Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2017 i What Hi-Fi?

You’ll never tire of music, of course – but what could be better than making the tunes you love sound just that little bit better, step by step? We recommend starting small on the upgrade path – indeed you needn’t spend anything to make sonic improvements you might not have believed possible. To which end, I urge you to take a look at our set-up and upgrade features, starting on p40. Our speakers Group Test (p32) should be your next port of call. Four of the biggest brands in the business pit their £200-£300 efforts against one another. And home cinema isn’t forgotten in this packed issue, either. We have tests of Dolby Atmos soundbars (p48) and 4K Blu-ray players (p56) for you to raise your home-cinema game. Correction: a…

“It might be OnePlus’s priciest phone, but it’s also one of the more convincing packages you’ll find at this price” OnePlus Five | Smartphone | £450 | whf.cm/OnePlus5 FOR Improved design; dual cameras; fast performance AGAINST No expandable storage; display lacks subtlety ★★★★ OnePlus has taken a giant leap into the unknown with its latest smartphone. Unlike previous efforts, the OnePlus 5 has its sights fixed on more expensive rivals. With improvements across the board, dual cameras and a significantly higher price, OnePlus has never had a more tempting alternative to the iPhones and Galaxy S8s. But is it now too expensive to be considered a value alternative? It doesn’t cut as mean a profile as the bezel-busting Samsung Galaxy S8 or LG G6, but a series of style refinements…

Pioneer XDP-30R | Portable music player | £350 | whf.cm/PioneerXDP30R FOR Neat presentation; good level of detail; file compatibility AGAINST Lacks drama; some issues with older Mac OSs ★★★★ Why buy a personal music player? You already have a phone that plays music, and who wants to carry two separate devices around? The argument in favour of dedicated music players seems tenuous – right up until you start listening to one. They just sound better than most phones. Pioneer is looking to expand into this category and why not? The brand has an excellent stereo heritage, littered with enough quality kit to suggest it could challenge current class leaders such as Astell & Kern and Sony. The similarities between the XDP-30R and our current favourite music player – the £500…

“There has been a trend towards making hi-fi and AV products more lifestyle-friendly, but B&O obliterates the line between traditional systems and interior design” The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Shape is a wireless music system unlike anything we’ve seen before. Looking like a beautiful piece of wall art, it is an extremely clever and well thought-out system that could just be the way hi-fi looks in our future homes. The Danish company has always done things differently, but the BeoSound Shape takes a completely new approach to how a home music system should look. While there has been a trend towards making hi-fi and AV products more lifestyle-friendly, B&O obliterates the line between traditional systems and interior design. The BeoSound Shape system comprises identical hexagonal tiles with one part of…

FOR Balanced sound; bass weight; insight; dynamics; build AGAINST Need a little space to breathe ★★★★★ whf.cm/MonitorAudioBronze2 If these latest Bronze 2s give you a strong sense of déjà vu, that’s exactly what Monitor Audio intended. Seeing no reason to mess with a successful formula, it has chosen the door marked ‘evolution’ and introduced a whole raft of engineering changes, making these arguably the most complete Bronze standmounters yet. Introduced in 2000, the original Bronze series was the entry point into Monitor Audio’s range. Five generations on, it remains at the core of the company’s output, with the ‘2’ standmounter a cornerstone of the brand. Invisible changes While the model’s appearance has hardly changed from the past generation, pretty much everything else has. The big news is that both drive…

4K TELEVISION Sony KD-55A1 ★★★★★ £3500 All the inherent qualities of OLED with Sony’s great picture-processing smarts. A superb TV 4K BLU-RAY PLAYER Sony UBP-X800 ★★★★★ £400 The colourful images of Sony’s first 4K player are stunning. Perfect for the ST5000 and A1-55 4K BLU-RAY DISC Fantasic Beasts And Where To Find Them ★★★★★ £25 The intricate visual – and sonic – world of this Harry Potter spin-off is beautifully realised in 4K Total build £5425…

Kobina Monney, Buyer’s Guide Editor 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 stunning KEF Q350s, which are astoundingly good for the price, Sony’s HT-ST5000 is a superb-sounding Dolby Atmos soundbar and AKG has knocked it out of the park with its N60 NC Wireless headphone. KEF Q350 “KEF can hold its head up high: the Q350s are a cut above the rest” Sony HT-ST5000 “It may be expensive, but the Sony is a superb-sounding product” AKG N60 NC Wireless “A great alternative for those looking for something smaller than the over-ear noise-cancellers often recommended”…

Up to £200 Arcam miniBlink £100 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 2.5 x 3 x 4cm 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 6 x 2 x 1cm 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 6 x 2 x 1cm 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 Mk2 £330 July 2017 ★★★★★ Gorgeous retro design and superb sound make the Mk2s an update that manages to be even more appealing than its predecessor. Size (hwd) 17 x 13 x 14cm Powered Yes Finishes 1 Floorstanders up to £1000 Dali Zensor 5 AX £800…

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 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) 4 x 14cm Battery Yes, up to 9 hrs playback UE Wonderboom 2 £90 June 2017 ★★★★★ If you want a travelling companion you can rely on, this portable, rugged and durable speaker is a great-sounding option. Size (hw) 10.2 x 9.4cm Battery…

Up to £400 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 £400 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2300W £400 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 £600 Best home cinema amplifier £500-£1000, Awards 2016 ★★★★★ A home cinema amp that will take your budget home cinema set-up to the next level. Its strengths are many, and weaknesses are few. Power 180W Dolby Atmos Yes…

Up to £500 Philips HTL5140 £270 December 2014 ★★★★★ Insightful, balanced and unobtrusive, this slimline package will suit almost any set-up. Comfortably deserving of its five-star status. Size 5 x 104 x 7cm Inputs Coax, optical, USB, analogue Sub Yes Q Acoustics Media 4 £330 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2016 ★★★★★ Q Acoustics’ debut soundbar is remarkable value – even more so at its reduced price – and more than worthy of its two-time PoY status. Size (hwd) 9 x 100 x 14cm Inputs Optical, RCA Subwoofer No £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, RCA…

Up to £50 Amazon Fire TV stick w/Alexa £40 June 2017 ★★★★★ The core design remains similar while the low price and addition of Alexa make the Fire TV stick a cheap way of getting smart apps on your TV. Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB Ultra HD No 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…

TREAT YOUR TUNES TO A DEDICATED MUSIC PLAYER Up to £400 Apple iPod Touch (6th Gen) 128GB £380 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-A25HN £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…

Under 8in Apple iPad mini 4 from £419 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 (2017) from £340 June 2017 ★★★★★ The latest iPad receives a muted update, but it still continues to give you that elegant and intuitive experience we expect from Apple. OS iOS Size (hwd) 240 x 170 x 8mm Storage 32/128GB Apple iPad Pro (9.7in) from £549 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 x 6mm Storage…

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 Arcam rPhono £400 July 2017 ★★★★★ A hugely accomplished box from Arcam. It sounds great and has a combination of insight and entertainment that few rivals can match. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 4 x 19 x 12cm…

Speaker stands Atacama Duo 6 £65 February 2013 ★★★★★ Easy to assemble (we suggest you mass-load the stand), these Atacamas help produce a detailed, clear and energetic sound. Top plate size (wd) 130 x 170mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 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 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 here to view offers on speaker cables…

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 conduct all our tests 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…

“It isn‘t a boring listen, but in reality it’s just okay. We want more than that for our money” Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC | Wireless headphones | £170 | whf.cm/SennheiserHD450 FOR Decent noise cancelling; smooth overall presentation AGAINST Overbearing bass; lack of insight ★★★ Two years ago we would have been surprised if any manufacturer could deliver a great-sounding pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones for under £200. But with Award winners now available for half that price, we’ve almost come to expect it. Not least from Sennheiser, whose headphone mastery has been, to put it mildly, admirable. So it’s with some degree of anticipation that we begin testing this pair of HD 4.50 BTNCs. But for that pair of active technology features, there’s very little flashy about them. Sennheiser makes…

1 McIntosh MA9000 £TBC McIntosh's new integrated amplifier is huge in both size and power. It outputs at 300W, which McIntosh says means it will drive any speaker “regardless of impedence”. It also comes with a 32-bit DAC, support for DSD256 and DXD 384kHz files as well as a plethora of connections. whf.cm/MA900IntAmp 2 Rotel 15 Series £TBC Rotel’s 15 Series range has expanded with the release of two new amps (RC-1572 and RA-1572) and a CD player (RCD-1572). These affordable high-end components all feature bespoke transformers that help to provide noise-free power for better sound. They will be available in August. whf.cm/Rotel15Series 3 Roberts RT100 £250 Roberts is celebrating its 85th birthday with the release of the RT100 turntable, only the second the company has made. It has a…

Stereo amps up to £500 Marantz PM6006 £279 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 £580 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 Rega Brio £600 February 2017…

Up to £500 Arcam rPlay £400 June 2017 ★★★★★ Another in a long line of useful and affordable add-ons from Arcam, the rPlay introduces a myriad of streaming solutions to a hi-fi system. DLNA Yes Outputs Coaxial, analogue x2 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 Bluesound Node 2…

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-M41DAB £380 August 2017 ★★★★★ Denon’s not rested on its laurels here. It’s managed to better the M40, delivering improved sound and functionality. The best just got better. Inputs Analogue & digital Sources B’tooth,CD, streaming, DAB, FM Tangent…

Up to £100 Panasonic DMP-BDT180EB £80 May 2017 ★★★★★ A budget player that delivers a high-quality picture. Whether it’s Blu-ray, DVD or streaming this spinner handles them all with skill and flair. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony BDP-S3700 £85 May 2017 ★★★★★ A combination of impressive picture, smart functions and decent sound makes this a welcome, low-cost addition for any home cinema set-up. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD £100 to £300 Sony BDP-S6700 £150 Best Blu-ray player under £200, Awards 2016 ★★★★★ Another fantastic budget Blu-ray player that boasts excellent picture quality and good features, but the 4K upscaling is a little unconvincing. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony BDP-S7200 £180 Awards 2015 ★★★★★ The pictures here are impressive, but the sound quality on this model shines brightest – it’s entertaining, exciting…

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 £2000 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…

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 U11 August 2017 ★★★★★ HTC’s latest is not the most innovative of efforts, but decent sound and terrific video mean it’s up there with the best 2017 has to offer. OS Android 7.1 Size (hwd) 154 x 76 x 8mm…

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…

“It ought to sound like a mother goose being prodded with a knitting needle and you should accept nothing less” Flabby bass? Stagnant dynamics? Coarse treble? There are many ways in which your headphones could be found wanting. You probably use your headphones more than any other piece of hi-fi kit, so getting the right pair matters. Of course, there’s a large degree of personal preference in the type of sound you want from your headphones, but there’s no need to settle for something that doesn’t suit your favourite genres of music. In fact, you shouldn’t expect a radically different performance from that of your amplifier and speakers. This collection of tracks will help highlight what we believe to be the most important aspects of your headphones’ performance. If they’re…

Regular readers will know that we have something of a soft spot for Ruark’s MR1 powered speakers. These compact wireless boxes deliver a surprisingly musical sound while packing in all the features needed in a £330 stereo desktop package. They also stand out in a crowded market by delivering a classy retro appearance without appearing dated at all. It’s a neat trick that few can better. Quality heritage Those familiar with the MR1s may not know that Ruark’s foundation is based on traditional high-quality stereo speakers. You’d have to go back a couple of decades to find the company at its peak with such products, though. At their best, Ruark speakers not only sounded good, they were also finished to a standard few in the industry could match. When it…

”The Carmel 2s are exceptional in terms of detail resolution and insight. But they need plenty of pampering” YG Acoustics Carmel 2 | Stereo speakers | £25,000 FOR Clarity and insight; exceptional build and finish AGAINST Need pampering; don’t shine at low volumes ★★★★★ Founded in 2002, YG Acoustics has had a pretty low profile in the UK, but the Denver-based high-end speaker specialist has built a reputation for impressively engineered speakers. YG Acoustics currently makes four different speaker models and the Carmel 2s are the smallest and cheapest. If you want compact two-way floorstanders, they’re the best the company can do in that configuration. Subtle curves What does £25,000 get you? There’s a crisply hewn metal cabinet, for starters. The standard finish is black – but the red you…

Up to £500 Cambridge Audio CXC £350 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 £279 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 £400 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 £1100 Cyrus CD i £1095…

Up to £200 Pure Evoke H2 £100 May 2017 ★★★★★ Pure’s latest is similar to its previous incarnation, but it is more refined and sees the H2 improve on the D2’s already-sophisticated sound. Battery No Size (hwd) 18 x 12 x 12cm 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 x 13cm Inputs 3.5mm…

Up to £300 Audio Technica AT-LP3 £200 July 2017 ★★★★★ A fully automatic turntable that doesn’t scrimp on performance, this is the ideal entry-level deck for those looking to get their vinyl ‘feet’ wet. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 44 x 35cm Pro-Ject Primary £190 May 2017 ★★★★★ An entry-level solution that’s more compelling than any alternative under £200, the Primary serves as a fine introduction to vinyl. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm 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 Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm £300 to £600 Audio…

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,…

Style speaker packages 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 speaker packages 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 and stylish (we love that sub), this package presents a dynamic, powerful sound that excels with surround sound and stereo music. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 25 x 11 x 16cm Finishes 2 Traditional packages up to £2000 Dali Zensor 1…

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 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 £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…

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…

HI-FI KIT CAN ONLY SOUND ITS BEST WITH THE PROPER SUPPORT 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…