Philips’ Fidelio audio range has seen a resurgence in the past few years with new headphone products, but the brand is now expanding its reach beyond head-fi and making a return into hi-fi.
It’s announced the launch of two new devices, the FT1 turntable and FA3 wireless active speakers. Both can be purchased separately but have been designed to complement each other.
The FT1 Turntable
The FT1 is not your usual vinyl spinner. There’s a choice of wireless or connectivity as well as vinyl or CD player, making this ‘turntable’ something of a jack of all trades; and when combined with the FA3 active speakers, an all-in-one Fidelio-based system.
It features a die-cast aluminium platter and rubber slip to reduce vibration during playback and ensure clarity isn’t affect. There’s an adjustable counterweight (naturally), and a replaceable Audio-Technica MM stylus too. Control can be done through the Philips Entertainment app, or if you prefer to get up off the couch, there’s some onboard controls to twist and press too.
A RCA connection means you can easily connect to your existing hi-fi set-up, while there’s a 3.5mm jack if you want a more private listening experience. Say, with some Fidelio headphones…
Wireless Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity (also compatible with higher quality LC3 codec) allows a pair of wireless headphones or speakers to output audio through. There’s also support for Auracast to enable broadcast of vinyl and CD tracks to compatible Auracast devices.
FA3 Wireless Active speakers
Like the Fidelio FT1 turtable, the FA3 active speakers support both and wireless connections. Philips describes the sound of the speakers as offering a “genuine expansive stereo soundstage” with deep, “well-controlled bass, clear midrange and smooth, detailed highs.”
Audio is precisely punched out from the 1-inch titanium tweeter and 5-inch glass fibre bass/mid drivers via an integrated active crossover that aims to guarantee boh accurate tining and dynamics. Each speaker is bi-amped with the a power of 50W RMS.
Wired connections include a USB-C input, RCA Aux-in, optical input and HDMI ARC, if you decide to connect the FA3 speakers to your TV.
Wireless connections cover LDAC and LC3 for streaming higher quality files over Bluetooth (helpful for when Spotify Lossless enters the game); while these speakers also benefit from Auracast broadcast for creating a multi-room set-up on a Bluetooth connection?
How much do the new Fidelio products cost?
How much do the FT1 turntable and FA3 active speakers cost? At this moment that’s still to be confirmed. We do know when they’re coming out and it’ll be a bit of a wait. Both products will launch in the first quarter of 2026.
