Derek Malcolm
Contributing Editor, A/V
Author/Co-Author of 316 articles
Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek joined the DT team in 2020, spending his days wrangling the movie and TV streaming guides before getting the chance to nurture his obsession with the latest audio/video gear. A former musician and practicing vinyl nerd, his passion for sound can be found in his writing, whether it’s a guide to the best speakers and turntables, or a review of a party speaker that’ll blow your roof off.
Derek studied journalism at Toronto’s Humber College, graduating in 1999. He started his career writing about music, movies, and TV, back when people still read things on paper, working at such magazines as TV Guide and celebrity mag Hello! Canada. Derek counts Matt Damon, Britney Spears, and Coldplay among his favorite interviews.
From 2006 to 2018 Derek was the editor-in-chief of Canadian tech and entertainment magazine Connected, where he steered the publication through the invention of the iPhone and the rise of streaming to the demise of BlackBerry and the print industry.
One of two Canucks on the Digital Trends A/V team, Derek is based in Toronto where he lives with his wife, daughter, two cats, and his prized vintage Marantz stereo receivers.
When Derek isn’t cussing at the labyrinthine setup menus of the latest projectors, he can be found at home listening to records or counting the days to ski season.
You can find Derek on Threads and sharing his vinyl exploits on Instagram.
Ready to buy your first turntable? Read these 4 tips before you shop
Thinking of getting into vinyl, but don't know where to start with buying your first turntable? We're here to help.
Best Bluetooth turntables of 2025: wireless record players tested by us
You don't need expensive component gear to listen to vinyl. You can connect to your favorite wireless speaker with a Bluetooth turntable. These are our favorites.
Anker’s new Nebula X1 projector brings big wireless sound to backyard movie night
The new Nebula X1 outdoor projector aims to elevate backyard movie nights with easy AI-driven setup and innovative wireless speakers.
My 5 go-to tracks for reviewing and testing speakers
I test speakers for a living, and I use a set of go-to songs to put them through their paces. These are my top 5!
Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable is $10,000 worth of glowing coolness
Audio-Technica has announced the limited-run, $10,000 Hotaru turntable that features a glowing, magnetically-floating platter.
Got vinyl, will travel: Toshiba’s new Bluetooth record player lets you do just that
If you're looking for a way to play your vinyl records on the go, Toshiba has announced the AX-RP10, a portable Bluetooth turntable.
JLab unveils two new stem-style ANC earbuds and its first open-ear model
JLab has unveiled two new pairs of budget ANC wireless earbuds, the GO Pods ANC and JBuds Pods ANC, as well as its first open-ear earphones, the Epic Open Sport.
Sony’s ULT Power Sound range gets three new big-bass Bluetooth speakers
Sony today announced three new Bluetooth speakers is its ULT Power Sound speaker lineup, the Field 3, Field 5, and Tower 9 party speaker.
Rotel’s DX-5 might be the compact and connected stereo amplifier you’re looking for
Rotel's new sleek and compact DX-5 stereo integrated amplifier features HDMI ARC, Bluetooth aptX HD and audiophile sound.
Spinning into Record Store Day: Our team’s 4 must-visit record shops
To celebrate Record Store Day 2025, Digital Trends' AV staff share their favorite local record shops.
Audio-Technica celebrates Record Store Day with a gold edition of its best-selling turntable
To celebrate Record Store Day 2025 this weekend, Audio-Technica's made an exclusive gold edition of its best-selling AT-LP60XBT turntable.
Campfire Audio is bringing wired back with its new high-res USB-C Axion earphones
Campfire Audio's new Axion earphones deliver superior hi-res audio with its USB-C connectivity and built-in DAC.
I haven’t been to Record Store Day in ages, but here’s why I’m going this year
I've had a love-hate relationship with Record Store Day, but this year I'm inspired to jump back in. Here's why.
What is Record Store Day? All you need to know for vinyl’s big event
Record Store Days (there are two!) are the best days of the year for vinyl record collectors. Here's what it is and all you need to know to get the most out if it.
This small Spotify change made my streaming so much better
A white noise playlist I sleep with has been wreaking havoc on my Spotify algorithm for year, so I finally got to the bottom of it and trained it. You can, too.
Pro-Ject’s record flattener looks like a waffle iron, will rehab warped vinyl
Pro-Ject Audio wants to help vinyl collectors rehabilitate their warped vinyl records with the Flatten It.
Hisense’s new home theater system has wireless surrounds and uses your TVs speakers
Hisense today announced a new 5.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos home theater system with wireless rear speakers and Hi-Concerto that uses your TVs speakers, too.
Fluance Ri71 speaker review: Power and function that goes beyond the bookshelf
The Fluance Ri71 powered bookshelf speakers offer great sound and a variety of inputs for creating a superb multi-purpose sound setup, for less than $500.
How to set up your TV for watching NCAA March Madness basketball
Spending a little time dialling in your TVs picture and audio settings will make all the NCAA mens and women's basketball action look and sound its best. Here's how.
![[EMBARGO 03/19/25] The Soundcore Rave 3S karaoke speaker on its side with two wireless mics.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/soundcore-rave-3S-review-horizontal-two-mics.jpeg?resize=650%2C390&p=1)
Soundcore Rave 3S review: Superb wireless mics make this karaoke speaker sing
Party speakers are loud and cool, but you know what's cooler? Karaoke speakers, and the Soundcore Rave 3S might be the best one you can buy right now.
How Auracast is helping the hard of hearing at Sydney’s iconic Opera House
The iconic Sydney Opera House brings Auracast tech to its venues to help those with hearing issues rediscover their love for live music.
Wiim wades into the non-streaming arena with the $299 Vibelink Amp
Today Wiim has launched the Vibelink Amp, a 100-watt-per-channel power amp that plays nice with digital music streamers and analog sources alike.
![[Embargo] The Fluance Ri71 bookshelf Reference Stereo Powered speakers in white.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fluance-ri71-lifestyle.jpg?resize=650%2C390&p=1)
Fluance takes aim at cost-conscious audiophiles with two new Reference Series speakers
Canadian audio gear makers Fluance has announced its Ri71 bookshelf and Ri91 tower speakers, both well-priced high-fidelity reference speakers with budding audiophiles in mind.
Q Acoustics’ new Q SUB subwoofers boast ease of use and easy price
British speaker makers Q Acoustics have announced a powerful new line of affordable subwoofers, the Q Sub series, that offer easy setup and easy price.
The best projectors for 2025: from 4K to ultra short throw
Home theater projectors can deliver an awesome big-screen experience, offering some of the most impressive visuals out there. Here, we've rounded up the best.
Vinyl collecting: how to build and preserve a record collection
Your father-in-law was right: Vinyl records sound amazing and super cool. If you're just starting your vinyl collecting journey, here's everything you need to know.
I’d do several Dirty Deeds for this AC/DC Turntable by Pro-Ject Audio
For those about to rock, Pro-Ject Audio is at it again, announcing today its lightning-bolt adorned special limited edition AC/DC Turntable.
![[Embargo] BlueAnt Xi5 party speaker.](https://www.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/BlueAnt-X5i-Party-Speaker-Lifestyl-02.jpg?resize=650%2C390&p=1)
BlueAnt’s compact X5i party speaker offers 120-watts and two karaoke mics
Australian audio company BlueAnt has announced its new potable party speaker, the X5i, that boasts 120 watts of power and two included wireless karaoke mics.
Bluetooth turntables: why you should and shouldn’t get one
Should you get a Bluetooth turntable? They offer an easy and inexpensive way to bring vinyl music to your life, but may not be right for everyone. We break it down for you.
TEAC’s new power amplifier offers versatility and performance in a compact form
TEAC has launched the AP-507 power amplifier, a new addition to its premium Reference 500 Series hi-fi components.
Gadhouse’s see-through Cosmo Solar turntables will remind you of your old iMac G3
Thai audio makers Gadhouse have added three new see-through colors to its popular Sosmo beginner portable turntable lineup, named Solar, and they run for $200.
How to set up your TV for watching Premier League soccer
Set your TV up for the win when watching Premier League soccer with these tips for getting the best picture possible.
The best turntables of 2025: Tested and reviewed by our tech experts
Vinyl is still the physical music format of choice, so you're gonna need a turntable! From beginners to audiophiles, here are the best for every budget.
Advance Paris brings its gorgeous, premium amplifiers to the U.S.
Premium audio brand Advance Paris has announced today that it's sleek and powerful hi-fi amplifiers and separates are now available in the U.S.