Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2016 i What Hi-Fi?

All you need is a workable excuse. Buying a new television should only ever be a pleasure, but more often than not we need to rationalise the outlay – if only to ourselves. This summer presents the perfect justification. Not only are there weeks and weeks of lovely high-definition sport just around the corner, but the current state of the TV art is profoundly impressive. Witness this issue’s five brand-new TVs, one from each of the Big Five TV brands (p40) – at least one of them has a decent shot at the title ‘Best TV We’ve Ever Seen’. And, once you’ve talked yourself into the outlay, we’ve de-jargoned the jargon and explained how to get the very best from your new TV. So while you might need an excuse…

“Let’s not forget that although vinyl sales are increasing, they’re tiny compared to the revenue generated from streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music” Record Store Day 2016 once again proved highly important to the independent record store scene. So armed with some recent stats and info from RSD 2016 we take a closer look at the current state of our favourite analogue music format. So how is vinyl doing in terms of sales? Well, the graphs to the right show how the format has grown over the two years, with just under four million extra units sold in 2015 than in 2014. The total value was up 32 per cent to $416 million, the highest since 1988. By comparison, CD sales dropped by roughly 20 million, although total…

“Aggressive motion handling can result in a blurry halo around a moving object. It gives an unrealistic sheen called the ‘soap opera effect’ which makes Hollywood blockbusters look like EastEnders” Sharpness Adding sharpness to an image might sound like a good thing, but it rarely is, and can leave an image looking unnatural and even rob it of subtle detail. For the most part we suggest keeping this very low indeed, usually no higher than 30 per cent. To test this, take an image with a strong edge and focus on that as you nudge up the sharpness from zero. At some point, you’ll notice the outline start to look unnatural and oversharpened, with a sort of halo appearing around it – you don’t want this, so knock the slider…

What is it made of? An organic light-emitting diode screen is made of five layers, including the layer of OLED pixels, a colour refiner and an anti-glare coating. It is possible to make a panel so thin it will flex in the palm of your hand. WHAT IS OLED? OLED TVs aren’t a totally new concept. We first caught sight of one back in 2007 – an 11in screen costing around £3000. Although OLED TVs didn’t really take off then, the technology made its way into smartphones and, eventually, televisions. OLED panels are made from carbon-based materials (the ‘organic’ element) that emit light when an electrical current is passed through them. OLED, like plasma, is an ‘emissive’ system, so it offers the ‘self-illuminating pixel’ benefits of a plasma TV. Contrast…

“When armed with the Hi-Fi Plus module, the G5 is so good we would happily put it in the same bracket as some dedicated hi-res music players” FOR Great picture; great sound; superb camera AGAINST Lackadaisical sound without Hi-Fi Plus module KEY FEATURES Dual camera with 135° wide-angle lens Hi-res audio (with Hi-Fi Plus) Modular design Smartphones don’t tend to change much every year, but the folks at LG are mavericks who refuse to play the game of incremental updates. The LG G5 flips the table over with some huge developments: a dual-lens camera offers wider angles than the eyes can see, while an innovative modular design lets you add components yourself, including an upgradable DAC. This is no facelift It’s refreshing to see an entirely new design, rather than…

IN-EAR HEADPHONES Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £90 These excellent in-ears are comfortably (in every sense) worthy of the respected Momentum range – expressive, clear and detailed, they’re our 2015 in-ears Product of the Year. ON-EAR HEADPHONES AKG Y50 £50 Not for nothing are these our current Product of the Year in the on-ear headphone category. They’re dynamic, punchy, rhythmic, detailed and stylish. Comfy, too. WIRELESS SPEAKER Geneva AeroSphère Large £650 Another 2015 Award winner. Not only does this striking cordless speaker have an irresistably huggable design, it also brings heaps of scale, authority and expression. STREAMING SERVICE Tidal £20/month No-one streams hi-res music yet, but Tidal bests its rivals with CD-quality lossless streaming, HD video, an extensive catalogue and a wonderfully intuitive interface.…

Stereo amps up to £500 Marantz PM6005 £300 May 2014 The PM6005 is a multiple Award-winner for good reason. Nicely made, well featured and with refinement and insight few rivals can match. Power 45W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs 2 x speaker, headphone Onkyo A-9010 £200 Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2015 Our favourite budget amplifier, this is arguably the most entertaining affordable amp around. It has agility and a wicked sense of rhythm. Power 44W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs speaker, headphone £500 to £1000 Arcam FMJ A19 £600 May 2016 Arcam’s entry-level amplifier is a terrific combination of sensible features, fine build and entertaining sound. Power 50W Inputs 6 line-in, MM Outputs Speaker, headphone, preamp Cambridge Audio CXA60 £500 Best stereo amplifier £300-£700, Awards 2015 This is…

Up to £500 Bluesound Node 2 £435 November 2015 Looking for a non-amplified streamer to hook up to your existing hi-fi? The Node is back, and better, with improved design and connectivity. DLNA Yes Inputs Toslink, 3.5mm Storage No Google Chromecast Audio £30 January 2016 Google turns its expertise to audio streaming to bring music from any Cast-compatible app to your amps and speakers. And for only £30. DLNA Yes Inputs RCA, 3.5mm, optical Storage No £500 to £1000 Cambridge Audio CXN £700 Best streamer £500-£1000, Awards 2015 Building on the success of Cambridge’s Award-winning Stream Magic 6 v2, the CXN features an all-new design and improved sound. DLNA Yes Inputs optical, coaxial, 3 x USB Storage No Pioneer N-50A £500 Best streamer £500-£100, Awards 2015 The impressive N-50A offers…

Where’s the best place to position a standmount speaker? Some speakers, like Wharfedale’s Diamond 220, produce a much more solid and surefooted sound backed up against a wall, while others prefer to be out in the open. The amount of space you have available might dictate your choice of speaker. The common practice is to have the tweeters at your ear-level when you’re seated, because higher-frequency sounds from a tweeter are more directional. Having them at this height ensures they make a beeline for your ears. A word on speaker stands. They help keep the speaker cabinet rigid allowing for more of the drivers’ movement to be translated into sound and not wasted through vibrations. If you’re placing them on a carpet, make sure you have the spikes needed to…

When setting up a turntable, you should make sure your support is perfectly level, low-resonance and positioned as far away from any source of vibration, including your speakers. If you have a hard concrete floor, a floorstanding support will work fine. If not, we’d recommend investing in a dedicated wall shelf, not least because it avoids the issue of footfall that comes with a wooden floor. Make sure you use proper heavy-duty mounting screws and fixings when putting the shelf up, otherwise the consequences could be expensive. Once your support is in place, the next step is to set the deck up properly. Once again, everything should be level. Make sure that the stylus tip sits properly in the record groove. Use a small, light spirit level to check. Start…

Up to £100 Panasonic DMP-BDT170 £90 August 2015 Picture quality is what counts. It might be short on catch-up services but the arresting colours, strong contrast and good upscaling make up for that. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony BDP-S4500 £75 August 2015 Nothing’s perfect in this life, but the BDP-S4500 comes pretty close. Delivering on every count, it’s a positive steal at this price. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Panasonic DMP-BDT370 £100 Best Blu-ray player under £150, Awards 2015 A bright, sharp picture, weighty sound and 4K upscaling, all for just £100. Enough to award this player our 2015 Blu-ray Product of the Year. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD £100 to £300 Sony BDP-S5500 £110 July 2015 A tiny player that goes big on performance. Features and design are strong too –…

PVRs Humax DTR-T2000 £180 Best PVR, Awards 2015 This YouView recorder is still one of the best ways to handle live TV. Its 500GB is a decent amount of space, but it’s now available with 1TB too. Tuners 2 Storage 500GB Ultra HD No Humax FVP-4000T £200 March 2016 Catch-up TV is made supremely easy with this Freeview Play box. It’s a comprehensive entertainment hub with minimum fuss. Tuners 3 Storage 500GB, 1TB Ultra HD No Humax HDR-1100S £190 (500GB), £220 (1TB), £270 (2TB) December 2015 Now with wi-fi, this impressive Freesat recorder is a genuine wireless entertainment hub. It’s our top subscription-free choice. Tuners 2 Storage 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Ultra HD No Set-top BT Ultra HD YouView min £15/month + fees November 2015 The first 4K box to hit…

Style packages up to £1000 Q Acoustics Q7000i £900 November 2013 Got £900 to spend on a sub/sat package? Spend it here. This compact set creates a cohesive and expansive soundfield, with strong bass. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 12 x 20 x 16cm Finishes 2 Tannoy HTS-101 XP £600 Best style package under £1000, Awards 2015 The latest incarnation of a multiple winner has a sonic character that retains its fast, spacious quality, but with extra detail and solidity. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 19 x 10 x 11cm Finishes 1 Style packages £1000 and above B&W MT-50 £1100 Best style package £1000+, Awards 2015 These speakers sound crisp, clear and insightful, and the sub and satellites integrate so well. Value and versatility combined. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 25 x 11…

In-ears up to £50 SoundMagic E10S £40 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2015 Paying £40 for a pair of buds like these ranks as one of the simplest, most affordable and most satisfying upgrades available. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m £50 to £100 Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £90 Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2015 You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound so good – not for just £90. But good they sound, wonderfully smooth, expressive and balanced. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m Sony MDR-EX650AP £60 November 2014 These smart buds are nicely judged tonally, with plenty of detail. Add an expansive soundstage and you’re looking at great value for money. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m £100 to £500 Focal Sphear £100 November 2015 These Focals back that…

On demand video BBC iPlayer Free Best video-on-demand service, Awards 2015 Quality content, a great interface and free (for catch-up TV), BBC’s iPlayer is one of, if not the best, video on-demand platforms out there. Resolution up to 1080p Offline playback Yes Google Play Movies & TV Variable June 2014 Google’s venture into video streaming is a success, offering pretty much everything we could ask for from an on-demand video service. Resolution Up to 1080p Offline playback Yes On demand music 7digital Variable January 2016 A download site that features competitive pricing, a strong catalogue and that’s easy to use, this is one of the best music-dowload sites around. Resolution Up to 24-bit/192kHz Offline playback Yes Qobuz Sublime £220/pa May 2016 Qobuz Sublime is, well, sublime. Easy to use, with…

Up to £50 Atlas Element Integra £45 November 2013 An Award-winner three years on the trot, this cable digs up detail and isn’t fussy about the kit it’s used with. A great first upgrade. Balanced/Single Single Chord C-Line £45 Best analogue interconnect, Awards 2015 Few entry-level interconnects at the price come close to offering the sonic enjoyment that Chord has produced with this cable. Balanced/Single Single QED Performance Audio 40 £45 Reviewed online If you covet space and detail along with sure but nimble footwork and heaps of insight, all for less than £50, look no further. Balanced/Single Single £50 and above QED Reference Audio 40 £85 June 2014 An engaging interconnect that’s capable of expressing the dynamics and nuances of a track, and which has reassuring build quality. Balanced/Single…

Up to £200 Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator £160 June 2013 Fast, organised and dynamic, this box offers great quality on a budget. The Gram Amp 2 Communicator is low on frills but high on quality. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 10 x 25cm Rega Fono Mini A2D £85 March 2012 There’s little fancy about the Fono Mini A2D but that doesn’t matter when the presentation is this good. And it has a useful USB output. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 6 x 18 x 25cm £200 to £1000 Rega Fono MM Mk2 £200 Best phono stage, Awards 2015 Although it lacks the detail of other similarly priced phono amps, the Rega Fono more than justifies its price in terms of dynamics and scale. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 7…

Up to £200 Atacama Duo 6 £65 February 2013 Easy to assemble (we suggest you mass-load the stand), these Atacamas help produce a detailed, clear and energetic sound. Top plate size (wd) 130 x 170mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes “Really good at letting a system to do its job properly” Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2015 A speaker stand that impresses with how weighty and dynamic it allows systems to sound. Considering the price, it’s something of a steal. Top plate size (wd) 130 x 170mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes “The Mosecos may just be our new favourite affordable speaker stands” Soundstyle Z2 £70 November 2008 An ideal stand if you’re on a budget, the Z2s can boost your speakers’ detail, attack and openess for less than…

Experience & heritage We’ve been hard at work helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home cinema for nearly 40 years, and have getting on for 100 years of reviewing experience under our collective belts – so you can count on our expert opinions. Dedicated test facilities We test every product in the magazine or at whathifi.com against its peers in our New! Improved! bespoke reviewing facilities. And we test every product as a team, so our opinions and conclusions are always the result of collaboration. We spot big trends first MP3 player tests before the iPod even existed? High-def video before it even had a name? That was us. We keep you in touch with big stories and future trends. Worldwide readership With six international editions in…

Audioquest DragonFly Black v1.5 | DAC | £90 FOR More dynamic sound; detail; improved compatibility AGAINST 96kHz playback limit; no DSD support KEY FEATURES 96kHz playback limit Smartphone, tablet and laptop compatibility Although caterpillars and butterflies are typically used to illustrate the process of metamorphosis, the evolution of Audioquest’s DragonFly is just as impressive a tale of transformation. Four years ago, the original DragonFly – a DAC and headphone amplifier crammed into the tiny proportions of a USB memory stick – elicited a response of pure delight mixed with ‘whatever next?’ It was conveniently compact, ingeniously simple to use and an undisputed sonic upgrade for our laptops. For this groundbreaking effort, it was named our Product of the Year in 2012. Two years later, its successor, the v1.2 (now discontinued),…

WHAT IS 4K ULTRA HD TV? With more 4K Ultra HD TVs on the market, a wider choice of screen sizes, falling prices and (finally!) some content available, 4K TV is now a serious proposition. If you’ve so far resisted the temptation, now might be the time to take the plunge. So what is 4K TV, and how (and where) can you watch it? Officially, 4K resolution is 4096 x 2160 pixels. However, in order to shoehorn this higher resolution video on to a normal 16:9 picture format, it has been altered to 3840 x 2160 – that’s four times the total number of pixels on a Full HD 1080p screen (1920 x 1080). In order to take full advantage of 4K Ultra HD you will of course need a…

“Samsung has concentrated on some careful tweaking of an already-great phone to make it one of the best smartphones you can buy“ FOR Superb screen; microSD card slot; camera performance AGAINST Music could have a touch more drive KEY FEATURES 5.1in screen 12MP camera Hi-res audio The Samsung Galaxy S7 is like an S6 that’s taken a long hard look in the mirror and vowed to be even better. There wasn’t much on our particular improvements wishlist to begin with, but Samsung has ticked almost all the boxes anyway. You won’t find big flashy innovations here – Samsung has learned its lesson with that before. Instead, it’s concentrated on some careful tweaking of an already-great phone to make it one of the best smartphones you can buy. From a pure…

Up to £500 Cambridge Audio CXC £300 Best CD transport under £500, Awards 2015 If you already have a DAC – the CXC is useless without one – we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this transport over a standalone CD player. Type CD transport Outputs Coaxial, optical Marantz CD6005 £300 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2015 Marantz’s CD6005 is rightly regarded as fantastic player, one that offers sprinkles of improvements on top of its superb predecessor. Type CD player Outputs Coaxial, optical, RCA, headphone Onkyo C-N7050 £350 April 2015 A CD player or a hi-res music streamer? Whatever it is, the C-N7050 is a hugely appealing system that combines the best of both worlds. Type CD player/streamer Outputs Optical, coaxial, line level £500 to £1000 Cyrus CD t £750 Best…

Up to £200 Pure Evoke D2 £90 Best radio under £100, Awards 2015 A three-time Award-winner. For just £85, you have a stellar radio that not only sounds lovely but will look charming in any home. Battery Yes Size (hwd) 15 x 21 x 7cm Inputs Mini-USB, 3.5mm Roberts Stream 93i £150 Best radio £100-£200, Awards 2015 This Roberts delivers deep bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange. Spotify Connect, wi-fi and USB playback are the headliners. Battery No – Size (hwd) 21 x 24 x 13cm Inputs 3.5mm £200 and above Geneva World Radio DAB+ £270 September 2013 This Bluetooth-toting portable radio is a sleek machine that’s a breeze to use. The full-bodied, detailed performance is worth the price. Battery Yes (chargeable) Size 18 x 30 x 12cm Inputs 3.5mm,…

Multi-room Sonos System From £175 Best multi-room system under £500, Awards 2015 If you don’t need high-res, Sonos is an obvious choice for multi-room. A great user experience alongside a full-bodied, insightful sound. Res 16-bit/44.1kHz App Mac, Android Formats MP3, iTunes Plus, WMA Bluesound Generation 2 From £540 Best multi-room system over £500, Awards 2015 Bluesound’s Generation 2 has a more streamlined design and sounds as good as ever, offering high-res support and good connectivity. Res 24-bit/192kHz App iOS, Android Formats MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG Stereo systems up to £500 Cambridge Audio Minx Xi £400 Best music system £400-£800, Awards 2015 This terrific system is a joy to use. It has a 24-bit/96kHz resolution limit, but that’s OK in light of its articulate and hugely likeable character. Inputs Analogue &…

Up to £150 Cambridge Audio Go £120 Awards 2014 Few wireless speakers offer such a great combination of build quality, battery life and enjoyable performance as this former Award-winner. Size (hwd) 24 x 12 x 6cm Battery Yes, up to 18 hrs playback JBL Flip 3 £100 May 2016 Correcting the missteps of the Flip 2, the Flip 3 boasts a smooth, warm sound as well as improved battery life and connectivity. Size (hwd) 6 x 17 x 6cm Battery Yes, up to 10 hrs playback Ultimate Ears Boom 2 £120 February 2016 UE has built on the success of the original Boom and produced a speaker that betters its predecessor in usability and performance. Size (hw) 18 x 7 x 7cm Battery Yes, up to 15 hrs playback Ultimate…

Up to £500 Sony STR-DN860 £400 September 2015 Sony proves the value of performance over the latest mod cons. No Dolby Atmos, but a thoroughly authoritative and engaging sound. Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos No HDMI in/out 5/1 Yamaha RX-V379 £300 Best home cinema amplifier under £350, Awards 2015 This entry-level amp is a great way to start in home cinema. Champion under £350 at the Awards, it offers a scale of sound belying its price. Power 5 x 70W Dolby Atmos No HDMI in/out 4/1 Denon AVR-X2200W £500 Best home cinema amplifier £350-£700, Awards 2015 Our AV amp Product of the Year is an articulate and detailed amp, with stacks of functionality and future-proofing. Packed with features. Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/2 £500…

Up to £500 Philips HTL5140 £270 December 2014 Insightful, balanced and unobtrusive, this slimline package will suit almost any set-up. Comfortably deserving of its five-star status. Size 5 x 104 x 7cm Inputs Coax, optical, USB, analogue Sub Yes Q Acoustics Media 4 £330 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2015 Q Acoustics’ debut soundbar is remarkable value – even more so at its reduced price – and more than worthy of its two-time PoY status. Size (hwd) 9 x 100 x 14cm Inputs Optical, RCA Subwoofer No £500 and above Dali Kubik One £800 Best soundbar £500+, Awards 2015 A gorgeous and complete package, Dali’s debut soundbar impresses with its hugely engaging sound and smart, well-equipped exterior. Size (hwd) 15 x 98 x 10cm Inputs Optical, 2 x RCA Subwoofer…

Up to £50 Google Chromecast 2 £30 December 2015 The second-gen Chromecast still ‘casts’ content from a device to a TV over wi-fi, but now with speedier operation and a performance boost. Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage No Ultra HD No Now TV (2015) £15 February 2016 Now it outputs 1080p and passes through 7.1 surround sound, NOW TV is a great way to open your doors to a plethora of Sky content. Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage n/a Ultra HD No £50 to £150 Amazon Fire TV (2015) £80 Best streaming box, Awards 2015 An improvement on the first Fire TV. For the same money you get 4K streaming, greater speed and power, and expanded storage options. Resolution Ultra HD, 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB Ultra HD Yes Roku 3 £100 March…

Up to £400 Apple iPod Touch (6th Gen) 128GB £330 December 2015 There’s life in the iPod Touch yet. Its price and talent with CD-quality music makes it a worthy challenge to pricier rivals with hi-res audio. Hi-res compatible No Weight 88g Storage128GB “There’s still life in the iPod Touch yet” Sony NW-AH25N £240 February 2016 Likable and affordable, the AH25N boasts plenty of features and, although the ergonomics could be better, it produces a good sound. Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 66g Storage 16GB “Stays composed as the music becomes complex and never sounds edgy or harsh” £400 to £700 Astell & Kern Ak Jr £400 Best portable music player, Awards 2015 Our favourite portable unit of 2015, this hi-res player isn’t cheap, but its build quality and performance make…

Under 8in Apple iPad mini 4 from £320 Best tablet under 8in, Awards 2015 Apple’s best small tablet yet? A superb screen, great user experience, punchy audio and fine apps make this the best small-screen tablet. OS iOS Size (hwd) 203 x 135 x 6mm Storage 16/64/128GB Over 8in Apple iPad Air 2 from £400 Best tablet 8in+, Awards 2015 The iPad Air 2 ticks all the boxes. Best-b ar-none video and audio, an unrivalled user experience, snappy in use and a gorgeous design. OS iOS Size (hwd) 240 x 170 x 6mm Storage 16/64/128GB Apple iPad Pro from £680 February 2016 A sharp screen and fine audio performance make the Pro a superb proposition for big-screen lovers. In this case, bigger definitely is better. OS iOS Size (hwd) 306…

Up to £500 Atacama Eris Eco 5.0 £460 April 2012 Whatever hi-fi you have will sound agile, detailed and dynamic on this. If that’s not all, the Eco is well built, easy to construct and looks smart. Width 590mm Modular Yes Cable management No “A great-performing, well-built and well-priced kit rack” £500 to £800 Atacama Elite Eco 12.0 £500 March 2013 Those looking for a strong support for AV and hi-fi that enables a fluid, authoritative presentation will like the performance this rack can offer. Width 1157mm Modular Yes Cable management Yes “We were impressed by how our system performed when using this rack” Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40 SE £525 Best equipment support, Awards 2015 The SE stands for Special Edition, while significant improvements in the Eco 60-40’s design and…

We’re in the middle of a vinyl revival now, but back in 1983 it was a vastly different story. The format looked to be in terminal decline, with the new (Sony co-developed) CD grabbing the limelight and an ever-increasing number of sales. Against such a backdrop it’s no surprise Sony didn’t pay much attention to the quality of its budget turntable designs back then. The PS-LX33, reviewed in 1983, is typical. The specification is fairly typical for the time – direct drive with automatic operation where the arm set down and lifted off the record on reaching the end of the side. It wasn’t devoid of innovation – the cartridge was integrated into the headshell for ease of use and to avoid alignment issues. It’s an admirable idea, but not…

PMC Twenty 23 5.1 | Surround sound package | £8240 FOR Precise sound; compact design; elegant finish AGAINST Bigger rivals offer greater scale and deeper bass KEY FEATURES Advanced Transmission Line Two-way speaker Subwoofer power: 400W You know a piece of hi-fi or AV kit is special when it unearths detail in favourite films or songs that you’d never heard before. The PMC Twenty 23 5.1 speaker package does just that: it digs up every ounce of detail from a film’s soundtrack, making it sound fresh and exciting, even if you’ve seen the film a thousand times. We’ve long been fans of the excellent PMC Twenty 23 floorstanders. A glowing five-star first test review lead to a 2013 Award for Best Floorstander over £1500, and our fondness for these balanced…

Sony UHP-H1 | Blu-ray player | £400 FOR Great picture; superb sound; plenty of features AGAINST Nothing really, for the money KEY FEATURES Hi-Res Music Bluetooth 2x HDMI out There are certain items that have developed way beyond their original function, to the point that the description of them no longer seems apt. Take the petrol station for example. That tiny oasis of convenience now has a lot more to offer than V-Power and diesel – you can also get doughnuts and Lucozade and sausage rolls. That’s not far off the deal with the Sony UHP-H1. Sony has taken last year’s Award-winning BDP-S7200 and cranked it so hard that it no longer fits in the usual BDP range of Blu-ray players. Instead it sits on top, like a resplendent quetzal.…

“There are no headline features, no gimmicks – this is a phone that takes the core functionality of a smartphone and really nails it“ FOR Build; screen; colour balance; audio performance AGAINST Low-light photos could be better KEY FEATURES 5.2in screen 12MP camera Hi-res audio After a few years of five-star success for HTC’s flagship smartphone, last year felt like a bit of a misfire for the company. The One M9 was a good handset, but there were better and more exciting rivals out there. While HTC seemingly rested on its laurels, others around it were pushing forward – and the M9 was left behind. Not this year though. In what would be the fourth year of the flagship One brand name, HTC has dropped it – and the M…

“A screen that bests the competition for detail and colour balance, and a super-wide angle camera that’s lots of fun to play with to boot“ If there’s one thing this test proves, it’s that it’s already a great year for Android. Whether you’re a long-time Android fan on the lookout for a new phone or an Apple user interested in making the jump, pick any one of these handsets and you won’t be disappointed. Samsung has done a sterling job with the S7, with improvements over the S6 that make it easily the best handset we’ve ever seen from the brand. Standout features are its design and camera. We love that it looks as good as it does while being sturdy enough to be waterproof, and its camera is certainly…

“It takes a lot to knock a double Award-winner off its perch and into four-star territory, but that’s exactly what’s happened in the shape of these two new challengers“ We never know what to expect in a group test of speakers, but this one was full of surprises. We certainly couldn’t have foreseen the fate of the Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2s: not only did they not win the test, they lost a star as well. For now, they remain entirely commendable: they offer a big, powerful sound that has no problem engaging and entertaining you. Differing strengths It takes a lot to knock a double Award-winner off its perch and into four-star territory, but that’s exactly what’s happened with these two new challengers. They have very different priorities, however.…

This is the definitive guide to the best home entertainment kit you can buy. From 75in TVs to smartphones, from portable Bluetooth speakers to Dolby Atmos surround-sound packages, here’s where you’ll find the perfect product, fast. NEW ENTRIES Sony shows why subtlety matters with its KD-55XD9305 4K HDR TV, Tannoy’s Eclipse Threes are brilliant budget floorstanders and Samsung manages to best its previous efforts with the marvellous Galaxy S7.…

Up to £200 Arcam miniBlink £90 Best Bluetooth receiver, Awards 2015 This receiver has serious dynamic clout, with a zingy and fluid rhythm. The 3.5mm analogue output means an adaptor is needed for trad hi-fi. Inputs Bluetooth Size (hwd) 2.5 x 3 x 4cm Audioquest DragonFly v1.2 £130 February 2014 This tiny DAC/headphone amp remains one of our favourites for its USB-stick size and fine sonic talents. Clear, detailed with a fantastic sense of timing. Inputs USB Size (hwd) 6 x 2 x 1cm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96kHz £200 to £500 Chord Mojo £400 Best DAC £400-£800, Awards 2015 The majority of the £1400 Hugo’s performance for a fraction of the price. An enthusiastic performer that stays refined and superbly balanced. Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 2 x 6 x…

Desktop up to £1000 Eclipse TD-M1 £800 August 2014 Some might feel the TD-M1s are watching them – but we’re more interested in the great stereo imaging, fine detail and precision. Size (hwd) 24 x 16 x 22cm Powered Yes Finishes 2 Desktop up to £1000 KEF Egg £350 Best desktop speaker £200+, Awards 2015 Our 2015 Best Desktop Speaker Over £200 have a distinctive design and flexible connectivity – and a stunning, consistent performance. Size (hwd) 27 x 13 x 17cm Powered Yes Finishes 3 Floorstanders up to £1000 Q Acoustics 3050 £500 Best floorstander under £600, Awards 2015 Another 2015 Award-winner, and no wonder. The powerful 3050s are so talented, they give speakers closer to £1000 a run for their money. Size (hwd) 100 x 20 x 30cm…

Up to £500 Audio Technica AT-LP5 £300 June 2016 A pleasure to use and listen to, the LP5 boasts both ease of use and the added bonus of a USB ouput. At this price there’s none better. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 16 x 45 x 35cm Pro-Ject Essential II £210 Best turntable under £400, Awards 2015 A frill-free, entry-level product that gets all the basics spot-on. Easy to set up and even easier to enjoy, it’s an obvious Award-winner. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 46 x 36cm Rega RP1 £225 Awards 2010 The unadorned RP1 is an impressive turntable in its own right, with a good sense of drive and pleasing transparency. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm £500 to…

Up to £1000 BenQ W1080ST+ £850 Best projector under £1000, Awards 2015 This short-throw projector can sit less than six feet from the screen at max zoom – and looks brilliant thanks to its crisp, eye-catching pic. Throw ratio 0.69-0.83:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, component Speakers Yes £1000 and above Epson EH-TW6600 £1400 April 2015 If you aren’t bothered about wireless connectivity, you’ll be thrilled by its bold, rich colours, sharp lines and hugely impressive contrast. Throw ratio 1.32-2.15:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, PC, component Speakers Yes Epson EH-TW7200 £1900 Best projector £1000-£2000, Awards 2015 Versatile and easy to set up, this one raises the bar for picture quality in the sub-£2000 arena with its realistic, subtle and punchy performance. Throw ratio 1.34-2.87:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, component Speakers No…

Up to £500 Cambridge Audio TV5 £250 June 2015 The TV5 shares its TV2 sibling’s rich presentation, but with an extra driver and bigger chassis there’s better detail, clarity and dynamics. Size (hwd) 10 x 73 x 34cm Inputs Optical Canton DM55 £330 Best soundbase under £400, Awards 2015 Replacing the DM50, the £70 cheaper DM55 is even more appealing – its meaty yet subtle sound is a huge audio upgrade for your TV. Size (hwd) 7 x 55 x 30cm Inputs Optical, coaxial £500 and above Geneva Model Cinema £550 June 2015 This premium soundbase has a big, balanced and authoritative sound, with detail and dynamic insight in spades. It’s worth the extra spend. Size (hwd) 10 x 70 x 35cm Inputs Optical, coaxial Philips Fidelio XS1 £500 April…

Up to 40in Samsung UE32J6300 £380 March 2016 It expertly ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a Full HD TV. The only issue is the availability of larger rivals at the same price. Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD 40in to 50in Panasonic TX-40CS520 £380 Best 40-46in TV under £500, Awards 2015 This is a great deal. It might not be flashy (there’s no 3D or 4K) but it’s packed full of features and its picture quality is best-in-class. Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD Panasonic TX-40CX680B £700 August 2015 This good-looking telly is a great advert for smaller-screen 4K, offering a fine picture and a good stack of features with it. £700 well spent. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra…

Under 5in Apple iPhone 6S Best smartphone under 5in, Awards 2015 The iPhone 6s packs class-leading audio and video performances, a faster processor, better camera and the intuitive 3D Touch feature. OS iOS Size (hwd) 138 x 67 x 7mm Storage 16/64/128GB “As you’d expect from Apple, it all works perfectly” Over 5in Apple iPhone 6S Plus January 2016 The best big screen iPhone yet, we heartily recommend this if you have deep pockets and are looking for a fantastic multimedia device. OS iOS Size (hwd) 158 x 78 x 7mm Storage 16/64/128GB “A confident performer and a desirable phone in its own right” LG G5 (with Hi-Fi Plus DAC) July 2016 LG combines innovation and performance to produce a phone that’s up there with the best. The modular components…

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) A sort of successor to Tina Fey’s 30Rock, the jokes come thick and fast in this Netflix Original comedy. Not all the gags hit but when they do, they’re clever, insightful and utterly bonkers. Series two is now streaming on the service. The New Yorker Presents (Amazon Prime) A rare thing, Presentsflits across state lines to reveal an America that’s diverse, beautiful and, quite often, just a bit strange. Some of the stories work better than others, but the best ones stay with you. Toast of London (Amazon Prime/All 4) A sense of humour that you’ll find either engaging or piffling, Toastis an absurd creation that follows Matt Berry’s egocentric middle-aged actor as he struggles on and off the stage. Also, Berry’s voice is a delight…

Up to £200 Olson Sound Fantastic HF6 £135 September 2015 Grants a system far greater freedom of expression without sacrificing control or authority. If you can afford to, buy it without reservations. Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6 Tacima CS947 £45 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 Up to £200 Audioquest Jitterbug £40 April 2016 Though it looks insubstantial, when plugged into a USB port it works wonders filtering signal noise to allow a more solid and precise sound. Type USB Mains filter No No. of plugs n/a £200 and above Isotek EVO Polaris + Premier cable £400 September…

Up to £10/m Audioquest FLX-SLiP 14/4 £5.80/m November 2013 Not only is the FLX-SLiP 14/4 able to turn a corner no matter how tight, lest we forget, it’s also an incredibly easy cable to listen to as well. Single or Bi-wire Single QED Ruby Anniversary Evolution £6/m March 2014 Capable of delivering a jolt of excitement to a hi-fi system, but can emphasise any harshness present in bright-sounding electronics. Single or Bi-wire Single Up to £10/m Wireworld Luna 7 £6.50/m March 2014 A fine speaker cable, the Luna’s exciting presentation and all-round ability means it should sit well with a wide range of systems. Single or Bi-wire Single £10/m and above Chord Clearway £10/m Best speaker cable, Awards 2015 Not the flashiest cable, its strength is aiding dynamics and musicality,…