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

So your hi-fi has both digital and audio connections – which should you use?
By Becky Roberts published
You may have more than one DAC-toting component in your system chain and thus be presented with several ways of connecting them. So which route should you take?

Sony WF-C510 squeeze even more out of Award-winning wireless earbud designs – and offer a unique feature
By Becky Roberts published
Not content with its WF-C500 being the best budget wireless earbuds on the market, Sony has introduced a successor that delivers even more bang for your buck.

What is a DAC? And why do you need one anyway?
By Verity Burns, Becky Roberts last updated
Got digital music? You should probably learn about digital-to-analogue converters and what they bring to the digital audio party.

I flew across the world and this rarely-seen wireless earbuds feature was an unexpected saviour
By Becky Roberts published
The B&W Pi8's charging case can accept audio signals via a USB-C socket and wirelessly ‘retransmit’ them to the earbuds.

3 reasons why students should choose Tidal over Spotify
By Becky Roberts published
Spotify’s student plan is famously good value, but it isn't the cheapest or best-sounding out there...

Travel like a What Hi-Fi? editor with these 5 portable audiophile devices
By Becky Roberts published
Our technology travel checklist includes 5 recommended audio and video devices for your holidays and business trips...

Dan D’Agostino's Momentum C2 preamplifier can double as a dream source
By Becky Roberts published
Dan D’Agostino has expanded its Momentum range with a preamp that also has the potential to become a dream source.

4 new Netflix movies and TV shows I can’t wait to watch in August – and one is out now
By Becky Roberts published
Netflix’s August haul looks likely to feature more lowlights than highlights, but there are a handful of releases whetting my appetite...

Should you buy a streaming amplifier? Pros and cons to consider before owning a network amp
By Becky Roberts last updated
One-box-streamer-and-amplifier components are one of the hottest trends in hi-fi now, but are they worth choosing over separates? We discuss the pros and cons of both paths...

Here's how to watch the Olympics in the highest quality: 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos
By Becky Roberts published
Get the Games glowing on your screen in the UK, US and Australia...

Astell & Kern's affordable Activo P1 portable music player could be a Sony Walkman alternative
By Becky Roberts last updated
Unveiled at High End Munich earlier this year, Astell & Kern has officially launched the Activo P1 portable music player for a more affordable price tag.

14 best prog rock tracks to test your hi-fi system
By Alastair Stevenson last updated
Our team of product experts detail the top prog rock tracks they use to test hi-fi and audio kit

14 ways to upgrade your home cinema without spending a fortune
By Becky Roberts last updated
Not ready to buy a new TV? Give your screen and sound performances a boost without breaking the bank.

My top tip to test-drive your home cinema system? Put away the movies
By Becky Roberts published
Testing your surround sound home cinema with anything other than a movie may sound as preposterous as learning the guitar without holding one, but hear me out...

How to build the perfect home cinema system
By Becky Roberts published
If you’re serious about transforming movie nights, taking the time to properly shape an AV system will pay off in spades.

18 of the best movies of the 1990s to test your home cinema
By Becky Roberts last updated
With both bonafide classics and quirkier cult gems, this '90s film list should help you find some home cinema entertainment gold.

Monitor Audio Studio 89 speakers reimagine an '80s classic with great success
By Becky Roberts published
Monitor Audio's striking Studio 89 pay homage to their Studio ancestor from 1989 in both name and aesthetic.

24 of the best film scenes to test surround sound
By Becky Roberts, Lewis Empson last updated
Looking for the best film scenes to show off your surround sound system's potency? We have just what you need...

Meze Audio's Alba are affordable wired earbuds for the 21st century
By Becky Roberts published
Having made their debut at High End Munich in May, Meze Audio's Alba IEMs are now available to pre-order for £139 / $159.

Buying a music streamer? Avoid these 10 easy mistakes
By Becky Roberts published
Avoid these 10 easy-to-make mistakes and stream like a Gen Z pro…

Tidal scraps MQA and spatial audio format – here's what that means for subscribers
By Becky Roberts published
From July, 360 Reality Audio and MQA streams will no longer be available on the hi-res service.

Outgrown your wireless speaker? Here are the 3 affordable music systems I recommend to friends
By Becky Roberts published
Real-money music set-ups with asking prices that won’t make you wince.

Disc-less Xbox Series X Digital Edition (and two more consoles) get release date
By Becky Roberts published
Microsoft has announced a release date for its anticipated all-digital Xbox, plus Special Edition Series X and white Series S variants.

Sonos Move vs Sonos Move 2 portable speaker: what are the differences?
By Ainsley Walker last updated
Should you take advantage of the final, discounted Move stock or spend a little more to get the improved sequel? Having reviewed both portable speakers, we discuss which is more worthwhile...
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