Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2021 i What Hi-Fi?

When is a pair of speakers not a pair of speakers? When it’s a fully blown 21st Century hi-fi system. The arrival of properly working wireless protocols, and some product miniaturisation, has meant that all-in-one systems (p28) can now stand hidden in your room in plain sight, masquerading as that most old-school of hi-fi kit, the stereo loudspeaker. You can even plug your turntable into them if you feel the need for a vinyl fix. In this issue, and with the easing of the past year’s lockdowns upon us, we also feature our favourite noise-cancelling headphones (p41) from around £200 and up. While we’ve all missed the company of our fellows, one can have too much of a good thing – and these wonders will allow you to enjoy the…

View offers Stereo speakers £499 | whf.cm/Diamond123 Mention the words ‘Wharfedale Diamond’, and the image that comes to mind is that of a small, talented budget standmounter. That description applies to the original speakers from 1982, as well as the star performers from subsequent generations. What of the various Diamond floorstanders? As a breed they have proven to be solid over the years, but they have remained relatively unremarkable on the whole. Wharfedale, like pretty much every other speaker brand out there, has struggled to make a properly musical budget tower. Until now that is. While these new 12.3s can’t truly be called budget speakers, they do sit at the more affordable end of the market. Most importantly, they have a musical performance that, if anything, impresses us even more…

As life slowly returns to normal, it’s logical that we consider what that new normal looks and sounds like. Of course, we’re all excited about meeting friends and family again, but are we really looking forward to the packed commuter trains, traffic-clogged roads and the roar of planes above our heads? If peace and tranquility has been one of the unexpected benefits of lockdown, then help may be at hand in the form of a pair of noise-cancelling headphones – the aural equivalent of hanging a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door. Unlike their in-ear counterparts, over-ear headphones offer some passive noise reduction, while active noise-cancelling blocks out sounds such as rumbling trains or loud conversations that can ruin your slice of musical heaven. So, whether you’re returning to…

View online review whf.cm/WH-1000XM3 Prior to the summer of 2016, Sony didn’t have a premium pair of wireless, noise-cancelling headphones in its arsenal, so it is even more surprising that the WH-1000XM3 over-ears are among the best wireless headphones we’ve ever heard. The WH-1000XM3 have since been replaced by the XM4, but they are still available at a heavily discounted price. The design of the XM3 is similar to that of its predecessors, the XM2, but the differences are mostly positive. Our only complaint is that the move from metal to plastic in the headband makes the newer pair look less premium than the older model, though it contributes to an overall weight saving of 20g. Combined with the thicker, softer cushion, it feels as though there’s almost no weight…

View online review whf.cm/iO-6 The Dali IO-6 wireless noise-cancelling headphones mark the Danish brand’s first foray into headphone manufacture. Better known for its Award-winning Oberon and Spektor speakers, Dali is late to the table when it comes to portable headgear. Bluetooth listening may be the popular choice, but Dali has approached its first pair of headphones with a loudspeaker mindset. The 50mm drivers are custom-made and fitted with paper/fibre cones. The over-ear enclosures are braced and stiff like speaker cabinets, with rubber dampeners inside to eliminate vibrations. But don’t be fooled into thinking they’ll be heavy and uncomfortable. The earcups rotate a full 90 degrees both ways, which means they adapt well to your head and ears and also sit comfortably around your neck. They fold flat for storage, too.…

View online review whf.cm/WH-1000XM4 Given that they replace the What Hi-Fi? Award-winning WH-1000XM3, one of the most popular pairs of headphones on the planet, the arrival of the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones is quite a big deal. Sony hasn’t exactly gone back to the drawing board for the WH-1000XM4, but there are a few subtle differences. The plastics used around the earcups and sliders are more textured, helping give the impression of being sturdier. They don’t look quite as stylish as a pair of B&W PX7 or the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, but they give the impression that they’re built to last. The WH-1000XM4 use the same 40mm drivers found in the previous model and there are the same finishes too: Black or Platinum Silver. The earcups are thinner…

View offers whf.cm/BBStereoAmps Stereo amps up 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 Rega io £379 Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2020 Those who are happy with a no-fuss, purely analogue amp and who prioritise entertainment should arguably consider the io their number one choice. Power 30W Inputs Line-in x2, MM 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 Marantz PM6007 £499…

 View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers 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 “If you’re looking really small budget speakers, buy these” Dali Spektor 2 £199 Best standmount speaker under £200, Awards 2020 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 “The way these speakers handle dynamics is impressive” Standmounters from £200 to £500 Elac Debut B5.2 £250 Best standmount speaker £200-£400, Awards 2020 ELAC’s latest budget standmounter is talented enough to worry…

View offers whf.cm/BBTurntables £150 to £300 Pro-Ject Primary E £159 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2020 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 £150 to £300 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,…

View offers whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps £500 and above Up to £500 Sony STR-DN1080 £429 Best home cinema amplifier under £750, Awards 2020 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 £500to£1000 AVR-X2700H £599 December 2020 Sonic improvements over its predecessor are marked, even if it’s the 8K passthrough and next-gen gaming tech that steal the headlines. Power 7 x 150W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 6/2 Denon AVC-X3700H £999 Best home cinema amplifier £750-£1500, Awards 2020 The best unit we’ve heard with a three-figure price tag. A surprisingly big improvement on its already excellent predecessor; sets a new standard. Power 9 x 180W Dolby Atmos…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSoundbars Up to £500 Yamaha YAS-207 £249 Best soundbar under £300, Awards 2020 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-£750, Awards 2020 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 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…

MAKE THE FOCUS OF YOUR ENTERTAINMENT HUB A GOOD ONE  View offers whf.cm/BBTelevisions Up to 43in Samsung UE43TU7100 £379 Best 40-43in TV, Awards 2020 Does a remarkably good job in terms of core picture and sound performance and boasts the best, most-app packed operating system in the business. Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution 4K Tuner TV Plus “As long as you’re not expecting the moon on a stick, you will be delighted by its performance” 48in to 50in Samsung UE50TU8500 £499 Best 48-50in TV under £1000, Awards 2020 “What’s the best TV I can buy for £500?” It’s a question to which there’s a new answer: the best TV you can buy for £500 is the Samsung UE50TU8500. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 4K Tuner Freeview HD/YouView “Not only is…

Read more at… www.whathifi.com/advice DSD and SACD DSD (Direct Stream Digital) was conceived as a way of archiving old analogue recordings, it was designed to be a simpler, more space efficient way of storing digital music data. How does DSD work? DSD uses a single bit of information that tells us is whether the current sample of the analogue waveform is higher or lower than before. Compared with over 65,000 different values 16-bit PCM has, the two values (0 if the new sample of the signal is lower, 1 if it’s higher) of DSD appear limiting. That resolution shortfall is made up by the very high sampling rate of over 2.8 million times a second – 64x the speed of CD. Standard DSD is also called DSD64 for this reason,…

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 2020 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 With an…

 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 “Want to give your system adequate support for a decent price? Atacama has you covered” 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 “As configurable an equipment rack as we’ve come across” £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…

 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 £500, Awards 2020 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…

View offers Headphones | £199 | whf.cm/Hi-X50 Austrian Audio isn’t the most interesting of names for a new hi-fi manufacturer, is it? Though it shows a certain lack of imagination, it also has the air of a belt and braces company and we like that. Austrian Audio is a company new to this market, but the people behind it are ex-AKG employees and are some of the most experienced in the industry. That maturity shines through in the new Hi-X50 on-ears. The brand has launched with two headphone models. There’s the on-ear Hi-X50 here and a slightly larger over-ear model, the Hi-X55. There’s much commonality between the two, from the shared aesthetics and closed-back design to the use of the company’s new high excursion 44mm driver. Even the difference in…

View offers In-ear headphones | £ 100 | whf.cm/RZ-S500W Panasonic is a name more commonly associated with quality TVs and Blu-ray players, but the firm has finally moved into the highly competitive true-wireless earbuds market with two pairs. The more expensive of those, the Panasonic RZ-S500W, feature noise-cancelling technology (unlike the other, more affordable RZ-S300W) and are the ones we have on test here. As you might expect from a product by a major consumer electronics brand such as Panasonic, the RZ-S500W’s spec sheet is pretty comprehensive. It includes Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology achieved through the use of feedback coupled to analogue and digital processing; an Ambient Mode to amplify surrounding noise when the time is right; twin beamforming microphones to increase the clarity of voices and reduce noise…

View online review whf.cm/Y600NC We’re always excited to welcome a new pair of Y-series AKG headphones into the office – and not just because it gives us an excuse for some ‘why?’ and ‘why not?’ puns. AKG’s headphones are normally there or thereabouts when it comes to the important performance-per-pound ratio and now it’s the turn of the Y600NC – bigger, more expensive and with a reputation to uphold. The Y600NC look quite distinctive. Their earcups are large and almost perfectly circular, and the point where they meet their headband is remarkably brief. The memory-foam under synthetic-leather earpads are big, comfortable and stay cool even if you’ve had them on your ears for hours. Even the headband padding, which looks a little scant at first, proves entirely acceptable as far…

View online review whf.cm/SoloPro The Beats Solo Pro are “transformative,” says Pharrell Williams as he twiddles knobs in his studio. “There’s like a switch that goes off in my mind. It’s just like, ‘Oh, that’s it. It’s ready’.” Far be it from us to argue with the 13-time Grammy Award winning producer, musician and vocalist, but we suspect he doesn’t actually use these £270 wireless cans in the studio. In fairness, whether he uses them or not, The Neptunes producer has only really put his name to a few matt colourways and they look rather decent too. Our sample is in Dark Blue, which, along with Light Blue and Red, is one of the three additional finishes to the Beats staples of Ivory, Black or Grey. Substantial padding There are…

View online review whf.cm/PX7 Two years after its first effort, the five-star PX headphones, Bowers & Wilkins’ second pair of flagship noise-cancellers arrived in the shape of the PX7. The company hopes that its combination of proprietary driver technology and Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec will see the PX7 repeat the success of their predecessors, and take the fight to the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones currently on the market. The PX7 were the first pair of headphones to feature aptX Adaptive. This Bluetooth technology combines the 24-bit/48kHz capability of the widely adopted aptX HD with the benefits of aptX Low Latency (improved synchronicity of audio and video content). So, if you’re using the PX7 for gaming or smartphone apps, the sound in your ears should be instantaneous. The other headline…

View online review whf.cm/Aonic50 Audio specialist Shure has designed some of the best wired in-ear and over-ear headphones we’ve heard over the years, but with the Aonic 50, it is embarking on an ambitious journey to break into two new markets at once. These headphones offer both Bluetooth wireless connectivity and have noise-cancelling built-in, the first time that either tech has featured in a pair of Shure over-ear headphones. At £379 a pair, these Shures sit above the current class-leaders from Sony, Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins, all of which have set sky-high standards for this type of headphone. Piece of cake The first thing that strikes you is the Shures’ large carry case, which looks like a cake tin. The Shures fold flat rather than inwards, which means they…

 View offers whf.cm/BBCDPlayers Up to £1000 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 CD6007 £399 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2020 No one can accuse Marantz of pushing the boundaries on the CD6007, but it has taken an already excellent CD player and made it a bit better Type CD transport Outputs Coaxial, optical Musical Fidelity M2sCD £699 June 2020 Musical Fidelity’s CD player sounds expansive, detailed and delicately layered - a resoundingly listenable proposition. Type CD player Outputs Coaxial, optical Cyrus CD t £895 Awards 2015 An exceptionally talented transport, the CD t offers a level of insight, transparency…

 View offers whf.cm/BBMusicStreamers £100 to £500 Audiolab 6000N Play £449 Best music streamer under £500, Awards 2020 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 2020 All the success of the classy CXN streamer, with added Google Chromecast. Great design, features set and performance. Inputs Coaxial, optical, USB x2 Chord 2go £995 July 2020 The Chord 2go is a brilliant way to add streaming capability to the…

Read more at… www.whathifi.com/features Wall or in the open? Where’s the best place to position a speaker? Some speakers might sound better against a wall, while others prefer to be out in the open. Whatever your specific requirements, your speaker choice should primarily take into account how much space you have to house them. Use a stand Speaker stands keep the speaker cabinet rigid. This allows for more of the drivers’ movement to be translated into sound and not wasted through vibrations. If your stands are on a carpet, make sure you have spikes to ensure stability. Tweeter height The higher-frequency sounds from a tweeter are more directional, and having them at ear level ensures optimum performance. So try to choose stands that will have your speaker at the right…

View offers whf.cm/BBWirelessSpeakers 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 “The same sense of fun as the previous model, but there’s a touch of maturity with the Roll 2” 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 “The Wonderboom 2 delivers a sound as cohesive and detailed as we could hope for at the…

View offers whf.cm/BBProjectors 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 Epson EH-TW7100 £1599 Best projector under £2000, Awards 2020 The Epson EH-TW7100 stretches the limit of what can be considered a budget big screen device, but it more than justifies its price. Throw ratio 1.32-2.15:1 Inputs HDMI x2, USB 2.0 x2 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 £2000to£10,000 Epson EH-TW9400…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerPackages Up to £1000 Wharfedale DX-2 £399 Best speaker package under £500, Awards 2020 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 “It has all the detail, attack and deftness to deliver exhilaration in spades” Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Cinema Pack £895 Best speaker package £500-£1000, Awards 2020 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 “This compact set really hits the spot with its great clarity, integration, expression and ample bass weight” £1000 to £3000 B&W MT-50 £1100 Awards…

 View offers whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £200 SoundMagic E11C £50 Best in-ear headphones under £50, Awards 2020 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 – not for just £70. But they are wonderfully smooth, expressive and balanced. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m Klipsch T5M Wired £70 Best in-ear headphones £50-£100, Awards 2020 Not only do they have some of the most comfortable tips…

View offers whf.cm/BBMobilePhones iOS Apple iPhone SE Best smartphone under £500, Awards 2020 Apple’s budget iPhone delivers a satisfying and slick smartphone experience at an attractive price. OS iOS Size (hwd) 138 x 67 x 8mm Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB “The iPhone laps up the power and drama of the track. Dynamics are excellent” 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’s careful refinements make the S9 a pretty impressive package” Sony Xperia 1 II Best smartphone over £500, Awards 2020 The Sony Xperia 1 II delivers superb music and picture performance, plus an all-round performance…

 View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £200 Amazon Fire HD 10 £150 Best tablet under £200, Awards 2020 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 8th Gen £329 Best tablet over £200, Awards 2020 Apple’s latest iPad opts for evolution over revolution – and modest evolution at that. But it’s easier to accept when the end product is this good. 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…

 View offers whf.cm/BBCartridges Cartridges Goldring E3 £90 Best cartridge under £150, Awards 2020 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 “The sound it delivers is clear, informative and fun. We can’t ask much more than that” Ortofon Quintet Blue £349 Best cartridge over £150, Awards 2020 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 “There’s plenty of attack here as basslines are punched out with glee and no shortage of passion ”…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerCables Up to £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 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 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 Chord Company Clearway £10/m Best speaker cable, Awards 2017 Not the flashiest cable, its strength is aiding dynamics and…

In these trying times, we realise just how much we miss the light, love and live music that normally gushes nightly from London’s West End, New York’s Broadway, Paris’s glorious cabaret scene and countless other theatres across the globe. Yes, The Masked Singer made a brief appearance back on our screens, but that’s no substitute for a proper night of live entertainment at the theatre, is it? So, until the hard-working stars of our stages can get back out there, chuck a leg, belt out a solo and knock the live crowds for six again, we’ve collated our list of the best musicals to test your speakers. Now, let’s face the music, and dance! CAROUSEL RICHARD RODGERS AND OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN (1945) This musical was the second-born of the magical partnership…

Think of a hi-fi system and the image you conjure first is very likely to be that of a pair of speakers connected to an amplifier connected to a source or two – perhaps even the set-up you have at home. But, as you’ll know, audio systems no longer require a vast array of boxes and cables as many bid to become more convenient to house and use. Back in the day, that same drive for convenience led to the infamous ‘music system’ – an all-in-one product that, more often than not, set light to any real attempt to achieve good sound quality. And usually had separate speakers anyway. But it’s all different these days. The peak of such practicality right now is demonstrated by all-in-one wireless stereo speakers: a…

View online review whf.cm/QActive200 It’s a simple fact of life that the more there is to do, the more there is to prioritise. For Q Acoustics’ first all-in-one streaming speaker system – and the third of this trio – the British speaker specialist could have focused most of its attention on the streaming side of things – that is the uncharted territory for it, after all. Not so; this appears to be a speaker-first design, given the ambitious acoustic engineering on show here. Still, get the speaker part right, as you’d hope a firm with such plaudits in the field would, and you’re halfway there. If you were expecting an active set of speakers resembling Q Acoustics’ current range of standmounters, the Q Active’s design may raise your eyebrows. The…

View online review whf.cm/LagoonANC Beyerdynamic is one of the oldest audio companies still operating, so the fact this pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones is reminiscent of the inside of a nightclub is something of a surprise. The Lagoon ANC are Beyerdynamic’s most concerted effort yet to grab some of the premium wireless, noise-cancelling, over-ear action. On paper, they have everything they need to compete strongly in this competitive market. But on paper, of course, it’s impossible to see their unique selling point in all its questionable glory. The Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC are an over-ear, closed-back design made almost entirely from high-quality plastic, aluminium and faux leather. They swivel and fold to be as portable as possible, and come with a hard-ish carrying case. Like many of their rivals, they double…

View online review whf.cm/NCH700 Few products come with a reputation quite like Bose’s new headphones. The Noise Cancelling 700 are the latest in a long line of Bose QuietComfort noise-cancellers that for much of that time have set the benchmark in the category. The name might not exactly roll off the tongue, but it reflects the company’s focus on noise-cancelling technology, which Bose has worked to improve. The 700 use a new noise-cancelling system with everything from new acoustics to new digital signal processing – all running off Bose’s own NC chip. It features an eight-microphone system (six to cancel noise, two for voice pick-up) and 11 increments (from 0-10) of noise-cancellation intensity to choose from, allowing you to transition from full isolation to full transparency. Zero doesn’t actually turn…

View online review whf.cm/Momentum3Wireless Sennheiser doesn’t need any ‘third time lucky’ well wishes for its third-generation Momentum Wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Both the originals and second versions were instant knockouts and while physics may say that momentum relies upon mass and velocity, here the range is maintained by a consistently strong and reliable reputation for great-value sound. Sennheiser decided not to overhaul the aesthetics drastically, with the Momentum 3 Wireless’s design still revolving around oval-shaped earcups, sheepskin leather earpads and stainless steel sliders. They are available in the all-black guise of our review sample, and a ‘sandy white’ finish too. Acknowledging the need for premium wireless headphones to be as convenient as possible, Sennheiser has matured the Momentum Wireless’s feature set past simply Bluetooth and active noise-cancelling. Now you don’t have…

View online review whf.cm/AirPodsMax Apple’s first on-ear headphones were one of the tech world’s worst-kept secrets, but what did come as a surprise was the price: £549 makes them vastly more expensive than the majority of premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Can they possibly justify such a huge outlay? The style may not be to everyone’s taste, but there is no denying the quality of the materials and build of the Apple AirPods Max. They boast pristinely machined, single-piece anodised aluminium ear cups connected by a stainless-steel headband. The memory-foam cushions easily surround even the largest ears, creating a seal that’s both gentle and effective at blocking sound. The AirPods Max are heavier than many rivals – at 385g, they weigh over 100g more than the Sony WH-1000XM4, for example. But,…

“Beyoncé’s voice is usually a thing of power and beauty, but here it comes across as aloof and fails to draw us in” It has been four years since we last listened to Audio Physic’s long-running Avanti floorstanders. Back then, we liked what we heard. Their unusually clean and articulate sound impressed us, though we wished they offered a bit more verve to go with their informative nature. So here we are with the new version, built to celebrate the German speaker specialist’s 35th anniversary. On the surface, at least, little seems to have changed; these remain slim, classy and beautifully made towers packed with clever engineering. The only obvious cloud on the horizon is an increase in price of almost a third since 2016, which means the bar is…

 View offers whf.cm/BBDACs Up to £200 Zorloo Ztella $99 August 2020 (issue 437) if you want to improve your smartphone sound, but don’t want a USB stick hanging off the end of it, this is a bit of a no brainer. Online only for now. Size 11cm long Resolution PCM (up to 384kHz), DSD (up to 5.6MHz), MQA Cyrus soundKey £99 Best DAC under £100, Awards 2020 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 iFi Zen DAC £129 Best DAC £100-£200, Awards 2020 Compare the iFi with price rivals and it’s clearly up there with the best for sound quality. But it also offers a degree of versatility…

View offers whf.cm/BBInternetRadios  View offers whf.cm/BBDABRadios Up to £200 Pure Evoke H2 £89 Best radio under £100, Awards 2020 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 “There’s no doubt the Pure Evoke H2 is an upgrade over the D2” Roberts Stream 94i £189 Best radio over £100, Awards 2020 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 “The Stream 94i is the complete package, making it the best radio at this price” £200 and above Roberts Revival iStream 3 £200…

 View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSystems 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 2020 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 KEF LSX £999 Best all-in-one system under £1000, Awards 2020 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…

 View offers whf.cm/BBBlurayPlayers 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 £250, Awards 2020 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 over £250, Awards 2020 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 £500…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs Humax FVP-5000T from £199 Best PVR, Awards 2020 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 2020 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…

 View offers whf.cm/BBVideoStreamers Up to £100 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K £50 Best video streamer under £100, Awards 2020 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 Google Chromecast with Google TV £60 January 2021 With a new remote and super-smart UI, Google’s latest Chromecast video streamer is the complete package. Resolution Up to 4K HDR, 60fps Storage n/a 4K Yes £100 and above Apple TV 4K £179 Best video streamer over £100, Awards 2020 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…

 View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £300 Sony NW-A55L £160 Best portable music player under £250, Awards 2020 Sony hasn’t carried out an update for the sake of it; the refresh is justified by squeezing more performance into a budget price than ever before. Hi-res 32-bit/384kHz, DSD Weight 99g Storage 16GB (plus microSD) “If you’re looking for a sonic upgrade over your phone, the Sony will offer it across the board” Cowon Plenue D2 £259 Best portable music player £250-£500, Awards 2020 The PD2 manages to justify the premium over its predecessor. We haven’t heard a better-sounding budget portable music player. Hi-res 24-bit/192kHz, DSD 128 Storage 64GB “Cowon justifies the price hike with a performance that takes transparency and entertainment to the next level” £300 to £1000 Astell & Kern A&norma…

View offers whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £50 Chord Company C-Line £40/m Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2020 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 2020 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 Mains products 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…

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands £10/m and above Speaker stands Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2020 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) “The Mosecos may just be our new favourite affordable speaker stands” 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 “£200 for a pair of speaker stands? When they’re this good, we don’t mind”…