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HiFi PiG STUDENT GUIDE TO HiFi 2025
HiFi PiG guides you through getting started in the wonderful world of HiFi as a student.
Starting at university or college means a whirlwind of new experiences: new friends, new responsibilities, and more late nights than you probably expect. Through all of that, music will be a constant companion. It’ll be there in the background of study sessions, at the heart of your flat’s weekend parties, and as a trusted escape when everything feels a bit overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: if you’re listening through the free earbuds that came with your phone, or the tiny speaker on your laptop, you’re missing out. Music is meant to move you, not just be “there.” And when it sounds good, it genuinely makes life better.
That’s where HiFi comes in.
Back when I was a student (a time when grants were still a thing—yes, that long ago), the very first thing I wanted to buy was a HiFi. I picked up a second-hand turntable, though I couldn’t afford the arm to go with it, so it sat in the box unused until I sold it on and got something I could actually play records with. Lesson learned: start with what you can enjoy now, not something that’ll just gather dust until you’ve got the cash to finish the setup.
Today, you’ve got it much easier. The range of kit out there is wider, better value, and far simpler to set up than it was. Where once you needed stacks of black boxes, you can now get brilliant sound from compact powered speakers, affordable streaming systems, or even a decent set of headphones and a small DAC that plugs into your phone. Streaming services now offer hi-res tiers for pocket money prices, Bluetooth is everywhere, and all-in-one wireless systems can sound shockingly good for their size and cost. In short: it’s never been a better time to be a student who loves music.
This guide is here to help you navigate your options. We’ll look at what HiFi really means, why it’s worth your time and money, and how you can build a system that works in a student budget and lifestyle. Whether you’re in halls, a shared house, or lucky enough to have your own flat, you’ll find something here to make your music sound the way it was meant to be heard.
WHAT IS HiFi?
“HiFi” stands for “high fidelity.” In plain terms, it means music that sounds clean, accurate, and faithful to the original recording. It’s about removing the distortion, hiss, and flatness you get with cheap gear, and replacing it with detail, dynamics, and depth.
Now, you might be thinking: “I’m a student—can I really afford proper HiFi?” The answer is yes. HiFi has always ranged from budget-friendly to bank-breaking, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy good sound. With smart choices, you can put together a setup that makes your playlists, parties, and quiet moments more enjoyable without blowing your student loan.
HEADPHONES
Headphones are the simplest and most versatile way to get into HiFi. You’ll use them in your room, on the bus, at the library, or while walking around campus.
You’ve got two main types:
– Over-ear / on-ear – bigger, usually more comfortable, often better sounding.
– In-ear – compact, discreet, and massively improved in recent years.
Both can be excellent. It’s about finding what feels and sounds right for you.
Wired vs Wireless
Wireless (Bluetooth) headphones are brilliantly convenient. No cables, no tangles, and modern Bluetooth has improved a lot. Some even support higher-quality codecs, so you’re not sacrificing too much sound quality. The downside is battery life and sometimes a slight drop in fidelity compared to wired models.
Wired headphones, on the other hand, don’t need charging and often sound cleaner for the money. If you’re serious about sound, wired is still the safer bet.
Noise Cancelling
A godsend for noisy student environments. Whether you’re in a library, on public transport, or just trying to study while your flatmates argue about whose turn it is to do the dishes, noise-cancelling headphones help keep you sane.
Extras: DACs and Headphone Amps
This is where things get interesting. A DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) takes the digital music from your phone or laptop and converts it into a higher-quality signal for your headphones. Portable DACs and headphone amps are now cheap, compact, and seriously effective. Plug one into your laptop or phone, and even Spotify suddenly sounds richer, more detailed, and less “flat.”
LOUDSPEAKERS
Headphones are great, but sometimes you’ll want to share your music. Speakers make parties better, dinner more fun, and Sunday mornings more chilled.
Bluetooth and Smart Speakers
A simple Bluetooth speaker is the easiest place to start: portable, wireless, and usually loud enough for a student flat. They’ve come a long way in the last few years, with much better sound quality than the little “travel bricks” you might remember.
Smart speakers take it further, adding voice control, reminders, and even smart-home features. They’re fun and convenient, though purists would argue they’re not “true HiFi.”
Powered Speakers
These are a brilliant option for students. Powered (or active) speakers have amplifiers built in, so you just plug them into your laptop or streamer and you’re ready to go. Fewer boxes, fewer cables, and some even come with built-in DACs and Bluetooth. For many students, a pair of good powered speakers is the sweet spot between simplicity and quality.
Passive Speakers
These need a separate amplifier to run them. They give you more flexibility and upgrade potential, but they do mean more boxes and cables. If you’re serious about HiFi or you’re planning to build a system over time, passive speakers are worth considering.
HiFi SEPARATES
For those who really want to go all-in, building a system with separate components is the traditional route. It costs more and takes more space, but it also offers more control and better upgrade options.
You’ll need:
– Source – where the music comes from (phone, laptop, streamer, turntable, CD player).
– Amplifier – boosts the signal so your speakers can actually play it.
– Speakers – the final link in the chain, turning electrical signals into music.
– Cables – simple but essential. Don’t go mad, but don’t ignore them either.
Modern integrated amps often include DACs and even streaming features, which helps keep the box count down. For students with a bit more budget, a small separates system can last for years and grow with you.
VINYL
Vinyl has staged a massive comeback, and it’s not just nostalgia. The ritual of handling records, the artwork, the tactile needle-drop—it all adds up to an experience digital can’t replicate.
Turntables start cheap, but beware the “suitcase” models. They’re often poorly made and can actually damage records. Better to save a little more and get an entry-level deck from a reputable brand. Some come with built-in phono stages (so you can plug them directly into powered speakers or amps), while others will need a separate one.
Vinyl isn’t cheap, but secondhand shops and charity stores are goldmines if you’re patient. Handle records carefully, store them upright, and if you really get into it, invest in a basic record-cleaning kit.
STREAMING
Streaming is where most students will spend the majority of their listening time. For a small monthly fee, you can access tens of millions of tracks, anytime, anywhere.
In 2025, streaming has only got better. Hi-res tiers are now affordable, so you can enjoy higher-quality audio without spending a fortune. Services like Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music and even Spotify all offer lossless options.
For next-level streaming, consider a dedicated music streamer. These little boxes connect to your WiFi and deliver music straight to your HiFi system, often with built-in DACs and support for hi-res formats.
And don’t underestimate your laptop—it’s probably the most versatile source you own. With the right accessories (like a portable DAC/amp), it can serve as the hub of your whole system.
BUILDING YOUR SYSTEM – THE LOWDOWN
– Set a Budget: Work out what you can afford, and stick to it. Remember, you can upgrade later.
– Think About Space: Small dorm room? Go for headphones or compact speakers. Bigger flat? You’ve got more options.
– Buy Once, Buy Right: Don’t waste money on cheap tat. Get something solid that will last your student years and beyond.
– Keep It Simple: You don’t need a spaceship control panel. A laptop, an amp, and a pair of speakers is enough to deliver great sound.
– Read Reviews: HiFi PiG has plenty, written in plain English. Take advantage.
– Find a Dealer: A good HiFi dealer will guide you through choices, match kit to your budget, and help you avoid mistakes.
CONCLUSION – YOUR SOUNDTRACK TO STUDENT LIFE
Music is more than just background noise. It’s a way to connect with people, to express yourself, and to make your student years more memorable. A decent HiFi setup isn’t just a luxury—it’s a way of making all those late nights, quiet mornings, and everything in between a little more special.
So, explore your options, start where you can, and enjoy the process. Whether it’s a pair of headphones, a small speaker setup, or the beginnings of a separates system, good sound will pay you back every single day.
Welcome to the world of HiFi, and welcome to university life. Now, let’s have a look at what our carefully chosen HiFi brands suggest as a starting point on your HiFi journey…click the pink links or pictures for more information.
The Fell Amp
When taking those first steps into the world of quality audio, the British-made Fell Amp offers the perfect starting point, combining modern features with expert British craftsmanship. This feature-packed integrated amplifier, which can be thought of as the ‘hub’ of any audio system, delivers a powerful 89 watts stereo performance, capable of driving a wide range of speakers, plus it benefits from a headphone output for late night or personal listening.
The Fell Amp is designed with versatility in mind, offering a range of inputs to suit any listening preference and a range of connected equipment. It even includes a built-in ‘MM’ (moving magnet type) phono stage, allowing for the direct ‘plug and play’ connection of turntables.
For digital music, its premium ESS Sabre DAC provides high-quality sound from connected devices and aptX HD Bluetooth is included for seamless music streaming from phones, tablets or laptops.
The sustainability credentials of the Fell Amp are also a point of pride, with 100% of components sourced from British suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint. This commitment to local sourcing and repairability is backed by a generous five-year warranty, making the Fell Amp a wise, long-term investment for any burgeoning audiophile.
You can lock in additional discounts when buying the matching Fell Disc CD player with the Fell Amp, plus there are over a dozen ‘bundle’ deals, offering the Fell Amp with a range of speakers to partner on the Peter Tyson website. You can also buy from Amazon in UK.
Read the HiFi PiG review of the Fell Amp and Fell Disc here
The Fell Disc
In an era of music streaming, the resurgence of physical media has made the CD a prized (and great value!) possession once again, and the Fell Disc offers a stylish and affordable way to enjoy a music collection. This British-made CD player, with its retro-modern aesthetic, is a perfect companion to the Fell Amp or any other hi-fi system.
The minimalist design features a discreet slot-load mechanism and sleek, capacitive touch controls that are built to last. Internally, the Fell Disc uses a premium ESS ES9018 DAC to deliver high-resolution sound, ensuring every detail of your favourite albums is reproduced faithfully.
Fell Audio’s commitment to British-built products is evident in the Fell Disc. Every element, from the painted chassis to the in-house designed PCBs, is manufactured and hand-assembled in the UK. The company’s focus on durability and repairability is a direct contrast to a market filled with mass-produced, disposable electronics, providing a product with a genuinely sustainable backstory. The packaging is also eco-friendly, made from 100% recycled cardboard and including a reusable cotton tote bag, with no unnecessary plastic. Like the Fell Amp, the Fell Disc is backed by a five-year warranty, offering a reassuringly long period of protection.
The combination of a high-quality build, sustainable practices, and long-term support makes the Fell Disc an appealing choice for students for great sound and peace of mind.
ACTIVO Starter Bundle – £299
For students who want serious sound performance – whether studying, commuting, or chilling – the ACTIVO Starter Bundle offers everything you need at a wallet-friendly price.
This epic-value bundle includes the ACTIVO P1 digital audio player, VOLCANO earphones and a custom-fit case – all for £299, saving over £200 on the combined retail price.
The ACTIVO P1 is a high-resolution portable music player tuned by Astell&Kern. It makes everything from streaming services to music downloads sound sublime. With built-in storage for your digital music library, support for high-resolution and CD-quality audio files, and compatibility with both wired and wireless headphones, ACTIVO’s expertise ensures your music sounds its absolute best.
While your phone can certainly play music, it’s also handling texts, calls, notifications, and countless other tasks – all of which can disrupt your listening experience. A dedicated music player does it SO much better. Want to know more? Read the five-heart HiFi PiG review of the P1 here.
ACTIVO VOLCANO earphones enrich your listening with triple dynamic drivers—an 8 mm plus two 6 mm drivers—for deep, immersive bass and a perfectly balanced sound profile. Built for comfort, they come with multiple ear tip options and broad connectivity (3.5 mm, 4.4 mm, USB C).
The custom-fit P1 case provides soft yet sturdy protection, improved grip, and preserves easy button access so your music stays safe and accessible on the go.
For the biggest bargain in student HiFi, click the pictures below to head to ACTIVO’s official UK website – the exclusive home of this bundle deal.
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. Read the HiFi PiG review of the Michell TecnoDec review here
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.
