Innholdsfortegnelse for Awards 2017 i What Hi-Fi?

This has been a busy time of year for us at What Hi-Fi? – and this magazine shows the results of our endeavours. Each year from July to the end of September (wonderfully timed for the summer holiday season…) we devote hundreds of man-hours to honing down lists of the very best products in pretty much every category you could care to mention, until we come up with this: our annual What Hi-Fi? Awards. Every product we highlight in our Awards is a winner in its category, and price point. And one of those winners is chosen as that category’s Product of the Year. So, whether you’re after some £50 in-ear headphones, or a pair of speakers costing thousands of pounds, you will find our recommended product to suit your…

The wait is now over. Our favourite products of the year have now been revealed. There are 109 winners across 30 categories, including three brand new Awards for 2017. From high-end speakers to affordable amplifiers, budget headphones to top-of-the-range turntables, we’ve got you covered. Sony are big winners, with nine winning products this year, while Rega scoops six Awards and Monitor Audio earns four. Read on and start compiling your wishlist……

The Chemical Brothers Das Spiegel A more stop-start, truncated and altogether abbreviated collection of electronically derived sounds you’re unlikely to find. So Das Spiegel is a splendid test of your speakers’ discipline as far as attack and decay go. Aside from strummed rhythm guitar and blown melodica, every sound here has seemingly been designed to appear from nowhere and end just as abruptly. And the thrumming, almost unbroken bass sounds only add to the test. Thundercat Uh Uh Thundercat (Stephen Bruner) plays with such frantic virtuosity on Uh Uh your speakers have no hiding place. Bass extension, speed, tonal variation, and attack and decay all get the sort of examination that speaker engineers dread. What’s required is well defined, well described variation in note tonality and intensity. In the right…

Blade Runner: The Final Cut The 4K HDR transfer of Blade Runner is wonderfully vivid. It’s sharper and more expressive, with colours not just brighter but more intense than the 2007 Blu-ray version. The plumes of fire that dominate the Los Angeles landscape at the film’s beginning are more defined and more vibrant. This is a richer, more expressive image that makes you appreciate the film’s stunning production design and aesthetics even more. If the goal of 4K is to get closer to the director’s intent, then this disc is a resounding success. Logan The first major fight scene in Logan is all dust and blood against a backdrop of perfect blue sky and fluffy white clouds. It’s an unflinchingly brutal and bleak film, but it’s also a surprisingly colourful…

Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500 “The UBP-X800 delivers the perfect blend of performance and value” Sony UBP-X800 £300 Sony wasn’t the first manufacturer to bring a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player to the market, but this Award shows the wait was definitely worth it. The UBP-X800 arrived in our test-rooms in May, and quickly deposed our favourite 4K machine, the Panasonic DMP-UB900. The Sony has spent the rest of the year seeing off competition from LG and Samsung and, for a second time, Panasonic. The UBP-X800 delivers the perfect blend of performance and value. Vibrant colours mix with more subtle hues, while the picture is packed full of sharply defined, subtle details that lesser machines struggle to pick up. The quality of the Sony’s scaling is exceptional. Sound…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBStereoAmps 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 £200 Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 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 Best stereo…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBMusicStreamers Up to £500 Arcam rPlay £380 Best music streamer £100-£500, Awards 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 £20 Best music streamer under £100, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHifiSystems Multi-room Sonos System From £175 Best multi-room system under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 2017 ★★★★★ 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 £400 Best microsystem, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Denon hasn’t rested on its laurels. It’s managed to better the M40, delivering improved sound and functionality. The best just got better. Inputs Analogue & digital Sources…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBBlurayPlayers Up to £100 Panasonic DMP-BDT180EB £80 Best Blu-ray player under £100, Awards 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 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 are impressive, but the sound quality on this model shines even brighter…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs Humax HDR-2000T £150 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-5000T £230 Best PVR, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ If you need a Full HD box to give your older TV some more sparkle, Humax’s digital box should absolutely be something to consider. Tuners 3 Storage 500GB 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSpeakerPackages 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 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 Dali Zensor 1 5.1 £980 Best speaker…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £50 Beyerdynamic Byron £49 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 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 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 2017 ★★★★★ 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…

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 On demand music Technics Tracks Variable January…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBTablets Under 8in Amazon Fire 7 (2017) £50 Best tablet under £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A cheap and cheerful tablet that’s good for the money and has a lot of the functionality you’d find it more expensive efforts. OS Android Size (hwd) 114 x 190 x 10mm Storage 8GB Over 8in Apple iPad (2017) from £340 Best tablet over £200, Awards 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 10.5in £1020 September 2017 ★★★★★ The 10.5in Pro cements Apple’s position in the premium-tablet market, with faster performance, slicker design and fantastic image quality. OS iOS Size…

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

Experience. Heritage. We’ve been helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home entertainment for more than 40 years, and have more than 100 years of reviewing experience under our collective belts – so you can count on our expert opinion. Dedicated test facilities We test every product against its peers in our brand-new, bespoke reviewing facility at our Twickenham HQ. We 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; Oppo UDP-203; Panasonic DMP-UB900; Yamaha RX-A3060; Epson EH-TW7200; PMC Twenty23 5.1; KEF R50; Sky Q…

View offers Sonos One | Wireless speaker | £200 | whf.cm/SonosOne FOR Sophisticated sound; stylish build; Alexa control AGAINST Not full Alexa; no hi-res audio; bug in software At Christmas, the world will be awash with so-called smart speakers. Apple’s HomePod will be out, Google will have launched the Home Mini, and there will be a second-generation of Amazon Echos setting up shop in peoples' homes. But these are all speakers made by companies that are smart, but not experts in audio first and foremost. The current trend is for audio companies to licence smart technology and, with that in mind, it’s exciting that Sonos has finally launched its own smart speaker, the One. Synchronised Ziggy mode The Sonos One is essentially a Play:1 with Amazon Alexa built-in, and that’s…

“It frames well the vindictiveness to the insults thrown around a room, and general deliberateness to the delivery of dialogue” View offers Q Acoustics M2 | Soundbase | £300 | whf.cm/QAcousticsM2 FOR Crisp, punchy, detailed and expressive; Easy to use AGAINST Remote control could be nicer Q Acoustics' approach seems to be 'in for a penny, in for a pound' when it comes to boosting TV sound. Following the success of its Award-winning Media 4 soundbar and, to a lesser extent, the M3 follow-up, the British brand is making its soundbase debut with the M2. Immediate impact As we close the disc tray on a Blu-ray copy of Neon Demon, the M2 doesn’t waste a moment in revealing its talents. The opening credits are not only a window into Cliff…

“Bowers & Wilkins’ performance in the headphone market has been sensational over recent years” Best wireless headphones over £300 Bowers & Wilkins PX £330 The fact the PXs are Bowers & Wilkins’ first noise-cancelling headphones makes this Product of the Year win all the more impressive. There’s no shortage of premium options at this kind of money, including the excellent Sony WH-1000XM2s, but it’s the B&Ws that walk away with the top prize this year. Shelf appeal The industrial design has serious shelf appeal and, aided by the ‘ballistic nylon shells’ covering the outer earpads and top of the headband, they manage to feel reassuringly solid, yet perfectly portable. The earpads fold flat so you can slide them into the snazzy, quilted carry pouch. The PXs’ noise-cancelling comes courtesy of…

Best PMP £250-£750 Astell & Kern AK70 MkII £600 The Astell & Kern AK70 MkII improves on the original in most areas. The first AK70 was an Award winner in its own right, so we had hoped we were onto a winner when we took the MkII out of its box. And so it proved. While you will have to pay a little more for this, the second generation, you get a whole lot more performance for your money into the bargain. The ability to double-up as a DAC Astell & Kern has introduced a dual-DAC design for “optimum performance” for both left and right channels. And, unusually for a portable music player, the MkII can double up as a USB DAC to improve the sound from a laptop, say.…

The key aim here is a perfect marriage of sound and vision. These two tie the knot sweetly Best Tablet over £200 “The iPad is cheaper than the Air 2 that went before it – and it significantly undercuts the bigger Pros” Apple iPad From £340 It’s testament to how much Apple has cornered the tablet market that the iPad’s main rivals for this Award this year were other iPads. There was a temptation to reward the bigger, more powerful, more pixel-filled iPad Pro 10.5 or 12.7, but their focus is on content creation, rather than content consumption, which is what What Hi-Fi? is all about. So, in terms of content, the standard iPad (the replacement for the iPad Air 2) is perfect. The screen has pretty much the same…

Sex Pistols Pretty Vacant Though at the time considered a danger to British civilization, 40 years later, the Sex Pistols don’t sound like any kind of threat at all. But given what he had to work with (guitar, bass and drums of a fairly rudimentary kind, and a vocal that, while compelling, is hardly a melodic paradigm), Chris Thomas’s production of Pretty Vacant is little short of miraculous. Full and widescreen, with the shape and layout of the drum-kit absolutely explicit, it thoroughly tests your speakers’ ability to form a coherent whole-stage image. Max Roach Lonesome Lover Jazz stunt-drummer Roach’s impeccable hi-hat and ride cymbal playing is a decent test of treble fidelity in itself. However, it is saxophonist Clifford Jordan’s wailing, keening and strident playing that really separates the…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBCDPlayers 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 UK Edition £450 Best CD player under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The new king of the midrange market. The CD6006UK shows plenty of skill with detail, dynamics and clarity. A great player for the money. Type CD player Outputs Coaxial, optical, RCA, headphone, USB 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/ BBInternetRadios View offers http://whf.cm/BBDABRadios Up to £200 Pure Evoke H2 £100 Best radio under £100, Awards 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 2017 ★★★★★ This Roberts delivers deep bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange. Spotify Connect, wi-fi and USB playback are the…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBTurntables Up to £300 Audio Technica AT-LP3 £200 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A fully automatic turntable that doesn’t scrimp on performance, this is the ideal entry-level deck for those looking to dip their ‘vinyl toes’ in. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 44 x 35cm Pro-Ject Essential III £240 October 2017 ★★★★★ Another excellent turntable from Pro-Ject. The Essential III is easy to set up and offers a detailed and musical performance. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm Rega Planar 1 £250 Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps 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 Denon AVR-X2300W £400 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 £400 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2400H £500 September 2017 ★★★★★ Not a giant leap forward, but the AVR-X2400H does offer an insightful, exciting sound and an exhaustive list of features. Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/2 Sony STR-DN1080 £525 Best home cinema…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSoundbars Up to £500 Q Acoustics Media 4 £330 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 Yamaha YAS-207 £350 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The latest in a series of fine Yamaha soundbars, this is a compelling, class-leading performer in a practical, easy-to-use package. Size (hwd) 6 x 93 x 11cm Inputs Opt, HDMI, 3.5mm, B’tooth Sub Yes £500 and above Dali Kubik One £800 Best soundbar £500-£1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A gorgeous and complete package, Dali’s debut soundbar impresses with its hugely engaging sound and smart, well-equipped exterior. Size (hwd) 15…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBVideoStreamers 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 Up to £50 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £400 Cowon Plenue D £200 Best portable music player under £250, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The Plenue D is a player worth its salt. It can handle a range of files, has an open and insightful sound and is easy to use. Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 94g Storage 32GB £400 to £700 Astell & Kern AK70 MkII £600 Best portable music player £250-£750, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The MkII is a worthwhile sonic improvement over the original, setting the bar for transparency at this price. It’s not far off portable perfection. Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 150g Storage 64GB Pioneer XDP-100R £500 February 2016 ★★★★ A player that ticks all the boxes on the hi-res checklist, thanks to its excellent compatibility, massive storage and balanced sound. Hi-res…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBTablets Under 8in Amazon Fire 7 (2017) £50 Best tablet under £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★ A cheap and cheerful tablet that’s good for the money and has a lot of the functionality you’d find in more expensive efforts. OS Android Size (hwd) 114 x 190 x 10mm Storage 8GB Over 8in Apple iPad (2017) from £340 Best tablet over £200, Awards 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 10.5in £1020 September 2017 ★★★★★ The 10.5in Pro cements Apple’s position in the premium-tablet market, with faster performance, slicker design and fantastic image quality. OS iOS Size…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £50 Chord Company C-Line £35 Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 Chord Clearway Analogue RCA £90 Best analogue interconnect £50+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ If you’re spending cash on hi-fi components and you want cabling that doesn’t inhibit performance, the Clearway may be the ideal pick. Balanced/Single Single…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBMainsProducts 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSpeakerCables Up to £10/m QED Ruby Anniversary Evolution £6/m March 2014 ★★★★★ Capable of delivering a jolt of excitement to a hi-fi system, but can emphasise any harshness present in bright-sounding electronics. Single or Bi-wire Single Wireworld Luna 7 £6.50/m March 2014 ★★★★★ A fine speaker cable, the Luna’s exciting presentation and all-round ability means it should sit well with a wide range of systems. Single or Bi-wire Single £10/m and above Chord Company Clearway £10/m Best speaker cable, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Not the flashiest cable, its strength is aiding dynamics and musicality, as well as knitting instruments together for an enjoyable experience. Single or Bi-wire Single QED XT40 £10/m Awards 2014 ★★★★★ Facilitates a detailed, balanced and authoritative sound with a full-bodied presentation that leaves competitors…

“With its focus on control, grace and agility, rather than out-and-out power, the 6400H resembles more of a gymnast than a bodybuilder” View offers Denon AVR-X6400H | Home cinema amplifier | £2100 | whf.cm/AVRX6400H FOR Clear and detailed; agile and articulate with fluid dynamics AGAINST Some may prefer a bigger, more muscular sound Spending more than £2000 on an AV receiver is no frivolous outlay. Good, then, that the AVR-X6400H – one of Denon’s top AVRs for 2017 – takes its job seriously. Not only is it decked out with all the latest features and technology you’d expect from a modern home cinema amplifier, it also delivers a performance worthy of spending some serious money. A fluid sense of dynamics Imagine Denon's £450 AVR-X2400H, but with a bigger, bolder and…

View offers Cowon Plenue D | Portable music player | £200 | whf.cm/CowonPlenueD FOR Punchy bass; insightful midrange; good tonal balance AGAINST Nothing of note Imagine someone asked you to cook their dinner, write them a poem, paint a portrait and dribble a basketball, all at once. Unless you’re some kind of artistic, athletic polymath, you’re probably going to experience some difficulty. Undoubtedly you’d do a better job if you could focus on one task at a time. Give your phone a rest Sonically speaking, that’s what we expect of our smartphones. They’re web-browsing, tweet-posting, call-making, music-playing machines, and we expect them to do everything well. Herein lies the benefit of having a dedicated portable music player: something designed solely for the purpose of playing music is already giving itself…

“The Momentum M2 In-ears are easily one of the best pairs of buds we’ve heard this year” Best in-ear headphones £50-£100 Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £80 The Sennheiser Momentum M2 in-ear headphones took home Product of the Year in 2016, and their stellar performance means they steal the spotlight once again. The Momentum range has a reputation for style and comfort, and these new in-ears continue the trend. Mixing a modern look with a classy finish is no easy feat, but the earpieces look striking in their deep-red colour, nicely complemented by a two-tone headphone cable and in-line remote. Small characteristics such as the Sennheiser logos and cable loops on each earpiece make the Momentum M2 IEis stand out from the crowd at this level. These subtle elements only highlight…

Neil Young Tonight’s the Night Recorded ‘as live’ in the studio, and featuring some scandalously sloppy performances, this is one of the best recordings for letting the vinyl format showcase its qualities. The size and shape of the room the musicians are in is explicit. The snares beneath the skin of the snare-drum rattle and resonate in response to bass guitar notes in a way that’s diluted on CD or via a streaming service, and the bass guitar itself is loaded with detailed information. Lou Reed Andy’s Chest The second track on Lou Reed’s glam-rock influenced Transformer meanders in slowly with Reed’s vocal and a slowly wandering bassline. Quite soon things kick off with the full band, David Bowie and Mick Ronson on backing vocals and some frankly bizarre lyrics.…

Best subscription box “Sky Q is the best TV service in the UK by a mile. This is as good as TV currently gets” Sky Q This time last year, Sky Q was the new kid on the block and a premium TV experience reserved only for those prepared to pay a high price. Even so, we felt it was more than worthy of a What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year Award. Now that it’s part of the standard package, it’s an even more worthy winner. As good as it gets It’s expensive, but Sky Q is also the best telly service available in the UK by a long way. The breadth and depth of content remains Sky’s strongest selling point, but you can access all of that content…

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, Sony shows everyone how to do a 4K OLED TV in the KD-65A1, Optoma’s UHD65 projector delivers a great performance for a competitive price, and B&W’s PX offers great wireless sound and design – and terrific noise-cancellation.…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBDACs 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 Red £170 Best USB DAC £150+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 Cyrus soundKey £100 Best USB DAC under £150, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ An affordable, compact DAC that turns mobile listening into an authentic high-fidelity experience. iOS users may find connectivity a little inelegant. Inputs micro-USB Size 2 x 5 x 1mm Resolution…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers Desktop speakers KEF Egg £350 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 Best desktop speaker, Awards 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 April 2017 ★★★★★ An excellent, convenient ‘simply-add-source’ pair of speakers. You’ll need to be careful with partnering to get the best from them though. Size (hwd) 83 x 16 x 28cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBWirelessSpeakers 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 Ultimate Ears Roll 2 £60 Best portable wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 Ultimate Ears 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.…

Epson EH-TW5350 £500 Best projector under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 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-£2000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 HDMI, USB Speakers No £3000 t0 £10,000 Optoma…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSoundbases Up to £500 Canton DM55 £330 Awards 2016 ★★★★★ Replacing the DM50, the 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 Q Acoustics M2 £300 Best soundbase, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Q Acoustics can now ‘soundbase’ to its list of successes; the M2 is an expressive, easy-to-use and fuss-free way of boosting your TV sound. Size (hwd) 9 x 55 x 34cm Inputs Opt, HDMI, 3.5mm, RCA, B’tooth £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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBTelevisions 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 Samsung UE32M5500 £320 Best 32-39in TV, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ It’s not the most sophisticated TV, lacking 4K and HDR, but for a 32in screen it offers a picture and features that will leave you very satisfied. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 1366 x 768 Tuner Freeview HD 40in to 50in Samsung UE40MU6400 £500 Best 40-46in TV, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A 4K TV at a sensible size and a reasonable price that boasts deep, insightful blacks and nuanced colours. Not the…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBMobilePhones 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 Apple iPhone 8 Plus Best smartphone, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ It borrows several ideas from last year’s 7 Plus, but a few small upgrades make a big difference and Apple’s latest now leads the pack. OS iOS Size (hwd) 159 x 78 x 8mm Storage 64GB 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…

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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHiFiRacks 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 £600 Best equipment rack, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps Up to £200 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 Rega Fono MM MK3 £200 Best phono stage under £250, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Rega has managed to take a near-perfect product and squeeze more improvements from it. It’s a class-leading performer. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 18 x 14cm £200 to £1000 Arcam rPhono £380 Best phono stage £250+, Awards 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands 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 2017 ★★★★★ 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…