Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2022 i What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SHORT THROW, BIG SCREEN

The end of the school holidays are in sight (sorry to be a harbinger of doom, but time is moving on…), and with it the change in season. It’s at times like this that our minds turn, not only to our annual Awards – for which we are deeply embroiled in testing as I write – but also to getting prepared for the shortening days and the inevitably poorer weather to come. In short, we have turned our attention to settling in at home with our loved ones for movie and sports nights. To get the biggest picture at home, there is still nothing to better a projector; and for those of us with less space to play with a short-throw projector (p50) is now an option that is within…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

View offers Product | £379 | whf.cm/Px7S2 It’s never ideal to be upstaged by a younger, more expensive model at your own party. But when Bowers & Wilkins first announced the latest generation of its high-end noise-cancelling wireless headphones, the Px7 S2, curiously it also chose to reveal that an even better “no-holds-barred” Px8 pair would be released later this year, rather undermining the premium cachet of its former flagship. We might then have expected the Px7 S2 to be merely an iterative cosmetic update with little to impress us sonically. But, as it turns out, they put in an accomplished and precise hi-fi performance with significant upgrades from 2020’s Px7, offering an analytical, if not the most entertaining, alternative to the current class leaders. Priced at £379, the Px7…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Sony SRS-NS7

View offers Neckband speaker | £269 | whf.cm/SRS-NS7 If you have ever found yourself wishing you could listen to audio in a highly localised personal sound-field that follows you around without the unwanted isolation and pressure on your temples of headphones, then perhaps you have considered a neckband speaker. Perhaps you have then cringed at the thought of, a) being that person who forces other people to listen to their music/phone conversations and, b) looking slightly silly. Draping a horseshoe-shaped speaker across your shoulders and going about your business in public will certainly raise a few eyebrows; but there are plenty of domestic scenarios where the SRS-NS7 works well as a practical and portable audio device. It is specifically designed with home cinema in mind, though, and despite its 3D…

4 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

JVC DLA-NP5

View offers Product | £7499 | whf.cm/DLA-NP5 The DLA-NP5 is JVC’s most affordable D-ILA projector for 2022 – and with the company’s cheapest laser D-ILA models setting you back well into five figures, we have a funny feeling that interest in the lamp-based NP5, with its native 4K resolution, could be seriously high. By using a lamp rather than lasers, JVC is able to sell the NP5 for £7499. This compares with £11,499 for the step-up, laser-toting DLA-NZ7. Sony’s upcoming XW5000, which will offer a native 4K resolution and laser projection for just £5999, looks set to give the NP5 some stiff competition. But if the NP5 can maintain the sort of contrast for which JVC’s D-ILA technology is legendary, it could well still feel worth the extra. No lightweight…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

TOP FIVE LAUNCHES

1 PSB Passif 50 £2499 Retro speakers are in, and PSB is here for it. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the PSB Passif II, the company is releasing a new set of speakers modelled after the classics, but with the modern performance you would expect from a set of two-and-a-half-thousand-pound speakers. With the new internal upgrades, the PSB Passif 50s should have a higher output, improved power handling and reduced distortion. whf.cm/Passif50 2 Sony Inzone H9 £269 Sony has knocked it out of the park with its WH1000-XM5 Bluetooth headphones, so what would happen if there were a gaming-focused version of those five-star headphones? Introducing the Inzone H9 wireless gaming headset. The H9 is part of Sony’s new Inzone gaming brand, which is focused on bringing Sony’s hi-fi pedigree to…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SONOS BEAM (GEN 2)

View online review whf.cm/SonosBeamGen2 £425 It’s no secret that we are ardent admirers of Sonos’s Beam. Since its launch in 2018, that 3.0 channel soundbar has won the What Hi-Fi? Award for the best soundbar in its price category every year until this Atmos-approximating Gen 2 knocked it off its pedestal. Key to its success is a simplicity of design and streamlined functionality that, remarkably for its size, has been able to overcome two of the usual limitations of compact speakers: sonic scale and weight. With the arrival of its larger sibling, the Arc, in 2020, Sonos proved that it can convincingly deliver Dolby Atmos audio in a larger chassis. But we had to admit to being a little apprehensive about whether the technology can justify its inclusion in a…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

BLUESOUND PULSE SOUNDBAR+

View online review whf.cm/PulseSoundbarPlus £899 “There is nice overall tonal balance, with well-judged, neverbrash treble and naturally deep bass blending seamlessly with the textured midrange” Although outwardly the Pulse Soundbar+ bears more than a passing resemblance to previous Bluesound soundbars, the Pulse Soundbar+ now sports a custom-specified ARM Cortex A53 quad-core chipset that the company says processes audio up to eight times faster than previous generations and, most importantly, can handle Dolby Atmos. Either side of the front-face touch controls for volume and power sit a pair of 25mm tweeters, 5cm midrange drivers and 10cm woofers, with a matching passive radiator behind a tight aluminium grille. All the drivers are front-facing and, being larger in diameter than those in most competing models, give the soundbar its distinctive slim, tapered-but-tall build.…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SPEAKER PACKAGES

The first thing to consider when building a home cinema system is the number of channels. A 5.1 system is most common and comprises five speakers (two pairs of either floorstanding or standmount speakers and one centre speaker) and one subwoofer. 7.1 adds two surround back speakers directly behind your seating position. Beyond that there are immersive sound formats such as Dolby Atmos that add ceiling speakers (if you can) or upward firing modules that bounce their sound off the ceiling (if you can’t cut holes in your ceiling). These kinds of systems put the listener in a wonderful bubble of sound if set up properly. More speakers usually mean more convincing surround sound, although they can take up quite a bit of space. You will also need to factor…

5 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

XGIMI AURA 4K

View online review whf.cm/XgmiAura £2399 “It’s an arresting and dramatic picture, complemented by a decent sound system that gives threatening weight to gunshots and explosions” If you’re on the hunt for convenient and accessible home cinema solutions, ultra short throw (UST) projectors such as the Xgimi Aura can seem like an obvious choice. With built-in sound and streaming capabilities, these smart projectors can simplify a home theatre set-up, instantly eliminating extraneous cables, soundbars and streaming dongles. Thanks to advanced lens technology that allows them to throw huge images from short distances, UST projectors remove the need for complicated installation or rear positioning, extending the possibility of giant cinema screens to those in smaller homes. But convenience can be a double-edged sword, and what UST projectors give with one hand, they…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

HISENSE 100L9GTUK

View online review whf.cm/HisenseLaserTV £3999 “Joining the brightness and richness of the daylight-condition pictures is some seriously impressive sharpness. And there’s no hiding place for soft pictures on a 100in screen” Hisense’s Laser TV is not a TV in the normal sense. Instead it comprises two elements: a 100in fixed-frame screen, and a separate ultra-short-throw laser projector. In other words, it’s a projector system. But it’s a projector system with a difference. The screen is in the box as standard with the projector, as a package deal. What’s more, Hisense will even send someone round to install it for you (at the time of writing) without any additional cost. The projector is an ultra-short-throw design that can be placed on a sideboard right next to your wall and a few…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Sonus Faber Minima Amator II

Standmount speakers £3898 “ It’s through the midrange that they really excel, delivering Nick Cave’s set in a truly spellbinding manner” Everybody loves a sequel, especially when the original was good. This applies to hi-fi as much as it does to movies, and that is why we are glad that Sonus Faber decided to resurrect the Minima Amators. We are three decades on from those classics, but that feels like a mere blink of an eye, so faithfully have the company’s designers managed to echo the visual signature of those lovely originals. The cabinets grab our attention, of course. How could they not? Those of this new generation look just like the beautiful curved creations of the past, with immaculately finished solid walnut panels complemented by a soft leather-covered front…

5 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS

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 CD6007 £399 Best CD player under £500, Awards 2021 No one can accuse Marantz of pushing the boundaries on the CD6007, but it has taken an already excellent CD player and made it a bit better. Type CD transport Outputs Coaxial, optical Musical Fidelity M2sCD £699 June 2020 Musical Fidelity’s CD player sounds expansive, detailed and delicately layered - a resoundingly listenable proposition. Type CD player Outputs Coaxial, optical £1000 to £6000 Naim CD5si £1149 October 2014 The CD5si boasts a full-bodied, winningly enthusiastic approach to music. The…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

MUSIC STREAMERS

View offers whf.cm/BBMusicStreamers Up to £500 Audiolab 6000N Play £449 Best music streamer under £500, Awards 2020 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 Chord 2yu £449 November 2021 Partnered with a suitably capable digital-to-analogue converter, this could be all the digital source you’ll ever need. Outputs USB, coaxial, optical, BNC £500 to £1000 Bluesound Node (2021) £549 Best music streamer under £750, Awards 2021 For this outlay the Node 2021 represents one of the most entertaining and comprehensive ways of adding music streaming to your hi-fi system. Outputs RCA, coaxial, optical, subwoofer, 3.5mm Cambridge CXN V2 £799 Best music streamer £750-£1000, Awards 2021 All the success of the classy CXN streamer,…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Positioning your speakers

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 from a tweeter are more directional, and having them at ear level ensures optimum performance. So try to choose stands that will have your speaker at the right…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

View offers whf.cm/BBWirelessSpeakers Up to £100 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 “The Wonderboom 2 delivers a sound as cohesive and detailed as we could hope for at the price” Apple HomePod Mini £99 Best home wireless speaker under £100, Awards 2021 It’s much smaller and more affordable than expected, but the most surprising thing about the HomePod Mini is its superb sound. Size (hw) 4 x 14cm Battery No “It’s clear that the HomePod Mini comfortably outperforms its size and price” £100 to £250 JBL Flip 6 £1320 May 2022 Another resoundingly five-star product,…

5 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

PROJECTORS

View offers whf.cm/BBProjectors Up to £2000 BenQ W1800 £1099 September 2022 BenQ’s decision to focus with the W1800 on what we guess could be considered good old-fashioned home cinema values pays off handsomely. Throw ratio 1.13-1.46:1 Inputs HDMI x2, USB 2.0 Speakers Yes Epson EH-TW7100 £1599 Best projector under £2000, Awards 2021 The Epson EH-TW7100 stretches the limit of what can be considered a budget big screen device, but it more than justifies its price. Throw ratio 1.32-2.15:1 Inputs HDMI x2, USB 2.0 x2 Speakers Yes Epson EH-TW9400 £2899 Best projector £2000-£4000, Awards 2021 The perfect compromise if you want a super-sized faux-4K picture on a budget. The picture vibrancy and sense of depth are impressive. Throw ratio 1.35-2.84:1 Inputs HDMI x2, USBx2 Speakers No £2000 to £10,000 Samsung The…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SPEAKER PACKAGES

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerPackages Up to £1000 Wharfedale DX-2 £399 Best speaker package under £500, Awards 2021 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 “It has all the detail, attack and deftness to deliver exhilaration in spades” Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Cinema Pack £895 Best speaker package £500-£1000, Awards 2020 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 “This compact set really hits the spot with its great clarity, integration, expression and ample bass weight” Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 HCP £999 Best speaker…

3 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

HEADPHONES

View offers whf.cm/BBHeadphones In-ears up to £250 SoundMagic E11C £40 Best wired in-ear headphones under £50, Awards 2021 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 could sound quite so good – not for just £70. But they are wonderfully smooth, expressive and balanced. In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m Klipsch T5M Wired £70 Best wired in-ear headphones £50-£100, Awards 2021 Not only do they have some of the most…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SMARTPHONES

View offers whf.cm/BBMobilePhones iOS Apple iPhone 13 Best smartphone under £1000, Awards 2021 A sprinkling of improvements combined with excellent picture and sound quality make the standard iPhone 13 a top smartphone at the money. OS iOS Size (hwd) 147 x 72 x 8mm Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB “It sounds excited and dynamic, stampeding along to a quick blast of Mombassa from the Inception soundtrack” Android Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra June 2022 If you can deal with the average battery life, this is the new flagship Android phone to rule them all – and that’s before taking into account the new S Pen. OS Android Size (hwd) 163 x 78 x 9mm Storage 128GB-1TB “This flagship Samsung boasts so many headline-grabbing specs, it’s tough to know which one to lead…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

TABLETS

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £200 Amazon Fire HD 10 £150 Best tablet under £250, Awards 2021 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 Apple iPad Air (2020) £579 Best tablet £250-£750, Awards 2021 All the iPad most people will ever need. It’s such a solid and capable all-rounder, that very few will feel the need to spend the extra for the iPad Pro. OS iOS Size (hwd) 248 x 179 x 6mm Storage 64GB, 256GB Apple iPad Pro 12.9 £999 Best tablet over £750, Awards 2021 It might be aimed primarily at creative types, but the new iPad Pro 12.9 is also…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

CARTRIDGES

View offers whf.cm/BBCartridges Goldring E3 £90 Best cartridge under £150, Awards 2021 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 “The sound it delivers is clear, informative and fun. We can’t ask much more than that” Ortofon Quintet Blue £359 Best cartridge over £150, Awards 2021 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 “There’s plenty of attack here as basslines are punched out with glee and no shortage of passion Cartridges…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SPEAKER CABLES

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 QED Reference XT40i £11/m May 2020 If you’re looking to upgrade your system by investing in speaker cables this side of £15…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Know your stuff: speaker cables

Read more at… www.whathifi.com/advice Termination The price we list is for a cable from a reel. However, the chances are you’ll want it terminated - which means having a connection plug fitted - and that will add to the final cost. It does make set-up much easier though. Direction Many cables come with arrows showing which way they should be connected – out of the amp, into the speaker. If there are no obvious markings or arrows on your cable, look for writing and make sure it reads in the same direction of the music flow, ie from amp to speakers. It’s a controversial subject, but it can make a difference. Length When you’re measuring up for a new speaker cable, ideally you should use the same length for both…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SIX MUSIC MOVIES TO STREAM NOW YOU HAVE SEEN ELVIS

Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie has been rightly winning plaudits left, right and centre, thanks to its intoxicating blend of dazzlingly stylish cinematography and an outstanding performance by Austin Butler as The King. And if you are inspired by this to watch more music movies or docs, what should you choose? Whether you are in the mood for a genre deep dive, pop-culture romp or biography of an icon, there’s plenty to discover. Here are six, streaming right now. THE SPARKS BROTHERS (NETFLIX) Impeccably comprehensive and directed with such tangible delight by Edgar Wright, it instantly captivates viewers, taking them along for an intoxicating, stranger than fiction rollercoaster ride. Wright builds a cinematic universe worthy of his surrealist subjects that manages to retain an elusive air of performance art. Embracing the…

4 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

HOW WE TEST

EXPERIENCE. HERITAGE. We’ve been helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home entertainment for more than 45 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 extensive, bespoke reviewing facilities in London, Reading and Bath. We conduct all our tests as a team – our opinions and conclusions are always the result of collaboration. HOW WE SCORE All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole – not an individual reviewer. Each product will be listened to and/or viewed by several members of the test team, who will then discuss the final verdict before it appears in the magazine…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Sony Xperia 1 IV

View offers Smartphone | £1299 | whf.cm/Xperia1IV The Sony Xperia 1 Mk IV continues the brand’s reinvigorated take on the smartphone, making meaningful, if not mind-blowing, improvements on the 1 III and providing the tools to both create and consume content that verges on an obsessive level. But with the daunting task of outshining its predecessors, both of which received five stars and a smartphone Product of the Year Award from us, has Sony done enough to keep the momentum going? If you want this phone you had better be prepared to pay for it, as it is retailing for £1299. This puts it in an immediate uphill battle, as the likes of the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra undercut this. For the asking price…

3 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Mark Levinson No. 5909

View offers Headphones | £999 | whf.cm/No5909 We wonder how many headphone and hi-fi manufacturers saw a green light beam in front of their eyes when, at the end of 2020, Apple announced a pair of wireless headphones – the AirPods Max – costing twice as much as the thencurrent premium competition. Whatever the answer, there has been a glut of more expensive wireless headphones of late. Among them are the T+A Solitaire T, the forthcoming Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – and these Mark Levinson No. 5909. The Mark Levinsons enter our test room as the most expensive wireless pair we have tested and therefore do so with a weight of expectation on their shoulders. Can wireless performance ever be so good as to justify such an expense (roughly three…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT HI-FI? TODAY!

Protect your tech while you’re on the move with the STM MYTH Laptop Bag, worth £90! WHY SHOULD YOU GET YOURS TODAY? Durable and water-repellent A super-handy cable-routing system lets you charge on-the-go with cords out of sight Smart pockets – with a portable power pocket and a zippered section for your laptop and tablet for quick and easy access They’ve even made it comfy, with ideal weight distribution, removable adjustable shoulder straps complete with non-slip pads SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT HI-FI? Our subscription offers deliver 13 issues of ayeartoyou giving you big savings on the cover price! Get our digital-only offer and save up to 35 per cent on the normal price Free gift available with all print subscriptions – see opposite for details PRINT EDITION 13 issues of What…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SOUNDBARS

No matter how stylishly thin and smart TVs become, and no matter how bright and colourful the picture of the latest, most innovative panel technology, the sound provided by a television’s built-in speakers is always somewhat underwhelming – especially if you are planning on going large with a home cinema set-up. Ditto projectors: they may provide huge-screen entertainment (see our round up of ultra-short-throw projectors on page 46), but they aren’t capable of providing the same scale when it comes to sound. Nor should they be expected to. And let’s face it, if you are going to spend hard-earned and not inconsiderable cash on the biggest, brightest, most immersive and cinematic picture, why would you settle for less when it comes to pleasing your ears? Moreover, you don’t need the…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

DALI KATCH ONE

View online review whf.cm/KatchOne This stylish soundbar from Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries certainly makes a statement with its looks. The Katch One is intended to be a hub for all your living room audio needs, with five different possible audio inputs, three ways to mount it and ten drivers all pulling together to fill your space with sound. But there is a catch to the Katch One – one that’s apparent immediately upon unboxing the soundbar: it’s too tall. The company has crammed four 9cm aluminium mid/bass drivers and four 11.5cm steel passive radiators inside the soundbar, and there are also two 21mm soft-dome high-frequency units here too. That bodes well for its audio capabilities, certainly, but it also means that the 17cm-tall glass fibre-reinforced ABS cabinet gets in the…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SONY HT-A7000

View online review whf.cm/HT-A7000 £1299 “The A7000 confirms its ability to handle lighter, nuanced sounds. The excellent depth of field means changes of location are stark and powerful” Sony’s flagship soundbar is a 7.1.2 slab of sound that packs two up-firing speakers, two beam tweeters, five front-facing drivers and a built-in dual subwoofer into a single chassis. It’s an approach that appeals. After all, isn’t the point of a soundbar that it delivers cinematic audio without the need for lots of speakers? Of course, low frequencies are most faithfully reproduced by larger drivers and reflected surround sound is no match for direct audio; but often we have found multi-box systems aren’t cohesive as a whole, and rather than increase the perception of immersive and realistic sound, if they are not…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SHORT-THROW PROJECTORS

Before you say anything, give us a moment to guess what you’re thinking: “Why on earth would I want to splash out on a projector when today’s feature-packed flatscreen TVs are so big – and so impressive?” Here’s why. In comparison with a half-decent projector, even the biggest and best TVs struggle to compete on a number of fronts. As we all know, the bigger the TV the more it costs, but as screen size increases beyond 55 inches, a television’s price skyrockets out of all proportion. And that’s before you think about the often-challenging logistics of its installation. Of course, the raison d’être for big tellies has traditionally been the still more challenging logistical problems posed by a projector that needs to be either in the middle of your…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

BENQ V6050

View online review whf.cm/V6050 £2999 “There’s a nice contrast between Black Panther’s suit, the concrete and bright sky. There’s good texture on Cap’s shield – it all makes for a great big screen watch” Brighter than the average projector, and with a soundbar built in, a laser light source, 120in screen size and easy set-up features, BenQ’s ultra-short-throw projector aims to replace your TV. UST has proved a tricky space for projectors. The technology doesn’t come cheap, and the pure picture quality is rarely as good as you might expect from a traditional machine at even half the price. Traditional projectors don’t come with the same ease of installation or feature flexibility, though, so if that’s what you are after, a UST is where it’s at. This BenQ might just…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

ULTRA SHORT THROW PROJECTORS Everything you need to know

In recent years, the projector world has found itself needing to innovate to keep up with fast-changing modern lifestyles and find ways of satisfying the exploding demand for cinema-sized experiences at home. This has led to a renaissance in the fortunes of Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors. Once found pretty much exclusively in classrooms and board rooms, UST projectors, with their ability to deliver large pictures even when sat right up close to a screen or wall, are now finding their way into more and more living rooms. And the more they are targeting living rooms, the better they are starting to get. How do ultra short throw projectors work? UST projectors look quite different from regular projectors, and produce their images in a quite different way. The vast majority…

8 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

BUYER’S GUIDE

From 65in 4K TVs to turntables, and from portable Bluetooth speakers to Dolby Atmos surround sound packages, here’s where you’ll find the perfect hi-fi and AV product, fast. NEW ENTRIES THIS MONTH As we have noted elsewhere in this issue (p69), everyone loves a sequel – not least when it comes in the form of KEF’s LSX II streaming system (p90). Then there’s Arcam’s fine AVR5 AV receiver, the W1800 compact 4K projector from BenQ (both on p97) plus a pair of stylish, landmark TVs: the Samsung QE65S95B (p102) and Sony XR-48A90K (p101).…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

DACs

View offers whf.cm/BBDACs Up to £300 Zorloo Ztella $99 August 2020 (issue 437) If you want to improve your smartphone sound, but don’t want a USB stick hanging off the end of it, this is a bit of a no brainer. Online only for now. Size 11cm long Resolution PCM (up to 384kHz), DSD (up to 5.6MHz), MQA Cyrus soundKey £99 Best DAC under £100, Awards 2020 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 iFi Zen DAC V2 £159 Best DAC under £200, Awards 2021 A good jump in quality over the Award-winning original, to keep features and performance best in class – and for not much extra…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

RADIOS

View offers whf.cm/BBInternetRadios View offers whf.cm/BBDABRadios Up to £200 Roberts Revival Petite £99 March 2022 Anyone yet to invite the joys of the original wireless into their lives will find this device a compelling gateway product. It’s also a decent Bluetooth speaker. Battery Yes Size (hwd) 8 x 12.5 x 7.5cm Inputs 3.5mm, Bluetooth Roberts Stream 94i £189 Best radio under £200, Awards 2021 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 £200 and above Tivoli Model One Digital Generation 2 £299 Best radio over £200, Awards 2021 We really enjoy Tivoli’s winning little box of tricks. Old-school radio feels and modern AirPlay 2 and…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SYSTEMS

View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSystems Up to £500 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 2021 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 £1500 Marantz PM7000N £999 Best hi-fi system under £1000, Awards 2021 A practical, well-furnished just-add-speakers streaming system that impresses with its entertaining performance Inputs USB, coaxial, optical, analogue, wi-fi Outputs Sub, headphone KEF LSX II £1199 September 2022 A stylish streaming system that comes with none of the baggage and boxes…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

BLU-RAY PLAYERS

View offers whf.cm/BBBlurayPlayers Up to £500 Panasonic DP-UB150EB £129 March 2020 A highly competent machine at an impressively low price, this 4K Blu-ray player represents a big step up from streaming your UHD content. Compatibility 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, CD HDMI out 1 Sony UBP-X700 £199 Best 4K Blu-ray player under £250, Awards 2021 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 Panasonic DP-UB820EB £299 Best 4K Blu-ray player over £250, Awards 2021 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, Blu-ray, DVD, CD HDMI out 2 £500…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SET-TOP BOXES

View offers whf.cm/BBSetTopBoxes PVRs Humax FVP-5000T from £179 Best PVR, Awards 2021 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 2021 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…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

VIDEO STREAMERS

View offers whf.cm/BBVideoStreamers Up to £100 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K £50 Best video streamer under £100, Awards 2020 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 Google Chromecast with Google TV £60 Best video streamer under £100, Awards 2021 With a new remote and super-smart UI, Google’s latest Chromecast video streamer is the complete package. Resolution Up to 4K HDR, 60fps Storage n/a 4K Yes £100 and above Apple TV 4K £169 Best video streamer over £100, Awards 2021 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,…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS

View offers whf.cm/BBPortableMusicPlayers Up to £1000 Sony NW-A55L £160 Best portable music player under £250, Awards 2020 Sony hasn’t carried out an update for the sake of it; the refresh is justified by squeezing more performance into a budget price than ever before. Hi-res 32-bit/384kHz, DSD Weight 99g Storage 16GB (plus microSD) “If you’re looking for a sonic upgrade over your phone, the Sony will offer it across the board” Cowon Plenue D3 £279 Best portable music player under £500, Awards 2021 This is a talented player that betters its previous generation counterpart for detail, separation and transparency. An impressive, tiny box of tricks… Hi-res 24-bit/192kHz, DSD 128 Weight 103g Storage 64GB “Cowon has added Bluetooth, a volume wheel and a dual DAC to its player and released another class…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Amazon Prime Video tips, tricks and features

Read more at… www.whathifi.com/advice Setting up a ‘Household’ account Amazon Prime Video will recommend content based on your viewing history - but what if you’re really into crime thrillers, your other half loves romantic comedies and the kids love cartoons? The answer is by linking together two Amazon accounts that will both have access to Prime Video. Go to Your Account > Shopping Programmes > Amazon Household. There you can add another adult or profiles for children, and then click ‘Create Household’. Parental Controls You can set up a four-digit PIN on the web by going into the ‘Settings’ of the Prime Video section and also in the mobile app’s settings. Streaming Ultra HD video On Amazon’s TV app there’s a category populated with Ultra HD content. You can also…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

ANALOGUE INTERCONNECTS

View offers whf.cm/BBAudioCables Up to £50 Chord Company C-Line £40/m Best analogue interconnect under £50, Awards 2021 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 over £50, Awards 2021 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…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

MAINS PRODUCTS

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 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…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SPEAKER STANDS

View offers whf.cm/BBSpeakerStands Speaker stands Atacama Moseco 6 £120 Best speaker stand, Awards 2021 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) “The Mosecos may just be our new favourite affordable speaker stands” 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 “£200 for a pair of speaker stands? When they’re this good, we don’t mind” FOR A FULL LIST OF SPECIFICATIONS AND IN-DEPTH REVIEWS VISIT WHATHIFI.COM…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Yamaha RX-A6A

View offers AV receiver | £2299 | whf.cm/RX-A6A For manufacturers trying to keep up with technology trends, the feeling of constantly playing catch-up must be acute. No sooner does a company release its latest and greatest piece of home entertainment kit than a new feature comes along and suddenly obsolescence beckons. When it comes to products such as AV receivers that have to link multiple devices, all with their own raft of constantly evolving specifications, things are even trickier. As the hub of any home cinema, an AVR must be able to keep up with the ever-changing demands of video, sound, streaming and gaming technology – not to mention the NeverEnding Story-like tome of HDMI 2.1 protocols that provide the basis for their interface. When Yamaha first announced its current…

9 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

Rega Elicit MK5

View offers Integrated amplifier | £2000 | whf.cm/RegaElicitMk5 Say the name Rega and it’s the company’s long-running range of Planar record players that tends to come to mind. These turntables have been a dominant force in the market for more decades than we care to remember and show no signs of relinquishing their grip. Yet, look past those all-conquering vinyl spinners and you will find that the British brand has been steadily making a range of amplifiers that is almost as talented for almost as long. The new Elicit MK5 on test here is one step down from the Award-winning Aethos integrated (£3300) and marks a surprising change of direction for the company’s amplifier designs. Seismic shift Rega products tend to be pretty purist affairs that prioritise performance and solid…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

BenQ X1300i

View offers Projector | £1199 | whf.cm/BenQ_X1300i From its fancy cubic design to its built-in Trevolo sound system and surprisingly well-developed focus on video gaming, the X1300i does everything it can to stand out from today’s crowded projector shelves. For the X1300i’s asking price you would expect to get a 4K projector, but while the X1300i is capable of taking in 4K signals, natively it is only a Full HD projector, and many Full HD projectors can be had for much less. BenQ has a few potent excuses for the X1300i’s price, though. Namely its serious built-in audio system, strong support for HDR, impressively bright lighting engine, built-in Android smart system, and unique gaming features. A stylish mix of white and glassy black, with orange front-edge trim, pretty much screams…

4 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

EVERYONE IS BUYING VINYL, BUT IT ISN’T (AND SHOULDN’T BE) THE END FOR CDs

We have heard many sad stories of music fans who sold or gave away their dust-collecting vinyl collection in the ’90s and noughties. Many people – most people – believed that the world had resolutely moved away from analogue and on to new digital pastures, only now to be kicking themselves for not having held on to their records in order to enjoy fully the recent and on-going vinyl resurgence. It’s something – a lesson vicariously learned, perhaps – that crossed this writer’s mind recently when deciding whether to hang on to my CDs or take them to the local charity shop ahead of a big move. The thought perished almost as quickly as it came. (Sorry, mum, those boxes of CDs are yours to look after for a while…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

MAJORITY SIERRA PLUS

SOUNDBARS “The Majority Sierra Plus delivers an entertaining, enjoyable home cinema sound. Its soundstage is broad and dialogue is clear and engaging” £270 Given its ubiquity, it’s hard to believe that not long ago Dolby Atmos was new terrain for cinema sound. Initially tethered to the big screen and then available only to those with home theatre installs, Dolby Atmos sound from a system with height drivers can now easily be added to your living room courtesy of a premium soundbar. But just because this new pinnacle of home audio has hitherto been the preserve of pricier products doesn’t mean it can’t successfully exist at a lower price point. Seeking to blaze that trail is Majority’s Sierra Plus soundbar, which offers 2.1.2 channels of sound with Dolby Atmos decoding for…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SONOS ARC

View online review whf.cm/Arc £799 T he Arc is more than just a Dolby Atmos soundbar. It’s also a wireless speaker with access to practically every music streaming service, and it can be combined with other Sonos speakers in order to create a more complete surround sound arrangement or a multi-room system. Sonos smarts and Dolby Atmos? No wonder it was product of the year at 2020’s What Hi-Fi? Awards, and a Best Buy in its category in 2021. The Arc has already set the benchmark at its price. First thing to consider though is that the Arc is designed to partner bigger TVs. At 114cm, it is wider than a typical modern 49in TV and so is best partnered with a set of at least 55in. The curvy design…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

AV RECEIVERS

The home cinema amplifier is the brains and power of any home cinema system and will ensure your TV and movies sound emphatic, detailed and dynamic – and, most importantly, genuinely give you that immersive, cinematic experience. The most crucial thing to consider when buying an AVR is matching it to the size of your surround system and deciding whether to allow for expansion in the future. Plenty of AV receivers now include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for adding even more sound channels, with the addition of height channel speakers. Sometimes, these channels can also be deployed as a second zone. The number of HDMI inputs you need is another important factor. Most AVRs come with a glut of HDMI inputs that can pass through 4K (and even 8K)…

5 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

EPSON EH-LS300

View online review whf.cm/EH-LS300 £1799 “The dramatic landscape of Dune is vividly rendered and the decent brightness levels (claimed to go up to 3600 lumens) produce an alluring picture” As a relatively nascent product category, high-quality ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors that can project images above 100 inches tend to be pretty pricey. These all-in-one home cinemas have to tick many boxes, delivering advanced optics, onboard streaming and integrated sound within a single compact package designed to be used flexibly. So when it comes to models at the more affordable end of the market, such as the Epson LS300, we are inherently sceptical about the prospect of it producing a well-rounded and immersive big-screen experience. Which makes it all the more satisfying to find that it does. One of the more affordable…

5 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SAMSUNG THE PREMIERE LSP9T

View online review whf.cm/PremiereLSP9T £3999 “While it is the brightness and colour punch that first grab your attention, levels of detail and sharpness with 4K sources are also outstanding” Anyone who is into home cinema knows the value of a really big TV screen. But they will also be all too aware of how much really big TV screens cost, and the vast majority of households may have to limit their home theatre dreams to 75in at best. Unless, that is, they go for a projector. But projectors aren’t usually a convenient fit for living rooms. Cue The Premiere LSP9T: a projector designed to deliver an epic TV-like experience for a fraction of the cost. JUST LIKE A SMART TV The Premiere LSP9T’s design plays a big part in its…

6 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

McIntosh MA8950

Integrated amplifier £12,495 We are of the opinion that high-end integrated amplifiers should pack in every feature that prospective customers are likely to need. After all, what’s the point of spending thousands on a single-box solution only to find that you still need to add an outboard phono stage or DAC to make your system work? Take a look through the MA8950’s extensive feature list and it seems McIntosh agrees. There is no denying that the MA8950 is something of a beast. While this amplifier sits broadly in the middle of the company’s integrated range, there is nothing remotely modest about it, from the vertebrae-straining 34kg weight to the generous 200 watts-per-channel claimed power output. And that’s the output regardless of whether you connect to the 2, 4 or 8…

8 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

AMPLIFIERS

View offers whf.cm/BBStereoAmps Stereo amps up to £500 Rega io £379 Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2021 Those who are happy with a no-fuss, purely analogue amp and who prioritise entertainment should arguably consider the io their number one choice. Power 30W Inputs Line-in x2, MM Outputs Headphone NAD D 3020 V2 £399 September 2018 A likeable effort that features a full-bodied sonic performance with fine timing and dynamics and lots of useful features. Power 30W Inputs Line-in, MM, optical, coaxial, BT Outputs Headphone Marantz PM6007 £499 Best stereo amplifier £400-£600, Awards 2021 Clearer and punchier than its Award-winning predecessor, Marantz’s latest entry-level amplifier never puts the formidable 6000 Series dynasty in doubt. Power 45W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, coax, optical Outputs 6.3mm h’phone £500 to £1000 Rega Brio…

4 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

How to digitize your vinyl collection

Read more at… www.whathifi.com/features What do you need? The basic building blocks are: a turntable, a phono stage, an analogue-to-digital converter with USB output, and a computer with suitable recording software. There are turntables that come with a phono stage, analogue-to-digital converter and USB output built in. However, most are at the budget end and focus on getting the job done rather than doing it particularly well. Your recordings won’t necessarily reflect the quality of sound possible from your records, though Audio Technica’s AT-LP5 and Sony PS-HX500 vinyl-ripping decks do their best to buck that trend. If you already have a turntable, the best option is to buy a decent USB phono stage. We like the £90 Rega Fono Mini A2D and Pro-Ject also produce decent affordable alternatives. Recording software…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

STEREO SPEAKERS

View offers whf.cm/BBHifiSpeakers Standmounts up to £200 Dali Spektor 2 £199 Best standmount speaker under £200, Awards 2020 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 Standmounters from £200 to £500 Elac Debut B5.2 £250 Best standmount speaker under £300, Awards 2021 ELAC’s latest budget standmounter is talented enough to worry the established competition. Size (hwd) 34 x 18 x 23cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1 Dali Oberon 1 £349 February 2019 About the size of a shoe, these articulate and bold-sounding speakers have a wonderfully unfussy nature and are a joy to listen to. Size (hwd) 27 x 16 x 23cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4 KEF Q350…

9 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

TURNTABLES

View offers whf.cm/BBTurntables £150 to £300 Pro-Ject Primary E £159 Best turntable under £200, Awards 2021 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 Rega Planar 1 £275 Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2021 This revamped entry-level deck from Rega doesn’t sound anything like an entry-level deck. Pleasingly solid, accurate and agile – it’s a lovely listen. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12…

3 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS

View offers whf.cm/BBHomeCinemaAmps £500 to £1000 AVR-X2700H £599 December 2020 Sonic improvements over its predecessor are marked, even if it’s the 8K passthrough and next-gen gaming tech that steal the headlines. Power 7 x 150W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 6/2 Denon AVC-X3700H £1149 Best home cinema amplifier under £1500, Awards 2021 The best unit we’ve heard with a three-figure price tag. A surprisingly big improvement on its already excellent predecessor; sets a new standard. Power 9 x 180W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/3 £1000 and above Arcam AVR 5 £2000 September 2022 While it lacks some of the functionality and usability of the competition, the AVR5 delivers an impeccable sonic performance. Power 7 x 60W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 7/2 Denon AVC-X6700H £2299 Best home cinema amplifier…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

SOUNDBARS & SOUNDBASES

View offers whf.cm/BBSoundbars Up to £500 Yamaha YAS-207 £249 Best soundbar under £300, Awards 2020 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 (Gen 2) £449 Best soundbar under £500, Awards 2021 A compact soundbar that pumps out an exceptional sound for its size and price. Now with Dolby Atmos capabilities. Impressive. Size (hwd) 7 x 65 x 10cm Inputs Optical, HDMI ARC, AirPlay Sub No £500 to £1000 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,…

2 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

TELEVISIONS

Samsung UE43AU7100 £449 Best 40-43in TV, Awards 2021 Samsung’s miniature hero proves you don’t need a bottomless bank account or a cavernous room to enjoy great picture quality. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 4K ARC/eARC eARC “Shows a level of maturity, confidence and understanding of the many elements that go into producing a truly satisfying TV picture” Up to 43in View offers whf.cm/BBTelevisions Hisense Roku R50A7200GTU £399 Best 48-50in TV under £1000, Awards 2021 With an excellent operating system and solid all-round performance, this is a complete package for a decent price. Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution 4K Tuner Freeview HD “The Roku TV smart platform is pretty close to flawless. It covers all the major streaming services” 48in to 50in Philips 48OLED806 £1199 Best 48-50in TV over £1000, Awards…

5 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

What is DSD audio?

Read more at… www.whathifi.com/advice DSD and SACD DSD (Direct Stream Digital) was conceived as a way of archiving old analogue recordings, it was designed to be a simpler, more space efficient way of storing digital music data. How does DSD work? DSD uses a single bit of information that tells us is whether the current sample of the analogue waveform is higher or lower than before. Compared with over 65,000 different values 16-bit PCM has, the two values (0 if the new sample of the signal is lower, 1 if it’s higher) of DSD appear limiting. That resolution shortfall is made up by the very high sampling rate of over 2.8 million times a second – 64x the speed of CD. Standard DSD is also called DSD64 for this reason,…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

STREAMING APPS & SERVICES

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 2021 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 Disney Plus from £7.99/month Best video streaming service, Awards 2021 This is a polished and personal streaming service that fans of Disney’s output, both children and adults, are bound to enjoy. Resolution Up to Ultra HD Offline playback Yes Video apps Amazon Prime Instant Video from £5.99/month Best video streaming service, Awards…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

AV & HI-FI RACKS

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 “Want to give your system adequate support for a decent price? Atacama has you covered” 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 “As configurable an equipment rack as we’ve come across” £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…

1 min

What Hi-Fi?|October 2022

PHONO STAGES

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 £100-£300, Awards 2021 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…

2 min