Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2020 i What Hi-Fi?

The first week of January isn’t the best time for most people. Post ‘festive season’ hangovers abound, the nights are long and the days dank. For technology journalists, however, the enormous Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas every year, adds a healthy dose of the bizarre and inspirational into the mix. CES is the biggest electronics show there is, and this year, as usual, there were launches and reveals aplenty – especially where TV is concerned. Our feature on the future of TV (p46) highlights the next big things to come from the main manufacturers – and there’s plenty to be excited about. And there’s plenty in this issue too, for the music enthusiast. We have two Group Tests, one of high-quality music-streaming services (p32), one of £350…

View offers Stereo speakers | £799 | whf.cm/ae120 We unbox Acoustic Energy’s AE120 floorstanders with no small amount of excitement. They emerge to reveal a tweeter and three relatively large drivers, all within a slender and unobtrusive chassis. The bijou dimensions and true three-way configuration has piqued our interest already. The AE120 floorstanders are the largest in the firm’s most affordable 100 series. They pack a 25mm soft-dome tweeter, a dedicated midrange driver (housed in its own enclosure) and twin bass drive units – that last trio featuring the company’s bespoke 11cm paper cones – they’ve got a lot going for them. You get a choice of two finishes. The model we’re testing has a black satin wrap, which costs £50 more than the walnut vinyl veneer option. Once placed…

View offers Stereo speakers | £2199 | whf.cm/CitationTower We’ve been anticipating the Citation Towers for some time now. Harman Kardon announced the launch of its Citation family of hi-res-capable wireless speakers in August last year, and it was never too far from our minds over the year or so that followed. The Citation Towers, a pair of wireless floorstanders that slot seamlessly into the Google Home multi-room ecosystem, are the standout product. They’re big, bold and offer a broad range of possibilities, including the option to form part of a 5.1 surround-sound system. To facilitate this, Harman Kardon presents the Citation Bar, Citation Sub and Citation Surround speakers that will connect and converse with the Towers to create an immersive home cinema system. You can also pair with other Citation…

The true-wireless in-ear headphone has been around for only a handful of years, but already they are a familiar sight. Certainly, we seem to have got over that self-conscious feeling we had when we first donned them on the bus. And no longer does the sight of Apple’s now ubiquitous AirPods make us do a double-take. While the technology in these remarkable little buds is improving at a rapid rate of knots, however, there are still undoubted compromises to be made. First and foremost of these, we believe, is the choice between sonic quality and unshakeable fit. If you’re someone who wants to listen to a pair of these while on the rowing machine or out for a jog, first and foremost you need a pair that will be able…

Stereo speakers £4999 “That angled cabinet isn’t ordinary. Its non-parallel sides reduce the build-up of internal standing waves” WHAT HI⋆FI? FOR • A musical and entertaining sound • Strong dynamic expression and surefooted with rhythms • Expressive midrange • Unfussy nature AGAINST • Larger rivals deliver more in the way of sonic scale and authority VERDICT If you’re looking for easy-going, compact floorstanders that still deliver a fun-packed sound, give these Totems a listen If you’re willing to spend £5000 on a pair of speakers, the chances are that you’re after top-class sound backed up by solid engineering. Of course, that amount of money also demands high standards of build and finish. At this elevated level, there’s no shortage of floorstanders that give you all these things, and Totem’s Tribe…

Up to £200 Cambridge CXC £299 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 £349 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2019 The king of the budget market. The CD6006UK shows plenty of skill with detail, dynamics and clarity. A great player for the money. Type CD player Outputs Line-out, coaxial, optical, headphone, USB Cyrus CD t £895 Awards 2015 An exceptionally talented transport, the CD t offers a level of insight, transparency and clarity you’d struggle to find elsewhere at this price. Type CD transport Outputs Coaxial, optical Preamp and power amps Up to £1000 £1000 to £2000 Naim CD5si £1149…

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. Inputs Line-in, 3.5mm, optical £100 to £500 Audiolab 6000N Play £449 Best music streamer under £500, Awards 2019 A great, affordable way to implement streaming into your system without compromising sonic quality. The best budget solution we’ve seen… Outputs Line-in, coaxial, optical, subwoofer Bluesound Node 2i £499 Best music streamer under £500, Awards 2018 Even better than before, this large-scaled, well timed Bluesound has sensational streaming skills and features for the money. Outputs Line-in, coaxial, optical, subwoofer £500 to £1000 Cambridge CXN V2 £799 Best music streamer £500-£1000, Awards 2019 All the success…

Up to £500 Pro-Ject Juke Box E £369 Best turntable system, Awards 2019 An impressive all-in-one system with a level of functionality that’s difficult to replicate in individual separates for a similar price. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Inputs Line-in, BT Outputs Line-out Denon D-M41DAB £329 Best microsystem, Awards 2019 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 CD, line-in, optical x2, BT, DAB/FM Outputs Subwoofer £500 to £1000 Up to £500 KEF LSX £999 Best all-in-one system, Awards 2019 KEF has shrunk its excellent LS50 Wirelesses to create a wonderfully insightful and flexible pair of speakers with a neat, colourful design. Inputs 3.5mm, optical, BT, AirPlay 2, wi-fi Outputs Subwoofer Marantz PM7000N £999 Best system under…

Up to £500 Panasonic DP-UB150EB £129 March 2020 A highly competent machine at an impressively low price, this 4K Blu-ray player represents a big step up from streaming your UHD content. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD HDMI out 1 Sony UBP-X700 £199 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500, Awards 2019 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, SACD, CD HDMI out 2 Panasonic DP-UB820EB £290 Best 4K Blu-ray player £350-£500, Awards 2019 Delivers on multiple fronts, supporting all major HDR formats, delivering a hugely immersive and impactful picture, and all backed up by strong audio. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD HDMI out 2 Sony UBP-X1100ES £749 November 2019…

PVRs Humax FVP-5000T from £199 Best PVR, Awards 2019 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 Subscription boxes Sky Q 2TB from £199 Best subscription box, Awards 2019 Sky has overhauled its TV package with Q and made it more enticing and versatile thanks to 4K support, but it comes with a high price tag. Tuners 4 Storage 2TB Ultra HD Yes…

Up to £100 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K £50 Best video streamer under £100, Awards 2019 Despite some caveats, this 4K device supports all HDR formats and delivers excellent picture quality for a very affordable price. Resolution 2160p, 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB 4K Yes £100 and above Apple TV 4K £179 Best video streamer over £100, Awards 2019 It has a fantastic UI and design, a huge library of 4K HDR content, and the best picture and sound performance at any price. Siri is useful, too. Resolution 2160p, 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB 4K Yes Games consoles Sony PS4 Pro £350 February 2017 The Pro offers a solid, relatively affordable upgrade over the base PS4, but still needs work to be an all-in-one 4K streamer and player. Resolution 2160p, 1080p, 1080i,…

View offers whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £100 £100 to £200 Beyerdynamic Byron £39 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2018 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 E11C £50 Best in-ear headphones under £50, Awards 2019 The latest version of Soundmagic’s budget in-ears continues to impress with a full-bodied, energetic and informative sound. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd £69 April 2019 You’ll struggle to find a better pair of in-ear headphones costing less than £70 than these Beyerdynamics. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £70 Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2017 You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound quite so good…

View offerswhf.cm/BBMobilePhones iOS Apple iPhone 11 Best smartphone, Awards 2019 Ignore the 11 over the Pro and Pro Max, and you’re missing out on a more affordable smartphone that ticks many of the same boxes, for less cash. OS iOS Size (hwd) 151 x 76 x 8mm Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB Android Samsung Galaxy S9 Reviewed online, 2018 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 Samsung Galaxy S9+ May 2018 It’s more evolution than revolution, but that’s enough to make the S9+ the best big Android phone you can currently buy. OS Android Size (hwd) 160 x 74 x 9mm Storage 128GB/microSD Samsung…

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £200 Amazon Fire HD 10 £150 Best tablet under £200, Awards 2019 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 £200 and above Apple iPad (2018) from £319 Awards 2018 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 Mini (2019) £399 Best tablet over £200, Awards 2019 The looks haven’t changed, but under the skin improvements make the latest iPad Mini even better than before OS iOS Size (hwd) 204…

View offerswhf.cm/BBCartridges Cartridges Goldring E3 £90 Best cartridge under £150, Awards 2019 This is a wonderfully balanced and entertaining moving magnet cartridge that will work well with a wide range of record players. Type MM Tracking weight 2.0g Ortofon Quintet Blue £349 Best cartridge over £150, Awards 2019 Given a suitably capable system we have no doubt the Ortofon Quintet Blue will impress. It’s a well-balanced design with no obvious weaknesses. Type MC Tracking weight 2.3g…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerCables Upto £10/m 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 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 Atlas Equator 2.0 (2018) £7.25/m Reviewed online, 2018 A nicely built speaker cable that promotes a wonderfully clean and detailed delivery – it’s an affordable and easy way to spruce up your system. Single or Bi-wire Single £500 to £1000 £1001 Chord Company Clearway £10/m Best speaker cable, Awards 2017 Not the flashiest cable, its strength is aiding dynamics and…

F or fans of the horror genre, the nostalgia of mono audio and a grainy low-budget picture may be a part of the attraction, but it pays for today’s horror films to look and sound their best. After all, why wouldn’t you want to feel like you’re in an old, creepy haunted house. With the lights off… stood in silence… right next to the impending victim? We’ve rounded up six of the best horror film soundtracks to send a shiver down your spine and give your home cinema system a run for its money. Lights down, volume up, brave face on… A QUIET PLACE (2018) John Krasinski’s post-apocalyptic horror about a family forced to live in silence in a world terrorised by blind monsters that hunt through sound deserves a…

View offers Wireless speaker | £149 | whf.cm/OneSL In the rapidly evolving realm of wireless speakers, packing as much into each fabric-jacketed box as possible – drivers, streaming-service support, features – has long been the route to success. More has definitely always been more. So why has Sonos released a product that looks identical to its latest five-star smart speaker, the Sonos One, but left out the smart aspects, including those little microphone dots around the top, and the built-in voice assistant? Our review of the Sonos One described it as “essentially a Play:1 with voice control built in”, and concluded that it was “a fine combination in our book”. Which begs the question that, if the Sonos Play:1 is the Sonos One without voice assistant smarts, what is the…

While it might not be flawlessly Midas-like, most of what Apple touches does eventually turn to gold. Take the AirPods: when first introduced, they looked daft and didn’t sound great; but, drawn in by their magical design and cutting-edge technology (not to mention brand affinity), enough people bought them to make them a common sight worldwide. This second-generation model is more about sprinkling some pixie dust than pushing the AirPods into hi-fi territory. And yet, without any huge fanfare, Apple has improved the AirPods’ sound quality. Switch between the old and new models and you notice that the new pair goes louder. That extra loudness is welcome, as the AirPods isolate little outside noise (you need the AirPods Pros for that). Apple has always gone for a fairly neutral sonic…

TCL Depending on when you looked last year, TCL was either the number one or number two TV brand by volume in the US, vying with Samsung for the top spot. The company has spread its wings recently, too, coming to the UK and Europe, primarily with price-focused, ultra-competitive LCD TVs. But TCL’s 8 Series, new for 2020, proves the Chinese company wants a chunk of the premium market as well. The TCL 8 Series Vidrian Mini-LED 8K TV is the company’s new flagship for 2020, building on last year’s mini-LED TVs with 8K resolution and an upgraded ‘glass on LED’ panel tech. Available in 65in and 75in sizes, it uses Quantum Dot and LCD technology, fusing tens of thousands of LED backlights and circuitry directly into the glass substrate…

From 65in 4K TVs to turntables, and from portable Bluetooth speakers to Dolby Atmos surround sound packages, here’s where you’ll find the perfect hi-fi and AV product, fast. NEW ENTRIES THIS MONTH We have a couple of new wireless speakers to enter an extremely strong category. JBL’s Flip 5 is a fine Bluetooth speaker with no frills, and the Sonos One SL enters at the bottom of the company’s range. There’s also a superb budget Panasonic 4K Blu-ray player and Vertere’s £1000 phono stage.…

View offers whf.cm/BBDACs Up to £200 Cyrus soundKey £99 Best DAC under £100, Awards 2019 An affordable, compact DAC that turns mobile listening into an authentic high-fidelity experience. iOS users may find connectivity a little inelegant. Size 2 x 5 x 1cm Resolution 24-bit/96kHz Audiolab M-DAC nano £149 Best DAC £100-£200, Awards 2019 If you’ve got a good pair of wired headphones and want to improve your sound on the move, the Audiolab M-DAC nano makes a mighty strong case. Inputs Bluetooth 4.2 Size 44 x 44 x 14mm Res 32-bit/384kHz £200 to £500 AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt £269 Best DAC £200-£300, Awards 2019 If you loved the DragonFly Red and you’re looking to make the next step up without compromising on size or form, this is something of a no-brainer…

Up to £200 Pure Evoke H2 £89 Best radio under £100, Awards 2019 Pure’s latest radio is similar to its previous incarnation, but more refined. The H2 improves on the D2’s already sophisticated sound. Battery Optional Size (hwd) 18 x 12 x 12cm Inputs 3.5mm Roberts Stream 94i £189 Best radio over £100, Awards 2019 Sets the bar even higher than its predecessor, adding Bluetooth without compromising its sound and offering plenty of features. Battery Optional Size (hwd) 26 x 17 x 13cm Inputs 3.5mm, USB, BT, wi-fi £200 and above Roberts Revival iStream 3 £200 Reviewed online, 2018 A lengthy features list – DAB/FM/internet radio, Bluetooth, Spotify, Tidal – under that vintage design makes for an appealing radio for the price. Battery Yes Size (hwd) 16 x 26 x…

£150 to £300 Pro-Ject Primary E £159 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2019 Pro-Ject has revised a budget deck to nail the under £150 market – and has succeeded on every front. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm Audio Technica AT-LP3 £199 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 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 44 x 35cm Sony PS-LX310BT £200 August 2019 A no-nonsense, fully automatic turntable with built-in phono stage and Bluetooth, offering a surprisingly musical sound. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 43 x 37cm Rega Planar 1 £249 Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2019 This revamped entry-level deck…

Up to £500 £500 and above Up to £500 Sony STR-DN1080 £429 Best home cinema amplifier under £500, Awards 2019 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 £500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2600H £599 October 2019 Denon has done it again. If you have the budget and desire for a serious home cinema, this receiver demands your attention. Power 7 x 150W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/2 Denon AVR-X3600H £999 Best home cinema amplifier £500-£1500, Awards 2019 Denon has nudged its 3000 series home cinema amplifiers much closer to the next level with this stunningly powerful performer. Power 7 x 180W Dolby…

Up to £500 Yamaha YAS-207 £249 Best soundbar under £300, Awards 2019 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, BT Sub Yes Sonos Beam £399 Best soundbar £300-£500, Awards 2019 A compact soundbar that pumps out an exceptional sound for its size and price. It could potentially transform your listening experience. Size (hwd) 7 x 65 x 10cm Inputs Optical, HDMI ARC, AirPlay Sub No £500 to £1000 Up to £500 Sonos Playbar £699 August 2017 It’s not perfect, but it still has the sonic heft and all-round quality to edge out its Sonos Playbase stablemate. Size 9 x 90 x 14cm Inputs Optical, ethernet Sub…

Up to 43in Samsung UE43RU7470 £399 Best 40-43in TV, Awards 2019 For a size of TV that is all too often overlooked, we’re delighted to see that Samsung has served up a stunning 4K TV for the average household. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 3840 x 2160 Tuner Freesat HD, TV Plus 49in to 50in Samsung UE49RU8000 £749 Best 49-50in TV under £800, Awards 2019 This is a brilliant buy, offering most of what makes the Q70R great at a reduced price. It’s a great all-rounder with exciting HDR performance. Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution 4K Tuner Freeview HD/YouView Sony KD-49XG9005 £999 Best 49-50in TV over £800, Awards 2019 This is a lovely TV to watch, it sounds good by prevailing standards, and its app selection leaves you wanting for…

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £300 Sony NW-A45 £180 Best portable music player under £200, Awards 2019 Cowon Plenue D2 £259 Best portable music player £200-£500, Awards 2019 Sony has designed, marketed and prices the NW-A45 to act as a companion to your smart phone, handling your desire for hi-res music. It does this well. Hi-res 24-bit/192kHz, DSD Weight 98g Storage 16GB £300 to £700 Astell & Kern A&norma SR15 £549 Best portable music player £500-£1000, Awards 2018 Our favourite music player combines fine build, ease of use and class-leading sound better than any rival we’ve tested. Hi-res 32-bit/384kHz, DSD128 Weight 154g Storage 64GB £700 and above Astell & Kern Kann £899 Awards 2018 The Kann is expensive but, despite the chunky aesthetics, the sound quality is impressive, with lashings…

 View offers whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £50 Chord Company C-Line £40/m Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2019 Few entry-level interconnects at the price come close to offering the sonic enjoyment that Chord has produced with this cable. Balanced/Single-ended Single QED Performance Audio 40 £40/m Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2017 Few rival interconnects are as good as this QED when it comes to detail resolution and precision. It’s nicely made too. Balanced/Single-ended Single £50 and above Chord Clearway Analogue RCA £90/m Best analogue interconnect £50+, Awards 2019 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-ended Single…

 View offers whf.cm/BBMainsProducts Mains products Tacima CS947 £35 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 Cartridges Headphone amplifiers Mains products Olson Sound Fantastic HF6 £180 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 Russ Andrews X6 £381 September 2015 No matter what the source material, the X6 helps unearth a revealing well-integrated listen, allowing your kit to be as explicit as it can be. Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6…

STANDMOUNT SPEAKERS NEED THE BEST SUPPORT YOU CAN GET  View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands Speaker stands Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2019 A speaker stand that impresses with how weighty and dynamic it allows systems to sound. Considering the price, it’s something of a steal. Height 60cm Fillable Yes Finishes 4 (pole), 3 (base panel) 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. Height 66.5cm Fillable No Finishes 2…

View offers 8K Television | £4999 | whf.cm/QE75Q950R FIRST TESTS EXCLUSIVE, IN-DEPTH VERDICTS ON THE LATEST KIT Of all the TV manufacturers out there, Samsung is pushing 8K the hardest. If we were being cynical, we would say that it could be seen as an attempt to take the discussion away from OLED vs QLED and on to a new technology with which the company can lead the charge. On the other hand, the company’s determination to get its 8K TVs into homes before content arrives is resulting in some surprisingly affordable models. Take the QE75Q950R, for instance. The model it replaces launched at £6999 and here we are, a little more than a year later, with an 8K TV set costing £2000 less. A key upgrade Admittedly, the upgrades…

View offers Smart speaker | £45 | whf.cm/EchoDotClock Using a shopping bag is easier than carrying your weekly shop in your arms. But if you’ve ever filled one so badly that it splits and spews your groceries onto the pavement, you’ll understand the value of being a cautious packer. That’s usually the case with audio technology, too. There’s nothing wrong with packing a product full of exciting features, but the more you add without upgrading or shoring up the design elsewhere, the more strain you put it under. It’s why many units include bypasses, so your signal passes through only the necessary components, via the shortest path possible. Simply a matter of time? So with little having changed between the third-generation Amazon Echo Dot and this Echo Dot with Clock…

The Bristol Hi-fi Show will be back once again for 2020. Now in its 33rd year, the UK’s largest and longest running hi-fi show is a regular fixture on the hi-fi calendar – if you want to see all of your favourite hi-fi brands in one place, showcasing their latest products, then The Bristol Hi-Fi Show is the place to be. Of course, we will be there too, on hand to answer any questions you may have about all things What Hi-Fi?. We are also running another of our famous demo rooms, showcasing the latest in picture and sound technology with a seriously impressive AV system and demonstration. The event will be held at the Marriott City Centre Hotel in Bristol (see details opposite), and will host more than 160…

Dolby Vision IQ “Beyond HDR” is how we heard Dolby Vision IQ being described by TV brands at CES. Essentially, it’s an updated version of Dolby Vision, designed to optimise the playback of Dolby Vision content according to the lighting conditions of your room. (Remember, Dolby Vision itself is a version of HDR picture processing and of course sits alongside a number of fellow HDR modes such as HDR10, HDR10+, HLG.) To do this, it uses Dolby Vision dynamic metadata and light sensors inside the TV to “deliver a perfect picture in your room at every moment”, optimising the HDR picture yet further based on the content and ambient light conditions in your room. If you switch from bright live sport, to a darker TV series, the TV will adjust…

Naim ND 555/555 PS DR Music streamer/power supply £12,999/£6999 “Inside, things impress. The company has always taken a great deal of pride in its circuit design and it’s pushed the boat out with this range-topper” WHAT HI⋆FI? FOR • Impressive clarity combined with exceptional dynamic expression and rhythmic coherence • Fine build AGAINST • Price puts it out of the reach of most VERDICT The ND 555/555 PS DR combination isn’t cheap, but it is the best-sounding digital streaming source we’ve heard Naim is rightly proud of its ND 555 music streamer. It’s the first of the company’s streaming products to gain 500 series status, and in Naim-speak that means it’s the very best it makes right now. The ND 555 is claimed to be a ground-up new design, but…

Stereo ampsup to £500 Onkyo A-9010 £229 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 Line-in x5, MM Outputs Headphone Marantz PM6006 UK Edition £369 Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2019 An already class-leading amplifier gets a few small, but telling, improvements that make it an even more compelling proposition. Power 45W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, coaxial, optical x2 Outputs Headphone NAD D 3020 V2 £399 September 2018 A very likeable effort that features a full-bodied sonic performance with fine timing and dynamics and lots of useful features. Power 30W Inputs Line-in, MM, optical, coaxial, BT Outputs Headphone Stereo amps up to £500 £500…

Standmounts up to £200 Dali Spektor 1 £159 March 2018 A small speaker that inherits all the Spektor 2’s good traits, pumping out an energetic and entertaining sound for an affordable price. Size (hwd) 24 x 14 x 20cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2 Dali Spektor 2 £199 Best standmount speaker under £200, Awards 2019 The 2s combine Dali’s traditional strengths with a generous dose of entertainment that even Mission and Q Acoustics struggle to match. Size (hwd) 17 x 28 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2 Q Acoustics 3010i £199 July 2018 The revamped bookshelf speaker has gained sonic maturity – greater detail, more energy, and good balance even if they’re not the biggest-sounding pair. Size (hwd) 25 x 15 x 25cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4 £200 to £500 Standmounts…

Up to £100 Ultimate Ears Roll 2 £60 Best wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2018 The Roll 2 has a sound that’s more open, more dynamic and goes louder than that of its predecessor. The drop in price makes this a bargain. Size (hw) 4 x 14cm Battery 9 hours Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 £90 Best portable wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2019 If you want a travelling companion you can rely on, this portable, rugged and durable speaker is a great-sounding option. Size (hw) 10.5 x 9.5cm Battery 13 hours JBL Flip 5 £120 March 2020 A simple, portable Bluetooth speaker thats sounds as good as £120 can buy. An impressively weighty performance, and overall solid sonic chops. Size (hwd) 7.4 x 18 x 7cm Battery 12 hours Sonos…

Up to £2000 Optoma UHD40 £1199 Best projector under £1500, Awards 2019 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 x2, VGA, 3.5mm Speakers Yes LG CineBeam HU80KSW £1967 December 2019 An all-in-one, do-it-all 4K portable projector that does its thing with aplomb. You can have the CineBeam up and running in a matter of minutes. Throw ratio 1.3:1 Inputs HDMI x2 Speakers Yes £2000 to £10,000 Optoma UHD65 £2999 Best projector £1500+, Awards 2018 It may not have the bells and whistles of a high-end 4K projector, but it puts in a sophisticated performance, is future-proof and well priced. Throw ratio 1.39-2.22:1 Inputs HDMI x2, PC x2, Phono Speakers No Epson EH-TW9400…

Up to £1000 Wharfedale DX-2 £399 Best speaker package under £500, Awards 2019 Wharfedale delivers movie magic on a small scale with this enjoyable, well integrated package that’s perfect for smaller rooms and budgets. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 12 x 31 x 12cm Finishes 2 Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Cinema Pack £895 Best speaker package £500-£1000, Awards 2019 The subwoofer needs a bit more kick, but this fantastic sub-£1000 5.1 package delivers a clear, well-balanced and expressive performance. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 15 x 43 x 22 cm Finishes 4 £1000 to £3000 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 Q Acoustics…

Read more at…www.whathifi.com/advice 1. First, the most popular headphone design: the over-the-ear model, also called circumaural. These cup your ears completely, usually with semi-air-tight earcups that help minimise both sound leakage from your headphones into the outside world and the intrusive effects of ambient noise. 2. Supra-aural or on-ear designs tend to be smaller and lighter than circumaural models and, as the name suggests, they sit on your ears rather than over them. Some listeners find them lighter and easier to wear for extended listening, but they do tend to allow in more sound from outside. 3. Available in both circumaural and supra-aural types, closed-back headphones are the optimum choice for cutting out external sounds altogether. They’ll also deliver more bass weight than other headphone types, because the closed earcups…

Music apps Spotify from free December 2016 Its accessibility, ease of use, huge catalogue and more mature music discovery are reasons why Spotify remains at the top of the pile. Sound quality Up to 320kbps Ogg Vorbis Offline playback Yes Tidal from £10/month Best music streaming service, Awards 2019 One of the few streaming services to offer lossless audio, Tidal’s exclusive content and curated playlists make it stand out. Sound quality Up to 1411kbps lossless Offline playback Yes Video apps 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 Amazon Prime Instant Video from £5.99/month Best video streaming service, Awards 2017 Cheaper than…

 View offers whf.cm/BBAVHifiRacks 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 Hi-Fi Racks Omnium8 £478 Reviewed online, 2018 Hi-Fi Racks has made the Ominium8 about as flexible as possible. You can specify everything from finish to shelf spacing and upright shape. Width 57cm Modular Yes Cable management Yes £500 and above Atacama Elite Eco 12.0 £598 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 “We were impressed by how our system performed when using this rack” Atacama…

 View offers whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps Up to £200 Edwards Audio Apprentice MM £90 Awards 2017 A fine entry-level phono stage that will deliver a crisp and exciting sound from any good price-compatible moving magnet cartridge. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 16 x 11cm 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 Rega Fono MM MK3 £199 Best phono stage under £250, Awards 2019 Rega has managed to take a near-perfect product and squeeze more improvements from it. It’s a class-leading performer. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 18 x 14cm Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS £199 April 2018…