Pick of the Month: KEF’s vinyl-focused speakers, Yamaha’s high-end hi-fi and Sony’s five-star headphones
Time keeps marching on, which is why, despite it feeling like yesterday where we were in 2026, it’s already, well, March. This means it’s time for our latest entry Select Month column, where our reviewers describe the top new products for recommendations.
These ranged from affordable DACs that are sure to elevate any phone or laptop sound to a no-object pre/power amplifier combo from Yamaha.
1. Yamaha C-5000/M-5000
“Understated beauty”, is how our reviewers described the Yamaha C-5000/M-5000 preamp/stereo power amplifier combination.
It’s accompanied by a surprisingly understated design, while the lack of digital inputs will annoy some, for those who want the full analogue experience, with pockets deep enough to meet its £17,198 ($21,998 / AU$25,998) price, the Yamaha C-5000/M-5000 option is excellent.
Paired with well-priced hardware – including our reference Naim ND555/555 PS DR DR music player, Technics SL-1000R record player and ATC SCM50 speakers – the combo delivers a fun, hands-on performance balanced with fluid dynamics and taut bass.
As we said in our review: “Yamaha’s C-5000/M-5000 amplifier pairing is as polished and well-designed as they come. It’s a joy to listen to and to use.”
Score: 5/5
Read our full Yamaha C-5000/M-5000 Review
2. KEF Coda W
KEF is a company with a strong track record in the speaker, especially the active wireless speaker, space. That’s why we were a little surprised when it introduced its new Coda W speakers, a set of speakers that eschew the company’s standard smart streaming (without Bluetooth) in favor of a moving magnetic (MM) phono stage.
Does gambling pay off? If you’re a vinyl fan who doesn’t mind wi-fi streaming, then we’re happy to confirm that the answer is a resounding, ‘yes’.
Paired with a decent turntable, in our case the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition, the Coda W speakers offer a similar sonic character, but slightly improved overall performance, to its five-star, smaller, slightly cheaper LSX II LT siblings.
As we said in our review: “If you’re happy to live without wi-fi streaming features and want a clean speaker system that doesn’t cost thousands, this should definitely be on your radar.”
Score: 5/5
Read our full KEF Coda W review
3. Rotel DX-3
The DX-3 headphone amplifier and DAC is the latest and by far the most interesting product from Rotel to pass through our listening rooms so far. Mainly, because it removes the usual brand focus on performance and has a unique premium design and visual appeal that we haven’t seen in many of the brand’s previous products.
Thankfully, this doesn’t come at the expense of sonic substance. Equipped with the ESS Saber ES9028PRO chipset, the unit plays well with 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 hi-res audio files, and has all the connections most people will need. This means it can easily act as the heart of a basic stereo system/pre-amp when paired with active speakers.
Tested in a variety of configurations, including headphones suitable for many prices, speakers and sources, the unit delivered sound that is clean, cool and clear, although some of the fans of amazing games may find it too little.
So, our verdict: “The Rotel DX-3 marks the dawn of Rotel products. It puts more emphasis on style, design and cosmetics than the company usually does, but thankfully, it doesn’t abandon the commitment to good performance that has been a big part of the brand’s culture.”
Score: 5/5
Read our full Rotel DX-3 review
4. Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary
There are many big celebrations this year. What is Hi-Fi? I am turning 50 years old. Prince’s underrated album 3121, 20 years. The wedding dance of all fathers, The Macarena, turns 30. Big year! But the biggest hit for our reviewers in February came in the form of the Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary edition standmount speaker.
Although the original AE1 technically came out in 1987, the 40th birthday speakers sat in our listening rooms last month, and after thorough testing, they did justice to the legacy of the iconic line.
The speakers are designed to be as similar to the original as possible, but with upgraded internals that aim to deliver an enhanced version of the AE1’s original sonic character. Paired with a range of hardware, from Arcam’s A15+ to the premium Cyrus 40 Amp, the speakers delivered an impressive and solid presentation, with impressively powerful bass and excellent stereo imaging.
As we said in our review: “The AE1 40th Anniversary offers an authentic taste of the early ’80s and can still do a spellbinding job when handled with care.”
Score: 5/5
Read our full Acoustic Energy AE1 40th anniversary update
5. iFi Go Link 2
If you’re looking to take your phone or laptop audio to the next level, a mobile DAC paired with a decent set of wired headphones is a good place to start. And last week, we found a great value option for the DAC component of that recipe in the form of the iFi Go Link 2.
The small, affordable unit isn’t a huge improvement on its predecessor, the original five-star iFi Go Link, which we reviewed in 2023, but that’s not a big deal, as it still delivers in all areas of its target market.
It costs less than £100, great value. Easy to set up by connecting it to a laptop, phone, or tablet via its USB connection, it’s easy to use. And most importantly, it offers a tangible improvement over most smartphones and laptop audio, delivering clear, crisp, engaging sound in all of our tests.
So, our glowing verdict: “The iFi Go Link 2 does exactly what it set out to do. By offering the benefits of visual clarity, text detail and dynamic speech, at the same price and in the same way as before. As a clean, inexpensive upgrade to the music functionality of your smartphone or laptop, the Go Link 2 is another small but amazing addition from iFi.”
Score: 5/5
Read our full iFi Go Link 2 review
6. Rega Mercury/Solis
Mercury/Solis is a combination of Rega’s pre/power statement. And while its £13,900 ($20,990 / AU$29,000) price tag makes it one of the company’s most expensive products in recent memory, after rigorous testing, we can more than justify it to those who can afford it.
Sure, some people might be surprised by the lack of a phono stage, given Rega’s pedigree in the turntable market, but that aside, it’s an interesting unit carefully designed to give serious music fans a listening experience worthy of our magazine’s Trial section.
Technical highlights include the unusual use of “heritage” Wolfson WM8742 DAC chips in the Mercury, which help reduce jitter and maintain signal integrity, and an analog circuit reminiscent of the first Elicit integrated amplifier made around 1990.
Paired with the beast Solis, which can output 168 watts per channel into 8 ohms, up to 305 watts with meat as part of the impedance, and get a great listening experience, with speakers that are well matched to the sources (in a circuit that includes ND555/555 ND555/555 PS555 PS music SC0 DR music broadcaster ATC).
As we said in our review: “The brand has succeeded in producing something that stays true to its original musical ideals but still delivers the refinement, transparency and insight sought by high-end consumers. If you’re lucky enough to be shopping in this field, don’t ignore the Mercury/Solis combination. It could be just what you and your system need.”
Score: 5/5
Read our full Rega Mercury/Solis Review
7. Sony WF-1000XM6
If you’ve visited our guide to wireless earbuds, or the annual list of What Hi-Fi? Award-winners in the category, you’ll know that Sony has been on a hot streak in recent years. That’s why we had high hopes for its latest Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds when they arrived in our listening rooms.
Despite stiff competition from Technics, Apple, Bowers & Wilkins and more, the new XM6 has managed to remain a solid proposition that offers a tangible improvement over its still impressive predecessor, the five-star Sony-Star WF-1000XM5.
The main changes include a bulkier, standby charging case, a new driver design and microphone arrangement, as well as tuning adjustments that help them deliver amazingly natural, musical sound, with great detail and power. Add to this excellent noise cancellation and reliable microphone quality for calls, and it becomes another easy recommendation.
Our reviewers’ verdict: “Sony may have changed the taste of sound, but it’s all the better for a natural tone that just connects with the listener, whatever track you’re throwing at it. Dare we say, it sets the benchmark for the money…”
Score: 5/5
Read our full Sony WF-1000XM6 review
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