Bristol HiFi Show 2025: Lower Ground

QUAD / Wharfedale / Audiolab:

IAG - International Audio Group:
Wharfedale, Audiolab, QUAD

The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 delivered a strong lineup of high-performance audio products and industry-leading brands. In the IAG room, visitors experienced the new QUAD ESL 2912X electrostatic loudspeakers alongside the Wharfedale Super Linton, both receiving significant attention for their performance.

Additionally, IAG had the newly launched Wharfedale Heritage Aston on display, a UK-manufactured speaker that expanded the brand’s Heritage lineup.

QUAD ESL2912X, QUAD 33, QUAD 303

QUAD ESL2912X, QUAD 33, QUAD 303

QUAD Revela 1 and 2

Wharfedale Super Linton

Wharfedale Super Denton

Old vs. New QUAD 33

Acoustic Energy / Wireworld

Acoustic Energy unveiled its all-new **300 Series** at the **Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025**, introducing a range of meticulously redesigned loudspeakers that push the boundaries of performance at their price point. The lineup includes the **AE300²** stand-mount speaker, **AE309²** and **AE320²** floorstanders, and the **AE307² LCR** model, all of which feature entirely new components and construction.

At the core of the **300 Series** is a **new mid-woofer** made from a unique blend of paper and coconut husk, offering a smooth, natural response while maintaining the dynamic punch of Acoustic Energy’s traditional aluminium cones. The speakers are also equipped with a **new soft-dome tweeter**, developed from the company’s flagship **Corinium project**, delivering open, delicate, and natural high frequencies.

A key innovation in this series is the use of **constrained layer RSC™ (Resonance Suppression Composite) cabinets**, a technology first introduced in Acoustic Energy’s Reference Series. This construction dramatically reduces cabinet resonance, ensuring a purer and more uncolored sound. The slimmed-down cabinet designs also improve room integration, while the **AE307²** model features a shallow sealed box with a passive radiator for flexible wall-mounting options.

In a departure from the previous high-gloss finishes, the **300 Series** now features a **durable “silk-touch” matte finish** available in walnut, matte black, or matte white, with matching premium grille fabrics and bespoke trim detailing. Floor-standing models also include solid aluminum feet for added stability and refinement.

**Pricing for the series starts at £649 for the AE300² stand-mount, up to £1,999 for the AE320² floorstanders.** The **300 Series** is available in the UK from February 2025 through authorised Acoustic Energy dealers.

Innous

Cyrus Audio / Audio Physic

Cyrus Audio made a strong statement at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025 with the debut of its 40 Series, marking what the company calls “a new beginning” for the iconic British brand. While Cyrus has long been known for pioneering half-width hi-fi design, the 40 Series takes this concept to the next level with a sleek black aluminium chassis, a hi-res 5” TFT full-colour display, and hidden-until-lit capacitive touch controls—a striking blend of modern aesthetics and high-end engineering.

Visitors to the Cyrus room experienced the full 40 Series system, including the 40 AMP integrated amplifier, the 40 ST BluOS streamer, and the 40 CD integrated CD player. Vinyl lovers also got a treat, with the Cyrus TTP Turntable on demo, demonstrating the brand’s continued commitment to analogue playback. While the soon-to-be-released 40 PPA phono preamplifier was not yet available for listening, Cyrus had it on display for attendees to get a first look and learn more about its features.

The audio experience was further enhanced by Audio Physic’s Spark standmount speakers, which delivered an impressive performance, combining precision and musicality.