Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i What Hi-Fi?

At the time of writing, I look out of the window at a London basking in a balmy 26 degrees (Celsius, thank goodness) of sunshine. And the forecast is for things to heat up from here. What the weather will be like as you read this, of course, is all down to the vagaries of the British summer – although there’s an awful lot to be said for a temperate maritime climate. If the fine weather continues, though, there is little better time to buy a premium portable Bluetooth speaker (p30). Music, when you and your loved ones are at a secluded picnic, lazing in the park, or out in the garden for the barbecue, is a wonderful thing. To get the best from your tunes, it is worth splashing…

There are two basic ways a company can go when designing a mid-range soundbar. It can go minimalist, cramming everything into a compact single unit that provides advanced features such as Dolby Atmos through clever processing. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the most obvious and successful example of this approach. Or, it can go the other way, and go big on the hardware side with several, large components. And that’s the way Sony has gone with the Bravia Theatre Bar 6. Not only does the Theatre Bar 6 dwarf rivals such as the Beam, it also comes with a dedicated subwoofer. At £499, the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 looks to be a lot of kit for the money. The Beam Gen 2 launched at £449 but is often…

The Nebula X1 claims to be a “cinema-grade outdoor entertainment system”, and its (supposedly) portable design and easy set-up mean it could be ideal for indoor and outdoor movie screenings. However, the projector requires a constant mains connection and is much larger and heavier than most people would consider to be truly portable. This, to our minds, makes it more of a ‘coffee table projector’ that can be fairly easily moved between rooms, and packed away in a cupboard to be brought out for movie nights. But, sure, it can be used in the garden with a long extension cable. The Nebula X1 costs £2200. There’s also an ‘accessory pack’ that includes two wireless satellite speakers, a carry case and two wireless microphones for £500. If it’s a true portable…

View online review whf.cm/Charge_6 How do you improve upon a five-star product that has been at the top of our best Bluetooth speakers list and an Award winner for the past four years? And do it with only a modest price increase? The Charge 6’s sternest rivals are from JBL’s own stable. You can find the aforementioned predecessor, the Charge 5, for as little as £119. If you want cheaper and smaller there’s the JBL Flip 7, or, for an even bigger, more powerful sound, there’s the Xtreme 4. It may not look as though much has changed between the two generations, but the Charge 6 boasts a handful of design tweaks that make it more user- and outdoors-friendly than before. The control buttons now sit across two rows,…

The arrival of any new Bowers & Wilkins product is always notable at What Hi-Fi?. The British brand is responsible for some of the finest hi-fi products ever made. So when its Px7 S3 wireless noise-cancelling headphones arrived recently, it only made sense to pit them against the highly rated rival pair from Apple. Both the B&W Px7 S3 and AirPods Max are what we would class as premium headphones with price tags to match. Both were awarded five stars when we reviewed them individually, and they represent some of the best wireless headphones you can currently buy at this lofty level. But that doesn’t help you to decide which ones you might want to own, does it? That’s why we have sat down with both pairs and directly compared…

View online review whf.cm/BenQ_GV31 We have recently seen all kinds of weird and wonderful designs as manufacturers try to find new ways to cater for the ‘movies anywhere’ projector market. No convenience-focused projector we have seen, though, has looked quite like BenQ’s GV31. Its mostly circular shape slots vertically into a simple desktop cradle, within which it can be rotated through 135 degrees to show images on either a wall or – get this, lazy home cinema fans – ceiling. Perhaps the closest projector rival to the GV31 right now, in the sense that it also sits in a cradle within which it can be rotated through (actually more than) 135 degrees, is Samsung’s barrel-shaped, but much smaller and more portable, The Freestyle, or the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro, which…

View online review whf.cm/CineBeam_Q The CineBeam Q is arguably the best-looking portable projector we’ve ever tested. It is certainly the shiniest, at least, thanks to the thick brushed-metal finish that wraps around its sides and top edge, and the large gleaming chrome-like circular mounting points for the premium-feeling built-in carry handle. Closer inspection reveals a couple of clever bits about the CineBeam Q’s design to go with its generally opulent feel. First, the carry handle can actually be rotated all the way around the projector’s body, in a full 360-degree turn so that it can become a stand. You can use this to angle the projector’s lens up or down to almost any angle to get images on your wall, screen or even, just about, ceiling. A grilled finish to…

◼ Phono stage ◼ £15,500 “It has scale and authority to spare, rendering sounds with a solidity we’ve rarely heard from any phono stage” The Vertere Calon is a shining example of how things should be done. It is a hugely expensive product, but in a price-appropriate turntable system, it’s hard to better. Any options that come close in ability are priced even more out of reach. Such a towering performance doesn’t come by accident. The Calon’s circuit is dual-mono in configuration, with extensive care taken over the power supply arrangement and shielding. This means the signal from each cartridge channel is treated identically and kept isolated from unwanted interaction by its partner. Doing things this way not only has the potential to improve stereo imaging but also should reduce…

View offers whf.cm/BBCDPlayers Up to £1000 Marantz CD6007 £379 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2024 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 2024 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 £1000 to £6000 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 Naim CD5si £1149 October 2014 The CD5si boasts…

View offers whf.cm/BBMusicStreamers Up to £500 WiiM Pro Plus £219 Best music streamer under £300, Awards 2024 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 WiiM Ultra £349 April 2025 This streamer puts in a mature, engaging performance; its combination of features, connectivity and terrific user experience for the price is unparalleled. Outputs RCA line-level, coaxial, optical, subwoofer 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 2024 Cambridge…

Read more at…www.whathifi.com/features It’s no good spending hundreds of pounds on your new speakers if you then don’t allow them to perform properly. Take care with positioning to get them to sing. 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…

View offers whf.cm/BBWirelessSpeakers Up to £100 Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 £60 April 2023 It’s quite astonishing just how much you get out of this little speaker; an enthusiastic and capable performer at this ultra-budget price. Size (hwd) 10 x 10 x 4.3cm Battery 12 hours Apple HomePod Mini £99 Best home wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2024 It’s much smaller and more affordable than expected, but the most surprising thing about the HomePod Mini is its superb sound. Size (hw) 4 x 14cm Battery No £100 to £250 JBL Flip 6 £130 May 2022 Another resoundingly five-star product, with sonic upgrades in terms of clarity and breadth across the frequencies over its Award-winning forebear. Size (hwd) 17.8 x 6.8 x 7.2cm Battery 12 hours Sonos One SL £149 March 2020…

View offers whf.cm/BBProjectors Up to £2000 BenQ W1800 £999 Best projector under £1250, Awards 2024 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 2024 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 2 £1599 July 2025 A competitive price and advanced features help the PL2 punch well above its weight. An easy recommendation for any movie fan after a UST projector. Throw ratio 0.25:1 Inputs HDMI x2, USB 2.0 x1, 3.0x1…

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerPackages Up to £1000 Wharfedale DX-3 HCP £499 Best speaker package under £500, Awards 2024 The DX-3 HCP delivers sound above and beyond what most soundbars are capable of while being half the price of most models that we recommend. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 12 x 31 x 12 cm Finishes 2 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 Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 HCP £999 Best speaker package £500-£1000, Awards 2024 Large enough to provide cinematic scale with a wide soundfield, but affordable enough to be accessible, this is a fine…

View offers whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £250 SoundMagic E11C £50 Best wired in-ear headphones under £100, Awards 2024 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 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 Shure Aonic 3 £179 Best wired in-ear headphones over £100, Awards 2024 Breathtakingly musical and comfy to wear, the Shure Aonic 3s set a new benchmark for in-ear headphones at this level. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m On-ears up to £150 Austrian Audio Hi-X15 £99 Best…

View offers whf.cm/BBMobilePhones iOS Apple iPhone 16 Pro £999 Best smartphone over £500, Awards 2024 Apple’s attention to detail is almost unrivalled. It’s a formidable smartphone for watching movies, and it’s equally impressive when it comes to music too. OS iOS 18 Size (hwd) 150 x 72 x 8.3mm Storage 128GB-1TB Android Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 £1799 November 2024 Best described as an OLED TV that will fit into your pocket, this would be an ideal AV companion for a long-haul flight or road trip. OS Android 14 Finishes six Storage 256GB-1TB Sony Xperia 1 V September 2023 This is a phone for AV enthusiasts. If you are serious about taking your movies and music on the go, you will be hard pressed to find a better alternative. OS…

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £500 Amazon Fire HD10 £349 Best budget tablet, Awards 2024 The Fire HD10 offers a really solid picture performance that successfully balances authenticity with a surprising amount of punch and sharpness. OS Android Size (hwd) 247 x 166 x 9.2mm Storage 32 or 64GB £500 and above Apple iPad Air 13in £799 February 2025 While not as glorious as the OLED iPad Pro, the much more affordable 13-inch iPad Air is a fabulously cinematic tablet in its own rights. OS iPadOS 18 Size (hwd) 280 x 210 x 6mm Storage 128GB-1TB Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M £1299 Best premium tablet, Awards 2024 It’s hugely over-powered for content consumption, of course, but there is simply no better way to watch movies on the move. OS iPadOS…

View offers whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps Headphone amplifiers Austrian Audio Full Score One £1299 February 2025 If you are obsessive about getting the most from your hi-fi headphones and have sources of sufficient quality, this amplifier is warmly recommended. Inputs Stereo RCA in parallel with balanced XLR Outputs XLR, 6.3mm x2…

View offers whf.cm/BBCartridges Cartridges Goldring E3 £90 Best cartridge under £100, Awards 2024 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 Sumiko Rainier £160 Best cartridge £100-£250, Awards 2024 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) Ortofon Quintet Blue £359 Best cartridge over £250, Awards 2023 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 Nagaoka MP200 £415 Best cartridge over £250,…

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands Speaker stands Atacama Moseco 6 £169 Best speaker stand, Awards 2024 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) FOR A FULL LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS AND IN-DEPTH REVIEWS VISIT WHATHIFI.COM…

Precise, informative and resplendently clear in their presentation, Austrian Audio’s headphones, in our experience, are ones that refuse to get in the way of your music, instead dropping back and simply allowing it to be as it is. And that sparkling Austrian Audio DNA flows just as strongly through the bespoke drive units of these relatively affordable wireless cans. The Hi-X20 are very much of the same breed as their stablemates such as the Hi-X15 (£89), sporting a simple, functional yet robust design. What’s pleasing about the Hi-X20 is just how undemanding they are to wear and live with. They are lightweight and good looking in a modest kind of way, with a rugged, plucky design which hints at a product that will go the distance. The headband’s adjustable slider…

If you’re not familiar with Revival Audio, allow us to give you a very short history lesson. The young brand was founded in 2021, bringing together the combined talents of Daniel Emonts, former engineer for the likes of Dynaudio and Focal, and Jacky Lee, Dynaudio’s former CCO. In the short time it has been an official brand, Revival has been busy trying to carve out its own niche in the market. It offers four pairs of standmount speakers, two sets of floorstanders and two stand designs. The company promises to bring the combined savoir-faire of its founders across its expanding range, vowing “to perfect true listening experiences through products of decades-accumulated craftsmanship”. That’s what we want to hear from the Revival Sprint 4, a premium pair of floorstanders that aims…

View online review whf.cm/ULT_Field_3 Sony’s ULT range of bass-loving Bluetooth speakers and headphones has already served up a bit of a mixed bag here at What Hi-Fi? Its ULT Wear headphones earned a distinctly average three-star rating, although the ULT Field 1 speaker received a much more respectable four-star verdict. The larger ULT Field 3 we have here has some serious rivals to contend with in this market, most notably from the five-star JBL Charge 6, a powerful, punchy and detailed performer for the money. The Field 3 is essentially a rectangular box wrapped in a ruggedised fabric which is IP67 waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. It is slightly wider, taller and heavier than the JBL, but is still very much a portable speaker. It’s a two-way speaker design with a…

View online review whf.cm/Soundlink_Max Here’s a bit of fun: Bose lets you name your Soundlink Max during the set-up process. Given the brand’s origins, there’s an American theme to many of the options on offer; our highlights include S’more Music, Tailgater, Workout Warrior, Thumper and, our particular favourite, Porta Party. Still, we mustn’t get distracted from the really important stuff. Like how good it is. The Bose SoundLink Max is a ruggedised, rubberised rectangle of a wireless speaker. It is perhaps more practical than envelope-pushing on design, but there’s something to be said for its simple, understated appearance. It’s tactile too, with large sections of the main body wrapped in smooth-to-the-touch silicone. The material also makes its way onto the cute carry handle which twists and locks into fittings on…

View online review whf.cm/MoGo3_Pro Xgimi has rapidly established itself as one of the most imaginative and dynamic projector brands on the market, unafraid to blaze new feature trails, push picture quality to startling new extremes, experiment with a wide range of different projector types, and get playful with projector designs. Not every innovation has fully paid off, but most of the brand’s projectors are at the very least interesting. That’s a trend kept very much alive by the new ultra-portable MoGo 3 Pro. The Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro is good value; its price beats that of another barrel-shaped ultra-portable projector, Samsung’s The Freestyle, while undercutting such more performance-led portable models such as the Nebula Mars 3 Air and LG CineBeam Q. Its really cute and premium design combines with a…

View online review whf.cm/Optoma_Photon_Go The Optoma Photon Go is a different beast to anything we have had in our test rooms before. Yes, we’ve tested ultra-short throw projectors before and portable projectors aplenty – but never a portable UST projector, which is what this is. With a range of set-up features to ease the faff of keystone correction as well as a light design and an integrated smart platform, the Photon Go is a great proposition on paper. The Optoma Photon Go is available for £899, and because it’s a unique product, there aren’t any true direct competitors. However, we feel that someone considering it will most likely be focusing on the portability first and the ultra-short throw design second. In that case, they will also be considering more typical…

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 Go Blu £199 February 2022 When portability is paramount, the iFi Go Blu is every millimetre the convenient sonic upgrade your phone needs. Size 54 x 34 x 13mm Resolution 24-bit/96kHz (wired) Audioquest DragonFly…

View offers whf.cm/BBInternetRadios View offers whf.cm/BBDABRadios Up to £200 Roberts Revival Petite 2 £100 Best radio under £100, Awards 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 £200 and above Ruark Audio R1S £299 Best radio £100-£400, Awards 2024 Appealing aesthetics and sophisticated, nuanced and precise sound – it’s a level of quality we are surprised to hear from a product of this size and price. Battery Optional Size (hwd) 17.5 x 13 x 13.5cm Inputs 3.5mm, USB, BT, wi-fi Tivoli Model One Digital Generation 2 £299 Best radio over £200, Awards 2022 We really enjoy Tivoli’s winning little box of…

View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSystems Up to £500 Denon D-M41DAB £399 Best hi-fi system under £500, Awards 2024 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 2024 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 Triangle AIO Twin £699 Best speaker system under £750, Awards 2024 If you’re looking for a fun music system that also sounds hugely capable in hi-fi terms, at a decent price, this system is…

View offers whf.cm/BBBlurayPlayers Up to £500 Sony UBP-X700 £199 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £250, Awards 2021 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 £349 Best 4K Blu-ray player, Awards 2024 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…

View offers whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs Humax Aura from £249 Best PVR, Awards 2024 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 2024 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, Awards 2024 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…

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £1000 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) Cowon Plenue D3 £279 Best portable music player under £500, Awards 2021 This is a talented player that betters its previous generation counterpart for detail, separation and transparency. An impressive, tiny box of tricks… Hi-res 24-bit/192kHz, DSD 128 Weight 103g Storage 64GB Astell & Kern A&norma SR35 £799 Best portable music player, Awards 2024 The A&norma SR35 may not exactly be dressed for its not-insignificant price, but there’s no uncertainty over whether it performs to it. Hi-res 32-bit/384kHz,…

View offers whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £150 Chord Company C-Line £63/m Best analogue interconnect under £100, Awards 2024 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 2024 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/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 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…

Like the best fictional spies, a portable, wireless Bluetooth speaker such as those we round-up here are happiest ‘out in the field’. Perhaps literally. But whether it’s out in your garden, at the park, the beach, or just taken with you around the house or over to a mate’s – wherever you need your tunes, these jet-setting heroes are happy to oblige. And, a bit like, say, James Bond, they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are the rugged type, happy to be all-action companions that can withstand a bump or two and are hardy enough for the great British weather not to dampen their ardour. Others are suave, sophisticated operators that manage to look classy no matter where your adventures take them. One thing’s for sure, though –…

View online review whf.cm/Beosound_A1_3rdGen Small it may be; cheap it is not. At £299 the B&O Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) is priced in a decidedly premium bracket. But B&O devices of any shape or size rarely come cheap. The Beosound A1 is a beautifully made product. There’s something about a B&O speaker that just exudes class, and this is no different. The Beosound A1 (3rd Gen) retains its compact, circular form, designed to fire out a fully 360-degree sound from its pearl-blasted aluminium body. An IP67 rating will keep your speaker safe from splashes, dust ingress and even submersion in water for around 30 minutes. It’s probably not quite as robust as its rough-and-ready rivals, though. The speakers on JBL’s extensive portable roster, with their rubberised ends and shockproofed designs,…

View online review 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. The JBL Xtreme 4 originally launched at £330 but can currently be bought for £250. There are some big-hitting rivals to contend with at this level, including the Award-winning Dali Katch G2…

It doesn’t seem so very long ago that, outside of your local multiplex, projectors were the sole reserve of either the super-rich or the super-eccentric. Then, slowly, as the hardware improved and prices eased, more and more people saw the advantages of using a projector for their home viewing. These days, it is portable projectors that are making a splash, as manufacturers hit on new and ever more inventive ways of allowing us to watch our movies… well, pretty much anywhere. Kitchen, bedroom, holiday home – or even in the garden; just turn it on and beam it up. Most portable projectors are relatively affordable and, as you can see on the opposite page, manufacturers are taking inventive and experimental approaches to design. Don’t expect extensive spec from a portable…

View online review whf.cm/NebulaMars_3Air Now that king-sized TVs with prices you can actually afford have suddenly become a thing, the projection world is finding itself having to think out of the box a bit to ensure it still has a part to play on today’s fast-changing AV stage. Nowhere is this more evident than in the portable projector market, which now finds itself very much in the limelight. That’s a development that we are happy to say Anker’s Nebula Mars 3 Air has responded to particularly well. While it’s too big and heavy to be considered a true ‘pocket rocket’ projector, it is still eminently portable, and a strikingly well-made and comfortable carry strap is attached to its top edge. Attractive design The Mars 3 Air is a pretty thing.…

◼ Integrated amplifier ◼ £24,500 Gryphon Audio is a Danish high-end brand founded in 1985. Its first product was a moving-coil step-up unit, which in many ways set the template for components the company makes to this day. Since that auspicious beginning, Gryphon’s products have always been positioned at the top end of the market, prioritising engineering purity and performance above all else. The Diablo 333 amplifier is a fine example of the breed. It is the pricier of the company’s two integrated options, and sits in an extensive range that includes almost every part of the audio chain. The breadth of Gryphon’s output is wide for such a modestly sized brand and includes a complete record deck, including tonearm and cartridge, alongside various phono stages, integrated and pre/power amplifiers…

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 x3, MM, optical, coaxial, BT Outputs Headphone Rotel A8 Best stereo amplifier under £500, Awards 2024 A fuss-free, well-built product that sets an enviable standard for sound quality at this level. The A8’s understated charms have us hooked. Power 30W Inputs Line-in, MM Outputs Headphone Marantz PM6007 £499 Best stereo amplifier…

Read more at…www.whathifi.com/features Turntables might not be cutting-edge tech, but for their look and feel – not to mention thrillingly articulate analogue sound – you can’t beat them. The only thing your record collection lacks is portability, but there is a way to take those LPs with you What do you need? The basic building blocks are: a turntable, a phono stage, an analogue-to-digital converter with USB output, and a computer with suitable recording software. There are turntables that come with a phono stage, analogue-to-digital converter and USB output built in. But most are at the budget end and focus on getting the job done rather than doing it particularly well. Your recordings won’t necessarily reflect the quality of sound possible from your records, though Audio Technica’s AT-LP5 and Sony…

View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers 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 Standmounters from £200 to £500 Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 £249 Best standmount speaker under £300, Awards 2024 They can live with the best at the price. They have a bro ad spread of abilities that will help them get the most from price-compatible electronics. Size (hwd) 31 x 18 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1 Elac Debut B5.2 £250 Best standmount speaker under £300, Awards 2023 ELAC’s latest budget standmounter is talented enough to worry the established competition. Size (hwd) 34…

View offers whf.cm/BBTurntables £150 to £300 Pro-Ject Primary E £199 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2024 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 £299 Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2024 This revamped entry-level deck from Rega doesn’t sound anything like an entry-level deck. Pleasingly solid, accurate and agile – it’s a lovely listen. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x…

View offers whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps £500 to £2000 Sony TA-AN1000 £999 Best home cinema amplifier under £1500, Awards 2024 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 Yamaha RX-A6A £2299 October 2022 With its exhaustive feature set, this is the ‘choose-your-own adventure’ of AVRs, with a completist approach to almost every aspect of its configuration. Power 9 x 150W Dolby Atmos…

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 2024 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 films, this tidy soundbar delivers all the sound your living room is likely to need.…

View offers whf.cm/BBTelevisions Up to 43in LG OLED42C4 £999 Best 40-43in TV and Best gaming TV, Awards 2024 The 42in LG C4 is the best small OLED TV money can buy right now, delivering a wonderfully punchy, immersive viewing experience. Type OLED HDMI 4 Resolution 4K Operating system webOS24 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 LG OLED48C4 £1199 Best 48-50in TV, Awards 2024 Undercuts or matches its rivals where price is concerned, it has a flawless feature set for gamers, and its picture is a clear step up over its predecessor.…

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

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 2024 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 Disney Plus from £7.99/month Best video streaming service, Awards 2024 This is a polished and personal streaming service that fans of Disney’s output, both children and adults, are bound to enjoy. Resolution Up to Ultra HD Offline playback Yes Netflix from £5.99/month Best video streaming service, Awards 2020 Without doubt…

View offers whf.cm/BBAVHifiRacks Up to £500 Atacama Elite ECO 24 £300 per shelf November 2023 The cumulative upgrades in absolute audio quality that a rack like Atacama’s Elite Eco 24 Reference offers is worth it to our minds and ears. Width 600mm Modular Yes Cable management No Atacama Apollo Storm 6 £390 February 2018 Another class-leading support from Atacama that’s cheaper than its Award-winning sibling. It lets your kit perform at its best. Width 590mm Modular Yes Cable management No Hi-Fi Racks Omnium8 £478 Reviewed online, 2018 Hi-Fi Racks has made the Ominium8 about as flexible as possible. You can specify everything from finish to shelf spacing and upright shape. Width 57cm Modular Yes Cable management Yes Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40 SE £600 Best equipment rack, Awards 2024 The SE…

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 Up to £200 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 sweet sound. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 12 x 19cm Musical…

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 £10/m and above 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 QED Reference XT40i £11/m May 2020 If you’re looking to upgrade your system by investing in speaker cables this…

This month’s test tracks list is an absolute corker, offering up heartbreak, greed, political intrigue and turmoil in one neat rundown. It’s like a Graham Greene novel, except… it’s a playlist. NUDE PHOTO RYTHIM IS RYTHIM We couldn’t resist this Network Records 20th anniversary vinyl pressing of Innovator: Soundtrack For The Tenth Planet, which celebrates a classic Derrick May EP and adds a previously unreleased track for good measure. If you’ve ever shown even a passing interest in house or techno, then tracks such as Strings Of Life and The Dance will be instantly recognisable. Cut across two records instead of one, on 180g vinyl, the records sound superb, while the music itself is as fresh and exciting as ever. Nude Photo is the track we have played again and…