This page explains how we test, score and write about products – and the rules we follow so you can trust what you read.
How we test
- We set up each product ourselves, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- We listen over several sessions with music we know well, from records and, where relevant, streaming.
- We compare the product with others in a similar price range.
- We note setup difficulty, build quality, features and value as well as sound.
How scores work
Reviews include a verdict with scores for criteria such as build quality, design, sound and pricing. Scores reflect our judgement after real use, relative to the product’s class and price. A budget turntable and a high-end deck are not judged against each other.
Independence
- No brand can pay for a review, a score or a place in our lists.
- If a manufacturer lends us a product, it has no say in what we write.
- Sponsored content, if we ever publish any, will be clearly labelled.
Affiliate links
Some links to retailers such as Amazon are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We do not show prices on the site because they change constantly – the “Check price” buttons take you to the current price. See the affiliate disclosure.
Updates and corrections
We review articles regularly and update them when products, prices or our recommendations change. Factual errors are corrected as soon as we learn about them – write to info@cracklingsound.com.
Opinions and safety
Listening impressions are subjective, and your room and system will change how a product sounds. DIY projects involving mains voltage should only be done by people qualified to do so.