Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2024 i What Hi-Fi?

Streaming amplifier | £1499 | View offers whf.cm/Roksan_Attessa The Roksan Attessa Streaming Amplifier is very much a modern hi-fi product that combines amplification, DAC, streaming, preamplifier and even a phono stage into just one box – you just have to add speakers. Streaming amplifiers (or all-in-one, just-add-speaker systems) of this kind have been rising in popularity recently as a lifestyle-friendly alternative to a traditional separates system, and we have heard great examples from the likes of Cambridge Audio, NAD, Bluesound, Marantz, Naim and more. It’s a lot of components to cram into one box, so can Roksan make a dent and stand out from the crowd? In looks alone, the Roksan is one of the more stylish one-box streaming amplifiers we have come across. The steel and aluminium body is…

Over-ear headphones | £149 | View offers whf.cm/Sivga_Robin You may not have heard of Chinese brand Sivga before. Established in 2016, the somewhat fledgling outfit is seeking to carve out a name for itself in the world of wired headphones. A quick trip to the company’s official website reveals a healthy stable of wired over-ear cans backed by robust sonic claims and adorned, to varying degrees, with swanky wooden exteriors. Carving out your own niche is never easy, especially for young bucks trying to make a name for themselves amid a packed crowd of established players, and while those retro wooden exteriors may be enough to catch some wandering eyes, few companies make the grade if the goods they tout simply aren’t up to the task. At this relatively affordable…

OLED TV | £2099 | View offers whf.cm/Philips_OLED809 If you don’t care about getting the next-generation Micro Lens Array or QD-OLED screen tech that is all the rage at the top end of the market, this Philips OLED is well worth considering as the entry-level option in the company’s top line of TVs. The 65in Philips OLED809 we test here retails for £2099; by comparison its direct rival, the 65in LG C4, costs £2250. The 809 doesn’t rock the boat with its design. The TV looks a lot like the previous generation Philips OLED808. Ambilight, a bias lighting feature unique to Philips, is present in the three sided, less refined variant compared with the Ambilight Plus of the Philips OLED959+ and four sided set-up seen on the OLED909. That aside,…

1 TAD-M1000TX $24,950 (£TBC) High-end Japanese audio brand TAD has announced a new two-channel power amplifier to replace the outgoing TAD-M1000. This upgraded variant looks practically identical on the outside, with its handsome clean-cut edges and metallic finishes, but internally it has had something of a makeover. TAD has redesigned the internal circuitry layout with “meticulous effort”, to “achieve ultimate symmetry between left and right channels”. It will deliver 500W of Class D amplification per channel at 4 ohms, with both balanced and unbalanced inputs alongside two pairs of speaker terminals with bi-amping capabilities. If you are tempted by this power amplifier then you might want to consider saving up, as it is launching in November for a whopping $24,950 (UK pricing to be confirmed). • whf.cm/M1000TX 2 Kaleidescape Strato V £5394…

View online review whf.cm/Lumina_II_Amator If you are of a curious disposition, you may well be interested to discover that the literal translation of Amator from Italian to English is “to be loved”. This perhaps reveals Sonus Faber’s ambitions to make its customers fall head over heels for its attractive loudspeaker range. The Italian brand’s new Amator standmounters build on the design and DNA of the established Lumina II, albeit with some key technical upgrades in order to improve their overall sonic performance. The main difference between the standard version of the Lumina II and this new version is the Amators’ improved crossover design. Your extra £300 over the standard iteration takes the lessons learned from the high-end Sonus Faber Amati and Guarneri G5 speakers in pursuit of improved sonic performance,…

View online review whf.cm/PetersfieldGo Smartphones, app-based internet radio and wireless speakers may have killed the once-popular pocket radio, but small DAB/FM radios still have their place. There are plenty of people who favour local radio, and want to be able to listen to talk radio or keep up with football scores on the go. Majority’s Petersfield Go features FM and DAB/DAB+ tuners, and comes bundled with a pair of earphones, all for just £30. This neat little portable radio is made of plastic, but is well put together and doesn’t feel cheap. It’s about the size of a pack of cards, the build is robust enough, and the buttons all work responsively. You also get a pair of wired in-ear headphones bundled in. They are not the best earphones –…

View online review whf.cm/RuarkR2Mk4 It would be reductive to call the Ruark Audio R2 Mk4 just a radio. Yes, it is an excellent radio with FM/DAB/DAB+ tuners, internet radio and alarms all part and parcel. And it looks like a radio, albeit a very luxuriously designed one; but, like many modern radios, it can do so much more. From wireless streaming via Bluetooth and supported music apps to physical wired connections, the Ruark R2 Mk4 is very much a modern music system that can compete against any premium wireless speaker. With its rather hefty price tag of £479, you would hope it feels, sounds and overall performs better than you might expect “just a radio” to do, as well. Happily, it does. So much of the Ruark R2’s appeal lies…

View online review whf.cm/Denon_S670H Denon’s X-series AV amplifiers and receivers have been hugely successful, and it’s probably fair to say that it completely dominates a big chunk of the AVR market. That said, prices have risen with each new generation of X-series amps, and what once was entry-level is now firmly mid-market. That’s where the S series comes in. Designed to sit below the X series and offer all of the core features that someone new to AVRs might need while stripping out some of the expensive elements that they probably don’t, the S series is a tempting proposition. This AVR-S670H model offers five channels of amplification, two subwoofer outputs, three HDMI 2.1 inputs (and three standard HDMI inputs) and super-simple (by AVR standards) set-up and operation. That all seems…

View online review whf.cm/ArcamAVR5 They are the central hub that connects diverse, demanding home entertainment devices, so we are now used to seeing home cinema amps capable of handling movies in every flavour of HDR and the bandwidth demands of next-gen gaming consoles, as well as an excessive quantity of immersive sound formats and the number of amplifier channels they require. Users also expect a range of streaming options, room calibration and app control. So when it comes to building an entry-level AVR, the question for manufacturers is where to trim the fat. While some brands take the approach of reducing channels of amplification or using cheaper DACs, Arcam is taking a different tack with the AVR5, its first-ever ‘entry-level’ home cinema amplifier. Entry-level is, of course, a relative term.…

Our recent review of the Monitor Audio Studio 89 standmounters revealed speakers that perform admirably for their price, and certainly merit a place on any shortlist at around the £2000 mark. At roughly the same time, give or take a week or two, our team also had Audiolab’s new music streamer to put through its paces. Which we also rather like, of course. It didn’t then take too long to wonder how we could get these two five-star winners together in a system that might do even a touch more than merely doing them justice. Enter Arcam’s Award-winning A15, which covers some of the feature gaps that the Audiolab has, while also providing top-sounding amplification for the money. As always, it pays us to state here that it doesn’t always…

From 75in 4K TVs to turntables, and from portable Bluetooth speakers to Dolby Atmos surround sound packages, here’s where you will find the perfect hi-fi and AV product, fast. NEW ENTRIES THIS MONTH Monitor Audio has really hit the spot with its compact and stylish Studio 89 standmounters, which deliver an alluringly polished and articulate sound. Marantz, meanwhile, has taken the AVR market by storm with the brilliant Cinema 30 all-rounder. And how TCL has managed to produce such an impressive 85in HDR TV – the 85C805K – for such a bargain price we just don’t know. HOW TO POSITION YOUR SPEAKERS It’s not just a case of ‘plonk ’em down and plug ’em in’; getting your speakers set up properly can make all the difference to how they sound.…

 View offers whf.cm/BBDACs Up to £300 iFi Go Link £59 October 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The iFi Go Link feels like the perfect device for enhancing your headphones on the move and on a budget, living up to its brief. Size 13.5cm long Resolution PCM 32-bit/384kHz, DSD 256, MQA iFi Zen DAC V2 £159 Best DAC under £200, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A good jump in quality over the Award-winning original, to keep features and performance best in class – and for not much extra money. Inputs USB 3.0 Size 35 x 160 x 117mm Res PCM 384kHz, DSD256, MQA iFi hip-dac 2 £179 April 2022 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ At this level, you’re unlikely to find a portable DAC as clear, zealous, fully…

 View offers whf.cm/BBProjectors Up to £2000 BenQ W1800 £1099 Best projector under £1250, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ BenQ’s decision to focus with the W1800 on what we guess could be considered good old-fashioned home cinema values pays off handsomely. Throw ratio 1.13-1.46:1 Inputs HDMI x2, USB 2.0 Speakers Yes Epson EH-TW7100 £1599 Best projector £1250-£2000, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Hisense PL £1999 Best ultra-short-throw projector, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ With its clean, punchy and solid image, the Hisense PL1 is a gem at this price. It’s a…

 View offers whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £250 SoundMagic E11C £50 Best wired in-ear headphones under £100, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Klipsch T5M Wired £70 Best wired in-ear headphones £50-£100, Awards 2021 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Not only do they have some of the most comfortable tips around, but these T5M Wireds also show a maturity that’s rare at this price. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m Sennheiser Momentum M2…

 View offers whf.cm/BBCartridges Cartridges Goldring E3 £90 Best cartridge under £100, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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” Sumiko Rainier £160 Best cartridge £100-£250, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This Sumiko is a little gem. Set it up with care and have a little patience, and you’ll find this to be one of the best performers anywhere near this price. Type MM Tracking weight 1.8-2.2g (2.0g recommended) “Get in some hours of use and the presentation blooms into something that’s surprisingly musical and engaging” Ortofon Quintet…

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 and Reading. 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 any 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 magazine…

Bluetooth speaker | £330 | View offers whf.cm/Xtreme_4 JBL has delivered some great portable Bluetooth speakers in recent years. The brand has been super-consistent with its designs and sound quality, and we have tested and handed out five stars to multiple ranges at various price points. Now the JBL Xtreme 4 is hoping to continue the brand’s fine track record. Although it might have been tempting to kick back and just give its previous iteration, the Xtreme 3, a lick of paint, JBL has implemented tweaks designed to improve functionality, the user experience and performance. And the star rating speaks for itself… Like a lot of tech over the past couple of years, the JBL Xtreme 4 hasn’t escaped a slight bump in price. It now costs £330 (we originally…

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View online review whf.cm/RevivalPetite2 Even as wireless speakers and music systems are getting more multi-functional every day due to increasing demand, there is something universally appealing about the humble radio, especially one with such a compact form and such lovely retro looks. The Revival Petite 2 follows the same blueprint as Roberts' original five-star Petite: it’s so tiny it can fit onto the palm of your hand and perch in any corner, narrow windowsill, bookshelf or cluttered desk. The build quality is reassuringly solid and oozes high quality, and we love the rounded corners, soft but sturdy leather-like covering and colour-matched grille. It’s available in seven attractive hues: sunburst yellow, duck egg, pastel cream, pop orange, dusty pink, midnight blue or black. The OLED display screen is tiny but clear…

View online review whf.cm/Revo_SuperConnect There is still a great demand for a classic radio as a staple of a domestic audio set-up, even if the simple requirement of being able to transmit Classic FM and Radio 4 in the kitchen has evolved to include a more wide-ranging list of tasks and functions. A modern radio often needs to be a jack of all trades while retaining the signature look, feel and function of a classic piece of tech in order to survive in its own particular market niche. We described the first SuperConnect’s aesthetic as “modern with a dash of retro” when we tested it back in 2014. Looking at the updated model, perhaps “retro with a dash of modern” would be better suited to its dapper aesthetic. Whether you…

View online review whf.cm/AVR-X2800H Unlike other companies that have tried to add a touch of glamour to the considerable bulk that a home cinema amplifier brings, Denon has an assured, ‘if ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach, staunchly sticking to its brushed black finish and monochrome display for the AVR-X2800H. It’s a kind of confidence that is well earned, because the AVR-X2800H doesn’t need to draw attention to itself – quite simply it has one of the best all-around feature sets of any AVR at this price point, designed to appeal to both serious gamers and movie buffs while bringing impressive future proofed features for its outlay. In Denon’s six-strong premium X range, the seven-channel AVR-X2800H sits below the AVC-X3800H (tested at £1499). It packs nine channels of amplification with…

View online review whf.cm/AVC_X6800H If you have seen any Denon AVR released in the past 10 years, this design will be familiar to you. The brushed black metal finish here looks neat and understated, although the AVC-X6800H also comes in a dazzling Premium Silver finish. At just 17 x 44 x 38cm (hwd), it is pleasingly compact as premium AV amps go. Denon’s staple asymmetrical source-select and master-volume knobs glide with just the right amount of resistance to make finding pinpoint volume levels easy. There is also a selection of on-device controls tucked neatly behind a premium-feeling cover that folds down with a satisfyingly weighty motion. Behind this you will find quick source select buttons, navigation buttons, zone power controls and a socket to plug the included calibration set-up mic…

View offers whf.cm/BBStereoAmps 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 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 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Clearer and punchier than its Award-winning predecessor, Marantz’s latest entry-level amplifier never puts the formidable 6000 Series dynasty in doubt.…

 View offers whf.cm/BBMusicStreamers Up to £500 WiiM Pro Plus £219 Best music streamer under £300, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ As a first, affordable introduction to the many and various charms of music streaming, the WiiM Pro Plus is hard to lay a glove on at the price. Outputs RCA line-level, coaxial, optical 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 Cambridge Audio MXN10 £449 Best music streamer £300-£750, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Cambridge Audio has crashed the entry-level music streamer party. Is the MXN10 the finest affordable music streamer on the…

 View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSystems Up to £500 Denon D-M41DAB £329 Best hi-fi system under £500, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Best powered speakers, Awards 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 Triangle AIO Twin £699 Best speaker system under £750, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ If you’re looking for a fun music system that also sounds hugely…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs Humax Aura from £249 Best PVR, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ As a Freeview PVR, the Humax Aura is solid, but its useability foibles and lack of Netflix give pause for thought. Tuners 3 Storage 1TB/2TB Ultra HD Yes Subscription boxes Sky Q 2TB from £199 Best subscription box, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Best video streamer under £100, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ It has a fantastic UI and design, a huge library of 4K HDR content, and…

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 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…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands Speaker stands Atacama Moseco 6 £150 Best speaker stand, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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”…

Mini LED TV | £4499 | View offers whf.cm/Bravia_9 Sony’s strategy for its 2024 TV lineup is about as bold and unconventional as it gets. While practically every other manufacturer has shown off a full range of brand-new TVs with an advanced OLED model taking the flagship spot, Sony has instead put its eggs in the Mini LED basket with the Bravia 9. It’s just one of three new models for 2024, while the rest of Sony’s line-up comprises TVs released either last year or even the year before. Considering Sony’s near-perfect track record within the last year, we wouldn’t have blamed the brand for releasing a line-up of samey sets with modest upgrades and new model numbers for 2024; but it has grander plans. Instead, it is making a huge…

Music streamer | £2499 | View offers whf.cm/Audiolab_9000N Audiolab has become a go-to brand for us when it comes to affordable music streamers. Based on the Play-Fi streaming platform, the company’s offerings have typically delivered a balanced and insightful performance while being easy to use. The introduction of the range-topping 9000N marks a shift in ambition; it is pitched at a properly premium price, and with a change in streaming platform to one from high-end specialist, Lumin. Some may wonder why Audiolab couldn’t just make its own streaming platform, but developing and then maintaining one (as new feature requirements arise) is such a complex and expensive task that most hi-fi companies prefer to buy-in ready-made solutions from specialist suppliers. Lumin is a good choice, as it is firmly established as…

Projector | £15,999 | View offers whf.cm/JVC_NZ800 JVC’s D-ILA projector line has been one of our go-to recommendations for high-end home-cinema enthusiasts for some time now, thanks to its rich, authentic visuals. And now the brand hopes to continue that tradition with its latest pair of premium projectors. We’re looking at the DLA-NZ800 model here, a step down from the flagship DLA-NZ900 that has launched alongside it. These models are replacing the existing – and well-regarded – DLA-NZ8 and DLA-NZ9 respectively. So, can the NZ800 live up to our very lofty expectations? It goes further than that: it smashes them. At £15,999, the DLA-NZ800 will appeal only to the most dedicated of home-cinema devotees. While there are much more affordable options on the market from the likes of Epson and…

View online review whf.cm/Ruark_R1S Ruark Audio’s smallest entry-level radio has a strong history at What Hi-Fi?, with a slew of five-star reviews praising its stylish design and impressive sound quality. The new R1S smart radio has built-in wi-fi for the first time and includes music streaming support to cater to today’s listening habits and demands. Elegant, stylish, gorgeous – we have used many superlatives to describe this lovely radio over the past decade or so, but this current generation’s design is even more elegant and premium than before. The dimensions remain compact enough for it to perch on kitchen counters, work desks or bedside tables, while the front panel boasts a sleeker fascia that hides the driver and looks classy, with a larger, crisper full-colour display. The acoustically damped cabinet…

View online review whf.cm/TA_AN1000 Sony’s TA-AN1000 is a new European exclusive model, that at £999 is pricier than the Denon AVR-X2800H (£599), and around the same price as Denon’s step-up AVC-X3800H. The Sony looks sleek and modern and feels well made. The few changes from the DN1080 which it otherwise closely resembles include buttons for the Display Mode, HDMI out and toggling 360 Spatial Sound Mapping mode on and off, as well as clearer labelling as to which HDMI ports support 4K, 4K/120Hz and 8K. The AN1000 is accompanied by a remote that has practically the same dimensions as the remote included with the Sony A80K, the TV we paired with this AV amp for testing – a nice touch of synergy for Sony’s home cinema ecosystem. It includes shortcuts…

View online review whf.cm/Marantz_Cinema_30 It has been a long while since we had a Marantz AVR in for review. The premium brand has taken something of a back seat while its parent company Masimo has instead focused on sending products from sister brand Denon out for review. The Marantz Cinema 30 is vastly more expensive than the Denon AVC-X6800H with which it shares some components and features. It has all of the heft that one could want from a serious piece of home cinema kit, but it’s got oodles of style, too, from the carbon fibre-like finish to the left and right of the raised centre panel, to the identical size of the volume and source knobs and the small, circular ‘porthole’ display that is a Marantz trademark. It’s a…

“A lot of the key picture aspects we look out for are handled well, including motion during fast-paced scenes” While we review plenty of TVs, projectors, AVRs and home cinema speakers, something such as this media server/streamer system rarely comes our way. Destined for multi-room high-end home theatre installations, the Kaleidescape is firmly a niche product. While it can happily replace a 4K Blu-ray player and movie-disc library in a dedicated home cinema room, it is the ability to distribute high-quality video and audio across a range of rooms that sets it apart. The combination of the Strato C 4K Movie Player and the Terra Prime 8TB SSD Movie Server costs an eyebrow-raising £17,082. Individually, the player costs £5382, while the server is £11,700. Kaleidescape offers a larger-capacity 31TB SSD…

 View offers whf.cm/BBCDPlayers Up to £1000 Marantz CD6007 £339 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Arcam CD5 £699 Best CD player £500-£1000, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A tremendously talented player that deserves an audition if you’re still holding on to your beloved CDs and want to give them a new lease of life. Type CD player Outputs Coaxial, optical, line-level Musical Fidelity M2sCD £699 June 2020 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Musical Fidelity’s CD player sounds expansive, detailed and delicately layered - a resoundingly listenable proposition. Type CD…

View offers whf.cm/BBInternetRadios View offers whf.cm/BBDABRadios Up to £200 Roberts Revival Petite 2 £100 August 2024 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Packed with features and emitting a clearer, richer, more dynamic sound than you might expect, this delightful little portable is a must-have sonic accessory. Battery 20hrs (rechargeable) Size (hwd) 73 x 124 x 85mm Finishes 7 “It’s a lively, rhythmically engaging sound that has a surprising amount of weight and punch to it, given the unit’s size” Roberts Stream 94L £199 Best radio under £250, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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…

View offers whf.cm/BBTurntables £150 to £300 Pro-Ject Primary E £159 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Rega Planar 1 £275 Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This revamped entry-level deck from Rega doesn’t sound anything like an entry-level deck. Pleasingly solid, accurate and…

 View offers whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps £500 to £2000 Sony TA-AN1000 £999 Best home cinema amplifier under £1500, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Sony has delivered an AV amp that has reignited the same excitement that we felt with its last model, here with additional dynamics, scale and accuracy. Power 7 x 85W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 6/2 Denon AVC-X3800H £1499 Best home cinema amplifier over £2000, Awards 2022 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Despite being more expensive than its predecessor, the AVC-X3800H’s updated feature spec and new and improved sound make it an excellent buy. Power 9 x 105W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 6/3 Arcam AVR 5 £2000 September 2022 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ While it lacks some of the functionality and usability of the competition, the…

 View offers whf.cm/BBSoundbars Up to £500 Sony HT-S2000 £349 May 2024 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ If you want clearer, more dynamic and direct sound from your TV at a price that won’t put you off, then this Sony really is an easy sell. Size (hwd) 6.4 x 80 x 12cm Inputs Optical, HDMI eARC Sub No Sonos Beam (Gen 2) £449 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Dali Katch One £649 Best soundbar £500-£1000, Awards 2018 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Great for music, even better for…

View offers whf.cm/BBTelevisions Up to 43in LG OLED42C3 £1199 Best 40-43in TV and Best gaming TV, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ It’s only marginally better than the C2 it replaces – but that is still good enough for the OLED42C3 to be the best 42-inch TV we have tested. Type OLED HDMI 4 Resolution 4K Operating system webOS23 “It is much easier to get the C3 looking its best than it is most other TVs” 48in to 50in Amazon Fire Omni QLED £450 Best budget 48-50in TV, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Budget TVs are hard to get right, but the 50in Omni QLED succeeds thanks to a consistent, considered performance and impressive feature set. Type QLED HDMI 4 Resolution 4K ARC/eARC eARC “A surprisingly consistent…

 View offers whf.cm/BBMobilePhones iOS Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max £1199 Best smartphone over £500, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A punchier picture and smoother sound make the iPhone 15 Pro Max an unparalleled portable movie and music machine. OS iOS 17 Size (hwd) 160 x 77 x 8.3mm Storage 256GB-1TB “Subtle tweaks to picture and sound quality have added dynamism and refinement to a delivery that was already superb” Android Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra June 2022 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ If you can deal with the average battery life, this is the new flagship Android phone to rule them all – and that’s before taking into account the new S Pen. OS Android Size (hwd) 163 x 78 x 9mm Storage 128GB-1TB “This flagship Samsung boasts so…

View offers whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £150 Chord Company C-Line £63/m Best analogue interconnect under £100, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 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 Chord Co ClearwayX ARAY Analogue RCA £130/m Best analogue interconnect over £100, Awards 2023 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Evolution of a well-regarded interconnect that reveals greater texture, control and dynamics from your system’s performance than before. Balanced/Single-ended Single…

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 Rega Fono Mini A2D Mk2 £110 April 2024 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ It is the quality of the sound that continues to impress. Quite simply, we haven’t come across a better-sounding alternative at this entry level. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 3 x 10 x 10.5cm 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…