The Bristol Hi-Fi Show has long been a fixture in the calendar for anyone with even a passing interest in good sound, and the 2026 event proved once again why it continues to draw such a loyal crowd. With a packed hotel, buzzing demo rooms, and the usual mix of familiar faces and fresh discoveries, this year’s show delivered exactly what it should — great music, great systems, and plenty of memorable moments. Here are a few of the things that stood out for me over the weekend…

Chicken Pie

This year's Bristol Hi-Fi Show (organised by Audio T, just in case you missed that bit) has to go down as my favourite one yet. So much great equipment to see and listen to, so many great people to talk to, and so many chocolates to eat (one of the perks of working on the trade and information desk!). And that chicken pie in the restaurant is to die for!

One of my personal highlights was getting to meet and listen to the radio and TV legend that is Bob Harris… yes, that Bob Harris from The Old Grey Whistle Test and Radio 2 fame. Such an interesting talk, peppered with stunning musical interludes courtesy of the Dynaudio hi-fi system in their demo room. Bob’s account of life with David Bowie and Marc Bolan pre-fame was gloriously told in his ever-enthusiastic, super silky-smooth spoken voice. I didn’t want it to end! Thanks, Bob!

Golden Pig

Amongst many musical highlights was a twenty-minute session in the Cyrus demo room in the Executive Lounge. This has been a notoriously tricky space to make a good sound in, but this year, with a system made up of the very new 80 streamer/amp, Kerr Audio loudspeakers atop Townshend speaker stands, and streaming music from Qobuz, they produced the sound of the show.

It wasn’t only me who thought that, as they won the coveted Golden Pig award for Best Room at the Show, as presented by the lovely Hi-Fi Pig people (they have a totally wonderful online magazine… so look them up).

Cupkakes on Saturday Morning from HiFi Pig

Cupcakes

Talking of Hi-Fi Pig, another of the show highlights is their Saturday morning giveaway of gluten- and dairy-free cupcakes to the early arrivals in the queue.

We were also very proud to give a big plug to Linette Pig’s Women in Hi-Fi Bristol Show Meetup… hope it went well!

Yacht Rock With Audio Note

I also had a great twenty-minute session in the Audio Note room, where they were showing their amazing newly updated Oto SE 35th Anniversary valve amplifier. A system that gave the Cyrus room a jolly good run for its money. I also fell in love with the beautiful Full Sail album by Loggins and Messina… I am a sucker for a good bit of Yacht Rock, and this is a proper gem! Great music and beautifully recorded too. We spent more time talking about music than we did about the hi-fi, which is a good thing (I think?).

Neat Acoustics

I have a lot of time for Neat Acoustics, who unveiled the brand new version of the super-cute Iota Alpha floor-standing loudspeakers.

These little marvels sound way bigger than they look and really do manage to throw a sound up and out into the room. They look very similar to the old model but actually are much upgraded and sound rather super.

Rega P6 RS Edition

Another star at the show came in the form of the (so) new (it’s not out yet) RS version of the Rega P6 turntable, which was sounding particularly sublime in the Rega room. Can’t wait to get this one in the shop — I think it is one of the sweet spots in the range.

Mean And Moody

I rounded my exhibitor visits off late on Sunday afternoon with a visit to the Acoustic Energy room, where they were demoing the new 40th Anniversary AE1, which has recently become my very favourite bookshelf speaker for reasonable money. They did not disappoint, either looking mean and moody and sounding sweet, detailed, and totally three-dimensional. No wonder they are selling really fast.

YO! Sushi

To sum up my little overview of the Bristol Show 2026, then, I can only say that in between visits to Rough Trade Records and YO! Sushi takeaways, I had a great time. If you love hi-fi and you love music even more, there is so much to see and do here, so many great people to meet and talk to, and so many great hi-fi systems to listen to.

It’s good to know that the hi-fi world is still alive and kicking, with exhibitors and visitors of many differing ages, genders, and nationalities making the Bristol Show THE must-visit show of the year!

Make a note in your diary now because the next Bristol Hi-Fi Show is booked already and takes place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th February 2027.

Many thanks for reading

Andy - Audio T Cheltenham

And if any of the equipment mentioned here has sparked your interest, your local Audio T store will be more than happy to help you explore further.

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