Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2017 i What Hi-Fi?

Imagine, for a moment, you’ve had a really good idea. An idea that’s not only good, in fact, but an idea that’s marketable. Feeling pretty pleased with yourself, right? I know I would be. The trouble with an idea that’s good and marketable, of course, is that other people will recognise it as such – and immediately they’ve done so, they’ll try to horn in on your action. Luckily for us, as consumers rather than inventors of home entertainment equipment, the slew of variations on that initial good idea can mean only one thing: greater choice and improved performance. That’s two things, actually, but you take my point. And it’s a point made absolutely crystal clear by this issue’s test of seven wireless Bluetooth speakers from just £100 (p32) –…

View Quest Retro Mk II | Digital radio | £100 FOR Stylish design; lots of features; decent dynamics AGAINST Buttons could feel nicer; sound needs more detail Technophiles may find common ground in their shared love of technology, but that tech comes in all shapes and forms. Some may like the sleek and shine of the latest smartphone, while others prefer having a rotary phone hanging on the wall. For those seeking the middle ground – modern functionality with a retro aesthetic – the View Quest Retro Mk II radio will scratch that itch, and at an affordable price. The VQ comes in a choice of 11 different bold colours or, for an extra £30, a range of finishes including polka dot and lemon print. Another £30 will also buy…

“Whenever a speaker invites you to take it out into the real world, it’s got to be loud, at least” Vifa Helsinki | Wireless speaker | £300 FOR High volume; nice bass weight; good amount of detail AGAINST Needs more dynamic expression; not agile At a glance, you might mistake the Vifa Helsinki for a small clutch bag or a woolly purse rather than a wireless speaker, something that might belong more in a fashion shoot than a hi-fi testing room. But Vifa hasn’t settled for style over substance – beneath the furry fabric is a product with some solid sound quality. The Helsinki will play your music in two ways: through its 3.5mm input jack on the back, or via aptX Bluetooth. Apart from volume controls, there is only…

 FOR Articulate and insightful; well built; closed-back design “Our first impression is of a spacious, clear presentation. These closed-back headphones stand toe-to-toe with their open-backed rivals” AGAINST Design may not suit smaller heads Few headphones can claim a heritage to rival Audio Technica’s W series – the ATH-W1000Z marks the 11th generation of a range that started in 1996. As is the brand’s way, it’s a careful evolution of its predecessor rather than a radical departure. Audio Technica has tried hard to retain the traditional look and feel of previous W products, and has succeeded. These are large headphones, intended for use in the home. They’re a closed-back design, good for blocking external sounds and not leaking your music out. Despite their size, the ATH-W1000Z weigh in at 320g, which…

After putting each of these headphones through their paces, with a number of systems and out and about, we concluded that the Beyerdynamic Amiron is the pair that makes the greatest impression. Proving that you shouldn’t judge a pair of headphones by its looks, the Amirons aren’t as luxurious as the other two, but they’re more comfortable and you’ll definitely be happy to wear them all day. But with headphones it should be about performance, and that’s where the Amirons excel. Whether it’s in the bass, midrange or treble, they have an all-around detail and transparency that means, provided you’ve got high-quality audio going in, you’ll get the same quality coming out. There’s a tightness to its lower end, too. It keeps a song organised, even when tested with distorted…

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 we have Arcam’s one-box home cinema solution in the Solo Movie 2.1, Audio Pro’s Addon T5 is another fantastic and affordable wireless speaker, while Rego’s Brio stereo amplifier is an incredibly talented effort.…

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…

ONE OF THE OLDEST ENTERTAINMENT TECHS, STILL GOING STRONG 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 Revo SuperSignal £180 August 2016 ***** A stylish radio with plenty of features, it’s even more impressive on the audio front thanks to a large-scale sound that belies its appearance. Battery No Size (hwd) 21 x 14 x 14cm Inputs 3.5mm, AUX in, B’tooth 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…

Up to £400 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 Denon AVR-X1300W £300 January 2017 This entry-level AV amp features Atmos and good file compatibility. The app is flaky and the competition tough, but it is a talented effort. Power 80W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 6/1 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 £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 HDMI in/out 8/2 Denon AVR-X3300W £800 Best…

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 £500 and above 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…

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 Roku…

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 Google Pixel…

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…

Experience. Heritage. We’ve been helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home entertainment for more than 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…

Google Chromecast Ultra | Video streamer | £70 FOR 4K HDR support; stable streaming; plenty of content AGAINST No Amazon Video app; price tag has doubled When the original Google Chromecast was released, it was hailed as the best way to add smart apps to your non-smart TV – a simple and affordable way to upgrade without having to buy a brand-new set. The 2015 update streamlined the design, added more apps and gave us faster speeds, making it great value at £30. However, we’re struggling to see the point of the Google Chromecast Ultra. It’s everything the Chromecast (2015) is, with added support for 4K Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range (HDR). But its limited 4K app selection doesn’t justify the £70 price tag. 4K HDR credentials are the…

“It’s a clean, thoroughly articulate performance, with voices sounding warm, natural and filled with expression” Dali Zensor 5 AX | Stereo speakers | £800 FOR Excellent sound; rhythmic and well timed; functionality AGAINST Needs careful positioning and partnering Sometimes in hi-fi you need perseverance to get the best results. But like most things that take a little effort, the rewards you’ll reap when you do are absolutely worth it. The Dali Zensor 5 AXs are a bit like that. A powered pair of floorstanders, it’s in their nature to be up and running with minimum fuss. In many ways they are, but take care with set-up and these speakers will shine. Brains and power At a glance, the speakers themselves look just like their passive siblings save for a small…

Of course, the team of reviewers from What Hi-Fi? will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer your questions on hi-fi, home cinema and more. So, if you’d like some advice or recommendations on which piece of tech to pick up, have a problem with a product you’ve bought, or simply want a bit of a natter, we’ll be there to help. Plus, don’t miss the chance to win £10,000 of kit in the show competition. What to expect at Bristol Sound & Vision Show 2017 • 182 exhibitors confirmed to date • Exclusive product launches • Prize draw of £10,000-worth of Award-winning kit to be won! • Special Deals & Offers For more details, visit www.whathifi.com…

 FOR Large presentation; works well with vocals; portability “The Bose fits nicely into the hand and nudges the scales at a slight, portable 570g” AGAINST Needs tauter bass; sound lacks finesse The mere fact you can own a Bose product for less than £100 (the SoundLink Colour typically sells for £99) should be enough to ensure it makes many a portable-speaker shortlist. And why not? Bose certainly has experience in this field and has long traded on the ‘big sound from a little box’ approach. Good ergonomics The Bose fits nicely into the hand and nudges the scales at a slight 570g. This makes it eminently portable – in or out of the house. The shallow, rounded shape is also a great fit for rucksacks and suitcases, though some would…

 FOR Multi-room ability; sound avoids harshness and softness “If your choice of Metallica doesn’t meet with approval, other users can opt out” AGAINST Narrow soundfield; leading rivals sound better KEY FEATURES Multi-room Water-resistant Double pairing Are you reading this and, at the same time, thinking ‘is there a Bluetooth speaker system which, at the tap of a button, plays the same music in up to five different rooms?’ Well, the answer is ‘yes’ and this Philips BM6B is it. For those not looking for multi-room, no matter – the Philips stops at one, too. Multi-room potential The BM6B is part of Philips’ ‘izzylink’ multi-room series – can we please call it izzy from here on in? Users can start with just a single speaker. To create a super-simple multi-room system…

 FOR Clear and organised sound; insightful midrange “The Amirons leak sound like a sieve. The benefit is a more spacious quality to your music, but be aware that people around you will hear your tunes” AGAINST Nothing of note If we had to choose one word that encapsulates both the design and sound of Beyerdynamic’s Amiron headphones, it would be ‘comfortable’. But good reviews are usually longer and, besides, the Amirons are talented enough to be worth writing about. Larger and more spacious Beyerdynamic has used alcantara microfibres (a blend of polyester and polyurethane with a similar texture to suede) and microvelour on the earcups and headband. The result is that you could wear these headphones for hours on end. They sit on your head easily, without feeling heavy (despite…

 Leema Tucana II Anniversary Edition | Stereo amplifier | £4995 ”Extensive upgrades haven’t changed the Tucana’s sonic character. It remains a robust-sounding amplifier” FOR Powerful presentation; agile lows; nicely finished AGAINST Most of the important changes are hidden How time flies. In 2006, a small-scale speaker manufacturer launched its first electronics product. The Tucana integrated amplifier, alongside the partnering Antila CD player, established Leema Acoustics as a purveyor of quality hi-fi electronics. The brand has hardly looked back since then. Over the past decade the company’s range has expanded considerably, taking in more affordable electronics, high-end products and a wider range of speakers. But the Tucana has continued to be one of the highlights of the company’s output. To celebrate those first 10 years, Leema has released an Anniversary Edition…

Stereo amps up to £500 Marantz PM6006 £400 December 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 £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 Tannoy Eclipse…

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 v2 £250 February 2017 ***** A sonically superb soundbase from the bass all the way up to the treble. The lack of a display is a bugbear but forgivable. Just. Size (hwd) 10 x 73 x 34cm Inputs Optical, HDMI, 3.5mm 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…

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch The latest Zeldagame will embrace open-world gameplay. It’s not the only new element in the series, as this Zeldais the first to offer HD, voice acting and the ability to take Link wherever you like. Nier: Automata – PS4 A sequel to the cult hit Nier, this Japanese RPG tells a story about a war between humans and a machine army from another world. Given that the game was developed by Platinum games, you can expect some fast-and-furious action. Mass Effect: Andromeda – Xbox One Andromeda takes place several hundred years after the events of the Mass Effect trilogy, following a new character tasked with discovering new planets for humanity to colonize.…

In-ears up to £50 Beyerdynamic Byron £50 February 2017 ***** A spectacular return to the budget earphone arena for Beyerdynamic, the Byron sets the standard at this price with a peerless performance. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m 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…

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 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 + Premier cable £400…

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 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 is aiding dynamics…

Wonder-wall? Where’s the best place to position a speaker? Some speakers sound better backed up against a wall (such as Wharfedale’s Diamond 220), while others prefer to be out in the open. Your choice of speaker may be dictated by how much space you have. Ear, ear Common practice for standmounters is to have the tweeters at seated ear-level. Why? The higher frequency sounds from a tweeter are more directional. Having them at this height ensures they make a beeline for your ears. Stand to attention Speaker stands keep the speaker cabinet rigid. This allows for more of the drivers’ movement to be translated into sound and not wasted through vibrations. If they’re on a carpet, make sure you have spikes to ensure stability.…

1 Exposure Electronics XM series £1240 & £660 With vinyl popular again, Exposure has launched the XM5 integrated amp and XM3 phono, with the former built for a ‘superior dynamic performance’. If you want to see – and hear – them in action, they'll be at the Bristol Sound and Vision Show in late February. whf.cm/2jEdwaG 2 JBL 4312SE £2300 JBL celebrates turning 70 by referencing its past with the 4312SE speaker. A direct descendant of the 4310/4311, it can be positioned either horiztonally or vertically, and promises powerful bass along with dynamic highs. whf.cm/2jGm9VE 3 Wilson Audio Yvette £28,800 Though it looks like something out of Doctor Who, this speaker is less about extermination and more about entertainment. Wilson Audio believes it’s the most advanced, most musically refined single-enclosure…

 FOR Features; second-speaker option; controlled sound “The app has a smart interface, which lets you adjust sound and access internet radio” AGAINST Plays it too safe – we’d like more emotion Libratone pulled the rug from under its shiny, plastic rivals’ feet when it launched its cashmere-clad Beat portable speaker. Six years on, the company is practically a veteran of the portable speaker-maker family and models encased in natural fibres have become the rule rather than the exception. The new design rule The One Style is very much part of the new rule. A minimalist – harsh critics might say bland – design, its standout feature is the thick rubber bumper that surrounds the chassis. This frame also provides a thick handle with which you can carry the Libratone or…

“The stylus is putting three to four times as much pressure on records than is typical. We wouldn’t leave our most cherished albums in its hands” FOR Attractive, unique design; all-in-one deck AGAINST Thin and restrained sound; heavy tracking weight We’ve seen it time and time again in films: a character opens the suitcase at the allocated handover point, but instead of the small fortune in ransom money they expect to be inside, they’re faced with rocks or blank paper. The ensuing disappointment somewhat mirrors our own upon encountering the suitcase-style Crosley Keepsake turntable. Perhaps our revelation shouldn’t have come as a surprise. After all, our previous experience with the company was its two-star Crosley Cruiser (£80). Its performance left much to be desired, and due to its cartridge’s unusually…

Forget raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, our favourite things are a quality sound system, an impressive amp and an expensive pair of headphones. But choosing the right kind can be a challenge – especially if you’re looking towards the higher end of the market, where you’d naturally expect a higher level of sound quality for your money. And that’s not to mention the design – do you go for a pair of open-back cans, or something closed-back so you don’t disturb the people next to you on the sofa? In this test, we have two new contenders – the Beyerdynamic Amiron and Fostex TH610 – going up against Audio Technica’s stylish and sonically superb ATH-W1000Z. Which pair will come out on top? Join us on Spotify, Tidal and…

 FOR Comfortable; punchy, surprisingly sensitive sound “The TH610s can be relied upon for a big blast of sound. However, ‘go big or go home’ has never been the be-all and end-all for headphones” AGAINST Need more clarity; harsh treble; poor rhythmically As we know, looks can be deceiving. The Fostex TH610 headphones seem the part for a high-end pair of luxury cans, but don’t have the sound quality to match. They certainly appear classy, and the walnut housings are smooth and well made, each holding a 50mm neodymium driver. Their pads are made of artificial leather and fit snugly over your ears, so they are comfortable to use. Even the 3m cable – a gold-coloured rhodium 6.3cm jack on one end and a pair of detachable two-pin connectors at the…

 Sonus Faber Venere S | Stereo speakers | £4800 “This is a performance that gets us past the mechanics of hi-fi and takes us into the realms of just having fun” FOR Big, bold sound; refined and agile; good build AGAINST More analytical alternatives for similar price High-end Italian speaker specialist Sonus Faber is rightly considered hi-fi aristocracy. Since it was founded in 1983, the company has delivered an array of talented products, quite a few of which have become part of hi-fi legend. These are invariably the company’s top-end models, the no-compromise designs that are as much about luxury build and appearance as they are about the sound. Yet Sonus Faber also makes more affordable offerings – still premium, but without price tags that could hang off a new…

The heart of your system Your amplifier is the engine of your system: it accepts the signal from a source (CD player, record player, streamer, whatever) and boosts it to a level sufficient to drive speakers. Additionally, it allows you to regulate the volume you listen at. When several sources are connected, you will, of course, want to switch between them – an amp will let you do that. Influencing the sound Some amps incorporate tone controls, allowing you to influence the sound you hear. Audio purists frown on such interference, but for many listeners it’s a must-have option. Opinion is similarly divided on the subject of remote controls: the circuitry needed by the remote might impact on the amplifier’s sound, but you can’t deny that controlling the volume from…

Up to £500 Bluesound Node 2 £499 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 Sony BDP-S6700 £150 Best Blu-ray player under £200, Awards 2016 ***** Another fantastic budget Blu-ray player that boasts excellent picture quality and…

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 is…

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 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 MT-60D £1950 May…

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 Samsung UE43KS7500 £800 February 2017 ***** An excellent all-round set from Samsung that’s proof 4K and HDR can be done well on a small screen. Costs a bit more than its rivals though. Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview/Freesat HD Samsung UE49KS8000 £1300 Best 47-52in…

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 Pioneer XDP-100R £500 February 2016 A player that ticks…

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 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 Qobuz Sublime £220/pa May 2016 ***** Qobuz Sublime is, well, sublime. Easy to use, with a diverse catalogue and competitive prices, this is a service that packs in a lot of value. Sound quality Up to 24-bit/192kHz Offline playback Yes Technics Tracks Variable January 2016 ***** Offering a (very) similar…

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 and above 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 Aria £800 December 2015 ***** A phono stage of rare quality for under £1000, the Rega Aria performs superbly – as long as the rest of your system is suitably talented. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 8…

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 £200 and above Q Acoustics 20 speaker stands £200 September 2014 ***** Designed with QAs’ Concept 20 speakers in mind, the clever construction and elegant design ensures other speakers give their best too. Top plate size (hd) n/a Height 66.5cm Fillable No…