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

78% off this Astell & Kern wireless speaker is terribly tempting – but this Black Friday deal is safer
By Becky Roberts published
I've found a crazy speaker deal that might be worth a punt, but the safer option would be to buy a tried-and-trusted alternative...

Time to fall back in love with CDs? This Black Friday bundle deal saves you £550 on Roksan's Attessa hi-fi
By Becky Roberts published
Sevenoaks, Richer Sounds and Peter Tyson are offering this tempting Black Friday hi-fi bundle deal on new Roksan electronics...

I've picked the 15 best Black Friday deals on What Hi-Fi? Award 2024 winners
By Becky Roberts last updated
We've just crowned the best-value kit on the planet – and plenty of it is even better value this Black Friday.

Our favourite cheap Dolby Atmos soundbar is now 40% off for Black Friday
By Becky Roberts published
Want to improve your TV's audio without spending a fortune? The Sony HT-S2000 could be the Black Friday buy for you...

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...

Surprise! Rarely discounted Ruark speakers get generous Black Friday deal
By Becky Roberts published
Ideal computer speakers, Ruark's former What Hi-Fi? Award winners are £70 off at several retailers for Black Friday.

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...

New Sonos Ace headphones are already almost 20% off for Black Friday – but I'd avoid them (and buy these instead)
By Becky Roberts published
Sonos's debut headphones are already generously discounted, but they still aren't what I'd call 'great buys'.

This perfect entry-level speaker system has just won a What Hi-Fi? Award – and is now £150 off
By Harry McKerrell, Becky Roberts published
The outstanding LSX II LT drops from £899 to £749, the first major discount we've seen on what is a truly outstanding speaker system.

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.

No wonder the Musical Fidelity M2si amp is one of Richer Sounds' top Black Friday deals – it's 37% off
By Becky Roberts published
Deal This great-sounding, five-star integrated amp is only £499 at Richer Sounds thanks to a 37% discount.

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).
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