Derek Malcolm

Former Contributing Editor, A/V

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.

How to master your equalizer settings for the perfect sound

EQ is so much more than the Rock preset in your Spotify app. If you want better sound, we're here to show you how to adjust it for the best experience.

Audio / Video         October 31

Best wireless earbuds for 2025: Our top picks from Sony, Bose, and more

Looking for the best wireless earbuds, but overwhelmed by all of the choices? We've tried tons of them so you don't have to — here are the models we recommend.

Products         September 19

What is Disney+? Plans, price, and everything else you should know

Get ready to indulge in all things Disney, Pixar, and Marvel with a Disney Plus subscription! Here’s everything you need to know about the streaming platform.

Guides         May 12

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.

Features         May 3

Best stereo receivers and integrated amplifiers for 2025

Getting ready for a dive into hi-fi? Check our list of the best stereo receivers and integrated amplifiers, including models from Cambridge, Marantz, Wiim, and more.

Products         May 2

The most common Roku problems and how to fix them

Have a Roku or Roku Streaming Stick 4K that's giving you problems? We explain how to fix the most common Roku issues in minutes — no tech support needed.

Guides         April 30

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.

Guides         April 27

How much is Apple Music, and how can you get it for free?

Apple Music costs $10.99 for an Individual plan, and $16.99 for a Family Plan. You can also get Apple Music for free by signing up for a Verizon plan.

Audio / Video         April 26

How to buy over-the-counter hearing aids

After years in the making, over-the-counter hearing aids are now available for purchase without a prescription: Here's what to you need to know.

Audio / Video         April 24

Best over-the-counter hearing aids for 2025

OTC hearing aids provide hearing solutions at a fraction of the price compared to prescription versions. Here are the best on the market from top brands.

Audio / Video         April 24

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.

News         April 23

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.

News         April 14

How to choose a soundbar: size, subwoofers, surround sound, and more

Built-in TV speakers suck, so naturally, you want to get a soundbar. How do you choose one? We cover the features and jargon you should know before you buy.

Guides         April 14

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.

News         April 11

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.

News         April 9

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.

News         April 9

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.

Features         April 9

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.

News         April 7

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.

News         April 7

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.

Features         April 7