Philips Fidelio FA3 Active Speakers & FT1 Turntable/CD Player Compact Combination

Philips has unveiled two new Fidelio products, the compact FA3 speakers, which feature bi-amplification and an active crossover, delivering 2 x 50W RMS, and the FT1 2-speed belt-driven turntable with front-mounted CD player.

Fidelio FT1 Record & CD Player

Philips states its FT1 record player uses high-quality materials throughout, including a substantial aluminium diecast platter, and a counterweighted extruded aluminium straight tonearm which comes loaded with a replaceable Audio-Technica MM cartridge.

The FT1 offers the flexibility to choose between wireless and wired connectivity and between vinyl and CD playback - but, perhaps, not as whackily as the Mixx Analog dual offering.

For those who tend to get distracted or fall asleep when listening to music, the FT1 features an auto-stop function that pauses the turntable when a side is finished.

The FT1 can easily be integrated into a traditional hi-fi setup via a wired RCA connection from the onboard phono stage to the line-level input of a separate hi-fi amplifier. The FT1 also features a 3.5 mm headphone connection for more private listening.

Alternatively, the FT1 will quickly pair with wireless speakers or headphones via Bluetooth 5.4, with the option to use the LC3 codec to guarantee high-quality audio playback. The FT1 can also broadcast vinyl or CD playback to compatible speakers via Auracast.

The FT1 offers both physical controls for source selection (Bluetooth, Auracast, and CD playback) and smart controls via the Philips Entertainment app, including a virtual remote control and source selection.

Finally, a dimmable LED display shows key information, including source and volume level, and a clock is displayed when the FT1 is in standby.

Philips Fidelio FA3 Wireless Active Stereo Loudspeakers

Whether used in a Fidelio-based system with the FT1, as part of a traditional separates hi-fi system, or connected to a portable device via a streamed or wired connection, the FA3 promises a genuine, expansive stereo soundstage with deep, well-controlled bass, clear midrange, and smooth, detailed highs.

Each speaker is bi-amped with a power rating of 50 W RMS, and precise power delivery is guaranteed via an integrated active crossover to ensure signal accuracy, more accurate timing, improved filtering, and better dynamics.

The FA3 features custom drivers, including a 5.25-inch glass-fibre cone woofer that we’re informed remains accurate across its range. Meanwhile, the 25mm titanium tweeter dome resists deformation for clear, detailed highs with low distortion.

A vented rear chamber in the tweeter reduces pressure, resulting in smoother high and low frequencies and better crossover performance.

We are told that the drivers are aligned on a 20° angled baffle, improving timing and mid-range clarity.

The FA3 features wired ports USB-C, RCA AUX-in, optical, and HDMI ARC, while wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.4 with support for LDAC and LC3 codecs for hi-res streaming, while Auracast enables the FS3 to be part of a multi-speaker setup.

The FA3 can be operated via the supplied remote control or by the Philips Entertainment App.

The speakers sport a piano-black finish and rounded magnetic speaker grilles fitted with acoustically transparent fabric.

Both the FA3 active wireless speakers and Fidelio FT1 turntable are available now priced at £349 and £269 respectively, and can be purchased separately or together as a full turnkey system.

For more information visit Philips