HiFi PiG’S STUDENT HiFi BUYING GUIDE 2024

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HiFi PiG’s guide for students looking to get the best musical experience.

Welcome to university and college life, where new experiences, friends, and memories await. Amidst all the excitement, one thing will be your constant companion—music. Music is essential whether it’s the soundtrack to late-night study sessions, the pulse of your weekend parties, or your go-to escape from the chaos. But let’s be real: listening to your favourite tunes on basic earbuds or your phone’s tinny speaker doesn’t cut it.

That’s where real HiFi comes in.

Back in the dim and distant past, buying a HiFi was pretty much top of my priorities when my student grant (told you it was a long time ago) arrived and I went out and bought a second-hand turntable…though I could never afford to buy the arm and it languished in its box before I sold it and bought something I could afford to play records on. There’s a lesson there. Time has moved on since then and the options available to new students have widened and great value audio systems abound.

This guide is here to help you navigate the world of HiFi and home audio. I’ll break down what HiFi is, why it’s worth investing in, and how you can put together a killer sound system on a student budget. Whether you’re living in halls, a shared house, or your own flat, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s have a look!

WHAT IS HiFi?

So, what exactly is HiFi? The term “HiFi” stands for “high fidelity,” which basically means sound reproduction that’s clear, accurate, and true to the original recording. In simple terms, HiFi gear is designed to deliver top-notch sound quality, free from distortion and noise. This is music the way it was meant to be heard.

Now, you might be thinking, “I’m a student—can I really afford high-quality audio?” The answer is yes! Today’s HiFi gear ranges from budget-friendly to bank-breaking (it always has!), but you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy great sound. With the right choices, you can build a setup that maximises your music experience without blowing your entire student loan.

HEADPHONES

Headphones are probably the easiest and most versatile way to get into the world of HiFi. Whether you’re looking for a pair to use in your room, on the bus, or while walking around campus, there’s a type that’s perfect for you. 

You’ll also need to decide whether you want wired or wireless headphones. Wireless headphones, especially those with Bluetooth, offer convenience and freedom of movement. No more tangled cords! But wired headphones often deliver better sound quality, and you won’t have to worry about battery life.

There are the bigger on and over-ear type headphones and there are the more modern in-ear variety. I’ve tended to prefer the feel and sound of the larger variety, but in-ears have come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years and there are some excellent options available at many price points. 

Some headphones even offer noise cancelling for busy and noisy environments. 

Try some on, find what you like the sound and feel of and go from there. 

Extras: Headphone Amps and DACs

To truly unlock the potential of your headphones, consider investing in a headphone amp or DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter). They connect to your phone or laptop and make even compressed streaming music sound richer and more detailed.

LOUDSPEAKERS

While headphones are great for personal listening, sometimes you’ll want to share your music with others. This is where speakers come into play. Whether you’re hosting a party, chilling with friends, or just enjoying your favourite playlist while cooking dinner after a day of lectures, a good set of speakers can make all the difference.

Bluetooth and Smart Speakers

The simplest way to get started is with a Bluetooth speaker. These are portable, easy to use, and connect wirelessly to your phone, tablet, or laptop. Just hit play, and you’re good to go.

Smart speakers add voice control and smart features to the mix so can ask them to play music, set reminders, or even control other smart devices in your home—all with just your voice. They’re not just speakers; they’re part of a connected lifestyle but many would argue that they don’t represent true HiFi sound. 

Passive Speakers

Passive speakers don’t have onboard amplifiers but do allow you to shape the sound of your system more to your own taste…at the expense of having to have more boxes of electronics which we’ll look at below. 

Powered Speakers

If you want to keep things simple, powered speakers are a great option. These speakers have built-in amplifiers, so you can connect them directly to your laptop or other source without needing a separate amp. Some powered speakers even have built-in DACs, making your setup even more streamlined. Powered speakers offer a fab way to keep the number of boxes in your system to a minimum.

HiFi SEPARATES

If you’re serious about sound and have a bit more to spend, consider building a HiFi system with separate components. This gives you more control over the quality and lets you upgrade individual parts as you go – this was always my goal when starting out.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Source: This is where your music comes from. It could be your phone, laptop, or a dedicated music player. You can also use a streamer, which is a device that connects to your WiFi and streams music directly from the internet. You can also use a turntable for playing records or a CD player. 
• Amplifier: The amp boosts the audio signal from your source so your speakers can play it loud and clear. Many modern amps come with built-in DACs and streamers, making them a versatile all-in-one solution.
• Speakers: These come in all shapes and sizes, from compact bookshelf speakers to larger floor-standing models. For a student, a good pair of bookshelf speakers is usually the best bet—they’re compact but can still deliver excellent sound.
• Cables: Don’t forget the cables! You’ll need them to connect your components. While basic cables will do the job, investing in higher-quality cables can make a noticeable difference in sound quality.

VINYL

Vinyl records have made a huge comeback in recent years, and with good reason. There’s something special about the tactile experience of placing a record on a turntable and gently dropping the needle into the groove. If you’re looking to add a bit of vintage cool to your HiFi setup, consider investing in a turntable. But please don’t just go out and buy one of the super cheap small suitcase-type turntables, anecdotal evidence online suggests these can ruin your vinyl…and vinyl records are not cheap!

Turntables

Turntables can range from budget-friendly models to high-end setups that cost thousands. For students, a good entry-level turntable will do just fine. Some turntables have onboard phono stages (the bit that amplifies the electrical signal coming from the needle and cartridge) and some don’t – if yours doesn’t you will need to factor this into the cost.

The Vinyl Experience

Buying records can quickly turn into a passion—or an obsession and I’m living proof of the latter! Vinyl records aren’t cheap, and collecting them can add up fast. But the thrill of finding a rare album, taking it home, and hearing it for the first time is something every music lover should experience. Just remember, vinyl records are delicate. Handle them with care, keep them clean, and store them properly to avoid damage. Secondhand record shops are all over the place and charity shops can be good sources, but do check the quality and look for deep scratches. You would also do well to invest in some kind of record cleaning device which needn’t be expensive…but can be. 

STREAMING

In today’s digital world, streaming services like Qobuz, Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal offer access to millions of songs at the touch of a button. For a small monthly fee, you can stream almost any album, artist, or genre you want, without ever having to leave your room.

If you want to take your streaming game to the next level, consider a dedicated music streamer. These devices connect to your WiFi and allow you to stream music directly from the internet to your HiFi system. Many streamers come with built-in DACs and support for high-resolution audio, delivering superior sound quality compared to streaming from your phone or laptop.

Don’t underestimate your laptop, though—it’s probably the most versatile piece of gear you own. With the right accessories, your laptop can become the hub of your HiFi system.

External DACs

A DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) is essential for converting digital audio files into analogue signals that your speakers or headphones can play. While your laptop’s built-in DAC might be fine for casual listening, an external DAC can significantly improve sound quality. USB DACs are affordable, easy to use, and can make a noticeable difference, especially when paired with good headphones or speakers. Other DACs can connect to your digital source and then to your amplifier. 

BUILDING YOUR SYSTEM – THE LOWDOWN

When it comes to building your HiFi system, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It all depends on your budget, space, and how you like to listen to music. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away with all the options out there. Set a budget and stick to it. Remember, you can always upgrade individual components later.
• Think About Your Space: If you’re in a small dorm room, a compact system with bookshelf speakers or a Bluetooth speaker might be the best option. If you have more space, consider a full HiFi setup with separate components.
• Buy Once, Buy Right: Investing in quality gear that will last throughout your student years and beyond is worth it. Look for products that offer good value for money, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from retailers or online communities.
• Keep It Simple: You don’t need to go overboard with complicated setups. A basic system with a good pair of speakers, an amp, and a source is all you need to enjoy high-quality sound.
• Read Reviews: Have a flick through the review pages of HiFi PiG and you will find loads of information and opinions on different kit.
• Get a Dealer: You can find HiFi dealers in most towns and many operate online shops. A good dealer will help you navigate the whole buying experience and offer advice and recommendations based in your budget.

CONCLUSION – YOUR SOUND EXPERIENCE

Music is more than just entertainment—it’s a way to connect with others, create memories, and express yourself. Investing in a HiFi system as a student might seem like a luxury, but it’s one that can enhance your university experience in ways you might not expect. Whether you’re throwing a party, chilling with friends, or winding down after a long day, great sound can make those moments even more special.

So, go out there, explore your options, and find the setup that works for you. Happy listening, and here’s to making your university years unforgettable!

Now take a look at the suggestions our carefully selected HiFi brands have made to start you out on your HiFi journey…. click on the pink links or pictures below for more info.

PMC prodigy1

The smallest prodigy loudspeaker is a global award-winning, supreme, compact standmount/bookshelf design, ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, yet capable of a rich, dynamic sound from a diminutive form.

It’s easy to see and hear that it’s closely related to our compact nearfield studio monitors, a reference in recording and broadcast facilities worldwide: the prodigy1 is more than capable of resolving detail that puts you in touch with the original performance – no matter the size.

The sweet, open top end and natural midrange bring vivid vocals and instrumental timbres, with a wide, focused soundstage and nimble, cohesive presentation to draw you into the music and make you smile. Small though the speaker may be, it still contains a full-size Advanced Transmission Line and our Laminair technology that delivers deep, fast, hard-hitting bass.

The smooth silk black finish will suit any room, with optional sculpted grilles available if required, and the prodigy1 has been designed to match well with everything from modest amplification to high-end, high-power systems.

prodigy takes the very essence of everything that makes PMC the speakers of choice for the world’s leading music makers and most discerning audiophiles and presents it to a much wider audience.

PMC prodigy5

With a mass of awards, the prodigy5 floorstander is compact but powerful, taking up no more space than bookshelf speakers on stands thanks to a small footprint suited to any room style – yet it can fill even larger spaces with weighty, crisply defined music.

This is a phenomenal communicator, packed with verve and fun, combining a sweet, open treble with wide dispersion to provide a vast listening ‘sweet-spot’ with excellent focus.

It also delivers transparent, natural vocals and instrumental sound, and an untainted, solid bottom end.

Thanks to an extended Advanced Transmission Line with twin Laminair vents for smoother airflow, the prodigy5 lives up to its name with prodigious bass power. That is combined with tight, clean control for a really dynamic, thrilling presentation of the true weight of the music, almost regardless of where you place the speakers in the room.

Designed to reveal the quality of your favourite electronics, the slender prodigy5 will blend into any space. Grilles are available for those who like their speakers even more discreet.

prodigy takes the very essence of everything that makes PMC the speakers of choice for the world’s leading music makers and most discerning audiophiles and presents it to a much wider audience.

Michell TecnoDec

The TecnoDec is Michell’s entry-level turntable, and shares many features developed for its bigger sibling, the legendary GyroDec, such as the vibration dampening, impedance-matched platter, inverted oil circulating main bearing and a free-standing motor unit.

TecnoDec is a turntable that utilises materials and technologies not normally found in entry level turntables, allowing you hear much more from your music. For example, the free-standing motor unit is machined from a solid billet of aircraft grade aluminium, the turntable motor unit is designed to minimise any transfer of tiny vibrations created when the motor is running, to the sensitive parts of the turntable.

For lovers of vinyl who want a product that not only captures the essence of the music but also looks the part and doesn’t cost the earth, the TecnoDec is the perfect choice.

Orange BOX™

The team that brought you the most iconic guitar amps of the past 50 years introduce  the Orange BOX ™ – A powerful 50 watt compact Bluetooth speaker with rich and resonant tones.

Perfect for music around the home, the desktop or music on the move. The Orange BOX™ combines powerful and loud sound with a long battery life and the cutting-edge speaker technology is housed in a resonant wooden cabinet that is perfect for Student Dorms and Summer festivals.

Features include – Bass and treble controls, a unique  built-in limiter that warns of overload distortion, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input.

The Orange BOX™ is designed to limit listening fatigue,  with simple controls and stable connectivity via Bluetooth or directly with the cable supplied. 

The Orange BOX™ is also available in a Black tolex finish. 

Use the coupon code SG10 for a 10% discount.

Orange Crest Edition MKII™ Headphones

We listened to your feedback and made our most comfortable and versatile headphones yet. Features include up to 40 hours running time, touch/swipe controls and a discrete, built-in  microphone for phone calls, along with support for Google Assistant and Apple Siri.

The headphones come with quick reliable Bluetooth 5.0 technology and also include a 3.5mm headphone cable.

The equalization has been carefully adjusted across the whole audio spectrum, maximising the 40mm Voice of the World precision headphone drivers.

The Crest Edition MKII™ deliver a rich bass response ensuring good separation between instruments without muddy, exaggerated bass frequencies or crunched middle and trebles, resulting in a highly dynamic listening experience and incorporate an adjustable headband to fit any head size. The headband folds on each side, allowing them to fit neatly into the hard case provided.

Sensibly priced, they’re a sound investment!

Use the coupon code SG10 for a 10% discount.

Orange O BONES™

The latest in Bone conduction technology.

The Orange O Bones™ conduct sound through the head bones rather than through the ear mechanism,  enabling the user to still hear the surrounding sounds through the ears, making them ideal for running, cycling, the gym and many other activities.

Bone conduction technology transmits the sound by gentle vibration against the head bone direct to the brain and bypassing the middle ear. With careful audio tuning by Orange, the O Bones deliver smooth, dynamic sound. O Bones are comfortable to wear and incorporate soft rubber contact cushions to ensure long term comfort.

These bone conduction headsets are perfect for mobile phone and conference calls as well as listening to music. The strategically placed microphone sits behind the ear, reducing wind noise from interfering with your voice. The mic also works in conjunction with your device’s voice assistant, making it easy to ask Siri or Google for info.

Use the coupon code SG10 for a 10% discount.

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 And Pro-Ject E1 Set

Turntable with an integrated amplifier and Bluetooth music streaming.

Vinyl is cool, no question. Turntables look gorg and sound even better when spinning your favourite records. Plus, having a vinyl collection is one surefire way to impress your mates with your (obviously flawless) music taste. But let’s be real: setting up a vinyl system can be a bit of a hassle. And yeah, records can be spenny. Sometimes, you just want to chill with a quick (and free) Spotify stream.

Enter the Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 – the ultimate all-in-one music system. It’s a turntable, Bluetooth receiver, phono stage, line pre-amplifier, and power amplifier all rolled into one sleek unit. Just add speakers (a pair of Pro-Ject’s matching Speaker Box 5 or your own) and you’re set to spin vinyl and stream music, hassle-free.

With pre-adjusted settings and a pre-mounted Ortofon OM 5E cartridge, the Juke Box E1 delivers superb sound without any faff—no complicated setup, no fuss—just great music straight out of the box.

It’s a looker, too, and with Black, Red, Walnut, and White finishes, it’ll perfectly complement your room’s vibe. It comes with everything you need, including a remote control, felt mat, and dust cover.

At £599.00 without speakers or £799.00 with, the Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 is more than just a purchase – it’s an investment in your music journey. Built to last way beyond graduation, this all-in-one system will deliver years of enjoyment. Whether spinning vinyl or streaming playlists, the Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 has everything you need. 

Pro-Ject Juke Box E1 | £599.00. Pro-Ject E1 Set (with speakers) | £799.00

WiiM Amp

Back in the day – you’ve likely heard this from the oldies – freshers used to spend a chunk of their student grants (grants? Yeah, those were the days!) on separates hi-fi systems: stereo amps, tape decks, turntables, and for Gen X, a cutting-edge CD player, plus speakers.

You could still do that today, and it would sound great. Or you could keep it simple with the WiiM Amp. Just add speakers and stream music straight from your phone for premium sound quality. Want to throw in a CD player or a turntable later? No problem – the WiiM Amp has the inputs to handle it. Wrapped in a sleek aluminium shell, the compact WiiM Amp pumps out 60 watts per channel (at 8Ω), efficiently powering a wide range of speakers. It supports Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast Audio, and Tidal Connect and is Alexa-compatible.

Plus, with the HDMI-ARC port, you can connect your TV to the WiiM Amp and enjoy rich, high-quality sound from your shows, movies, and video games through your speakers instead of relying on the TV’s built-in sound. The subwoofer output takes things further by letting you add a subwoofer for deep, powerful bass. This extra punch in low frequencies makes action scenes, explosions, and intense gaming moments feel even more immersive.

In the world of hi-fi, bigger is often seen as better, but the WiiM Amp proves that great things come in small packages. Don’t let its compact size fool you; it delivers exceptional audio quality for years of enjoyment.

WiiM Amp | Streaming stereo amplifier £319.00

Klipsch Nashville

With so many Bluetooth speakers on the market, it’s easy to think they all sound the same. But to paraphrase Roald Dahl, every Bluetooth speaker is built, but not every Bluetooth speaker is built the same. The Klipsch Nashville is a portable speaker from a brand that knows how to deliver outstanding sound. Founded in a tiny shed in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946 by Paul W. Klipsch, the company has 78 years of experience crafting exceptional audio.

The Nashville features dual full-range drivers for 360° audio, complemented by twin passive radiators that deliver deep bass. Even with its compact size, the Nashville provides a battery life of up to 24 hours on a single charge, making it the perfect choice for on-the-go listening sessions. Fast USB-C charging gets you powered up quickly, while the reverse USB-C charge function allows you to recharge your smartphone in a pinch. House shares, take note: Nashville’s broadcast mode lets you play on 10+ Klipsch speakers simultaneously.

And when the fam calls, the Nashville’s built-in microphone lets you easily pause your music for a quick chat without digging for your phone. Simple. So that’s your portable Bluetooth speaker choice sorted. As for university itself, don’t worry about the bits you can’t understand; just sit back and let the words wash over you like music, as Mr. Dahl wisely suggested…

Klipsch Nashville | Portable Bluetooth speaker £159.00

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Headphones

The original AEON Flow headphones broke new ground with the ergonomic and stylish industrial design that have become the signature of Dan Clark Audio designs. The new Aeon 2 is no minor tweak to a great product, it’s a colossal functional and performance upgrade.

New features include: Updated driver flipped 180 degrees removes all motor structures between the driver and the ear for higher resolution and much larger soundstage

Streamlined precision machined single-piece flow elements eliminate voids and stray air paths within the motor to improve internal airflow, enhancing micro-detail retrieval. New “collapsing gimbal” allows a full size headphone to store in a remarkably compact case for easy traveling, without adding weight.

Superior driver damping for improved resolution, dynamics and a smoother frequency response. AEON Flow 2 replaces a cast aluminium baffle with a carbon fibre and machined aluminium design that is more rigid yet lighter.

The sum of all these innovations is a headphone that renders music with emotional impact unheard of at this price point: visceral bass, transparent mids, and detail up top that is presented in a deep and immersive soundstage that puts the music further “out of your head” to deliver a deeply satisfying experience.

ÆON 2 is available in either open or closed version with anodising and real carbon fibre cup inserts. ÆON headphones include your choice of cable with an integrated dual 1/4″ and 3.5mm plug or a 4 Pin XLR Termination depending on your amplifier.

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Headphones £900

Topping MX5 Headphone Amp And DAC All-In-One

Topping’s MX5 is a High Performance Balanced Headphone Amplifier and DAC Bluetooth Receiver and Speaker Amplifier

You’ve been looking for a one-box solution and the MX5 can offer great performance with a small foot print as the amp and DAC etc are in one case.

The MX5 has headphone and speaker outputs, the MX5 also has two different gains settings to adapt to various inputs and two custom memory settings which can control the headphones or speakers with bass, treble and even volume settings. With its class D amplification it can produce up to 70 watts per channel into speakers of your choice.

The MX5 with its many functions allows easy access to a variety of sources including computers, set-top boxes, CD players, mobile phones and tablets through cables or Bluetooth connection it has you covered. Included with the MX5 are Power Cable, Bluetooth Antenna, Remote, USB cable and a two-year UK warranty.

Topping MX5 Headphone Amp, Amp, Bluetooth Receiver And DAC £299

Schiit Magni Unity Headphone Amp And DAC

Modular, non-obsolescent design. No off-the-shelf amp chips. Meet the all-new Magni Unity, the only affordable, fully discrete headphone amp and preamp with an optional internal Schiit Unison USB DAC.

Total Confidence for All Headphones

No matter what headphones you have, you’re set with Magni Unity. It’s dead-silent with the most sensitive IEMs, and has tons of power for power-hungry planars. And don’t worry about your favourite cans—Magni Unity’s over current and DC correction systems help ensure they’re totally safe.

With the optional internal Unison USB™ DAC card, Magni Unity is a one-box system for your entire desktop. Plug in via USB-C for ultimate streaming quality, connect the preamp outputs to powered monitors (or a mini speaker amp like Rekkr) and you’re set for both headphone and speaker listening.

Magni Unity debuts Schiit’s new super-linear, high-precision current-feedback discrete topology—an exotic, bespoke amplifier stage. Coupled with the best parts, from a custom, sorted Alps potentiometer to silicon and film capacitors and 0.5% thin-film resistors, Magni Unity delivers better sound.

Includes preamp outputs. This means you can connect your Magni to your desktop powered monitors for a complete system—or even connect it to a speaker power amp and use it as a preamp. With its built-in time-delayed start-up and instant shut-down, there’ll be no glitches or pops through either headphones or speakers.

3-Year UK warranty.

Schiit Magni Unity Headphone Amp And DAC From £132