Retro aesthetic meets modern convenience: The Qlearsoul HiFire X turntable reviewed
The Qlearsoul HiFire X: A stunning fusion of 1970s retro aesthetics and modern Bluetooth connectivity, offering a complete high-fidelity starter system for the vinyl revival. Picture: Noel Campion
The resurgence of vinyl is no longer just a niche trend for audiophiles, as more people are finding a new love for the age-old format. Everywhere you look, people are rediscovering the tactile joy of dropping a needle onto a spinning record. However, for many newcomers, the barrier to entry can feel daunting. Building a high-fidelity setup usually involves a complex web of amplifiers, preamps, and speakers. This is where the Qleariesoul HiFire X enters the frame. It’s a remarkably well-rounded starter system that packs impressive sound quality and versatile features into a single, cohesive package.
The HiFire X evokes a certain nostalgia with its brushed aluminium front panel and warm wood veneer. I was instantly transported back to the days when hi-fi separates were the centre of every living room. It has a solid, premium feel, especially the CNC-machined control panel, which offers a satisfyingly tactile response when adjusting the volume or switching modes.
The dual VU meters on the front are perhaps the most charming feature. Watching that analogue needle swing in real time as the music hits adds a level of character that digital displays simply cannot replicate. It’s a beautiful, retro nod to equipment from the 1970s and 80s. Whether you place this on a bookshelf or use it as a statement piece on a sideboard, it looks like it belongs there. However, I should clarify that while the aesthetic is old-school, the technology is firmly rooted in the present.
Underneath that classic exterior, the HiFire X is packed with top-notch tech. The turntable comes equipped with an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, a solid, reliable choice for anyone starting their vinyl journey. The platter is cast aluminium, providing enough mass to help minimise wow and flutter, and it includes a thick rubber mat that looks particularly sharp.
The accompanying bookshelf speakers are a substantial part of the package. They are quite hefty, featuring 5.3-inch woofers and 1.5-inch silk dome tweeters. While the technical specs claim a 100W RMS power output (with peaks up to 400W), I noticed during my testing just how much energy they can deliver. The speaker terminals are spring-loaded, which is a nice step up from the basic tabs you often see on cheaper units.
You have Bluetooth for wireless streaming, as well as an RCA line-in for older gear and an RCA line-out for connecting the HiFire X to a larger external amplifier. The built-in DSP amplifier is quite clever too, as it intelligently adapts EQ profiles depending on whether you are playing from the phono input, Bluetooth, or the line-in.
A short press on the power button turns it on, but a long press is required to turn it off, a small detail that likely helps prevent accidental shutdowns during use.
In terms of pure performance, the HiFire X delivers a punchy and immersive experience. The low end is particularly impressive for speakers of this size. The bass is deep and has enough drive to make everything from jazz to rock feel alive.
The silk dome tweeters handle the higher frequencies with a smooth, detailed character that avoids becoming harsh or piercing.
That said, no piece of equipment is perfect. During my listening sessions, I found the midrange a bit muddy at times. It lacks that extra crispness that some more expensive, high-end setups provide. Unlike retro amps, HiFire X has no dedicated bass or treble knobs. If you find a particular record sounds a bit too bright or too dark, you are somewhat stuck with the factory tuning. However, for a system at this price point, the fundamental sound signature is excellent, and the dynamics remain clean and controlled.
What I found most useful about the HiFire X was its ability to act as an all-in-one hub for my various audio sources. I used the RCA line-in to connect an old HiFi CD player from my collection, and the sound was seamless.
I also paired my portable digital audio player to stream music from my lossless library. The transition between spinning a record and streaming high-resolution files was effortless. This versatility makes it ideal for someone who wants the ritual of vinyl but still relies on the convenience of digital streaming for everyday listening. It even lets you use the turntable as a standalone source by connecting the line-out to other equipment, adding longevity to the purchase.
The Qlearsoul HiFire X is a good option for anyone looking to enter the world of high-fidelity audio without the headache of sourcing individual components. It has a stunning retro aesthetic combined with modern, much-needed connectivity.
The sheer value of the included 100W speakers and the quality of the AT cartridge make it hard to fault. If you are looking for a killer starter system that looks as good as it sounds, this is an easy recommendation.
€413 Amazon.ie
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