Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2020 i What Hi-Fi?

There’s little better than sharing the music we are passionate about with the ones we love; in this issue, then, we round up some of the very best wireless speakers you can buy (p29) – so now your loved ones and friends can share in your pleasure. Now that Black Friday has become a global phenomenon, and the traditional Christmas break has been lengthened into a seemingly endless “holiday season”, there is plenty of opportunity for us to spread the love for music, movies and the technology to play it on. So, in this pre-Yuletide issue of What Hi-Fi?, we also have a Christmas Gift Guide (p42) giving you plenty of ideas for the music, movie and tech lover in your life. Or, come to that, yourself. And then, when…

Though the first draft of this review was excellent, like every article we publish, it still had to go to the sub-editors: their job being to tinker and tidy up, retaining the character of the writing, while making it clearer and more exciting to read. And if these words still appear in this review, then we can be sure they’re confident that this is what they’ve done. So, we know full well the value of revisions. Yet still it was quite the surprise when first we heard those made by Naim with its second generation of the Mu-so Qb wireless speaker. The previous iteration was great, earning five stars when it was first reviewed, but this version is truly phenomenal. An enduring design Outwardly it is similar to the previous…

Stereo and surround sound are all fine and dandy, but what’s the next big thing in consumer audio? Sony would like you to believe its 360 Reality Audio format is top of the list. Sony is working with a number of major record labels (including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group), streaming services and other music organisations to create a next-gen audio format that places the listener in the middle of a 360-degree music listening experience. But what exactly is Sony 360 Reality Audio, how does it work and which products support it? So, what is Sony 360 Reality Audio? Sony 360 Reality Audio is a new audio format that uses Sony’s object-based spatial audio technology to deliver a full 360-degree audio experience. Its launch was…

RESIDENT ADVISOR If you’re on the hunt for an electronic mix, look no further than the RA Podcast. Its number counts 680 episodes and rising since Troy Pierce first took the reins in 2006. The RA Exchange, meanwhile, is a series of interviews with artists, labels and promoters discussing the electronic music landscape. SWITCHED ON POP Should you care about Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber? Can algorithms write pop songs? Why does every intro sound like it’s underwater? While you can barely move for think pieces on classic records, mainstream pop music has been somewhat neglected. Musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding remedy that with Switched On Pop, where they explore the craft of creating some of the world’s biggest pop songs. MONDAY MORNING MIXTAPE This might not be…

Audio Pro According to Leonardo da Vinci, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. That mantra also appears to have been adopted by Audio Pro. Its range of wireless speakers has earned the Swedish manufacturer multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards in recent years, most recently the title of Best budget multi-room system 2019 as well as individual awards for the Addon C3 and C10 speakers in the wireless speakers category. Part of the key to that success is that you can easily incorporate more Addon speakers into your system. The core strength though, is sound quality. We can all remember parties where the music reached your ears in the form of a badly balanced blur of rasping noise; a clutch of Audio Pro speakers will save you from such a fate, producing instead…

NTS We hate to shift blame, but if you can’t find a show for you on NTS, you really haven’t looked hard enough. Founded in 2011, NTS broadcasts from cities around the globe – though the main studio is based in Hackney – playing all from disco to classical, techno to experimental and field recordings. Every morning in the What Hi-Fi? office begins with Charlie Bones’s Do!! You!!! Breakfast Show. DUBLAB Eclecticism is not purely the preserve of East London, of course, as proven by Los Angeles-based station Dublab. Funded by member donations, its five-day-a week broadcasts allow DJs to play freely the music they’re passionate about, with special focus on supporting emerging creative artists, especially those testing the boundaries in more obscure genres. FIP French readers will likely know…

First, set your budget – this should take longer than a momentary glance at your bank balance. You can begin by using the primary component in your system to guide you – the music. If you’re streaming lossy but compact files such as MP3s, for example, there’s no point in chucking heaps of cash at a pair of headphones that will be at best underworked, and at worst shine a light on the deficiencies in your source. Likewise, don’t expect a pair of entrylevel cans to contour the talents of your extensive home system and hi-res files. REVERTING TO TYPE Headphones come in three main types: in-ear, on-ear and over-ear. The choice comes down largely to preference – there are plenty of over-ears light enough to wear on your morning…

The Solo Pros are "transformative”, says Pharrell Williams as he twiddles knobs in his studio. “There’s like a switch that goes off in my mind. It’s just like, ‘Oh, that’s it. It’s ready’.” Far be it from us to argue with the 13-time Grammy Award winning producer, musician and vocalist, but we suspect he isn’t actually using these £270 wireless cans in the studio. In fairness, The Neptunes producer has only really put his name to a few matte colourways and they look rather decent too. Our sample is in Red, which, along with Light Blue and Dark Blue, is one of the three additional finishes to the Beats staples of Ivory, Black or Grey. Premium headphones There are more expensive wireless headphones around, but the Solo Pros fit well…

Sennheiser doesn’t need any ‘third time lucky’ well wishes for its third-generation Momentum Wireless noise-cancelling headphones. The flagship pairs in the now-iconic Momentum line reflect the range’s ‘momentum’ moniker perfectly. Physics may tell you that momentum relies upon mass and velocity, but here it is maintained by a consistently strong and reliable reputation for great value sound. And this new pair doesn’t slow that impetus at all. Sennheiser has decided not to overhaul the aesthetics drastically, with the Momentum Wireless’s design still revolving around oval-shaped earcups, sheepskin leather earpads and stainless steel sliders. Available in all-black or ‘sandy white’ finishes, the Momentum Wirelesses have a feature set that has matured past simply Bluetooth and active noise-cancelling. Now you don’t have to re-pair the headphones before every use, and there’s no…

View offers whf.cm/BBDACs Up to £200 Cyrus soundKey £99 Best DAC under £100, Awards 2019 An affordable, compact DAC that turns mobile listening into an authentic high-fidelity experience. iOS users may find connectivity a little inelegant. Size 2 x 5 x 1cm Resolution 24-bit/96kHz Audiolab M-DAC nano £149 Best DAC £100-£200, Awards 2019 If you’ve got a good pair of wired headphones and want to improve your sound on the move, the Audiolab M-DAC nano makes a mighty strong case. Inputs Bluetooth 4.2 Size 44 x 44 x 14mm Res 32-bit/384kHz £200 to £500 AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt £269 Best DAC £200-£300, Awards 2019 If you loved the DragonFly Red and you’re looking to make the next step up without compromising on size or form, this is something of a no-brainer…

View offers whf.cm/BBInternetRadios View offers whf.cm/BBDABRadios Up to £200 Pure Evoke H2 £89 Best radio under £100, Awards 2019 Pure’s latest radio is similar to its previous incarnation, but more refined. The H2 improves on the D2’s already sophisticated sound. Battery Optional Size (hwd) 18 x 12 x 12cm Inputs 3.5mm Roberts Stream 94i £189 Best radio over £100, Awards 2019 Sets the bar even higher than its predecessor, adding Bluetooth without compromising its sound and offering plenty of features. Battery Optional Size (hwd) 26 x 17 x 13cm Inputs 3.5mm, USB, BT, wi-fi Roberts Revival iStream 3 £200 Reviewed online, 2018 A lengthy features list – DAB/FM/internet radio, Bluetooth, Spotify, Tidal – under that vintage design makes for an appealing radio for the price. Battery Yes Size (hwd) 16…

view offers whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers Up to £500 Pro-Ject Juke Box E £369 Best turntable system, Awards 2019 An impressive all-in-one system with a level of functionality that’s difficult to replicate in individual separates for a similar price. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Inputs Line-in, BT Outputs Line-out Denon D-M41DAB £329 Best microsystem, Awards 2019 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 CD, line-in, optical x2, BT, DAB/FM Outputs Subwoofer £500 to £1000 KEF LSX £999 Best all-in-one system, Awards 2019 KEF has shrunk its excellent LS50 Wirelesses to create a wonderfully insightful and flexible pair of speakers with a neat, colourful design. Inputs 3.5mm, optical, BT, AirPlay 2, wi-fi Outputs Subwoofer £500 to £1000 Marantz PM7000N £999…

BUYER’S GUIDE BEST BUYS The only products worth considering view offers whf.cm/BBBlurayPlayers Up to £500 Sony UBP-X700 £199 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £500, Awards 2019 This 4K player delivers a stunningly natural picture for an affordable price. It’ll be tough to knock this Sony off its perch. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, CD HDMI out 2 Cambridge CXUHD £699 February 2018 One of the best 4K players available, this delivers an accurate and understated performance that’s one of the best we’ve seen and heard. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, SACD, CD HDMI in/out ½ Panasonic DP-UB820EB £290 Best 4K Blu-ray player £350-£500, Awards 2019 Delivers on multiple fronts, supporting all major HDR formats, delivering a hugely immersive and impactful picture, and all backed up by strong audio. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray,…

view offers whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs Humax FVP-5000T from £199 Best PVR, Awards 2019 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 Subscription boxes Sky Q 2TB from £199 Best subscription box, Awards 2019 Sky has overhauled its TV package with Q and made it more enticing and versatile thanks to 4K support, but it comes with a high price tag. Tuners 4 Storage 2TB Ultra HD Yes…

view offers whf.cm/BBVideoStreamers Up to £100 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K £50 Best video streamer under £100, Awards 2019 Despite some caveats, this 4K device supports all HDR formats and delivers excellent picture quality for a very affordable price. Resolution 2160p, 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB 4K Yes £100 and above Apple TV 4K £179 Best video streamer over £100, Awards 2019 It has a fantastic UI and design, a huge library of 4K HDR content, and the best picture and sound performance at any price. Siri is useful, too. Resolution 2160p, 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB 4K Yes Games consoles Sony PS4 Pro £350 February 2017 The Pro offers a solid, relatively affordable upgrade over the base PS4, but still needs work to be an all-in-one 4K streamer and player. Resolution…

BUYER’S GUIDE BEST BUYS The only products worth considering View offers whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £100 Beyerdynamic Byron £39 Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2018 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 E11C £50 Best in-ear headphones under £50, Awards 2019 The latest version of Soundmagic’s budget in-ears continues to impress with a full-bodied, energetic and informative sound. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd £69 April 2019 You’ll struggle to find a better pair of in-ear headphones costing less than £70 than these Beyerdynamics. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £70 Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2017 You wouldn’t think anything so small…

View offers whf.cm/BBMobilePhones iOS Apple iPhone 11 Best smartphone, Awards 2019 Ignore the 11 over the Pro and Pro Max, and you’re missing out on a more affordable smartphone that ticks many of the same boxes, for less cash. OS iOS Size (hwd) 151 x 76 x 8mm Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB Android Samsung Galaxy S9 Reviewed online, 2018 A polished successor to the S8 that, due to a number of carefully considered tweaks, is one of the best Android phones available. OS Android Size (hwd) 148 x 69 x 9mm Storage 64GB/microSD Samsung Galaxy S9+ May 2018 It’s more evolution than revolution, but that’s enough to make the S9+ the best big Android phone you can currently buy. OS Android Size (hwd) 160 x 74 x 9mm Storage 128GB/microSD…

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £200 Amazon Fire HD 10 £150 Best tablet under £200, Awards 2019 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 £200 and above Apple iPad (2018) from £319 Awards 2018 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 Mini (2019) £399 Best tablet over £200, Awards 2019 The looks haven’t changed, but under the skin improvements make the latest iPad Mini even better than before OS iOS Size (hwd) 204 x 135…

View offers whf.cm/BBCartridges Cartridges Goldring E3 £90 Best cartridge under £150, Awards 2019 This is a wonderfully balanced and entertaining moving magnet cartridge that will work well with a wide range of record players. Type MM Tracking weight 2.0g Ortofon Quintet Blue £349 Best cartridge over £150, Awards 2019 Given a suitably capable system we have no doubt the Ortofon Quintet Blue will impress. It’s a well-balanced design with no obvious weaknesses. Type MC Tracking weight 2.3g…

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerCables Up to £10/m Chord Company C-Screen £5/m June 2018 The C-Screen possesses the fantastic ability to mirror a system’s punch and drive. What it does, it does better than anything else at the price. Single or Bi-wire Single QED XT25 £6/m May 2018 Features the same characteristics as the more expensive XT40, displaying the kind of transparency that’s difficult for its rivals to match. Single or Bi-wire Single Atlas Equator 2.0 (2018) £7.25/m Reviewed online, 2018 A nicely built speaker cable that promotes a wonderfully clean and detailed delivery – it’s an affordable and easy way to spruce up your system. 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…

As the decade draws to a close, this year has been a last chance for artists to post entries to the ‘albums of the 2010s’ lists that will inevitably litter the internet from this moment forward. Hey, we’ll probably even write one ourselves. The eight records we’ve chosen here are not just our favourites from the past 12 months, though: above being thought-provoking sonic arrangements packed with artistic endeavour, they have that rare ability to surprise you with hidden lines and growing impetus the better the hi-fi system they’re afforded. UTILITY – BARKER In many cases, the resurgent popularity and influence of techno has brought a stiffening of the parameters that define it as a genre. Not so for Sam Barker. While scores of zeitgeist-hunting producers have made do assaulting…

There was a time not so long ago when, while testing one-box wireless speakers, we would be itching to rush back into the arms of our reference hi-fi system. The chances of us finding such a product to replace our traditional set-up are pretty slim within this lifetime or the next, but audio quality has certainly caught up with convenience to the point that there are speakers we’re loathe to turn off rather than turn on. This is especially the case when we get to the premium market, and this septet of wireless speakers costing between £500 and a grand are a marvelous example of just what a little investment can return. It features two What Hi-Fi? Award winners, for a start. The Audio Pro Drumfire handed its crown to…

With Christmas just around the corner, you've probably already started to get into the Xmas spirit – by cracking open the mince pies, wrestling the Christmas tree down from the attic and dusting off your NOW That's What I Call Christmas CD ahead of the big day. But if you're anything like us, you will no doubt have left the really important stuff until last, and still have a few remaining presents left to buy. The Christmas shopping period may have started with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but if there's anything still to tick off your list, now's the time to start getting your gifts of goodwill in order. If you're looking for a perfect present for the music or film fan in your life, you've come to the…

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A DUKLA PRAGUE AWAY KIT – HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT “There was one in the gang who had Scalextric/And because of that he thought he was better than you”. Oh, the ignominy of your friends having the toys your parents couldn’t get for you. Here, Half Man Half Biscuit remind us the true meaning of Christmas is not in the belongings you have, but in the destroying of other people’s belongings when they’re acting like a… CHRISTMAS CARD FROM A HOOKER IN MINNEAPOLIS – TOM WAITS Barroom piano, Tom Waits’ unmistakably guttural tone and a bittersweet tale of a prostitute writing to an acquaintance of pregnancy and incarceration: Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis is about as festive as they come. LONG WAY…

AVOID SPORT MODE The first point is rather counterintuitive: do not turn on the 'Sport' mode. Many new TVs have one of these modes, but we've yet to test one that's been anything other than absolutely dreadful. Switch to the 'Sport' preset, even on a sophisticated TV, and your eyes are assaulted by bright, garish colours. Dig deeper into the menus and you find the mode has pumped up 'Contrast' and 'Colour' – and set practically every dynamic setting to maximum. The resulting picture is not only deeply unrealistic, it’s exhausting to watch. A GREAT PICTURE IS A GREAT PICTURE A television that’s been calibrated to look its best with movie and TV content should also look great with all kinds of sport. After all, the goal (sorry) in all…

One day, it seems, wired headphones will be used as scene-setting devices in historical dramas, much like smoking in pubs is now. Indeed, like a technological umbilical cord, the cables are being cut from our audio devices as we’re ushered out into a brave new wireless world. Of course, a community that still values the inconvenience of reel-to-reel tape players won't be willing to dispense of wires entirely. But we can still rejoice at how far wireless technology has come: never before has the market been this packed full with such talent, in terms of both innovation and audio quality. It certainly isn’t necessarily the case that the more you spend, the more you get, but this collective of seven pairs of noise-cancelling wireless on-ear headphones is proof that there…

Before summer 2016, Sony didn’t have a premium pair of noise-cancelling headphones in its arsenal. The WH-1000Xs appeared and won one of our coveted Awards. A year later, a second-generation model brought with it tweaks that solidified Sony’s new-found noise-cancelling reputation. But even at the time of the WH-1000XM2s’ release, their successor was already in development. The WH-1000XM3s move to analogue amplification, resulting in a significantly improved audio performance over their predecessors, according to Sony. Positive changes At first glance, the design of the XM3s is similar to that of the XM2s, but the differences are almost entirely positive. Our only complaint is that the plastic headband makes the new pair look slightly less premium, but contributes to an overall weight saving of 20g. Combined with a new, thicker, softer…

The rather unwieldy name of Bose’s new headphones reflects the company’s focus on noise-cancelling technology. The Bose Noise Cancelling 700s are the latest in a line of QuietComfort noise-cancellers that have often set the benchmark in the category. Bose says this is ‘the biggest leap forward in headphones since the iconic QuietComfort’. Bold claim; but if anyone can push the boundaries of wireless noise-cancelling standards, Bose can. The 700s use a new noise-cancelling system with everything from new acoustics to new digital signal processing – all running off Bose’s own NC chip. It features an eight-microphone system – six to cancel noise, two for voice pick-up – and 11 increments (from 0-10) of noise-cancellation intensity to choose from, allowing you to transition from full isolation to full transparency. Our previous…

□ Integrated Amplifier □ £8798 □ FOR Resolution, dynamics and punch Capable of huge volumes and excellent bass grip Range of inputs Superb build AGAINST Ergonomics could be better VERDICT Krell’s entry-level amplifier is a brilliant, forward-looking performer that embraces digital sources Krell is one of the founder members of the market sector we now know as the high-end. Back in the ’80s, alongside Mark Levinson and a handful of others, it raised performance standards (along with price tags) to deliver some of the finest hi-fi ever made. The brand’s products have remained highly respected over the years, though the business side of things has fluctuated, particularly in recent times. But a change of ownership and a renewed focus on core values has rejuvenated the product range. The new K-300i…

BUYER’S GUIDE BEST BUYS The only products worth considering View offers whf.cm/BBStereoAmps Stereo amps up to £500 Onkyo A-9010 £229 Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2017 Our favourite budget amplifier, this is arguably the most entertaining affordable amp around. It is agile and has a wicked sense of rhythm. Power 44W Inputs Line-in x5, MM Outputs Headphone Marantz PM6006 UK Edition £369 Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2019 An already class-leading amplifier gets a few small, but telling, improvements that make it an even more compelling proposition. Power 45W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, coaxial, optical x2 Outputs Headphone NAD D 3020 V2 £399 September 2018 A very likeable effort that features a full-bodied sonic performance with fine timing and dynamics and lots of useful features. Power 30W Inputs…

view offers whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers Standmounts up to £200 Dali Spektor 1 £159 March 2018 A small speaker that inherits all the Spektor 2’s good traits, pumping out an energetic and entertaining sound for an affordable price. Size (hwd) 24 x 14 x 20cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2 Dali Spektor 2 £199 Best standmount speaker under £200, Awards 2019 The 2s combine Dali’s traditional strengths with a generous dose of entertainment that even Mission and Q Acoustics struggle to match. Size (hwd) 17 x 28 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2 Q Acoustics 3010i £199 July 2018 The revamped bookshelf speaker has gained sonic maturity – greater detail, more energy, and good balance even if they’re not the biggest-sounding pair. Size (hwd) 25 x 15 x 25cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4 Elac…

view offers whf.cm/BBTurntables £150 to £300 Pro-Ject Primary E £159 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2019 Pro-Ject has revised a budget deck to nail the under £150 market – and has succeeded on every front. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm £150 to £300 Audio Technica AT-LP3 £199 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 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 44 x 35cm Sony PS-LX310BT £200 August 2019 A no-nonsense, fully automatic turntable with built-in phono stage and Bluetooth, offering a surprisingly musical sound. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 43 x 37cm Rega Planar 1 £249 Best turntable £200-£500,…

view offers whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps Up to £500 Sony STR-DN1080 £429 Best home cinema amplifier under £500, Awards 2019 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 6/2 £500 to £1000 Denon AVR-X2600H £599 October 2019 Denon has done it again. If you have the budget and desire for a serious home cinema, this receiver demands your attention. Power 7 x 150W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/2 Denon AVR-X3600H £999 Best home cinema amplifier £500-£1500, Awards 2019 Denon has nudged its 3000 series home cinema amplifiers much closer to the next level with this stunningly powerful performer. Power 7 x 180W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI…

view offers whf.cm/BBSoundbars Up to £500 Yamaha YAS-207 £249 Best soundbar under £300, Awards 2019 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, BT Sub Yes Sonos Beam £399 Best soundbar £300-£500, Awards 2019 A compact soundbar that pumps out an exceptional sound for its size and price. It could potentially transform your listening experience. Size (hwd) 7 x 65 x 10cm Inputs Optical, HDMI ARC, AirPlay Sub No Sonos Playbar £699 August 2017 It’s not perfect, but it still has the sonic heft and all-round quality to edge out its Sonos Playbase stablemate. Size 9 x 90 x 14cm Inputs Optical, ethernet Sub No £500 to…

View offers whf.cm/BBTelevisions Up to 43in Samsung UE43RU7470 £399 Best 40-43in TV, Awards 2019 For a size of TV that is all too often overlooked, we’re delighted to see that Samsung has served up a stunning 4K TV for the average household. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 3840 x 2160 Tuner Freesat HD, TV Plus 40in to 50in Samsung UE49RU8000 £749 Best 49-50in TV under £800, Awards 2019 This is a brilliant buy, offering most of what makes the Q70R great at a reduced price. It’s a great all-rounder with exciting HDR performance. Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution 4K Tuner Freeview HD/YouView Sony KD-49XG9005 £999 Best 49-50in TV over £800, Awards 2019 This is a lovely TV to watch, it sounds good by prevailing standards, and its app selection leaves…

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £300 Sony NW-A45 £180 Best portable music player under £200, Awards 2019 Sony has designed, marketed and prices the NW-A45 to act as a companion to your smart phone, handling your desire for hi-res music. It does this well. Hi-res 24-bit/192kHz, DSD Weight 98g Storage 16GB Cowon Plenue D2 £259 Best portable music player £200-£500, Awards 2019 The PD2 manages to justify the premium over its predecessor. We haven’t heard a better-sounding budget portable music player. Hi-res 24-bit/192kHz, DSD 128 Storage 64GB £300 to £700 Astell & Kern A&norma SR15 £549 Best portable music player £500-£1000, Awards 2018 Our favourite music player combines fine build, ease of use and class-leading sound better than any rival we’ve tested. Hi-res 32-bit/384kHz, DSD128 Weight 154g Storage 64GB £700 and above Astell…

BUYER’S GUIDE BEST BUYS The only products worth considering View offers whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £50 Chord Company C-Line £40/m Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2019 Few entry-level interconnects at the price come close to offering the sonic enjoyment that Chord has produced with this cable. Balanced/Single-ended Single QED Performance Audio 40 £40/m Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2017 Few rival interconnects are as good as this QED when it comes to detail resolution and precision. It’s nicely made too. Balanced/Single-ended Single £50 and above Chord Clearway Analogue RCA £90/m Best analogue interconnect £50+, Awards 2019 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-ended Single…

View offers whf.cm/BBMainsProducts Mains products Tacima CS947 £35 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 Mains products Olson Sound Fantastic HF6 £180 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 Russ Andrews X6 £381 September 2015 No matter what the source material, the X6 helps unearth a revealing well-integrated listen, allowing your kit to be as explicit as it can be. Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6…

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands Speaker stands Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2019 A speaker stand that impresses with how weighty and dynamic it allows systems to sound. Considering the price, it’s something of a steal. Height 60cm Fillable Yes Finishes 4 (pole), 3 (base panel) 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. Height 66.5cm Fillable No Finishes 2…

Smart speaker | £90 | View offers whf.cm/Echo3rd We don’t wish to come across as ungrateful, but even though this third generation of the Amazon Echo is far superior to its predecessors, we still leave our testing facilities somewhat disappointed. This is a four-star speaker, and usually that would leave a relatively broad smile across our faces, but Amazon had promised a lot more through its product literature and, as a result, we had expected better things. Spot the difference Placed next to a similarly fabric finished Echo Plus – Amazon has added an option of Twilight Blue to the existing Charcoal, Heather Grey and Sandstone – there is little way of distinguishing between the two. As Amazon says, the two are identical in terms of design, dimensions and driver…

Usually you can spot an Audio Pro multi-room speaker a mile off. It’s something to do with the big koala face, the leather-esque handle and the compact dimensions. Most of the company’s range fits these qualities – but the Drumfire is one of the few that doesn’t. From a distance, this multi-room speaker and subwoofer combo looks more like a stylish minibar than an audio product. But get it playing and we’re reminded that this is an Audio Pro product. The Drumfire is scorchingly good. Nice build, nice finish This speaker – or, rather, pair of speakers – is nicely put together. It’s coated in faux-leather with handstitched threads, while the detailing is aluminium that shines against the muted fabric. It’s available in either grey or a creamy white, so…

Apple iPad Mini It was always good, but the Mini is now better than ever thanks to a few under-the-skin changes, including improvements to both its sound and picture. Quite apart from the obvious advantages of the iPad's portability and means of easily streaming music to a kitchen-based wireless speaker, this tablet’s form makes it the perfect portable cinema. At 7.9in, the screen is significantly more cinematic and immersive than that of even the biggest iPhone, the XS Max, which measures 6.5in – perfect for catching up on your favourite boxset while doing the washing-up. This is also a fabulously constructed, premium-feeling device that blends lightness with reassuring heft, which is just the kind of thing you need in the workman-like environment of the kitchen, whether you're following a recipe…

BLADE RUNNER VANGELIS (1982) Few scores are so entwined with their film as Vangelis’s synth-heavy, reverb-soaked accompaniment for Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Largely improvised and recorded in real time while the composer was watching the film, the music’s warmth is somewhat at odds with the narrative’s noir, yet takes in its sweeping landscapes and darkly romantic ambiance with every sustained note. THERE WILL BE BLOOD JONNY GREENWOOD (2007) Take in Jonny Greenwood’s dissonant string compositions alone, and you’d be forgiven for thinking There Will Be Blood was a horror film. His score casts a heavy shadow across the open plains of California, injecting the kind of dread that allows Paul Thomas Anderson to explore this tale of a man possessed by wealth with greater subtlety. ASCENSEUR POUR LÉCHAFAUD MILES DAVIS…

Compromise is key to every product we test, bar perhaps those at the very top end – and that balancing act becomes only more precarious the more features are added. But over time, those compromises for new technologies become fewer, and we now find ourselves at the point where, for premium wireless headphones, the choice between convenience and sound quality is no longer a binary one. This is confirmed by products such as the AKG N700NC M2, which justify their rather lofty price tag in terms of design, build and comfort but also sound quality too. Unfortunately for AKG, there is a lot of tough competition jostling for position in this area of the market, but that shouldn’t take away from the fact that this is a capable pair of…

The Dali iO-6 wireless noise-cancelling headphones mark the Danish brand’s first foray into headphone design and manufacture. Better known for its Award-winning Oberon and Spektor speakers – and, more recently, the five-star Katch One soundbar – Dali is late to the table when it comes to portable headgear. But Dali has approached its first pair of headphones with a loudspeaker mindset. The 50mm drivers are custom-made and fitted with paper/fibre cones. The over-ear enclosures are braced and stiff like speaker cabinets, with rubber dampeners inside to eliminate vibrations. But don’t let this fool you into thinking they’ll be heavy and uncomfortable. The earcups rotate a full 90 degrees both ways, which means they’re comfortable on your ears and around your neck, and they fold flat for storage, too. The iO…

If you thought the premium noise-cancelling headphones market couldn’t get any more intense, yet another contender has arrived in the shape of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7s. Two years after its first effort, the five-star PXs, B&W has launched its latest pair of flagship noise-cancellers, hoping that the combination of its proprietary driver technology and Qualcomm’s new aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec will see the PX7s repeat the success of their predecessors. The PXs were among the first headphones to support Qualcomm’s aptX HD Bluetooth – a high-quality codec that enables the wireless transmission of 24-bit hi-res audio – but the PX7s and their siblings, the PX5 on-ears (£270) and PI3 (£170) and PI4 (£270) sporty earbuds, are the first aptX Adaptive headphones to hit the market. Announced at IFA last…

□ Stereo speakers □ £8900 (Freedom cable £600) □ FOR Clarity, resolution and rhythmic precision Strong dynamics and punchy bass Excellent build and finish AGAINST They demand top-class partners to shine VERDICT Though perhaps not an obvious choice at this level, the R3s are good enough to stand with the very best “Audiovector has done a superb job, with ingredients that turn the R3 recipe into one that can take on the best” The sales of hi-fi equipment have long been driven by people’s desire to upgrade. Normally this means a change of component, but it doesn’t have to. Electronics brands such as Naim and Cyrus have had considerable success in offering upgrades, such as outboard power supplies, to make their existing components sound even better, so negating the need…

View offers whf.cm/BBCDPlayers Up to £1000 Cambridge CXC £299 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 £349 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2019 The king of the budget market. The CD6006UK shows plenty of skill with detail, dynamics and clarity. A great player for the money. Type CD player Outputs Line-out, coaxial, optical, headphone, USB Cyrus CD t £895 Awards 2015 An exceptionally talented transport, the CD t offers a level of insight, transparency and clarity you’d struggle to find elsewhere at this price. Type CD transport Outputs Coaxial, optical £1000 to £2000 Naim CD5si £1149 October 2014 The CD5si…

View offers whf.cm/BBMusicStreamers Up to £100 Google Chromecast Audio £30 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. Inputs Line-in, 3.5mm, optical £100 to £500 Arcam rPlay £399 Best music streamer £100-£500, Awards 2017 Another in a long line of useful and affordable add-ons from Arcam, the rPlay introduces myriad streaming solutions to a hi-fi system. Outputs Line-in x2, coaxial Audiolab 6000N Play £449 Best music streamer under £500, Awards 2019 A great, affordable way to implement streaming into your system without compromising sonic quality. The best budget solution we’ve seen… Outputs Line-in, coaxial, optical, subwoofer Bluesound Node 2i £499 Best music streamer under £500, Awards 2018 Even…

It’s no good spending hundreds of pounds on your new speakers if you then don’t allow them to perform properly. Take care with positioning to get them to sing. Read more at… www.whathifi.com/features Wall or in the open? Where’s the best place to position a speaker? Some speakers might sound better against a wall, while others prefer to be out in the open. Whatever your specific requirements, your speaker choice should primarily take into account how much space you have to house them. Use a stand Speaker stands keep the speaker cabinet rigid. This allows for more of the drivers’movement to be translated into sound and not wasted through vibrations. If your stands are on a carpet, make sure you have spikes to ensure stability. Tweeter height The higher-frequency sounds…

view offers whf.cm/BBWirelessSpeakers Up to £100 Ultimate Ears Roll 2 £60 Best wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2018 The Roll 2 has a sound that’s more open, more dynamic and goes louder than that of its predecessor. The drop in price makes this a bargain. Size (hw) 4 x 14cm Battery 9 hours £100 to £200 Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 £90 Best portable wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2019 If you want a travelling companion you can rely on, this portable, rugged and durable speaker is a great-sounding option. Size (hw) 10.5 x 9.5cm Battery 13 hours Audio Pro Addon T3 £149 Best portable wireless speaker £100-£250, Awards 2017 This classy boombox from Audio Pro ignores gimmicks and focuses on delivering the best sound possible for an extremely tempting price.…

view offers whf.cm/BBProjectors Up to £2000 Optoma UHD40 £1199 Best projector under £1500, Awards 2019 A ‘4K’ projector that brings top-tier technology to a budget price point, this device boasts punchy colours and insightful detail. Throw ratio 1.21:1-1.59:1 Inputs HDMI x2, VGA, 3.5mm Speakers Yes LG CineBeam HU80KSW £1967 December 2019 An all-in-one, do-it-all 4K portable projector that does its thing with aplomb. You can have the CineBeam up and running in a matter of minutes. Throw ratio 1.3:1 Inputs HDMI x2 Speakers Yes £2000 to £10,000 Optoma UHD65 £2999 Best projector £1500+, Awards 2018 It may not have the bells and whistles of a high-end 4K projector, but it puts in a sophisticated performance, is future-proof and well priced. Throw ratio 1.39-2.22:1 Inputs HDMI x2, PC x2, Phono Speakers…

view offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerPackages Up to £1000 Wharfedale DX-2 £399 Best speaker package under £500, Awards 2019 Wharfedale delivers movie magic on a small scale with this enjoyable, well integrated package that’s perfect for smaller rooms and budgets. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 12 x 31 x 12cm Finishes 2 Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Cinema Pack £895 Best speaker package £500-£1000, Awards 2019 The subwoofer needs a bit more kick, but this fantastic sub-£1000 5.1 package delivers a clear, well-balanced and expressive performance. Size (hwd) Centre speaker 15 x 43 x 22 cm Finishes 4 £1000 to £3000 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…

Read more at… www.whathifi.com/advice What’s the difference between the various on-ear headphones? Our jargon buster explains the various types, and why you might want to choose one particular model over another 1. First, the most popular headphone design: the over-the-ear model, also called circumaural. These cup your ears completely, usually with semi-air-tight earcups that help minimise both sound leakage from your headphones into the outside world and the intrusive effects of ambient noise. 2. Supra-aural or on-ear designs tend to be smaller and lighter than circumaural models and, as the name suggests, they sit on your ears rather than over them. Some listeners find them lighter and easier to wear for extended listening, but they do tend to allow in more sound from outside. 3. Available in both circumaural and…

Music apps Spotify from free December 2016 Its accessibility, ease of use, huge catalogue and more mature music discovery are reasons why Spotify remains at the top of the pile. Sound quality Up to 320kbps Ogg Vorbis Offline playback Yes Tidal from £10/month Best music streaming service, Awards 2019 One of the few streaming services to offer lossless audio, Tidal’s exclusive content and curated playlists make it stand out. Sound quality Up to 1411kbps lossless Offline playback Yes Video apps 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 Amazon Prime Instant Video from £5.99/month Best video streaming service, Awards 2017 Cheaper than…

View offers whf.cm/BBAVHifiRacks Up to £500 Atacama Apollo Storm 6 £390 February 2018 Another class-leading support from Atacama that’s cheaper than its Award-winning sibling. It lets your kit perform at its best. Width 590mm Modular Yes Cable management No Hi-Fi Racks Omnium8 £478 Reviewed online, 2018 Hi-Fi Racks has made the Ominium8 about as flexible as possible. You can specify everything from finish to shelf spacing and upright shape. Width 57cm Modular Yes Cable management Yes £500 and above Atacama Elite Eco 12.0 £598 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 2019 The SE…

View offers whf.cm/BBPhonoAmps Up to £200 Edwards Audio Apprentice MM £90 Awards 2017 A fine entry-level phono stage that will deliver a crisp and exciting sound from any good price-compatible moving magnet cartridge. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 16 x 11cm Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator £180 July 2018 A gem of a phono amplifier that has stood the test of time. It offers class-leading levels of detail, brilliant timing and a sweet sound. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 12 x 19cm Rega Fono MM MK3 £199 Best phono stage under £250, Awards 2019 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 Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS £199 April 2018…