Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2018 i What Hi-Fi?

It s easy to forget how far things have come in the world of home entertainment in such a short space of time. Easy, too, to take such leaps in technology for granted. In the realm of the television, though, it’s easy for anyone to see how a stunning picture can now be compared with the standard def images we grew up with. Just watch them one after the other… It feels most obvious when I come upon a rerun of The Big Match from the ’70s. To watch football in standard def after having seen a 4K picture seems similar to me, as a child, watching old black and white newsreels of Stanley Matthews play. Ancient history. And of course the TV tech of 2018 doesn’t stop at 4K.…

 LG V30 | Smartphone | £800 | whf.cm/LGV30phone “While the V30 has some of the best audio you’ll find in a smartphone, a few minor issues with the screen prevent it from being a complete success” FOR Great sound; premium design; skinny screen bezels AGAINST HDR video quality not up to the standard of rivals It’s rare that a phone feels purpose-built for high-quality audio – and even rarer that it looks gorgeous at the same time. But LG seems to have delivered both with the V30 smartphone. It’s a top-spec phone with an uprated DAC that can play hi-res music tracks, wrapped up in a classy metal and glass chassis. It even has a headphone jack, so there’s no need for messy dongles. A screen with skinny bezels and…

View offers Dali Spektor 1 | Stereo speakers | £160 | whf.cm/Spektor1 FOR Energetic sound; good detail; compact size AGAINST Nothing at this size and price Our current favourite budget speakers are Dali’s Spektor 2s. For £200, you get a dynamic and involving sound that puts most rivals to shame when it comes to getting to the core of the music. But what if the Spektor 2s’ 29cm tall physique is too big, or if that price is just a stretch too far? In either case, you might want to consider the babies of the range, the Spektor 1s, instead. These deliver pretty much all the good points of their bigger brothers, just in a scaled-down form. The 1s are almost toy-like. At just shy of 24cm, they’re about twice…

Blue Planet II/ Planet Earth II 4K, HDR – Blu-ray - on a contrast-loving TV, but glow-in-the-dark fishes in the unfathomable inky depths of the ocean have exactly the same effect. Actually, it’s even more impressive, because everything you see in David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II nature documentaries is real. Stunningly vivid coral reefs, bright and colourful fishes, wondrous animals that can change colour, alien-like creatures that look creepy and fascinating at the same time – they all look fantastic in sharp, clear and vibrantly realised 4K HDR. Moving out of the water, the Galapagos’ volcanic landscape and the ‘Cities’ episode are perhaps the pinnacle of the HDR experience. The luminescent lava and Toronto lights punch out from the plunging blacks of the ash-covered rock and…

FOR 4K HDR support; fast streaming; plenty of content AGAINST No Amazon Video app; mains powered ★★★ When the original Google Chromecast was released, it was hailed as a simple and affordable way to add smart apps to your non-smart TV, without having to splurge out on a brand new set. However, we’re struggling to see the point of the new Google Chromecast Ultra. It’s everything the Chromecast is, with added support for 4K Ultra HD and HDR, but its limited 4K app selection doesn’t justify the £70 price tag. The Ultra offers 4K content from Netflix and YouTube – but there’s no Amazon Video, which limits the supply of original 4K content. More to the point, most big-brand 4K TVs will carry Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Video as part…

It might seem a bit odd, having just celebrated the Roku Streaming Stick+ for giving you every app under the sun for just £80, that we’d then ask you to also consider an alternative with fewer apps and a far higher price tag, but hear us out. Although the £180 Apple TV 4K is missing ITV Hub, All 4 and Demand 5, it does have both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR, and BBC iPlayer. And let’s be honest here, those are the streaming apps that you actually use, aren’t they? What’s more, the Apple TV 4K does something no other video streamer can: gives you access to a big library of on-demand 4K HDR movies that you can rent or buy at no extra charge over 1080p.…

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, Chord’s Blu MkII is the finest transport we’ve heard from the CD format, Naim’s Uniti Nova is a pricey, but uncompromising one-box stereo solution and KEF’s outstanding Q350 5.1 package delivers plenty of power and precision.…

View offers 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 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 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.…

View offers whf.cm/BBProjectors Up to £1000 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 £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-£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…

View offers 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 to £1000 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…

1 Do I need rear speakers? What do rear speakers do, exactly? Well, with the advent of discrete 5.1 surround sound in 1992, sound designers gained the ability to place specfic effects into either the left or right rear speaker. Unlike older systems, such as Dolby Surround, that relied on a mono rear channel of sound, the rear channels are given more specific work to do within the context of multiple surround speakers. At a stroke, sound steering became significantly better as the sound matched more precisely what was happening on screen. 2 Should I use hi-fi speakers? Positioning can be a bit awkward if you have a large rear speaker. Place it too close and a headache may ensue. Hide it in a corner and performance will be diminished.…

Noise-cancelling headphones, which are usually battery-powered, are designed to exclude – or at least filter out as much as possible – the everyday background noise going on around you while you’re listening. The headphones contain microphones that pick up external noise, and then invert the noise’s waveform electronically before outputting it to your ears. This inverse wave works against the original, and greatly reduces audible noise. The technology works best on continuous low-frequency sounds such as plane engines and passing traffic. It’s also not unusual for such designs to tweak tonal balance to improve things, although some headphones add a degree of hiss in the process. Read more at...www.whathifi.com/features…

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…

Apple’s AirPlay 2 is the company’s move into multi-room, and it’s supported by some big-name brands. But how does it work and do you need to buy new devices? What is AirPlay? AirPlay is a way to stream audio, video, and photos over your wireless network, rather than via Bluetooth. Early versions were difficult to set-up and connections weren’t the most stable. Updates have since made the system a lot simpler and more reliable so, as long as your Apple device is on the same network, content can be shared at the tap of a button. These improvements have made AirPlay a serious rival to the established players in the multi-room arena. Where AirPlay 2 diverges from the original is that it grants the protocol the ability to stream music…

Earphones: use your ears for good cable management Fed up with hearing your footsteps and the rustle of your clothes when you’re trying to enjoy you favourite music through your earbuds? Try running the cable over the top of your ear before putting the earphone in – it will help keep interference to a minimum. Some models won’t fit like this, but most will and many, such as the Shure SE425s, are designed specifically to do so. That way you’ll significantly reduce the amount of noise carried up the cable. Our ratings: don’t dismiss the 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…

View offers 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 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 sounding…

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…

Atacama Apollo Storm 6 | Hi-fi rack | £130 FOR Sturdy build; variable leg lengths; allows fine performance AGAINST Nothing at this price; bettered by the Evoque It seems rather peculiar that Atacama has chosen to give a product so reliant upon its stability a moniker that sounds more like the title of the latest instalment of a war video game franchise. In fact, it's somewhat akin to naming a housing association ‘Frostbite’, or an airline ‘Turbulence’. However, we are usually so enamoured of Atacama’s hi-fi racks that this one could be called pretty much anything and we’d still be excited to have it arriving in our testing rooms. Rack up The Apollo Storm 6 is a more affordable version of Atacama’s Award-winning Evoque 60-40 Special Edition: a modular support…

View offers Ultimate Ears Megablast | Portable smart speaker | £270 | whf.cm/UEMegablast FOR Dynamic sound; goes very loud; excellent build AGAINST Slightly lean presentation The Megablast is Ultimate Ears’ loudest and smartest speaker yet. It also has Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built-in, meaning that it’s the first portable smart speaker to grace our test rooms. More crucially, the Megablast joins the brand’s portfolio of five-star Bluetooth speakers that are simply fun to use and listen to. Trendy and great-sounding, the Megablast is an absolute treat. Home and dry Design-wise, the Ultimate Ears Megablast is similar to the existing Megaboom speaker, albeit a touch flatter at the ends. The brand name is now prominently displayed, too. It retains the same rugged, durable build quality that makes Ultimate Ears speakers perfect…

Most 2017 TVs come with the 4K HDR versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video built-in, but not all of them. Even those that do often have other little app gaps or feature weaknesses. The good news is that making up for any such shortfalls is a neat and inexpensive venture – just add a dedicated video streamer. Right now, you can get a 4K HDR streamer that packs every app you could conceivably desire into a device roughly the size and shape of a USB stick, and all for under £80. What a time to be alive! But these devices aren’t created equally, with the app selection varying a little, some offering snazzy features such as wireless casting from your phone and, of course, variances in picture and sound…

FOR Stable 4K picture; fast buffering; USB powered AGAINST No ethernet option ★★★★ For the company behind Sky’s hugely successful Now TV box, Roku has had a low profile. However, that might be about to change as the company’s first 4K streaming device, the Streaming Stick+, brings it up to date with the competition. There are lingering doubts whether you need a device of this type, but the Roku Streaming Stick+ gives several good reasons why you might. The name is a giveaway, but the Streaming Stick+ is essentially a stick that streams. Like the Amazon Fire TV, it’s a dongle that plugs directly into your HDMI port – though it is much slimmer and easier to accommodate than its rival. The Stick+ is powered via your TV’s USB socket,…

View offers 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 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 for a super-low price. 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 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 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 £500 Panasonic DMP-UB900 £450 Awards 2016 ★★★★★ The first 4K Blu-ray player is a stunner. Lush colours and strong contrast are allied with great definition. The future of home cinema has arrived. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony UBP-X800 £300 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sony’s first…

View offers whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs 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 Set-top BT Ultra HD YouView min £15/month + fees November 2015 ★★★★ The first 4K box to hit the market, this is the most accomplished live TV you can watch. Content is limited right now – so it’s one for sports fans. Tuners 2 Storage 1TB Ultra HD Yes Sky Q 2TB from £44/month + fees Best subscription box, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sky has overhauled its TV package with Q and made it more enticing, versatile and contemporary, but it does come with a high price…

View offers 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…

View offers 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 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…

View offers 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 November…

View offers 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 £700 and above Astell & Kern Kann £900 Best portable music player £750+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The Kann is expensive but, despite the chunky aesthetics, the sound quality is…

View offers 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 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…

View offers whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps Up to £200 Edwards Audio Apprentice MM £90 January 2018 ★★★★★ Good timing and dynamic range shine alongside a fine musical performance, irrespective of the music being played. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 11 x 16cm 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…

View offers 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…

Forget CES in Las Vegas and IFA in Berlin, when it comes to seeing, hearing and getting your sweaty mitts on the best new hi-fi and home cinema kit, nothing beats Sound & Vision, The Bristol Show. (Okay, so we might have forgotten to mention the High End Show in Munich, which runs it pretty close). The show is of course back once more in 2018, now in its 31st year, and is your best chance to see many of our five-star and Award-winning products in the flesh, as well as a host of new products launching exclusively at the show. Your chance to win The What Hi-Fi? team will also be there, complete with a demo room designed to wow you with the very latest AV technology. We’ll also…

FOR Alexa integration; Dolby Atmos support; fast operation AGAINST Amazon-heavy interface won’t appeal to all ★★★★ Video streamers have been fighting for your TV’s HDMI port for almost a decade. But what’s new is their support for 4K and HDR video technologies. Amazon’s latest Fire TV 4K supports both, and though its predecessor supported 4K video at 30 frames-per-second, the new model takes that to 60fps, and adds support for HDR10 and Dolby Atmos. It also comes with the latest Alexa voice control remote – the same one bundled with Amazon’s basic streamer, the Fire TV Stick (£40). Claiming to be 40 per cent more powerful than the Stick, the Fire TV 4K also has a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Glossed over Amazon…

“The Roku is a pretty device and a neat one too, but the big benefit here is the broadness of its app support” You want a dedicated streamer that offers every app you’re after, even if your TV already has many of them. Why? So they’re all arranged neatly in one place and not scattered around different inputs and interfaces. That’s the main reason that the Chromecast Ultra falls short. Its lack of Amazon Prime Video is a problem that even the magic of casting from your phone can’t make up for. It does offer exclusive 4K content via the Google Play Movies store, but the price, fairly meagre selection and non-HDRness of this content makes it of limited appeal. Perhaps next year the UK store will catch up to…

View offers 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 whf.cm/ BBInternetRadios View offers 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 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 Up to £300 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…

View offers whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps 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 £500 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 amplifier under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sony’s latest AV amp is a return to form, with cutting-edge features (inc. Dolby Atmos) and a compelling sound. It ticks all the right boxes. Power 7 x 100W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out…

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerPackages 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 Style speaker packages Dali Zensor 1 5.1 £980 Best speaker package under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Why did it win an Award? Because of its punchy dynamics, abundance of detail, expression, articulation and impressive integration. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 16 x 44 x 29cm Finishes 3 Traditional packages…

View offers 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 best…

Peasant Richard Dawson A concept album that shouldn’t really work, but does. While there are some awkward chord progressions and arcane melodies, there are ample rewards to be had. DAMN. Kendrick Lamar Putting an original slant on the long-established hip-hop genre is no mean feat, but this personal yet wide-ranging album overflows with intelligence and creativity. Every Country’s Sun Mogwai Nine albums in and though you know exactly what you’re getting from this Scottish post-rock outfit, this album shows a band still in love with texture and sonic potential. Drunk Thundercat One person’s ‘virtuoso’ is another’s ‘massive showoff’, but from either perspective bass virtuoso/ show-off Stephen Bruner’s Drunk is unlike anything else 2017 has to offer. Read more at...www.whathifi.com/features…

View offers 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 76…

View offers 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 (hwd)…

View offers 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 management…