Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2017 i What Hi-Fi?

One of the great/frustrating/paradoxical (delete as appropriate) things about hi-fi and all its variations is that it’s possible for less to be more andmore to be more. Sometimes at the same time. This issue’s full of examples. Take a look at the round-up of six great pairs of powered speakers (p34) , for instance. By moving amplification, Bluetooth connectivity and what-have-you into the speaker you reduce the number of components your system comprises and adjust your budget downwards accordingly. And you get more for less. Contrast this with the tie-in between Tidal and MQA (p32) . Now Tidal subscribers have access to a stack of great-sounding hi-res audio at the same price as before: more music, more detail and fidelity within the music, for no more outlay. It’s a different…

“You can be sure of two things with Audio Pro: it’ll be wireless, and will look as if it’s been freshly made by a 3D printer” FOR Compact, smart minimal-fuss design; clear and agile AGAINST Lacks bass presence, drive and detail Without so much as a glance at a recent Audio Pro speaker, you can be sure of two things: it’ll be wireless, and will look as if it’s been freshly made by a 3D printer – simple, clean and minimal. In its early days in the ’70s and ’80s, the Scandinavian hi-fi brand produced passive speakers and systems, but every speaker in its repertoire today – all under the ‘Addon’ name – is wireless. Slim functionality The T20s are the range’s powered towers, and unsurprisingly share the same design…

IN DETAIL B&O One of the two removable cables supplied with the Play H6s has a remote, optimised for iOS. Both earcups have a socket, so you can daisy-chain a second pair of cans for music sharing Jabra The price might be solidly budget, but the Move Wireless’s metal stems give an impression of substance while the earcups’ soft padding is comfy JBL Thick padding on the earcups of the Everest 300s makes for a good ear-to-cup seal, and a more luxurious feel than most price-rivals offer Sennheiser The HD2.30s take a no-nonsense, minimalist approach to design which extends to the ’phones’ folding mechanism. One hinge on each side – job done SoundMagic They don’t fold up, but the Vento P55s do come with a smart carry case and a…

Here at What Hi-Fi? we appreciate good sound quality and understand that the best way to get it on a restricted budget is to keep the tech simple. Wireless can sometimes be the enemy of good sound, but the need to cut the ties is getting only more important, and the JBL Everest 300s, which have a battery life of 20 hours, are among the cheaper wireless headphone options. Street-wise design We’re roughly in the Beats mould here, with chunky lines and a youth/street inflection. The cups sit on swivelling bases, making each earpiece an inch or two deeper than those of the Beats Solo 3 Wireless. The cups rotate a few degrees in every direction, so should fit any head with ease. Deep fake-leather-topped padding makes attaining a good…

A decade ago, we at What Hi-Fi? got very excited reviewing a little 11in Sony TV. What raised our heart rate was a new screen technology, using organic light emitting diodes. The potential for the tech was clear – but progress takes time. In the intervening years, LG took up the OLED reins from Sony, and screen sizes have exploded to 75 inches and beyond. And now the floodgates have finally opened: 2017 will be the year of OLED, with three of the four main TV brands going really big on the tech. Only Samsung has held out against the OLED onslaught – it has plans of its own… “You don’t need to be a design guru to come to the conclusion that the W7 looks stunning – and that…

 Sony MDR-Z1R | Headphones | £1700 “The midrange is as impressive as the frequency extremes, with the headphones delivering the vocals with fluidity, conviction and subtlety” FOR Excellent detail resolution; even tonal balance; scale; build AGAINST They demand quality electronics Sony turns 70 this year, and celebrates that landmark with a range of Signature products: two portable music players, a desktop DAC and the MDR-Z1R headphones on test here. All the products carry premium four-figure price tags and are meant to showcase the company’s expertise. In the case of the MDR-Z1R, £1700 buys a pair of large, understated closed-back headphones. As is Sony’s way, there’s little design exuberance. If you’re expecting overtly luxurious touches or extravagant styling for your money, these aren’t the cans for you. What do you get…

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 Cambridge Audio CXA60 £500 Best stereo amplifier £300-£700, Awards 2016 ***** This is a lively performer with expressive dynamics and a surefooted sense of rhythm. Build quality is impressive. Power 60W Inputs 4 line-in Outputs Preamp, 2 x speaker, headphone Naim Nait 5si £925 January…

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…

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…

Up to 40in Philips 24PFS5231 £200 March 2017 ***** If your current needs call for an affordable TV with great picture and sound, then there’s no reason why this Philips shouldn’t be on your list. Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution 1920 x 1080 Tuner Freeview HD 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…

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…

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…

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…

”The Tannoy 7.4s certainly live up to the claim of being big speakers for a big room, providing plenty of scale” Tannoy Mercury 7.4 | Stereo speakers | £400 FOR Big sound for a small budget; fairly agile midrange AGAINST Dynamically flat; treble, bass need more control The past 12 months have been something of a rollercoaster for Tannoy, with it celebrating its 90th anniversary and then takeovers and turmoil at HQ. It’s hard not to think some of that pressure is starting to show. The Mercury 7.4s, the second of the four-strong Mercury 7 range we’ve tested, are budget floorstanders. With a 44-litre design aimed at larger rooms, the cabinets are pretty chunky – they aren’t the most elegant speakers we’ve seen. The plastic plinths hint at their price…

“The QR3s never sound fragile or unsure of themselves. It’s a confident presentation, fast and rhythmic with a real sense of drive” Audiovector QR3 | Stereo speakers | £1350 FOR Energetic and dynamic performance; clean treble AGAINST Lack some subtlety; light on deep bass With the Audiovector QR3s, you get what you pay for. No more, no less. The Danish hi-fi manufacturer has made a name for itself through its trademark upgradeable speakers – speakers you could buy one year and upgrade the next, with better drivers, an improved crossover or even a superior cabinet. It’s quite the departure then, for the company to introduce a speaker that’s an ‘as is’ design. There’s no upgrade path – just the choice of the QR3 floorstander we’re testing here, or its QR1…

“It’s a credit to the 5 AXs just how transparent they are to every single component in your system” FOR Excellent, rhythmic sound; good timing; functionality AGAINST Need 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 plug and play – to be up and running with minimum fuss. And that’s what they do – but take care with set-up and these speakers will shine. Hidden wonders At a glance, the speakers themselves look just like their passive siblings, save for a small…

“The trumpet solos are sweet, musical and indicative of the A2’s impressive dynamic ability” FOR Big, authoritative, solid sound; expressive, fluid mids AGAINST Treble needs refining; timing isn’t great Not many floorstanders can claim to stand on their own two feet (well, in this case four) quite as independently as the Wharfedale Diamond A2s. These speakers are as qualified as any to be considered as a just-add-a-source hi-fi system. Only an ashtray-sized control hub, the H1, stands in the way of total autonomy. It’s what your sources connect to, via the hub’s coaxial, optical or RCA inputs, or aptX Bluetooth. The H1 then wirelessly sends the music signal to the speakers over the 5.8GHz frequency band rather than the often-crowded 2.4GHz in a drive for less interference. The hub of…

“The combination of style, comfort and fine sound make these among the better premium portable headphones around” The B&O name is associated with luxurious opulence as much as sound quality. In this arena that can be a drawback, because using high-grade materials can be a sure-fire way to end up with uninspired sound per pound. But the Play H6 Generation 2s are a solid choice, particularly if you want relaxing headphones. The pads are made of lambskin leather rather than synthetic leather, and the padding uses memory foam. It’s disappointing to see a ring of plastic (‘polymer’) around the earcup caps, but the mission to appear luxurious is largely a success. Our test samples are in tan/silver, but an all-black finish is also available. These are full-size headphones with a…

Not every pair of headphones has to be a status symbol. The Sennheiser HD 2.30s, for example, are about as plain as they come – the kind of headphone Sennheiser might have released a decade ago, before Beats turned 90 per cent of street pairs into a multi-coloured fashion show. All the portable headphone basics are here, though. The HD 2.30s are light, feel well made enough to justify the £80 price and fold up for easy transportation. The cable is removable. Our version has a three-button remote designed for iOS devices, but Sennheiser also makes a version for Android devices, called the HD 2.30 G. The cable is 1.4m long. These aren’t the most comfortable on-ears though, because the earpiece padding is minimal. They may start to cause some…

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 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 headliners. Battery No – Size (hwd) 21 x 24…

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…

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…

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 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 2012 ***** Compact…

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…

A Saucerful Of Secrets – Pink Floyd This isn’t just an emblem of Floyd’s transitional phase, but a handbook for discovering the group’s artistry and musicianship. Awaken, My Love! – Childish Gambino This deliciously styled, mostly energetic effort is arguably pure mimicry, but it’s a slick, enjoyable ride. Get your funk on. How To Be A Zillionaire - ABC Its sound is distinctly dated but, when Martin Fry’s considerable melodic gifts come to the fore, there’s plenty to admire.…

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…

“Having heard many samples we’re convinced good cables are vital to getting the most from your electronics” “There’s an impressive sense of scale and the ability to deliver lower frequencies with heft” Rega Couple2 | Interconnect | £100 FOR In a capable system this is a bold and dynamic performer AGAINST Lacks a bit of refinement Rega is best known for its range of class-leading turntables and, more recently, the quality of its amplifiers. But take a look at the company’s website and you’ll find the brand is involved in manufacturing most parts of a hi-fi system, including some rather tasty speakers and, perhaps less glamorously, cables. Some people still have doubts as to the worth of quality cabling in a system. Having heard many samples of differing types over…

“The soundbar’s side-firing drivers provide a spacious sound, stretching the soundtrack to fill our testing room” Polk MagniFi Mini | Soundbar | £350 FOR Good agility; big bass; spacious sound AGAINST Could be more insightful; boxy midrange There are a few benefits to being small. You’re more adept at playing hide and seek, naturally better at potholing, and usually have a slight edge at limbo. However, none of this applies to soundbars – a product that usually has to hit the sweet spot between impressive audio and compact body. But Polk is attempting to get round this with the MagniFi Mini, which the company says will provide “huge sound from a mini soundbar”. To start with the glaringly obvious, it’s small. At just 35cm long and 7cm tall, it’s little…

1 Astell & Kern AK380 Stainless Steel £4800 Strictly limited to just 200 examples, this Stainless Steel edition of a superb hi-res audio player a) comes with a slide-on headphone amp and carry-case, b) is “dramatically milled from a single block of stainless steel” and c) costs £1800 more than the standard version. whf.cm/2kjTp6w 2 B&O Beoplay H4 £250 Combining lambskin, aluminium and memory foam, the wireless H4s have a claimed battery life of 19 hours from a single charge and a typically B&O aesthetic. Hence the Charcoal Grey finish. whf.cm/2lr3ECa 3 B&W DB Series from £1950 Big numbers attach to B&W’s new “most powerful ever” range of subwoofers. The £3950 DB1D, for instance, features 2000W of power and sports dual-opposed 12in drivers – the largest cones the company has…

Oppo UDP-203 £650 Panasonic DMP-UB900 £450 ”With its 4K talents, the Panasonic DMP-UB900 ushered in a new era of home cinema...” If the Panasonic DMP-UB900 and Oppo UDP-203 were Norse gods, they’d be on top of a snowy mountain, slinging lightning bolts at each other in a battle for ultimate dominance. The fact they’re 4K Blu-ray players, sitting on the kit-rack in one of our test rooms, doesn’t make their clash any less dramatic. The reign of 4K Blu-ray players is still in its infancy, but the kind of performance we’re already seeing is breathtaking. The Panasonic DMP-UB900 and the Oppo UDP-203 are at the pinnacle of 4K performance, both with glowing five-star reviews in the bag. It’s time to decide which deserves a place in your home cinema system.…

Headphone manufacturers must be delighted at the current interest in all things wireless. Simply add the technology to existing models and stick another £100 or more to the price of your high-end pairs. But Jabra doesn’t play that game. Its Move Wirelesses are affordable and have all the important elements of good Bluetooth headphones, including enjoyable sound. These are petite on-ears whose fabric-topped headband and chunky metal stems belie their budget status. We wouldn’t advise mistreating the headband though: flex it firmly and you can hear what sounds like the glue between two layers complaining. Our review sample is red/black, but there are also all-black and blue versions, plus black with gold highlights. Comfort zone The Jabras are pretty comfortable. Their headband does exert some pressure to keep them on…

Among headphone manufacturers, SoundMagic is something of a plucky underdog. It’s one of the only Chinese brands you’ll find on the high street, where it competes with the Sonys and Sennheisers of this world. The Vento P55s are full-size over-ear headphones that are nevertheless designed to be portable – an alternative to the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 or B&O H6. A profusion of aluminium parts gives these cans a premium look and feel. The thick foam padding topped with high-quality synthetic leather on the cups and headband is suitably squishy, and they don’t apply too much pressure on your ears. We have a few reservations about the pads though, which are on the small side. After a while this can cause some discomfort. Ample accessories The P55s don’t fold up, but…

”There’s little aura of luxury here, just the feeling that with care this thing will still be working decades from now” Audio Research GSi75 | Integrated amplifier | £14,500 FOR Transparent, subtle sound; dynamics and detail; features AGAINST No balanced inputs; needs careful partnering High-end hi-fi purists tend to frown upon the concept of integration. Multiple boxes, each dedicated to an individual task, have long been promoted as the way to get the best sound. Such thinking ends up with some fabulous-sounding systems, but also a box count that can easily reach into double figures. If you want all the quality without the quantity, Audio Research’s new integrated amplifier, the GSi75, might just be the answer. This single unit – admittedly the size of a baby hippo – packs pre-…

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 the UDP-203 from Oppo which sets a new standard in home cinema, Philips’ 24PFS5231 TV brings a big sound to the small screen and, in the Zensor 5 AX, Dali has made an excellent and convenient speaker. Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player “Oppo’s first 4K Blu-ray player reminds us just how stunning 4K pictures can be, taking us back to the early days when 4K videos would make our jaws drop” Philips 24PFS5231 “The quality of this 24in screen more than meets the high standards set by its speaker”…

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 Ruark Audio MR1 £300 October 2015 ***** The £50 wireless battery pack for the R1 radio will turn these Award-winning desktop speakers into a tidy little wireless package. Size (hwd) 17 x 13 x 14cm Powered Yes Finishes 1 Floorstanders up to £1000 Dali Zensor 5 AX £800 March…

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 £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…

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 Offl ine 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 Offl ine 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 Offl ine playback Yes Technics Tracks Variable January 2016 ***** Offering…

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…

Speaker cable What is it? Solid-core or stranded metal cable sheathed in a plastic casing. It’s priced per metre, so you use equal lengths. What’s it for? Connecting speakers – either stereo pairs or surround sound packages – to a stereo or multichannel amplifier. Digital audio cable What is it? Also called a Toslink cable. It’s a digital optical cable that transmits digital audio as pulses of laser-generated light. What’s it for? It transmits audio in the digital domain between sources, amps and recorders with compatible sockets. HDMI cable What is it? HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It’s a digital cable that transmits video and audio from a source. What’s it for? It’s used to connect a Blu-ray player, Sky HD box, games console or any other source with…

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…