Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i What Hi-Fi?

It’s been almost 40 years since the first issue of What Hi-Fi?was published – a fact we’re commemorating fully in our October issue – and the world, it almost goes without saying, is a very different place now. The way we consume music and movies has changed almost entirely out of recognition. And yet there’s one format that’s endured since that first issue, despite numerous reports of its demise: vinyl. The long-playing record has weathered the digital storm, shrugged off accusations of user-unfriendliness and emerged as an entirely valid (and entirely vogueish) method of storing and listening to music. So we’ve served up a comprehensive guide to getting the best from your turntable, plus reviews of three great new decks and an enduring favourite (p42) – because there’s no time…

BenQ W3000 | Projector | £1200 FOR Accurate colours; good upscaler; compact build AGAINST Nothing particularly at this price KEY FEATURES 3D Horizontal/vertical lens shift contrast ratio Around the £1000 mark, the decision to buy a TV or a projector may swing to the former. At that price, you'll probably get 4K and HDR, but can you get a 100in screen? No. Size matters, and while they may be dragging their heels when it comes to AV technology, projectors remain the number one solution for big-screen thrills. If your budget is modest (in projector terms) and you’re content with Blu-ray and high-definition streaming, a 1080p 3D DLP projector such as this BenQ W3000 could be for you. Like its sibling, the W2000, it uses BenQ’s ‘Cinematic Colour’ technology, which means…

Sennheiser’s latest technology has a lofty ambition: to transform the listening experiences across music, broadcasting, VR gaming, and beyond. It means you’ll be placed inside the music, the game, the movie or the soundscape – a completely new experience – and you’ll hear fine details like never before. The technology is called AMBEO, and it forms the company’s range of 3D immersive audio products and activities. Sennheiser has been involved in immersive audio for a long time, through 9.1-channel mixing and recording, and audio design for high-profile exhibitions – so it’s little surprise that it’s at the cutting edge. AMBEO is as versatile as it is powerful. Take Sennheiser’s upcoming VR microphone: it captures high-quality audio in three dimensions, allowing the finest nuances of any environment to be accurately sound-mapped.…

“The 1280 x 800 display is the same resolution as the likes of the Amazon Fire HD 8 and Lenovo Yoga Tab 3, but it doesn’t look as sharp as either of them“ FOR Dual 4G SIM; microSD slot; decent colour with video AGAINST Soft screen; hard edge to music; poor camera KEY FEATURES 8in screen Resolution 1280 x 800 Cameras 2MP/0.3MP Memory 16 GB (+ microSD) Archos has long been a name associated with the more affordable end of the tablet market, releasing its first effort when the iPad was little more than a rumour on the internet. Unfortunately, in the Archos 80b Helium, those years of experience don’t really shine through. There’s a pretty poor balance of performance versus price here – it might well be cheap, but…

As we expected, when it comes to buying a budget tablet, there are some compromises you’ll have to make – and they won’t be compromises that everyone will be happy with. Manage your own expectations though, and you can get a tablet that gets the right balance between price and performance. A tablet that unfortunately doesn’t manage that is the Archos 80b Helium, which has a screen that’s hard to excuse even at this price. Its performance isn’t much better, with more lag than its peers and a lacklustre music performance to boot, meaning we’d really struggle to use this for all the things we’d want a tablet for in the first place. It’s not something we can really recommend, and it gets two stars. Moving up The dinky Asus…

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…

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 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 & digital…

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 £100 to £300 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 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), £273 (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…

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 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 Up to £200 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 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…

Experience. Heritage. We’ve been helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home entertainment for nearly 40 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 brand-new, bespoke reviewing facility at our Twickenham HQ. We test every product as a team – our opinions and conclusions are always the result of collaboration. Reference kit Naim CDS3/NDS/UnitiServe/555 PS; Clearaudio Innovation Wood; Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2; GamuT D3i/D200i; ATC SCM50; Cambridge CXU; Panasonic DMP-UB900; Pioneer SC-LX59; Epson EH-TW7200; PMC Twenty23; KEF R50; Sky+ HD…

UE Roll 2 | Wireless speaker | £80 FOR Clear detail; snappy rhythm; great design; price AGAINST Pricier rivals offer greater bass weight KEY FEATURES Battery Life: 9 hours Bluetooth Waterproof Ultimate Ears’ colourful, outdoors-y Bluetooth speakers have been a hit, from the cylindrical Boom and Megaboom to the disc-shaped Roll. They look fun, they sound great, and they’re fine value for money. The UE Roll 2 is another notch in the American company’s bungee-cord belt. It’s the second iteration of the Award-winning Roll, but at first glance you’ll be wondering what’s changed to warrant a new model. The Roll 2 looks the same: it’s a tiny flying saucer of a speaker. More for your money So what’s new? It’s 15 per cent louder (now 85dB), has a greater Bluetooth…

Goodmans Heritage II Connect | Digital radio | £170 FOR Classy styling; portability; oodles of features AGAINST A little hard in the treble KEY FEATURES Internet radio Spotify Connect Battery Remember when radios were just radios? You’d turn them on, twiddle a knob and, out of the static, voices and music would emerge. We’ve come a long way since then. Take this Goodmans: it may look like an old-fashioned wireless, but it’s got more in common with a modern all-in-one hi-fi. It’ll deliver radio, of course, but it does so via FM, DAB and internet. It can play music from your home network or your phone using Bluetooth – you can even pair the two devices via NFC. Most exciting is the inclusion of Spotify Connect, which means the Heritage…

Revo SuperSignal | DAB Radio | £180 FOR Stylish looks; decent ergonomics; full-bodied sound AGAINST Luxurious low end may be problematic for some KEY FEATURES aptX Bluetooth DAB+ OLED display It’s been nearly four years since a Revo product received anything less than a five-star review from us – and last year the SuperConnect radio (a bigger sibling of the SuperSignal) won an Award. Revo is clearly on a roll, so the pressure’s on the SuperSignal to maintain the run. If the SuperSignal is to besmirch the Revo name it won’t be on the basis of specification – it’s absolutely on the money for a product of this type. DAB, DAB+ and FM radio reception, aptX Bluetooth streaming capability and auxiliary inputs (stereo RCA and 3.5mm) constitute the sources, 10W…

“There’s a solidity and texture to every note that makes the Black seem two-dimensional” AudioQuest DragonFly Red | USB DAC | £170 FOR Sophisticated and solid sound; smartphone compatible AGAINST That shiny red finish is too easily chipped KEY FEATURES USB Smartphone- compatible When the original DragonFly flew into our testing rooms back in 2012, it was a breath of fresh air. A DAC and headphone amp disguised as a USB stick – and with great sound to boot? It was some serious innovation and became the de facto quick and easy way to give a laptop a sonic upgrade, especially after the refinements and price drop of the v1.2 model. Here in 2016, however, the landscape is markedly different – and rising above the tidal wave of DACs on…

Naim CDS3 + Naim 555 PS power supply x2 Naim NDS streamer Naim UnitiServe Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2 GamuT D3i preamp GamuT D200i power amp ATC SCM50 speakers Analogue, digital and speaker cables from Chord Company Cambridge CXU universal Blu-ray player Panasonic DMP-UB900 UHD Blu-ray player Pioneer SC-LX59 Dolby Atmos home cinema amp Epson EHTW7200 projector PMC Twenty 23 surround speaker package with KEF R50 Dolby Atmos speakers Chord Company cables Sky+ HD…

“Even at £80 we still want an HD screen, considerably better battery life and a snappier performance to score any higher than mid-table“ FOR Nice design; microSD card slot; decent volume levels AGAINST Low-res, soft screen; battery life; poor cameras KEY FEATURES 7in screen Resolution 1024 x 600 Memory 16GB (+ microSD) Cameras 5MP/2MP A few years ago, Asus was behind one of the best-selling tablets on the market. It was responsible for the Google Nexus 7, a superb device that didn’t cost the earth and that not only beat the iPad mini to the shelves but also to our Best tablet up to 8in Award three years in a row. The Zenpad C 7.0 looks remarkably similar to its Nexus-labelled brethren, and is the entry-level tablet in Asus’ flagship…

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…

ONE OF THE OLDEST ENTERTAINMENT TECHS, STILL GOING STRONG 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…

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 Rega Planar…

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 £500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2300W £500 August 2016 Better than the stunning AVR-X2200W; the sound has been refined, it’s very easy to use and has plenty of features, all for the same price. Power 7 x 150W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/2…

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-bar-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 (9.7in) from £499 July 2016 Fits all the things we like about the bigger Pro in a smaller form. This smaller screen incarnation is a seriously tempting proposition. OS iOS Size (hwd) 240…

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…

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…

Denon is rightly considered one of the giants of home cinema. It was only just getting into its stride back in 1997 though, when the five-star AVR-3200 was helping to build a firm foundation for the brand’s burgeoning reputation. Even at £1000 this was one of the company’s more affordable amps, and still incorporated cutting-edge technology for the time. There was advanced digital processing and an RF input to accept the new-fangled Dolby Digital from Laserdisc. Despite chunky proportions the AVR-3200 had just five channels – all that was required – each rated at a heady 70W. In the review we made great play of the preamp outputs for the front three speakers (allowing biamping) and dedicated six-channel analogue input. The AVR-X2300W tested this issue is a world apart from…

1 Pro-Ject VT-E £230 Ever wanted a vertical turntable? Well now you can have one. It features manual speed change and you can wall-mount it too. A special clamp holds records in place. http://whf.cm/VTEturntable 2 Cyrus Soundkey from £TBC Cyrus has joined the micro DAC fray and turned to Kickstarter for funding with a goal of £50,000. If you want your phones and tablets sounding better, you'd better get a word in. Early Bird and VIP packages available. http://whf.cm/SoundKey 3 Marantz 6006 series CD player and integrated amp from £400 Marantz knows how to make a good budget CD spinner and stereo amp combo. Just look at the 6005 series and the 6004 series before that. Once again the innards have been improved to optimise sound quality. http://whf.cm/Marantz6006 4 Roksan…

“The Fire HD 8 is the priciest of the tablets we’ve tested, but in just a short amount of time with it you can see where that extra money has been spent“ FOR Bright screen; crisp video; lightweight design AGAINST Music could have better timing; no Google Play KEY FEATURES 8in screen Resolution 1280 x 800 Memory 16GB (+ microSD) Cameras 5MP/0.9MP To stop trying to compete with the iPad was a clever move by Amazon. Dropping its tablet prices from the £300 mark for a more affordable range starting at just £50 not only gave the budget tablet market a healthy boost of options, it also created the perfect environment for Amazon to push its wealth of content. Because that’s exactly what Amazon’s tablets are – vehicles to sell…

“It blows the competition out of the water in the design stakes, with a clever form factor that makes it stand out in a sea of bland rectangles“ FOR Clever design; good speakers; strong battery life AGAINST Screen lacks fine detail; a little heavy for gaming KEY FEATURES 8in screen Resolution 1280 x 800 Camera 8MP Memory 16GB (+ microSD) Built-in kickstand Lenovo’s Yoga Tab 3 feels a lot more expensive than it is – not something you often hear said about budget tablets. A mixture of cool, brushed metal with a soft matte finish, it also blows the competition out of the water in the design stakes, with a clever form factor that makes it stand out in a sea of bland rectangles. Novel design Instead of aiming for…

It’s probably fair to say that when B&W’s 602 S3s were first introduced they were already something of a dinosaur. Even back in 2002, speaker design had long gone down the ‘smaller is better’ path, and slim proportions were most definitely in. In contrast, these bruisers were huge, standing almost half a metre tall and featuring the kind of mid/bass driver that wouldn’t look out of place in a decently sized subwoofer. It took no fewer than eight bolts to hold that driver in place. The clear suggestion was one of power. Yet the ability to get furniture rattling wouldn’t be anywhere near the whole story. These speakers turned out to be far more talented than that. Our first review (March 2002) talked of unfashionably large cabinets, and how sales…

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 A Sony turntable that keeps vinyl fresh while also looking to the future with hi-res ripping, and the Twenty 23 5.1 surround sound package from PMC – so good we decided to keep it!…

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 25 x 30 x 40mm Audioquest DragonFly Black v1.5 £90 July 2016 Cheaper, and with improved sound and compatibility, this is arguably the best DragonFly yet. The 96kHz playback limit is a disappointment though. Inputs USB Size 60 x 20 x 10mm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96kHz Audioquest DragonFly Red £170 August 2016 The more-expensive alternative to the DragonFly Black, this is a marked improvement over the original, sounding more sophisticated and subtler Inputs USB Size 60 x 20 x 10mm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96kHz £200 to £500 Chord Mojo £400 Best DAC…

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 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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 5…

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 Up to £150 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…

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 £500 and above Philips Fidelio…

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…

Star Trek into Darkness (Netflix) It’s not as good as the reboot, having a dodgy title and a twist you could see coming even at warp speed, but Star Trek into Darkness still entertains thanks to the cast and breakneck narrative. As you’d expect, it looks and sounds terrific, even on a tablet. It Follows (Amazon Prime Instant) A film that worms its way into you, It Follows stars Maika Monroe as a teenager who is relentlessly stalked by an evil spirit wherever she goes. The real highlight is the soundtrack, which echoes John Carpenter’s landmark ’80s scores. Straight Outta Compton (NOW TV) A music biopic that has a slightly loose relationship with the truth. Despite the liberties it takes, Straight Outta Compton tells an engrossing story of greed, race…

Up to £5000 Audio Technica AT-HA5050H £4500 July 2016 A headphone amp whose design harks back to the 1970s, this unit has a spellbinding sound that will leave you captivated. Outputs headphone x2 Inputs coaxial digital, XLR, RCA, USB Meridian Prime £1200 February 2014 A supremely capable headphone amp which doubles as a talented, if feature limited, stereo amplifier. Treat the DAC as a nice bonus. Outputs 3.5mm, 6.3mm Inputs RCA,3.5mm, USB Pathos Aurium £850 August 2013 A top-class choice for amplification, but you’ll need a source and a pair of headphones of similar quality if you want the best from it. Outputs 6.3mm, XRL, RCA Inputs XLR, 3 RCA…

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 Up to £10/m 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 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,…