Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2023 i What Hi-Fi?

View offers TV streamer | £140 | whf.cm/TVCube3 The Amazon Fire TV Cube has been given a much-needed refresh after over three years of little development from Amazon. The 3rd Generation Cube gives the boxy media streamer an updated design, a faster processor and Wi-Fi 6E support. Sounds good, right? Indeed, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The Fire TV Cube is the most expensive Amazon streaming device, coming in at £140. It is broadly double the price of the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and it comes only in a 16GB storage and 2GB RAM configuration. It is also more expensive than the second-generation model, which retailed for £110. The nearest competitor in the streaming-box world is the latest Apple TV 4K, which costs £140…

View offers 65in QD-OLED TV | £3599 | whf.cm/SamsungS95C We have been talking about QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) for so long, it is easy to forget that the very first QD-OLED TV arrived in shops only a year ago. Said TV, the Samsung S95B, certainly set the cat among the pigeons when it burst onto the scene, thanks to its combination of OLED’s pixel-level contrast control and QLED’s colour vibrancy and brightness. For 2023, Samsung is venturing a little further into the vibrant blue waters of QD-OLED with a two-model range, of which this S95C is the flagship model. As such, it boasts second-generation QD-OLED technology that promises vastly higher peak brightness and, we are told, greater durability. And, to these eyes, it is one of the most stylish overall…

1 Amazon Echo Pop £45 Amazon’s latest addition to the Echo family is the compact and colourful Echo Pop, an adorable mini speaker with Alexa smarts and plenty of streaming features. With its 49.5mm driver, which Amazon claims is great for “bedrooms, flats, or any small space in the home” and AZ2 Neural Edge processor, the Pop is shaping up to be an enticing gateway into the Alexa Echo-system and successor to the Dot. • whf.cm/EchoPop 2 Dali IO-12 £999 Make no mistake, these aren’t your usual Bluetooth headphones – and the eye watering price tag might confirm that. Dali’s latest pair of wireless headphones includes its Soft Magnetic Compound (SMC) distortion-reducing technology, which can also be found in its £70K flagship Kore speakers. You will also find ANC, a 35-hour battery…

View online review whf.cm/whf.cm/PS-LX310BT £229 For many music lovers, the prospect of shelling out for various bits of highly involved and potentially incompatible kit can turn the happy notion of Sundays spent chilling with vinyl records into a real headache. Cartridge, phono stage, alignment gauge, tracking weight scales, long-nosed pliers, set of allen keys, and more? It’s a daunting technological assault course. And yet, having done little more than plug Sony’s PS-LX310BT turntable into the wall socket, we are listening to Bruce Springsteen’s Born To Run through Bluetooth headphones as it spins in front of us. The whole set-up process takes about the time it takes to make a pot of coffee; from box to The Boss in less than five minutes. For a while now, decks housing both a…

View online review whf.cm/AT-LPW50BTRW £420 Record Store Day celebrated its 15th year in 2023, and it is gratifying to see vinyl still in healthy shape, with record-breaking disc sales (thanks, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles) and new record players regularly hitting the shelves. Audio-Technica’s AT-LPW50BTRW is one such new turntable, offering an appealing combination of features – a belt-drive turntable with built-in phono stage and Bluetooth streaming – to appeal to a wide audience, regardless of their experience with vinyl. There’s plenty of competition at this price from the likes of Rega, Pro-Ject, Dual and Sony, but Audio-Technica has a knack for manufacturing modern turntables with hi-fi flourishes that look and sound great. Can this AT-LPW50BTRW stand out from the crowd? A joy to use This is a smart-looking turntable…

Installing a new phono cartridge is something of a rite of passage for turntable owners. It’s a skill that once was common, but now seems to be considered some kind of black art by many. In reality, it’s not such a hard thing to do provided you have the appropriate tools, a reasonably steady hand and some patience. So what tools are you likely to need? Typically, cartridge bolts need a 2mm Allen key or a small, flat-bladed screwdriver depending on the type of fixing used. Unless you have unusually thin fingers, a pair of small, long-nose pliers is handy too. While things such as Allen keys, screwdrivers and pliers can be found in most toolboxes, few non–audiophiles will have a proper tracking-weight gauge or cartridge-alignment tool. Fortunately, neither has…

View online review whf.cm/DebutPro £699 The original Pro-Ject Debut turntable was introduced at the tail end of the ’90s. It was a terrific budget deck that married affordability with performance, and over the years the various generations that followed continued that trend despite a gradual move upmarket. The Pro model we have on test here celebrates Pro-Ject’s 30th anniversary and is the most ambitious and sophisticated Debut model yet. The Pro-Ject Debut Pro is a classy product that is a world away from the rather basic and austere original. Aimed squarely at the mid-market, it still undercuts obvious class leaders such as the Rega Planar 3 and Technics SL-1500C by a good margin. This isn’t just a mild tweak of the long-running Debut formula either. Pro-Ject’s engineers have carefully developed…

■ Streaming preamplifier ■ £5700 ■ ★★★★★ Hi-fi is full of dogma. One of the prime examples of this is that great sound is only achieved by having a separate box for each step in the signal path. The logic is understandable, in that a dedicated component has only one thing to do, and so should do that job better. Such an arrangement also means that there are fewer opportunities for unwanted interactions between the various sections of the system, so optimising performance. Over the years, Naim Audio has been a master of such a purist approach at the premium end of the market, separating power supplies from the preamplifier and offering standalone phono stages, headphone amps and DACs, all in the name of performance. The results justify the strategy……

The only products worth considering Stereo amps up to £500 Rega io £379 Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2021 ★★★★★ 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 View offers whf.cm/BBStereoAmps NAD D 3020 V2 £399 September 2018 ★★★★★ A 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 Best stereo amplifier under £500, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ Clearer and punchier than its Award-winning predecessor, Marantz’s latest entry-level amplifier never puts the formidable 6000 Series dynasty in doubt. Power 45W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, coax,…

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 View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSystems Denon D-M41DAB £329 Best microsystem, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ 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 Elac Debut ConneX DCB41 £499 February 2023 ★★★★★ We are big fans of systems such as this. They are neat, well-featured and the best of the breed represent excellent value. This is one of them. Inputs USB, line-in/phono, opt, Bluetooth, HDMI (ARC) Outputs Subwoofer £500 to £1500 Marantz…

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 View offers  whf.cm/BBVideoStreamers Google Chromecast with Google TV £60 Best video streamer under £100, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ 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 £169 Best video streamer over £100, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ 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,…

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 View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerCables 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 £10/m and above QED Reference XT40i £11/m May 2020 ★★★★★ If you’re looking to upgrade your system by investing…

EXPERIENCE. HERITAGE. We have been helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home entertainment for more than 45 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 extensive, bespoke reviewing facilities in London, Reading and Bath. We conduct all our tests as a team – our opinions and conclusions are always the result of collaboration. HOW WE SCORE All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole – not an individual reviewer. Each product will be listened to and/or viewed by several members of the test team, who will then discuss the final verdict before it appears in the…

View offers In-ear headphones | £250 | whf.cm/TourPro2 Neat innovation or short-lived gimmick? That’s the question we are asking about the touchscreen control panel on the charging case of the new JBL Tour Pro 2 wireless buds. Time will tell if the idea catches on but, either way, we are more concerned about high-quality sound than a touchscreen in a place we have never seen before. At this price, there is serious competition from the likes of Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II, Sony’s WF-100XM4 and Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, so – fancy charging case or not – the Tour Pro 2 have their work cut out. Style and comfort These in-ears are as stylish and comfortable as you would expect at this price. There are three size choices of ear tips,…

View offers Integrated amplifier | £1999 | whf.cm/Audiolab9000A Audiolab’s first product was the 8000A. This hugely successful integrated amplifier was launched in 1982 and was instrumental in establishing the brand as a major force in the market. It was also a serious attempt to offer a sensibly priced, fully featured stereo amplifier that needed no excuses While much has changed with the Audiolab brand since then, we can see strong parallels between that original and the 9000A. Apart from slim proportions and clean aesthetics, both amplifiers also share a common ethos, one that aims to please most of the people, most of the time and in a wide range of systems. No easy task. Both amplifiers look smart but understated, though the moment the 9000A’s 4.3in colour LCD screen fires…

View online review whf.cm/AT-LP5x £315 Audio-Technica’s original AT-LP5 turntable was a winner. Launched in 2016, its combination of solid engineering, useful features and fine sound were enough to make it one of our go-to recommendations for anyone wanting a sensibly priced, fuss-free record player. So it was no surprise to find that Audio-Technica hadn’t changed its winning formula when the LP5x model arrived in 2020. Why would it? Three speed options At first, it is hard to notice any obvious changes between the models; but look carefully and you will find the addition of a 78rpm speed option beside the usual 33⅓ and 45rpm. A new cartridge, the AT-VM95E, has also been added. This moving magnet builds on the foundations laid by the long-running AT95 design fitted to the original…

View online review whf.cm/DualCS418 £499 Back in the 1980s, Dual’s CS 505 was the budget turntable of choice. Initially coming in at £75, it dominated the affordable end of the market and gave thousands of music fans their first taste of high-quality record replay. As the years passed and the CD dominated, the demand for record players suffered. Dual, like most record player manufacturers, struggled, fading from view in the UK at least. The brand has gone through numerous business changes over the decades but now seems to be back and focused with a new range of turntables that aims to recapture some of that old magic. Finished with care The belt-driven CS 418 is currently the company’s starter deck. It’s an understated design that still manages to look smart. Ortofon’s…

View online review whf.cm/Planar3 Rega £799 We can’t think of another hi-fi product that has dominated its market sector with the authority of Rega’s Planar 3 turntables. The original was launched in the late-1970s, and since then subsequent iterations have invariably remained the obvious choice in the class. The Rega RP3s haven’t changed much in appearance over the decades. Put the original next to this new one and most people would be hard pushed to find any differences beyond the smarter plinth and the updated tonearm. The generational changes have always been about steady evolution, with the aim of improving performance. But, by the company’s usual standards, the shift from the RP3 to this 2016-launched Planar 3 was seismic. Just about every part was revised to give a proper jump…

We love vinyl. It’s capable of terrific sound, provided you take a bit of care. And this is where it differs from other formats. Unlike digital alternatives, a lack of care in installation can cripple the final sound. There are some undeniably great ‘plug and play’ record players on the market and, when it comes to more complex decks, a number of dealers who will help you set them up correctly. But if you are prepared to get your hands a little dirty, there is a lot you can do to ensure you get your turntable performing to its full capability yourself. How do vinyl records work? Have a close look at a record. That spiralling groove is packed with tiny bumps causing the cartridge stylus (or needle) to move.…

■ Integrated amplifier ■ £7399 ■ ★★★★★ We first came across Lavardin’s IT integrated amplifier back in the late ’90s. That original was a simple, low-powered unit that somehow contrived to deliver a musical performance so exquisite that the memory of it remains emblazoned in our minds to this very day. We have tested thousands of products since that review, but few of them have left such a marked impact on our collective psyche. On our test rack today sits the latest version of the IT, the Lavardin ITx. It looks utterly familiar, despite a few things having changed in the intervening decades. There is now a choice of finishes, with the red front panel of our test sample a no-cost option. You can have a remote too, something that…

Up to £200 Roberts Revival Petite £99 March 2022 ★★★★★ Anyone yet to invite the joys of the original wireless into their lives will find this device a compelling gateway product. It’s also a decent Bluetooth speaker. Battery Yes Size (hwd) 8 x 12.5 x 7.5cm Inputs 3.5mm, Bluetooth View offers whf.cm/BBInternetRadios View offers whf.cm/BBDABRadios “Every source the Roberts relays is delivered with agility, textured vocals, pleasing depth and clarity” Roberts Stream 94L £200 Best radio under £200, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ The updated Stream 94L radio remains a firm favourite, with its extensive playback options, unfussy nature and hugely enjoyable sound. Battery Optional Size (hwd) 25 x 17 x 13cm Inputs 3.5mm, USB, BT, wi-fi “This radio is such an enjoyable performer. We have it playing throughout the day and…

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 View offers whf.cm/BBSoundbars Sonos Beam (Gen 2) £449 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ A compact soundbar that pumps out an exceptional sound for its size and price. Now with Dolby Atmos capabilities. Impressive. Size (hwd) 7 x 65 x 10cm Inputs Optical, HDMI ARC, AirPlay Sub No £500 to £1000 Yamaha YSP-2700 £699 February 2017 ★★★★★ With a spacious, involving sound the YSP-2700 is the most convincing surround experience you’ll get outside of a full 5.1 surround system. Size (hwd) 5 x…

Up to 43in Samsung UE43AU7100 £449 Best 40-43in TV, Awards 2021 ★★★★★ Samsung’s miniature hero proves you don’t need a bottomless bank account or a cavernous room to enjoy great picture quality. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 4K ARC/eARC eARC View offers whf.cm/BBTelevisions “Shows a level of maturity, confidence and understanding of the many elements that go into producing a truly satisfying TV picture” 48in to 50in TCL 55RP620K £449 November 2021★★★★★ For those after an app-happy and user-friendly experience, and a good panel size without having to spend too much, this is a winning combination. Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution 4K HDR Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG “There are no app gaps from any of the top tier services, with Dolby Vision and 4K support on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and…

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 View offers whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps 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 £100-£300, Awards 2021 ★★★★★ 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…

View offers Standmount speakers | £1900 | whf.cm/KEFR3Meta The KEF R3 Meta speakers are an enticing prospect. These new standmounters are part of KEF’s updated R Series, a revamped speaker range that now incorporates the company’s celebrated MAT (Metamaterial Absorption Technology) innovation – an ingenious and successful technology that has been transforming KEF’s audio performance in recent speakers. It is an upgrade we are excited to hear: the original KEF R3 we tested a few years back received a five-star review, and the inclusion of MAT – from what we have heard already – should elevate the listening experience of the new speakers to a whole new standard. Do the R3 Metas live up to our expectations? It may not look like much has changed on the surface, and really…

View offers Smart speaker | £55 | whf.cm/EchoDot5 Smart speakers are becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives. No, we haven’t quite arrived at the point at which all aspects of our domestic existence can be governed by a series of brusque commands to Alexa or Siri, like something from 2001: A Space Odyssey, but voice-controlled speakers hooked up to the wi-fi aren’t going anywhere any time soon. Amazon has been at the forefront of the smart speaker explosion, its Alexa AI assistant now practically synonymous with the whole concept of smart domestic audio. Apple’s own effort in the form of Siri in the HomePod speakers is one of the few that can challenge Jeff Bezos’s bid to dominate the so-called home of tomorrow. But Alexa remains by…

What do Linn, Naim and Rega all have in common? Well, they are all British hi-fi brands. And they have all manufactured a turntable and an amplifier, not to mention the many overlapping products the companies have produced over the years. But more than that, all three of these venerable manufacturers were founded in 1973. Fifty years ago this very year. Allow a little latitude and expand that a few years on either side, and you can include Arcam (1976, when it was called A&R Cambridge), NAD (1972) and Monitor Audio (1972) in that group. QED is another with a 1973 birthdate. And those are just the British brands. I’m sure that list would grow exponentially were we to start looking beyond the UK’s shores. This got me thinking, was…

View online review whf.cm/Primary_E £199 You don’t need to set eyes on Pro-Ject’s Primary E turntable to know it has a lot going for it. It’s the most affordable traditionally designed Pro-Ject turntable and it is also more or less a twin of the Pro-Ject Primary deck to which we had already handed five stars. Like most twins, there are a few key differences that set the two apart. The Primary E’s power supply is built in to the deck rather than the plug; it is available only in black rather than the Primary’s red or white options, and it costs a little less than the original model. So how does this successor measure up? Confidently nails the basics The Primary E has a familiar look, from the 22cm tonearm…

View online review whf.cm/Planar1plus £385 The reaction of the What Hi-Fi? reviews team when we heard Rega had finally developed a turntable with a built-in phono stage was a mixture of relief, anticipation and a fair bit of “about time, too”. The Planar 1 Plus is essentially a Rega Planar 1 turntable with the Rega Fono Mini A2D built in. Both are Award-winning products, of course, and Rega says it felt only natural to combine the two together. We absolutely agree. At £385, the Planar 1 Plus costs only £24 less than buying the Planar 1 (£299) and Fono Mini A2D (£110) separately. Which makes this a most straightforward test of which option is better. Easy, fuss-free set-up Placing the Planar 1 Plus next to the Planar 1 results in a…

Your record player is made up of three main parts. There is the deck itself, which is responsible for spinning the disc and providing the home for the tonearm and cartridge. It’s the cartridge that we are going to focus on here. This is the part that actually touches the record groove and generates the electrical signal that subsequently becomes the music you hear out of your speakers. How cartridges work A cartridge is essentially an electro-mechanical device. Let’s go back to some GCSE physics. If you move a magnet near a wire then current is generated in that wire. It sounds so simple, but that physics principle forms the basis of how microphones, speaker drive units and phono cartridges all work. The main parts of a cartridge are its…

View online review whf.cm/DualCS518 £649 It is tempting to start this review by going back to the ’80s when Dual dominated the budget turntable market. Instead, let’s go back a few pages of this issue to our review of the company’s CS 418. Given Dual’s lack of impact in the decades since its heyday, that deck was something of a surprise, being a terrific performer for the money (£499). Here we have the more expensive, but closely related, Dual CS 518 – does it compare favourably for the extra outlay? Given a little extra budget, Dual’s engineers decided the best way of improving on its entry-level turntable was to change the arm to a more sophisticated twin gimbal bearing design. This new arm promises improved performance as well as…

View online review whf.cm/SL-1500C £999 The rebirth of the Technics brand has been fascinating. Since 2014, Technics has released a steady stream of products with varying degrees of success, but in recent years it feels as if the company has really hit its stride. The high-end SL-1000R turntable, introduced in early 2018, was the first product to confirm that the brand really could deliver. We were so impressed that it has now become our reference record player. That good work has continued with the entry-level SL-1500C. This is a less elaborate mini-me of the high-end model, still using a core-less direct-drive motor with sophisticated speed-management circuitry, a hefty, well-damped chassis and a version of the company’s long-running S-shaped arm. Obsessive engineering It comes supplied with the well-respected Ortofon 2M Red cartridge…

As one of the world’s best multi-room systems, Sonos’s speakers are built with streaming in mind, but you can hook up your trusty record player to the system in order to play your vinyl collection throughout the home. You just need the right speaker, the right accessory, and a little know-how… Which Sonos speakers support a record player? A handful of Sonos devices can be used with a deck using a wired connection. These are the Sonos Era 300, Era 100 and Sonos Five speakers, and the Sonos Amp and Sonos Port (for these last two, you will need to add speakers). The now-discontinued Sonos Connect, Connect:Amp and Play:5 can also be hooked up to a turntable. Some Bluetooth-enabled Sonos speakers can also be connected wirelessly to Bluetooth turntables: the…

Up to £300 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 View offers whf.cm/BBDACs 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 V2 £159 Best DAC under £200, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ A good jump in quality over the Award-winning original, to keep features and performance best in class – and for not much…

Standmounts up to £200 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 View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers “The way these speakers handle dynamics is impressive” Standmounters from £200 to £500 Elac Debut B5.2 £250 Best standmount speaker under £300, Awards 2022 ★★★★★ ELAC’s latest budget standmounter is talented enough to worry the established competition. Size (hwd) 34 x 18 x 23cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1 “These new Debuts should be considered one of the company’s finest efforts” Dali Oberon 1 £349 February 2019 ★★★★★ About the size of a shoe, these articulate and bold-sounding speakers have a wonderfully…