Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2017 i What Hi-Fi?

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas? Done. The Sound and Vision Show in (arguably less glamorous but just as invigorating) Bristol? Coming right up (all the details on p30). 2016 may have been an eventful year in many ways, but it will take more than political, geographical or financial uncertainty to deflect the hi-fi and home entertainment industries from their goals. Happily for we consumers, high among those goals is the desire to provide ever-greater performance for ever-diminishing outlay. This issue illustrates that fact perfectly: you’re just a few page-flicks away from three 4K ultra high-def 40in TVs from just £500 each (p40), three amazingly good-value surround-sound amps (p50) and eight (count ‘em!) pairs of in-ear headphones (p32). Take any one of those 14 products and examine the performance/price…

Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear | Wireless headphones | £220 FOR Smooth performance; comfortable build and design AGAINST Lack punch; touch controls are unresponsive Libratone, Danish maker of the lovely wool-covered Zipp wireless speakers, is dipping its toes into the vast headphones market for the very first time with a pair of on-ear, portable, wireless headphones. The new Q Adapt On-Ears tick every feature you could want in headphones: portable, wireless, aptX Bluetooth, noise-cancellation, touch controls and even a smartphone app. At £220, this is a competitive and feature-packed pair of headphones. Minimalist design The Libratone Q Adapt On-Ears’ light but firm build makes them lovely to handle and wear. The finish, whether in stormy black or cloudy grey, is minimalist and smart. They’re compact and lightweight enough to carry around…

“The NS3s sound decent. For such a small product, the low frequencies are surprisingly deep” Steljes NS3 | Desktop speakers | £200 FOR Sleek design; good connectivity; powerful bass AGAINST Hard, bright edge; needs a bit more detail When you think of British design, what comes to mind? Red phone boxes, the London Underground map, the Mini or Concorde, perhaps? According to Steljes Audio, you can add the NS3 desktop speakers – a “beautifully British design” – to that list. They certainly look good, but do they have the sound quality to match? Sleek yellow is just the start If there’s one thing the NS3s have going for them, it’s that they look sleek. As well as the yellow of our test sample, they come in another six colours, including…

Beyerdynamic has a long and illustrious history when it comes to headphones (see panel), its budget and high-end pairs collecting numerous Best Buy accolades over the years. A brand new line of in-ears – the Byrons – has emerged, and these sleek black-and-metal range-starters, complete with soft-pouch carry-case, are tasked with making a good first impression. At £50, the Byrons have a formidable opponent in the Award-winning SoundMagic E10Cs. Question is: are the Byrons worth the extra £10? In a word: yes. For a start, they’re comfortable to wear, and there’s a level of heft and control to the sound you don’t tend to hear with budget in-ears. It’s the way they deliver the deep, sludgy guitars in Stone Temple Pilot’s Big Empty, the way they gather the complex musical…

Final Audio makes some bizarre earphones, a lot of which aren’t really made for western ears. As £400 in-ears that appear to be made of miniaturised bits of plumber’s pipework, the F7200s don’t exactly hurtle into the mainstream. But they don’t half sound good. These are among the smallest high-end pairs in the world. They use just a single balanced armature driver. If you don’t like an invasive fit you may not get on well with the F7200s, but we had no issues with fit, comfort or stability. The section housing the driver separates from the cable using an MMCX connector, and the ’phones come with ear hooks that trail the cable over your ears to dull any cable-on-clothing rustle. Single-minded purpose The F7200s have no remote-control housing, a clue…

Following on from the success of the Award-winning SoundMagic E10Cs, it’s the turn of the elegant E80Cs to make their mark in the overpopulated headphones market. Clear, solid and open – those are our first impressions of the E80Cs. Play Semisonic’s Closing Time and the vocals, guitar strums and keyboards all come through loud and clear. A decent amount of detail keeps you listening, and the outlines of notes and instruments are cleanly defined. The headphones are organised enough to handle the sweeping orchestral compositions of Michael Giacchino’s Star Trek Beyond soundtrack, with horns blaring cleanly above the thump of big drums. There’s a good deal of solidity in the sound, although we’d like a more timely and articulate approach. At this price, the Award-winning Sennheiser Momentum M2 in-ears best…

If, like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, you’re looking for a heart – only in this case it’s for your first surround-sound system – then you probably shouldn’t start your search in Emerald City. Instead, those on a modest budget should begin by scouring the lower end of home cinema amplifier ranges. Here you’ll find entry-level models around the £200-£300 mark, mostly (albeit not exclusively) featuring 5.1 channels, Bluetooth streaming and the ability to decode the latest DTS and Dolby surround formats embedded into your favourite Blu-rays. Plenty of HDMI inputs, as well as compatibility with 4K and HDR passthrough, are now the order of the day too. Ideal starting point The Denon AVR-X2300W may have shed a fifth of its £500 price tag since we awarded…

Up to £500 Cambridge Audio CXC £300 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 CD6006 £400 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2016 ***** The price may have gone up, but several upgrades have contributed to a CD player that, overall, is an improvement on its 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 i £995…

Up to £200 Pure Evoke D2 £90 Best radio under £100, Awards 2016 ***** 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 2016 ***** 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…

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 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-S6700 £150 Best Blu-ray player under £200, Awards 2016 ***** Another fantastic budget Blu-ray player that boasts excellent picture quality and…

PVRs Humax HDR-2000T £150 Best PVR, Awards 2016 ***** We may sound like a broken record, but this fantastic digital box from Humax has plenty of features, great usability and great AV quality. 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 to £270 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 the market, this…

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, Awards 2016 ***** 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…

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 video streamer, Awards 2016 ***** 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…

Buy a 32in Screen When you’re sitting this close to your telly, a 32in TV is optimal. If you watch a lot of high-def Blu-ray and TV, though, you should consider buying a 37in set. Buy a 37in Screen When you’re sitting this close to your telly, a 32in TV is optimal. If you watch a lot of high-def Blu-ray and TV, though, you should consider buying a 37in set. Buy a 40- 42in Screen You can afford to go up to a 42in set if you’re sitting here. Economies of scale mean that 40- and 42in TVs are cheaper than an equivalent 37in. Buy a 47in Screen Now you’re talking. If you can get your sofa this far away from the screen, a 47 or 48in TV is just…

Under 5in Apple iPhone 7 Awards 2016 ***** The lack of a headphone jack distracts from what is a sterling upgrade; an improved screen, camera and sound, plus faster performance. OS iOS Size (hwd) 138 x 67 x 7mm Storage 28/128/256GB Over 5in LG G5 (with Hi-Fi Plus DAC) Best smartphone, Awards 2016 ***** LG combines innovation and performance to produce a phone that’s up there with the best. The modular components are a brilliant idea. OS Android Size (hwd) 149 x 74 x 8mm Storage 32GB & microSD HTC 10 July 2016 ***** HTC bounces back with a superb effort that nails the core functionality of a smartphone and excels in the audio and video departments. OS Android Size (hwd) 146 x 72 x 3mm Storage 32/64GB/microSD Google Pixel…

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 Company C-Line £45 Best analogue interconnect, Awards 2016 ***** 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 with a reassuring build quality, and one that is capable of expressing the…

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 Audioquest Jitterbug £40 April 2016 ***** It might look insubstantial, but 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…

Up to £100 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 £100 to £200 Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Hi-Fi Racks Podium Slimline £120 September 2013 ***** A stylish offering, these are affordable stands that will make your kit sound easy-going and pleasant, if not the most attacking. Top plate size (hwd) n/a Height 50 to 70cm Fillable No £200 and above…

Experience. Heritage. We’ve been helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home entertainment for more than 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…

Piega Classic 3.0 | Stereo speakers | £900 FOR Authoritative sound; excellent build and finish AGAINST Sound could do with a bit more bite Never heard of Piega? We wouldn’t blame you, particularly if you live in the UK. This Swiss speaker manufacturer was founded back in 1986, but over the decades its presence in the British market has been sporadic at best. That’s a shame, because the company makes some hugely capable designs, and has specialised in ribbon drive units from the beginning. Look at the current range and you’ll find not only in-house ribbon tweeters but also clever coaxial designs that couple tweeter and midrange in a single array – a bit like a ribbon version of Tannoy’s celebrated Dual Concentric drivers. The Classic 3.0s are the entry-level…

And now for something a little different. It’s not just that the SoundSport Pulses are wireless, either (the cable links the two earpieces). There’s no active noise cancellation here and you can’t use them wired, but there is a heart-rate sensor built in. The Bose Connect app displays your current heart rate and the information can be sent to many fitness apps, including Strava, Endomondo and MapMyRun. At times the set failed to pick up on our heart rhythm but it’s easier to use than a chest-strap. These in-ears use soft silicone in-ear hooks, and are surprisingly comfortable. Hook them up to your phone using Bluetooth – they also have NFC to make connection easier. Wireless performance is excellent, with great stability and real-world range bang on the claimed 9m.…

The sporty-looking Sol Republic Relays Sport separate themselves from bog-standard cheap buds with an off-kilter design and a variety a funky of colour choices. They sound surprisingly good for the price too, with a cleaner, if less smooth, sound than the budget favourite SoundMagic E10s. Special challenges The challenges of a sport earphone include finding a way to make them stay in your ears when you move about a lot, and to withstand a bit of sweat without conking out. To deal with this, Sol Republic has come up with what it calls the FreeFlex wheel – a disc of rubber that sits around the end of the earpiece to help secure it in your ear canal. In practice this wheel doesn’t do a great deal, but with the right…

Let’s be realistic, when the concept of 4K technology was just a scribble on a bit of paper, 40in-or-so tellies weren’t exactly the first in line for the technology. However, since the resolution has become more ubiquitous across TV ranges and is no longer exclusive to tellies bigger than some living-room windows, it has now filtered down. You won’t hear us complaining – not when it makes the pixel-packing technology even more accessible. 4K television for £400? But the burning question is this: is it really worth having the higher resolution in screens so small? Samsung, Panasonic and Philips (as well as the smartphone brands readying 4K screens for their 5in screen devices) are among those who think it is. After this small(er)-screen television shootout, we’ll no doubt be ready…

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 This month we have the first phone made by Google, Onkyo’s DP-X1 portable music player comes with a bevy of features and Copland’s DAC 215 is a lovely, understated performer. Google Pixel XL “The organic Android experience, now slicker and more user-friendly than ever, is a joy to use and, with Google Assistant, its future looks bright indeed” Onkyo DP-X1 “Its storage potential may as well be unlimited; it’ll play almost anything; and it has MQA compatibility” Copland DAC 215 “We like the Copland DAC 215. It’s smart, nice to use and well…

Up to £200 Arcam miniBlink £90 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 £90 Best USB DAC under £100, Awards 2016 ***** Cheaper, 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 Best USB DAC £100+, Awards 2016 ***** A 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…

Desktop speakers 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 KEF Egg £350 Best desktop speaker, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Up to £1000 Q Acoustics 3050 £550 Best floorstander £500-£1000, Awards 2016 ***** 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 Tannoy Eclipse…

Up to £500 Audio Technica AT-LP5 £330 Best USB turntable, Awards 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 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 Planar 1 £250 Best turntable under £500, Awards 2016 ***** The modifications Rega has made to the Planar 1 haven’t hindered the fantastic sound. It’s an entertaining turntable with no obvious flaws. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm…

Up to £500 Denon AVR-X1300W £300 January 2017 ***** This entry-level AV amp features Atmos and good file compatibility. The app is flaky and the competition tough, but it is a talented effort. Power 80W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 6/1 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 £500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2300W £500 Best home cinema amplifier under £500, Awards 2016 ***** Better than the stunning AVR-X2200W; the sound has been refined, it’s 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 Denon AVR-X3300W £800…

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 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 £1000 and above B&W MT-50 £1100 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 x 16cm Finishes 2 B&W MT-60D £1950…

Up to 40in Sony KDL-32WD603 £300 Best 32-39in TV, Awards 2016 ***** A HD-ready TV might seem behind the times, but when the picture performance is this good, we can’t complain. Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution 1366 x 768 Tuner Freeview HD 40in to 50in Panasonic TX-40DX600B £500 Best 40-46in TV, Awards 2016 ***** Ideal for those with limited space, this affordable 40in TV offers an appealing experience, but doesn’t feature HDR. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview HD/Play Samsung UE49KS8000 £1300 Best 47-52in TV, Awards 2016 ***** This Samsung manages to squeeze a lot of tech into a sub-50in screen. It’s by far the best Samsung flatscreen we’ve seen in 2016. Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview/Freesat HD 50in to 60in Samsung UE55KS7000…

In-ears up to £50 SoundMagic E10C £40 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2016 ***** The C stands for compatibility but could stand for consistency too. Five years in and these in-ears are still as good as they’ve ever been. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m £50 to £100 Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £80 Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2016 ***** You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound quite so good – not for just £80. But they are 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…

On demand video BBC iPlayer Free 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 Offl ine 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 Offl ine playback Yes On demand music Qobuz Sublime £220/pa May 2016 ***** Qobuz Sublime is, well, sublime. Easy to use, with a diverse catalogue and competitive prices, this is a service that packs in a lot of value. Sound quality Up to 24-bit/192kHz Offl ine playback Yes Technics Tracks Variable January 2016 ***** Offering…

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 £500 and above 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 Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40 SE £525 Best equipment rack, Awards 2016 ***** The SE stands for Special Edition, while significant improvements in the Eco 60-40’s design and dampening mean it works better than ever. Width 600mm Modular Yes Cable management No…

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 2016 ***** 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…

Ready for one more review? Bad puns out of the way, the 1More C1002s are interesting because they come from a company we’re not too familiar with. That, and their unusual look. The C1002 structure is like an earphone aperture glued into a giant medicine pill. It’s designed to fill the far side of your ear cartilage but makes the 1More C1002s an unusual fit. As with most earphones though, pick the right tip and you’ll be fine. Inside the capsule 1More calls the pill shape a capsule, and it’s home to the C1002’s dual drivers, which comprise one balanced armature and one dynamic driver working in tandem. There’s a three-button in-line remote designed for iPhones and Androids, but no active noise cancellation or wirelessness. One neat touch is the…

Multi-driver earphones rarely land at this price, so we’re keen to see how the Fidues fair. Larger than most classic dual-driver earphones, they use a hybrid driver array rather than a pair of tiny balanced armatures. There’s a balanced armature to handle the higher frequencies and a 10mm dynamic driver to fill in the lower registers. One part sure to put a few of you off is that the A73s are meant to be worn over your ears. A pair of ear hooks is included, or you can just trail the cable over your ears without them if you prefer. Wearing them with the cable dangling down doesn’t work too well in our experience – they tend to wiggle their way out of your ears after a while. Fidue has…

Right at the top of Mee Audio’s earphone range sit the Pinnacle P1s, with all-metal shells and enough accessories for two pairs. The Mee Pinnacle P1s have large earpieces and a comprehensive array of tips is included to ensure a good fit. There are three standard silicone sets, three double-flanged silicone pairs and three Comply foam pairs. As usual, the foam tends to provide the best seal and isolation. Mee Audio also includes two cables with the Pinnacle P1. One is a ‘standard’ cable with a black finish and a one-button mobile phone remote, the other a chunkier translucent cable with no remote housing but a silver-plated oxygen-free copper wire. This one is the ‘audiophile’ choice. The cables pop off the earpieces using standard MMCX connectors. Single dynamic driver The…

There’s no doubt adding 4K to a 40in TV makes all the difference with the right set. However, as we’ve seen here, to get the most out of HDR – 4K’s most interesting bedfellow – you are going to have to spend the money. In particular, you’ll want to keep an eye out for TVs bearing the UHD Premium logo. The 1000 nits peak brightness such sets offer is able to put intensity into colours, and oomph into the contrast. That’s why the UHD Alliance sets the guidelines, after all. That brightness was missing from both the Philips 43PUS6401 and Panasonic TX-40DX700B. With a maximum brightness of just 350 nits each, their pictures looked positively dull and gloomy in comparison with the 1000-nit Samsung. Both televisions struggled to make the…

Stereo amps up to £500 Marantz PM6006 £400 December 2016 ***** Another fine amplifier from Marantz, it’s a clear improvement over the PM6005, our only disappointment is the scarcity of digital sources. Power 45W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs headphone Onkyo A-9010 £230 Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2016 ***** 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 2016 ***** This is…

Up to £500 Bluesound Node 2 £499 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 Best music streamer under £100, Awarda 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 Pioneer N-50A £380 Best music streamer £100-£500, Awards 2016 ***** The impressive N-50A offers an insightful performance, and can pluck music over DLNA and Internet radio or via a hoard of inputs. DLNA Yes Inputs optical, coaxial, USB Storage No £500 to £1000 Cambridge Audio CXN £700…

Multi-room Sonos System From £175 Best multi-room system under £500, Awards 2016 ***** If you don’t need hi-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 £500+, Awards 2016 ***** Bluesound’s Generation 2 has a more streamlined design and sounds as good as ever, offering hi-res support and good connectivity. Res 24-bit/192kHz App iOS, Android Formats MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG Stereo systems up to £400 Denon D-M40DAB £350 Best microsystem, Awards 2016 ***** Denon continues to reign supreme on the micro-systems front. There are no Bluetooth or wireless features, but the sound makes up for it. Inputs Analogue & digital Sources CD, streaming, DAB,…

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 UE 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 UE Roll 2 £80 Best portable wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2016 ***** The Roll 2 has a sound that’s more open, more dynamic and goes louder than its predecessor. The drop in price makes this a bargain. Size (hw)…

Up to £1000 Epson EH-TW5350 £600 Best projector under £1000, Awards 2016 ***** A talented budget effort that handles motion, contrast and colour balance with great skill. It’s a mature and enjoyable projector. Throw ratio 1.22-1.47:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, RCA, composite Spks Yes £1000 to £3000 BenQ W3000 £1200 August 2016 ***** A fine alternative to a TV. 4K is off the menu but you do get a big picture, accurate colours and useful features for a relatively modest price. Throw ratio 1.15-1.86 Inputs 2 x HDMI, PC, component Speakers Yes Sony VPL-HW45ES £1850 Best projector £1000 to £2000, Awards 2016 ***** Delivers a riveting picture that strikes the perfect balance between performance and price. Great for a first projector or an upgrade. Throw ratio n/a Inputs 2 x…

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 2016 ***** 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 2016 ***** 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…

1 Do I need rear speakers? What do rear speakers do, exactly? Well, with the advent of discrete 5.1 surround sound in 1992, sound designers gained the ability to place specfic effects into either the left or right rear speaker. Unlike older systems that relied on a mono rear channel of sound, such as Dolby Surround, the rear channels are given more to do instead of the same signal being shared between multiple surround speakers. Sound steering was better as the sound matched what was on screen more precisely. 2 Should I use hif-fi speakers? Positioning can be a bit awkward if you have a large rear speaker. Place it too close and a headache may ensue. Hide it in a corner and performance will be diminished. Hi-fi speakers are…

Star Wars : The Force Awakens Though it’s arguably a little too familiar for its own good, The Force Awakens is a more consistent experience than the prequels. It has a clean, pristine image, plus a soundtrack that’s impressively mixed – and packs plenty of weight and, let’s say, force. Sicario A crime/drug drama in which nothing is truly what it seems. Shot digitally, it looks crisp and contrast is excellent, while Emily Blunt excels as an FBI agent in over her head. The sound quality and Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score create a fine audio experience too. Sing Street Following a group of kids who come together to form a rock band, Sing Street is one of 2016’s more charming efforts. Picture performance is sharp and nuanced enough to feel natural…

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 Sony NW-AH25N £240 February 2016 ***** Likeable 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 £400 to £700 Astell & Kern AK70 £500 Best portable music player, Awards 2016 ***** The AK70 is even better than the AK Jr. Improved sound, more features and a better interface make this an easy recommendation Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 132g Storage 64GB £400 to £700 Pioneer XDP-100R £500 February 2016…

Under 8in Apple iPad mini 4 from £320 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, Awards 2016 ***** 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 x 170…

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 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 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 Company Clearway £10/m Best speaker cable, Awards 2016 ***** Not the flashiest cable, its strength is aiding dynamics…