Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2016 i What Hi-Fi?

“I dream of wires,” sang Gary Numan in 1980 and it was difficult to see how he could be any more modern or futuristic. These days, of course, old Gary sounds irretrievably quaint and the exact opposite is true. We dream of a lack of wires. But wirelessness can’t be the be-all and end-all, of course. Liberation from wires can’t be at the expense of performance, otherwise what’s the point? In this issue, we’ve established how easy (if not always inexpensive) it is to achieve a brilliant-sounding wireless experience via seven desirable pairs of wireless headphones (p28) and four astonishingly capable wireless speakers (p49). Absolute freedom of movement with no compromise where sound is concerned, and with the pride of ownership that only comes from buying a bit of cutting-edge…

Audioquest JitterBug | USB noise filter | £40 FOR Affordable; encourages a more solid and precise sound AGAINST Improvement can be product-dependent Upgrading your hi-fi system needn’t always involve a hefty blow to your wallet – an affordable little tweak here and there can make a world of difference. With a desktop audio system, it could be adding a little critter like the Audioquest JitterBug. Slightly larger than your average USB memory stick, JitterBug plugs into your computer’s USB socket and acts as a link between your computer and DAC, whether it’s a standalone converter or housed in a headphone amp or traditional stereo amp. The thinking goes there’s a lot of noise and interference coursing through the circuitry of your average desktop computer or laptop, the main source of…

“This is Motorola’s best smartphone yet. Picture and sound performance could be better, but in almost every other respect it's a remarkable device” Motorola Moto X Force | Smartphone | £475, free on contract FOR Sharp picture; shatterproof screen; expandable storage AGAINST Colours could be more natural; poor low-light pics KEY FEATURES BLUETOOTH DLNA HI-RES Accidents happen. It’s inevitable. That’s why we love it when manufacturers not only keep that in mind, but also show off how much they’ve kept that in mind. Take the Moto X Force. So confident is Motorola that you won’t be able to break its screen, that it is guaranteed against cracking and shattering for four years of 'typical' use. This ruggedness is down to Motorola’s ‘ShatterShield’ technology, a display comprising five layers (instead of…

FOR Bold, upfront listen; rich, full-bodied sound AGAINST Lack subtlety; need better dynamics; expensive KEY FEATURES BLUETOOTH 12 HOURS BATTERY LIFE ON-EAR FIT It’s hard to deny the influence Beats headphones have had on the mainstream headphone industry in recent years. While their popularity hasn’t gone down well with everyone, Beats made it cool to spend big money on headphones and, for that at least, the industry should be grateful. With their popularity, the Beats range has grown, not to mention improved. The tonal balance has been readdressed since the original Studio headphones were launched, earning the current line up several four-star reviews. Ears are burning The Solo 2 Wireless are a wireless version of the Solo 2 headphones, the smaller on-ear sibling to the over-ear Studio range. As is…

FOR Premium design; rich bass; comfortable; great dynamics AGAINST A little pricey, but that’s about all KEY FEATURES APTX BLUETOOTH BATTERY: 22 HOURS NOISE-CANCELLING When Sennheiser launched the first range of Momentum headphones in 2013, it showed a fashion-conscious headphone market that style and substance didn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Now in its second generation, that message is stronger than ever. Not only has the range been improved, but it’s also expanded with the addition of these wireless, noise-cancelling cans. Even better portability At first glance, The Momentum 2.0 Wireless appear similar to their predecessors, with an all-leather headband and elegantly sculpted earcups that sit on adjustable stainless steel rails. Look closer though, and you’ll notice some tweaks. The frame is now collapsible, allowing them to fold down for…

Apple’s rumoured plans to ditch the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 should suit the wireless headphone market nicely. There will be competition from the Lightning connector models, but the convenience of cutting the chord and the growing accessibility of wireless cans should sway the masses. Gathering Momentum We’ve come a long way from the heavy-duty wireless headsets that graced the shelves in the 2000s. Now we have wireless cans that come with apps and others that measure your heart rate. Better still, sonic standards are improving all the time. Philips M2BTs and AKG Y50BTs are proof you can get good wireless sound for as little as £150. Sennheiser’s Momentum line impresses all the way up to its flagship Bluetooth and noise-cancelling Momentum 2.0 Wireless models. They build on generous…

As we’ve seen in this test, wireless speakers come in all shapes and sizes, and with all four of our contenders putting in performances worthy of their loftier price tags, some part of your decision may well come down to what your situation most requires. Compact options If you need a more compact speaker, the Dali Kubik Free or Naim’s Mu-so Qb are going to be your best options, thanks to their smaller footprint. The latter is a stunningly designed, flexible box of tricks, with stacks of connectivity and authority by the bucketload. We love its way with rhythm and are impressed that such a small box is capable of such full-bodied bass. It’s another stunning addition to the Mu-so family, and it gets the full five stars. What the…

Up to £500 Cambridge Audio CXC £300 Best CD transport under £500, Awards 2015 If you already have a DAC – the CXC is useless without one – we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this transport over a standalone CD player. Type CD transport Outputs coaxial, optical Marantz CD6005 £300 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2015 Marantz’s CD6005 is rightly regarded as fantastic player, one that offers sprinkles of improvements on top of its superb predecessor. Type CD player Outputs coaxial, optical, RCA, headphone Up to £500 Onkyo C-N7050 £350 April 2015 A CD player or a hi-res music streamer? Whatever it is, the C-N7050 is a hugely appealing system that combines the best of both worlds. Type CD player/streamer Outputs optical, coaxial, line level £500 to £1000 Cyrus CD…

Up to £500 Bluesound Node 2 £435 November 2015 Looking for a non-amplified streamer to hook up to your existing hi-fi? The Node is back, and better, with improved design and connectivity. DLNA Yes Inputs Toslink, 3.5mm Storage No Google Chromecast Audio £30 January 2016 Google turns its expertise to audio streaming to bring music from any Cast-compatible app to your amps and speakers. And for only £30. DLNA Yes Inputs RCA, 3.5mm, optical Storage No £500 to £1000 Cambridge Audio CXN £700 Best streamer £500-£1000, Awards 2015 Building on the success of Cambridge’s Award-winning Stream Magic 6 v2, the CXN features an all-new design and improved sound. DLNA Yes Inputs optical, coaxial, 3 x USB Storage No Pioneer N-50A £500 Best streamer £500-£100, Awards 2015 The impressive N-50A offers…

Multi-room Sonos System From £175 Best multi-room system under £500, Awards 2015 If you don’t need high-res, Sonos is an obvious choice for multi-room. A great user experience alongside a full-bodied, insightful sound. Res 16-bit/44.1kHz App Mac, Android Formats MP3, iTunes Plus, WMA Bluesound Generation 2 From £540 Best multi-room system over £500, Awards 2015 Bluesound’s Generation 2 has a more streamlined design and sounds as good as ever, offering high-res support and good connectivity. Res 24-bit/192kHz App iOS, Android Formats MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG Stereo systems up to £500 Cambridge Audio Minx Xi £400 Best music system £400-£800, Awards 2015 This terrific system is a joy to use. It has a 24-bit/96kHz resolution limit, but that’s OK in light of its articulate and hugely likeable character. Inputs Analogue &…

Up to £100 Panasonic DMP-BDT170 £90 August 2015 Picture quality is what counts. It might be short on catch-up services but the arresting colours, strong contrast and good upscaling make up for that. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony BDP-S4500 £75 August 2015 Nothing’s perfect in this life, but the BDP-S4500 comes pretty close. Delivering on every count, it’s a positive steal at this price. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD £100 to £300 Panasonic DMP-BDT370 £100 Best Blu-ray player under £150, Awards 2015 A bright, sharp picture, weighty sound and 4K upscaling, all for just £100. Enough to award this player our 2015 Blu-ray Product of the Year. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony BDP-S5500 £110 July 2015 A tiny player that goes big on performance. Features and design are strong too –…

PVRs Humax DTR-T2000 £180 Best PVR, Awards 2015 This YouView recorder is still one of the best ways to handle live TV. Its 500GB is a decent amount of space, but it’s now available with 1TB too. Tuners 2 Storage 500GB Ultra HD No Humax FVP-4000T £200 March 2016 Catch-up TV is made supremely easy with this Freeview Play box. It’s a comprehensive entertainment hub with minimum fuss. Tuners 3 Storage 500GB, 1TB Ultra HD No Humax HDR-1100S £190 (500GB), £220 (1TB), £270 (2TB) December 2015 Now with wi-fi, this impressive Freesat recorder is a genuine wireless entertainment hub. It’s our top subscription-free choice. Tuners 2 Storage 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Ultra HD No Set-top boxes BT Ultra HD YouView min £15/month + fees November 2015 The first 4K box to…

Style pkgs up to £1000 Q Acoustics Q7000i £900 November 2013 Got £900 to spend on a sub/sat package? Spend it here. This compact set creates a cohesive and expansive soundfield, with strong bass. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 12 x 20 x 16cm Finishes 2 Tannoy HTS-101 XP £600 Best style package under £1000, Awards 2015 The latest incarnation of a multiple winner has a sonic character that retains its fast, spacious quality, but with extra detail and solidity. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 19 x 10 x 11cm Finishes 1 Style packages £1000 and above B&W MT-50 £1100 Best style package £1000+, Awards 2015 These speakers sound crisp, clear and insightful, and the sub and satellites integrate so well. Value and versatility combined. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 25 x 11…

In-ears up to £50 SoundMagic E10S £40 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2015 Paying £40 for a pair of buds like these ranks as one of the simplest, most affordable and most satisfying upgrades available. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m In-ears £50 to £100 Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £90 Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2015 You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound so good – not for just £90. But good they sound, wonderfully smooth, expressive and balanced. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m Sony MDR-EX650AP £60 November 2014 These smart buds are nicely judged tonally, with plenty of detail. Add an expansive soundstage and you’re looking at great value for money. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m In-ears £100 to £500 Focal Sphear £100 November 2015 These Focals…

On demand video BBC iPlayer Free Best video-on-demand service, Awards 2015 Quality content, a great interface and free (for catch-up TV), BBC’s iPlayer is one of, if not the best, video on-demand platforms out there. Resolution up to 1080p Offline playback Yes On demand video Google Play Movies & TV Variable June 2014 Google’s venture into video streaming is a success, offering pretty much everything we could ask for from an on-demand video service. Resolution Up to 1080p Offline playback Yes On demand music 7digital Variable January 2016 A download site that features competitive pricing, a strong catalogue and that’s easy to use, this is one of the best music-dowload sites around. Resolution Up to 24-bit/192kHz Offline playback Yes Primephonic Variable January 2016 A strong catalogue, superb website and a…

Up to £500 Atacama Eris Eco 5.0 £460 April 2012 Whatever hi-fi you have will sound agile, detailed and dynamic on this. If that’s not all, the Eco is well built, easy to construct and looks smart. Width 590mm Modular Yes Cable management No Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40 £450 September 2014 Helps a hi-fi system by giving it the support to sound confident, insightful and entertaining. Build and design are superb, naturally. Width 600mm Modular Yes Cable management No £500 to £800 Atacama Elite Eco 12.0 £500 March 2013 Those looking for a strong support for AV and hi-fi that enables a fluid, authoritative presentation will like the performance this rack can offer. Width 1157mm Modular Yes Cable management Yes Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40 SE £525 Best equipment support, Awards…

Up to £300 Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator £160 June 2013 Fast, organised and dynamic, this box offers great quality on a budget. The Gram Amp 2 Communicator is low on frills but high on quality. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 10 x 25cm Rega Fono Mini A2D £85 March 2012 There’s little fancy about the Fono Mini A2D but that doesn’t matter when the presentation is this good. And it has a useful USB output. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 6 x 18 x 25cm Rega Fono MM Mk2 £200 Best phono stage, Awards 2015 Although it lacks the detail of other similarly priced phono amps, the Rega Fono more than justifies its price in terms of dynamics and scale. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 4 x…

Experience & heritage We’ve been hard at work helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home cinema for more than 37 years, and have getting on for 100 years of reviewing experience under our collective belts – so you can count on our expert opinions. Dedicated test facilities We test every product in the magazine or at whathifi.com against its peers in our New! Improved! bespoke reviewing facilities. And we test every product as a team, so our opinions and conclusions are always the result of collaboration. We spot big trends first MP3 player tests before the iPod even existed? High-def video before it even had a name? That was us. We keep you in touch with big stories and future trends. Worldwide readership With seven international editions…

1 OMA Imperia $280,000 That price tag might seem a touch steep, but bear in mind that for the best part of £200k you'll get "the ultimate speaker from OMA", which uses various horns to deliver sound. Put it like that and it almost seems a bargain… whf.cm/OMAImperia 2 3D TV on its way out? It's bad news for anyone still eagerly using the format, but both Samsung and LG are reportedly planning to cut down on the number of 3D-compatible products they produce. Emerging technologies such as 4K, HDR and Ultra HD Blu-ray will be given more attention. For the full story, visit whf.cm/RIP_3D 3 Elipson turntables from £200 French manufacturer Elipson has launched a new range of turntables. Features include built-in phono pre-amplifiers, Bluetooth wireless streaming and Ortofon…

FOR Excellent sound; lovely design; Bluetooth operation AGAINST Nothing of note KEY FEATURES BLUETOOTH BATTERY: 17 HOURS WEIGHT: 213G When a hi-fi manufacturer of Bowers & Wilkins’ pedigree makes something a little different, we sit up and listen. This time, though, we find ourselves sitting up with additional comfort and freedom of movement, because the company has entered the Bluetooth headphone market. Behold, the B&W P5 Wireless. B&W is established when it comes to wired headphones: its P3, P5 and P7 have all garnered significant praise from us. Fans of those will be right at home here: the P5 Wireless headphones are based on the excellent P5 Series 2. Mistaken identity You might struggle to tell them apart at a glance, because they share a design philosophy – rounded rectangular…

FOR Comfortable; spacious presentation; deep, agile bass AGAINST Recessed vocals; lack a bit of get-up-and-go KEY FEATURES BLUETOOTH BATTERY: 30 HOURS NFC: YES Sony is continuing to fly the flag for high-resolution audio, and this latest push zeros in on higher-quality Bluetooth streaming. The company claims its new proprietary Bluetooth codec, LDAC, transmits data three times more efficiently than standard Bluetooth encoding – supposedly maintaining a maximum bit depth and frequency of up to 24-bit/96kHz – so in theory, most hi-res music shouldn’t suffer as much compression in the transmission. Tap and swipe controls Both the source and headphone/speaker must be equipped with the codec. Right now, these MDR-1ABTs – wireless versions of the MDR-1As (£120) – are one of the first LDAC-compatible products, alongside Sony’s high-end NW-ZX2 Walkman and…

Oh, this is the kind of head-to-head we enjoy: a pair of talented performers with strong, differing personalities – and, at the end of it, a new product to recommend. In the end it was a case of all-round excellence from the Clearaudio Concept that put a star between it and the Pro-Ject 2Xperience SB. We’ve said before that the Concept gives the lie to those who believe vinyl reproduction can only be warm and wallowing – it delivers the kind of transparent detail, sure-footed alacrity and insight you may more commonly associate with a digital source, toeing the right side of analysis without becoming antiseptically clinical. The finer details Those sonic traits would cement the Concept’s five-star status almost regardless of its aesthetic or user experience, but it’s those…

Up to £500 Marantz PM6005 £300 May 2014 The PM6005 is a multiple Award-winner for good reason. Nicely made, well featured and with refinement and insight few rivals can match. Power 45W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs 2 x speaker, headphone Onkyo A-9010 £200 Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2015 Our favourite budget amplifier, this is arguably the most entertaining affordable amp around. It has agility and a wicked sense of rhythm. Power 44W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs speaker, headphone £500 to £1000 Arcam FMJ A19 £650 October 2014 Arcam’s entry-level amplifier is a terrific combination of sensible features, fine build and entertaining sound. Power 50W Inputs 6 line-in, MM Outputs Speaker, headphone, preamp Cambridge Audio CXA60 £500 Best stereo amplifier £300-£700, Awards 2015 This is a lively…

Cambridge CXC, £300 The CXC is a marvellous piece of kit but it comes with a caveat: as a CD transport it needs a DAC to make a sound. If you have a capable DAC then there’s no reason not to consider the CXC. It’s simple to use, with a precise sound and a sense of musicality that emphasizes the interplay between instruments on a track. If you don’t have a DAC, Marantz’s CD6005 is a more-than-capable alternative at the same price. Onkyo C-N7050, £350 There aren’t many CD players that can also stream music, which makes the C-N7050 a tempting proposition. That it offers commendable performance in both categories means it’s something of a bargain. With a smooth and upbeat presentation across both CD and streamed music, playback over…

Up to £200 Pure Evoke D2 £90 Best radio under £100, Awards 2015 A three-time Award-winner. For just £85, you have a stellar radio that not only sounds lovely but will look charming in any home. Battery Yes Size (hwd) 15 x 21 x 7cm Inputs mini-USB, 3.5mm Up to £200 Roberts Stream 93i £150 Best radio £100-£200, Awards 2015 This Roberts delivers deep bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange. Spotify Connect, wi-fi and USB playback are the headliners. Battery No – Size (hwd) 21 x 24 x 13cm Inputs 3.5mm £200 and above Geneva World Radio DAB+ £270 September 2013 This Bluetooth-toting portable radio is a sleek machine that’s a breeze to use. The full-bodied, detailed performance is worth the price. Battery Yes (chargeable) Size 18 x 30 x…

Up to £500 Pro-Ject Elemental £150 April 2014 As plug-in-and-play as you’re likely to find, this is a quality entry-level record player for those taking their first steps in the world of vinyl. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 9 x 43 x 30cm Pro-Ject Essential II £210 Best turntable under £400, Awards 2015 A frill-free, entry-level product that gets all the basics spot-on. Easy to set up and even easier to enjoy, it’s an obvious Award-winner. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 46 x 36cm Rega RP1 £225 Awards 2010 The unadorned RP1 is an impressive turntable in its own right, with a good sense of drive and pleasing transparency. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm £500 to £1000 Clearaudio Concept £995…

Up to £500 Sony STR-DN860 £400 September 2015 Sony proves the value of performance over the latest mod cons. No Dolby Atmos, but a thoroughly authoritative and engaging sound. Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos No HDMI in/out 5/1 Yamaha RX-V379 £300 Best home cinema amplifier under £350, Awards 2015 This entry-level amp is a great way to start in home cinema. Champion under £350 at the Awards, it offers a scale of sound belying its price. Power 5 x 70W Dolby Atmos No HDMI in/out 4/1 £500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2200W £500 Best home cinema amplifier £350-£700, Awards 2015 Our AV amp Product of the Year is an articulate and detailed amp, with stacks of functionality and future-proofing. Packed with features. Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI…

Up to £500 Q Acoustics Media 4 £330 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2015 Q Acoustics’ debut soundbar is remarkable value – even more so at its reduced price – and more than worthy of its two-time PoY status. Size (hwd) 9 x 100 x 14cm Inputs Optical, RCA Subwoofer No £500 and above Dali Kubik One £800 Best soundbar £500+, Awards 2015 A gorgeous and complete package, Dali’s debut soundbar impresses with its hugely engaging sound and smart, well-equipped exterior. Size (hwd) 15 x 98 x 10cm Inputs Optical, 2 x RCA Subwoofer No Philips Fidelio B5 £600 December 2015 Thanks to two detachable (wireless, battery-powered) speakers, it can add surround sound or be a multi-room system. Great sound, too. Size 7 x 104 x 16cm Inputs 2 x…

Up to £50 Google Chromecast 2 £30 December 2015 The second-gen Chromecast still ‘casts’ content from a device to a TV over wi-fi, but now with speedier operation and a performance boost. Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage No Ultra HD No Up to £50 Now TV (2015) £15 Reviewed online Now it outputs 1080p and passes through 7.1 surround sound, NOW TV is a great way to open your doors to a plethora of Sky content. Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage n/a Ultra HD No £50 to £100 Amazon Fire TV (2015) £80 Best streaming box, Awards 2015 An improvement on the first Fire TV. For the same money you get 4K streaming, greater speed and power, and expanded storage options. Resolution Ultra HD, 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB Ultra HD Yes £100…

Up to £400 Apple iPod Touch (6th Gen) 128GB £330 December 2015 There’s life in the iPod Touch yet. Its price and talent with CD-quality music makes it a worthy challenge to pricier rivals with hi-res audio. Hi-res compatible No Weight 88g Storage128GB Sony NW-AH25N £240 February 2016 Likable and affordable, the AH25N boasts plenty of features and, although the ergonomics could be better, it produces a good sound. Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 66g Storage 16GB £400 to £700 Astell & Kern Ak Jr £400 Best portable music player, Awards 2015 Our favourite portable unit of 2015, this hi-res player isn’t cheap, but its build quality and performance make it a formidable, portable pleasure. Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 93g Storage 64GB Pioneeer XDP-100R £500 February 2016 A player that ticks…

Under 8in Apple iPad mini 4 from £320 Best tablet under 8in, Awards 2015 Apple’s best small tablet yet? A superb screen, great user experience, punchy audio and fine apps make this the best small-screen tablet. OS iOS Size (hwd) 203 x 135 x 6mm Storage 16/64/128GB Apple iPad Air 2 from £400 Best tablet 8in+, Awards 2015 The iPad Air 2 ticks all the boxes. Best-b ar-none video and audio, an unrivalled user experience, snappy in use and a gorgeous design. OS iOS Size (hwd) 240 x 170 x 6mm Storage 16/64/128GB Over 8in Apple iPad Pro from £680 February 2016 A sharp screen and fine audio performance make the Pro a superb proposition for big-screen lovers. In this case, bigger definitely is better. OS iOS Size (hwd) 306…

Up to £10/m Audioquest FLX-SLiP 14/4 £5.80/m November 2013 Not only is the FLX-SLiP 14/4 able to turn a corner no matter how tight, lest we forget, it’s also an incredibly easy cable to listen to as well. Single or Bi-wire Single Up to £10/m QED Ruby Anniversary Evolution £6/m March 2014 Capable of delivering a jolt of excitement to a hi-fi system, but can emphasise any harshness present in bright-sounding electronics. Single or Bi-wire Single Van den Hul The Clearwater £6/m March 2014 Capable of delivering a jolt of excitement to a hi-fi system, but can emphasise any harshness present in bright-sounding electronics. Single or Bi-wire Single Wireworld Luna 7 £6.50/m March 2014 A fine speaker cable, the Luna’s exciting presentation and all-round ability means it should sit well…

“What’s more, this is a performance full of life. The bass and 4/4 kick drum have real impetus that steers the song from the moment their beat kicks in. There's a decent amount of driving low end” RHA T20 | In-ear headphones | £180 FOR Plenty of detail; punchy and exciting; comfortable fit AGAINST More accuracy needed with complex rhythms KEY FEATURES 39g FILTER CHOICE STEEL BODY No, it’s got nothing to do with cricket, but that won’t necessarily prevent us from trying to fill this review with dreadful/ terrific T20-based dad jokes. Right off the bat (sorry!) these RHA in-ears appear befitting of their substantial price tag. Of course quality isn’t measured in grams, but the T20s’ thick rubber cord and kidney-shaped stainless steel earpieces weigh a reassuring 39g.…

FOR Effective noise-cancelling; full-bodied listen; look stylish AGAINST Bass a little fat; slight thud with movement KEY FEATURES BLUETOOTH NOISE-CANCELLING REPLACEABLE BATTERY Decent-sounding wireless headphones no longer cost the earth – just look at the Award-winning AKG Y50BTs (£150). But when they serve up noise-cancelling and premium material trimmings too, you should expect to pay top whack – as you do for the Award-winning Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless. Here, out to rival them, are B&O’s BeoPlay H8s. More sound per pound ‘Plush’ may well be the Danish brand’s middle name, what with some of the eye-pleasing designs it fashions. A fusion of leather, aluminium and plastic, our off-nude Agrilla Bright sample looks classy, but there’s also a Gray Hazel (grey and dark brown) finish too. The memory-foam lambskin-coated earpads sit…

FOR Balanced, up-front sound; effective noise-cancelling AGAINST Poor dynamics; bass lacks depth; short battery life KEY FEATURES BLUETOOTH NOISE-CANCELLING WEIGHT: 275G Everything comes with an app these days: AV amps, wireless speakers, streamers, Blu-ray players. But a pair of Bluetooth headphones? That’s a new one on us. The Parrot Zik 3.0s’ app (officially named ‘Parrot Zik’ and available on iOS, Android, Apple Watch and Android Wear devices), lets you activate noise cancellation and unlock more functions. If nothing else, it shows Parrot is thinking outside the box. When noise-cancelling is activated, the app shows how much ambient sound is being kept out in real time (the Ziks claim to block ‘up to 30dB’). Battery status is handily displayed too, and you can fiddle with the pretty extensive EQ settings yourself…

FOR Expansive presentation; impressive transmission range AGAINST Flat dynamics; chunky transmitter; plasticky KEY FEATURES RF WIRELESS WEIGHT 331G OUTBOARD TRANSMITTER These days you wouldn’t think of setting off on a road trip without a satnav even though, while less convenient, a trusty map or AA Route Finder print-out ultimately get you to the same place. The same is true of wireless headphones. Bluetooth has dominated much of the past decade thanks to its ubiquity and convenience, but there are still those that do the job via old-fashioned infrared or radio frequency. The Soundmagic WP10s are examples of the latter, which means that, instead of receiving music directly from a source like Bluetooth headphones, the WP10s stream from a small transmitter wired to your device. Surprisingly portable You can connect three…

“It doesn’t just throw out a big stage but also a precise and well imaged one that stays composed no matter how hard you push up the volume. In that respect it puts the Dali Kubik Free in the shade” FOR Spread of sound; precise soundstage; control and design AGAINST No Android app; midrange could be fuller KEY FEATURES APTX BLUETOOTH AIRPLAY 3.5MM INPUT Bowers & Wilkins has cemented its commitment to the wireless speaker market in recent years with the five-star A5 and A7 AirPlay models and portable T7, but the brand’s Zeppelin line is perhaps its biggest success story in the field. It all started eight years ago. The original Zeppelin marked the brand’s first foray into all-in-one speakers, spawning the equally impressive Zeppelin Mini (in 2009) and…

“We praised the ability of the original Naim Mu-so to deliver hi-fi sound in a wireless speaker, and the Qb follows in these footsteps with a big, authoritative sound that belies its small stature” FOR Big, bold sound; decent detail; well featured; fine build AGAINST Bass a bit thick; quality of the competition KEY FEATURES 24-BIT/192KHZ SUPPORT INTERNET RADIO APTX BLUETOOTH In 2014, Naim took some time out from producing more traditional hi-fi kit to have a punt at the wireless speaker market with its original Mu-so. And it not only gained a legion of new fans, but also proved it could bring hi-fi sound quality to a one-box design – albeit at a price. Now Naim is taking this a step further by taking everything we love about the…

Up to £500 Arcam miniBlink £90 Best Bluetooth receiver, Awards 15 This receiver has serious dynamic clout, with a zingy and fluid rhythm. The 3.5mm analogue output means an adaptor is needed for trad hi-fi. Inputs Bluetooth Size (hwd) 2.5 x 3 x 4cm Audioquest DragonFly v1.2 £130 February 2014 This tiny DAC/headphone amp remains one of our favourites for its USB-stick size and fine sonic talents. Clear, detailed with a fantastic sense of timing. Inputs USB Size (hwd) 6 x 2 x 1cm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96kHz Chord Mojo £400 Best DAC £400-£800, Awards 2015 The majority of the £1400 Hugo’s performance for a fraction of the price. An enthusiastic performer that stays refined and superbly balanced. Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 2 x 6 x 8cm Resolution 32-768kHz/DSD…

Desktop Speakers up to £1000 Eclipse TD-M1 £800 August 2014 Some might feel the TD-M1s are watching them – but we’re more interested in the great stereo imaging, fine detail and precision. Size (hwd) 24 x 16 x 22cm Powered Yes Finishes 2 KEF Egg £350 Best desktop speaker £200+, Awards 2015 Our 2015 Best Desktop Speaker Over £200 have a distinctive design and flexible connectivity – and a stunning, consistent performance. Size (hwd) 27 x 13 x 17cm Powered Yes Finishes 3 Wharfedale DS-1 £130 Best desktop speaker under £200, Awards 2015 Smart, terrific-sounding and just £130; if you’re after small, articulate, affordable desktops with Bluetooth streaming, you can’t go wrong. Size (hwd) 19 x 11 x 15cm Powered No Finishes 1 Up to £1000 Q Acoustics 3050 £500…

Up to £150 Cambridge Audio Go £120 Awards 2014 Few wireless speakers offer such a great combination of build quality, battery life and enjoyable performance as this former Award-winner. Size (hwd) 24 x 12 x 6cm Battery Yes, up to 18 hrs playback Roberts Travel Pad £80 March 2015 With its neat design, thoughtful features and clean, open sound, the Travel Pad delivers a fine portable Bluetooth pick-me-up. Size (hwd) 8 x 19 x 3cm Battery Yes, up to 12 hrs playback Ultimate Ears Boom 2 £120 February 2016 UE has built on the success of the original Boom and produced a speaker that betters its predecessor in usability and performance. Size (hw) 18 x 7 x 7cm Battery Yes, up to 15 hrs playback Ultimate Ears Roll £100 Best…

Up to £1000 BenQ W1080ST+ £850 Best projector under £1000, Awards 2015 This short-throw projector can sit less than six feet from the screen at max zoom – and looks brilliant thanks to its crisp, eye-catching pic. Throw ratio 0.69-0.83:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, component Speakers Yes £1000 and above Epson EH-TW6600 £1400 April 2015 If you aren’t bothered about wireless connectivity, you’ll be thrilled by its bold, rich colours, sharp lines and hugely impressive contrast. Throw ratio 1.32-2.15:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, PC, component Speakers Yes Epson EH-TW7200 £1900 Best projector £1000-£2000, Awards 2015 Versatile and easy to set up, this one raises the bar for picture quality in the sub-£2000 arena with its realistic, subtle and punchy performance. Throw ratio 1.34-2.87:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, component Speakers No…

Up to £300 Cambridge Audio TV5 £250 June 2015 The TV5 shares its TV2 sibling’s rich presentation, but with an extra driver and bigger chassis there’s better detail, clarity and dynamics. Size (hwd) 10 x 73 x 34cm Inputs Optical Canton DM55 £330 Best soundbase under £400, Awards 2015 Replacing the DM50, the £70 cheaper DM55 is even more appealing – its meaty yet subtle sound is a huge audio upgrade for your TV. £300+ Geneva Model Cinema £550 June 2015 This premium soundbase has a big, balanced and authoritative sound, with detail and dynamic insight in spades. It’s worth the extra spend. Size (hwd) 10 x 70 x 35cm Inputs Optical, coaxial…

Up to 40in Samsung UE32J6300 £380 March 2016 It expertly ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a Full HD TV. The only issue is the availability of larger rivals at the same price. Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD 40in to 50in Panasonic TX-40CS520 £380 Best 40-46in TV under £500, Awards 2015 This is a great deal. It might not be flashy (there’s no 3D or 4K) but it’s packed full of features and its picture quality is best-in-class. Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD Panasonic TX-40CX680B £700 August 2015 This good-looking telly is a great advert for smaller-screen 4K, offering a fine picture and a good stack of features with it. £700 well spent. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra…

Under 5in Apple iPhone 6S Best smartphone under 5in, Awards 2015 The iPhone 6s packs class-leading audio and video performances, a faster processor, better camera and the intuitive 3D Touch feature. OS iOS Size (hwd) 138 x 67 x 7mm Storage 16/64/128GB Over 5in Apple iPhone 6S Plus January 2016 The best big screen iPhone yet, we heartily recommend this if you have deep pockets and are looking for a fantastic multimedia device. OS iOS Size (hwd) 158 x 78 x 7mm Storage 16/64/128GB LG G4 August 2015 If its leather exterior isn’t enough to win you over, the G4’s snappy processor, stunning screen and superb camera probably will. OS Android Size (hwd) 149 x 76 x 10mm Storage 32GB & microSD Samsung Galaxy S6 August 2015 It’s lost the…

Up to £50 Atlas Element Integra £45 November 2013 An Award-winner three years on the trot, this cable digs up detail and isn’t fussy about the kit it’s used with. A great first upgrade. Balanced/Single Single Chord C-Line £45 Best analogue interconnect, Awards 2015 Few entry-level interconnects at the price come close to offering the sonic enjoyment that Chord has produced with this cable. Balanced/Single Single Wireworld Luna 7 £40 March 2014 The Luna 7 really gets stuck into a track, allowing an enthusiastic sound and showing little in the way of brightness or sharpness. Great value. Balanced/Single Single £50 & above QED Reference Audio 40 £85 June 2014 An engaging interconnect that’s capable of expressing the dynamics and nuances of a track, and which has reassuring build quality. Balanced/Single…

Up to £200 Olson Sound Fantastic HF6 £135 September 2015 Grants a system far greater freedom of expression without sacrificing control or authority. If you can afford to, buy it without reservations. Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6 Tacima CS947 £45 September 2015 Great value, the highlight being how well it allows for greater detail, attack and dynamics. For the price, it’s a brilliant entry-level purchase. Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6 £200 and above Isotek EVO Polaris + Premier cable £400 September 2015 Offers a significant improvement over just plugging your hi-fi into the wall, allowing your system to sound more positive and confident. Type Cable + block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6 Russ Andrews X6 £350 September 2015 No matter…

Up to £200 Atacama Duo 6 £65 February 2013 Easy to assemble (we suggest you mass-load the stand), these Atacamas help produce a detailed, clear and energetic sound. Top plate size (wd) 130 x 170mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2015 A speaker stand that impresses with how weighty and dynamic it allows systems to sound. Considering the price, it’s something of a steal. Top plate size (wd) 130 x 170mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes Soundstyle Z2 £70 November 2008 An ideal stand if you’re on a budget, the Z2s can boost your speakers’ detail, attack and openess for less than £100. Top plate size (hwd) 125 x 166 x 3mm Height 57cm Fillable No £200 and above Custom Design FS104 Signature £200…