Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2018 i What Hi-Fi?

Appropriately enough, for an issue with a brand new year on its cover, the January 2018 edition of What Hi-Fi? finds itself concentrating on products that would have been acceptable only in the realm of science fiction even a decade or two ago. Speakers you can talk to, that will not only find your music somewhere in the ether, and then play it as requested, but will also dim the lights, turn up the heating – and order you a pizza? Tell that to the 1999 you, and they wouldn’t believe it. And yet, here they are, in our Smart speaker roundup (p32). And they’re joined in the issue by truly wireless in-ear headphones (p41) that Data from Star Trek could have modelled proudly. Next to those two, our twin…

“The 704s render the nuance and texture of a voice superbly. But, if anything, the brilliance of the midrange shows up shortcomings at the bass end” View offers Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 | Stereo speakers | £2000 | whf.cm/BW704S2 FOR Excellent composure; midrange clarity; fine build AGAINST Lifeless at low volumes; bass isn’t tuneful ★★★★ If you judge speakers by their engineering content, we doubt you’ll find anything more impressive at this price than the Bower & Wilkins 704 S2s. Armed with the brand’s proprietary technology, these slim floorstanders promise much on paper. The technological highlight is the 13cm Continuum midrange driver. B&W seems to be determined to replace its Kevlar drivers as each range is renewed. Rather than being a change in direction, the new material just builds…

FOR Smart-hub capabilities; clear midrange; smooth treble AGAINST Lacks full smarthome function; lacklustre bass ★★★★ Few speakers come with a lightbulb, but as the most feature-laden of Amazon’s array of smart speakers, the Echo Plus carves its niche by having a built-in smarthome hub, which links devices such as smart lightbulbs or thermostats to the internet, using a specialised mesh network. To get you started on the path towards internet-connected fridges, washing machines and coffee-makers, buy the Echo Plus via Amazon, and you get a free Philips Hue light. But is this really a, ahem... bright idea? On the whole, it is. The Echo Plus is as capable an Alexa speaker as we’ve seen, and smarthome control is a nice extra. Deep into the ecosystem The Echo Plus looks almost…

According to Apple, the iPod reinvented portable music and, with its new Apple HomePod, the company is aiming to do the same for our music listening habits at home. The HomePod is a chunky, cylindrical unit that stands a couple of centimetres taller, wider and deeper than a Sonos Play:1. It’s wrapped in a 3D honeycomb mesh, which Apple says was chosen for its excellent acoustic properties. The top surface of the speaker is touch-sensitive and can be used for play/pause control or volume adjustment with a simple tap. There are two colours of HomePod – White and Space Grey – and while the design is striking enough to make a statement in your living room, the unit is demure enough to blend in. “There’s no shortage of competition in…

If today’s ideal music streamer were an animal, it could well be the tardigrade, “the world’s most indestructible creature”. Able to survive being boiled, frozen and crushed, these ancient little micro-animals are highly versatile and surprisingly ubiquitous. With the music-streaming ecosystem growing at a rapid rate, streamers not only have to cater for subscribers of multiple music services but also those with NAS drives full of hi-res music in various file formats, and anyone wanting to connect other digital components. On top of that, they also have to sound better than the competition. Nothing carries the pressure to deliver everything but the kitchen sink more than a streamer that carries a four-figure price tag. And one of the fiercest rivalries here is between the Cambridge Azur 851N (£1400) and the…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBStereoAmps 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 £200 Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 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 Best stereo…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBMusicStreamers Up to £500 Arcam rPlay £380 Best music streamer £100-£500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Another in a long line of useful and affordable add-ons from Arcam, the rPlay introduces a myriad of streaming solutions to a hi-fi system. DLNA Yes Outputs Coaxial, analogue x2 Storage No Google Chromecast Audio £20 Best music streamer under £100, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Google turns its expertise to audio streaming to bring music from any Cast-compatible app to your amps and speakers for a super-low price. DLNA Yes Inputs RCA, 3.5mm, optical Storage No Pioneer N-50A £380 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHifiSystems Multi-room Sonos System From £175 Best multi-room system under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 2017 ★★★★★ 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-M41DAB £400 Best microsystem, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Denon hasn’t rested on its laurels. It’s managed to better the M40, delivering improved sound and functionality. The best just got better. Inputs Analogue & digital Sources…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBBlurayPlayers Up to £100 Panasonic DMP-BDT180EB £80 Best Blu-ray player under £100, Awards 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 £500 Panasonic DMP-UB900 £450 Awards 2016 ★★★★★ The first 4K Blu-ray player is a stunner. Lush colours and strong contrast are allied with great definition. The future of home cinema has arrived. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD Sony UBP-X800 £300 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sony’s first…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs Humax FVP-5000T £230 Best PVR, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ If you need a Full HD box to give your older TV some more sparkle, Humax’s digital box should absolutely be something to consider. Tuners 3 Storage 500GB Ultra HD No Set-top BT Ultra HD YouView min £15/month + fees November 2015 ★★★★ The first 4K box to hit the market, this is the most accomplished live TV you can watch. Content is limited right now – so it’s one for sports fans. Tuners 2 Storage 1TB Ultra HD Yes Sky Q 2TB from £44/month + fees Best subscription box, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sky has overhauled its TV package with Q and made it more enticing, versatile and contemporary, but it does come with a high price…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSpeakerPackages Style speaker packages 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 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 Style speaker packages Dali Zensor 1 5.1 £980 Best speaker package under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Why did it win an Award? Because of its punchy dynamics, abundance of detail, expression, articulation and impressive integration. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 16 x 44 x 29cm Finishes 3 Traditional packages…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBTelevisions 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 Samsung UE32M5500 £320 Best 32-39in TV, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ It’s not the most sophisticated TV, lacking 4K and HDR, but for a 32in screen it offers a picture and features that will leave you very satisfied. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 1366 x 768 Tuner Freeview HD 40in to 50in Samsung UE40MU6400 £500 Best 40-46in TV, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A 4K TV at a sensible size and a reasonable price that boasts deep, insightful blacks and nuanced colours. Not the…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £50 Beyerdynamic Byron £49 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 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 SoundMagic E10C £40 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 2017 ★★★★★ 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £400 Cowon Plenue D £200 Best portable music player under £250, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The Plenue D is a player worth its salt. It can handle a range of files, has an open and insightful sound and is easy to use. Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 94g Storage 32GB £400 to £700 Astell & Kern AK70 MkII £600 Best portable music player £250-£750, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The MkII is a worthwhile sonic improvement over the original, setting the bar for transparency at this price. It’s not far off portable perfection. Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 150g Storage 64GB £700 and above Astell & Kern Kann £900 Best portable music player £750+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The Kann is expensive but, despite the chunky aesthetics, the sound quality…

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 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 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 Offline playback Yes Technics Tracks Variable January 2016 ★★★★★ Offering a (very) similar…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £50 Chord Company C-Line £35 Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 Chord Clearway Analogue RCA £90 Best analogue interconnect £50+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ If you’re spending cash on hi-fi components and you want cabling that doesn’t inhibit performance, the Clearway may be the ideal pick. Balanced/Single Single…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBMainsProducts 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands Speaker stands 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 Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 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…

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 conduct all our tests 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; Oppo UDP-203; Panasonic DMP-UB900; Yamaha RX-A3060; Epson EH-TW7200; PMC Twenty23 5.1; KEF R50; Sky Q…

“Alexa integration proves to be this Fire TV 4K’s biggest and most useful selling point” View offers Amazon Fire TV 4K (2017) | Streaming stick | £70 | whf.cm/AmazonFireTV4K FOR Alexa; good 4K and HDR library; seamless operation AGAINST No access to Atmos content; no Dolby Vision ★★★★ Having several video streamers fighting for your TV’s HDMI ports is hardly novel; they have been battling it out for almost a decade. But what is new is their recent support for 4K and HDR technologies. The new Apple TV 4K (£170), Roku’s Streaming Stick+ (£80) and Google’s Chromecast Ultra (£70) all combine support for both, and so does Amazon’s latest Fire TV 4K. While its predecessor supported 4K video at 30 frames-per-second, the new model takes that to 60fps, and adds…

FOR Solid sound; expandable Sonos range; Alexa integration AGAINST Lacks full Alexa control; still no hi-res audio ★★★★★ The world will soon be awash with smart speakers from the likes of Apple, Google and Amazon – companies that are smart, but not experts in audio first and foremost. That’s why the trend for audio firms licensing smart technology is far more interesting, and it’s also why we’re excited that Sonos has launched its own smart speaker, the One. The Sonos One is essentially a Play:1 with Amazon Alexa built-in, and that’s a winning combination in our book. Bowie in your lounge In shape and size, the One is practically identical to the Play:1. Things have changed on the top, where the three buttons have been replaced with a touch-sensitive panel…

Beyerdynamic Byron Knocking the Soundmagic E10Cs off top spot and claiming a 2017 Best Buy Award in the process, these budget Beyerdynamic buds offer an authoritative, revealing sound. For under £50, these new standard-setters are great value. Google Chromecast Who wouldn’t want to stream movies and shows from Netflix, Now TV and UK catch-up services to their television from a smartphone screen? Enter the reliable, easy-to-use and still formidable Google Chromecast dongle. Fiio M3 Clog up your smartphone with tunes, or part with hundreds of pounds for a portable music player – it’s a conundrum, isn’t it? If it applies to anyone you know, simply pop this tiny, talented and affordable hi-res-supporting music player in their stocking. AudioQuest Jitterbug Think of the Jitterbug as a kind of USB port purifier,…

“These are some of the most impressive high-end speakers we’ve heard in recent years” Q Acoustics Concept 500 | Stereo speakers | £4000 FOR Insight; dynamics; unfussy nature; great bass; refinement AGAINST Nothing of substance ★★★★★ The Q Acoustics brand has been a major success story. The company is barely a decade old, but in that time it has delivered a series of class-leading affordable products that have garnered plenty of What Hi-Fi? Awards. It seems that is no longer sufficient, however, as the brand is targeting an expansion into the high-end market. The Concept 500 floorstanders are its initial weapon of choice. This isn’t the first time the company has ventured to premium price levels – it introduced the £1000 Concept 40 floorstanders a few years ago – but…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBCDPlayers 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 UK Edition £450 Best CD player under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The new king of the midrange market. The CD6006UK shows plenty of skill with detail, dynamics and clarity. A great player for the money. Type CD player Outputs Coaxial, optical, RCA, headphone, USB 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBInternetRadios View offers http://whf.cm/BBDABRadios Up to £200 Pure Evoke H2 £100 Best radio under £100, Awards 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 2017 ★★★★★ This Roberts delivers deep bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange. Spotify Connect, wi-fi and USB playback are the headliners.…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBTurntables Up to £300 Audio Technica AT-LP3 £200 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A fully automatic turntable that doesn’t scrimp on performance, this is the ideal entry-level deck for those looking to dip their ‘vinyl toes’ in. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 44 x 35cm Pro-Ject Essential III £240 October 2017 ★★★★★ Another excellent turntable from Pro-Ject. The Essential III is easy to set up and offers a detailed and musical performance. Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm Rega Planar 1 £250 Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps 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 £500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2400H £500 September 2017 ★★★★★ Not a giant leap forward, but the AVR-X2400H does offer an insightful, exciting sound and an exhaustive list of features. Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/2 Sony STR-DN1080 £525 Best home cinema amplifier under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Sony’s latest AV amp is a return to form, with cutting-edge features (inc. Dolby Atmos) and a compelling sound. It ticks all the right boxes. Power 7 x 100W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSoundbars Up to £500 Q Acoustics Media 4 £330 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 Yamaha YAS-207 £350 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The latest in a series of fine Yamaha soundbars, this is a compelling, class-leading performer in a practical, easy-to-use package. Size (hwd) 6 x 93 x 11cm Inputs Opt, HDMI, 3.5mm, B’tooth Sub Yes £500 to £1000 Dali Kubik One £800 Best soundbar £500-£1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A gorgeous and complete package, Dali’s debut soundbar impresses with its hugely engaging sound and smart, well-equipped exterior. Size (hwd) 15…

Viewing distance If you have a TV, there is a guide to how far from it you can sit to get the best possible experience (see p106). For projectors, you’ll have to work out how big the image is by calculating the throw distance. Control your lighting Projectors work best in a darkened room and if you’re after the best results, blackout blinds make a big difference. If you have the luxury of a dedicated home cinema room, consider omitting windows altogether, painting the ceiling black and finishing the walls in matt, muted hues. Plug ‘n’ play If you’ve run out of suitable sockets, you can use HDMI switching boxes, although modern, big-size TVs tend to have at least four HDMI connections, which we reckon is sufficient. Calibrate your screen…

Skullcandy Smokin’ Buds 2 Wireless They’re not the last word in audio quality, but these are the most affordable wireless earphones we can recommend, with a solid, enjoyable sound and good comfort at an attractive price. Beyerdynamic Byron BT An ambitious pair of in-ears that have better-controlled bass and increased definition than the standard Byrons – but they demand more from your ears and the treble skirts close to harshness. Bose SoundSport Wireless The Soundsports are a comfortable, great-sounding and easy-to-use pair of in-ears that don’t cost more than their high-quality rivals. They’re a great option for those leading an active lifestyle. Bose QuietControl 30 These headphones hit all their targets: great sound quality, impressive noise-cancellation that mutes the outside world in a very effective manner and good comfort. A…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBMobilePhones 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 Apple iPhone 8 Plus Best smartphone, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ It borrows several ideas from last year’s 7 Plus, but a few small upgrades make a big difference and Apple’s latest now leads the pack. OS iOS Size (hwd) 159 x 78 x 8mm Storage 64GB HTC U11 August 2017 ★★★★★ HTC’s latest is not the most innovative of efforts, but decent sound and terrific video mean it’s up there with the best 2017 has to offer. OS Android 7.1 Size (hwd) 154 x…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBTablets Under 8in Amazon Fire 7 (2017) £50 Best tablet under £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★ A cheap and cheerful tablet that’s good for the money and has a lot of the functionality you’d find in more expensive efforts. OS Android Size (hwd) 114 x 190 x 10mm Storage 8GB Over 8in Apple iPad (2017) from £340 Best tablet over £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ The latest iPad receives a muted update, but it still continues to give you that elegant and intuitive experience we expect from Apple. OS iOS Size (hwd) 240 x 170 x 8mm Storage 32/128GB Apple iPad Pro 10.5in £1020 September 2017 ★★★★★ The 10.5in Pro cements Apple’s position in the premium-tablet market, with faster performance, slicker design and fantastic image quality. OS iOS Size…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHiFiRacks 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 £600 Best equipment rack, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps 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 Rega Fono MM MK3 £200 Best phono stage under £250, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Rega has managed to take a near-perfect product and squeeze more improvements from it. It’s a class-leading performer. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 18 x 14cm £200 to £1000 Rega rPhono £380 Best phono stage £250+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ A hugely accomplisjed box from Arcam. It sounds great and has a combination of insight and entertainment that few rivals can match. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 4…

H AL, the computer in Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey, served as an early warning against the perils of handing over complete control to a cyber sidekick. But the idea of having a computer take over some of life’s more mundane matters is undeniably compelling. Mankind might not quite have met Kubrick’s deadline of the turn of the century, but smart technology is now becoming commonplace – and, of course, proving pleasingly useful. Enter the smart speakers you see on these pages. At a basic level, these are speakers with voice control – so they will play songs or playlists on demand. But they can do more than that. Connected to the internet, and powered by all-knowing software such as Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Assistant and, soon, Apple’s Siri,…

FOR Splashproof design; multi-room functionality AGAINST Tiring sound; hit and miss gesture controls ★★★ If you aren’t already barking commands at a smart speaker, it surely won’t be long until you are. What was once a niche prospect has become mainstream, with manufacturers rushing to add smart stuff to their speakers in time for Christmas (except Apple – see p38). Sony is the latest, with its LF-S50G smart speaker, complete with built-in Google Assistant. At £200, it is promising high-quality sound, looking squarely at the Sonos One as its main competition. No pressure there then… In fine voice Standing taller than it is wide, with a cylindrical design and fabric grille, the LF-S50G isn’t exactly revolutionary. But it is lovely, with softly curved edges at the top and bottom, a…

“Vocals are fully fleshed out and packed with character. The Cambridge is not fussy with file type either, sounding fluid and dynamic with hi-res and Spotify streams alike” Letting the Cambridge CXN and Chord Mojo DAC/Poly streaming module combo go head-to-head might initially seem as fair as putting a flyweight and heavyweight in a boxing ring together. After all, one is a full-sized streamer with a display, remote and plethora of connections, while the other is portable and about the size of a small hipflask. But physical form aside, the Cambridge and Chords have a lot in common, including their purpose to introduce streaming to your lives. While the Cambridge is a traditional streamer, the leftfield Chord pairing warrants more explanation. The Poly streaming module (£500) is designed to work…

Rega Planar 3/ Elys 2 Our 2017 Product of the Year isn’t cheap, but anyone familiar with Rega’s detailed, dynamic and musical turntables will tell you it’s worth every penny. For a vinyl lover, surely a turntable upgrade is the ultimate gift. Rega Fono MM MK3 The Rega Fono MM just gets better with every generation. A great all-rounder, the MK3 phono stage makes an ideal gift, delivering sonic excitement, solid bass and impressive scale to any budget turntable set-up. Sony PS-HX500 If it’s a USB turntable you seek, you won’t find better than Sony’s PS-HX500. Not only will it digitise your record collection, it does so in hi-res. Something old, something new, and both delivered expertly. What more could you want from a Christmas gift? B&W PX One of…

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, Microsoft’s Xbox One X games console flexes its muscles, Sonos’s One wireless speaker now has the smarts to match its great sound and Sony’s UBP-X1000ES premium 4K player produces an outstanding performance.…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBDACs Up to £200 Arcam miniBlink £100 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 Red £170 Best USB DAC £150+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 Cyrus soundKey £100 Best USB DAC under £150, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ An affordable, compact DAC that turns mobile listening into an authentic high-fidelity experience. iOS users may find connectivity a little inelegant. Inputs micro-USB Size 2 x 5 x 1mm Resolution…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers Desktop speakers KEF Egg £350 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 Mk2 £330 Best desktop speaker, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Gorgeous retro design and superb sound make the Mk2s an update that manages to be even more appealing than its predecessor. Size (hwd) 17 x 13 x 14cm Powered Yes Finishes 1 Floorstanders up to £1000 Dali Zensor 5 AX £800 April 2017 ★★★★★ An excellent, convenient ‘simply-add-source’ pair of speakers. You’ll need to be careful with partnering to get the best from them though. Size (hwd) 83 x 16 x 28cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBWirelessSpeakers 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 Roll 2 £60 Best portable wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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) 4 x 14cm Battery Yes, up to 9 hrs playback Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 £90 June 2017 ★★★★★ If you want a travelling companion you can rely on, this portable, rugged and durable speaker is a great-sounding option.…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBProjectors Up to £1000 Epson EH-TW5350 £500 Best projector under £1000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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 £2000 Best projector £1000-£2000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSoundbases Up to £500 Canton DM55 £330 Awards 2016 ★★★★★ Replacing the DM50, the 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 Q Acoustics M2 £300 Best soundbase, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Q Acoustics can now ‘soundbase’ to its list of successes; the M2 is an expressive, easy-to-use and fuss-free way of boosting your TV sound. Size (hwd) 9 x 55 x 34cm Inputs Opt, HDMI, 3.5mm, RCA, B’tooth…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBVideoStreamers Up to £50 Amazon Fire TV stick w/Alexa £40 June 2017 ★★★★★ The core design remains similar while the low price and addition of Alexa make the Fire TV stick a cheap way of getting smart apps on your TV. Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB Ultra HD No 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…

AudioQuest JitterBug A port purifier that acts as a filter to dissipate noise and interference in your computer or laptop. Your music will sound better. http://whf.cm/1Vu5kZU Ultimate Ears Roll 2 A wireless speaker with a colourful, unpretentious design and a clear, detailed sound. Genuinely great value for money. http://whf.cm/2A20dum Cyrus soundKey Want better sound quality from your smartphone? This overrides the onboard DAC, unlocking the full potential of your music. http://whf.cm/2hxvW12 Spin Clean Record washer MkII This cleaning device gives your vinyl a new lease of life, in theory making it sound better than ever. http://whf.cm/2hPvMme Read more at...www.whathifi.com/features…

MQA stands for Master Quality Authenticated. But what exactly is it? MQA is a method of digitally storing recorded music as a file that’s small and convenient enough to download or stream but doesn’t make the sonic sacrifices traditionally associated with compressed files. A smaller pipeline MQA claims its tracks use a similar bandwidth to that required for CD-quality streams. This means that songs in hi-res can be delivered exactly how they were recorded without requiring huge amounts of bandwidth. MQA files can be packaged inside any lossless container such as FLAC, WAV or Apple Lossless but you will need compatible hardware or software to decode the files. How to listen to MQA music The list of hardware that supports MQA is significant and growing. Onkyo’s DP-X1 and DP-S1, Pioneer’s…

iFi Ear Buddy The goal of this very inexpensive plug-in dongle is to compensate for the loss of audio quality that occurs at low volume, which should ensure a better sound. Amazon Fire 7 A reliable budget tablet that’s good for beginners or children. The performance is smooth, battery life is good and it throws in Alexa integration for good measure. Spotify One of the world’s most popular streaming services. Gifting a three-month premium card offers unlocked, ad-free access to the service’s vast library. Beyerdynamic Byron A 2017 Best Buy Award-winner, these budget buds offer an authoritative, revealing sound, setting the standard for in-ear ’phones under the £50 mark. Read more at...www.whathifi.com/features…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps Up to £5000 Audio Technica AT-HA5050H £4500 July 2016 ★★★★★ A headphone amp with a design harking 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…

View offers http://whf.cm/BBSpeakerCables 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 Company Clearway £10/m Best speaker cable, Awards 2017 ★★★★★ Not the flashiest cable, its strength is aiding dynamics and musicality, as well as knitting instruments together for an enjoyable experience. Single or Bi-wire Single £10/m and above QED XT40 £10/m Awards 2014 ★★★★★ Facilitates a detailed, balanced and authoritative sound with a full-bodied presentation…