Becky Roberts
Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of the brand's sister magazines Down Under – Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica. During her 11+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.
Latest articles by Becky Roberts

The M6xTT turntable is more gorgeous acrylic from Musical Fidelity – just in a smaller and cheaper package
By Becky Roberts published
The company's second premium turntable in over a year

Your ears are the issue: affordable “breakthrough” device adjusts ear geometry to improve music listening
By Becky Roberts published
Headphone and earplug specialist Flare Audio has launched a new in-ear device that claims to remove ear distortions...

Sonos Ace vs Apple AirPods Max: which noise-cancelling headphones should you buy?
By Verity Burns last updated
We put the Sonos Ace wireless headphones against the Apple AirPods Max to see which pair comes out on top.

Sonos Ace vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which wireless headphones are better?
By Joe Svetlik last updated
Hopes are high for the Sonos Ace. But can they take on the best over-ear wireless headphones we've tested?

New to vinyl? Avoid making this common mistake with your first turntable system
By Becky Roberts published
Vinyl systems don't just require a record player, amplifier and speakers to work. There is one obscure but crucial extra ingredient...

Cyber Monday 2024 in Australia: the 40+ best deals still live across hi-fi, home cinema, speakers, headphones
By Becky Roberts last updated
Cyber Monday The Cyber Monday deals are here with massive discounts on headphones, speakers, TVs and more.

Black Friday 2024 in Australia: the best deals on TVs, headphones, hi-fi and more
By Becky Roberts, Max Langridge last updated
Black Friday The Black Friday weekend sales have arrived in Australia. Here are the best tech deals worth shopping now...

Which Bose headphones should you buy?
By Becky Roberts last updated
Heart set on Bose headphones but unsure which is the best pair for you? Our handy guide is here to help...

Audiolab elevates its reference 9000 range with its first pre and power amps in eight years
By Becky Roberts published
The new 9000P is the first Audiolab power amp since the 2016-released 8300XP, and is joined by the new 9000Q preamp.

Esoteric's sensational SACD/CD player wins our 2024 Temptation Award
By Ketan Bharadia published
The high-end Esoteric K-05XD delivers exceptional performance for CD/SACD die-hards

How to choose the right pair of headphones for you
By Andy Madden, Becky Roberts last updated
Headphones can be a serious investment, so take care when selecting a pair. Follow our advice and you won’t go far wrong.

Bose and McIntosh Group: why I'm positive about the acquisition
By Becky Roberts published
No one yet knows how this particular chapter for McIntosh Group will play out, so might we look at the potential positives?

Sony WH-1000XM5 tips: how to connect to PS5 and multiple devices, use the app, and more
By Becky Roberts last updated
We have rustled up some tips and answered FAQs to help you get to know your Sony XM5 headphones a little better...

Wireless speaker vs all-in-one system vs hi-fi separates: which beginner audiophile path is right for you?
By Becky Roberts published
Want to introduce a serious-sounding audio set-up to your home? You have a choice of three routes to go down...

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which ANC headphones are better?
By Joe Svetlik last updated
B&W's latest over-ear headphones are some of its best yet, but how do they compare to the mighty Sony XM5?

What are the best Bluetooth codecs? aptX, AAC, LDAC and more explained
By Joe Svetlik last updated
Do you know your aptX from your LDAC? Or your AAC from your elbow? Here's the full guide to Bluetooth codecs...

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024: revitalised radio category has never looked so good
By Becky Roberts published
Three gorgeous, modern radio systems win Best Buy awards at the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024.

From studio to living space: Chord’s pro-made Alto headphone/monitor amplifier can now be yours
By Becky Roberts published
Designed specifically for recording and mastering studio engineers to meet the demands of critical monitoring.

Portable audio peaked 14 years ago – is it time to come full circle?
By Becky Roberts published
The fourth-gen iPod Shuffle was portable audio at its practical peak – here's why it should make a comeback.

9 of the best Quincy Jones tracks for testing your system
By Harry McKerrell published
From performing his own tunes to peerless production for other artists, the world of music owes a serious debt to Quincy Jones.

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024: CD players alive and well as Arcam, Cyrus and Marantz give you good reason to dust off your discs
By Becky Roberts published
A trio of easy recommendatione for anyone looking to dust off and rediscover their CD collection.

How do active noise-cancelling headphones work? Are they worth it?
By Joe Svetlik last updated
What is active noise cancellation, you ask? We break down the tech that eliminates extraneous noise (and divulge the headphones that do it best).

Hi-fi and music streaming live harmoniously, but two Big Tech brands hold the relationship back
By Becky Roberts published
From where I’m standing, hi-fi and music streaming mostly live pretty harmoniously… save for one thing: two big companies are letting the side down.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the Super Linton speaker from Wharfedale
By Becky Roberts published
Wharfedale has improved its most popular speaker with drive units, crossover and cabinet upgrades.

Netflix too pricey? Here are 9 horror movie hits you can stream for free this Halloween weekend
By Becky Roberts, Kashfia Kabir last updated
What Hi-Fi?'s two scream queens highlight 9 horror movies on video streaming service Tubi, which doesn’t cost a penny and takes only a minute to register free for.
Get the What Hi-Fi? Newsletter
The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.