Janine Elliot

I began my love affair with hi-fi at the age of 10, starting with a Ferguson reel-to-reel and Philips mini component turntable, amplifier and speakers. As a musician, I realised I needed better kit, so started a never-ending story of acoustic fun and games, later adding new amps, turntable and speakers, a tuner, cassette recorder and another reel-to-reel to my bedroom.

As a musician playing piano, violin, viola, oboe and another 20-odd instruments, I went on to study music at university, including a Masters degree specialising in electro-acoustic music, and then working as a Studio Manager at the BBC for many years, including at Radio 3 and 6Music.

Music and sound has therefore been a major part of my life and I’ve been writing about hi-fi for over 20 years. With a great interest in valve audio plus reel-to-reel recorders (presently I have a collection of 19), I have advised companies on subjects such as mains conditioners and cabling. I’m always concerned about ensuring I hear the very best in audio, which in turn means accurately and honestly reviewing the equipment arriving on my doormat.

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