Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2018 i What Hi-Fi?

The unnecessarily severe weather of the winter has finally gone. And, with its departure, our thoughts turn to longer, warmer evenings and time spent outside. There are few simpler pleasures than being in the great outdoors with friends and loved ones – even alone, come to that. Many of these occasions, too, can be enhanced by music – which is where we come in. In this issue, we take a look at some of the equipment that allows you to take your favourite sounds with you on your journey – at a quality you can appreciate. Portable speakers (p33), noise-cancelling wireless headphones (p40) and portable DACs (p58) will all make a huge difference to your tunes – and, as our test of USB phono stages (p50) will show, you can…

Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL | Phono stage | £770 FOR Fluid dynamics; articulate presentation; impressive build AGAINST Nothing particularly at this level ★★★★★ Phono stages are an easily overlooked link in the analogue hi-fi chain, usually either a hidden module inside an integrated or preamplifier, or a small, plain box tucked away on the hi-fi rack. But after the record player, this is arguably the next most critical component in the signal path. Anyone who doubts that should listen to Musical Fidelity’s MX-VYNL against some of its rivals in a suitably talented system. It’s not the kind of product that makes sense if your turntable isn’t spot-on. You won’t hear how good this unit is without a detailed and transparent source. The likes of VPI’s Prime record player (£4200) is a…

 FOR Good detail; decent noise-cancelling; features “It feels a little like JVC is offering us the first rehearsal rather than a final, confident, polished performance” AGAINST Issue with timing; lacks punch; soft bass ★★★ We are not among the professionally offended. There is no painstaking search in order for us to find something that rankles, desperate to turn up our noses. In fact, usually what offends us most is the desire to be unexceptionable. In our book, not so blessed are the meek, and easy listening is often the opposite of being easy to listen to. Our time spent with JVC’s HA-S90BNB-E headphones is not wholly intolerable, but this kind of resigned character makes it all the more difficult to overlook any of its sonic or design flaws. Positive features…

FOR Comfy; stylish; effective noise-cancelling; open sound AGAINST Lacking drive and dynamics; sound is too smooth ★★★★ Just a quick browse around your local Currys store should be enough to confirm that there are absolutely loads of pairs of headphones on the market. So many, in fact, that we could never hope to test them all, so we have to be selective. Occasionally, this means we overlook a pair that’s actually quite interesting, such as the Sony MDRZX770BNs that launched back in 2015. So why review them now? A big reason is that they’re now widely available with a discount of more than £50, taking them to the magical £100 figure. That, combined with the usual Sony kudos, has seen them surge in popularity to such an extent that we…

The Cowon Plenue D is compact, relatively inexpensive and its sound quality immediately justifies the price tag. Just a few centimetres tall and a little narrower than an iPhone 8, it weighs 94g and its aluminium body looks sleek and feels comfortable in the hand. It is capable of handling files up to 24-bit/192kHz lossless in FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, WAV, WMA, and MP3 formats, and it has a touchscreen, which we find easier to use than buttons – navigating the menus is relatively straightforward. A capable all-rounder The Plenue D plays classical music with delicacy and sophistication, while still being more than capable of rocking out, with solid control of tonal balance and a tight grip on every strand of a track. Musical organisation is good. And, when you consider…

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 level £500 to £1000…

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 £200 and above Revo SuperConnect £280 Best radio £200+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Not just a radio, this feature-packed Revo is a streaming music player that will play just about anything from nearly any source. Battery No Size…

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, Aawards 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 x 45 x 36cm…

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 Sony UBP-X800 £300 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sony’s first 4K player astonishes with its colourful images and excellent sound quality, setting an impressively high standard for 4K Blu-ray. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD £500 and above Cambridge CXUHD £700 February 2018 ★★★★★ One of the best 4K players available,…

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 2 x HDMI, USB…

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/BBSoundbases…

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 at HDR, though.…

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 impressive, having lashings…

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/BBAudioCables…

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 Isotek EVO Polaris + Premier cable £400 September 2015 ★★★★…

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…

Bose SoundSport Free | Wireless headphones | £180 FOR Weighty, full-bodied sound; deep, powerful bass AGAINST Unreliable wireless connection between earbuds ★★★★ Going truly wireless with a pair of in-ear headphones might be the ultimate in portable audio, but they are somewhat tricky to execute. Not only is it hard to generate excellent sound quality in such tiny spaces, manufacturers have to pack in components such as an amplifier, battery, Bluetooth receiver, mic and the various controls – and present it all in a package that won’t make you look like a Cyberman. Built with sporty types in mind, the Bose SoundSport Frees are both sweat- and water-resistant and have a suitably rugged feel and an appearance that could best be described as chunky. They protrude from your ears a…

QED XT25 | Speaker cable | £6 per metre FOR Clarity and space; digs deep into texture and timbre AGAINST Tough competition ★★★★★ In simple terms, the duties of a speaker cable are not unlike those of the sports coach. They aren’t expected to make a system more talented, rather to draw out the maximum from each component and help them work together as a team. If you want to highlight detail and insight in a wide-open space, QED has long been one of the go-to cable manufacturers, with the necessary acumen (and products) to help your system sing. The XT25 is another beneficiary of QED’s X-Tube technology, which first came to light in the company’s Award-winning Silver Anniversary XT cables more than a decade ago. Its basic premise is…

“The portable, durable, waterproof Blast will survive all kinds of rough terrain, knocks, drops and downpours” FOR Great design; exciting, dynamic sound; detail; timing AGAINST Top end can bristle; Alexa features not exhaustive ★★★★★ We liked Ultimate Ears’ first Alexa-powered portable speaker, the Megablast (£200), so much that we gave it a five-star review, highlighting its “fun, energetic and admirably controlled performance”. So it’s with anticipation that we review the Blast – a smaller, more-affordable version of the Megablast. The Blast retains all of the Mega’s features (smart and more), and is a near-facsimile of the existing five-star UE Boom, so it’s off to a good start. Go-anywhere appeal The tough, rugged exterior and funky design that we love about Ultimate Ears’ speakers is back. Chuck it in your rucksack,…

“Should you have a second Blast speaker, you can pair them up for stereo sound” ★★★★★ The Ultimate Ears Blast manages to fend off the competition and take its place as our favourite portable wireless speaker. That’s in no small part due to its range of features. Crucial among those is its waterproofing, which means you’ll be able to leave it out in any weather without worry – even drop it in the ocean and let it float. Amazon’s Alexa is also a neat feature, so even if you’re away from the speaker you can call across the room to change track. For those who haven’t used the function before, it will undoubtedly be a fun novelty at your next party. Especially as the speakers it’s competing against here don’t…

 £90 ★★★★★ “For the sonic qualities we value above all else, the Philips SHB8850NCs are unbeatable” We’re not taking anything away from the more premium noise-cancelling headphones out there, but the happy truth is that you don’t need to spend £300 in order to block out the world around you for some private uninterrupted listening or just a little bit of quiet contemplation. For just a third of the price of Bose’s latest QuietComforts, there are now a number of impressive options. We’re not really counting the JVC HA-S90BN pair within that number, though. They do the noise-cancelling bit quite well, but for sound quality and comfort they fall some way short. In some ways, Sony’s MDR-ZX770BNs are more of disappointment, not because they’re worse then the JVCs (they aren’t),…

The leisurely joys of an hour spent crate-digging, getting your record home and slipping it from the sleeve; the measured hand that places the tonearm – there is something endearingly human about the ritual of listening to vinyl. But, like us humans, those records die a little every day. Sometimes you need photographs to remember them by. And sometimes you simply want to take them out with you when you leave the house. Ripping turntables have become more and more common in recent years, especially at the entry-level tail of the market, but transferring your vinyl to digital doesn’t necessarily mean replacing a deck that you’ve come to love. That’s why we have phono stages to perform the same function, and in this round-up we’ll be testing four of them,…

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, Apple’s HomePod wireless speaker proves it’s a step above its rivals, Monitor Audio’s Silver 100 is another brilliant standmount speaker and Philips 50PUS6272 4K TV produces a superb performance for its price.…

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 Up to 24-bit/96kHz £200…

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 Q Acoustics 3050 £470…

Up to £100 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 £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 Yes, up to 10 hours (at 75% volume) £100 to £200 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)…

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 tag. Tuners 4 Storage…

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 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 up to £2000 Q Acoustics 3000 Series…

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 2014 ★★★★★ These…

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 x 8mm Storage…

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) 250 x 174…

Up to £500 Atacama Apollo Storm 6 £390 February 2018 ★★★★★ Another class-leading support from Atacama that’s cheaper than its Award-winning sibling. It lets your kit perform at its best. 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 No View offers whf.cm/BBHiFiRacks…

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 £200 to £350 Musical Fideltiy LX2-LPS £200 April 2018 ★★★★★ Though it’s not as versatile as the Rega Mk3, the LX2 delivers a more engaging performance thanks to its open, full-bodied sound. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 4 x 17 x 19cm Rega Fono MM MK3 £200 Best phono stage under…

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 View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands…

What’s in a name? You’ve heard of bookshelf speakers, right? The name is a misnomer. They’re not meant to be placed on an actual bookshelf and that goes for most speakers. Place them on a rickety support and performance will degrade because of a lack of rigidity and resonances. Speakers need a steady and robust support, so invest in a pair of speaker stands. Bear in mind that no one stand will work well with all speakers. Spend a bit of time and find what works for you. Where to put them? We prefer to place the speakers at the points of an equilateral triangle, with the listener at the top. Use the triangle as a starting point and then experiment and fine tune the positioning to your satisfaction. Ear…

Flabby bass? Stagnant dynamics? If your headphones are wanting in any regard, these six tracks will shine a light. It’s well worth having a playlist you can use to test equipment before you buy it, so we’ve put together this collection of tracks to help highlight what we believe to be the most important aspects of your headphones’ performance. If they fall short in any department, you may want to consider an upgrade. EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY - Wilderness To test overall balance Why? Manufacturers often overload the bottom end in an overzealous attempt to keep their product from sounding lightweight, or rolling off the treble to avoid any sharpness at the top of the frequency range. To test balance, you want a track that covers as much of the…

“Samsung’s AMOLED panel is one of the best around, with some of the deepest blacks found on a phone and bright, punchy highlights to match” View offers Samsung Galaxy S9+ | Smartphone | £870 | whf.cm/S9Plus FOR Great screen; fine performance; slick design AGAINST Little has changed from last year ★★★★★ Often imitated but never bettered, the Galaxy S8 family set a trend that the rest of the Android world is still trying to master. The Galaxy S9+ doesn’t radically change that formula, but tweaks enough of it to move the goalposts further and stand out from its smaller sibling, the Galaxy S9. The eye-catching design and class-leading screen remain, but aside from the new Lilac Purple colour option, you’ll struggle to spot any real differences between the Galaxy S9+…

A good wireless speaker might well be the piece of hi-fi that you carry around with you the most. After all, its potential is considerable: packed into your rucksack for a long hike; sitting by the pool during your summer session on the beach; blasting tunes on the mantle during the late-night party. Its very nature means you can easily have good audio that’s ready for anything, anytime. Wireless speakers of all kinds are readily available now, but in order to get an impressive sound, you’ll need to spend. No £20 on-the-shelf-at-the-supermarket speaker for us – we’ve rounded up four contenders from the £200 price range to see which manufacturer gives you the most for your money. Battling it out to be the sound of your summer are the Vifa…

The world is such a noisy place, it’s little wonder we seek out any opportunity to block it out in order to focus on some music, a movie, a podcast or even simple, glorious silence. Noise-cancelling headphones used to be the preserve of those with lots of disposable income – and, if you’re willing and able to spend £300+ on a pair of headphones, that’s still where the very best sound lies. However, these days there are a number of options available for less than three figures. The Philips and Lindy models included in this test have been reviewed here before, but both are worth a fresh look in light of their original five-star verdicts and some fresh competition. JVC is a company that rarely makes headlines these days, but…

While Android smartphones in recent years have natively supported high-resolution audio, there has been no sign that Apple officially has plans to do the same with its iPhones. That’s a shame, as we’ve found iPhones to be the best-sounding smartphones around. They consistently outperform rivals in terms of pure audio quality, and being able to play higher-quality recordings would be a bonus in our eyes. Apple may not have made it official, but we wondered whether there was a way we could turn our iPhone into a hi-res music player? As it happens, there is – but to say Apple doesn’t make it easy is an understatement, and you will need to buy a compatible DAC. However, if you’re determined to get your hi-res music library playing on your iPhone,…

It pains us to say it, but the digital-to-analogue converter is one of the most overlooked of all hi-fi components. And yet a good one, properly applied, can transform the quality of your music. If you’ve yet to be converted, then read on. What is a DAC? What does it do? The sounds we hear on a day-to-day basis – traffic, instruments, that baby screaming on your otherwise-peaceful commute – are transmitted in soundwaves, which travel through the air to our ears in a continuously varying analogue signal. Analogue recordings were stored on the likes of vinyl records and, later, cassette tapes, but the unwanted noise and fragility of these formats made way for something new. The CD was born, kick-starting the digital revolution in the process. Digital audio is…

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 amplifier £300-£700, Awards 2017…

Up to £100 Google Chromecast Audio £30 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 £100 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 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 £1000…

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 Audio Pro System From £630 April 2018 ★★★★★ Audio Pro’s multi-room system is not the most advanced, but no other system makes more sound-per-pound sense than this one. Res 24-bit/192kHz App iOS, Android Formats MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, ALAC Stereo sytems up to £500 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 B’tooth,CD, streaming, DAB, FM Tangent Ampster X4…

What is a smart speaker? If your wireless speaker can perform tasks by responding to your voice then we’d consider it a smart speaker. These tend to be single-unit wireless speakers that feature artificial intelligence (AI), which comes in the form of voice-controlled personal assistants, the most popular being Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. What can a smart speaker do? You can ask your smart speaker to play a song or playlist. You can also ask it to set a timer while baking a soufflé. You can control your AV system. You can ask it to turn down the lights in your room, turn up the heating, ask for the weather report, check the traffic, or get it to tell you a joke. All you have to do is say…

£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 Denon AVR-X3400H £650 March 2018 ★★★★★ A powerhouse performer with terrific weight, punch and bass. It also has a sound full of character and a wide, precise soundstage. Power 180W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/3 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 6/2 £1000 and above Denon AVR-X6400H £2300 Best home…

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 x 98 x 10cm…

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…

On demand video BBC iPlayer Free Awards 2015 ★★★★★ Quality content, a great interface and free (for catch-up TV), BBC’s iPlayer is one of, if not the best, video on-demand platforms out there. Resolution up to 1080p Offline playback Yes Google Play Movies & TV Variable June 2014 ★★★★★ Google’s venture into video streaming is a success, offering pretty much everything we could ask for from an on-demand video service. Resolution Up to 1080p Offline playback Yes On demand music Qobuz Sublime £220/pa May 2016 ★★★★★ Qobuz Sublime is, well, sublime. Easy to use, with a diverse catalogue and competitive prices, this is a service that packs in a lot of value. Sound quality Up to 24-bit/192kHz Offline playback Yes Technics Tracks Variable January 2016 ★★★★★ Offering a (very) similar…

Up to £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 £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 lean. Single or…