Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2018 i What Hi-Fi?

The loudspeaker may not necessarily be the single most important part of your music system – it can’t do anything at all on its own, after all – but it is, surely, the most obvious in your room. Get your speaker choice wrong for whatever reason, and the rest of your hi-fi stands little chance to shine, no matter how awesome and five-star it may be. In this month’s What Hi-Fi?, then, we devote a large chunk of our pages to ensuring you make the best choice possible for your new speaker purchase. We kick off with Group Tests of entry-level floorstanders (p28), then move swiftly on to £200 standmounters (p38). And, if your sights are set a little higher, we’ve got you covered as well. The following pages are…

“Paint it silver and it could be mistaken for a soft-drinks can. And it isn’t much heavier either” View offers Nebula Capsule | Projector | £400 | whf.cm/Capsule FOR Decent picture; solid sound; neat design AGAINST Short on apps; poor dark detail; connections The first smart television – Samsung’s Pavv Bordeaux 750 – was introduced to the world in 2008. Just 10 years later, the majority of TVs, even budget ones, now come with some form of built-in streaming. Projectors haven’t yet travelled as far down this path – but step forward the Capsule by Nebula, a brand owned by battery manufacturer Anker. A portable projector with a built-in Android-esque app store, the Capsule can also be used as a dedicated Bluetooth speaker. Paint it silver and it could be…

View offers Philips 50PUS6703 | 4K television | £600 | whf.cm/KD65AF8 FOR Popping, dynamic image; great detail; Ambilight AGAINST Dull user interface and remote; difficult to set up If TV manufacturing were a sport then Philips’ 50PUS6703 would be a Bolt, or a Williams or a Pelé. Compared with the competition, it’s almost unfair that they’re in the running. The 50PUS6703 is a superb spend at a surprisingly small cost. For £600, you get a 4K HDR panel with three-way-Ambilight thrown in for good measure. And it looks darn good too. We’d love to go straight to the 'pic' de résistance, but Philips doesn’t make it easy. There’s a multitude of menus to go through to get this screen looking its best. You’ll have to turn off the default ‘Eco’…

View offers Koss Porta Pro | Stereo headphones | £25 | whf.cm/PortaPro FOR Decent punch and detail; lightweight and portable AGAINST Considering the price, no real complaints Yeah, we thought the same thing. The Koss Porta Pros surely aren’t meant for people who care about sound quality? No, these are for Quentin, self-professed 21st-century Kerouac, listening to his own bedroom techno remixes on a Walkman, gleefully oblivious to how awful they sound because at least the headphones are quirky as he is. For only £25, he can afford a pair using the travel allowance from his games design internship. But Quentin doesn’t deserve these headphones. Nor does anyone buying them merely as a retro trinket. Those people frankly don’t merit the amount of fun they’ll have listening to the Koss…

“The concept of ‘lifestyle’ in this case means more than a few ornamental flourishes in lieu of sonic flair” FOR Energetic; weighty bass; punch; easy to accommodate AGAINST Slender midrange; treble flirts with coarseness To choose a pair of speakers based solely on their star rating is a dangerous game. While a five-star review indicates that we think the product is a good all-rounder, scoring highly across the board, the idea that full marks necessarily deems a product the definitive option for anyone is a false one. There have been few better recent examples to highlight that than these Jamo S 805s. Although £350 isn’t loose change, in terms of floorstanders, it’s a snip. That might be where our fondness for these speakers begins, but ultimately it’s probably the least…

★★★★★ It’s early days for the company, but if we were in charge of marketing we’d be considering changing the moniker to Damn Fyne Audio – as a descriptor, not an instruction, you understand. Tannoy’s Eclipse Three speakers remain a sensational deal at a much lower price, but Fyne Audio’s F302s represent an upgrade in just about every way. Against the grain Despite an insatiable appetite for entertainment, they’re as mature a performer as you’re likely to find for under that magic £500 threshold, combining punch and enthusiasm with granular detail, sophistication and subtlety. That’s not to mention their versatility in positioning. While the Tannoys require a bit of space to breathe, with low end becoming a tad congested when they’re close to a wall, Fyne offers a class-leading presentation…

Normally, when we have a Group Test in What Hi-Fi?, we include a system builder on the verdict page, giving you our suggestions for some partnering kit that will go particularly well with the test winner. In this issue, however, we have two Group Tests of loudspeakers of reasonably equal value and performance. After all, once you’ve added in the cost of decent stands to the value of the standmounters here, you’ll be looking at a total outlay similar to that if you’d decided to go down the floorstander route of the test starting on p28. Which means that any system builder should be appropriate to both tests. Rather than repeat ourselves unnecessarily, here we suggest a couple of systems that will make your new speaker purchase shine, whichever style…

FOR Detailed, engaging sound; technical innovation AGAINST Judicious partnering needed; low-vol performance ★★★★★ Never heard of Fyne Audio? Don’t feel bad or in any way out of the loop; this is a very new company. This Scottish brand has arrived fully formed, with an ample selection of speakers and subwoofers. These F501s look, feel and, most crucially, sound more like the product of a company building on years of experience and expertise. In terms of build quality and finish, they have the sturdiness a £1200 floorstander needs, and the finish is smooth and seamless too. On a technical level, the F501s are an intriguing combination of the predictable and the unusual. The broad strokes are pretty predictable: a two-and-a-half way design using a 25mm tweeter, 15cm mid/bass driver and 15cm…

FOR Rhythmic and well timed; convenient functionality AGAINST Needs careful partnering; remote too small ★★★★★ As powered floorstanders, the Dali Zensor 5 AXs should be up and running with minimum fuss. But take care with set-up and these speakers will shine. They look just like their passive siblings save for a small LED on the left master speaker that informs you of the input selected. This master speaker holds the brains of the set-up, including the 50W-per-channel Class D amplifier, a choice of physical inputs and the wireless components for Bluetooth. There isn’t a huge choice of inputs – 3.5mm auxiliary, digital optical and apt-X Bluetooth – but enough to hook up portable devices or a laptop via the mini jack, and a CD player or even your TV. Fast,…

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, Rega’s Planar 1 Plus is the perfect marriage of convenience and superb sound, Samsung’s superb QE55Q9FN QLED TV takes the fight to OLED and KEF’s Reference 1 stand-mounters prove to be brilliant all-round speakers.…

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 Up to £500 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-N 7050 £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…

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)…

NAS drive All your music goes in here. It’s an intelligent hard drive that can be accessed by other components within your network. Music streamer Deals with the music stored in the NAS and turns it into an electronic signal your amplifier can work with. Ethernet switch Not an essential part of the streaming system equation, but a good way of isolating your network from outside interference. Wireless set-up The control centre of your network. This manages the communication flow. You can connect to it via wired ethernet or wi-fi. Tablet/smartphone The best way to navigate around your music collection is with a dedicated app. A phone will do the job but a tablet is better. Read more at... www.whathifi.com/features…

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)…

£500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X 2400H £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-X 3400H £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-DN 1080 £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…

PVRs Humax FVP-5000 T £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…

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…

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 (2018) from £319 July 2018 ★★★★★ The new features are mainly for creative types and the integration of HDR is subtle, but the iPad is the best tablet available at this price. OS iOS Size (hwd) 239 x 168 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 x…

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 Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator £180 July 2018 ★★★★★ A gem of a phono amplifier that has stood the test of time. It offers class-leading levels of detail, brilliant timing and a sweet sound. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 12 x 19cm £200 to £350 Cambridge Audio Duo £250…

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…

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 London 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…

“Given the clarity through the midrange, we can quite see why these would be a smart pick” View offers Flare Audio Flares Pro | In-ear headphones | £350 | whf.cm/FlaresPro FOR Impressive clarity; precise timing; wired or wireless use AGAINST Some coarseness in treble and lack of bass subtlety Flares may be a phenomenon best left in the past, much like scarlet fever or the guillotine. But with these Flare Audio in-ears having been endorsed by record producers such as Tony Visconti, Gary Langan and Chris Kimsey, this could be an infinitely more palatable trend than their bell-bottomed namesakes. Using a host of the pro audio company’s sonic technologies, the Flares Pro can switch between wired and wireless connection thanks to the included Bluetooth bolt-on module – the size of…

“It will take splashes in its stride and can even survive being submerged for 30 minutes“ View offers JBL Link 20 | Wireless speaker | £180 | whf.cm/Link20 FOR Google Assistant; good sound quality; hi-res streaming AGAINST No 3.5mm input; sound isn’t authoritative With battery bases available for the Amazon Echo and Google Home, and leather travel cases for the HomePod, there’s clearly a market for products aimed at people who want their smart speaker unshackled from the wall socket. JBL has entered that rather niche market with the Link 20. It’s a Google Assistant smart speaker that’s small enough to slip into your rucksack, but it also has a 10-hour battery life so you can stay out longer. The Link 20 is about 20cm tall – a little shorter…

“The G7 ThinQ looks like a standard Android smartphone, but LG has provided a glimpse of the future by including its smarter systems” View offers LG G7 ThinQ | Smartphone | £630 | whf.cm/G7 FOR Good build; sound quality; bright screen AGAINST Lots of bloatware; camera could be better ThinQ is a name you should expect to see on increasingly more LG products. Pronounced ‘think’, it’s the umbrella term for the company’s artificial intelligence consumer electronics, including TVs, smart speakers and, with the LG G7, smartphones. The G7 looks like a standard Android smartphone, but LG has provided a glimpse of the future by including some of its smarter systems in the G7 ThinQ. Take it on the chin Like most other Android smartphones, the LG G7 ThinQ has a…

“The presentation is pretty detailed agile and articulate, with an explicit midrange and refined treble” FOR Controlled and articulate sound; good integration; build AGAINST Sound lacks a little enthusiasm and excitement The Mission LX›3s’ recipe for success looks like a sure-fire winner. Take the Award-winning LX-2 standmounter, add another mid/bass driver and make the cabinet bigger to bypass the need for a stand. The extra drive unit and bigger box pretty much guarantee more bass and higher volume levels. Just keep the price sensible, as Mission has, and what could go wrong? But things aren’t quite as straightforward as they appear. These speakers do indeed deliver on both low-frequency quantity and loudness levels, but also lose out to their standmounter relative in other areas. Good first impressions Take the LX-3s…

FOR Fun presentation; compact size; easy to position AGAINST Rivals go louder and deeper in the bass ★★★★★ Neat’s Iota Alphas are odd-looking things. Thanks to the knee high stature and strangely angled appearance, it’s difficult to take them seriously. Yet, for anyone wanting great sound without going for room-dominating hi-fi, these floorstanders are something to savour. The original Iota standmounters were small enough to squeeze into all sorts of places and perform well. The Iota Alphas take this can-do attitude and add an extra dose of sonic authority and scale. Fuss-free attitude The top half of the Alpha is straight from the original. A 50mm Emit magnetic/ planar tweeter sits alongside a 10cm polypropylene mid/bass unit. However, they’re in a sealed compartment to help integration with the downward-facing 13.5cm…

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…

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…

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 Tannoy Eclipse 3 £300 Best floorstander under £400, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A speaker that’s easy to set up and partner, this is the most talented budget floorstander we’ve heard in years. Size (hwd) 96 x 27 x 29cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1…

Choose the right shape and size The shape and size of your wireless speaker will dictate how you use it. For your bedroom, a sensibly sized Audio Pro Addon T3 is ideal. If the speaker will take pride of place in your living room, then the Naim Mu-so Qb makes quite the statement. If you want your friends to enjoy an even spread of sound, have a look at omnidirectional speakers such as the Bose SoundLink Revolve or smart speakers such as the Apple HomePod. After something more portable? Try the Dali Katch or anything from UE’s range of wireless speakers, such as the UE Boom 2 or Megaboom. If you’re the adventurous type, the UE Roll 2’s rugged, waterproof build will withstand all manner of knocks, bumps, rain and…

An action classic Bruce Willis’s John McClane flies to Los Angeles to spend time with his wife (Bonnie Bedelia), but the proverbial hits the fan at the Nakatomi Corp’s Christmas party when a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) storm the building. As a film, Die Hard countered the excess of the ’80s. You had a character that was more vulnerable – an empathetic action hero. Seeing him up against it, outmanned and outgunned, is what makes the film so enjoyable. It’s the perfect encapsulation of the right man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Willis is compelling and the acting is good throughout, with plenty of other characters and mini-stories to keep your interest. Even in the shadow of modern-day action films, it’s a…

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…

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 Schiit Audio Magni 3 £110 July 2018 ★★★★★ A headphone amp that’s better than the name implies, this elegant device is a simple, affordable and great-sounding piece of kit. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 6 x 18 x 25cm 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 Audio Technica AT-HA 5050H £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 View offers whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps…

“In terms of component costs and sales price, the Mojo is better value for money than anything else on the market” Sometimes it’s the little things in life that give us pleasure. Freshly washed sheets, a ray of sunshine – or maybe a pocket-sized device that makes your smartphone sound miles better, such as the Chord Mojo. After two decades of making high-end digital-to-analogue converters (among other hi-fi components), Chord first flirted with portability with the Hugo in 2014, before entering the world of mobile DACs a year later. The Mojo (£400) sits at the bottom of the company’s DAC range – with the £8500 Chord DAVE at the top. It’s among the more recent products in Chord’s 29-year history, in contrast to the renovated pump house in Maidstone the…

“We listen to every album all the way through – an acid test passed only by the most engaging products” FOR Detailed, entertaining presentation; timing; 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 to our language 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 the brand is in its infancy, Fyne’s seven-strong management team represents a kind of supergroup of industry minds. It has more than 200 years of experience, but with a result that actually totals the sum of its parts, if the first of its loudspeakers to arrive in our test rooms…

“These Tannoys work with a range of kit. This kind of unfussy nature is essential for budget speakers” FOR Articulate presentation; good build and finish AGAINST Need a bit of space to breathe Eagle-eyed readers will notice that it’s been a few years since we have tested budget floorstanders that we could recommend without hesitation. Most of the ones we have seen tend to sound bloated and unwieldy next to their smaller, standmounter siblings. Floorstanders invariably offer lots more bass, but that’s only worth having if it’s articulate and well integrated – and in our experience, usually it’s not. So, we’re pleased to report Tannoy’s Eclipse Three bucks that trend, turning in a musically engaging performance that compares favourably with the best standmounters at the price. Boxed in Once out…

Atacama Moseco 6 ★★★★★ £120 We’re impressed with how weighty and dynamic these stands make our system sound. They work well with a variety of speakers and, at a relatively modest £120, are one of the best-value stands we’ve seen. FS 104 Signature ★★★★★ £200 What distinguishes the Signature is that high-end detail is very agile, which balances things out nicely. If you’re after stylish, reasonably priced stands that make the most of your speakers, you need look no further.…

FOR Clear, balanced frequency range; very fast; expressive; fun AGAINST Nothing of note ★★★★★ So here we are in the presence of the sixth generation of Monitor Audio’s Silver Series speakers. This time, the focus has been on creating a family bond – a sonic character running like a bloodline through each of the nine speaker models in the series. According to Monitor Audio, the whole Silver range has been designed for ‘modern living’, with two HiVe II reflex ports positioned at the back and slim magnetic-held grilles. Tweeter tweaks Within that slimline chassis is mounted a new version of Monitor Audio’s iconic gold-dome tweeter, fine-tuned for clearer, smoother and distortion-free high frequencies, above a pair of 13cm drivers – the upper one functioning across midrange and bass, the lower…

FOR Articulate and expressive sound; excellent build AGAINST Nothing of note ★★★★★ Spendor’s A4s could be the pair of compact premium floorstanders you’re after. They’re beautifully engineered, smartly finished and sound great. At just over 80cm tall they’re unlikely to dominate, even in smaller rooms. The general styling and cabinet dimensions suggest these speakers are a development of the company’s A5 model, but they are quite different. These are a two-way design, rather than the 2.5-way of the A5 – the change marked with a move from two 15cm drivers to a single 18cm mid/bass unit. The low frequencies are tuned by a rear-firing reflex port on the new model – the older one had a sealed cabinet. High frequencies are delivered by Spendor’s favoured 22mm wide-surround tweeter, which is…

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-50 A £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…

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-M 41DAB £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…

Up to £300 Audio Technica AT-LP 3 £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 Sony PS-HX 500 £280 Best USB turntable, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A turntable with the ability to rip vinyl into hi-res files, but it’s also an entertaining deck with a big, open sound. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 11…

Up to £100 Panasonic DMP-BDT 180EB £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-S 3700 £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-X 700 £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-X 800 £300 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500,…

Up to £1000 Epson EH-TW 5350 £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-HW 45ES £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…

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 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 LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freev’w/Freesat HD Sony KD-49XE9005 £1200 Best 47-52in TV, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A 4K HDR television that produces a superb UHD picture, it features a good number of streaming apps as well as decent sound for a…

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…

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 Up to £200 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 Russ Andrews X6 £350…