Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2017 i What Hi-Fi?

Surely now is the time to take the 4K plunge? If last month’s starter of TVs and Blu-ray players wasn’t enough to convince you, now we’re going for an all-you-can-eat buffet with our subscription TV services 4K showdown (p28) . Sky, the biggest name in paid-for TV since it arrived way back in 1989, has a battle on its hands – rivals Virgin and BT are also desperate to lure us in with eye-popping 4K content. In a change of pace, and with the Pink Floyd retrospective at the V&A just around the corner, it seemed the perfect time for a touch of nostalgia while comparing some thoroughly 21st Century record players (p36) – all of which allow you to convert your vinyl to digital files. Out came photographer Steve’s…

“Once connected to the Too (via Bluetooth or aux-in) you can prepare for a fun ride” Libratone Too | Wireless speaker | £100 FOR Pacy, detailed sound; useful Libratone app AGAINST Doesn’t deliver promised ‘epic 360’ sound ***** This is the Libratone Too. Not Two. The maker’s thinking behind the name? Wherever you go, your music goes too. Welcome to Libratone’s latest portable Bluetooth speaker. At seven years old, this Danish start-up is now one of the more established Bluetooth kids on the block. Its Zipp model wooed us back in 2012, so let’s see how its latest offering competes. Outdoors type Not uncommonly for a Danish brand, Libratone tends to nail the design angle, and the Too is true to form. A smart-looking bit of tech, its maker equates…

“Pure has preserved the things that the D2 did well and instilled them in the character of the new radio. The H2 is impressive for a £100 product“ Pure Evoke H2 | Digital radio | £100 FOR Clean midrange; textured bass; detailed sound; low price AGAINST Outdated display; not immediately portable ***** Place the new Pure Evoke H2 radio next to its predecessor, the Evoke D2, and you’d be hard-pressed to tell them apart. Both radios have identical faces and controls. So, what's the difference between the two – and what changes have been made? According to Pure’s engineers, the H2 has reduced distortion in the lower frequencies. This has been achieved through tweaking the circuitry, as well as using an ABS composite cabinet (rather than the MDF used for…

“The amount of clear and crisp detail you hear in such a large, open soundstage is wonderful; subtleties are delivered cleanly and effortlessly” Piega Classic 5.0 | Stereo speakers | £1600 FOR Large scale of sound; solid basslines; gorgeous finish AGAINST Rivals offer subtler, more expressive dynamics **** Two things that strike us when we first listen to the Piega Classic 5.0 speakers: the large scale of the sound and the clarity of each note. Piega may not be a household name in the UK, but the Swiss speaker brand – which has specialised in ribbon-tweeter designs since 1986 – is worth seeking out for its detailed and articulate sound. Even presentation The amount of clear and crisp detail you hear in such a large, open soundstage is wonderful; subtleties…

1 Densen Cast Amp £2895 Densen’s Cast Amp is the Danish company’s first foray into the streaming market. Boasting Google’s Cast tech, it’s compatible with both Tidal and Google Home. It also features a scaled-down version of the B-390 amp, which apparently has been in the works for 15 years. whf.cm/CastAmp 2 Denon HEOS AVR £800 This sleek-looking AVR receiver drops cables altogether for a wireless set-up. With the app you can connect to any HEOS device in the house and the presence of HDMI 2.0a/HDCP 2.2 means 4K viewing is most definitely on the menu. whf.cm/DenonHEOSAVR 3 Philips 55POS9002 £TBC Philips’ first OLED was a decent effort and it’s back for›seconds with the 9002. Packing Ambilight, a new picture processing engine, support for Hybrid Log Gamma and Freeview Play,…

“Everything looks slick, even parts that are hidden, such as the fixings on the underside of the base. That’s not always the case, even at these price levels” ”These speakers come alive when pushed, retaining a degree of composure while delivering plenty of insight. Be aware if you have sensitive neighbours” Audiovector SR3 Signature | Stereo speakers | £3400 FOR Dynamic, punchy sound; powerful bass; excellent build AGAINST Lacks subtlety; sounds lifeless at low volumes **** Upgradable hi-fi is an excellent way to preserve your initial investment and still get an improvement in sound. Brands such as Naim and Cyrus have built their business on modular electronic designs that can be improved by the addition of a power supply or internal mod. We’re not used to seeing such…

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 Style packages £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…

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 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 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…

Planet Earth II – out now If you needed a reason to own a 4K player then this is it. A stunning look at the natural world in native 4K, this is a must have for anyone who’s interested in getting the ultra high-def format. Sully – 15th May Clint Eastwood’s drama is a little inert dramatically, but the recreation of US Airway’s Flight 1549 water landing is great, as is Tom Hanks as Capt Chelsey ‘Sully’ Sullenberger. Hacksaw Ridge – 22nd May This is an incredibly violent re-enactment of the Battle of Okinawa, but the 4K is a nice upgrade over the Blu-ray, with an immersive Dolby Atmos soundtrack along for the ride.…

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…

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…

“These headphones keep each instrument in line when lesser cans would struggle” Focal Listen | Headphones | £150 FOR Solid build; smooth treble; good amount of detail AGAINST Needs more punch and aggression; not too comfy **** We’re yet to hear a product from Focal that we didn’t like; pretty much every piece of its kit that we’ve reviewed has received either four or five stars. As such, we have high hopes for the French manufacturer’s Listen headphones, and they perform well. These cans are insightful, rich, sensitive and spacious, but are a tad too reserved to get full marks. Sturdy build From the moment you take them out of the box, the resilience of Focal’s headphones is obvious – you can twist and turn the headband any way you…

Since we started to include smartphones and tablets in our reviewing roster several years ago, the focus on sound and vision from the sector has become bigger and bigger with every year that passes. Mobile World Congress 2017 was certainly proof of that. For many people, their phone is the device on which they consume a large chunk of their movies and music, so giving these areas as much consideration as the rest of a handset’s high-end specifications seems only right. As a brand, Sony is aware of this, and has previously filtered its TV technology down to a mobile phone level – even announcing the world’s first 4K phone, the Xperia Z5 Premium, two years ago. That handset fell short of the mark, largely due to a lack of…

”There’s a smoothness to the Byrons that makes them easy to listen to” Beyerdynamic Byron £50 ***** Beyerdynamic’s long-standing expertise with headphones makes its mark on the new Byrons, with the impressive midrange and treble being the highlights here. There’s plenty of headroom for the top end to soar, so the passionate vocals are kept clear, and tinkling pianos are given the space to flourish. There’s a smoothness to the Byrons that makes them easy to listen to over long hours, too. Compared with their rivals, the Byrons better reveal the harmonies surrounding a note, and revel in deep, textured basslines. You’ll be happy to have these headphones in your pocket anywhere you go. The slim, sturdy cable doesn’t feel flimsy, nor is it prone to twisting or tangling, while…

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, there’s the GSi75 integrated amplifier from Audio Research that has us gushing with praise over its performance. Also, Sony’s MDR-Z1R which, despite its premium price, is the finest closed-back headphone we’ve heard. Sony MDR-Z1R “If you want a closed-back headphone, and are willing to feed these Sonys with capable electronics, we don’t think we’ve tested a better alternative.” Audio Research GSi75 “It can stand toe-to-toe with the finest pre/power combos at this price, yet comes in a single chassis and is packed with useful features most of them lack”…

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 April…

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…

Spatial awareness If your soundbar comes with a subwoofer, you’ll need it as close as possible to the ’bar, otherwise sound integration may be a problem and they’ll come across as two entities. Table topper? Some soundbars are flat and slim, but others aren’t, and may block off your TV’s infrared receiver. Consider a shelf under the telly (or invest in a power drill). Always look Check the connections. Some ’bars need you to plug everything into your TV, then connect that to your soundbar. But you may prefer to use the soundbar directly. Find all our 2016 Award winners here... http://www.whathifi.com/ awards/2016…

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 3 £100 March…

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…

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 Click here…

Don’t dismiss four-star kit In this buying guide we only include kit rated four stars or higher, but that doesn’t mean you should always go for the highest-rated option. Your specific needs, whether it’s the scale and dynamism required for classical music or the low-end control that DJs demand, might be better met by a four-star amp than a five-star rival. Remember, settle on what your priorities are, and audition equipment whenever you can. Use your ears for cable management Fed up with hearing your footsteps and the rustle of your clothes through your earbuds? Try running the cable over the top of your ear before putting the earphone in (as shown). It’ll help keep the cable away from external interference. Some models won’t fit like this, but most will…

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 Click…

“If you were thinking short speakers mean a soundstage aimed at your knees, you’d be wrong. The angled baffle helps throw the sound upward” Neat Iota Alpha | Speakers | £1385 FOR Fun presentation, expressive dynamics AGAINST Larger rivals tend to go louder and deeper ***** Neat’s Iota Alphas are odd-looking things. It’s almost hard to take them seriously thanks to the mixture of knee-high stature and strangely angled appearance. Yet, if you believe that beauty is as beauty does, then these floorstanders are something to savour. They’re for people who want great sound without room-dominating hi-fi. We’re big fans of the original Iota standmounters, which are still part of Neat’s product range. They remain a superb utility choice; small enough to squeeze into all sorts of places but always…

“It’s hard not to get on board with Acoustic Research's mission to prioritise sound” Acoustic Research AR-M20 | Music player | £600 FOR Solid, insightful sound; good battery life; classy build AGAINST Lack of dynamic subtlety; app prone to crashing **** If hi-res music players such as the Award-winning Astell & Kern AK70 and the Onkyo DX-P1 can be considered jacks-of-all-trades – the former for its digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), and the latter for its extensive Android experience – you could perhaps hope that the Acoustic Research AR-M20 is more a master of one. As a straight-up dedicated music player, aimed at purists and anyone firmly rooted in ‘less is more’ minimalism, the M20 is indeed nothing more and nothing less. Affordable companion Based on, and sitting under, the brand’s £900…

Huawei Its P10 features a 5.1in Full HD screen and›support for 24-bit/ 192kHz audio, with its 5.5in sibling, the P10 Plus, adding a 2K display. The big news, though, is the Leica cameras: a dual-lens system with a 20MP monochrome, and›a 12MP colour sensor. Motorola The Moto G5 and G5 Plus pack 5in and 5.2in Full HD displays respectively. The G5 Plus boasts the more impressive specs, with a›Snapdragon 625 processor and more RAM, and although both share a›13MP camera, the G5 Plus pips the G5 for low-light performance. Nokia The all-metal Nokia 6, a 5.5in Full HD device packing Dolby Atmos sound, has grabbed our attention. With dual speakers and a built-in smart audio amplifier, it›promises music with deeper bass and pleasing clarity. It will launch at a midrange…

”The DAC3 uncovers a level of nuance and drama that all but its class-leading rivals tend to miss out on” ”The Benchmark DAC3 HGC lacks any hint of luxury, reminding us more of lab equipment than premium hi-fi” Benchmark DAC3 HGC | Digital to analogue converter | £2350 FOR Muscular presentation; well equipped; compact size AGAINST Lacks luxury feel ***** When buying a fridge, you walk into your local retailer and look at the ones on offer within your budget. You’ll probably open the doors, wobble a few shelves and if it all looks and feels good, you might buy it – without knowing whether it is any good at cooling foods. Perceived value counts for a lot, and sometimes, no matter how well a product performs, there’s every…

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 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 £500 to £1000 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 PVR 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,…

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 ***** An…

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 Click here to view offers on headphone amplifiers…

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…