Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2017 i What Hi-Fi?

What has become apparent over the past few years is that there’s multi-room sound, and there’s multi-room sound – and the current king of getting your tunes to sing out all over your home is surely Sonos. So, with the arrival of the new Playbase (p30) , a product that neatly rounds the Sonos circle of products, and with summer just around the corner, what better time to look at your options for getting high-quality music accessible wherever you might want it? Our multi-room special starts on page 28. To keep up the streaming theme, Cambridge’s mighty £700 CXN is put up against the new Oppo Sonica DAC (p48). Has the multi-Award winner finally met its match? Finally, don’t miss our test of £600 standmount speakers, where B&W takes on…

Denon AH-D7200 | Headphones | £700 FOR Smooth, well balanced sound; extremely comfortable AGAINST Rivals offer better punch; no 3.5mm adapter **** There’s nothing like the luxury of slipping on a good pair of headphones and disappearing into your music. Sometimes you can put a price on comfort, and the flagship Denon AH-D7200s are an exercise in lush headphone design. They sound good, too. From the sheepskin leather headband to the real walnut earcups to the elegant aluminium frame, they’re beautifully made. Memory foam The over-ear, closed-back design is surprisingly light, despite having a sturdy, durable build. The wooden earcups come with extremely comfortable memory-foam earpads covered in soft artificial leather. You ears will feel airy and well-cushioned. These cans fit all sorts of head sizes and the earcups swivel…

The Sonos Controller app is a large part of the system’s charm. As well as walking you through set-up, it’s where you can control all aspects of your Sonos products. Sonos's mission statement is to offer ‘all the music on Earth’, so you’ll find the widest choice of streaming-service compatibility on the app, giving you access to all your music. It’s the most comprehensive list we’ve seen in a wireless speaker or soundbar. You can also build playlists directly within the Sonos app, and from multiple sources as well. So if you want to add tracks from Spotify and Tidal onto a playlist of tracks from your NAS library, you can. Sonos Trueplay Where you place your Sonos speaker in the room will affect the sound. The Trueplay feature within…

“Dolby Vision has the potential to improve consumers’ viewing experience by optimising the way their televisions deliver HDR pictures” “There’s no doubt the HDR landscape is a little rocky, especially when you throw HLG and the recent Advanced HDR into the equation” Dolby has played a key role in the development of HDR for cinema and home theatre applications. But for the viewer, perhaps its most important contribution so far has been its advanced form of HDR, Dolby Vision. Dolby Vision has the potential to improve consumers’ viewing experience by optimising the way their TVs deliver HDR pictures. It also gives producers more control over how their HDR programming appears. Until CES 2017, it was assumed that Dolby Vision hardware (screens and Ultra HD Blu-ray players) needed a dedicated chip.…

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, Pro-Ject’s Primary announces itself as the king of budget turntables, Sony’s KD-55XE9305 4K HDR TV is a resounding success and Panasonic’s DMP-BDT180EB Blu-ray player offers great performance for a low price. Pro-Ject Primary “If you’re looking for a way ‘in’ to the record revival, the Primary is an excellent introduction” Sony KD-55XE9305 “This 55in TV isn’t just a tour de force of the latest TV tech and features, it’s simply a wonderful set” Panasonic DMP-BDT180EB “A very competitive product that offers a quality picture at a low price”…

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 2.5 x 3 x 4cm 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 6 x 2 x 1cm 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 6 x 2 x 1cm 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 Ruark Audio MR1 £300 October 2015 ***** The £50 wireless battery pack for the R1 radio will turn these Award-winning desktop speakers into a tidy little wireless package. Size (hwd) 17 x 13 x 14cm Powered Yes Finishes 1 Floorstanders up to £1000 Dali Zensor 5 AX £800 April…

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 Up to £150 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…

Up to £400 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 £400 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2300W £400 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 £600…

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…

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are object-based audio technologies that allow sounds to be specifically placed around and over you rather than delivering it via the traditional method of positioning sound in discrete 5.1 or 7.1 channels. In cinemas, Atmos has speakers placed along walls, in the ceiling and even behind the screen in order to push sound towards the audience. Cinemas can have upwards of 64 speakers but you’re unlikely to have space for that. You may not even want in-ceiling speakers either. Thankfully, there’s a solution. Upfiring speakers bounce sounds off the ceiling placing effects around you. They can be purpose-built or you can install add-on modules on top of your existing speakers. The X factor Where DTS:X differs from Atmos is in its speaker configuration. Atmos requires extra…

Up to £400 Apple iPod Touch (6th Gen) 128GB £380 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-A25HN £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 Pioneer XDP-100R £500 February 2016 **** A player…

Under 8in Apple iPad mini 4 from £419 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 £549 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…

Equipment supports have a difficult job to do. Ideally they should isolate your system from external vibrations so that it can perform optimally, but also act as a ‘sink’ for any internally generated vibrations – say, the effects of a spinning disc or the low-level buzz of a mains transformer. Make sure there’s enough air space around your kit to avoid overheating. Go big? Do you need a full-width bench-style rack? Racks come in different sizes and lengths. If you have lots of hi-fi equipment – and the space for it – then a wider rack will suit you better. For those with only a CD player or amplifier there are rack companies who sell half-width versions, saving you space and some money too.…

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…

Fiio X5iii | Music player | £400 FOR Clear sound; solid punch; huge storage capacity AGAINST Could be a bit more energetic; software glitches **** Musically, our smartphones don’t quite cut it. It’s not their fault – they have a thousand other tasks to do, whereas a dedicated music player has just one. For high-quality audio outside the home, a music player is often the better choice. As portable as a smartphone, but with superior sound quality, dedicated players such as the Fiio X5iii still occupy a particular niche. However, there’s stiff competition from Onkyo, Pioneer and Astell & Kern in this category. The wheel deal Fiio has given the the X5iii new software and hardware compared with the previous generations. Put it next to the original X5 from 2014,…

“Give it the bright, arid Mad Max: Fury Road and this television responds with a punchy picture that revels in exploding cars and flaming guitars” Sony KD-49XE9005 | Television | £1500 FOR Colours; detail; dynamic sound; range of streaming AGAINST Nothing of note ***** How long does it take your brain to process an image? No, it’s faster than that – it’s around 13 milliseconds. In the time it took you to read that sentence, you can process 185 different images. Congratulations. But since most people watch 4.3 hours of video per day (which equates to more than one million images) you don’t want to waste that processing power on sub-standard television. The Sony KD-49XE9005 is not a sub-standard television. Dark details We set the black levels and contrast for…

1 Pioneer XDP-30R £350 Pioneer’s XDP-30R is the company's most affordable portable music player yet. Packing twin Sabre DACs that can handle file formats up to and including DSD 5.6MHz and 32-bit/192kHz standard, there’s support for MQA on the way too. whf.cm/xdp30r 2 B&O BeoSound Shape £3400 You expect B&O to come up with something unique and this does not disappoint. A wall-mounted modular wireless speaker system, it incorporates speakers, amplifiers, streaming modules and acoustic damper tiles: a literal wall of sound. whf.cm/beosoundshape 3 Humax HB-1100S £100 This looks like an ordinary Freesat box, but slap the Humax name on it and we’re interested. Revamping its HB-1000S, this compact new effort has wi-fi, on-demand services, Netflix and 200 subscription-free channels, with 14 in HD. whf.cm/HB1100S 4 Onkyo NR676E £600 Onkyo’s…

Sonos Play:1 £200 ***** The Play:1 is the entry-level gateway to the world of Sonos. The compact wireless speaker may not be portable, but it’s about the size of a bag of sugar and can fit into any space. Ease of use is a huge draw, but it’s backed by good sound quality and an affordable price. It’s perfect for getting started on your Sonos journey or adding bits – such as rear surround speakers – to an existing set-up. Sonos Play:3 £300 ***** The Play:3 has all the features of its smaller sibling, but it adds an extra driver, a bass radiator and comes in a bigger, chunkier box. The result is a more powerful and surprisingly musical sound that’s nicely dispersed around the room. You can also link…

We’ve all been there; faced with the problem of having to choose certain hi-fi kit over others, when we just want it all. Two pairs of speakers, three systems and a house big enough to put them in – sounds ideal. Unfortunately, though, we have to make tough calls in this life. Thankfully, if you’re in the market for speakers at around the £600 mark, the decision isn’t all that difficult. Riding high Dynaudio is on a roll with its successful Emit and active Xeo ranges, and its Emit M20s are no less compelling than they were when winning a 2016 Product of the Year Award. If you don’t need the power, scale and low-end authority to satisfy an assembly hall, we’d advise parting with less cash for the smaller,…

Bowers & Wilkins 805 D3 | Stereo speakers | £4500 FOR Detail resolution; stereo imaging; quality build AGAINST They sound best at higher volume levels **** * Bowers and Wilkins’ 800 series (the ‘D’ is for Diamond) is something of a high-end speaker juggernaut. It sells in huge numbers, and has long been a showcase for the company’s range of in-house technologies. Whatever feat of engineering appears here will, over time, tend to feature in B&W’s more affordable products. Kevlar cones, bass flow ports and decoupled tweeter pods are just a few examples of ideas that have trickled down to lower price levels. The same but different Such has been the consistency of the company’s design approach that it’s easy to dismiss recent generations of the 800 series as just…

Stereo amps up to £500 Marantz PM6006 £279 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 Cambridge Audio CXA60 £580 Best stereo amplifier £300-£700, Awards 2016 ***** This is a lively performer with expressive dynamics and a surefooted sense of rhythm. Build quality is impressive. Power 60W Inputs 4 line-in Outputs Preamp, 2 x speaker, headphone Rega Brio £600 February 2017…

Up to £500 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 Bluesound Node 2 £500 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 Cambridge Audio CXN £800…

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 £100 Panasonic DMP-BDT180EB £80 May 2017 ***** A budget player that delivers a high-quality picture. Whether it’s Blu-ray, DVD or streaming this spinner handles them all with skill and flair. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony BDP-S3700 £85 May 2017 ***** A combination of impressive picture, smart functions and decent sound makes this a welcome, low-cost addition for any home cinema set-up. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD £100 to £300 Sony BDP-S6700 £150 Best Blu-ray player under £200, Awards 2016 ***** Another fantastic budget Blu-ray player that boasts excellent picture quality and good features, but the 4K upscaling is a little unconvincing. Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony BDP-S7200 £180 Awards 2015 ***** The pictures here are impressive, but the sound quality on this model shines brightest – it’s entertaining, exciting…

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 Cambridge Audio TV5 v2 £250 February 2017 ***** A sonically superb soundbase from the bass all the way up to the treble. The lack of a display is a bugbear but forgivable. Just. Size (hwd) 10 x 73 x 34cm Inputs Optical, HDMI, 3.5mm 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…

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…

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 Beyerdynamic Byron £50 February 2017 ***** A spectacular return to the budget earphone arena for Beyerdynamic, the Byron sets the standard at this price with a peerless performance. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m 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…

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 £50 and above 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 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 £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 Click here to view offers on headphone amplifiers…

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 Up to £200 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 Aria £800 December 2015 ***** A phono stage of rare quality for under £1000, the Rega Aria performs superbly – as long as the rest of your system is suitably talented. Type MM, MC…

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 £200 and above Q Acoustics 20 speaker stands £200 September 2014 ***** Designed with QAs’ Concept 20 speakers in mind, the clever construction and elegant design ensures other speakers give their best too. Top plate size (hd) n/a Height 66.5cm Fillable No Click…

“The DMP-UB400 offers an enjoyably colourful and smooth performance” Panasonic DMP-UB400 | Blu-ray player | £300 FOR Clear, colourful picture with good detail and motion AGAINST 4K picture could be more convincing ***** It was only a couple of years ago that it seemed like 4K Blu-ray discs, and the players to spin them on, were a faraway dream. Ultra HD 4K was just too big a resolution for Blu-ray, they said. Since then we’ve got a decent collection of 4K discs, a handful of excellent 4K Blu-ray players to play them – one of which is the excellent, Award-winning Panasonic DMP-UB900 – and now we’re starting to see a number of affordable new 4K disc-spinners from the manufacturers. First among them is the Panasonic DMP-UB400, the company’s entry-level machine…

“Due to price concerns, the superior quad DAC by ESS is reserved for the G6 in Asia. After the focus on audio performance last year, that’s disappointing“ LG G6 | Smartphone | £650 (32GB) FOR Sharp screen with HDR support; fast performance AGAINST Not much content yet; audio needs to be better **** A great idea doesn’t always make something a success. Take the LG G5, for example. While the clever modular smartphone was our favourite phone of the year with the help of its B&O-tuned Hi-Fi+ DAC, it failed to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Apple’s iPhone 7 in terms of sales. And for LG, that’s never going to fly. This year, the company has gone back to the drawing board, doing away with more niche innovations…

Sonos Playbase £700 **** Designed as a strong, flat base you can perch your TV upon. Sporting the same features as the Playbar, the Playbase offers a different design for those who want to boost TV sound performance. The sound isn’t flawless, but it’s simple and stylish. Sonos Sub £700 **** If you feel as though you’re missing out on really deep basslines from the Playbar or Playbase, simply add the matching wireless Sub for extra oomph. It’s not as punchy as we’d like and it’s rather pricey, but the Sub does add more power, scale and weight to the low end for movies and music alike. Sonos Playbar £700 ***** Sonos in a soundbar and an alternative to the Playbase. It combines the streaming features of Sonos while improving…

If this head-to-head has taught us anything, it’s that you shouldn’t judge a product by numbers alone. The Oppo Sonica DAC dazzled us with numbers so high: high-resolution file support that goes beyond what we’d find in mainstream hi-fi downloads, high price tag, and a long list of essential streaming features. Award-winner But even though its role as a DAC outperformed its streaming side, the Oppo’s sonic performance left something to be desired. Rich and smooth, but lacking the rhythmic precision and fluid dynamics that really get to the heart of music – the Oppo doesn’t set our musical senses on fire. Being up against a two-time Award-winner doesn’t make it easy for the Oppo, either. The Cambridge CXN wowed us from the second we first listened to it –…

Up to £500 Cambridge Audio CXC £350 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 £279 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 £400 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 H2 £100 May 2017 ***** Pure’s latest is similar to its previous incarnation, but it is more refined and sees the H2 improve on the D2’s already-sophisticated sound. Battery No Size (hwd) 18 x 12 x 12cm Inputs Mini-USB, 3.5mm Revo SuperSignal £180 August 2016 ***** A stylish radio with plenty of features, it’s even more impressive on the audio front thanks to a large-scale sound that belies its appearance. Battery No Size (hwd) 21 x 14 x 14cm Inputs 3.5mm, AUX in, B’tooth 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…

Up to £400 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 Primary £190 May 2017 ***** An entry-level solution that’s more compelling than any alternative under £200, the Primary serves as a fine introduction to vinyl. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm 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 Size (hwd) 12 x…

Train To Busan A compelling, high-octane South Korean zombie movie that acts as a much-needed reminder that Hollywood needs to do better. Kubo And The Two Strings Another excellent production from Laika that’s great entertainment for both children and grown-ups. One of 2016’s best animated films. Star Wars: Rogue One An entertaining entry into the Star Wars canon. It’s not perfect but you can’t argue with the presentation Disney has produced here. Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them This is a decent return to the magical world of Harry Potter. The Blu-ray boasts fantastic picture and sound. Read more at... www.whathifi.com/advice…

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 PVR 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,…

Style up to £1000 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 £1000 and above B&W MT-60D £1950 May 2012 ***** Compact and stylish (we love that sub), this package presents a dynamic, powerful sound that excels with surround sound and stereo music. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 25 x 11 x 16cm Finishes 2 Traditional packages up…

Up to 40in Philips 24PFS5231 £200 March 2017 ***** If your current needs call for an affordable TV with great picture and sound, then there’s no reason why this Philips shouldn’t be on your list. Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution 1920 x 1080 Tuner Freeview HD 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 UE43KS7500 £800 February 2017…

It’s a common predicament: you’ve seen your dream piece of kit for a great deal but aren’t sure if the seller is genuine. Understand the risks You could save yourself a fortune or you could end up with dud gear – or even nothing at all. What’s more, if a fault develops you’ll have no warranty. Many unauthorised resellers sell via sites such as Amazon Marketplace and eBay, but it has also been known for some more established stores to obtain stock through these unauthorised channels. Don’t get fooled Before buying anything we’d strongly advise you check you’re buying from an authorised dealer. Not only does it ensure the product you get is genuine, it also means you’ll get a high level of pre- and post-sale service.…

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 Click here…

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 ***** 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 +…

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…