Becky Roberts

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ 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.

Articles by: Becky Roberts

Sony WF-C510 in yellow, blue, white and black in a row

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.

Four pairs of headphones on a teal background

Best headphones 2024 – our expert picks of every type

By Becky Roberts last updated

Best Buys Our expert in-house reviews team picks the very best headphones you can buy, featuring wired and wireless earbuds and over-ears for every price and preference.

PL Diamond DAC from the front on hi-fi rack

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.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

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.

Beats Solo 4 next to an iPhone 15 Plus playing from Tidal

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...

The ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system

The ultimate music tracks to test your hi-fi system

By Becky Roberts, Harry McKerrell last updated

We've compiled a number of test tracks that are particularly telling of a music system's talents...

Test tracks graphic of album covers

12 best songs of 2024 (so far) to test-drive your hi-fi system

By Becky Roberts published

Want to throw your hat into the ring? Please do, because the year and the list ain't over till it's over…

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M lifestyle with Sennheiser headphones

Best headphone amplifiers 2024: expert picks to boost your personal listening

By Becky Roberts last updated

Best Buys Our expert pick of the best headphone amps includes affordable, portable models as well as premium units for home listening.

Astell & Kern HC4 DAC alongside headphones, a mobile player and a games console

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 Momentum C2 on a dark wood platform

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.

KEF LSX II speakers in blue finish placed on desk

Best active speakers 2024: our experts pick the top pairs with built-in amplifiers

By Kashfia Kabir, Becky Roberts last updated

Best Buys Great hi-fi sound without the need for a separate amplifier, whether you want to connect a TV, turntable or streamer.

Movie still of a man staring past the camera

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...

A Cambridge streaming amplifier sandwiched between a turntable and speaker

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...

Sky advertisement showing a swimmer on a TV

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 and Kern Activo P1 player on a blue background

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.

Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant

The Award-winning Sony XM5 and XM4 hit new low prices – here's where to look if you missed these deals

By Joe Svetlik last updated

Deals The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are now just $198 thanks to Amazon Prime Day – that's a discount of $150, and $100 cheaper than the new XM5.

Amazon Prime Big Day Deals main iimage

Best last-minute Prime Day deals on What Hi-Fi? Award winners and five-star tech

By Andy Madden, Harry McKerrell published

Multiple five-star products have been discounted for the Amazon Prime Day 2024 sales extravaganza - but hurry before stocks run out!

UFO 2 Flying Album cover

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

B&W

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.

Bowers & Wilkins 606 & 607 S3 surround speaker package arranged with books and CDs

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...

What Hi-Fi? test room featuring two TVs, a projector and screen and several speakers

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.

The Matrix screengrab of Trinity and Neo walking along a building

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 bookshelf speakers sitting on blue shelf in lifestyle setting

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.

20 of the best film scenes to test surround sound

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 Alba in-ear wired headphones with A&K player

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.

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