Hi Fi Racks Podium Slimline review

Slimmer Podium offers a solid but more affordable option Tested at £350

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Slimmer Podium offers a solid but more affordable option

Pros

  • +

    Neat looks

  • +

    Systems sound more open

Cons

  • -

    Tightened legs may not be straight

  • -

    Timing and detail could be better

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The latest addition to the Hi-Fi Racks Podium family is the Hi-Fi Racks Podium Slimline.

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of previous award-winners, the Hi-Fi Racks Podium Slimline has a few cosmetic changes compared to its siblings.

There are thinner legs and platforms, while the Podium Slimline has also lost the isolation spikes found on other models: the legs screw directly into the oak platforms.

When placed on the rack, our system gave a full-bodied sound with an open, airy character. Timing and detail could be better from the midrange downwards, but overall it is a relaxed, undemanding listen.

We’d recommend really tightening the legs for maximum stability. However, this can leave them askew, which undermines the rack’s neat look.

Based purely on how our system sounded, we still prefer the rack's big brother, the Podium. But given the Slimline's smaller price tag and its less imposing stature, there's not much to complain about here.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test