Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 i What Hi-Fi?

It’s comforting to know, even in times of economic, manufacturing and political uncertainty, there are some things you can rely on. And chief among those, at least as far as my job of work goes, is the certainty that TV manufacturers are prepared to turn what amounts to no profit whatsoever in the quest for market share. It’s probably a highly questionable strategy but, as far as we consumers are concerned, the ongoing and relentless price war among TV manufacturers both world-famous and obscure means ever-higher specification and ever-lower prices. Just turn to the three-way test of 48/49in 4K ultra-HD TVs (p38) to find out exactly what I mean. It’s not all that long ago we tested a trail-blazing 39in 4K TV costing £500 – we gave it one star,…

Dynaudio Emit M30 | Stereo speakers | £1250 FOR Detail, low-end authority; capable of high volume; build AGAINST Sound lacks the enthusiasm we’d expect KEY FEATURES Two-way speakers Rear ported Single wire Dynaudio’s Emit M30s have a lot to live up to. The standmount version of this speaker, the M20, is our newly crowned speaker Product of the Year, so the addition of a larger cabinet and extra bass driver can only be a good thing, right? Despite costing well over a grand, these are the cheapest floorstanders Dynaudio currently makes. The company has never done ‘budget’, and it doesn't seem to be about to start now. Drivers of distinction The distinctive drive units are in-house designs, carefully honed over years of development. We are big fans of the company’s…

Considering the number of people still using the bundled buds that come with their handset on a daily basis, aiming a pair of £700 headphones at a smartphone audience does seem a rather big ask. Then again, with its most expensive headphones topping out at over £3000, Audeze hasn’t exactly concerned itself with price. Quality of construction These cans certainly look premium – large black-and-silver aluminium earcups that swivel flat, soft squishy earpads and a chunky cushioned headband. They’re sturdy and well built but, at 460g, are hitting the limits of what we would consider portable. And there’s no travel case. The EL-8s are comfy enough in the short term, but we find their heft starts to weigh heavy on our heads during longer listening sessions and, while those earpads…

 Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 II | Stereo speakers | £8000 ”Take a listen to Hans Zimmer’s Inception OST and these towers generate impressively deep lows, the kind you feel as much as hear. Just as pleasing is the agility at these frequencies” FOR Clean, detailed sound; huge scale; great bass; build AGAINST Sound lacks a bit of bite and excitement We reviewed the first generation of Monitor Audio’s Platinum PL300s back in 2008. At that time, the company didn’t have much of a reputation for high-end speakers, but out of nowhere came a pair of luxury floorstanders that could stand toe-to-toe with the best at the price. We were impressed enough with the results to use a complete 9.2 Platinum package (PL300s as fronts) as a reference set-up for many…

This is the definitive guide to the best home-entertainment kit you can buy. From 75in TVs to smartphones, from portable Bluetooth speakers to Dolby Atmos surround-sound packages, here’s where you’ll find the perfect product, fast. NEW ENTRIES This month, Apple’s controversial iPhone 7 makes it in, Oppo’s HA-2 SE DAC makes a few adjustments to a winning formula, and AKG’s N40 in-ears offer great performance – as long as you have a good quality source and DAC. Apple iPhone 7 “Even with the controversy, it’s hard not to see the iPhone 7 as another success for Apple” Oppo HA-2 SE “The original’s dynamic, articulate and detailed sound still provides the solid foundations of the HA-2 SE” AKG N40 “The demanding nature of these AKGs makes then a niche option, but…

Up to £200 Arcam miniBlink £90 Awards 2015 ***** 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 25 x 30 x 40mm Audioquest DragonFly Black £90 Best USB DAC under £100, Awards 2016 ***** Cheaper, with improved sound and compatibility, this is arguably the best DragonFly yet. The 96kHz playback limit is a disappointment though. Inputs USB Size 60 x 20 x 10mm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96kHz Audioquest DragonFly Red £170 Best USB DAC £100+, Awards 2016 ***** A more expensive alternative to the DragonFly Black, this is a marked improvement over the original, sounding more sophisticated and subtler. Inputs USB Size 60 x 20 x 10mm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96kHz…

Desktop speakers 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, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Floorstanders up to £1000 Q Acoustics 3050 £550 Best floorstander £500-£1000, Awards 2016 ***** Another 2015 Award-winner, and no wonder. The powerful 3050s are so talented, they give speakers closer to £1000 a run for their money. Size (hwd) 100 x 20 x 30cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 5 “Hats…

Up to £150 JBL Flip 3 £100 May 2016 ***** Correcting the missteps of the Flip 2, the Flip 3 boasts a smooth, warm sound as well as improved battery life and connectivity. Size (hwd) 6 x 17 x 6cm Battery Yes, up to 10 hrs playback UE 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 UE Roll 2 £80 Best portable wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2016 ***** The Roll 2 has a sound that’s more open, more dynamic and goes louder than its predecessor. The drop in price makes this a bargain. Size (hw)…

Up to £1000 Epson EH-TW5350 £600 Best projector under £1000, Awards 2016 ***** A talented budget effort that handles motion, contrast and colour balance with great skill. It’s a mature and enjoyable projector. Throw ratio 1.22-1.47:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, RCA, composite Spks Yes £1000 to £3000 BenQ W3000 £1200 August 2016 ***** A fine alternative to a TV. 4K is off the menu but you do get a big picture, accurate colours and useful features for a relatively modest price. Throw ratio 1.15-1.86 Inputs 2 x HDMI, PC, component Speakers Yes Sony VPL-HW45ES £1850 Best projector £1000 to £2000, Awards 2016 ***** Delivers a riveting picture that strikes the perfect balance between performance and price. Great for a first projector or an upgrade. Throw ratio n/a Inputs 2 x…

Up to £500 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 Up to £500 Canton DM55 £330 Best soundbase, Awards 2016 ***** Replacing the DM50, the £70 cheaper DM55 is even more appealing – its meaty yet subtle sound is a huge audio upgrade for your TV. Size (hwd) 7 x 55 x 30cm Inputs Optical, coaxial £500 and above 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 Philips…

Up to 40in Sony KDL-32WD603 £300 Best 32-39in TV, Awards 2016 ***** A HD-ready TV might seem behind the times, but when the picture performance is this good, we can’t complain. Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution 1366 x 768 Tuner Freeview HD 40in to 50in Panasonic TX-40DX600B £500 Best 40-46in TV, Awards 2016 ***** Ideal for those with limited space, this affordable 40in TV offers an appealing experience, but doesn’t feature HDR. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview HD/Play 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. It’s £700 well spent. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview HD 40in to 50in Samsung UE40JU7000 £880…

Under 5in Apple iPhone 7 Awards 2016 ***** The lack of a headphone jack distracts from what is a sterling upgrade; an improved screen, camera and sound, plus faster performance. OS iOS Size (hwd) 138 x 67 x 7mm Storage 28/128/256GB Over 5in LG G5 (with Hi-Fi Plus DAC) Best smartphone, Awards 2016 ***** LG combines innovation and performance to produce a phone that’s up there with the best. The modular components are a brilliant idea. OS Android Size (hwd) 149 x 74 x 8mm Storage 32GB & microSD HTC 10 July 2016 ***** HTC bounces back with a superb effort that nails the core functionality of a smartphone and excels in the audio and video departments. OS Android Size (hwd) 146 x 72 x 3mm Storage 32/64GB/microSD Samsung Galaxy…

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 Company C-Line £45 Best analogue interconnect, Awards 2016 ***** Few entry-level interconnects at the price come close to offering the sonic enjoyment that Chord has produced with this cable. Balanced/Single Single QED Performance Audio 40 £45 Reviewed online ***** If you covet space and detail along with sure but nimble footwork and heaps of insight, all for less than £50, look no further. Balanced/Single Single £50 and above QED Reference Audio 40 £85 June 2014 ***** An engaging interconnect with a reassuring build quality, and one that is capable of expressing the…

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 Up to £200 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 Audioquest Jitterbug £40 April 2016 ***** It might look insubstantial, but when plugged into a USB port it works wonders, filtering signal noise to allow a more solid and precise sound. Type USB Mains filter No No. of plugs n/a £200 and above Isotek EVO Polaris +…

Experience. Heritage. We’ve been helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home entertainment for nearly 40 years, and have more than 100 years of reviewing experience under our collective belts – so you can count on our expert opinion. Dedicated test facilities We test every product against its peers in our brand-new, bespoke reviewing facility at our Twickenham HQ. We test every product as a team – our opinions and conclusions are always the result of collaboration. Reference kit Naim CDS3/NDS/UnitiServe/555 PS; Clearaudio Innovation Wood; Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2; GamuT D3i/D200i; ATC SCM50; Cambridge CXU; Panasonic DMP-UB900; Pioneer SC-LX59; Epson EH-TW7200; PMC Twenty23; KEF R50; Sky+ HD…

“If you want a Bluetooth speaker just for music, you should look elsewhere. But by bringing futuristic functionality into play, the Echo is satisfyingly clever” Amazon Echo | Wireless speaker | £150 FOR Reliable voice control; decent features; easy to use AGAINST Sound is fairly average; relies on other apps KEY FEATURES Voice control Spotify Connect Bluetooth The Amazon Echo is much more than a wireless speaker. In fact, playing music is something of a sideline. At the core of this device is Amazon's Alexa voice-assistant – and the company’s desire to get it into your home. Whether it's getting the latest news and weather, playing your music or controlling your AV system, Alexa will answer your every beck and call. Having launched in the US last year, the Echo…

"Most celebrate their 50th with cake and a glass, but B&W does it with a very special new pair of headphones" B&W P9 Signature | Headphones | £700 FOR Stunning midrange clarity; superb detail; weighty bass AGAINST Bass is a touch on the rich side KEY FEATURES inline remote and mic Over-ears design 6.3mm adapter included USE IT WITH? SMARTPHONE LG G5 with Hi-fi Plus from £free Just add the DAC module to bring innovation and performance to this superb smartphone DAC Chord Mojo £400 Another winning DAC from Chord, the Mojo offers great performance for a bargain price Fifty years is a milestone that deserves celebration. Time out to reflect on what has been, and what’s yet to come. While most do that with cake and a glass or…

Panasonic DMP-UB700 | 4K UHD Blu-ray player | £400 FOR Smooth picture; natural colour balance; good design AGAINST Sound lacks solidity; no analogue audio outputs KEY FEATURES 4K HDR Two HDMI inputs DSD USE IT WITH Samsung UE55KS7000 £1500 Remarkable picture quality at a reasonable price from this 2016 Award-winning TV 4K has finally become an affordable reality. Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray players, however, have been like buses – you wait ages for one to arrive, then three come along at once. But we’re expecting good things from the Panasonic DMP-UB700. After all, its sibling, the DMP-UB900, won the 2016 Award for best 4K Blu-ray player, wowing us with its stunning 4K picture. The idea of a cheaper player promising the same spec, picture and sound performance as its Award-winning…

“The iPod has revolutionised the where and how of music consumption” There are a number of pivotal Apple products, the devices on which the company’s reputation for superior design, ergonomics and performance rests – but there’s a strong case to be made for the iPod being the product that really launched Apple’s ubiquity, the product that laid the foundation for one of the most widely envied balance sheets in the world. Apple announced its exciting new iPod on 23rd October 2001 with the tagline “One thousand songs in your pocket!” and it went on sale on 10th November that year. Portable digital music players were nothing new – at What Hi-Fi? we published a review of Schneider’s MPMan F20 (£150, 3 stars: “never really loses that mechanical edge”) back in…

These versatile in-ears are primarily aimed at the fitness market, offering a sweatproof design and eartips that are designed to fix them tightly to your ears. They don’t have to just be used when working out of course, with active noise-cancelling on board and a clever ability for adjusting how much of the hubbub you want to block out. When you plug the JBL Reflect Aware into your phone for the first time, you’ll be prompted to download an app which allows you to control the level of noise-cancelling and tweak the EQ. As they use a Lightning connector, they take the power for the ANC from the phone, so no need for any bulky battery pack or charging. The downside, of course, is these will drain your phone’s battery…

The way we consume music has evolved somewhat in the past 50 years. But one of the biggest changes in the last few years is the shift from ownership of physical and digital music to streaming – playing songs in real time from a library in the ether. Streaming has in some ways provided a huge boost to the music industry, offsetting the decline in sales of physical formats and reshaping the way music is packaged, distributed and consumed. According to global music industry representative IFPI, streaming currently accounts for 43 per cent of digital music revenues. It is the industry’s fastest-growing revenue source, with an estimated 68m people worldwide paying for a music subscription service – up from 41m in 2014 and 8m in 2010. There are plenty of…

Stereo amps up to £500 Marantz PM6006 £400 Awards 2016 ***** Another fine amplifier from Marantz, it’s a clear improvement over the PM6005, our only disappointment is the scarcity of digital sources. Power 45W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs headphone Onkyo A-9010 £230 Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2016 ***** 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 £600 May 2016 ***** 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 2016 ***** This is…

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 Best music streamer under £100, Awarda 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 Pioneer N-50A £380 Best music streamer £100-£500, Awards 2016 ***** The impressive N-50A offers an insightful performance, and can pluck music over DLNA and Internet radio or via a hoard of inputs. DLNA Yes Inputs optical, coaxial, USB Storage No £500 to £1000 Cambridge Audio CXN £700…

Multi-room Sonos System From £175 Best multi-room system under £500, Awards 2016 ***** If you don’t need hi-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 £500+, Awards 2016 ***** Bluesound’s Generation 2 has a more streamlined design and sounds as good as ever, offering hi-res support and good connectivity. Res 24-bit/192kHz App iOS, Android Formats MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG Stereo systems up to £400 Denon D-M40DAB £350 Best microsystem, Awards 2016 ***** Denon continues to reign supreme on the micro-systems front. There are no Bluetooth or wireless features, but the sound makes up for it. Inputs Analogue & digital Sources CD, streaming, DAB,…

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 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 £100 to £300 Sony BDP-S6700 £150 Best Blu-ray player under £200, Awards 2016 ***** Another fantastic budget Blu-ray player that boasts excellent…

PVRs Humax HDR-2000T £150 Best PVR, Awards 2016 ***** We may sound like a broken record, but this fantastic digital box from Humax has plenty of features, great usability and great AV quality. 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 to £270 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 BT Ultra HD YouView min £15/month + fees November 2015 **** The first 4K box to hit the market, this…

Style packages 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 Up to £1000 Tannoy HTS-101 XP £600 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 £1000 and above B&W MT-50 £1100 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 x 16cm Finishes 2 B&W…

In-ears up to £50 SoundMagic E10C £40 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2016 ***** The C stands for compatibility but could stand for consistency too. Five years in and these in-ears are still as good as they’ve ever been. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m £50 to £100 Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £80 Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2016 ***** You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound quite so good – not for just £80. But they are 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 £100 to £500 Focal Sphear £100…

On demand video BBC iPlayer Free 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 Qobuz Sublime £220/pa May 2016 ***** Qobuz Sublime is, well, sublime.…

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 £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 rack, Awards 2016 ***** The SE stands for Special Edition, while significant improvements in the Eco 60-40’s design and dampening mean it works better than ever. Width 600mm Modular Yes Cable management No…

Up to £200 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 £200 to £1000 Rega Fono MM Mk2 £200 Best phono stage, Awards 2016 ***** 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…

Up to £100 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 £100 to £200 Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Hi-Fi Racks Podium Slimline £120 September 2013 **** A stylish offering, these are affordable stands that will make your kit sound easy-going and pleasant, if not the most attacking. Top plate size (hwd) n/a Height 50 to 70cm Fillable No £200 and above…

iPod Classic (2001) 1st Gen: Oct 2001 2nd Gen: July 2002 3rd Gen: April 2003 4th Gen: July 2004 5th Gen: Oct 2005 6th Gen: Sept 2007 (120GB): Sept 2008 (160GB): Sept 2009 iPod Mini (2004) 1st Gen: Jan 2004 2nd Gen: Feb 2005 iPod Shuffle (2005) 1st Gen: Jan 2005 2nd Gen: Sept 2006 3rd Gen: Mar 2009 4th Gen: Sept 2010 iPod Nano (2005) 1st Gen: Sept 2005 2nd Gen: Sept 2006 3rd Gen: Sept 2007 4th Gen: Sept 2008 5th Gen: Sept 2009 6th Gen: Sept 2010 7th Gen: Oct 2012 iPod Touch (2007) 1st Gen: Sept 2007 (32MB): Feb 2008 2nd Gen: Sept 2008 (16+32GB): Sept 2008 3rd Gen: Sept 2009 4th Gen: Sept 2010 (16GB): Sept 2012 5th Gen: Oct 2012 (16GB): June 2014 6th…

At £450, the Sines are definitely on the more expensive end of the Lightning headphone scale. But then, unusually, they also use planar magnetic technology instead of conventional drivers. The first thing we notice is the rock-solid build quality. The tough aluminium frame, sturdy leather finish and thick, flat cables are built to last. The earcups fold flat but don’t swivel inwards, making the Sines awkward to carry. That sturdy build means they’re quite heavy, too. Slip them on and you’ll find the Sines will either sit right on your ears, or that your ears will slip inside the confines of the leather cushions. If you’re in the latter group, you’re in for an uncomfortable ride as your ears will be pressed against the inner frame. The clamping pressure on…

Apple might have ditched the headphone jack only a few months ago, but Philips has been touting a pair of Lightning-connector headphones in its line-up for more than 18 months now. What once seemed like a pretty niche product now seems ahead of the curve. They’re an on-ear fit, with a leather and aluminium design and memory-foam earcups. Controls for volume and music playback sit on the right earcup, but there’s a still a built-in mic for taking calls. These earcups, which house the headphones’ 40mm drivers, also swivel flat for easier portability in the included carry case, but they feel sturdy enough to take on the go without worrying too much about knocks or scratches. That goes for their cable too, which is thick and durable – but fully…

"This amplifier has a beautifully judged tonal balance that sounds bang-on neutral to our ears. This means any tonal character is much more likely to come from your speakers or, to a lesser extent, your source or cables” Parasound Halo Integrated | Stereo amplifier | £2700 FOR Entertaining performer; decent build; well equipped AGAINST Remote control could be smarter KEY FEATURES Built-in DAC Phono stage 160W per channe We’re no strangers to testing expensive integrated stereo amplifiers in this section of the magazine, but they are normally purist affairs where every feature has been stripped back in the pursuit of sound quality. Parasound’s approach with its Halo Integrated is unusual, and refreshingly accommodating too. The company has made a genuine attempt to build a high-quality unit that’s as flexible as…

Up to £500 Cambridge Audio CXC £300 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 CD6006 £400 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2016 ***** The price may have gone up, but several upgrades have contributed to a CD player that, overall, is an improvement on its predecessor. Type CD player Outputs Coaxial, optical, RCA, headphone 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 i £995…

Up to £200 Pure Evoke D2 £90 Best radio under £100, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Roberts Stream 93i £150 Best radio £100-£200, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Audio Technica AT-LP5 £330 Best USB turntable, Awards 2016 ***** A pleasure to use and listen to, the LP5 boasts both ease of use and the added bonus of a USB ouput. At this price there’s none better. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 16 x 45 x 35cm Pro-Ject Essential II £210 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 Planar 1 £250 Best turntable under £500, Awards 2016 ***** The modifications Rega has made to the Planar 1 haven’t hindered the fantastic sound. It’s an entertaining turntable with no obvious flaws. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm…

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 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 that belies its price. Power 5 x 70W Dolby Atmos No HDMI in/out 4/1 £500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2300W £500 Best home cinema amplifier under £500, Awards 2016 ***** Better than the stunning AVR-X2200W; the sound has been refined, it’s easy to use and has plenty of features, all for the same price. Power 7 x 150W Dolby Atmos Yes…

Up to £500 Philips HTL5140 £270 December 2014 ***** Insightful, balanced and unobtrusive, this slimline package will suit almost any set-up. Comfortably deserving of its five-star status. Size 5 x 104 x 7cm Inputs Coax, optical, USB, analogue Sub Yes Q Acoustics Media 4 £330 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Dali Kubik One £800 Best soundbar £500+, Awards 2016 ***** 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…

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 Now TV (2015) £15 February 2016 ***** 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 £150 Amazon Fire TV (2015) £80 Best video streamer, Awards 2016 ***** 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 £50…

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 **** Likeable 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 AK70 £500 Best portable music player, Awards 2016 ***** The AK70 is even better than the AK Jr. Improved sound, more features and a better interface make this an easy recommendation Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 132g Storage 64GB £400 to £700 Pioneer XDP-100R £500 February 2016…

Under 8in Apple iPad mini 4 from £320 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 Over 8in Apple iPad Air 2 from £400 Best tablet, Awards 2016 ***** The iPad Air 2 ticks all the boxes: best-bar-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 Apple iPad Pro (9.7in) from £499 July 2016 ***** Fits all the things we like about the bigger Pro in a smaller form. This smaller screen incarnation is a seriously tempting proposition. OS iOS Size (hwd) 240 x 170…

Up to £5000 Audio Technica AT-HA5050H £4500 July 2016 ***** A headphone amp whose design harks back to the 1970s, this unit has a spellbinding sound that will leave you captivated. Outputs headphone x2 Inputs coaxial digital, XLR, RCA, USB Pathos Aurium £850 August 2013 ***** A top-class choice for amplification, but you’ll need a source and a pair of headphones of similar quality if you want the best from it. Outputs 6.3mm, XRL, RCA Inputs XLR, 3 RCA…

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 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 with a wide range of systems. Single or Bi-wire Single £10/m and above Chord Company Clearway £10/m Best speaker cable, Awards 2016 ***** Not the flashiest cable, its strength…