HiFi & Beat is reader-supported. When you buy through some of the links on our site, whether that is a pair of concert earplugs, a turntable, a DJ controller, or any other gear we cover, we may earn an affiliate commission. That commission helps keep our guides available, but it does not change the price you pay and it does not decide what we recommend.
How affiliate links work
Some links on HiFi & Beat are affiliate links. If you click one and make a qualifying purchase, the retailer may pay us a commission. You do not pay extra because you used our link, and the retailer handles the sale, shipping, returns, and customer service according to its own policies.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also use affiliate partnerships with other retailers when they are relevant to Canadian shoppers, especially where price, availability, and shipping options matter.
- Affiliate links may appear in reviews, comparisons, buying guides, and deal-focused pages.
- A commission is never guaranteed. It depends on the retailer, the product, and whether the purchase qualifies.
- Your purchase price is set by the retailer, not by HiFi & Beat.
What commissions do not influence
An affiliate relationship does not buy a better placement in our guides. We choose products because they make sense for the need, budget, feature set, and Canadian availability we are covering. If a product looks weak against its competitors, a commission does not make it stronger.
- Retailers do not write our rankings or product conclusions.
- Higher commission rates do not guarantee inclusion.
- We may recommend a product even when we do not have an affiliate link for it.
- We may leave out a popular product if price, availability, or user feedback makes it a poor fit.
How we decide what to recommend
Our recommendations are based on structured editorial research, not pay-to-play placement. We compare published specifications, feature sets, compatibility details, public user reviews, price history, and retailer availability. The details that matter differ by category, from filter type and fit on hearing protection, to cartridge and preamp compatibility on a vinyl setup, to software support and connections on DJ gear.
We also look for patterns in public owner feedback. One excited review does not tell the whole story, so we read across sources to understand recurring strengths and recurring complaints, then let that shape how we frame each recommendation.
How to read our buying advice
The right choice is personal. A setup that suits one person may not fit your ears, your room, or your budget. Our guides are written to help you narrow the field, understand the trade-offs, and choose with confidence.
If you want more detail about our editorial process, read How We Test. You can also browse our Buying Guides for advice by category and budget.
- Use our picks as a shortlist, not as a substitute for your own needs.
- Check compatibility and fit before you buy.
- Compare final landed cost, including shipping, taxes, and any accessories you will need.
- Read the retailer return policy before ordering, especially for larger or fragile gear.
Our commitment to you
Affiliate revenue helps support the site, but trust is more important than any single commission. If a product is not a good fit, we would rather say so than push you toward gear you will regret. When we make a recommendation, we try to explain who it is for, what it does well, and where the compromises are.
- We disclose affiliate relationships clearly on this page.
- We base coverage on research, comparison, and usefulness to readers.
- We welcome questions through our contact page if you want to understand how we handle affiliate links.