Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2018 i What Hi-Fi?

a turntable special to highlight all the wonderful and varied vinyl-playing kit that’s out there. Look inside for reviews of 15 of the best decks available today, with prices ranging from around £150 all the way up to almost 20 grand. We try to be all-inclusive here at What Hi-Fi? The turntable reviews start on p30. They are interspersed with some useful and interesting features to help you enjoy your record collection more. We also have a very strong Group Test of four phono stages (p54) and some top cartridge picks (p63) to upgrade your deck. And don’t miss our selection of vinyl albums and tracks (p52) that proves vinyl is still one of the best ways to listen to your music. FREE! Leatherman multi-£30 – when you subscribe. See…

View offers Fyne Audio F302 | Stereo speakers | £400 | whf.cm/F302 FOR Full-bodied presentation; fantastic timing; lots of low-end AGAINST May need some care for best system matching ★★★★★ Homonyms hold the key to around 90 per cent of dad jokes, and for that we must be grateful for their existence. But when it comes to Fyne Audio, the fledgling Scottish company’s rhyme-sake doesn’t describe its brilliance quite aptly enough. Though in its infancy as a brand, Fyne’s seven-strong management team represents a kind of supergroup of industry minds. It has more than 200 years of experience, but with results that total the sum of its parts, if the first of its loudspeakers to arrive in our test rooms are anything to go by. We’ve already praised the company’s…

View offers Pure Move T4 | Radio/Bluetooth streamer | £100 | whf.cm/MoveT4 FOR Easy to use; Bluetooth provides extra versatility AGAINST Sound can’t match wireless speaker; rather pricey ★★★★★ Vinyl isn’t the only once-condemned technology that simply refuses to die. Radio also appears to be in rude health, and shows no sign of dropping its pace. Indeed, rather than its predicted decline, radio has added to its repertoire in recent times, with the introduction of internet radio opening up the whole world to the enthusiast. Internet radio is all well and good, but sometimes all that’s required is what was known in the 1980s as “a little transistor radio”. And that’s pretty much what we’ve got here. The Move T4 is a pocket-sized unit (smaller, but deeper, than an iPhone)…

“Fyne Audio has done a sterling job with these mouth-watering speakers.” Scotland-based loudspeaker manufacturer, Fyne Audio, is brand new - but the team behind it is far from sophomoric. The brainchild of a talented group of ex-Tannoy employees, Fyne Audio boasts an enviable pedigree of loudspeaker design and manufacturing experience that’s resulted in the launch of three loudspeakers targeted at a range of different price points. For a new brand, this is an ambitious launch. But Fyne Audio’s current personnel have worked together for at least 10 years (and some for as long as 30 years), creating a range of critically acclaimed products along the way. At every level of the design process, be it acoustic know-how, mechanical engineering, choice of materials or manufacturing, Fyne Audio’s loudspeakers are tuned for…

Albums Neil Young Tonight’s The Night (1975) Young’s sixth studio album was recorded in August 1973, but its release was delayed for almost two years – perhaps because, in the words of producer David Briggs, “it is unrelenting. There is no relief in it at all. It does not release you for one second”. A long way from the public perception of Young as a vaguely hippified, countrified vendor of superior balladry, Tonight’s The Night is a sloppy, stoned, anguished howl of grief and loss. The late-90s heavyweight-vinyl reissue is one of the most effortlessly revealing records you’ll hear. Every greasy finger-squeak, every exhausted bum note in the vocal, every zizzle of the snare beneath the drum-skin is delivered with staggering immediacy. The interaction between musicians…

dCS Rossini DAC/ Rossini Master Clock | Digital-to-analogue converter | £22,610 FOR Exceptional detail; fine dynamics; build and finish AGAINST Price out of reach for most; remote costs £390 ★★★★★ dCS started in the late 1980s as an electronic-engineering specialist, developing digital products for telecommunications companies and military agencies. As digital music took off, the company branched out into high-end audio. It has been quick to evolve, pioneering 24-bit, high-resolution conversion and implementing DSD early on. Its enviable heritage shines through in the Rossini DAC (£17,090) and Master Clock (£5520). But to call the Rossini a DAC is understating its capabilities. The company calls it an Upsampling Network DAC, which is far closer to the mark. This unit is more of a digital hub for a system rather than just…

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 Cyrus CD…

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 its many inputs. DLNA Yes Inputs Optical, coaxial, USB Storage No £500 to £1000 Cambridge…

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…

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)…

The Last Jedi sees the First Order closing in on Resistance forces and Rey confronting Luke Skywalker on why he’s gone into hiding. Director Rian Johnson aims to get under the skin of these characters, pushing them – and the audience – out of their comfort zones and that’s nowhere more obvious than what he does with Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker. It’s a drastic change that’s upset fans, but it shakes the series out of any kind of complacency. There are new locations and new characters to see and a few familiar faces returning, and that makes for a film that’s at times unwieldy and overstuffed, with some clunky dialogue to boot. But when The Last Jedi is good, it’s very good. Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren is a fascinating antagonist.…

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…

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…

Only buy from authorised dealers Buying from authorised dealers not only ensures the product you receive is genuine, it also means you get a high level of pre- and post-sales service. When you buy from an authorised dealer, whether at a shop or online, you can be sure you’re buying a genuine, factory-new product. Authorised dealers will have access to the latest product knowledge, so can better serve your needs, and can offer a full warranty in case the headphones are faulty. Buying safely from auction sites While Amazon is an authorised online dealer of many headphone brands, a lot of third-party resellers who sell through Amazon are not. To be certain that you’re buying from an authorised reseller, make sure you check where the product is being shipped from…

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…

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…

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…

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…

“The Sony KD-65AF8's lower price tag doesn’t quite compensate for the difference in picture and sound quality between it and the flagship A1” View offers Sony KD-65AF8 | 4K OLED television | £3300 | whf.cm/KD65AF8 FOR Detailed picture; decent sound; deep OLED blacks AGAINST Lacks a little punch; no Dolby Vision; interface ★★★★ Sony made quite a splash last year with its first 4K OLED range, the A1. The company is no doubt pinning its hopes on its second OLED range, the AF8 series, being able to replicate that success. Launched at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, the AF8 series sits right below the current A1 range (which continues as the flagship OLED series) and comes in both 55in and 65in screen sizes. According to Sony, it provides the same…

View offers LG WK7 | Smart speaker | £200 | whf.cm/WK7 FOR Powerful, punchy bass; detail; Google apps work well AGAINST Sound lacks verve and a degree of authority ★★★★★ The LG WK7 marks a couple of firsts for the Korean giant. It’s the company’s first foray into the ever-growing smart speaker market. It’s also one of the first products to emerge as part of the new partnership between LG and British audio specialist Meridian Audio. The WK7 even has ‘with Meridian technology’ stamped on its exterior. Can the LG WK7 ThinQ Google Assistant Smart Speaker (to give it its full name) do both brands justice? In the round Cylindrical has been the de facto form for a number of smart speakers, and the WK7 continues this trend. It’s a…

BUY A NEW PHONO STAGE Upgrading your phono stage could be the most drastic improvement you can make to your turntable’s sound CHANGE THE CARTRIDGE Cartridges come in moving magnet or moving coil varieties. Check whether your phono stage is compatible with MM, MC or both and keep within the realistic capabilities of the rest of your kit CHANGE THE TONEARM An upgrade is worth it only if the deck is of a higher level than the existing tonearm. However, changing the arm can give the cartridge better support and all-round sound INVEST IN PROPER SUPPORT Support should be level and placed away from vibrations, including speakers. Floorstanding support works on a hard surface, but will emphasise footfall on a suspended wooden floor, so invest in a dedicated wall shelf…

There are no guarantees what we’ll find when curating a group test. There are educated guesses, based on the past form of leading brands, but rarely are we treated to a quartet quite as strong as this. We have recently pitted four vinyl-ripping phono stages against each other. Now is the time to move up the food chain and focus on those designed solely for analogue amplification. The headline act is Rega’s Fono MM MK3, our current Award winner and the one to beat in this £180-£250 price range. It replaced the MK2 last year but, a new chassis aside, little has changed in terms of its inner workings. There are a couple of retests in these ranks as well. We gave Musical Fidelity’s LX2-LPS five stars in January and…

Great if you prioritise a large-scale, refined sound and want a headphone output. For those who value detail and clarity over authority. It’s easily upgradable too. Fans of a smooth, spacious, easy-going sound should look to the Musical Fidelity. The Rega is the punchiest, liveliest, most exciting performer in this quartet. FOR A FULL LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS AND OTHER USEFUL INFO VISIT WHATHIFI.COM…

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, Fyne Audio continues its excellent start with the F501 floorstanders, Pro-Ject’s Debut III S Audiophile turntable lives up to the grand tradition of the Debut range and Sony’s UBP-X700 brings 4K disc players down to more affordable levels.…

Up to £200 Pure Evoke H2 £100 Best radio under £100, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Pure’s latest radio is similar to its previous incarnation, but more refined. The H2 improves 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 (hwd) 18 x…

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-X700 £250 June 2018 ★★★★★ This 4K player delivers a stunningly natural picture for an affordable price. It’ll be tough to knock this Sony off its perch. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony UBP-X800 £300 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sony’s first 4K player astonishes with its colourful images…

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 HDMI x 2, RCA, composite Spks Yes £1000 to £3000 Optoma UHD40 £1300 June 2018 ★★★★★ A ‘4K’ projector that brings top-tier technology to a budget price point, this device boasts punchy colours and insightful detail. Throw ratio 1.21:1-1.59:1 Inputs HDMI x 2, VGA, 3.5mm 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 UHD65 £3000…

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 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. Type…

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, with 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 £200 and above Isotek EVO Polaris + Premier cable £400…

Up to £10/m QED XT25 £6/m May 2018 ★★★★★ Features the same characteristics as the more expensive XT40, displaying the kind of transparency that’s difficult for its rivals to match. Single or Bi-wire Single Chord Company C-Screen £5/m June 2018 ★★★★★ The C-Screen possesses the fantastic ability to mirror a system’s punch and drive. What it does, it does better than anything else at the price. 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…

Outboard phono stages haven’t always been a thing. Up until the late ’80s they were the preserve of obsessive high-end brands, and for those seeking the last percentage point of performance. Then CD took off, and vinyl sales fell off a cliff. Amplifier manufacturers saw the potential for saving costs and decided to ditch the built-in phono sections in their products. Those who still wanted to play their records had to find an alternative – and that led to the rise of the affordable stand-alone phono stage. The sophisticated sound remains If you’ve read our phono stage group test on p54 you’ll notice Musical Fidelity’s LX2-LPS doing rather well. It’s a well built, sensibly featured product that also sounds remarkably sophisticated. We weren’t surprised. Musical Fidelity has long produced fine-sounding…

UP TO £300 Pro-Ject Elemental £150, p32 Audio Technica AT›LP3 £200, p33 Rega Planar 1 £250, p34 Sony PS›HX500 £300, p35 £300 £700 Project Debut III S Audiophile £325, p38 Audio Technica AT›LP5 £330, p39 Pro-Ject Juke Box E £370, p40 Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 £650, p41 £700 £1500 Clearaudio Concept £995, p44 EAT B›Sharp Superpack £1370, p45 Rega Planar 6/Ania £1470, p46 £1500 + VPI Prime Signature £6000, p47 SME Model 15 £8050, p49 Clearaudio I’vation £17,330, p50 Linn Klimax LP12 £18,670, p51…

“It doesn’t take more than a few seconds of Into My Arms to recognise that this is a terrific performer” 1 Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2 £1990 (£1245/£745) ★★★★★ This premium phono stage lets the user fine-tune cartridge matching from the comfort of their favourite listening position. Cartridges of all types need the partnering phono stage to have specific electrical input characteristics to transfer their delicate music signal properly. The Phono Signature has four inputs, each of which can be optimised individually. The gain range is 40dB right up to 70dB (to cope with really low-output moving coils). Fine-tuning the sound is a breeze and any changes can be done by remote in a couple of seconds. The Phono Signature is certainly one of the best we’ve heard at the price, but…

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 is agile and has 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. The build quality is impressive too. Power 60W Inputs 4 line-in Outputs Preamp, 2 x speaker, headphone Rega Brio £600 Best stereo amplifier…

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…

£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…

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? For 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 5.1…

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…

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 64GB/microSD Samsung Galaxy S9 Reviewed online ★★★★★ A polished successor to the S8 that, due to a number of carefully considered tweaks, is one of the best Android phones available. OS Android Size (hwd) 148 x 69 x 9mm Storage 64GB/microSD…

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 Cambridge Audio Duo £250 June 2018 ★★★★★ A well-specced phono stage that’s a full bodied and dynamic performer. It looks lovely and is a treat to use. The headphone amp is a nice bonus. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 22 x 16cm Musical Fideltiy LX2-LPS £200…