in a book on the other

You can't deny it any more: physical music is back in a big way with new sales figures proving it... and no, this time it's not vinyl

By Tom Bedford Published 17 July 26

Stats prove that nostalgic CD-buying is even bigger than nostalgic vinyl-buying, which could prompt a sea change for some music lovers.

The earbuds for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 held next to each other

The dream of AirPods with removable batteries is still seemingly out of reach, and it's all because of a new EU ruling

By Tom Bedford Published 16 July 26

Apple fans have been clamoring for AirPods with removable batteries to make them repairable, but it's likely not coming any time soon thanks to a new EU ruling.

Tony Hawk holding a pair of Skullcandy Crusher 1080, in front of some tape recording machines.

'Bose features at a non-Bose price, for the first time': Skullcandy launches its most premium headphones ever, getting by with a little help from its friend

By Tom Bedford Published 16 July 26

The Skullcandy Crusher 1080 feature three Bose-made tools in a non-Bose headphone for the first time (and without the Bose price tag)

An Android phone, being held in front of a PC screen showing Phone Link.

I tried Android's underrated desktop app, and it's transformed the way I work

By Tom Bedford Published 15 July 26

I'd never heard of Phone Link until recently, but now it's a critical part of my workflow — here's why.

'Could blow Sony's Pro IEMs out the water': Sivga's new wired earbuds look beautiful and are packed full of drivers to turn buyers' heads

By Tom Bedford Published 15 July 26

The Sivga Lyrebird combine four drivers in a svelte wooden package, one-upping Sony's recent Pro-grade IEMs.

Four different Majority Mini Shelford radios on a desk.

It’s the perfect time of year for grabbing a cheap radio for the garden, and they don’t come much cuter, more packed with features or wallet-friendly than this

By Tom Bedford Published 13 July 26

The Majority Mini Shelford is a compact, cheap, portable radio with screen that goes on sale in August.

The Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active on a sofa.

'The greatest headphone ever': Skullcandy's pulling no punches as it teases new cans for launch next week, and I think I've deduced what they are

By Tom Bedford Published 10 July 26

Skullcandy is teasing some new headphones, which are due to launch on July 15.

The Sony PS-LX310BT and Edifier M90 on a shelf.

How do I know music is more important than clothes? I just moved home and the first thing I set up was my turntable and vinyl stash

By Tom Bedford Published 9 July 26

Setting up a turntable before putting clothes in a wardrobe? Irrefutable proof that we cannot live without music

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Three pairs of Sony IER-M500 on a black background.

'Not for everyone': Sony announces its most premium wired earbuds in its current range, but their ideal use case is nothing if not niche

By Tom Bedford Published 9 July 26

The Sony IER-M500 are wired earbuds, but for most people, the brand's cheaper options will be the best buy.

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The Soundpeats H3 being held in a man's hand.

‘This is painful’: one of my favorite budget audio brands is still building elite 5-driver earbuds 6 months on, but while fans are desperate, I think Soundpeats' ongoing R&D blog is a refreshing look at audio design issues

By Tom Bedford Published 8 July 26

The Soundpeats Aura Nebula sound better and better every time we hear about them, and fans are desperate to try them out.

Marshall has redesigned its home speaker range with useful tweaks and two new options, but there's a big thing missing

By Tom Bedford Published 7 July 26

Marshall has unveiled the Acton IV and Stanmore IV speakers, with some tweaks over the old models, but there's no Woburn IV in sight.

The Noble Osprey earbuds, on a table next to the case.

I tested Noble’s new ‘budget’ earbuds and I'd love to say they'll wow audiophiles, but it’s impossible to keep them in long enough to know

By Tom Bedford Published 7 July 26

The Noble Osprey look and sound great, but fit issues result in an infuriating listening experience.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro cases, stacked on top of one another.

Samsung's first ever clip-on earbuds look slated to launch, as odd new name drops in the Galaxy Wearable app

By Tom Bedford Published 6 July 26

The Galaxy Wearable app has name-dropped a few new products from Samsung, including rumored clipping buds

Daisy One headphones on TR's pink background

These premium headphones throw the logic of your Sonys or Boses out the window in favor of a 'Still Mode' to stay calm, and I’m all for it

By Tom Bedford Published 3 July 26

Rather than trying to better Bose’s ANC, these new headphones simply want to bring you its desired effect: calmness

Two images of speakers in a split-screen image, with TR's 'Money No Object' badge in the top right corner

'I wouldn't even be able to afford the speaker stands' — two big-name audiophile brands just went head-to-head to release the best elite hi-fi tower speaker

By Tom Bedford Published 2 July 26

Sonus faber and Focal have both revealed new floor-standing speakers, but only one company had the thought to release an affordable model too.

My favorite quirky hi-res audio firm just released ultra-cheap over-ear headphones, and I cannot understand how FiiO kept the price so low

By Tom Bedford Published 30 June 26

$49 wireless headphones with LDAC, 75-hour stamina and ANC? OK but they’re made by Temu, right? Try head-fi specialist FiiO (and yes, I’m shocked too)

The Roberts Rambler DAB Radio outside on a wooden table.

A classic piece of tech is becoming redundant: BBC waves bye-bye to its Long Wave broadcasts

By Tom Bedford Published 29 June 26

The BBC has turned off its last Long Wave radio broadcast, encouraging more listeners to make the move to digital.

The Cleer Arc 5 buds in a shelf, next to the case.

A touch-screen case, Dolby Atmos and a posture test: I spent a month with Cleer's open earbuds that have it all (except top-tier audio)

By Tom Bedford Published 27 June 26

The Cleer Arc 5 have loads of features, but they're expensive and don't sound amazing.

The Status Audio Pro X on a window sill.

One small step for headphones, one giant leap for audiophiles: why this super-small invention could make your next headphones sound a lot better

By Tom Bedford Published 26 June 26

Audio component company Knowles has unveiled a brand-new piece of kit, which could change how future headphones sound.

The banner artwork for Deezer Remix Lab.

'No need to feed water-gobbling, planet-heating data centers': Deezer's new Remix Lab tool uses absolutely no AI and debunks slop music myths

By Tom Bedford Published 25 June 26

Deezer has unveiled Remix Lab, which lets you combine two artists' songs, yet without using AI or underpaying original writers.

The Focal DS No 7 SUV's in-vehicle audio system.

Focal just unveiled a stunning-looking in-car SUV audio system with 14 speakers, a 'Power Flower' subwoofer and 690W amplification

By Tom Bedford Published 24 June 26

Focal has teamed up with DS Automobiles to create an accomplished-looking audio set-up for an electric SUV.

A pair of Triangle Solstice 8 speakers straddling an empty fireplace.

Triangle's stunning new Solstice speakers do things a little differently, with a focus on higher frequencies thanks to an all-new tweeter

By Tom Bedford Published 22 June 26

Audio brand Triangle has unveiled its new Solstice range (a day after the summer solstice) which is, while not cheap, more affordable than many rivals.