AWARDS the top 100 products in the world

£10k+ OF KIT

TO BE

WON

2012 The greatest hi-fi and home cinema hardware you can buy revealed inside!

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TELEVISIONS

HOME CINEMA AMPS

SPEAKERS

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TURNTABLES

52 page buyer's guide

Over 1500 products tested and rated

Awards 2012 £4.75 www.whathifi.com

Towering Performance Rewarded.

“The music was so vividly colourful and had such energy, life and dynamic contrast that listening came close to being a sublime experience.”

“Agile, taut and beautifully spacious sound — great dynamic ability; well built. Great value for money.”

HI-FI CHOICE NOVEMBER 2012

WHAT HI-FI? SOUND AND VISION APRIL 2012

Q Acoustics 2000i 5.1 Cinema Pack

Q Acoustics 2050i

Q Acoustics 2020i

Q Acoustics - An award winning heritage

Q Acoustics 2010 April 2010 Q Acoustics 2010 April 2010

Q Acoustics 2020 March 2010 Q Acoustics 2020

Q Acoustics 2000i 5.1 pack November 2011

Q Acoustics 7000 series January 2012

Q Acoustics 7000 series

Q Acoustics 2020i November 2011

Q Acoustics 2010i January 2012

Q Acoustics 2010i 5 Star Recommended Hi-Fi Choice March 2012

March 2010

Q Acoustics 2020 March 2010 Q Acoustics 2020 March 2010

series awards series awards The original 1000 series awards

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D’OR Q Acoustics 1050 Awards 2006

Q Acoustics 1050 September 2006

Q Acoustics 1020 August 2006

Q Acoustics 1010 Awards 2007

“...it really is hard to find fault...”

Q Acoustics 1010i Awards, 2007

Q Acoustics 1050 November 2008

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Armour Home, Stortford Hall Industrial Park, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM23 5GZ. D’ R O

www.armourhome.co.uk [email protected]

Q Acoustics 1050 Awards 2006

Q Acoustics 1010 Awards 2007

part of Armour Group plc

WELCOME

Haymarket Media Group, Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington TW11 9BE EDITORIAL 020 8267 5000 Deputy editor Simon Lucas Managing editor Jonathan Evans Technical editor Ketan Bharadia Consulting editor Andrew Everard News editor Joe Cox First tests editor Andy Madden Multimedia journalist Kashfia Kabir Art editor Simon Bowles Assistant production editor John Steward Buyer’s Guide editor Ced Yuen Designer Jack Woolrich Photographer Steve Waters Stock controller Kobina Monney Contributors Jenny Owen, Andy Puddifoot, Peter Spinney Whathifi.com editor Andy Clough Video editor Owen Marshall ADVERTISING 020 8267 5847 Sales manager Chris Daniels Commercial brand manager Chloe McDowell Client direct account manager Chris Moore Classified sales executive Matthew Larkin Global sales manager Alex McIlvenny Special projects manager Julie Hassan Advertising director Mike Walsh PRODUCTION & PLANNING 020 8267 5000 Advertising production Lee Brister Group production manager Stuart White Direct marketing executive Lottie Osborn Senior admin assistant Sarah Weetch OVERSEAS LICENSING 020 8267 5000 Licensing director Jim James Licensing account manager Isla Friend Syndication sales manager Roshini Sethi

Every one’s a winner, baby – that’s the truth It’s that time again. For the past year we’ve conscientiously been reviewing, comparing and contrasting the best (and the rest) of what the consumer electronics world has to offer, and now it’s time to recognise the best TVs around (p36), our favourite home cinema amps (p54), the greatest apps available (p104) and every type of headphones (p48) as well as the winners in 16 other hotly contested categories. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned during the judging process, it’s that there are some brilliant products out there, at every price. And by the way, thanks for doing the hard work for us with the Readers’ Award (p103). That really helped us out.

Simon Lucas, deputy editor

Reviews you can trust

MANAGEMENT

Group publishing manager Ollie Stretton Digital publishing manager Chris Lowe Digital marketing executive Siobhan Miller Publishing Executive Juliet Finnis Publishing and sales director Rachael Prasher Editorial director Mark Payton Design director Paul Harpin Managing director David Prasher

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Additional Information What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision (incorporating VTV, Audiophile, Hi-Fi Answers, High Fidelity, Which Hi-Fi?, DVD, What CD? & What MP3?) is published by Haymarket Consumer Media Ltd, a subsidiary of Haymarket Media Group Ltd. What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, ISSN number 0309333X, is published monthly (with an extra Awards issue) by Haymarket Media Group, Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington TW11 9BE, United Kingdom. The US annual subscription price is $125. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by agent named Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431. Subscription records are maintained at Haymarket Media Group, Teddington Studios, Broom Road, Teddington TW11 9BE. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent. We take every care when compiling the contents of this magazine, but can assume no responsibility for any effects arising there from. Advertisements are accepted by us in good faith as correct at the time of going to press. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. © 2012 Haymarket Consumer Media Ltd, all rights reserved. Circulation trade enquiries Frontline Ltd, Park House, Park Road, Peterborough, PE1 2TR. Tel 01733 555 161. Free Media Colour Systems Printing Heron Subscriptions & Back issue requests: What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, PO Box 326, Sittingbourne, ME9 8FA Email: whathifi@servicehelpline.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 8813/ +44 (0)1795 592971. Subscriptions rates 13 issues inc. postage: UK £61.75; Europe/Eire PEFC Certified £75; Rest of the world £79 ABC circulation This product is (Jan-Dec 2011) 40,007

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THIS MONTH

Contents >Awards Awards contents Televisions

p36

Musicstreamers

p42

Blu-rayplayers

p46

Headphones

p48

Homecinemaamplifiers

p54

Speakerdocks

p58

Stereospeakers

p60

DACs

p68

Speakerpackages

p73

Radios

p80

CDplayers

p82

Systems

p86

Portables

p90

Stereoamplifiers

p93

Accessories

p96

Turntables

p100

Readers’award

p103

Apps

p104

Projectors

p106

Set-topboxes

p108

The best TVs of the year, from 32in to 65in

Four reasons why streaming’s all the rage

Speakers p60

Televisions p36

Highly affordable and talented disc-spinners

Keep your music personal… in 13 ways

Power for your home theatre system

The easiest way to enjoy your portable music

The very best hi-fi speakers of the year

Systems p86

Make your digital music sound its very best

Bring cinema sound into your living room

The three best DAB/FM and internet radios

From £300 to £1695, your CDs are in good hands

Home cinema amps p54

Audio and video systems in all shapes and sizes

A smartphone superstar and two terrific tablets

Five fab amps to power your stereo speakers

The best kit to partner your hi-fi separates

Vinyl’s in rude health, so take it for a spin

The best product – as voted for by you!

Media control and content at your fingertips

Take your Blu-rays to the big screen at home

Never miss any of your favourite shows

4 www.whathifi.com

DACs p68

Headphones p48

CONTENTS

First Tests p6 There’s an immediate sense of scale and power; this petite system is absolutely stunning

Home cinema amps p54 The Yamaha entertains with big and bold dynamics, mixed with a fine sense of timing

Stereo speakers p60 The KEF LS50s brilliantly communicate all the energy and drive in a piece of music

Also in this issue… First tests p10 Panasonic PT-AT6000E

p6 Monitor Audio MASS

£10k+ OF KIT

TO BE

WON

Homecinema Blu-ray players

SonyPlayStation3£250p29

Home cinema amplifiers PioneerSC-LX56£1300p24 YamahaRX-V373£250p13

Projectors

p10

PanasonicPT-AT6000E£3000p10

Speaker packages

Wharfedale Denton

CabasseCinéOle£800p26 KEFR1005.1£2750p17 MonitorAudioMASS£800p6

p14

p32

AdviceCentre

p111

Competitions

p116andp118

A fantastic reader offer Every new subscriber will get a pair of 5-star rated RHA MA-350 earphones!

Panasonic XW-SMA3

Hi-Fi

Subscriptions

CD players

CambridgeAudioAzur851C£1200p20

DACs

Got a burning question? Our team of experts deal with your queries

NADM51£1500p23

Speaker docks

PioneerXW-SMA3£300p14

p17

Speakers

WharfedaleDenton£500p10

KEF R100 5.1

Stereo amplifiers

RotelRA-10£350p29

Music streamers

CyrusStreamXP2-Qx£2300p26 NaimNAC-N172XS£1650p18

Stunning prizes for lucky readers We’ve got four stunning Dali Zensor 5 5.1 speaker packages to be won – plus everyone has the chance to win one of our amazing 2012 Award-winning products!

All-in-onesystems Micro systems

OnkyoCR-N755£300p13

Portables

Media players

CowonZ2£200p14

Smartphones

p20 Cambridge Audio Azur 851C

Buyer’s Guide

AppleiPhone5p30

TheultimateAVbible Over 1500 products tested and rated

Accessories Headphones

ShureSRH940£250p18 SonyXBA-3iP£225p23

Digital cables

VerterePulseD-Fi£70p23

p29 Sony PlayStation 3

p23 Vertere Pulse D-Fi

p117

p30 Apple iPhone 5

Forafulllistofspecificationsandother usefulinfovisitwhathifi.com

www.whathifi.com 5

Exclusive reviews of the latest kit

FIRST TESTS

Three of The besT

EXCLUSIVE

Small package, big delivery

Monitor Audio MASS | Speaker package | £800

KEF R100 5.1 £2750 Page 17 Gorgeous looks and simply stunning sound quality

NAD M51 £1500 Page 23 A flexible DAC that will improve any digital system

Cyrus Stream XP2-Qx £2300 Page 26 This multi-talented streamer has completely won us over

Three of The resT

Wharfedale Denton £400 Page 10 Timeless looks and tone for these special speakers

Cambridge Audio 851C £1200 Page 20 Detail, analysis and precision are this player’s forte

Cabasse CinéOle £800 Page 26 Sleek and stylish, with a rich, full-bodied sound

The speakers’ curved construction reduces the standing wave effects inside the cabinet for a cleaner, less resonant sound 6 www.whathifi.com

MORE EXCLUSIVES Projector Panasonic PT-AT6000E £3000 p10

Monitor Audio’s no stranger to producing great-quality speaker packages for home cinema systems. Combining style and great sonic performance is always difficult, but Monitor Audio has given it its best shot. The top-end Apex and RX6 AV12 speaker packages have been Award-winners for two successive years, and it seems that Monitor Audio is keen to increase its Awards haul with this new MASS satellite package. The system consists of two pairs of MASS 10 satellite speakers – one pair for the front left/right channels and the other pair for the rear surround channels – and an identical centre channel speaker. The satellites are compact, but solidly made and feel weighty in the hand. The cabinets are covered in a black cloth finish, with a glossy black panel along the back, and either end is fitted with silver-brushed aluminium caps. While we’re rather divided in the office about the system’s aesthetic appeal, there’s no denying that the overall effect is quite subtle. The curved construction of the speakers isn’t just a style point – it also reduces the standing wave effect inside the cabinet

Home cinema amplifier Yamaha RX-V373 £250 p13

for a cleaner, less resonant sound. For further sound refinement, the horizontal centre speaker sits on a curved rubber coaster to reduce any vibrations from the shelf or table it sits on. Next to these diminutive satellites, the W200 subwoofer appears rather large. It’s similarly styled with a black cloth finish to match the satellites, but has a wider/squatter construction. It’s a solid and hefty sub, with twin 25cm side-firing drivers in an active/ passive configuration, and powered by a substantial 220W of Class D amplification.

Considered design The satellites’ 25mm tweeter and 10cm mid/ bass driver are made from Monitor Audio’s C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/ Magnesium) cone material, celebrated for its light yet rigid construction. The mid/bass driver takes design cues from the Award-winning Apex system by being bolted to the back of the cabinet. This has the twin effect of cross-bracing to ensure the rigidity of the cabinet, while also removing the need for any front fixings. We can’t think of anything better than playing JJ Abram’s Star Trek to put this home cinema system to the test, with Michael Giacchino’s excellent score being a serious challenge for even the most high-end set-up. >

Music streamer Naim NAC-N172XS £1650 p18

WHAT IT HAS TO BEAT...

The Q Acoustics arrangement is great with detail and attack, but majors on control and authority Q Acoustics Q7000 | £720

★★★★★

The Q Acoustics Q7000 is the direct rival for this satellite Monitor Audio system. It presents a formidable challenge, as not only is the Q7000 speaker package an Award-winner, it was also a 2011 Product of the Year thanks to its excellent pound-forpound performance. This £720 style package from Q Acoustics has it all – sky-high detail, an eloquent midrange, and a focused and attacking sound that effortlessly steers any blockbuster soundtrack with great control and authority. Aesthetic appeal is, of course, a matter of personal taste, but in terms of absolute sonic performance, the MASS system is undoubtedly a more exciting listen than the Q7000s.

That’s grand

The idiosyncratic styling might divide opinion, but there’s no doubt that the MASS is sonically, as well as visually, striking

There’s an immediate and wonderful sense of grandness to the MASS sound that isn’t conveyed with as much grace and power by the Q7000. The sense of scale from the Monitor Audio package is astounding, and gradual shifts in dynamics are handled with more ease by the MASS system, resulting in an engaging experience with whatever film you’re watching. Of course, the Q7000 is slightly cheaper – and that will be significant for some – but the MASS is clearly the more capable of the two. Has the MASS system done enough to edge the Q7000 out of the running to claim its own Award? Find out in our speaker packages section starting on p73.

www.whathifi.com 7

FIRST TESTS Speaker package

Subwoofer There are pre-set bass modes that you can select via a three-way switch:

Speaker terminals

Music We’d experiment with all three modes. The Music pre-set feels quite subtle and natural sounding, with just enough bass attack to complement both movies and stereo music.

1 Inserting the bare wire connectors into the holes of the binding posts can be a bit fiddly. Once it’s done, make sure they’re securely attached by screwing them down tight. 2 There’s a groove at the base of each speaker, which gives the cables space to run out of the rear of the speakers smoothly, allowing the end caps to snap back into place.

Movies We’d be tempted to keep the subwoofer on this mode, as it sits in the sweet spot between the Music and Impact presets.

1

Impact As the name implies, this mode packs some extra punch, and while it might not be as natural sounding, bass notes are more impressive.

2

What struck us was the sense of scale and power. For such petite speakers, we were blown away by the big and confident output of sound What struck us immediately was the sense of scale and power – for such petite speakers, we were blown away by the big and confident output of sound. And they’re certainly capable of filling a decent-sized room as well; our testing rooms were engulfed in seamless, controlled soaring dynamics. It’s not just the magnitude of the sound, but also the amount of detail it’s able to convey that really impressed us. The gradual build up of anticipation before the Enterprise’s first outing is stunning, and there’s a sense of grandness that accompanies the epic score to its full effect. Sound effects are easy to locate in the expansive soundfield, and the system is skilled at handling quieter moments as well.

USE IT WITH

Yamaha RX-V673 We love the Yamaha amplifier for its detailed sound and powerful sense of scale – which will go hand-in-hand with the MASS system’s grand sound.

Affecting effects When it comes to big explosions, epic space battles and that brilliant warp-speed sound effect, the MASS system takes everything in its stride with a great deal of enthusiasm. There’s plenty of space for higher notes to reach their full potential, while that punchy and well-timed subwoofer maintains the rumbling hum of the Enterprise’s engines without being too obvious.

It does creditably well with stereo music as well: play Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black album and her deep raspy vocals are full of soulful character, while the MASS system’s agile timing keeps the songs’ rhythms in check. There’s a slight bias to the midrange, with the centre speaker feeling a bit forward compared to its flanking speakers. This is no bad thing: the already-expressive and clear vocals are direct and engaging. While there are speaker packages with a more seamless integration across the front channels, we haven’t heard anything better at this price. The speaker terminals are tucked away under the aluminium end cap at the rear of the speakers, which gives them a neat look. They also maintain their sonic composure even when placed close to the wall, so if you want to wall-mount them, wall brackets are

available for £25 per pair. Alternatively, you can place the satellites on dedicated, pre-wired stands, which are £125 a pair. If you’re looking for a home cinema system that won’t burn a hole in your bank balance, this Monitor Audio style package is definitely worth considering. For the money, it delivers heaps of atmosphere and detail – you’ll be endlessly entertained. Tech specs

MAIN SPEAKERS: Sensitivity 84db/w/m • Impedance 8 ohms • Biwirable Yes • Power 100W • Dimensions (hwd) 22 x 13 x 13cm (front/rear) 13 x 22 13cm (centre) SUBWOOFER: Type sealed • Driver 25cm • Drive orientation side-firing Power 220W • Inputs 1 • Dimensions (hwd) 42 x 38 x 38cm

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Immense, dynamically exciting surround sound; cohesive and engaging soundfield; plenty of crisp detail; strong, attacking sound; agile, speedy timing; good build and finish aGaINST Slightly forward midrange; looks may divide opinion VERDICT Oodles to enjoy, with the depth and scale of sonic performance being the highlight

RevieweR’s Notes... 5 Days with the MoNitoR auDio Mass Out of the box, we instantly like the small but weighty build of the MASS speaker package. Jury’s still out on how we feel about the actual look of the satellites…

Day 1

8 www.whathifi.com

These satellites are designed to be placed close to the wall, so we played around with positioning, and finally decided on perching them on sturdy stands.

Day 2

Time to connect the speakers to the rest of our reference system – getting the wires into the terminals proves to be a bit fiddly, but not insurmountable.

Day 3

We left them for a good night’s running in, but they still sounded a bit edgy. One more day to settle in nicely makes a world of difference to the sound.

Day 4

We delved into the box once more to find a small rubber plinth with a curved shape – perfect for placing the centre speaker on and curbing shelf vibrations.

Day 5

Music.

Whenever.

Wherever.

NEW SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile speaker II ®

®

You’ve got all that music on your phone. Enjoy it out loud with the SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile speaker II – now with improved acoustics for deeper, more powerful sound. Just flip it open, make a quick Bluetooth connection and you’re ready to play your music with better sound than you thought you could get from a speaker this small. It works with your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth devices, including Apple and Android™, and has a battery that keeps the music going for hours. Now you can share your music and enjoy it with better sound, wherever you go. ®

®

®

®

®

scan to learn more

Visit bose.co.uk or go to your local authorised Bose dealer The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any such use by Bose Corporation is under license. AirPlay, the AirPlay logo, Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. ®

m.bose.eu/slm_en

FIRST TESTS PROJECTOR > STEREO SPEAKERS Panasonic PT-AT6000E | Projector | £3000

Excitement, colour and realism Panasonic and JVC have at times turned the mid- to high-end projector market into a two-horse race. The annual launch of a new projector around the £3000 mark has become a mouth-watering prospect – and just ahead of the JVC units, here’s the new Panasonic PT-AT6000E.

Packed with tech The exterior might remain largely as uninspiring as ever, but on the inside a lot has changed. Thanks largely to a new, 220W Advanced Red-Rich Lamp, the 6000’s brightness is boosted from 2000 to 2400 lumens, while the claimed contrast ratio goes from 300,000:1 to 500,000:1. It also claims to be more efficient at cooling, giving your lamp a longer lifespan. Elsewhere there’s a 3D dual-core engine and the addition of Frame Creation 2 motion processing to 2D-to-3D conversion, while new 3D glasses now use an infrared transmitter rather than RF.

With Kingdom of Plants 3D, the content feels comfortable to watch, too. Weird crosstalk effects (where the image for the left and right eyes get mixed up) seem reduced and only the most complex images, where the 3D look is most dramatic, does some instability surface. Detailed, dynamic and confident with any content you throw at it, 2D or 3D, it’s evolution not revolution here – but a worthwhile update that’ll be tough to beat. Round the back there are three HDMI inputs plus PC, component and s-video connections. And thanks to a motorised lens, it takes seconds to set up; we’re soon enjoying staggeringly good HD pictures. Displaying epic effects-fest Thor, the PT-AT6000 delivers punchy but realistic colours and a tremendous sense of realism to skin tones. Sharp edges and clean blocks of colour really help bring pictures to life – no mean feat in this most colourful of films. Deep, dark black levels are delivered faithfully with just enough of a glimmer in the darkest corners, while fast motion is dealt with confidently.

USE IT WITH

Sony BDP-S790 This smashing Blu-ray player offers a fantastically vivid, detailed picture.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Bright picture; good contrast; comfy 3D performance; great detail; easy to set up AGAINST Motion isn’t always perfect VERDICT If we had £3000 to spend on a big-screen home cinema experience at the moment, this is how we’d spend it

Also consider

JVC DLA-X30 £3000 ★★★★★

The Panasonic’s closest rival delivers a brilliantly crisp picture for the money.

Wharfedale Denton | Stereo speakers | £500

Retro looks and timeless sound There aren’t many audio companies that have been around long enough to celebrate 80 years in the business. But Wharfedale has – and it’s marked that impressive milestone with the Denton standmounters. These speakers are deliberately retro in feel thanks to a vintage-look mahogany veneer, recessed front baffle and tungstencoloured grille. But take a look at the engineering and there’s a more cuttingedge flavour. The mid/bass driver uses a woven Kevlar cone, for example, and the cabinet is made of a wooden sandwich construction to control resonances.

Easy on the ears Wharfedale has paid homage to the past by specifying a ferrite magnet for the textile soft dome tweeter rather than the currently fashionable Neodymium alternative. The company claims that this magnet choice results in cleaner, softer and smoother high frequencies. That’s how it sounds to us. The company has voiced these speakers with an ear on the past, and has come up with a really likeable performer.

10 www.whathifi.com

If you want the last word is bass definition or rhythmic precision there are similarly-priced alternatives that will serve you better. However, if you just want to sit back, relax and listen, we can’t think of a rival at this price that will suit you better. With that smooth treble, a full-bodied midrange and rich bass combine to deliver an easy-going sound that remains undemanding to listen to no matter how harsh the recording.

USE IT WITH

Roksan

Kandy K2 A powerful, sophisticated and insightful amplifier that will work well with the Wharfedales.

The Dentons don’t go too far, though. They’re still exciting with the likes of Nirvana and have the drive to satisfy with Eminem, but remain happiest with music that reflects their laid-back disposition. Given something like Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata these speakers shine. While these speakers aren’t brilliant allrounders, then, given something that plays to their strengths they’re fully capable of delivering a large slice of sonic heaven.

Rating ★★★★ FOR Smooth, rich and expressive presentation; easy-going nature; solid build AGAINST Not the last word in attack, bass grip or rhythmic precision VERDICT These are immensely likeable. Their relaxed yet engaging sound has a lot of appeal

Also consider

Tannoy DC6 £400 ★★★★★

These Tannoys were terrific at £600, and now they’re even more desirable.

Contemporary and stylish sound design from DALI

DALI ZENSOR 5 5.1

Designed in Denmark | www.dali-speakers.com

MICRO SYSTEM > HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIER FIRST TESTS Onkyo CR-N755 | Micro system | £300

Fully loaded spec and great sound ‘Adapt or die’ has been a mantra for many as the AV landscape has changed over the past few years, and with the CR-N755 micro hi-fi system, Onkyo is doing just that. The company is fully embracing the streaming music revolution: this is its first micro system to have built-in access to Spotify and Last.fm as well as internet radio from AUPEO! and vTuner.

Impressive feature list Of course, the CR-N755 micro system still has the basics, too. There’s a CD player, FM and AM tuners alongside the internet radio and a USB input for direct audio playback from a memory stick or Apple portable. There are even digital coaxial and optical inputs for playing 24-bit/ 96kHz high-resolution audio. Speakers are optional extras – Onkyo offers its own D-055 two-way speakers for £150 – but we used Q Acoustics’ Award-winning 2020is. AptX Bluetooth and wi-fi come via optional dongles; otherwise, you’ll

have to connect the CR-N755 to your router via ethernet. Once online, you can access your Spotify or Last.fm accounts provided you are a premium member. Using the free remote apps for Android and Apple devices give you the best experience – otherwise using the on-screen display and standard remote is a little laborious when it comes to searching for things to listen to. On top of the online services, you can also stream via DLNA from a computer or NAS, with Apple Lossless and FLAC both supported.

USE IT WITH

Apple iPhone 4S Your old iPhone 4S can not only use the control app but also connect via USB for audio playback.

Crucially, this system sounds great. It’s an exciting and dynamic listen without ever sounding bright. Play a CD or stream some good-quality files and it’s capable of solid, room-filling bass alongside clear vocals. Only in terms of absolute detail could you perhaps expect a smidgeon more. But the real key to this system’s five-star rating is its raft of functionality. A 21st century micro hi-fi system, the Onkyo CR-N755 is brilliant little box.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Bags of functionality; integrated Spotify; internet, FM and AM radio; sounds great AGAINST Speakers are an optional extra VERDICT Compact, affordable and highly capable, this little box is a fine, forwardthinking hi-fi system

Also consider Denon D-M39DAB £360 ★★★★★

It might not have as many features, but it sounds superb and comes with speakers.

Yamaha RX-V373 | Home cinema amplifier | £250

The perfect first 5.1 experience Last month, Yamaha’s £500 RX-V673 upset the likes of Sony, Onkyo and Pioneer and stormed to victory in our home cinema amp Group Test. So we’re eager to see if its entry-level sibling can continue the trend… It might not be bursting with features but there’s no real cause for consternation. Four HDMI inputs can’t be grumbled at, and nor can the ability to pass through 4K content or stream music from an iDevice via USB. Power is a reasonably healthy 85W per channel, but there’s no provision for extra niceties such as front height, width or surround back channels – it’s 5.1-only here.

Streaming functionality and video upscaling aren’t at your disposal, but at this money, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Of course, the Yamaha can decode all the relevant standard-definition and high-def surround-sound formats, and it does so with considerable skill. For a product of its type, the Yamaha sounds remarkably exciting and dynamic. Many amps at this price tend to buckle when pushed hard, but the Yamaha doesn’t display any tell-tale harshness. Spin Gladiator and the Colosseum carnage is dispatched with an impressive level

USE IT WITH

Sony BDP-S390 This budget Blu-ray deck is the ideal partner for the brilliant little Yamaha amp.

of confidence. As chariots, swords and bodies collide, the Yamaha apportions an impressive amount of weight and body to low frequencies. The surround processing does a good job of positioning you in the middle of the baying hordes, while dialogue is expressive and crystal clear. If you’re looking to take a first step on the home cinema ladder and need to keep to a strict budget, then the RX-V373 will reward you in spades.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Impressive dynamics and detail; excellent effects processing; four HDMI ins; easy to use AGAINST Limited to 5.1 channels; restricted streaming functionality; no upscaling VERDICT A fantastic first step into the realm of 5.1 sound, the RX-V373 is a great budget buy

Also consider

Sony STR-DH820 £200 ★★★★★

Exciting and agile, but the Yamaha edges it out in weight and dynamics.

www.whathifi.com 13

FIRST TESTS MP3 Player > Wireless sPeaker Cowon Z2 | MP3 player | £200

New Cowon is a terrific music player The ‘MP3 player’ hasn’t exactly gone from hero to zero in the past few years, but the market for portable media players has certainly been hit by phones and tablets.

Cowon, however, has a loyal fan base hooked on its superior-sounding portables and prepared to make do without the frills and features of Apple rivals. The Z2 is Cowon’s attempt to meet their fans half-way. Using the Android platform, it offers web browsing, access to apps, a new touchscreen interface, Bluetooth streaming and, it hopes, top-notch sound. In the hand, while it feels solid and well-built, it’s noticeably chunkier than rivals. The big screen is welcome but it’s not as bright or sharp as others around, which makes video performance pretty average.

USE IT WITH

Sound Magic E10 A little update has made these £35 earphones even more of a bargain.

MP3 and WAV available, and battery life, at around 22 hours, is solid. And the Cowon Z2 does sound great. The tonal balance is spot on, sounding crisp and clear, but not bright at high volume. There’s good detail to voices, decent dynamics and bass notes are solid but not overpowering. It’s a comfortable, enjoyable listen. For usability, apps and other extras, you can do better, but if all you want is a music player, then this will do a fine job.

Rating ★★★★ FOR Great sound; good battery life; 16GB storage plus an SD card for expansion AGAINST Screen is a little dull; touch-screen interface could be better; a little expensive VERDICT The Z2 is a great music player with good sound and flexible storage

Web browsing, but lacks Google Play Using the Android 2.3 interface you do get web browsing but you don’t get access to the full range of Google Play apps. Similarly, while the 3.7in touchscreen is decent enough, it’s no match for the speed and accuracy of the latest phones and tablets. Loading on music is a simple drag-anddrop affair on a PC. It’s not so Mac-friendly, but there are workarounds. You have 16GB storage (there’s a 32Gb model for £50 more) plus an SD card slot for expansion, too. There’s good file support, with AAC, FLAC,

Also consider

Apple iPod Touch (4th-gen) ★★★★★ We haven’t seen the new model yet, but if you value web browsing, apps and more, this is a winner.

Pioneer XW-SMA3 | Wireless speaker | £300

Clever idea falls short on sound For most companies, hi-fi tech and the outdoors rarely make good bedfellows. Pioneer, though, is seeking to challenge that notion with its portable, rechargeable – and splash-proof – XW-SMA3 20W wireless speaker. The SMA3 can connect to your home network via ethernet if you wish, but its real appeal lies in its wi-fi compatibility. There’s AirPlay on board for Apple fans, the HTC Connect equivalent if you own an HTC One smartphone, and also Pioneer’s own Wireless Direct feature. This last lets you connect to the speaker without the need for an existing network – which means that, if you like, you can take the dock to the park and carry on streaming. It’s also compatible with the DLNA standard – so you can access files stored on networked hard drives, too.

Simple set-up Getting the unit hooked up to your network for AirPlay streaming is simple enough – simply plug your Apple device into the SMA3’s USB port, hold down a couple of buttons and the speaker does the rest. It’s a

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to boot. It’s a tad restrained elsewhere, too, with leading edges of notes sounding a bit soft and the midrange sounding rather closed-in, especially during more complex parts. But even though it’s not the punchiest sound, it’s never harsh and vocals are clear – which we applaud. We can’t totally recommend the SMA3. We love its ease of use – and its portability – but it needs more excitement and punch to really seal the deal.

Rating ★★★ far cry from the AirPlay docks of old, which required set-up pages and passwords. Using Wireless Direct, likewise, is a simple case of holding down the network button and then tapping the SMA3 in your device’s settings. In use it’s a bit of a mixed bag. For a unit of this size (it’s about the size of a shoe-box) you might be expecting reasonably hefty low frequencies – but that isn’t on the table. We like the fact that Pioneer hasn’t gone down the gratuitously bassy route, but we can’t help feeling it’s missed a trick here. What bass you do get is a little imprecise,

JARGON BUSTER What’s DLNA?

It’s a standard for sharing content over a network – DLNA devices can access media stored on networked harddrives or computers.

FOR Inoffensive sound; portable; easy to set up and use; plenty of network features AGAINST Not the most exciting listen; needs to go louder (especially if you’re outside) VERDICT Portable, network-savvy and easy to use, but it needs more entertainment value

Also consider

Logitech UE Air Speaker £300 ★★★★★ It isn’t portable, but the Air Speaker serves up a big, entertaining sound via AirPlay.

Introducing: ‘Total Headphones’ The Outstanding New M4U2 from PSB

We’ve taken forty years of bringing real sound to real people and packed it into our exciting new Music for You (M4U) Series of high performance headphones. No matter where you experience the rich natural sounds of our exclusive M4U Room Feel™ technology you’ll think you’re listening to great loudspeakers rather than headphones! Total Headphones, Total Enjoyment.

“ PSB’s first headphones are truly brilliant hear them now“ What Hi-Fi Sound & Vision, October 2012

“ Excellent performance … one utterly convincing and seriously impressive headphone” AVForums, August 2012

“ phenomenally good … so musically adept, taut and dynamic … a must-buy” BBC Music Magazine, October 2012

M4U

Music For You HIGH PERFORMANCE HEADPHONES

www.PSBspeakers.com

PSB Speakers are distributed in the UK by Armour Home, part of Armour Group PLC.

5.1 speaker package FIRST TESTS

KEF R100 5.1 | Speaker package | £2750

Gorgeous looks, gorgeous sound, gorgeous package We raved about the KEF R100 speakers in October, so we couldn’t wait to get our hands on a cinema system assembled from the rest of KEF’s R Series. First things first. The system is made up of two identical pairs of R100 speakers for the front and rear channels, a R200c centre channel, and a R400b subwoofer. The construction of each speaker unit demands a closer look, thanks to KEF’s distinctive Uni-Q driver arrangement. The R100 standmounters each contain a 25mm aluminium dome tweeter that uses refinements borrowed from KEF’s state-of-the-art Blade speakers, siting at the centre of a new 12.5cm magnesium/ aluminium alloy mid/bass driver. The centre speaker is a three-way design with the same Uni-Q tweeter/mid driver (with a slightly different surround) in the middle, flanked by two 13cm bass drivers. Twin 250W Class D amps power the subwoofer’s side-firing 22.5cm drivers.

Astounding performance And the effect is astounding. We’ve watched J J Abrams’ Star Trek a few dozen times, but played through this system the movie felt fresh and exciting all over again. The first thing you’ll notice is the incredible scale of this package. That tweeter is a key ingredient to the sound. The vented design aims to disperse the higher frequencies evenly across the room, which results in a wide and unified soundfield. The KEFs are relatively compact, but deliver heaps of easy dynamics that fill our generously sized

listening room. Play the Romulan attack scene and you’ll be amazed at the system’s ability to convey the movement of such large objects moving in the vastness of space to such a impressive degree. It’s not just show-stopping explosions that get all the attention. It’s an immersive experience no matter what the scene: every sound effect can be easily tracked across a spacious and detailed soundstage. Integration is stunning across the front channels, with all three working as if a single entity. Dialogue is crisp and clear, with a startling directness. The compact sub is a key element, delivering precision and punch to all sorts of impactful effects. More impressively, it maintains that steady hum of the ship’s engines without ever being obtrusive.

USE IT WITH

Marvel

Avengers Assemble The superhero event of the year, Joss Whedon’s Marvel masterpiece is finally out on Blu-ray.

Integration is stunning across the front three channels, and dialogue is crisp and clear with a startling directness

We can’t end without mentioning the KEF system’s looks: in short, it’s stunning. The entire system has a sleek and clean design, with magnetic grilles negating the need for any unsightly fascia holes. The cabinets are sturdy and feel like high-end quality constructions that belie their price tag. The ‘tangerine’ tweeter looks shiny enough, and we rather love the high gloss piano white finish. Other equally good-looking finishes include glossy piano black, rosewood or walnut veneers. We’re struggling to find any fault with this system: the fact that you’ll need to spend extra money on quality speaker stands is the only thing that comes to mind, and that just goes to show how talented this KEF speaker package really is. Is it worth every penny of its asking price? Without a doubt.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Great scale and fluid dynamics; seamless integration; excellent definition; expressive midrange; cohesive and engaging sound AGAINST You’ll need to budget for stands VERDICT It looks gorgeous and it sounds fantastic – what more could you want?

Also consider

Dali Ikon 6 Mk2 5.1 - £2900 ★★★★★

It’s much larger, but the Ikon’s sheer scale will take your breath away, while also delivering plenty of detail with composure

System builder Total build £9580 Projector Panasonic PT-AT6000E £3000 ★★★★★ You can’t beat a projector for a cinema feel.

Television Panasonic TX-P65ST50 £2400 ★★★★★

Home cinema amplifier Onkyo TX-NR818 – £1000

Blu-ray player Sony BDP-S790 – £230

★★★★★

Blu-ray player: Custom Design FS104 Signature – £200

This huge plasma television is a truly superb performer.

Power and refinement are balanced perfectly.

This brilliant Sony is a joy to use, and at a simply superb price.

Fine stands that will bring the best out of the KEFs.

★★★★★

★★★★★

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FIRST TESTS MUSIC STREAMER > HEADPHONES Naim NAC-N 172 X | Music streamer | £1650

Amp and streamer in one does it all Here’s an unusual one: a conventional preamplifier whose primary function is music streaming. The NAC-N 172 XS is Naim’s first attempt at combining traditional hi-fi separates with network streaming features. The NAC-N 172 XS is a great starting point for building a new system, or adding to your existing set-up and partnering it with a decent power amp, such as Naim’s own NAP-155 XS (which is, in fact, the form in which our review unit was supplied). Similar to the excellent NDX, the NAC-N 172 XS can stream high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz for FLAC. Most other popular formats are supported too, with uncompressed Apple Lossless (ALAC) files now joining the list of MP3, WMA and WAV, to name a few. There are plenty of connection options – round the back are analogue and digital

connections, for this box also includes a high-quality DAC, and you can use ethernet or wi-fi (we’d stick with the former) to stream music from computers, NAS devices, and internet radio stations. There’s also a USB port in the front panel for portable players.

Engaging performance The N 172 XS has a nice smoothness about its presentation that does wonders with high-res and compressed files. But let’s not shoot from the hip here: ‘smooth’, in this case, doesn’t mean ‘uniform and dull’ – in fact it’s quite the opposite. Songs are delivered with heaps of rhythm and a robust demeanor, as well as plenty of detail and depth all the way up the frequency range. Streaming a FLAC of Time from Hans Zimmer’s barnstorming Inception

USE IT WITH

Naim NAP 155 XS The natural partnering power amplifer from Naim’s extensive range offers an enthusiastic and well-defined sound.

soundtrack via our Musicm8 NAS drive, we were engulfed in the soaring dynamics and well-marshalled stereo field. You’ll have to go up a price point or two to the Cyrus Stream XP2-Qx for a more transparent performance, but the Naim is a wonderfully engaging player. In fact, at this price, we can’t think of anything else that can match the versatility and the sonic performance of the NAC-N 172 XS – it’s a great streamer.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Rich and energetic sound; fluid and engaging dynamics; detailed; good control app AGAINST No Android version of control app VERDICT This Naim preamp streamer is an engaging and high-res-happy performer – and a real star turn at this price level

Also consider

Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 £700 ★★★★★ A fantastic and versatile streamer, even if there’s no high-res – and it’s half the Naim’s price.

Shure SRH940 | Headphones | £180

Up-front sound sees Shures sing When a pair of cans is destined to spend its life indoors, size isn’t much of an issue. And these Shures are unashamedly large, padded and Cyberman-esque – we can’t see many folk taking them on the Tube. If you were of a mind to, though, at least you wouldn’t irritate your fellow sardines – the SRH940s are closed-back headphones, and don’t leak sound to the outside world. They’re lovely and comfy on the head thanks to their padded velour ear-cups, and their circumaural design (which surrounds your whole ear rather than sitting on it) means your lugs won’t get too hot.

Energetic and immediate Plugged in through a Chord Chordette Toucan headphone amp and playing a WAV file of Boards of Canada’s 1998 classic Roygbiv via iTunes, the first thing that strikes us about the SRH940s is their immediacy. They’re a fast, energetic listen, and open and revealing with it too – which goes slightly against the grain of their closed-back DNA. The rich synths of the track are conveyed explicitly, and there’s oodles of detail in the low-fi hi-hat part.

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The mellow melody is nicely rounded, and the whole frequency range sits together really well, with nothing standing out too far or sitting too far back in the mix. Switch gears to Chan Chan by the Buena Vista Social Club and all that detail is once again to the fore. The tight-yet-full quality to low frequencies is particularly pleasing.

USE IT WITH

Chord Chordette Toucan It’s not cheap, this DAC/headphone amp, but it sounds simply fantastic – and then so, by extension, do the Shures.

Gripes? Only one very minor one: there’s a very slight spike near the top of the treble, which can occasionally stray into thinness during lean-sounding recordings, but it’s not a deal-breaker by any means. If you find the 940s a little too eagersounding for your tastes, consider the Award-winning AKG K550s (p52), which offer a more easygoing performance – but if it’s excitement you crave, these smashing Shures tick all the boxes.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Open, transparent sound; well integrated across frequency range; comfy to wear AGAINST Revealing sound might not be to everyone’s tastes VERDICT These Shures take no prisoners, but they sound simply brilliant – audition a pair now

Also consider AKG K550 £180 ★★★★★

Our current Award-winners at this price major in refinement, detail and ease of listening.

Delivering the explosive charge of the latest hi-def movie soundtracks is Monitor Audio’s diminutive MASS home cinema system, packed with award winning technology for jaw-dropping audio dynamics and décor-friendly styling. www.monitoraudio.com

FIRST TESTS CD PLAYER Cambridge Azur 851C | CD player | £1200

Finesse and crystal clarity The Cambridge brand might have built its reputation on turning out high-quality budget kit, but the Azur 851C shows it’s more than capable of moving up a gear or three when the price goes up. Despite the page headings above, to call the Azur 851C ‘just’ a CD player is to do it a disservice. It’s far more than that, as even a quick scan of the features list shows. There are digital inputs, for starters, and alongside the now standard trio of USB, optical and coaxial you’ll find the less common AES/ EBU digital connection, too. All the inputs will accept a full-fat 24-bit/192kHz signal (bar the optical, which is limited to 96kHz). The company is especially proud of the digital-to-analogue design in this product. It up-samples the digital data stream up to 24-bit/384kHz, irrespective of whether the source is the built-in disc drive or a laptop. The advantage of doing this is claimed to be greater linearity of response from the DACs. A great deal of attention has also been paid to reducing jitter to minimal amounts. The aim is, as always, to deliver a better sound. The highlights don’t stop there: the 851C can also function as a digital preamp and switch digital sources, adjust left-to-right balance and take charge of volume levels. In a digital-based system all you’ll need to add is a power amp and pair of speakers. Or, if you want to get purist, the Azur 851C connected to a pair of active speakers is about as minimal as a system gets.

Amazingly detailed sound… The 851C is impressive out of its box. It’s a large and hefty unit, solidly put together and finished to a high standard. We like the remote control, too. It looks like a classier version of Cambridge’s standard wand. In use it sounds remarkably consistent, regardless of input. With a CD of Drake’s Take Care it delivers an impressively clean rendition. There’s a massive amount of detail and terrific precision in the way the 851C handles the leading and trailing edges of notes. The rapid-fire lyrics on Under Ground Kings, meanwhile, are easy to follow and delivered with plenty of finesse. Move on to the likes of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and the player responds with an appealing lightness of touch. It

uncovers harmonic nuances with ease, while still managing to deliver dynamic changes with authority. The insight this machine gives into the recording and production is excellent. Feed in a 24-bit/88.2kHz version of The Rolling Stones’ Let It Bleed and the 851C continues to impress. The extra resolution of this recording is readily apparent, as is the extra subtlety and fluidity on show.

There’s fantastic precision in the way the 851C handles the leading and trailing edges of notes USE IT WITH

…but is it too analytical? However, despite the Cambridge’s obvious talent, we’re not totally convinced. Regardless of the recording, it favours analysis over fun, making it easier to admire than it is to love. Major Lazer’s Pon de Floor should charge along… instead it sounds a tad restrained, lacking the dynamic contrast and rhythmic coherence of the best. While something like Cyrus’s CD 8 SE2 isn’t as overt about the detail it digs up, it’s still a more exciting and involving listen.

Old Ideas Leonard Cohen A superb recording that will shine with the Cambridge.

Trying the Cambridge as a preamp gives us mixed results. We like the clarity and resolution on offer, but can do without the loss of substance and hint of electronic edge using it in this configuration produces. Make no mistake; this Cambridge is an immensely capable performer. If detail resolution and precision are paramount, then dive right in – in those respects it’s as good as anything we’ve heard at this price. But it doesn’t manage to engage us in the way some rivals can. And that’s why it gains a four star rating.

Round the back… 1 Quality chassis We expect quality build but the 851C impresses with its solidity and fine finish.

2 Digital outputs This machine is fully kitted out. There are AES/ EBU, co-axial and optical connections.

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3 Digital Preamp Connect your digital sources here and the 851C becomes the control hub of the system.

4 Analogue outputs You have the option of using both balanced or single-ended analogue outputs.

3

Rating ★★★★ FOR Massively detailed and precise performer; agile and articulate sound; impressive features AGAINST Could do with more dynamic exuberance and rhythmic drive VERDICT An incredibly capable performer, but a touch too clinical for our tastes

Also consider 4

Cyrus CD8 SE2 £1200 ★★★★★ It might lacks the Cambridge’s extensive range of features but this player counters with a immensely sound.

System builder total £5675 Apple MacBook Pro £1000 ★★★★★ Connect any laptop to the Cambridge’s USB digital input and you’ll experience greater detail and stronger dynamics. High-res files up to 24-bit/ 192kHz are supported, too.

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Roksan Caspian M2 £1650 ★★★★★

PMC Twenty-22 £1825 ★★★★★

We haven’t tested the 851C’s partnering amp yet, but Roksan’s evergreen Caspian M2 works well due to its refinement, strong dynamics and firm sense of rhythmic drive.

These impressive speakers combine exceptional integration with the kind of detail resolution that normally costs hundreds of pounds more.

Technology, Design & Emotion The multi-award winning Caspian M2 Series of high-fidelity electronics from Roksan Audio are an engineering marvel. The Integrated Amplifier has been meticulously designed to ensure it uncovers even the most delicate detail and presents it majestically. The CD Player’s decoupled laser mechanism, super precision master clock and multiple independent circuits create a seamless, harmonic musical experience that is second to none. The more recent addition of a two-channel stereo power amplifier completes the much-desired system by adding further control and musicality.

Roksan Audio is exclusively distributed in the UK by Henley Designs Ltd. Telephone: 01235 511 166 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.henleydesigns.co.uk

FIRST TESTS DAC > IN-EAR HEADPHONES > USB CABLE NAD M51 | DAC | £1500

NAD’s conversion experience is a revelation NAD’s most recent hi-fi separates have struggled to stand out from the crowd, but the M51 could change that. It’s a bold move to introduce an expensive DAC separate, but a logical one too, particularly as it can act as a digital preamp. DACs are getting plenty of exposure at the moment and the potential sonic benefits they bring to any digitalbased system can’t be underestimated. NAD claims the M51’s technical wizardry is second to none. A DAC converts digital signals from PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) to PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation), but NAD claims the M51 does so using a rate much higher than traditional machines and so achieves a high level of sound quality. And hearing the DAC in action, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Music sounds wonderfully clear and transparent.

50 Cent’s In Da Club is powerful and robust, with the solid-sounding bassline acting as a rigid backbone. The Manic Street Preachers’ Motorcycle Emptiness sounds engaging and communicative with an excellent sense of precision to the drums and a crisp, natural tone to the guitar melodies. This NAD can display details and sonic textures that cheaper DACs struggle to convey. This is as relevant when listening to 16-bit/44.1kHz CD playback as it is when indulging in a 24-bit/192kHz high-res file.

Connectivity options The inclusion of dual HDMI inputs and a single output is unusual, but it means you can strip the two-channel PCM audio off a signal from a Blu-ray deck and pass the picture through, or take a high bitrate feed

USE IT WITH

Apple

Macbook Pro Feed the NAD music files from your laptop for startling results.

from a DVD-A or SACD disc. You’re limited to a 2.0 speaker set-up, but this feature is aimed more at the two-channel purist. Build quality is decent for the money: the front panel looks and feels solid enough but the rest of the chassis feels slightly ‘tinny’. The M51 sounds sensational. In fact, we’d go further than that by saying it’s one of the best NAD separates we’ve heard in recent memory. But is it good enough to win an Award? Turn to page 68 to find out.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Open, transparent sound; immense levels of detail; realistic tone; extensive connectivity; large, legible display AGAINST Build doesn’t quite reflect price VERDICT This flexible DAC will bring great results for any upmarket system

Also consider Naim DAC £2150 ★★★★★

Naim’s DAC is a great option and also offers an upgrade path allowing you to connect the company’s dedicated power supplies.

Sony XBA-3iP | In-ear headphones | £225

Vertere Pulse D-Fi | USB cable | £70

Snug buds hit the sonic highs

Cable of real distinction

The earpieces on the XBA-3iPs aren’t quite as slender as on comparable models from Klipsch or Beyerdynamic, but that’s because they accommodate the three balanced armature drivers: one tweeter, full range and mid/bass. In the box, there’s a selection of colour-coded silicone eartips, ranging from extra small to large. We found them to be a secure fit and good at isolating the listener from outside noise, which helps when it comes to using the inline, iPhonecompatible mic.

Clarity and detail Call quality is crystal clear, as is the sound produced when spinning tunes. The Sonys are detailed, beautifully balanced and display an excellent sense of timing. Highs are crisp, lows expertly judged. They’re not cheap, but if you’re constantly on the move and demand optimum sound quality, then the XBA-3iPs will be a fine investment.

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The Pulse D-Fi is the best-sounding USB cable we’ve heard so far. Cables don’t change music, but the best ones allow purity of transmission and that’s the Pulse all over. It looks like something you’d find bundled with a printer, but Vertere has put time and energy where it counts. We put Buena Vista Social Club through the cable and it performed with startling clarity. Voices are crisp and clean, while instruments are textured. The energy is also maintained: skip to Pueblo Nuevo and you can feel Rubén González’s ivory-pounding enthusiasm. It also demonstrates amazing control with good organisation, tidy presentation, and impeccable timing. The Supra USB 2.0 won this year’s Best USB Cable Award because it represents great value. But if you have the extra cash, the Pulse D-Fi wins on every level.

Rating ★★★★★

Rating ★★★★★

VERDICT These Sony in-ears sound amazing, and are a commuting audiophile’s best friend

VERDICT A top-level, must-audition cable – as long as your budget can stretch to it

FIRST TESTS home cinema amplifier Pioneer SC-LX56 | Home cinema amplifier | £1300

Excitement, top tech and amazing sound Smoking, biting your nails, TOWIE… we all have a habit or two we’d like to put to rest. But the last thing Pioneer should do is kick its habit of creating stonking home cinema amps above the £1000 mark. Every year it seems to be able to go one better than the last, adding a new features and setting new benchmarks. The SC-LX56 is such a machine, and builds on the success of last year’s Award-winning SC-LX55.

Immersive and exciting The precision and swiftness with which it dispatches surround effects through your speakers is second to none. During Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, as Ethan and IMF’s Secretary are ambushed, the punch of the strike has you jumping out of your seat. As their car careers off the road and plunges into the river below there’s weighty, well-defined crash-cum-thud as car meets water and hits the riverbed below. Bullets whiz around the sound field as the Pioneer gives the impression they’re missing your head by millimeters. The ‘LX56 presents the effects in a clear, spacious surround field, uncovering the subtlest details and dynamic shifts as the action moves below the water’s surface.

USE IT WITH

Avengers Assemble A masterclass in how to produce a multichannel soundtrack – and the film’s not half bad, either.

Round the back… 1 HDMI aplenty There are seven inputs on the back, one on the front and two outputs for running twin displays.

2 Twin subs There are two subwoofer preouts, so you can hook up twin subs without needing an extra adaptor.

3 9.1 options You can run nine channels from this amp – and can choose between height, width or rear speaker options.

4 Wi-fi is go A dongle is supplied, and you can take advantage of AirPlay if you have an Apple portable.

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4 3

The precision and swiftness with which it dispatches surround effects through your home cinema speakers is second to none The Pioneer’s agility allows for an entertaining musical experience too. Spin The Hives’ Wait A Minute and the amp has no trouble punching out the drum beat. Splashes and crashes are conveyed with vim and vigour, but the Pioneer doesn’t stumble with more testing beats either, as a quick foray into the world of jazz highlights the amp’s confident rhythmic ability.

Tons of connections Supplementing the Pioneer’s powerful sound is a raft of connectivity options and features. High-def kit can be plugged into one of seven HDMI sockets on the rear and an additional one lurking behind the hinged front panel, while twin outputs cater for different displays. The Pioner can act as a music hub too, as DLNA certification means you can stream music over a home network via a wired Ethernet connection. The supplied wireless network adaptor will also help you get online and experience internet radio stations courtesy of the built-in vTuner. The ‘LX56 is also backed up by two fabulous control apps. The AV navigator

software works with iOS devices or your home PC and helps to ensure all your sources and speakers are connected correctly. The company’s iControlAV12 app for iOS and Android (see p104) gives you full control over speaker settings, audio decoding and picture processing so you can tailor the amp to your requirements. In all, then, the SC-LX56 is an excellent all-round proposition. We think it’s great.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Direct, precise sound; weighty, defined bass; top-notch dynamics; intuitive menus; wired and wireless music streaming AGAINST Nothing at this price VERDICT Pioneer has the recipe for success at this price – and we’re sure you’d like a taste

Also consider

Onkyo TX-NR818 £1000 ★★★★★

Bristling with tech and serving up a trouserflapping performance, the 818 is a joy.

System builder total £5780 Sony BDP-S790 £230 ★★★★★

KEF R100 5.1 £2750 ★★★★★

The Sony punches well above its price with crisp images and lively sound. There’s also smart tech such as catch-up TV and the excellent Sony Entertainment Network.

It looks the part, and this is also a wonderfully versatile surround-sound system, making it a hit with movies and music alike.

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Panasonic TX-P50GT50 £1500 ★★★★★ The GT50s is Panasonic’s bestvalue set to date. Contrast is excellent, colours are rich and vibrant, and 3D content is great.

State-of-the-art solutions for the digital generation

The Future of Hi-Fi is coming... Our new range of all-in-one systems and digital separates combine the convenience and power of the digital revolution with the foot-tapping, spine-tingling musical performance on which Naim has built its reputation. From the pinnacle of digital performance offered by the NDS network player, to the compact convenience of the UnitiQute all-in-one player, there’s a solution for you. You can experience these revolutionary new products at a ‘The Future of Hi-Fi’ live event near you this Autumn. To find out more and for a full list of dates and participating retailers visit www.naimaudio.com/future-of-hi-fi

FIRST TESTS SPEAKER PACKAGE > muSiC STREAmER Cabasse CinéOle | Speaker package | £800

Stylish, but not the full package We’re always happy to test something that promises to put a bit of meat on the bones of a TV’s sound, especially when it looks as stylish as this Cabasse system. It’s a basic 2.1 subwoofer/satellite set-up, so don’t expect effects to swirl around the back of your head, but within the confines of that configuration it does a decent job. Straight in with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, we were quite impressed by how well integrated the sound is between the grapefruit-sized satellite speakers and the sub (we preferred the digital optical input to the analogue).

Switch to some music and the sub gets a little boisterous. There’s a level control on its rear panel, but we’d like to see a button on the (somewhat plasticky) remote to do this – or a couple of preset modes for switching between movies and music. So, sub dialled in and bums back on sofas, we started the audio-only portion of our test with the rocktastic Amsterdam from Van Halen’s Balance. Again there’s a more than respectable amount of heft for this system’s size – and there’s still a

USE IT WITH

Battleship Don’t expect decent acting, characters, or plot… but absolutely expect a barnstorming soundtrack.

decent amount of detail on offer, but there’s a lack of cohesion between the subwoofer and satellite speakers which takes away some rhythmic precision. Boards of Canada’s Roygbiv confirms our findings, even if the CinéOles ultimately prove to be an inoffensive listen. At this price we require more finesse to treble and speed to bass – or a couple of hundred quid off the price – to gain a wholehearted recommendation.

Rating ★★★ FOR Detailed with voices; weighty sound; well integrated; lovely to look at

Warm and fairly detailed It’s a reasonably detailed presentation too, with voices sounding clear and full, and ambient effects not getting swamped by the up-front action. The inevitable explosions are good and solid, although the presentation has a wooliness that robs the sound of a bit of bite. The Cabasses also harden up a bit more than we’d like at higher volume levels.

AGAINST Not too exciting; lacks precision in rhythm and bass; lack of treble refinement VERDICT Not a bad effort, but its price and slightly unfocused sound let it down a bit

Also consider

Triangle Color 123 £600 ★★★★★ A tight, energetic sound – and lovely looks – make this a top 2.1 package.

Cyrus Stream XP2-Qx | Music streamer | £2300

Top streaming talent from Cyrus The XP2-Qx is an all-in-one music streamer, DAC and preamplifier, and is being hailed as the flagship of Cyrus’s streaming products. It’s an upgraded version of the Stream XP (£2000), and the extra £300 marks the inclusion of Cyrus’s top-end Qx DAC. The company’s streamers have all enjoyed a software upgrade. They can now stream high-resolution files up to 24-bit/192kHz (up from 24-bit/96kHz), and can now handle Apple Lossless tracks, too.

Cyrus also provides a nice dedicated controller, the ‘n-remote’, with a built-in colour display that shows artwork, menus and track information. It’s not as intuitive as a smartphone app would be, but it’s nice having all the track information to hand. Stream Massive Attack’s Teardrop and the Cyrus doesn’t lose a single ounce of the ethereal vocals. It has all the hallmarks of the Cyrus sound: detail is breathtaking, the timing is razor sharp but never clinical, and the delivery is fast and uninterrupted.

USE IT WITH

Dynaudio Focus 110A Just add these fine active speakers and you’ve an instant system.

There’s plenty of space at the top end for the music to reach a natural high without ever feeling strained or getting too bright, while basslines are agile and strong. The Stream XP2-Qx serves up an energetic, enthusiastic and truly immersive performance, with both the Qx DAC module and improved software proving to be worthwhile additions. We’d have absolutely no problem dishing out the extra cash for this fantastic streamer.

Rating ★★★★★ FOR Fast, precise sound; can handle 24-bit/192kHz files; plenty of features AGAINST A smartphone app would be more intuitive than the remote control VERDICT Cyrus has done it again – this multitalented streamer sounds absolutely fantastic

Also consider

Naim NDX £2995 ★★★★★

It’s more expensive, but if you’re looking for the ultimate in hi-fi sound with all the features you can think of, this is the best around

26 www.whathifi.com

T SERIES WAT C H P RO M E T H E U S A N D I M M E R S E YO U R S E L F I N A N OT H E R W O R L D W I T H S O U N D F RO M K E F Enjoy the journey even more with high definition surround sound, innovative technology and high-performance audio that will bring soundtracks to life, like you’re really there! WIN A TRIP TO THE FILMING LOCATION OF PETRA, JORDAN! You and your guest could win a once-in-a-lifetime 5* trip to explore the awe-inspiring Prometheus filming location of Petra, Jordan!

Visit www.kef.com for more details.

O W N I T O N B LU - R AY & D V D Artwork subject to change.

© 2012 Twentieth Century Home Fox Entertainment LLC. All Rights Reserved.

More than words

words that count . . . ‘It just sounds like music, like people, like a band having fun. I love the A6’s. They’re GRRRRREAT!’ Hi-Fi+ Issue 63 Feb 09 ‘As at home with Ice T as they are with Mahler. These are brilliant speakers for the money.’ What Hi-Fi Feb 09 ‘These Spendors are true must-hear hi-fi.’ What Hi-FI Awards 2009 ‘For those who want the truth.’ Hi-Fi World Mar 09 ‘The A6’s are stunning.’ What Hi-Fi Feb 09

www.spendoraudio.com A3

A5

A6

A9

The Spendor A-line

GAMES CONSOLE > STEREO AMPLIFIER FIRST TESTS PlayStation 3 500GB | Games console | £250

The PS3’s been on a diet... When the original PlayStation 3 was launched back in 2006, besides being a serious gaming machine, it was a bit of a bloater. It looked a premium product, but in terms of size it could give some home cinema amps a run for their money. A slimmed-down version launched in 2009, and now there’s this one – which is half the size and weight of the original and almost 25 per cent smaller than its predecessor.

Same features, slimmer build Storage is up from 120GB on the old ‘Slim’ to a much more generous 500GB but there’s also a version with 12GB of flash memory. The latter is for those who’d prefer to install their own, 2.5in SATA hard drive, although you will need to buy Sony’s optional mount to do so. But it’s not all good news. Gone is the quality finish and feel of the predecessor, although the curved design survives to an extent. Gone too is the slot-loading disc drawer. This has been replaced by a flimsy-feeling, ridged cover, which slides back to reveal the mechanism. It’s a bit of a crude, cheap-feeling contraption compared with the previous models.

The features remain the same. Blu-rays, DVDs or CDs can still be spun, and the PS3’s multimedia skills remain unchanged: you can stream content from networked devices and through on-demand services such as Sony’s own SEN (Sony Entertainment Network) and BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, and 4oD. Music lovers can also rip CDs to the hard drive up to 320kbps at AAC standard. As for picture and sound quality? Well, nothing’s really changed. The PS3 can’t match a dedicated budget Blu-ray deck such as Sony’s own BDP-S390 or Panasonic’s DMP-BDT220, but detail levels are good, colours are nicely judged and motion is handled well enough. Sound errs on the lean side, but it’s agile and clear The new PS3 Slim feels like a stop-gap until the next generation of the console is launched – the rumour is June 2013 – and those that already own the console don’t have a huge incentive to upgrade. But if you haven’t considered a PS3 before, then now could be a good time to strike given the price and 500GB hard drive.

USE IT WITH

Sony 32KDLHX753 This Award-winning £700 set is a superb performer in pretty much every regard.

Rating ★★★★ ★ FOR impressive smart features; decent sound and picture; lower price AGAINST Feels cheap; dedicated decks beat it on performance and match it for smart features VERDICT The new PS3 feels less special, but it’s still a multi-talented media hub

Also consider

Microsoft Xbox 360 £230 ★★★★

If you’re a gamer, this could be the one for you. Want Blu-ray? Add a Sony BDP-S390…

Rotel RA-10 | Stereo amplifier | £350

Budget amp punches far above its weight For about as long as we can remember Rotel has done a fine line in budget amplifiers. In recent years its products may have been overshadowed by the likes of Marantz and Yamaha, but they always remained strong performers. So the RA-10 is not so much a return to form – it’s more a reminder that the company can still turn out class-leading kit.

Fantastic performance Rotel’s budget amplifier formula remains unchanged. This is a slim unit that’s generally well specified – including a headphone output, moving-magnet phono stage and twin speaker outputs – apart from one glaring omission. As with the RA-10’s predecessor, the RA04SE, there’s no remote control – and

nor is it available as an optional extra. No, you’ll have to get out of your seat to operate the RA-10. But do we mind? Not so much when the amplifier sounds this good, no. The Rotel’s sonic performance is very much in the classic Rotel mould. Its 40W per channel power output is around par for the course, but its impressive dynamic punch and control certainly isn’t. This is an engaging and entertaining amp that delivers a full dose of excitement from the likes of Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3. There’s plenty of attack and a firm grasp of rhythms, but all this brio is coupled to a lovely midrange performance that captures the emotion in voices beautifully. The RA-10 isn’t quite as smooth sounding as its Marantz PM6004 rival (and previous Award winner) when it comes to

USE IT WITH

Q Acoustics 2050i £380 Terrific floorstanders that deliver refinement and authority in equal measure. They’re really well made, too.

the high frequencies, but the treble remains well behaved and has plenty of bite. This amp enters a tough area of the market. It’s up against some established and formidably talented rivals. However, it’s also a superbly balanced design that delivers insight and excitement well beyond the standards expected at this level. Is it good enough to beat the mighty Marantz PM6004 to an Award this year? Turn to page 93 to find out…

Rating ★★★★★ FOR A punchy, entertaining sound with lots of insight; fluid midrange performance; good build AGAINST No remote control VERDICT Rotel’s latest budget amplifier is a brilliant performer and is easily good enough to worry the class leaders

Also consider

Marantz PM6004 £310 ★★★★★

Our current favourite is a smooth and sophisticated performer. Has a more laidback presentation than the Rotel, though.

www.whathifi.com 29

FIRST TESTS smartphone Apple iPhone 5 64GB | Smartphone

New iPhone is Apple’s best yet It’s been a big 12 months in the world of smartphones. ‘Bigger is better’ has been the mantra set by the Android army. How did Apple respond? With the biggest launch ever for the biggest iPhone ever. The iPhone 5 has a 4in, 16:9 aspect ratio screen, compared with the iPhone 4S’s 3.5in, 4:3 display. It’s slimmer and lighter too, weighing just 112g next to the iPhone 4S at 140g. And, at 9.3mm, it’s nearly 2mm slimmer. It feels noticeably lighter and quickly makes the iPhone 4S look dated. A new anodized aluminium body is book-ended with glass on the rear of the casing, making for a chassis that feels more elegant than ever while also affording a little more grip than the 4S. One issue: the case does seem prone to scuff marks… Other tweaks include the antennae, speakers and mic placement, the bottommounted headphone jack and, most pressingly, the new, smaller Lightning connector. More on this in the panel, below.

than ever and finally comes in to its own by being able to search for businesses, shops, football scores, the lot, in the UK. The stock browser, Safari, has added some neat features, too, such as the ability to save web pages for offline reading when you don’t have a data connection. There are also more options from the shortcut button, should you want to share content. Web pages and videos load even faster than before, too.

USE IT WITH

Beyerdynamic DTX 101iE These sensibly priced earbuds sound great, with plenty of punch, excitement and weight. They’re ideal partners.

Great screen While we’re on the subject of apps, it’s worth pointing out that older apps need to be updated for the iPhone 5, or you’ll find black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. Many have already been tweaked, so this shouldn’t be an issue for too long. While browsing we also check the quality of the screen. Whites are whiter and cleaner than on previous iPhones, making pages such as the BBC even easier to read, while

Lighter and slimmer yet bigger and faster, better integrated and delivering the best smartphone audio yet, it’s a frighteningly beautiful and brilliant slice of technology Under the hood are a new A6 dual-core processer, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage and, excitingly, support for the UK’s first 4G network from Everything Everywhere. But the major upgrade is, of course, the screen. It’s still a Retina Display, but now measures 4in for a resolution of 1136 x 640 pixels, a decent 326 pixels per inch and an extra line of icons. The big boys from HTC and Samsung still pip it for size, though…

yours truly, whathifi.com, has more accurate, more vivid reds. Text is crisper, too, which is noticeable both on web sites and also on apps on the home screen. Move to video content and that 16:9 aspect ratio means widescreen content fills the screen with no black bars. Colours

Software updates This phone uses iOS6, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, and everything you might love (or hate) about the interface remains very familiar – except it’s all faster. The iPhone 5 is lightning fast, and you’ll notice it instantly. Apple claims to have thinned out the glass, and somehow apps do feel more responsive, while the screen remains easy to use with one hand. The company hasn’t innovated a great deal with the software and, compared with more exciting Android screens, it does feel a little dated. But more pertinently, the strained relationship between Apple and Google has seen Google Maps replaced by Apple Maps. We’ve no doubt Apple Maps will get better, but for now it isn’t great. At times incomplete or inaccurate, it’s a definite backwards step. A more positive is the upgraded Siri, Apple’s voice control app, which is cleverer

30 www.whathifi.com

are brilliantly natural, edges are sharp and detail is superb. There’s no sign of noise and the sense of depth delivered is second to none. A little more punch and a more dynamic colour palette might be welcome at times but it’s a classy performer with video make no mistake. Others have a bigger screen of course, but this is a sight better than the previous iPhone.

Fantastic performance The iPhone 5 sounds better than ever, too. It’s an incremental step up, but apparent all the same, with extra detail and clarity making tracks even more engaging. We used some Sennheiser over-ear reference headphones and affordable SoundMagic E10 in-ears, and results were superb. We thought the Samsung Galaxy S3 was the best-sounding smartphone around before, but the iPhone 5 has raised the bar. The camera is still an 8-megapixel model like the iPhone 4S, but it’s had a few tweaks and is now some 25 per cent smaller. It now takes pictures more quickly too, and seems more stable in doing so. It also does a better job in low light, thanks in no small part to the ‘dynamic low-light mode’. A neat Panorama mode does what it says on the tin, while a bigger capture button makes it easier to take shots without shaking the camera. HD video looks excellent, too, even through the (improved) 1.2MP front camera. All those features require juice, of course, so we were pleased to find that the battery life is better – just – than the iPhone 4S, delivering up to 10 hours of web browsing over wi-fi, 10 hours of video and 40 hours of audio playback. Day-to-day use made

New accessories Apple’s new EarPods are a huge step up from the bundled buds of old, but you can still do better

Two of the biggest talking points of the iPhone 5 concern accessories. First, there’s a new Lightning connection, which is smaller and won’t work with existing docks out of the box: you’ll need to spend £25 on the Lightning-to30-pin adapter. Far from ideal. The connector itself is digital, connects either way up, unlike USB, and promises to be more durable, while the £25 adapter has an integrated DAC. Second, we have new bundled earphones, or EarPods. Apple’s infamously leaky and average-sounding freebie

buds have been redesigned and given paper-based drivers at the same time. They fitted our ears well and they certainly fare better than the old buds, sounding more detailed and better balanced. They’re less leaky, too. There is a little softness, especially in bass notes, and they do lack the clarity and precision of the best in-ear models at this price. The free Apple earphones are finally a decent bet but if you were thinking of shelling out £25 for a pair, we’d suggest you can do better elsewhere – see Use it with, above…

6 1

1 Finally: use 3G FaceTime The front-facing camera has been improved. It’s ideal for FaceTime calls, which can now be made over 3G.

6

2 Goodbye, Google… The biggest change in iOS 6 is the removal of stock YouTube and Google Maps apps, though you can access versions of both via the web.

2

5

3 Larger screen is a real plus It might be only 8.3mm longer, but that allows for an extra row of icons and the new 4in screen.

4

4 You’ll need a new SIM card… The iPhone 5 uses a nano-SIM even smaller than a micro-SIM, which means you’ll have to get a new card from your provider.

3

5 … and a case, if you want to avoid scuffs The aluminium edges look smart but we have noticed tiny scuffs appearing – they’re more obvious on the black model.

6 Better call quality and noise cancelling There are three mics, with the front and back mics working together to deliver better call quality and reduce external noise.

Tech SPecS Operating system Apple iOS6 • Screen 4in, 1136 x 640 • Built-in memory 16GB, 32GB or 64GB • Camera 8MP/1.2MP, LED flash • Bluetooth A2DP • SD card No • Claimed battery life 8 hours talk and internet on 3G and LTE, 10 hours internet on wi-fi, 10 hours video, 40 hours audio • Audio AAC, MP3, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV • Video H.264, MP4 • Size 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm/112g

Rating ★★★★★ minimal impact on the battery and we easily went 24 hours with average usage. It’ll be interesting to see the effect 4G has on the battery when services launch…. Make a call and you’ll notice better quality here, too. Apple has installed three mics in the iPhone 5, which aim not only to improve clarity but also work in tandem to cancel outside noise. Voices were nice and clear in calls made from a busy office. Largely, we love what Apple’s done here. Lighter and slimmer yet bigger and faster, better integrated with software such as Siri,

6 Twitter and Facebook and offering the best smartphone audio yet, it’s a frighteningly beautiful and brilliant slice of technology. It’s not all rosy, of course: iOS6 looks a tad dated next to newer Android rivals, while the screen is still smaller than some key players. Apple Maps isn’t good enough yet, some apps need updating to fit the screen, and needing an adapter for existing kit is far from ideal. And it’s pricey. But with all that said… it’s still brilliant.

FOR Slim and light; lightning-fast interface and web browsing; superb sound; bigger pictures AGAINST Apple Maps is sub-par; needs an adapter for existing dock systems VERDICT Faster, lighter, bigger, better: the iPhone 5 is the best iPhone yet

Also consider

Samsung Galaxy S3 ★★★★★

Samsung’s flagship phone is brilliant in all respects. If you prefer Android this is the one to get.

www.whathifi.com 31

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THE TOP 100 producTs

TELEVISIONS p36

The tests have been written, the judging is complete and the votes have been counted. Feast your eyes on all the kit you must own in the next 12 months… That’s right, we put bow-ties on. In the circumstances, it seemed the least we could do: after all, the What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Awards are an auspicious and significant occasion, a night when the manufacturers of products of all types and journalists of every description get to dress up, eat well, drink judiciously and celebrate the very best in consumer electronics. In the end there were exactly 100 trophies awarded, including 20 Products of the Year – that’s more than ever before. On the following 73 pages we explain, in detail, exactly why each and every Award-winner is the best of its type around. As is the way of these things, some of our winners have been firm favourites all year long, while some arrived right at the last moment to steal away the honours. And in the case of the Readers’ Award, one was a textbook example of democracy in action. So no matter the sort of product you’re on the hunt for, nor the sort of money you have to spend, your ideal purchase is somewhere in these pages…

34 www.whathifi.com

SPEAKER PACKAGES p73

READERS’ AWARD p103

AWARDS 2012

MUSIC STREAMERS p42

BLU-RAY PLAYERS p46

HEADPHONES p48

SPEAKER DOCKS p58

STEREO SPEAKERS p60

RADIOS p80

CD PLAYERS p82

SYSTEMS p86

PORTABLES p90

STEREO AMPS p93

ACCESSORIES p96

APPS p104

PROJECTORS p106

SET-TOP BOXES p108

HOME CINEMA AMPS p54

DACS p68

TURNTABLES p100

£10k+ OF KIT

TO BE

WON www.whathifi.com 35

Televisions

Never before has such extensive functionality and top-quality picture performance been so affordable – no matter what the screen size

Best 40-42in TV

Sony KDL-40HX853 £1000

Some sets go for bells, some for whistles and others for both. But that doesn’t necessarily guarantee an Award – for that you have to add stellar picture performance to the mix. This Sony nails it in every respect. Like the other HX-series sets in this section, the Gorilla Glass screen sits atop a full-width plinth, at a relaxed angle. This plinth also houses the high-quality speaker system. But it’s with picture performance that this Sony positively shines. Clarity and detail definition are remarkable, the TV effortlessly bringing out subtle impressions of texture and colour where most rivals struggle. Put on the Blu-ray of JJ Abrams’ Star Trek and it manages to pick out stars that were hidden on other sets.

3D capable, and smart with it

The Sony is an active 3D set, too, and the smooth motion and sense of depth immerses you into the beautiful Victorian world of Hugo. The HX853 is also smart. Along with the ability to play multimedia content from devices over your home network, there are dedicated apps for on-demand music and video, plus HD movies from LoveFilm, TV shows from BBC iPlayer and Demand 5, web browsing and game apps. Other TVs might cost less, or offer more smart features – but none can touch the KDL-40HX853 as such a jaw-dropping all-rounder.

Clarity and detail definition are remarkable, the TV effortlessly bringing out subtle impressions of texture and colour where most rivals struggle

36 www.whathifi.com

TELEVISIONS

www.whathifi.com 37

Best 32in TV

Sony KDL-32HX753 £580 Last year it was Panasonic who dominated this category – but Sony’s TVs are proving to be some of the most desirable sets of 2012, as a quick glance through these pages will attest. Sitting just below the all-conquering HX853 range, the 32HX753 is no less desirable. This edge-lit LED panel certainly looks the business, perched on its svelte ‘easel’ stand (which also allows you to adjust its pitch), and it’s well equipped too. Sony has tweaked and polished its smart TV platform for its 2012 models and it’s a much slicker, not to mention betterspecified, experience than last year. Picture quality is excellent. The Sony’s a 200Hz panel (240Hz when running in 3D), and its motion-handling abilities are truly top-notch. Sport is a fantastic test of a set’s abilities in this regard – action is often fast-paced, cameras are a decent distance from the action (meaning edge definition gets a thorough workout) and there are usually vast swathes of uniform colour. The Freeview HD tuner on this set handles all that

There’s a breathtaking sense of clarity and excellent edge definition to Freeview HD and high-def Blu-ray pictures alike

with aplomb. There’s a breathtaking sense of clarity and excellent edge definition afforded to the players, playing field and crowd, even when the action is moving at breakneck speed.

Fantastic in HD

Step up to Blu-ray and the quality goes up a notch. Inception looks fantastic, with excellent contrast levels on display. As Leonardo DiCaprio and colleagues infiltrate the mountain base, snowy whites are perfectly judged: bright without looking overdone. And without giving away too much, the resulting theatrics are as vivid as you like. On the smart side, it’s easy to flick between content, and all your music, video and apps are split into tiled sections so you can scroll by icon or artwork. There’s extensive streaming support too, including BBC iPlayer, Demand5, and LoveFilm, together with the option of wired or wi-fi web connectivity. The only negative is that the 3D glasses are an optional extra, which might seem a retrograde

step given that rivals include a couple of pairs in with their sets for free. Audio-wise, the Sony sounds a little on the thin side, but by the shoddy standards set by some rival sets it’s listenable enough. You can always alter the balance through the on-screen menus. Big screens might be all the rage, but if your sights are set on smaller fare then nothing can hold a candle to the KDL-32HX753 this year.

Best 46-47in TV

Sony KDL-46HX853 £1250 So Sony has scored a hat-trick in this year’s TV Awards. The company is a past master when it comes to pride of ownership, and the 46HX853 is a potent combination of svelte good looks, robust build quality and exemplary finish. Its sheet of tough Gorilla Glass gives a seamless appearance, the full-width plinth that serves as both stand and speaker array is both a functional and aesthetic plus-point, and the ‘relaxed’ stance (the screen leans back a little on its plinth) is a nice flourish, too. Picture performance is as gratifying as the looks. The excellent backlighting allows for detailed black tones to share screen space with clean bright whites – contrast perhaps lacks the dynamism of some, but this TV bows to no rival where detail and cleanliness are concerned. Colours, meanwhile, are wide-ranging and believable, with skin-tones a particular highlight, and the Sony handles even the most vigorous movement without alarm.

With iPlayer, the Sony shows the same low-light prowess and authoritative motion control as with the best TV broadcasts 38 www.whathifi.com

There’s similar fidelity to the BBC’s iPlayer when accessed via the HX853’s exemplary Sony Entertainment Network: with a decent stream the Sony shows the same low-light prowess and authoritative motion control as it does with the best TV broadcasts.

Fine detail with Blu-ray

Where 2D Blu-ray images are concerned, the HX853 really shines. Inky, detail-laden blacks, smooth edge definition and martial control over complex patterns and motion add up to a believable, endlessly watchable picture. And if the Sony’s contrasts lack just a touch of outright white-tone punch, well, the amount of detail on offer goes a long way towards making up for it. Switch to 3D and you’re rewarded with as stable and unstressy an active-shutter 3D experience as we’ve seen. TT3D: Closer To The Edge enjoys great depth of field, motion is dealt with confidently and pictures remain bright and colourful. Overall, there’s no disputing the Sony KDL-46HX853’s case. And we don’t see anything shifting it from its throne any time soon, either.

A sound foundation The speakers built into the Sony’s stylish plinth stand give a weightier, more spacious sound than the average flatscreen TV.

Optical Digital Cable Cables Matter No.1

QED Performance Optical Digital The new, award winning ‘Performance Graphite’ Optical cable utilises the superior PMMA acrylic glass optical fibre previously only available in our ‘Reference’ range products. The new optical fibre boasts half the signal attenuation per metre of the previous model, which means ‘Performance Graphite comfortably transmits the higher bandwidth signals (up to 11MHz) demanded by today’s multi-channel digital audio links. The cable features a stepped refractive index core that minimises light absorption and which, together with precision cladding techniques, create a marked decrease in refractive index at the fibre boundary. This changes the angle of incidence of the light beam so that more is reflected back inside the fibre, which in turn makes for decreased jitter and cleaner audio data transmission.

Technical Data Structure of Toray Optical Fibre and Diagram of Light Transmission

QED Designing cables since 1973. In 1973 Bob Abraham and Ian Vine founded QED Audio Products and changed the way people think about hi-fi cables. By the time QED 79 strand speaker cable was launched in 1978, it wasn’t looked upon as ‘just another speaker cable’ but was instead regarded as a serious hi-fi component. Our reputation for innovation and technical excellence is known throughout the world. The latest computer-aided design techniques allow our research and development team to keep pace with technological advances and deliver products that achieve the highest levels of performance and reliability. This is why QED speaker cables and interconnects are recommended by so many of the world’s leading hi-fi and home theatre equipment manufacturers.

QED has won more prestigious cable awards from ‘What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision’ magazine than any other brand. Awards 1981–2011

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Best 50-52in TV

Panasonic TX-P50GT50 £1300 Panasonic’s TVs took nothing but praise from us in 2011, walking away with the TV Product of the Year Award and four more best-in-class gongs to boot. The company’s all-round ability at putting pictures on the screen did the trick – and it’s no different this year with the P50GT50. Setup is a painless affair, but there’s also plenty here for tweak-fans: this is a THXcertified TV, so you have a choice of THX presets within the viewing mode. You can still make adjustments to the rest of the picture settings once you’ve done this. The option of Freesat and Freeview HD tuners ensures the set will appeal to everyone – and both are excellent. With standarddefinition content, the picture is detailed and gives an impressive sense of depth. Images are clean and reasonably free of blocking or noise, with the Freesat tuner arguably just a little sharper. Switch to the HD channels and edges are more cleanly drawn, colours are punchier, and black levels are impressive.

With a Blu-ray disc, colours look vivid and dynamic, while the level of insight to faces and landscapes is quite exceptional

Play a Blu-ray and the picture just gets better. The image of Avatar looks stunning, even in 2D: it’s a brilliantly vivid, detailed picture. In fact, every aspect of performance is handled expertly. There’s no issue with fast motion, colours look vivid and dynamic but still with solid, deep blacks, while the level of insight to faces and landscapes is quite exceptional.

Advances in 3D Panasonic’s active-shutter 3D glasses have been tweaked and are now lighter, slighter and more comfortable to wear. The 3D images seem more comfortable to watch, and the picture more robust, than with previous generations. There’s very little issue with fast motion and the rest of the picture still looks punchy and bright. The content available on the Viera Connect smart hub is also better than last year thanks to the latest version of BBC iPlayer, the addition of Netflix, a fully functioning Skype app and the

likes of Acetrax, BBC News, Eurosport, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. BBC iPlayer content looks great, too, especially the ‘HD’ channel, which gives SD broadcast content a run for its money (providing your network is up to speed). Panasonic is back with a vengeance in the TV market for 2012. Last year’s GT30 almost swept the board at our 2011 Awards, and the TXP50GT50 is the GT30 after going to the gym.

Best 55in TV

Sony KDL-55HX853 £1440 The KDL-55HX853 was the first of Sony’s 2012 sets to arrive with us back in April, and the fact that nearly six months have passed without it being truly challenged for this Award speaks volumes about its ability. Start off with some Blu-ray content (in this instance the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou?) and the Sony gives a fantastic performance. Despite the film’s sepia-

tinged colour palette, it delivers balanced and believable images, loaded with detail and with prodigious apparent depth of field. Edges are smooth, textures are described explicitly and motion is managed with the sort of unshowy authority that’s the hallmark of a capable product. Colours are painstakingly judged throughout, with inky, informative blacks happily sharing scenes with bright(ish), clean white tones, and picture noise is remarkable only by its absence.

Great 3D, great motion A spin of TT3D: Closer to the Edge shows that this is also the most effective 3D Sony TV we’ve ever seen, serving up bright, lavishly detailed images that are stable and gratifyingly low on crosstalk. The sort of motion that a film about motorbike racing includes can cause a few alarms in extremis, but the Sony keeps its head. Switch to the Freeview HD tuner and there’s tons of detail, a subtle colour palette and deep, detailed black tones. 40 www.whathifi.com

Standard-definition TV looks markedly softer in comparison – it’s in the nature of the broadcasts – so stick to HD if you can. After the excitement of the HX853’s HD telly reception, its ability as an upscaler of DVD pictures is fractionally underwhelming. Leave DVD behind in favour of streamed catch-up TV and the HX853 ups its game considerably. Crisp, low-noise and stable, the Sony makes the very best of the source material to the point that there’s little to differentiate between the broadcast itself and its streamed equivalent. One area in which the Sony scores over its rivals is sound. The speakers in the plinth get more breathing space than the drivers that rivals build into the chassis of their screens, and so this set sounds more open and more substantial than any price-comparable competitor. This TV is a class act that, if you’ve the wherewithal, absolutely deserves pride of place on your living-room wall.

With catch-up TV, the Sony leaves little to differentiate between the broadcast itself and its streamed equivalent

TELEVISIONS

Best 60in+ TV

Panasonic TX-P65ST50 £2500 Extra inches get exponentially more expensive once you set your sights on a screen upwards of 50 inches. Last year, for instance, we took a look at an 85in professional model from Panasonic. It cost more than some luxury cars. So, for those who want the big-screen experience but don’t have money to burn, the 65in Panasonic TX-P65ST50 is much more like it. And the fact that it’s also an absolutely stellar performer sees it romp home with an Award. Despite the huge dimensions at work here, the ST50 remains staggeringly slim and easy on the eye. – it’s just 52mm deep without the stand. Built-in wi-fi makes it easy to get on to the Viera Connect suite of internet content – a big ‘Internet’ button on the remote makes it easier still – where apps from Acetrax, BBC iPlayer, BBC News, Facebook, Netflix, Twitter and YouTube are the highlights.

The glorious Blu-ray release of Chariots of Fire provides something different, with clean whites, bright colours and some tricky motion, and the ST50 is largely unfazed by it all. With good quality pictures from iPlayer and solid, subtle 3D performance, the TX-P65ST50 proves a quality all-rounder.

Despite the huge dimensions at work here, the ST50 remains staggeringly slim and easy on the eye – it’s just 52mm deep

And now, a special broadcast Freeview HD broadcasts are largely free of noise and handle motion smoothly, while bright colours look good, especially set against those black levels. Crucially, it does well with standard-definition content as well as with HD. The Woman In Black, on DVD, predictably plays to the strengths of the ST50, with gloomy scenes and a generally subdued colour palette – it’s clear the ST50 has a decent upscaler.

Living with it As the P65ST50 is a plasma screen, there’s no backlighting. That means picture set-up is much easier than on many LCDs.

Which screen size should I buy?

32-37IN 40-42IN

46-47IN

50IN +

Your viewing distance 1.3m TO THE TV BUY A 32in SCREEN

1.6m TO THE TV BUY A 40in SCREEN

1.8m TO THE TV BUY A 46in SCREEN

2.1m TO THE TV BUY A 50in SCREEN

When you’re sitting this close to your telly, a 32in TV is optimal. If you watch a lot of high-def Blu-ray and TV, though, you should consider buying a 37in set.

You can afford to go up to a 42in telly if you’re sitting here. Economies of scale mean that 40- and 42in TVs are cheaper than an equivalent 37in.

Now you’re talking. If you can get your sofa this far away from the screen, a 46 or 47in TV is just the ticket, particularly with HD images. And that’s a properly big telly.

…or a 52, or even a 55. It’ll look pretty huge for the first few days, but it’s surprising just how quickly one gets used to – and comes to really appreciate – the size of a new TV. www.whathifi.com 41

Music streamers Access your digital library, listen to thousands of internet radio stations, and beam content from a portable with one of these clever boxes

Best streamer £600-£1000 Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 £700

With the ever-increasing popularity and convenience of digital music, last year saw traditional hi-fi companies taking a confident step towards network audio streamers. One of the brands leading the pack was Cambridge Audio, whose offer of an affordable hi-fi streamer in the shape of the entry level NP30 was so good we made our Product of the Year. So how does Cambridge Audio follow that? Easy: do something even better. The Stream Magic 6 ‘upsampling network player’ is a talented and ultra-flexible streaming machine that also moonlights as a DAC and a digital preamp. If you’ve got audio on a hard drive or a UPnP-compatible NAS device, the Stream Magic can access it via wi-fi or ethernet. It doesn’t end there: coaxial and optical digital inputs let you connect products such as TVs, Blu-ray players, games consoles, and improve their stereo sound by putting it through your existing hi-fi system. There’s also optional aptX Bluetooth streaming and, last but not least, there’s access to a host of internet radio services and podcasts too. 42 www.whathifi.com

The ‘upsampling’ nature of the streamer means that it scales all your music up to 24-bit/384kHz quality, in nearly all popular file formats – FLAC, WAV, MP3 and AAC – as well as supporting high-resolution music, although it plays 24bit/192kHz only via the USB asynchronous input.

Scarily realistic sound

But what’s most admirable about the Stream Magic 6 is its impressive handling of music, no matter what the file size or quality. It delivers tracks with confidence and ease, and doesn’t shy away from tackling even the more complicated arrangements. Crucially, it can start and stop notes with precision which, combined with oodles of detail, openness and power means it’s a captivating listen – especially with high-res files. Of course, it also looks great with its high quality finish, the display shows all track information, and the iOS/Android app is a joy to use. This is a box that does everything you want it to do – and does it fantastically.

MUSIC STREAMERS

Best streamer up to £600 Pioneer N-50 £500

Wired or wireless? We’d recommend a wired connection for regular streaming over a network – but if you want AirPlay, wi-fi it must be.

Pioneer has been taking its time observing rival products and trends before releasing a storming debut of a music streamer: the N-50. And that patience has paid off: if you want one box that will play all the music that’s stored on your computer, NAS device, smartphone, MP3 player or TV – or play online radio and other services such as Spotify – this streamer has the UBS ports and digital inputs to do it.

Feature-packed

The N-50 can play uncompressed FLAC and WAV files up to 24-bit/92kHz, along with standard AAC and WMA files, via the front USB socket. It’s also Apple-friendly, so you can charge your iDevice while streaming tracks, and AirPlay is supported too. The only minor inconvenience is that it doesn’t have immediate wireless functionality, but plugging in Pioneer’s AS-WL300 dongle (£70) takes care of that easily. The N-50 also feels like a quality item: its sturdy build coupled with the aluminium finish

Tonal shifts are conveyed with remarkable ease, while vocals are expressive in a spacious and airy soundfield

and minimalist fascia look elegant and stylish. The high-contrast LCD display is easy to read, too, and provides a wealth of information including album artwork, file format, sampling rate and bitrate. And as for control, it’s up to you whether you use the slender metal remote or the free Smartphone Control App – both are easy to use. Most importantly, the N-50’s sound is in league with its list of features and functions. It’s got toe-tapping rhythmic abilities, its dynamics are fluid and it packs in plenty of bite and excitement. The top end is wonderfully controlled, never straying towards being too bright, and bass notes are grounded with confidence and natural warmth. Detail

definition is impressive for a streamer at this kind of price too, with subtle tonal shifts being conveyed with remarkable ease, while vocals are expressive in a spacious and airy soundfield. Pioneer has struck gold with its first network streamer – at this competitive price point it’s a superb product in terms of design, features and sonic performance.

Best streamer £1000-£2000 Naim NAC-N 172 XS £1650

Naim has been an Awards staple in recent years with its streaming products: its NDX and Uniti streamers each won an Award last year. So while it’s not surprising to see a Naim product in this category, what is interesting is the type of product the NAC-N 172 XS is. This is Naim’s first streaming preamp, which combines the features of its high-end streaming products with those of a traditional preamplifier. It’s a great sounding streamer: whether you’re streaming compressed MP3 tracks or high-res 24-bit/192kHz files, the Naim handles all formats with an even hand – and no Quality small amount of matters style. It has a great sense of timing, When ripping your CDs, choose the highest quality you presents dynamics can – even a medium-bitrate MP3 won’t do the Naim justice…

in a nicely controlled yet engaging way, even at higher volumes, and serves up heaps of captivating detail. The Naim foregoes outright transparency for a lively and smooth tone, which will serve you well if you have a library full of varying music styles and file formats. You’ll have to look to something like the Cyrus Stream XP2-Qx for the ultimate in detail definition and openness, but the Naim delivers an exciting and involving performance that is more than worth its asking price.

A pleasure to use

What’s more, the Naim is easy and unfussy to use, thanks to the free n-Stream control app. It’s an intuitive design, recognizes your sources, inputs and all tracks and also displays handy

It has a great sense of timing, presenting dynamics in a nicely controlled yet engaging way, even at higher volumes information such as the file size, as well as offering a digital booklet for albums. All in all, it’s a great user experience that makes the Naim all the more enjoyable to use. It’s a great, frontier-style time for network streamers at the moment, and with such extensive features and functionality, along with an excellent sonic performance for the money, this stunning Naim preamp/streamer ticks all the right boxes.

www.whathifi.com 43

Best streamer £2000+ Cyrus Stream XP2-Qx £2300

Cyrus is on a roll. Not content with bagging two Awards for the Cyrus XP and Cyrus Streamline streaming products last year, it’s decided to increase its haul with some significant upgrades to its existing products. The new flagship XP2-Qx contains updates to the software, internal circuitry and power supply, and now comes with the high-end Qx DAC module, Apple Lossless support and 24-bit/192kHz playback. It’s a move that’s paid off in spades.

Impeccable rhythmic ability

Radiohead’s album In Rainbows is always a good option when we want to test a product to its limits, and the Cyrus is only too happy to rise to the challenge. 15 Step’s complex instrumental arrangement can make even the most accomplished hi-fi product falter, but the XP2-Qx takes it all in its stride. It has impeccable rhythmic ability – a familiar trait of the Cyrus sound – and this injects every song with an energetic and refreshing rhythm that makes you want to listen to your music collection in its entirety. The Cyrus lets nothing go to waste: subtle shifts of tonal gradation and every nuance of vocals are rendered with remarkable clarity and elegance. Its organic-sounding dynamics and impressive stereo imaging make it an insightful

listen, and it also stays remarkably controlled at high volumes, never feeling like it’s breaking a sweat when the going gets tough. The XP2-Qx doesn’t just sound like a quality product – it feels like one, too. The chassis is the familiar Cyrus die-cast aluminium design, but it’s a weighty, solid build that aims to reduce unwanted internal resonance. Round the back are two optical and three coaxial digital inputs, as well as pre-outs, fixed outs for using with conventional amps, and a socket for hooking up an optional PSX-R offboard power supply. To control the streamer, Cyrus has provided the ‘n-remote’, a glossy black motion-sensing wand that comes with its own charging cradle.

Subtle shifts of tonal gradation and every nuance of vocals are rendered with a remarkable degree of clarity and elegance While a smartphone app would be more intuitive to use, the Cyrus remote does have a handy coloured display that’s easy enough to read. Would we spend over £2000 for such a talented music streamer? We certainly would. The best has just gotten even better, and this Cyrus streamer is a worthy winner.

More than a streamer The XP2-Qx is a DAC and preamp in its own right, so it can form a base for a system aside from its streaming abilities.

Streaming system essentials Router Netgear N600 £130

Ethernet switch Netgear FS605 £18

Adapter kit Netgear Powerline AV+ 500 £140

Network storage XiVA musicm8 £800

Every network needs a router. Netgear’s N600 is dual band, so wireless ‘g’ and ‘n’ are available separately, keeping interference between the two to a minimum. In a basic system, you’ll connect your NAS and your streamer to the router.

Instead of hooking everything straight up to the router, many manufacturers suggest you plug your components into an ethernet switch first. This way, you isolate the key audio components from any possible interference generated by your router.

If your router is located miles away from the streamer and/or NAS device, consider buying a set of Powerline plugs. These turn your home mains circuit into an extension of your network. For the best sound, we always recommend a wired connection above wi-fi where possible.

This sophisticated box of trickscan rip discs and has 1TB of storage. Load a CD and you can set the musicm8 to make two rips of a track – a highquality, metadata-toting FLAC collection for home use and a more compressed archive for a portable.

44 www.whathifi.com

T50p BEST Portable On-Ears £200+

T50 p

MMX 101ie

DTX 101ie

For more information on these and other award winning headphones, go to our website or stop by your favourite beyerdynamic dealer and audition a pair today! exclusive UK distribution

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Blu-ray players High-definition is a given – but these players offer much more, from 3D to on-demand streaming and even social networking…

Best Blu-ray player £175+ Sony BDP-S790 £200

“This is a truly tempting proposition” is how we started last August’s First Test of the Sony BDP-S790, and that’s only increased with the passing months. A series of increasingly tough comparisions saw the Sony best any number of rivals during our exhaustive Awardstesting procedure, and that brings us to one inevitable conclusion: the BDP-S790 is this year’s outstanding value-for-money Blu-ray player.

All this for just £200…

This is Sony’s first Blu-ray player with twin HDMI outputs (great news for owners of home cinema amps which don’t handle 3D). It’s DLNA-certfied, can play 3D and SACD discs, and is currently the only ultra-HD (3840 x 2160) upscaling player around. It’s packing Sony’s brilliant Entertainment Network suite of smart features and, in terms of build and finish, is yet another example of how good Sony is at making customers feel great about a buy. There’s an excellent control app for your smartphone/tablet too. 46 www.whathifi.com

That’s all well and good, but without the performance to match the promise the Sony’s getting nowhere near an Award – so it follows that the BDP-S790 is as accomplished a picture-maker as we’ve seen at this sort of money. White tones pack a real punch, blacks are lustrously deep, the colour palette is vibrant without being overblown, and in terms of detail, motion handling and 3D depth of field the Sony is the class-leader. Even with standard-definition or (heaven help us) internet-derived content, the Sony does a manful job of defining edges, serving up detail and granting contrasts proper, erm, contrast. And given a state-of-the-art soundtrack like the DTS-HD Master Audio accompaniment to Thor to deal with, the BDP-S790 proves to be an absolute powerhouse, punching implacably and driving forward with speed and dynamism to spare. All in all this is a brilliant machine, well capable of doing the business with both high-def and standard-def sources and with the extra fillip of its ultra-HD futureproofing. It’s more than deserving of its Award.

BLU-RAY PLAYERS

Best Blu-ray player up to £100 Sony BDP-S390 £90

Admittedly, we’ve just established that £200 buys you the best pound-for-pound Blu-ray player on the market. But what if your budget doesn’t stretch that far? Well, thanks once again to Sony, it’s possible to buy a slice of authentic HD excitement for less than half that. No one who spends £90 on the BDP-S390 (shop around and it can be had for even less) is going to feel like they’re shopping in the bargain basement.

Amazing picture

Compact and well made, with a nicely curved top partially compensating for the lack of display, the Sony is more than adequately specified. HDMI, coxial digital and composite outputs are par for the course, and the Sony scores with integrated wi-fi alongside an ethernet port. The appearance of a USB socket ready to deal with photos, audio and video is welcome, and thanks to Sony’s Entertainment

particularly good work with skintones and textures. Digital noise is at a minimum, edge definition is convincing, apparent depth of field (the S390 is a 2D-only device) is strong, and the overall delivery is smooth and balanced. Picture quality remains consistent whether you’re catching up on Top Tip EastEnders via iPlayer or revisiting It’s best to use a wired your DVD collection – the S390 connection for streaming is a perfectly competent upscaler, stability. If your router is in easily a match for any of the another room, consider mid-priced TVs in Sony’s range. a homeplug system Sonically it’s not quite as robust Network, the BDP-S390 can serve over wi-fi. or powerful as the Panasonic up BBC iPlayer, YouTube, internet DMP-BDT220 below, for instance, but browsing and plenty of other apps. it fights shy of brightness manfully, delivers But fire up a Blu-ray copy of Avengers dialogue assertively and generates a decent Assemble and the Sony really comes into its impression of scale and space. It’s not the last own. Its picture-making prowess is unarguable: word in dynamism, but the switch between images are crisp, clear and confident, the S390 ‘quiet’ and ‘loud’ is prompt, at least. offering strong contrasts, detailed dark tones There’s absolutely no shortage of affordable and winningly stable motion. The colour Blu-ray players, from the ‘supermarket specials’ balance is natural, with the Sony doing to those from manufacturers with just as much expertise and cachet as Sony. What makes the BDP-S390 stand out from the herd is not simply What makes it stand out isn’t its sturdy build, its thorough specification or its excellent ‘smart’ functionality – it’s the just its great build and spec – quality of its picture performance, it’s the splendid picture. At this splendid from even the most humble source. At this money you just can’t go wrong sort of money you simply can’t go wrong.

Best Blu-ray player £100-£175 Panasonic DMP-BDT220 £155

Trust Panasonic to intrude on Sony’s Blu-ray hegemony. The company has a history of producing outstanding players, and the BDT220 is a fully deserving addition to that list. This is a sleek player. The front panel opens to reveal USB and SD card slots, while around the back are HDMI, component, optical and composite sockets. Network connection can be via wired, wireless or USB, there’s a (mostly) successful control app, 3D playback and the much-improved Viera Connect internet portal. This last falls short of Sony’s Entertainment Network but it is, at least, on the same page: BBC iPlayer, NetFlix, YouTube, Skype, Twitter and a host of other distractions are available. You can also access your own content via DLNA – most popular file types are catered for.

In terms of picture quality, the BDT220 is well up to speed. Blu-rays, be they 2D or 3D, are lavishly detailed, and even the darkest scenes don’t swallow that detail up. Colours are strong and vibrant without getting overconfident too, so even the most unnatural movies enjoy a nice, even presentation. There’s a suggestion of motion blur in extremis, but the Panasonic is an overwhelmingly composed watch.

Smashing sound

It’s also an equally authoritative DVD upscaler, generating exceptionally clean and composed images with, again, detail to spare. Noise levels are pleasingly low, and contrast is strong. The BDT220’s other area of consummate expertise is sound quality. Not only is there

Blu-rays are lavishly detailed, with strong and vibrant colours, and the punchy, dynamic sound is superb dynamism and punch, with superb soundstaging, but dialogue is given acres of breathing space centre-stage. Crisp, detailed and loaded with character, it’s the best-sounding of the three players here without question. The DMP-BDT220 is perfectly priced, and a truly outstanding phones at budget buy. the ready If you’d rather not use the Panasonic’s remote, try the free control app. It’s intuitive enough, and won’t get lost in the sofa.

www.whathifi.com 47

Headphones Smartphones, mp3 players, tablets: all need a decent set of headphones. This once humble market sector is now an industry behemoth

Best portable on-ears £50-£100 AKG K451 £80

In last year’s Awards, AKG had a Product of the Year on its hands in the shape of the K450s, and now it’s done it again. The 451s tick all the boxes a pair of headphones designed for portables should: the earpieces are slim, sturdy and adjustable while the soft earcups twist and fold inwards. The K451s are compact and easy to carry in your bag (a carry case is also supplied). Smartphone users will rejoice at the inclusion of an additional cable that has volume controls and an in-line mic. We took the K451s for a stroll around town. Their lightweight build is comfortable, while a snug fit around your ears and head ensures they stay put. They didn’t make our ears too hot, either. But the real joy is found in the K451s’ sound. Musically, they’re simply exceptional. Play a rippedfrom-CD Where is Everybody? by Nine Inch Nails and the thumping beats and distorted basslines are delivered with plenty of bite, and the K451s do a great job of separating all the parts. They go loud easily too, with that innate weight and authority keeping the synths in check. 48 www.whathifi.com

They’re forgiving with lower-bitrate material as well – so if you have any legacy material you downloaded from iTunes back in the day, they won’t show it up too much. The K451s’ deftness with vocals is best illustrated with the likes of the highly amusing BBC Radio 4 series Cabin Pressure – all the important nuances are conveyed with clarity and crisp detail, while a voice-led track such as Adele’s Someone Like You displays all the emotion you could want.

A highly successful update

Their agility and timing makes the K451s an enthusiastic-sounding pair of headphones, and every bit the successful update to the K450s. That character, combined with their excellent build and compact size, makes them a must-audition pair of cans – and an incredible Product of the Year for 2012.

HEADPHONES

Best in-ears up to £40 SoundMagic E10 £35

The E10s were something of a sensation in last year’s Awards – they wowed us then with their enchantingly exuberant performance, and it’s the same story this year. They might have had a few cosmetic tweaks, but the E10s sound as good as ever. Some rivals go for refinement and restraint, but the E10s seem to let the music go where it wants. You get

a lovely, airy presentation with finely detailed rhythms and excellent stereo imaging. They’re not as bassy as some, but that’s not a bad thing – it simply makes for a tighter, faster sound. The fact that you can get this level of performance for just £35 is nothing short of amazing. If you crave excitement from your portable, the SoundMagic E10s are unbeatable.

Best in-ears £40-£80 Beyerdynamic DTX 101iE £65

Top Tips

Like the MMX 101iEs below, these scooped a gong last year too. There are lots of great earphones around, but these are perhaps the best performance-per-pound proposition of the lot. Your money buys you a beautifully balanced performance with sparkly, controlled treble and the kind of bass that not only underpins

Most earphones come with a selection of different tips. Try them all until you get a good seal in your ear canal. The best seal gives you the best bass.

and solidifies the presentation, but also adds a lovely fullness to vocals. The dynamic shifts of Nick Cave’s The Road OST are handled with ease, but there’s punchy, giddy excitement to be had, too, as a quick spin of Friendly Fires’ Pala album quickly proves. They’ll happily turn their hand to anything you might throw at them.

Best in-ears £80-£120 Beyerdynamic MMX 101iE £100

The MMXs are a mic-enabled version of the DTX 101 iEs. Don’t dismiss them as pricier for the sake of it, though – these are superiorsounding buds that add weight and greater dynamics to an already impressive delivery. There’s a smidge more detail and drive too. They might not deliver seismic bass, but they are unflappable and great at filling out vocals.

While the lack of volume controls on the mic/remote unit might not be to everyone’s taste, the one-button system works with non-Apple smartphones – so more users can also enjoy the brilliant sound. And in-ear headphones this good really do deserve to be enjoyed by everyone.

Best in-ears £120-£200 Sony XBA-2iP £130

Living wiTh iT Try running the cable over the back of your ears: this reduces cable noise as you move, and makes the buds less likely to pop out.

The XBAs here and below are new entries in this year’s honours. They come from Sony’s mid- to upmarket Prestige range of earphones, and are ‘balanced armature’ models, designed to increase efficiency and go louder using less power. The sound quality from the 2iPs is, simply, excellent. Santigold’s The Keepers in 320kbps

sounds tuneful and exciting: we can’t fault their agility or precision, and their open, spacious delivery allows for plenty of detail from top to bottom of the frequency range. The in-line remote/microphone is easy to get at – it’s placed just down from the left earpiece – and call quality is good while the fit is suitably snug.

Best in-ears £200+ Sony XBA-3iP £225

The Sony earbuds above are clearly no slouches – and that’s even more the case with the next model up, these XBA-3iPs. These ones contain three balanced armature drivers – one tweeter, one full-range and one mid-bass – which is reflected in their size. But to criticise them for being a little bulky is churlish. These earphones sound fantastic.

Their high frequencies are crisp and expressive, while the low-frequencies never sound tubby or overblown. Elsewhere there’s a lovely balance that makes the 3iPs effortlessly engaging. Call quality, similarly, is top-notch. These are the best in-ears at this price level we’ve heard –no question about it. If you want true hi-fi on the go, your search ends here.

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Best portable on-ears up to £50 Panasonic RP-HTX7 £35

These Panasonic cans were a huge surprise in last year’s Awards, and we are no less impressed with them this year, either. It’s not that Panasonic is a company not best known for headphones – in fact it has a fairly substantial line-up of decent units. But it would be true to say that we’d never heard a truly good pair from Panasonic until these arrived in our testing rooms. Pop on these retro-looking cans (there are six colours to choose from) and the leather-effect earcups create a seal around your ears that naturally blocks a decent amount of outside noise. The overall fit is a perfect blend of firmness and comfort.

Good for use at home and on the move

At 1.2m, the standard cable is the perfect length for portable listening (they’re closed-back, too – so won’t leak sound on your commute), but you also get a 2m extension cable and a 6.3mm adapter for home use.

The secret to their success lies in their sonic balance. Vocals are clear, bass is weighty and treble is distinct, but not harsh

The secret to the RP-HTX7’s success lies in their sonic balance. Vocals are lovely and clear, bass is weighty but resists getting overbearing, and treble is distinct without ever sounding harsh. In fact, nothing sticks out more than it should. Detail levels, too, are impressive for the money. You get all the introspections and delicacy of acoustic numbers such as Bon Iver’s Holocene, but the HTX7s are also capable of the kind of punch and control to keep Van Halen’s latest metal masterpiece both exciting and listenable. It isn’t easy to get affordable on-ear headphones right – we’ve heard enough decidedly poor pairs to be extremely confident of that. Indeed, the fact that nothing we’ve heard this year came close to beating the RP-HTX7s proves it. Nevertheless, in this instance, Panasonic has managed it in serious style.

A rainbow of colours These cans sound great, and they look fun as well: you can accessorise your ears with a choice of six funky colours.

Best portable on-ears £100-£200 Philips M1 £160

Philips has hit a run of good form with its Fidelio range. The bigger brothers to these headphones, the L1s, were on the receiving end of a four-star review back in May, but these really blew our socks off and beat B&W’s excellent P3s in a photo-finish for this Award. Favouring a simple and stylish on-ear, vented construction over the L1s’ semi-open design, they eschew plastic parts in favour of metal – which Philips hopes will keep unwanted vibration and resonance to a minimum. The pads are of the faux-leather type, but sit nicely on the ears and grip tightly enough – they didn’t get too sweaty on our ears after a long listening session, either. We think they look the business. They isolate sound well, too – so they’re good for the commute.

Well-rounded, detailed presentation

Listening to a WAV of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Please Read The Letter running from iTunes through a Chord Chordette headphone amp, we’re happy with the level of detail on offer. The M1s don’t have the kind of airy zing offered by open-backed cans such as the Grado SR80is – but neither do they demand your complete attention (or leak like US diplomatic communiques). 50 www.whathifi.com

Vocals have room to breathe, while high frequencies sound natural, and don’t harden up. Stereo imaging is impressive too It’s a rounded presentation. Vocals are given a decent amount of room to breathe, while high-frequency sounds are natural and don’t harden up when you crank the volume. Stereo imaging is impressive, too, with instruments sitting explicitly in their own space. It’s all tightly marshalled, too, which is important. Downstairs, the bass is decently weighty. It never overwhelms proceedings, and stays nice and tight even with complex rhythms such as those found in Tortoise’s Cornpone Brunch. The one thing the M1s don’t do is grab you by the lapels and force you to listen. And we mean that in a good way. It means they never get tiring to listen to, and they excel if you’re after an extended listening session. These headphones go up directly against the B&W P3s, which have won admiration for their confident, controlled delivery. Not only do they meet the challenge laid down by the P3s, they beat it – and in some style, too.

HEADPHONES

Best portable on-ears £200+ Beyerdynamic T50p £230

In last year’s Awards, we said the of the T50ps: “If you’re the kind of person who feels their commute would benefit from genuine hi-fi sound quality, the Beyerdynamics are the way to get it.” And that’s just as true today. Arriving with minimal fanfare right at the tail-end of 2010, these premium cans caused an instant stir. Beyerdynamic has used a couple of different alloys to come up with a design that’s thin but solid, functional but elegant.

Lightweight sonic heavyweights

They’re comfy, too – the leatherette earpads are kept snugly in place by the grippy band, but at 174g they’re light enough to be ignored. And, thanks to a closed-back design that leaks almost no noise, they’re perfect for commuting. The sound they produce, on the other hand, is entirely unignorable. Start with Bon Iver’s brilliantly haunting Perth and the T50ps prove to be incredibly insightful, finding nuance in all of the many vocal strands.

There’s a real weight and depth to the bass, but it’s integrated seamlessly with the midrange, itself solid and full-bodied

They’re superbly punchy and precise, too, hammering out the thumping drums as the track builds, and throwing out the intentionally cacophonous crescendo with serious, dramatic force. There’s real weight and depth to the bass, but it’s integrated seamlessly with the midrange, itself solid and full-bodied. At the top-end the treble is crisp but controlled, with cymbals sounding detailed and striking without ever sounding harsh. This ability to combine punch and attack with control and fluidity means they won’t overly expose more compressed tracks, but you’d be doing these excellent headphones a disservice if you didn’t switch to a lossless or uncompressed format. Given the price and the inexorable rise of the mobile phone as a music device, we wish there was a mic and control unit – but otherwise we have no complaints. These are superb.

Don’t sell them short These superb headphones deserve to be fed a high quality signal. Try to stick with uncompressed music files.

Best home on-ears up to £150 Grado SR80i £115

You can’t have everything: sometimes, when it comes to hi-fi, those pesky ‘laws of physics’ come along and smugly insist that it simply can’t be done. Compromises must be made. In this case, we’re referring to the sonic performance of headphones, and what can and can’t be achieved in terms of real quality: clarity, detail, naturalness, fluidity, transparency, and so on. The fact is, headphones are used for private listening. Which means most models utilise a closed-back design, which keeps you from inflicting your music on those around you. But this design also creates a plethora of internal reflections, enclosure vibrations and standing waves – all of which are detrimental to sound quality.

Shouldn’t everyone enjoy the music?

So, what’s to be done? Well, it’s to Grado’s great credit that it decided to answer that question with a method of mind-boggling simplicity: make open-backed headphones that leak sound like there’s no tomorrow but which, as a result, sound sublime to the person wearing them. Sit next to someone on the train or bus who happens to be wearing these, however, and you might be forgiven for thinking they had them on inside out.

Detailed, musical and natural, these really are the kind of headphones that make you close your eyes and sit back And it’s not as if these colander levels of leakiness are their only idiosyncrasy. With their retro-looking ear-cups attached to a leather headband via a metal rod, they look for all the world like a headset for a 1950’s shortwave radio. But the SR80is have a serious point. And that point is how they sound: sharply timed, awesomely detailed, musical, natural and – with the right recordings – simply beautiful. These really are the kind of headphones that will make you almost involuntarily close your eyes, sit back and imagine you’re in the auditorium with the orchestra. But don’t take them on the train with you: the person next to you will hear every single note – and, let’s face it, not everyone likes Michael Bublé. But, for home listening where it won’t bother the spouse, the SR80is are simply a stupendous buy for £110. Sound per pound? Yep. Another Award? It’d be churlish not to… www.whathifi.com 51

Best home on-ears £150+ AKG K550 £180

The K550s are big in every way, with large earpieces featuring 50mm drivers, a broad headband, and a long, chunky cable. They may look a little like a pair of road-digger’s eardefenders, but they’re still relatively light and comfy, even during long sessions.

An airy, spacious listen

These are an over-ear, closed-back design, a configuration intended to isolate the wearer from noise while also preventing sound leaking from the cups. They perform both duties admirably, but what’s really impressive is just how unlike a closed-back pair of headphones they sound. A FLAC file of Etta James’s I’d Rather Go Blind delivered via the Furutech ADL GT40 headphone amp is airy and spacious in a way that’s beyond most closed-back designs. The soundstage is well-defined, and separates individual threads of the recording as well as it integrates them into a coherent whole.

The K550s are a hugely capable pair of closed-back headphones that simply don’t sound closed

The vocal part, from which, in this instance, the entire recording hangs, has ample space and is packed with information. The K550s are sweetly communicative, handle tempos in a natural, unforced manner and punch into and out of low-frequencies with precision. Even though they relish the lushly analogue sound of Etta James, they have sufficient drive and attack to make Ladytron’s Seventeen an exciting, hard-hitting and dynamic listen. They’re particularly adept at teasing out the fine details at the back or the edge of the soundstage, and give a vivid, highresolution insight into a mix. They’re a hugely capable pair of closed-back headphones that simply don’t sound closed. We can see these staying at the top for some time…

Use an amp These headphones should be used in the home, and as such deserve a dedicated headphone amp to be at their best.

Best noise-cancelling headphones Bose QuietComfort 15 £280 Living with it These are a superb option for a long-haul flight. The batteries last a fairly long time, but do remember to carry spares.

Hell, as Jean-Paul Sartre so nearly observed, is other people’s racket. If you spend a lot of time on public transport (plane, train, omnibus) you’ll find that music on headphones is far more enjoyable if you’re able to dial out all that pesky background furore. Bose’s QuietComfort 15 headphones use a battery-powered noise reduction system, along with an ‘over-ear’ design, in an effort to cancel out background hubbub. If noise-cancelling headphone had been invented during Sartre’s time, he’d have been first in line for a pair… These are relatively lightweight and winningly comfortable headphones – they’ll fold quite flat when not in use and don’t make your ears sweat too badly when they are.

A composed, enjoyable listen

And they perform extremely well. There’s as much brilliance to high frequencies as is acceptable, so anyone with a brightsounding headphone amp, a shrill MP3 player or an aversion to a gleaming high end should audition them thoroughly. In every other respect the QC15s are a composed and enjoyable listen. 52 www.whathifi.com

Rhythmically surefooted and dynamically adept, the QuietComfort 15s have drive and attack to spare Detailed, punchy and spacious, the Bose have the low-frequency determination to cope with Squarepusher’s Come On My Selector and the insight to deliver the subtleties of Lambchop’s National Talk Like a Pirate Day intact. Rhythmically surefooted and dynamically adept, they have drive and attack to spare. Background noise is dismissed without the hiss that lesser designs can introduce. There’s no discernible impact on the integration of the frequency range or the information delivered. When we originally reviewed these headphones in 2010, they won a Best Buy Award. Same story in 2011, when they added a smartphone-friendly, microphone-toting cable to their box. And they’ve done it again – it’s a hat-trick of Best Buys for the QuietComfort 15s. If you don’t flinch at the premium price and you can handle the top-end assertiveness, these Bose are a hugely effective solution to the rest of the world’s background noise.

HEADPHONES

Best wireless headphones Sennheiser MM 400 X £230

Sennheiser covered itself in glory in this category last year with its stonking PXC 310 BT headphones, which used wireless Bluetooth to deliver your tunes, and added some pretty effective noise-cancelling tech into the mix, too. We love Bluetooth when it’s of the highquality aptX variety, and thankfully the audio-friendly technology is starting to hit more and more devices. You might well already own something with it built in, such as a MacBook running OS X 10.6.4 or later, or the new HTC One X or Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone. If so, you should really take advantage by adding a pair of these aptX-toting headphones.

Respectable battery life

Like the 310s before them, these Bluetooth cans boast a compact, lightweight and foldable design, a set of controls on the right-hand cup for navigating your music, and the option of connecting a cable for going wired when you’re on a plane or when the 10-hour battery runs

Most importantly, these hightech headphones sound great: they’ve got plenty of detail and directness, especially in vocals

What’s aptX?

out. There’s even a built-in mic for smartphone users. In fact, the only thing missing is noise-cancelling, which is available if you stretch to the MM 450 X version. Most importantly, these high-tech headphones sound great. They don’t deliver the deepest bass, but they’ve got plenty of detail and directness, especially in the vocals. They’re neutral-sounding, too – and we mean that in the best sense of the word. Given a tonally challenging track such as the warm-sounding Please Read the Letter, on the Robert Plant and Alison Krauss collaboration Raising Sand, they don’t overwhelm proceedings with low-frequency information but nor do they sap the languid drum part of punch. That’s a tough balancing act, but the 400 Xs never waver. They’re not quite up to the standard of dedicated wired headphones at the same money (although the aptX performance is almost as good as their wired sound), but if you want the convenience of Bluetooth in a very portable and sonically capable headset, you really can’t go wrong with these Sennheisers.

It’s a higher quality version of the ubiquitous Bluetooth. And it’s worth seeking out: your tunes will sound better for it.

Closed back vs open back Closed or open? It’s the fundamental difference in on-ear headphone designs. Traditionally, open-backed headphones have always sounded best. Freed from the internal resonances and damaging reflections inherent in having an enclosure around a drive unit, open-backed units tend to produce more detailed and agile results.

clOsed back

There are downsides. Closed-back cans usually produce more powerful bass, and also provide a degree of isolation from external noises. And they don’t leak sound, so people around you aren’t disturbed. On a crowded bus or train, or even if you’re listening to music at home while someone else watches TV, that’s a good thing.

Open back

Jargon buster Wireless Until recently, KLEER technology was pretty much your only option for quality wireless sound. The arrival of the aptX codec for Bluetooth has changed that. Although, unlike KLEER, it still involves some compression, the aptX codec is efficient enough that the drop-off compared with a standard wired connection is pretty small. And it’s a two-way connection: a pair of Bluetooth headphones can send commands to control your player wirelessly. Some can also be used for hands-free phone calls. While aptX isn’t built in to loads of music players right now, many are on the way, and we’re expecting it to be a common phone feature.

nOise cancellinG This kind of design is usually battery powered and will reduce background noise, such as the drone of plane engines, for your listening pleasure. It’s not unusual for such designs to tweak tonal balance to improve things, either. However, some add hiss in the process. nOise isOlaTinG Noise-cancelling designs use electrical means to lessen external noise; isolating designs fill your ears to block disturbance physically. in-line Mic Many headphones now come with an inline mic that will allow you to take a call without the inconvenience of taking your phone out. Take care with compatibility. www.whathifi.com 53

Home cinema amplifiers Far from being just a surround-sound generator, a home cinema amplifier is the beating heart of your system – the hub that handles all of your content

Best home cinema amp £350-£700 Yamaha RX-V673 £500

You have to admire Yamaha’s determination. Over the past few years, the company has produced some of its finest home cinema amps at this price, only to be pipped to post by the Onkyo equivalent. But not in 2012. The RX-V673 is part of Yamaha’s UK tuning project, the same initiative responsible for the company’s A-S500 stereo amp. And it’s obviously had an effect as, from the off, you can hear a clearer, more dynamic and more exciting sound than from previous generations of Yamaha at this level.

Immersive, exciting and engaging

The surround processing is as impressive as ever. The amp promotes a hugely involving and immersive sound. The opening car-chase sequence of Quantum Of Solace delivers all the visceral engine roars, realistic tunnel echos and explosive gunfire you could ever want –as well as a level of dynamism that’s been missing from previous generations at this price. Stereo performance is just as impressive. The Yamaha entertains with big, bold dynamics, mixed with a fine sense of timing and a great deal of detail. This applies to CDs and files streamed over AirPlay (this is the first time Apple’s tech has featured on Yamaha’s home cinema amps). Android users can stream to the V763 via its Music Player function. Add connectivity options such as six HDMI outputs, 4K pass-through, internet radio, DLNA-certification and a fine control app, and you’ve got a fiercely competitive package and a formidable Product of The Year.

Whether it’s surround sound or stereo, this amp entertains with big, bold dynamics, mixed with a fine sense of timing and a great deal of detail

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HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS

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Just the five channels

Best home cinema amp up to £350

If you think you’ll want more than a 5.1 system, this amp isn’t for you – but if five channels is enough, it’s a real steal.

Yamaha RX-V373 £250

The spotlight in this section might be fixed firmly on Yamaha’s RX-V673 (and rightly so), but don’t underestimate the ability of its cheaper sibling, the RX-V373. For those looking for an affordable and accomplished introduction to the delights of surround sound, this machine will serve you well. So well in fact, that we prefer it to last year’s winner, the Sony STR-DH820. The V373 is a touch pricier, but you’ll be suitably rewarded by a notable jump in sound quality. Amps at this price can often sound stressed and may even turn aggressive when pushed, but the Yamaha handles high volumes extremely well. Spin an old favourite such as Saving Private Ryan and the amp does a mightily impressive job of keeping its composure during the gruesome opening chapter. It’s a masterpiece of a soundtrack. Artillery shells fly between channels with an alarming sense of realism, explosions sound taut and weighty, and among all the eardrum-shattering action

If you want an affordable and accomplished introduction to the delights of surround sound, this machine will serve you well

dialogue can be heard clearly. Gunfire sounds sharp and zingy, but thankfully you’re not subjected to the harshness which can blight lesser amps at this money.

Hefty spec for the price

Switch to a movie which demands greater subtlety and clarity, such as Moneyball, and the Yamaha delivers yet again, conveying emotion and engaging with the viewer. In terms of features and functionality the RX-V373 can’t match the other Award-winners here, but that’s hardly going to come as a shock at this price. There’s no network connectivity or

wireless music streaming, for instance. And you’re limited to 5.1 channels of surround sound, just in case you were thinking of going all guns blazing and adding front height, width and surround back channels to your system. But there’s still enough to be getting on with – such as four 3D- and 4k-compatible HDMI inputs, automatic speaker set-up and direct streaming from your iPhone or other iDevice over USB. 85W per channel isn’t too shabby either, and partnering the Yamaha with a package such as the £600 Q Acoustics 2000i 5.1 Pack (p74) and Sony’s BDP-S390 Blu-ray player (p47) will produce a tidy starter system.

Best home cinema amp £700-£1500 Pioneer SC-LX56 £1300

Over the past few years, Pioneer has gained a reputation for producing formidable surround amps over the £1000 price point. The Japanese company continues the trend in 2012, with the SC-LX56 the first of two worthy Award-winners. At this price, it’s Pioneer’s consistency that puts paid to machines such as the Onkyo TX-NR818, a fine performer, but one that doesn’t have the sonic skills to match the Pioneer. Indeed, the LX56 displays power and poise like no other at the money. It explodes into life

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with the likes of Iron Man 2. Rockets whistle by your listening position with unerring precision and the amp has no trouble delivering various cinematic sweeps and swoops. Explosions sound solid and boast a dynamic resonance that simply reinforces the Pioneer’s stature.

Sumptuous in stereo

The LX56 displays power and poise like no other at the money. It’s explosive with action films, but doesn’t scrimp on subtlety

You won’t find an ounce of fat on the meatiest of Massive Attack’s basslines, but you will be bowled over by the agility and definition the amp affords to the track. It also helps that the LX56 is a delight to use and has more than its fair share of bells and whistles. Pioneer’s AV Navigator software ensures you aren’t bamboozled during set-up, while it also boasts an award-winning Android and iOS app, iControlAV12 (p104). Both of these are also available for the SC-LX86 (above right). There are Top Tip also HDMI inputs aplenty – seven Auto-calibration, such as to be precise, with two outputs. that found here, is generally If you want to take a serious very good – but don’t be afraid step up from the Yamaha to fine-tune the results to RX-V673 then this machine is get an even better the only way to go. And you could sound. do a lot worse than partner it with KEF’s R100 5.1 system over on p75.

Switch to some music, played via a CD player, networked NAS device or AirPlay, and the Pioneer delivers an exciting, engaging listen.

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS

Best home cinema amp £1500+ Pioneer SC-LX86 £2200

So, we move from a surround-sound middleweight to the heavyweight of this category. The SC-LX86 is a machine for those lucky enough to have a budget well into the thousands and who need a machine to provide for the most demanding of speaker packages. Not only does the SC-LX86 sit proudly at the top of Pioneer’s 2012 range, it also sits at the top of its class. It’s a remarkable piece of kit, capable of brawling and chest-beating with outlandish dynamics, but also charming you into submission with dynamic subtlety. Spin X-Men: First Class and the LX86 displays a level of control and brute force that Magneto himself would be proud of. As he drags a submarine out of the ocean depths, surround effects are placed confidently and precisely, and the amp puts on a masterclass in breathtaking dynamics. The dynamic and dramatic musical score is the icing on the cake. The tonal balance errs on the bright side, but this just means a little care needs

to be taken with partnering the amp with speakers – B&W’s award-winning CM9 Theatre system (p75) would be a good fit.

Bristling with connections

As you’d expect, the Pioneer is packed to the gunwales with features. Seven HDMI sockets provide homes for all your sources. 4K content can be passed through, 1080p video scaling and upconversion are par for the course, and there’s

extensive control over a variety of individual picture adjustments. The amp can jump online using its ethernet socket, or via the supplied wireless dongle, and it supports an extensive range of file formats (including FLAC, WAV and high-res 24-bit/192kHz). It’s even equipped with an asynchronous USB DAC (similar to that found in the company’s impressive N-50 streamer) for hooking up a laptop or desktop computer directly.

it’s got your number If you have an iOS device, you can stream to the LX86 via AirPlay and control it with the free iControlAV12 app.

Surround effects are placed confidently and precisely and the amp puts on a masterclass in breathtaking dynamics

Get the most from your home cinema Front height speakers Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DTS Neo:X and Audyssey DSX modes all offer this feature. The higher the speakers, the better the effect.

ampliFication If you don’t listen in 7.1 or 9.1, don’t waste those power-amp channels. You can use them to power speakers in another room, or even to biwire your front speakers, (so long as they support that feature).

subwooFer Avoid placing this in a corner: it can lead to boominess. Aim for a smooth, wellintegrated sound by placing it centrally.

surround speakers Conventional hi-fi stands can work well, but if possible we’d try wallmounting your surround speakers.

All four of our Award winners can drive either five or seven speakers, with the top-spec Pioneer SC-LX86 supporting nine (and if you add a power amp, up to 11). That’s a lot of kit to cram into your room, so try to follow this basic speaker layout, omitting the speakers you don’t need in your particular system.

surround back speakers Utilises either one or two more speakers behind you. If your sofa is hard up against the back wall, consider in-ceiling speakers: they can be very effective. www.whathifi.com 57

Speaker docks More and more people use a portable device as their main source for music. So a brilliant dock ought to be at the top of any wish list

Best speaker dock £350+ JBL OnBeat Xtreme £400

The OnBeat Xtreme is a new entry in our Awards, and it’s seen off competition from some pretty mighty rivals in the shape of Arcam and Bowers & Wilkins. JBL has gone down two connection routes here: you can dock your Apple portable physically as normal, or you can stream wirelessly to it from any Bluetooth device. Welcome to the fold, Android users… If you’re forking out the not inconsiderable sum of £400 for a dock, you expect a certain standard of build, finish and features. Sporting twin mid/ bass drivers and tweeters in a quirky ‘crossed-arms’ enclosure, this is an eye-catching affair – and it doesn’t feel plasticky or cheap. That goes for the remote control, too. Docking our iPod Touch into the rotating clamp, we got the ball rolling with a blast of Chan Chan by the Buena Vista Social Club. Low-frequency heft is impressive given the OnBeat’s relatively small drivers. Detail in the sweet midrange and treble is rarely swamped by this, though – indeed the midrange is pleasingly (and appropriately) prominent. Individual instruments are given plenty of breathing space, although vocals 58 www.whathifi.com

sometimes sound just a touch damped when the going gets complicated. Still, we’d take that dose of excitement over the humdrum any day. Dynamics are handled with no alarms, and there’s plenty of scope to go loud should you fancy a little neighbour-baiting.

Effective wireless Bluetooth connectivity

Pair your source with the OnBeat via Bluetooth (a simple task) and results are decent given the constraints of the technology. The JBL doesn’t use the higher-quality aptX Bluetooth, so if you’re using a Galaxy S3 you won’t get the highest-possible audio quality, but iPhones don’t support this format yet anyway, so no bothers there for Apple users. You can even make phone-calls via the dock’s built-in microphone. Sound quality is fine, and voices are picked up well at the other end. This is a great-looking, well-thought-out and versatile unit that would serve more than adequately as a replacement for any ageing micro system – indeed, we use one as our office system. And now that it’s down to £400 from its original £500, there’s even more reason to buy one.

SPEAKER DOCKS

Best speaker dock up to £200 Logitech S715i £80

Sonic quality is, of course, most crucial, and also where the S715i really streaks ahead. This may not be the loudest or biggest-sounding dock about, but it’s the smoothest, most dynamic and most detailed we’ve found at the price, delivering impressive punch and insight for such a small unit. Vocals from Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy sound intimate, with small inflections in his voice picked up better than any similarly priced rival. And Tinie Tempah’s Pass Out shows the S715i capable of delivering solid, musical bass in a soundstage that remains balanced and clear.

The ideal budget dock

The S715i has been comfortably at the top of the pile for the past two years when it comes to affordable iPod docks. Many rivals have tried to topple it, but this little Logitech has seen them all off in convincing style. We still think the S715i is everything an affordable iPod dock should be. It’s thoughtfully bundled in with a padded travel case, and you’ll also find an auxiliary input for any non-Apple portable on the reassuringly weighty chassis. A fold-out support props up the unit and keeps it relatively still provided you don’t poke

at the controls too ham-fistedly. If that does prove to be a problem, however, there’s a remote control handset that you can use as well. The unit comes with a rechargeable battery inside. It will provide you with up to eight hours of playback on the move– enough for most situations. There’s a mains power cable supplied as well for more permanent locations. The S715i is ‘Works with iPhone’ as well as ‘made for iPod’ certified too, so you can dock your Apple product of choice to enjoy the sound without the need to switch to Airplane mode.

If your budget for an iPod dock is anywhere near the £100 mark, this really should be near the top of your shortlist. Logitech is now moving its product range over to the UE (Ultimate Ears) brand, as you’ll see from the Air Speaker below, so this could well be the last year it’s available. Snap one up while you have the chance…

It may not be the loudest, but it’s detailed, delivering impressive punch and insight for such a small unit

Best speaker dock £200-£350 Logitech UE Air Speaker £300

Logitech has established itself as a manufacturer of some excellent, affordable desktop audio systems. Its iPod-friendly products such as the Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 (£80) and the S715i (£80), for instance, have both won our hearts – and Awards – over the years. The Logitech UE (Ultimate Ears) Air Speaker is its first AirPlay speaker dock, and its most expensive speaker dock to date. And it continues the company’s fine form.

Handy control app

The key to any device that deals with networks over physical connections is ease of use – and in this aspect the Air Speaker excels. The simplest way to get going is via Logitech’s UE Air App. Download it free from iTunes, dock your iDevice on the 30-pin connector, open the app and you’ll be given an option to rename the dock and be prompted for your network password. Tap it in and you’re AirPlay enabled.

Two drivers sit either side of the dock. They’re spaced in such a way that when any Apple portable is docked and charging, the sound isn’t obstructed. And, impressively, that includes an iPad. And that’s great, because the Logitech UE produces an entertaining, rhythm-driven sound. There’s a sense of agility and craft to low frequencies which leads to enthusiastic foot-tapping. Take the classic bassline to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean: it sounds taut and distinct, with an impressive level of attention paid to the song’s dynamics. High frequencies, likewise, sound snappy but not splashy or thin.

Engage AirPlay and the same track displays a hint of coarseness, and sacrifices a little in the way of refinement, but that’s no different from other AirPlay-enabled devices – so we’ve no real complaints. The UE Air App lets you alter bass and treble settings, but it performs just fine out of the box and there’s no need to tweak unless you’re a glutton for bass. Logitech has taken a gamble moving up to a more expensive price level, but it’s absolutely paid off. The UE is a superb AirPlay Simple speaker dock and set-up a great option for wireless music. Mating your device to the UE dock is a doddle: stick it in the dock, run the free app, follow the instructions. And that’s it…

The UE Air Speaker produces an entertaining, rhythm-driven sound. There’s a sense of agility and craft to low frequencies www.whathifi.com 59

stereo speakers From desktop mites to full-size floorstanders, the speaker market is brimming with quality kit. And there’s a pair to suit every budget

Best standmounter £700-£1500 KEF LS50 £800

KEF has an enviable habit of winning our Product of the Year Awards. This year is no different with the LS50 picking up where last year’s winner of the title, the Q300, left off. Given a little space to breathe and mounted on a pair of solid stands these monitors sound terrific. The first thing that strikes us is the quality of the bass performance – for a box that stands just 30cm high, these speakers deliver impressively deep, agile and powerful lows with the likes of Bob Marley’s Concrete Jungle. But the LS50s don’t over-egg things; everything sounds in balance, and that’s important.

Articulation with emotion

Move up the frequency range and these KEFs continue to impress. Kate Bush’s vocals on 50 Words for Snow are as clear and articulate as you like, and there’s no shortage of insight or emotion. The LS50s communicate the energy and drive in a piece of music brilliantly. We’re also impressed by the speakers’ seamless integration – as we are by the way it sets up a huge stereo image populated by securely focused sounds. Perhaps most importantly, these speakers are fun to listen to. You can thank a sure-footed sense of timing, class-leading cohesiveness and strong dynamics for that. Put it all together and you have one of the finest standmounters below £1000, and a worthy winner of our Product of the Year title.

These monitors sound terrific. For a box that stands just 30cm high, these speakers deliver impressively deep, agile and powerful lows

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stereo sPeAKers

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The Legacy Lives On

Stunning Hi-Fi from £199 In December 1944, Mr Khosaku Kikuchi opened the original Sansui Electrical Plant. By 1965 the company were famed as one of the finest Hi-Fi companies worldwide, thanks to their phenomenal AU-111 valve-based integrated amplifier. Now, in 2012, Sansui are back in the UK with a range of Hi-Fi separates that stay true to Mr Kikuchi’s original principles of strength, simplicity, quality and affordability. The SAP-201V Integrated Amplifier, WLD-201 Network Audio Player and CDD-201V CD Player are available through a network of selected retailers across the UK. To find your local dealer, visit www.henleydesigns.co.uk. Sansui is distributed in the UK by Henley Designs Ltd. Telephone: 01235 511 166 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.henleydesigns.co.uk

SPEAKERS

Best stereo speaker up to £200 Q Acoustics 2020i £145

This is the second year that Q Acoustics has taken the budget speaker Award. Nothing we’ve heard this year has surpassed the 2020i’s formidable array of talents. It’s a shame the company didn’t make a bigger noise when this speaker was upgraded to ‘i’ status. The changes were significant and

amounted to a new tweeter, different cone material for the mid/bass driver – a carbon fibre and ceramic-coated paper rather than the paper/ mica mix of the previous version – and a revised crossover. You just know the engineers have really tried hard when the tweeter is decoupled from the front baffle to reduce any sonic ill-effects caused by the vibration of the mid/ bass driver. Take a listen and the benefits of that obsessive behaviour become apparent very quickly. These speakers sound terrific. They retain the refined presentation we’ve always liked from the Q Acoustics brand but add a notable dose of transparency and attack to the proceedings. Take a listen to James Blake’s Limit To Your Love and these small speakers

You just know the engineers have really tried hard when the tweeter is decoupled from the baffle to reduce sonic ill-effects deliver with impressive authority and drive. And their talents aren’t limited to the intimate: they sound as happy delivering the large-scale majesty of Holst’s Jupiter as they do charging along to The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. The 2020is are relatively small, so bass can only go so low, but within their physical limitations the low-end heft produced is deeply impressive.

Smooth on top

They’re pleasingly refined at the top end too, refusing to turn overly aggressive even when provoked by harsh recordings and bright amplification. The broad spread of sonic talents, that range from seamless integration between the drive units to wide dynamic reach and expressive midrange, means these little speakers sound at home across a wide spread of music. ‘Unfussy’ isn’t a particularly glamorous term, but couple the 2020i’s easy-going nature with their excellent sound and it makes these speakers the ones to beat at this price level.

Best stereo speaker £200-£350 Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 £250

We’ve long been fans of Monitor Audio’s BX2s. They’ve always been such well-rounded products, as though the people behind them have spent months ironing out any weaknesses, and then months more honing things further. No rival we’ve reviewed feels so solid or is finished to such a high standard. There are neat touches too; bolting the mid/bass driver to the rear of the cabinet not only keeps the front panel uncluttered, but also reduces enclosure vibrations and so improves sound. Monitor Audio has long advocated the use of metal diaphragms in drive units. The ones in the BX2 are ceramic-coated aluminium/magnesium, a blend that improves damping and rigidity.

In for the long haul

These Monitor Audios sound terrific. They have the kind of mature sonic balance that favours long-term satisfaction over the short-term ability to impress at a dealer demo.

They have the kind of mature sonic balance that favours long-term satisfaction over the short-term ability to impress

Give them a good long listen and you’ll find they deliver LIVING an impressive amount of WITH IT detail. We’ve yet to come These speakers take an age to across a rival that can run in. They’re likely to sound replay Debussy’s Clair De a bit aggressive at first but Lune with such finesse. after around 50 hours The speaker’s dynamic they’ll mellow. subtlety is pleasing, as is the bass authority. Move onto the music of REM and these speakers excel, delivering Losing My Religion with impact and drive. The BX2s are perhaps a little less forgiving of harsh partnering kit than previous Bronzes, but they still won’t make a meal of things. You’ll need a good pair of stands and enough space to let the speakers breathe a little. A touch of toe-in towards the listening position helps hone the stereo imaging too. Sort those things and you’ll have the BX2s at their rewarding best. www.whathifi.com 63

Best standmounter £350-£700 Tannoy Revolution DC6 £400

TOP TIP It’s tempting to compromise on stands, but a pair of well-designed supports is critical to getting the best from these Tannoys.

It takes a special product to knock a multiple Product of the Year winner off its throne. The defeated incumbent, KEF’s Q300, had no answer to this Tannoy’s musical talents, particularly as the DC6 has enjoyed a massive £200 price-cut recently. At this price these Tannoys really are irresistible. What do you get for the money? This is a well-built standmounter with a neat finish and what looks like just one drive unit. That’s not the case, of course. The DC in the speaker’s name signifies the use of one of Tannoy’s trademark Dual Concentric drive units. This puts a 25mm titanium dome tweeter in the heart of a 15-cm treated-paper mid/ bass. The idea is to try and emulate the theoretical ideal of ‘point source’, where all the sound comes from a single point. Sound dispersion is more consistent too. In our experience, Dual Concentric Tannoys have never been the purest-sounding speakers. That tweeter buried deep inside the mid/bass has always skewed tonality a little, and robbed

Best floorstander £350-£700 Q Acoustics 2050i £380

While Tannoy’s DC6s (above) are brilliant speakers for the money, sometimes you just need something that sounds bigger, goes louder and simply delivers more bass. Welcome to Q Acoustics’ mighty 2050i floorstanders. While we’ve always liked the 2050s, it’s the introduction of this ‘i’ model that has lifted these speakers to superstar status. No surprise: Q Acoustics has a good record when it comes to revisions – its smaller 2010 and 2020 models both benefiting markedly from the ‘i’ upgrades. Sure enough, the technical improvements to this larger model mirror those applied to the little 2020is. There’s a new tweeter, updated cones for the mid/bass units and a revised crossover. Oh, and that decoupled tweeter too. Put it all together and you have everything the 2020is do well, but magnified. There’s the same appealing easy-going character that makes these speakers unfussy about recording quality and, to a certain degree, partnering equipment.

While we’ve always liked the 2050s, it’s the introduction of this ‘i’ model that’s lifted these speakers to superstar status 64 www.whathifi.com

The 2050i’s high frequencies are smooth yet still insightful, while its midrange is easily as expressive and articulate as we’ve heard from any floorstander at this price point. As you’d hope, these speakers go mighty loud without issue too. That refined balance prevents things getting nasty, even at high levels, and those twin mid/bass units manage to deliver oodles of weighty and relatively articulate lows.

Precision with discernment

Unlike most floorstanding rivals, these are agile-sounding speakers. They track instrumental strands with admirable precision and have enough transparency to reveal readily the differences between, say, standard-resolution 16bit/44.1kHz files and 24Bit/96kHz music. Few rivals are so insightful – even higher-priced ones. Move away from sound quality and the good news continues. Build quality is deeply impressive at this price – so much so that it makes last year’s winner, Tannoy’s Mercury V4, look ‘thrown-together’ in comparison. If you have a large room and need an affordable floorstander to fill it with sound, we haven’t come across anything better than the 2050is to do the job. After a thorough runningin (which makes a noticeable difference), it’s clear they represent great value.

Rhythmic precision is simply excellent, making the DC6s one of the most engaging speakers anywhere near this price point the final sound of a little treble purity. Still, every new generation sounds just a little better in this respect and any tonal deviance is small and very easy to get used to.

Excitement and versatility

Everything else about this little speaker is wonderful. The DC6s are dynamic and exciting in a way that eludes most rivals. Feed them whatever music you like – it can be Adele’s Rolling In The Deep or Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata – and they’ll make the most of it. Rhythmic precision is simply excellent, making the DC6s one of the most engaging speakers it’s possible to buy anywhere near this price point. Add terrific integration between the drive units and an impressively stable sound stage, and you have a class leader. Partner the DC6s with something like Rega’s Brio-R amplifier or, if the budget allows, Heed’s terrific Obelisk si and they’ll work a treat. At this price we haven’t come across a better alternative.

Best floorstander £700-£1500 Tannoy Revolution DC6T SE £1000

Take the excellent Tannoy Revolution DC6 standmounters, stretch the cabinet and add a dedicated bass driver, and you have the DC6T – our Award winner in this category last year. This new SE version features improved drive units, an upgraded crossover and a more stable plinth. For some of us, the phrase ‘Special Edition’ sends a shudder down the spine. We can’t fully escape the idea – gifted to us by the car industry – of painted alloys, attention-grabbing badges and go-faster stripes. But with these Tannoys, we can heave a sigh of relief. The engineering changes over the standard floorstander result in a quite dramatic lift in performance, even if the speakers’ character hasn’t changed much.

Agile, enthusiastic delivery

The Revolution DC6T SE is immensely likeable. Its presentation is fast and agile and there’s plenty of attack when the music demands. Play the likes of Drake’s Under Ground Kings and these Tannoys charge along with enthusiasm. They make sense of Drake’s rapid-fire vocal delivery, while keeping the rhythmic momentum of the track rolling on in what feels like an unstoppable manner. This is by no means a pristine recording, and the DC6T SEs are happy to reveal that, but they won’t go out of their way to highlight the flaws despite an impressively high level of insight.

The engineering changes over the standard DC6T floorstander result in a quite dramatic lift in performance Move onto something grander, such as Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and these floorstanders deliver a sound of huge scale and power. While some rivals deliver a purer tonal balance, the DC6T SEs counter with immaculate integration, expressive dynamics and a sense of rhythmic drive few rivals can get close to. There’s ample excitement in evidence here, but not so much that you could accuse the Tannoys of over-eagerness. And that applies regardless of genre or volume. We found that bi-wiring gives a more expansive sound, although you do trade a touch of that cohesion. There are jewels beyond the SE’s dynamics, timing and insight, too. We’re really impressed by the solidity of the Tannoys’ stereo imaging. Provided you take a little time to optimise the speakers’ positioning in the room, these towers generate a pleasingly accomplished sound stage. The original DC6T is a great speaker. This new model is even better, and in our opinion the finest floorstander anywhere near this price.

Best standmounter £1500+ PMC Twenty 22 £1825

The Twenty series celebrates PMC’s first 20 years, and builds on everything it has learned over that time. It looks as though the engineers have learned a lot, considering both our higher-priced Awards have gone their way. There’s plenty of technical prowess to admire here. The tweeter, a 27mm Sonolex dome, is designed to deliver high levels of detail with wide dispersion. While the paper-coned mid/ bass driver – PMC likes paper’s light weight, rigidity and resonance behaviour – is specifically designed for use with a transmission line. It’s the inclusion of a transmission line that makes PMC speakers different from most. The idea is that the rearward output of the mid/bass driver is forced through an internal folded path that exits through the grille at the front of the speakers. This path is lined with specially chosen damping material that absorbs all but the lowest frequencies in the sound. As these very low frequencies exit the transmission line,

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they augment the forward output of the driver. PMC thinks this is the best way to get high-quality, low-distortion bass. There are other technical idiosyncrasies, including the slight rearward slope on the enclosure’s front and rear panels. These not only give the speakers a distinctive look, they are also said to improve cabinet rigidity and reduce internal standing waves.

Speed is of the essence

These Twenty standmounters are immensely fast and precise. Their detail levels are excellent, and they deliver the sound with breathtaking agility. You can add wide dispersion and a focused soundstage to the list of plus points. Tonally, the speakers sound lean and taut. Some may prefer a more relaxing presentation, but it would be very hard to find such leading-edge definition and speed any other way. These PMC speakers do it all. They have the scale and power to do justice to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and the tonal balance to render individual instruments convincingly. They’ll also deliver intimate music such as Bon Iver’s Michicant with real finesse. The 22’s detail resolution and way with low-level dynamics is as good as anything we’ve heard at this price level. That’s why they pick up an Award.

DID YOU KNOW? PMC stands for ‘Professional Monitor Company’, denoting the firm’s lofty origins in the world of professional studio recording.

Stereo SPeAKerS

Best floorstander £1500+ PMC Twenty 23 £2100

As if to prove great designs don’t happen by sheer luck, PMC grabs our top floorstander (as well as top standmounter) Award, with the petite and immaculately constructed Twenty 23. All the things we like about the Twenty 22 are here, albeit with a smaller paper-coned mid/ bass unit and without the need for stands. Technically, these towers are classic PMC. They borrow heavily from the thinking behind the brand’s high-end FACT range while keeping faith with its traditional engineering ethos. The most obvious example is the continued use of a transmission line to tune the bass output. As with the 22, this technique helps these floorstanders deliver a deeper and more articulate bass than would be suggested by their size and drive-unit specification. If the Twenty 23s have a weakness, it’s their low perceived value. If you’re willing to spend this kind of money there are any number of hugely capable, monster-sized designs worth considering. The 23s are, in comparison, tiny.

With vocal-based material the superb integration comes into play, as does the wonderfully expressive midrange

Our doubts, however, lasted right up to the point at which we started listening to the Twenty 23s. These PMCs will happily deliver the likes of Iggy Pop’s Search and Destroy with enthusiasm – there’s plenty of bite to the leading edges of notes and a naturally hard-charging sense of rhythmic drive. Yet move on to the likes of Adele’s Someone Like You and the 23s change down a gear effortlessly. With vocal-based material such as this, the superb drive-unit integration comes into play, as does the PMC’s wonderfully expressive midrange. If there’s even the tiniest bit of emotion in a song, these speakers will dig it up.

Faithful to the source

The Adele example also shows just how well these speakers cope with less-than-perfect recordings. They’re more than happy to reveal any shortcomings – just as they are capable of shining with excellent source material – but they’ll never overstate flaws. These PMCs are far too well behaved for that. You can add a firm sense of control, convincing tonality and a high level of detail resolution to the sonic plus points. And we think they look pretty smart too. Easy positioning and an unfussy attitude to partnering equipment simply seals the deal. The Twenty 23s really are a fabulous buy.

Best desktop speaker Epoz Aktimate Micro £260

We’re massive fans of B&W’s excellent MM1 desktop speakers, so the ease with which Epoz’s Aktimate Micros trumped those gems in a Group Test was something of a surprise. These Micros are hard to pigeonhole. Yes, they have a USB input, 40 watts of internal power and are small enough to put on a desk next to a computer, so desktop speaker it is. However, they also come with a 30-pin iPod dock and a 3.5mm line-level input so they can form part of a handy small-room or student system, working in tandem with a more conventional music source. And if you want a more conventional finish, they come in black or white too. However you use them, you can be sure these speakers will shine. Ideally, if using the Epoz on a desk, place them slightly away from the rear wall, or bass notes will become a little over-cooked. In every other circumstance they’re a pleasure to listen to.

They’ll deliver everything from Elgar to Rihanna without favouritism, thanks to a sound packed with bass and detail They’ll deliver everything from an Elgar symphony to Rihanna’s Loud set without showing favouritism, thanks to a vibrant sound packed with punchy bass and plenty of detail. High frequencies can cause problems with more affordable speakers, but the Micros rise to this challenge too, delivering plenty of bite without emphasising the hardness that is part of most modern commercial recordings.

Loud? Yes, but don’t push it

These speakers will deliver a decent turn of volume too, though if you’re looking to have a party that might be a step too far. Essentially, £260 buys a well-made and conceived set of powered speakers that sound better than any dedicated desktop set-up we’ve heard. It’s a bonus that they can double as a pretty effective second system too. That’s great value in anyone’s judgement, and reason enough to award the Micros a Best Buy gong. www.whathifi.com 67

DACs

Enhance your computer or CD player’s sound and make the most of your high-resolution files with a digital-to-analogue converter

Best DAC up to £300 Audioquest DragonFly £215

On the cover of our October issue, we hailed the DragonFly as ‘hi-fi’s newest superstar.’ And our opinion hasn’t changed; Audioquest’s tiny DAC/headphone amp has been the talk of the office ever since it arrived. It might be no larger than a USB stick, but it can turn any computer (Mac or PC) into a fully functioning hi-fi system by bypassing your computer’s internal DAC and using the high-grade converter in its petite frame instead. You don’t need any external volume control either, as it piggybacks the volume control of your music player’s software. This allows both DAC and headphone amp to be squeezed into such a small space. In the portability stakes, the DragonFly takes some beating. File support is extensive: the unit can play 24-bit/96kHz files natively although it has to downsample high-res 24-bit/192kHz to 24/96 during playback. The USB socket also supports asynchronous data transfer. This means the digital clock in the DragonFly tells your PC when to send data to the DAC, so the timing of the digital signal is more accurate and jitter 68 www.whathifi.com

levels (digital timing errors) are lower. This theoretically means better sound quality. In a nice touch, the logo changes colour to indicate the sampling rate is being used.

Miles better than your computer

The difference between the DragonFly and the headphone socket on an Apple MacBook Pro, say, is day and night. Play Ludovico Einaudi’s beautiful piano piece I Gorni, and each note sounds clear and distinct. The DAC captures the tracks graciousness and emotion perfectly. Switch to some rock or R’n’B and the DragonFly displays weight, agility and an impressive sense of rhythm. Marry this to an even tonal balance and insightful levels of detail and there’s very little reason not to go for it. We’ve heard many excellent-sounding DACs, the best of which are here for your perusal. But it’s the simplicity and elegance of the DragonFly combined with its fantastic sound that sees it stand out from the crowd.

DIGITAL-TO-ANALOGUE CONVERTERS

Best DAC £300-£500 Musical Fidelity M1 DAC £400

Thanks to products such as the DragonFly, DACs are starting to become more mainstream products in their own right. But back in the 1980s, when all this was fields and DACs were big news first time round, Musical Fidelity was one of the early evangelists. Granted, these products were primarily used to improve the performance of CD players, but the experience has positioned the company well to exploit the boom in computer audio. And the M1DAC is currently one of the best pound-for-pound DACs currently available.

are a headphone socket and volume control – but you’ll doubtless have those on your amplifier anyway. Even the most testing classical recordings, such as Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm Variations from the Buffalo Philharmonic are handled with the utmost skill and confidence. It’s a wide-open listen, spacious and well-focused, even when faced with a full-strength orchestra. Dynamic shifts ranging from ‘barely there’ to ‘maximum attack’ are dispatched without stress. This is an agile, unflappable DAC that’s USB…? just as happy to stride through a deep, complicated bassline as it is to deliver The Asynchronous USB every last nuance in a solo voice thanks socket lets the DAC take over digital clock duties from the to its tonally vivid smoothly integrated source. This theoretically performance. And that’s a rare means fewer errors and combination. High frequencies can better sound. Yes it’s mainly down to how sound a little abrasive in a carelessly the MF performs, but having matched system – but in every other an extensive, modern list of respect, the M1 DAC is as good a DAC at the specifications does the device no harm at all. price as we’ve ever heard.

Inputs aplenty

As well as optical, coaxial and asynchronous type-B USB inputs, the Musical Fidelity includes a (rarely seen at this money) balanced XLR digital input. This, along with the coaxial input, will handle 24-bit/192kHz material. On the output side, the only things missing

Even the most testing classical recordings are handled with the utmost skill and confidence – this is a truly unflappable DAC

But box-ticking alone doesn’t win Awards. The real beauty of the M-DAC is just how good it makes your music sound. It does so effortlessly too, producing bags of detail, stirring dynamics, and an exciting agility to the delivery.

and controlled throughout. It’ll have you coming back time and again just to see how well it handles all your favourite tracks. Bass is weighty, but at the same time the DAC proves light and fast on its feet. Audiolab has delivered a knockout blow to many rivals this side of £1000. In terms of pure value for money, the M-DAC is off the scale.

Best DAC £500-900 Audiolab M-DAC £600

You can’t keep a good DAC down. Or in the Audiolab’s case a very good DAC. It might have lost its 2011 Product of the Year crown to the DragonFly, but the M-DAC is still sensational value and can more than hold its own against units costing twice as much. It looks smart, and connectivity is thorough. Alongside the USB input you’ll find two digital optical and two digital coaxial inputs, while on the output side you can choose from optical, coaxial, RCA and balanced XLR audio. It even acts as a headphone amp, with a socket and volume control on the front. The wand-like remote is a neat design and lets you switch inputs, select from preset sonic filters and alter the display. The large, clear screen displays the input you’re using and the sample rate being received. No file is too tough for the M-DAC, either, as it handles everything up to high-res 24-bit/192kHz, but is limited to 24/96 over optical and USB.

The M-DAC will have you coming back time and again just to see how well it handles all your favourite tracks

Nimble and precise

A WAV file of Hans Zimmer’s Time from the Inception soundtrack requires plenty of information to be processed, but the Audiolab doesn’t flinch and the sound remains precise

Why use XLR? This connection is better at regulating noise than the single-ended alternative – it’s well worth trying.

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“you must hear these before buying any other speaker at this price” Mercury V1 (June 2011)

“everything you want from a budget floorstander” Mercury V4 (November 2011)

“the Mercury V4s are across the board charmers”

Mercury V4 (July 2012) Top 50, ‘Best Budget Floorstander’

Have you got the Mercury V? Mercury V is the fifth generation of Tannoy’s best selling Mercury series of loudspeakers offering outstanding performance and value for money. Designed to get the very best from entry level hi-fi and AV amplifiers, the Mercury V range has been extensively revised and upgraded to deliver an even cleaner and more dynamic presentation than its award winning predecessors. From superb stereo to movie mayhem there’s a Mercury V model to suit you. Find out more at www.tannoy.com

DIGITAL-TO-ANALOGUE CONVERTERS

Best DAC £900-£1200 Chord Chordette QuteHD £990

Chord does a nice high-end DAC, the QBD76, but it comes at a price – £4000, to be precise. Mere mortals aren’t going to be able to stretch that far, but the QuteHD goes a long way to satisfying the desire for top-drawer sound at the more affordable end of the spectrum. And, Chord has gone that extra mile with the QuteHD. Most manufacturers buy off-the-shelf conversion solutions form the likes of Wolfson or Burr-Brown. But Chord uses an FGPA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and proprietary software to do the number crunching. This kind of tech was only previously available on Chord’s top-of-the-range products, so it’s great to see it trickle down to a sub-£1000 unit. And it produces spectacular results. It’s a terrific performer, and if you value qualities such as dynamics and precision we can’t think of any alternatives we’ve enjoyed more at the money. The Qute HD’s ability to replay 32-bit/384kHz material is a nice feature to have, but with that kind of content as rare as hens’ teeth, its ability

The Chordette QuteHD is a truly terrific product: simple, looks great and above all sounds absolutely fantastic

to handle high-res 24-bit/192kHz files is of more relevance. It does so through each of its coaxial, optical and USB inputs. There’s no front panel buttons or display. Inputs are autosensed and the top window changes colour depending on the signal’s resolution.

Crystal-clarity

Whatever input you choose, performance is impressive (our favourite is the coaxial connection). A 24-bit/96kHz version of Kate Bush’s 50 Words For Snow proves a joy; the Chord delivers a full-bodied and expressive sound, making most rivals sound insubstantial and confused. Music is rendered with impressive detail and the QuteHD has no trouble communicating with the listener. The Chord DAC also manages to nail any complex rhythms thrown its way. Massive Attack’s Heligoland is riddled with tricky twists and turns, but they’re no match for this DAC’s grip and agility. There’s also wide-ranging dynamics to match.

Resolution at a glance The QuteHD’s display changes colour to show signal resolution. Red signifies 44.1kHz, yellow 88.2 and blue 192.

Some alternatives, such as the Audiolab and NAD, sound a little more open – but we’re happy to lose that extra airiness for the Chord’s full-bodied approach. All in all, this is a terrific product: It’s simple, looks great and above all sounds absolutely fantastic. Only jumping up to the next DAC on our awards list will get you something significantly better – and that’s quite a leap in price, too…

Best DAC £1200+ NAD M51 £1500

The last time NAD walked away with one of M51 strips off the core audio of a Blu-ray, so our Awards was 2004. But in 2012 the company you can enjoy a simple stereo system if is back with a bang and one of its best pieces surround sound isn’t your thing. of hi-fi kit to date. The M51 is the company’s Spin a CD-standard version of The Battle flagship DAC/pre-amp. from the Gladiator OST and the NAD delivers It’s a serious piece of kit, containing some a masterful performance. It laps up the lowhigh-tech processing that can sample and level dynamics, revealing the finest details and convert digital music files to a finer degree following the rhythmic build-up, then bursts than more conventional designs. The result into life with the orchestra sounding natural is a breathtaking display of skill across and well-organised, engaging effortlessly its array of inputs. These include optical with the listener. The tones and textures of digital, USB and even a couple of the various instruments are explicitly HDMIs, all of which can handle files revealed by the M51, so you can It’s got ranging from compressed rips to directly connect with and feed off HDMI inputs full-fat 24-bit/192kHz high-def the NAD’s energy and enthusiasm. tracks. The latter even allow you The minimalist fascia is The M51’s HDMI inputs are for stereo sound only. to pass through video while the dominated by a striking Vacuum There’s no on-board Dolby/DTS surround decoding here.

It laps up low-level dynamics, revealing the finest details and following the rhythmic buildup… and then bursts into life Fluorescent Display, either side of which sits power and input selector buttons. All other aspects (such as the ability to alter volume if you decide to use the M51 as a digital preamplifier) are controlled by the remote – a weighty, chunky design. We love the M51 – it’s a class act all round. If you’ve this kind of money to spend on a DAC, you really can’t do better.

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Anti-Resonance Technology for Rock-Solid Performance

The A.R.T Wedge dampens vibrations from the power transformer, power transistors, heat sinks and high ambient SPLs.

Approaching the very limits of theoretical audio performance creates some interesting challenges for an audio scientist. Artefacts previously hidden by a system’s relative failings come to the fore - albeit only to the discerning listener. Heading off such issues at the pass, Yamaha has created a device to effectively eliminate the effects of physical vibration on audio performance: the A.R.T. Wedge. It’s just one of the breakthroughs in our new AVENTAGE range of AV receivers. Is this the best listening experience ever? Find out at your Yamaha dealer or discover more at uk.yamaha.com

Model featured is RX-A3020. Also available: RX-A820, RX-A1020 & RX-A2020.

November 2012 AV Receiver YAMAHA RX-V673

Powered by music

SPEAKER PACKAGES

Speaker Packages From compact sets to bigbox wonders, these systems deliver top cinema surround sound to your living room

Best style package £1000-£1500 Bowers & Wilkins MT-50 £1095

Now, we don’t hand out our Product of the Year prizes to just anyone. We always champion our performance-per-pound ethos, and this B&W MT-50 speaker package fits the bill perfectly. The essence of this package lies with the M-1 satellite speakers. A staple Award-winner when paired with previous incarnations of B&W’s Mini Theatre range, they have now been given a major design upgrade. Behind the grilles the tweeter has adopted design cues from the high-end Nautilus speakers, while the drivers use the same technology seen in the superb PM1s. The ASW 608 subwoofer is the perfect complement to the M-1s; it might not produce the very deepest sound, but it’s fast and agile. We can’t think of anything more demanding than a Hans Zimmer score, so we naturally put Inception on to put the MT-50 to the test. And it passes with flying colours – it’s fabulous with 5.1 surround soundtracks. The upgraded M-1 satellites are the biggest contributors – they do wonders with the midrange and above. There’s plenty of space and bite to the top

end that adds extra sparkle to the cracks of gunshots, and allows the gradual progression of the poignant and atmospheric music to reach its full potential. And the seismic shifts in sound signifying the dreamworld’s time-bending place you right in the middle of the action. It’s not just fancy dream-bending effects that benefit from the MT-50 – a crisp midrange means that dialogue is conveyed with remarkable clarity.

Great with stereo music, too

Home cinema systems that do music very well are rather rare, and it’s this quality that we love about the MT-50. Its natural deftness and agility come to the fore with stereo music. Sonic performance notwithstanding, the system also looks great with its sophisticated matte-black finish, and its compact nature makes it easy to position close to, or on, the walls. Add all this together, and you’ve got a home cinema package to truly marvel at. www.whathifi.com 73

Best traditional package up to £700 Q Acoustics 2000i 5.1 £600

When it comes to affordable speaker packages, Q Acoustics has it covered. Its traditional 5.1 home cinema systems have made themselves comfortable in this corner of the Awards, dominating this particular category for the past few years now. Q Acoustics’ 2010 Award-winning 2000 Cinema Pack was replaced with this 2000i 5.1 system, significant material and design upgrades ensuring it retained its place as a winningly affordable package – for two years in a row. The 2000i 5.1 pack comprises two pairs of identical 2010i satellites that serve as front and back speakers, maintaining a cohesive experience across the room, with a 2000 Ci centre channel tying everything together. We love the look of the speakers – the rounded corners give a friendly and inviting vibe compared with more imposing sharpedged packages, while the speaker terminals tucked away in a recessed plate at the bottom of the speakers add to the neatness of the package. And if you prefer your speakers wall-mounted instead of perching on stands, the simple ‘tilt and turn’ brackets help you to get the speakers as flat on the wall as possible. The upgrades to the 2010i speakers – from a completely new and decoupled tweeter, to the carbon-fibre-and-ceramic-coated-paper mid/ bass drivers and a revised crossover – were a

marked improvement to the sonic performance of the full package. Settle down for a full 5.1 soundtrack experience, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the 2000i pack’s confident and dynamic performance. It’s simply a joy to listen to. Despite its comparatively compact build it has great presence, even in a large room, and we’re still stunned by the amount of scale and atmosphere it manages to deliver with demanding movie soundtracks.

We’re still stunned by the scale and atmosphere it manages to deliver with demanding movie soundtracks. It’s simply a joy

Articulation with refinement

It’s an articulate and refined listen, with good timing and rhythm proving it capable with stereo music as well. The 2070Si subwoofer deserves a special mention for its precision and improved ability to dig deep into the lower frequencies, all the while staying controlled with plenty of attack. We were wowed by the 2000i 5.1 package when we first tested it last year, and we’re still impressed at the scale and confidence of this system. Another year, another Award – it speaks volumes that nothing else in this price bracket has come close.

Best traditional package £700-£1500 Dali Zensor 5 5.1 £1300

We had high hopes for the Dali Zensor package when we first tested it last year, especially with the inclusion of the brilliant five-starring Zensor 1 standmounters as the rear speakers. And it didn’t disappoint, with the journey from First Test to Award-winner being a short road indeed.

74 www.whathifi.com

The centre channel Vokal was the only unknown entity back then, but it emerged as the strongest piece of the pack – with an expressive midrange that emphasises the front Zensor 5 pair’s strength in delivering centred and textured vocals. A year on, and the strength of this 5.1 set-up shows no sign of waning. It’s an eye-catching package as well – with the high-quality finish, especially that of the glossy black, looking rather beautiful contrasted against the 13cm wood-fibre mid/bass drivers. The floorstanding Zensor 5s and the Vokal that make up the front channels are neatly proportioned, even with the high driver count. That said, the Vokal is a large unit, so you’ll need quite a lot of space under (or above) your TV. The E-12F subwoofer has featured in two Dali Award-winning packages (this one, and last year’s Fazon 3 5.1). Its hefty combination of 170W amplifier and 30cm aluminium driver zings through a movie soundtrack with agility and punch, though a little more exuberance wouldn’t go amiss.

Play the Coen brothers’ Fargo, and the Dali’s strength with dialogue shines through: every cadence and inflection of Steve Buscemi’s loquacious Carl Showalter is delivered unflinchingly and is packed with character. There’s meticulous attention to detail with both big crashes and quieter moments, and the sure-footed timing moves the pace along.

Wide, convincing soundstage

The system has fluid dynamics across the frequency range, and the wide and convincing soundstage is truly immersive. We’re impressed with the Dalis’ ability to walk the fine line between excitement and grace, and the system’s integration produces an engaging tonal harmony. It’s talented with stereo music as well, with crisp detail and natural rhythms making it an effortless listen. In fact, the overall even-handed presentation of the package goes a long way in making it enjoyable to listen to for hours on end.

There’s meticulous attention to detail, both with big crashes and quieter moments, and the timing is resolutely surefooted

SPEAKER PACKAGES

Best traditional package £1500-£3000 KEF R100 5.1 £2750

We were instantly excited when we unpacked this gorgeous 5.1 KEF home cinema system. It looks stunning – the cabinets are exquisitely built, with a finish that feels much costlier than its sub-£3000 asking price. The white gloss of our sample looks incredibly stylish, especially with the contrasting shiny metal tweeter and matteblack bass drivers.

Love at first sound

Sometimes the journey from First Test to Awards is a short one, and we knew this speaker package was a shoo-in for top honours the moment we listened to it. The R100 speakers that make up the front and rear channels are a firm favourite of ours. Their aluminium tweeter with its ‘tangerine’ wave guide is designed to disperse sound more evenly across the room – and it does so brilliantly. KEF’s trademark Uni-Q driver arrangement is present in all the speakers

From explosive blockbusters to dialogue-heavy classics, the KEF R100 will ensure that you’re completely immersed

(barring the subwoofer), which results in stunningly smooth integration. As for that subwoofer, it might be a relatively compact unit but it’s still remarkably powerful and agile. These KEFs sound refreshingly clear and crisp, with a particularly expressive midrange that suits stereo music as well as it does 5.1 soundtracks. Play something cheerful and jaunty like This Love by Maroon 5, and you’ll be wrapped up in the upbeat rhythms that sound suitably punchy and refined. The balance between the sweet highs and weighty bass is admirably judged, and it’s all tied together superbly by that agile and detailed midrange.

The scale of the system is what really impresses us – we certainly didn’t expect this kind of room-filling dynamics from such relatively compact speakers. The wide soundstage is lush and spacious, with easily locatable instruments and sound effects. It’s a great system for playing stereo music, but the KEF system is easily at its best when paired up with demanding film soundtracks. From Spielberg’s explosive blockbusters to the Coen brothers’ dialogue-heavy classics, the R100 will ensure that you’re completely immersed in whatever you’re watching. It’s a brilliantly designed package.

Best traditional package £3000+ Bowers & Wilkins CM9 Theatre £4200 LIVING WITH IT Those silver tweeter domes are great to look at but also easily damaged, so take care – especially if kids are in the house

It’ll take quite a system to knock this colossal cinema package off its throne. And while we wait in anticipation for that fateful day, the Bowers & Wilkins CM9 Theatre system continues to be staggeringly brilliant. There’s no escaping the obvious – this is a gigantic speaker system. The CM9 front speakers are imposing – two towers that measure over a metre high. And they need to, given that each cabinet houses four drive units. The two CM5 rear standmounters and the three-way CM Centre 2 are appropriately hefty as well, which leaves the ASW 10CM subwoofer looking rather subdued in such lofty company. But don’t be fooled – with 500W powering the 25cm driver, this subwoofer is anything but restrained. It may be space-invading, but this statuesque system is a visual statement as well. Beautifully crafted and finished in glossy black or dark wood veneer, with magnetic grilles avoiding the need for unsightly fixings on the baffle, these speakers are stunning. The keyword is power. Looking at the sheer size of the speakers, it’ll hardly surprise you that the sound this system emits is

Integration across the channels is wonderful, the elements working in perfect unison to forge an astounding soundfield immense. It can effortlessly fill up a large room with great, vaulting dynamics and thundering sound. Integration across all the channels is wonderful, the various elements working in perfect unison to create an astounding soundfield for music and movie soundtracks alike. It has confidence and attack aplenty.

Great with detail, too

It’s not just a powerhouse though – the CM9 Theatre is as generous with dishing out details as it is with scale of sound. Every subtle shift of dynamics and each nuanced detail, no matter how small or fleeting, is delivered with precision and elegance. If you’re lucky enough to have the space, the cash and the hi-fi separates to partner this system, then you’ve got the ultimate home cinema sound. It’s a confident, elegant, absolute beast of a system – you might never have to queue for a cinema ticket again. www.whathifi.com 75

Best style package up to £600 Tannoy HTS-101 £500

When it comes to compact and affordable home cinema packages, Tannoy’s got the answer for the second year in a row now. The HTS-101 speaker package proves that you don’t have to go big, or dig deep into your wallet, to get class-leading sound from your film collection – and it does it in style. The Tannoy system looks fantastic: the wooden cabinets are compact and sharp-edged, with a glossy finish that gives a touch of elegance and modernity. Beneath the grilles of each speaker there’s a 19mm titanium-dome tweeter and a 75mm paper mid/bass driver (two for the centre channel unit), while the equally gleaming subwoofer is blessed with 200W powering its 20cm driver. They’re compact enough that they’re easily positioned and hidden away, no matter what the size of your room. But this diminutive system is not to be underestimated: the scale and detail of the Tannoy’s sound is breathtaking. Even after a year, we’re impressed by the superb integration between the speakers and the subwoofer – a feat that some more expensive rivals struggle to perfect.

This diminutive system is not to be underestimated: the scale and detail of the Tannoy’s sound is breathtaking

TOP TIP Avoid bright-sounding amplification with this system because, while the Tannoys are excellent, the top-end performance can be pronounced. The soundstage is staggeringly expansive, with the subtle and effortless dynamic shifts being a highlight of the system. Play Quantum of Solace, and you’ll be able to track all the crashes, shattering glass and various sound effects

around the room, while there’s a great sense of tension and bite to accompany the action on the screen. The tonal balance is on the lively side – the crisply detailed top-end coupled with a strong, punchy bass means that there’s never any shortage of excitement. The detailed midrange could be a bit more expressive, but it doesn’t diminish the force of M’s sharp retorts or of Bond’s deadpan but charming dialogue.

Stirring stereo

The same attitude is applied to stereo music, where the Tannoy zings through tracks with great timing, detail definition, and plenty of emotional depth. Play Emeli Sandé’s Heaven, and you’ll marvel at the openness of sound, and the eloquent texture of her voice. Taken as a whole, there’s little to fault on this speaker package – and at this price, no rival has come close to challenging its firm place as a budget winner. Stylish, small, and splendid sound – the Tannoy HTS-101 has got it all.

Best style package £600-£1000 Monitor Audio MASS £800

Monitor Audio has been an Awards staple when it comes to both traditional and style speaker packages in recent years, with the high-end Apex and Silver RX6 AV12 packages each winning twice in a row. This new MASS satellite system had barely been through its First Test before we knew it was definitely Awards-material. The MASS system includes technology found across Monitor Audio’s high-end range, such as the C-CAM (Ceramic-Coated Aluminium/ Magnesium) cone driver, which is used in both the satellite speakers and the subwoofer of this compact 5.1 home cinema system.

Unusual, elegant design

The curved cabinet of each unit is solidly made and the speakers are covered in a black cloth finish with aluminium end plates that give a subtle but attractive look. Subwoofer aside, the units are unusually small and discreet.

Sound effects whizz around the room with speed and agility, and you feel the impact of every punch and explosion 76 www.whathifi.com

For such diminutive speakers, the MASS home cinema system is capable of loud and powerful sound, enough to fill a medium-to-large room with very detailed and immersive surround sound. Play the fantastic 5.1 soundtrack of Star Trek, and you’ll be wowed by the soaring dynamics that reach high volumes with considerable ease. It’s brilliant at conveying a sense of grandness, which eclipses the efforts of last year’s winner, the Q Acoustics Q7000. There’s a great sense of depth and width to the surround field, which goes a long way in conveying the change in atmosphere when the scene takes you from the Enterprise to the

vastness of outer space. Sound effects whizz around the room with speed and agility, and you feel the impact of every punch and explosion thanks to a capable and attacking subwoofer. The midrange delivers clear dialogue in films, and detailed vocals with stereo music. The MASS system is versatile in its positioning, as it can be wall-mounted or perched on its own dedicated stands (they have internal wiring for easy connection between the speakers and your home cinema set-up.) Thanks to such an engaging, detailed and powerful sound, Monitor Audio once again has a winner on its hands.

Always a Pioneer

The new SC-LX86 AV Receiver includes built-in USB-DAC for easy connection to any PC, so you can enjoy high resolution music files directly.

Technical excellence guaranteed The AIR Studios logo on a Pioneer product is the result of a partnership in design and development since the prototype stage. www.airstudios.com/technical/pioneer.aspx

iPad®, iPhone®, and AirPlay® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone, iPad and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. “Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad” means that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod/iPhone/iPad and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards, Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Pioneer does not sell iPods/iPhones/iPads.

Beauty, Brains, and Muscle! I’m really proud of AudioQuest’s new series of audio interconnect cable. I consider the essence of good design to be making rational and informed compromises, balancing all ingredients and compatibility requirements. It’s not a perfect world ... if one isn’t aware of imperfections and degradation, one can’t design a superior product. The truly good-news is that the necessity to design cables which accommodate 3.5mm Mini-Phone plugs and 30-pin iPod/iPhone/iPad connectors in addition to RCA plugs, pushed me to create cables which are also significantly higher-performance than the larger cables they replace. There are no new ingredients, there is no magic ... but I had the freedom to take everything that I have learned about cable and materials and apply it with the perspective I’ve worked 30+ years to achieve. All the tricks and most refined techniques are here: Superior conducting materials (LGC, PSC, PSC+, PSS Silver), Noise-Dissipation System, Air-Tubes, Double-Balanced Geometry, Dielectric-Bias System, Asymmetrical + & - conductors, Purple Copper and Red Copper Cold-Welded plugs, Direct-Silver Plating, etc. Presenting for your consideration, seven models from extremely affordable Evergreen to no-holds-barred PSS Silver Angel with the best of every material and technology. Sincerely, RCA

EVERGREEN

GOLDEN GATE

www.audioquest.com

BIG SUR

SYDNEY

VICTORIA

3.5mm Male

3.5mm Female

YOSEMITE

iPod

ANGEL

SPEAKER PACKAGES

Best style package £1500+ Bowers & Wilkins MT-60D £1945 It’s a speaker-package hat trick for B&W this year. The long-anticipated successor to the multi-Award-winning MT-30 package, this MT-60D has certainly been worth the wait. Its design is still relevant despite few cosmetic changes from the original MT-30 (introduced in 2005) and it’s this timeless quality, with significantly updated sonic performance, that convinced us we had a winner on our hands. So how good is it? Let’s start with the MT-60D’s jewel in the crown – the terrific PV1D subwoofer. Building on the revolutionary PV1 sub design that features opposing drive-units in a spherical casing, the ‘D’ denotes the addition of digital sound processing and various EQ presets. It’s one hell of an upgrade. The PV1D is taut, controlled, goes incredibly deep without ever being intrusive, and is full of impact. And we think it looks pretty cool too. The M-1 satellites have also been redesigned. Behind the grilles, you’ll find that the tweeter has adopted design cues from the high-end

It’s one hell of an upgrade. The PV1D is taut, controlled, goes incredibly deep without being intrusive, and is full of impact

Nautilus speakers, while the drivers use the same tech seen in the PM1s. The resulting performance is a stretch at both ends of the frequencies, with extra low-end extension meaning seamless integration with the PV1D, and a sparkling treble that gives plenty of space to breathe and soar at the top end.

Choose your amp with care

That treble can get quite excitable at higher volumes, so we’d take care with partnering equipment: a muscular and smooth Yamaha or Onkyo would suit it better than the brightsounding Pioneer home cinema amplifier, say.

We put on one of our favourite test films, The Dark Knight, and every scene bursts into life with staggering dynamics and aggression. For comparatively small speakers they’re capable of a great sense of scale and breadth, steering surround effects confidently around the room. It gets interesting with stereo music too, the PV1D underpinning everything with steady control and heaps of enthusiasm. With its all-round talent and versatility, there’s no doubt that this MT-60D speaker package is an energetic and exciting system that’s well worth the hefty price tag, and certainly a worthy Award-winner.

Rear speakers steering • positioning • Bipole/dipole Get the most from your home cinema sound

Do I neeD rear speakers, then?

First things first: let’s clarify what rear speakers do. When discrete 5.1 surround sound emerged (in 1992, with Dolby Digital) sound designers gained the ability to place specific effects into either the left or right rear speaker as needed. Older systems such as Dolby Surround relied on a mono rear channel of sound, with the same signal shared between multiple surround speakers.

atmosphere-building details, spatial cues and, sometimes, directly steered effects. The key to an authentic-sounding edit is the balance between these sounds. But even when more direct sound effects are used to highlight a moment on screen, it’s done sparingly: the last thing any director wants is for you to look away from the action.

ok, so how Do I get arounD that? shoulD I use hI-fI speakers In my 5.1 set-up?

Not necessarily. Unless you’ve got a spacious room, positioning becomes more awkward if you’re using larger speakers. Get them too close to your sofa and they’ll buffet your ears. Cram them into a corner or wall and you’ll sell their performance short. Second, hi-fi speakers are designed to create an audio image that places sonic elements within a focused soundstage. This ‘direct’ pattern of sound is what sound engineers try to avoid with most rear-speaker effects mixes. With films, the aim is to create a sound ‘bubble’ – a soundfield of ambient,

Mounting a hi-fi style bookshelf or style speaker high on the wall using a suitably robust bracket is a good option. Your alternative is to buy a specialist rear speaker, either dipolar or bipolar in design. Both of these options should be mounted high on the wall, preferably alongside rather than behind you (although behind can work). Perhaps the safest bet is to go for dedicated rears such as Monitor Audio’s BXFXs, which employ both technologies: you flick the switch on their rear panel to configure them to the sound you like best. You won’t want to be doing this all the time but it’s useful for differentiating between films and concerts.

Jargon buster Direct pros Powerful, full-range design; strong tonal integration with front speakers; excellent with multichannel music cons Focused sound isn’t ideal for creating ambience; larger and harder to mount than dedicated rears Dipole pros Enveloping soundfield helps create a wide ‘cinematic’ sound; discreet and easy to install (usually) cons Harder to drive and lacking in bass next to conventional speakers; potential for tonal inconsistency with fronts; not ideal for surround music Bipole pros Better bass than dipoles, and still good at spreading sound; similarly easy to install (usually) cons Can be easier to locate sonically than dipoles; potential for inconsistencies with front channels www.whathifi.com 79

Radios

With digital, Bluetooth, internet stations and dock capability in the frame alongside FM, today’s radios are real musical multi-taskers

Best internet radio £150+ Revo Axis XS £200

The original Axis wowed us last year – and picked up an Award into the bargain – thanks to its comprehensive feature list, great performance, ease of use and classy design. The new XS clearly had a lot to live up to, and it’s done its forebear proud. New for this year’s version is an updated design, the ability to stream content to the radio via Bluetooth, a side-mounted USB port for charging your device (be it Apple or Android) and a remote control (the original was an optional extra). You still get the original Axis’s features too, of course, which means FM, DAB/DAB+, Last.fm, network streaming, an iPod dock and an internet radio tuner are all on board. There’s also the obligatory clock-radio functionality. We’ve certainly no complaints with the XS’s performance. Like its predecessor, it’s punchy for its size, keeps a firm hand on the midrange tiller and ensures that treble frequencies never become hard or unruly. It’s a mono design, though, so don’t expect a huge soundstage. 80 www.whathifi.com

Giving the Bluetooth function a whirl, we noticed a slight drop in quality over the dock, but that’s only to be expected given the limitations of the transmission method. It’s certainly a convenient way to listen to your tunes, though – and lets you broaden the XS’s content provision further by streaming other services to it from your smartphone, player or computer.

An ergonomic delight

The interface, meanwhile, is as good as any we’ve seen on a product like this. Navigated via a large, clear touchscreen, it’s well thought-out and provides plenty of info. Connecting to your network for internet content is a particularly painless affair (although sometimes the screen didn’t respond correctly to button presses close to its edges). The XS really is a pleasure to use. Feature-packed and displaying a fine facility with sound, we really can’t recommend it enough. It was great last year, and with its new abilities its more desirable than ever.

RADIOS

Best internet radio up to £150 Pure One Flow £100

While some radios, such as the Revo Axis XS, go for quirky button-free designs or touchscreens, the One Flow is about as unassuming a product as you can get. There’s certainly no arguing with Pure’s approach – it saw the Flow pick up a Best Buy last year, too. You might be forgiven for thinking that this £100 radio is as stripped-down in features as it is in looks, but underneath that no-nonsense exterior lies a pretty serious spec list. As well as FM and DAB tuners, for instance, you can access

internet stations (denoted by the ‘Flow’ in the name), stream from your PC or Mac, and even play music from an iOS or Android device with Pure Stream, via the free Pure Connect (formerly the Pure Lounge) app. The One Flow can also accept an optional rechargeable battery for portable listening. No slouch, then. And that same more-thanmeets-the-eye quality continues when you get the thing fired up, too. We’ve tested quite a few other £100-ish radios over the years, and very

You can access internet stations, stream from your PC or Mac, and even play music from an iOS or Android device few have come anywhere near the One Flow’s level of performance. Any radio is going to be subject to the whims of the broadcast it’s receiving, but the Pure sounds surprisingly detailed, solid, spacious and composed for its size and mono design.

Finding a voice

Take it on the road An internet radio that can work with a rechargeable battery is a rarity. The One Flow uses Pure’s ChargePAK E1 – around £30.

It tracks vocals well, and lends creditable beef to basslines. What’s more, its treble performance doesn’t veer towards the brash, which can’t be said of many other radios around this price. Our only minor gripe is with the navigation – the small display and rotary dials can make text entry a bit of a trial, especially if you have a long wi-fi password, but realistically this only needs doing once. Products don’t win Awards for nothing – and this one has convincingly scooped two gongs in a row. The opposition has got its work cut out if its going to stop the Pure being a shoo-in for three come 2013.

Best DAB/FM radio Ruark Audio R1 £160

The R1 is no stranger to our Awards, picking up gongs in 2010 and 2011 – and routinely dispatching similarly priced rivals in head-tohead tests like this. And even with a variety of newcomers this year, its seat at the top table has never been put in jeopardy. In fact, it’s just as fantastic as it’s ever been. It might be a mono-only design, with a single 9cm driver at its heart, but the R1 does a brilliant job of knitting together the whole frequency range – including offering a double-eyebrow-raising amount of bass for its size. That’s proper bass, too – the tight, articulate kind, not the aimless beef-for-beef’s-sake variety.

Upper, and middle, class

High frequencies are sweet and well judged, never straying into hardness – even with questionable broadcasts or high volume levels. The midrange, likewise, is deft and assured, letting vocals sing through loud and clear.

The R1 does a brilliant job of knitting together the whole frequency range – including proper, tight, articulate bass

Our one gripe – and it’s a minor one – concerns the controls, which aren’t the most intuitive. The large, central button surrounded by function controls is visually appealing, but it’s not the easiest arrangement in use. If you see a big round button on the top, you should expect that to be used as a ‘select’ control as well as a volume knob – so it’s always a surprise to find that it’s actually an ‘off’ button instead. But that’s no deal-breaker. We’re always impressed when we get the R1 out of its box, and even in the company of the other Award-winners here we still feel the same. It might not have the internet bells and USB whistles of some of its rivals, and it might be on the wrong side of £150 for some, but there’s no denying its visual appeal and sonic talents, even if it doesn’t major in outright scale. Elsewhere, there’s a dual alarm, tone controls and a variety of upgrades, including a £50 ‘BackPack’ battery for portability and a £40 ‘CarryPack’ leather case with handle. But if you don’t want to add any extras, you can still be safe in the knowledge that it’s the best all-round performer in the DAB/FM radio category, regardless of price. www.whathifi.com 81

CD Players

The compact disc might be 30 years old, but this format is alive and kicking and there are quality players aplenty at every price point

Best CD player £500-£1000 Audiolab 8200CD £800

Audiolab’s mighty 8200CD holds on to the CD player Award for the third year running, and rightly so. No other CD player we’ve reviewed this year has combined sound, build and features so effectively. It takes a special product to pick up our top accolade for one year, let alone three, and that’s what this Audiolab is. Despite a price that’s crept up over the last couple of years this CD player remains one of hi-fi’s true bargains. It impresses straight out of the box with solid casework, a smooth-acting drawer and clear display. Take a look around the back and you’ll find optical, co-axial and USB digital inputs alongside the more usual balanced and single-ended analogue connections. Whether using the built-in CD drive or the digital inputs in conjunction with the player’s excellent digital-to-analogue converter, the 8200CD is a hugely impressive-sounding machine. It has an open and immensely clear sound that delivers a terrific amount of insight for the money. There’s no shortage of agility either. 82 www.whathifi.com

Audiolab has chosen to offer a range of filter options. Each of these alters the sonic balance a few degrees. We found the ‘Optimal Transient XD’ setting works best, but opinions vary – even inside Audiolab.

Delicate touch, thunderous rhythm

Spin a gentle, lilting tune such as Leonard Cohen’s Lullaby and the 8200CD sparkles. It uncovers a massive amount of detail and organises it brilliantly. The leading edges of notes are crisply defined, and all that resolution makes the most of the aural textures of instruments and voices. Move onto the likes of The White Stripes, with our old favourite Seven Nation Army, and the Audiolab steps up a gear, delivering a sound full of passion and thunder. The song’s distinctive bass line pounds out with terrific venom and the rhythmic drive can’t help but get the feet tapping. All in all the Audiolab’s many and varied talents amount to a great performance from what we believe to be the best-value CD player around.

CD PLAYERS

Best CD player under £500 Marantz CD6004 £310

Winning one Award is hard enough. Doing it on multiple occasions is even tougher. But as the Audiolab, Roksan and, of course, this Marantz all demonstrate, if you have the right product it’s possible to take on all-comers and win year in, year out. So for the second year in a row, the CD6004 is our favourite budget CD player. The likes of Cambridge’s talented 351C ran it close, but it’s the Marantz’s distribution of talent that gets it to the winning tape first. As with all Marantz’s best budget offerings, the CD6004 is a beautifully judged player. It has a nicely balanced presentation that marries refinement and drama brilliantly. This CD player’s deliberate smoothing of rough edges makes a lot of sense in this part of the market, because budget amplifiers and speakers are prone to aggression and hardness, particularly with treble frequencies.

No loss of excitement

That civility and calming of rough edges isn’t, however, taken to the point where the energy in the recordings is damped down. Any recording that should excite still does, and that’s vital. While this machine sounds great out of the box, there are a number of things you can do to improve the sound further. First off, Marantz gives the option of turning the front-panel

display off. You can also turn off the digital output. Both these things are well worth doing because the gains in transparency, dynamics and refinement are notable. As well as being remarkably forgiving, this CD6004 is a design with plenty of sonic stretch, which is good news for those who love to upgrade. As you’d expect, this player impresses with similarly priced partnering equipment – Marantz’s PM6004 is the obvious amplification partner, but we think Rotel’s RA10 will produce

As well as being forgiving, this is a design with plenty of sonic stretch, which is good news for those who love to upgrade

even better results when used with quality budget speakers from Q Acoustics or Monitor Audio (see p63). Step the system up to something like the Cyrus 6a powering KEF’s excellent LS50s and the Marantz’s huge talent becomes even more apparent. It doesn’t sound out of place at all – astonishing considering its price point. The CD6004 comes with a headphone output – and it’s a good one. Usually such circuits are an afterthought, and sound it. This one performs to the standard of the unit’s line-level outputs. Move away from sound quality and this machine continues to impress. Build and finish could easily be from a player costing twice as much, and the remote handset is well laid out and nice to use. Last year we called the CD6004 a truly complete budget player. It remains exactly that.

Best CD player £1000-£1500 Cyrus C D8 SE2 £1200

Cyrus’s track record of producing excellent CD players is second to none. Over the past decade it has consistently delivered classleading machines, and this year is no different. We’re no strangers to the CD8 SE. This is a player that has impressed us with its astonishing resolution and expressive dynamics for a number of years now. The new SE2 version takes the slot-loading original and improves the software that governs how the player works. This finessing of the control software has resulted in the SE2 dealing with discs in a far less fussy manner. Reactions to commands are swift, and discs that don’t quite adhere to the

strict Red Book CD standard – such as those burned on some computers – are handled more securely. All these things add up to making the player a better proposition to live with. And that’s something we’re sure you’ll want to do.

Resolution and agility

In this price class we haven’t come across anything that has so much resolution, yet delivers all that information in such an agile and exciting way. Cyrus has never gone for a rich, full-bodied presentation but with each new generation the company’s characteristically lean sound gains in authority and low-end weight.

TOP TIP Cyrus products are all famously modular in design, working well with each other. As well as the PSX-R power supply, consider adding a DAC X+.

When it comes to conveying dynamics, both large and small scale, we haven’t heard any rival player do it better Listen to Emeli Sandé’s Heaven and there’s no escaping the recording’s thin, hard-edged quality. Equally, the CD8 SE2 also reveals the track’s hard-charging momentum and the full drama of Sandé’s vocals. The complex weave of instrumental strands is easily heard through the Cyrus, while the top-end has plenty of bite without overstating things. The story is equally positive when asked to change down a gear and play Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue. Here, the Cyrus captures the atmosphere of the recording brilliantly, as well as delivering the precision of Davis’s trumpet playing with skill. When it comes to conveying dynamics, both large and small scale, we haven’t heard any rival player do it better. As with most Cyrus products, the CD 8 SE2 is no dead-end purchase. The addition of a PSX-R outboard power supply takes performance to an even higher level. Yet, even as it stands, the CD8 SE2 is a winner. www.whathifi.com 83

Best CD player £1500+ Roksan Caspian M2 £1650

In the world of hi-fi, more money doesn’t always buy more features. Roksan’s Caspian M2 is a case in point. This three-time winner doesn’t feature the rather useful digital inputs of the Audiolab 8200CD, nor does it stream music from an iDevice like the Marantz CD6004. What it does do, however, is play CDs brilliantly. This isn’t the most neutral-sounding player you’ll come across. It has a smoother and richer balance than the norm but uses that to deliver one of the most likeable performances we’ve heard anywhere near this price. So while the Caspian M2 digs up plenty of detail, and is transparent enough to reveal every single flaw in a recording, it never overstates the shortcomings, preferring to concentrate on the positives instead. Think of it as one of the finest musical diplomats money can buy.

As with all our Award winners, the real achievement here is balance. Despite being kinder to recordings than most rivals, this CD player doesn’t short-change in other areas.

No one-trick pony

The Caspian M2 has the dynamic reach to truly thrill with something as forceful as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, yet it still has the finesse and midrange expressiveness to make the most of Leonard Cohen’s Old Ideas set – an impressively wide spread of talents. You can add surefooted timing and a deep, impressively focused soundstage to this player’s list of talents too. Away from sound quality this Roksan still impresses. It has the build solidity and nicely damped casework expected at this price level. All the controls work with precision, too.

The M2 has the dynamic reach to truly thrill with something as forceful as Beethoven’s Fifth, yet still has effortless finesse The Caspian’s easy-going nature extends to system matching. All it needs is an amplifier – the obvious choice is the multiple-Awardwinning Caspian M2 amplifier (Roksan’s product naming is not without its own logic), which shares much of the CD player’s appealing character – and speakers that are transparent enough to allow the M2’s strengths to shine through. We have no doubt that this fine player is capable of fronting some pretty exotic systems without issue. Put it all together and you have a well-built, sensibly priced CD player that’s good enough to take on some pretty exotic, and much higher-priced, rivals. That’s why the Caspian M2 holds on to its Best Buy Award for yet another year.

How to buy a CD player Balanced XlR

Once, the idea of a CD player having digital inputs for other sources seemed odd. Now it makes perfect sense. In a world where the 5in silver disc is no longer the only major digital music source around, there’s more than a little advantage in accommodating other

Every bit of a system should pull in the same way for optimal results formats. After all, computers, iPods, and even satellite boxes and TVs now have digital outputs. All of these things sound better through a welldesigned digital-to-analogue converter such as that fitted to Audiolab’s 8200CD. Even so, CD remains the main music source for many, and disc replay will always be of paramount importance to us. Here are a few tips on buying the right player and getting the most from it. 84 www.whathifi.com

digiTal inPuTs

The Basics

CD players are pretty simple things. They all respond well to decent equipment support and like to be placed on a level surface. The vast majority have digital outputs, so if you want to upgrade their performance (particularly applicable to an older player) an outboard DAC is a option. There’s occasionally a choice of analogue outputs. Standard RCAs are the norm, but some players – mostly at the higher end of the market – have a balanced XLR option. This can often sound better. Ensure your amplifier can accept a balanced signal before you buy, though.

sysTem maTching

The arrival of Compact Disc took (for the most part) compatibility issues out of system matching, in an electrical sense at least. Turntables, or cartridges specifically, need a lot of pampering if they’re to give their optimum performance. CD players are far less

insTanT uPgRades

fussy. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care which amplifier and speakers you use in terms of sonic character, though. Every bit of a system should pull in the same direction if you want optimal results. A fast, dynamic CD player is wasted if the partnering amplifier majors on a soft, smooth sound. The one will simply cancel out the benefits of the other.

how To audiTion

Take along a variety of discs to the dealer demo. You should choose music that you know well and be sure that your test selection covers a variety of different types of music. It’s important that the player copes with everything you throw at it. If you have a lot of CD-Rs, make sure they work – there can be incompatibilities between recorders and players, particularly with discs recorded on PC drives. Also, have a listen to how noisy the transport mechanism is; some are loud enough to spoil quiet music.

Systems From micro maestro to surround sound wizard, these space-saving systems are centres of excellence

Best micro system Denon D-M39DAB £359

While iPod docks and wireless speakers have come to monopolise the portable speaker market, we still have a place in our hearts for the traditional micro system. As this Denon system proves, if you want the best sound quality on a budget, and value traditional functionality, there’s nothing better than a micro hi-fi system. Denon has been the boss of the micro system market for many years. The D-M38DAB micro system was last year’s Award-winner and the new incarnation, the D-M39DAB, turned up just in time to take the honours once more. While not much has changed in terms of core features and functions, there are plenty of subtle upgrades here alongside, crucially, brilliant audio performance. First things first, there’s a new CD mechanism. It now sits below the display, which makes sense to us, but more crucially, perhaps, claims to reduce vibration in an effort to improve the basic function of spinning your discs. The DAB and FM tuner is still present and correct, too. 86 www.whathifi.com

As well as a digital optical input round the back, there’s now an Apple-approved USB digital input on the front of the device, which will play music from iPads, iPhones and iPods, and also charge your device.

Add the designated speakers

The SC-M39 speakers are optional (at around £109 extra), though we tested the complete package. Those speakers have new drivers and promise a more open and clean sound. Most crucially, we’re happy to report this system sounds better than ever. It’s controlled with dynamic recordings, yet still delivers power, while more detailed tracks are delivered with subtlety. Vocals are clear and bass lines are agile and fast. The tuners prove fairly robust and sound clear, the higher-quality FM stations especially, while iOS devices via USB sound good enough. The added functionality of the digital inputs and top-drawer sound make for a micro system that once again tops the league for compacts.

SYSTEMS

Best streaming system up to £2000 Cyrus Streamline 2 £1400

Cyrus took its merry time to join the streaming revolution – clearly the company was making sure that it got it right. The original version of the Streamline was the first Cyrus streaming system we saw and it promptly walked away with an Award last year. So it’s perhaps no surprise that the latest version turned up just in time to do the same. The Streamline 2 comes with a series of subtle, but not insignificant, upgrades. As well as a general polish of the streaming software, the updates crucially add support for high-resolution

coaxial and analogue stereo outputs. There’s integrated internet radio via TuneIn radio, too. It uses the same chassis found on Cyrus’s other two-channel components, with control knob and a so-so screen. Use Cyrus’s custom-built ‘n-remote’ and these criticisms are moot. The Streamline 2 remains every bit as brilliant sonically. Open and dynamic, it extracts a stunning level of detail, presenting music with brilliant clarity and precision. There’s no edge to treble or softness to bass, leaving you to simply focus on enjoying the music. Getting The real upgrade here is the improved started? file compatibility and sure enough hi-res A wireless adaptor is 24/192 files sound superb. Listen to included, but Cyrus Muse’s new album and lead track recommends you connect via Supremacy has real scale and power. ethernet for optimum The Cyrus Streamline 2 is very much sound quality. an evolution of the streaming family but, 24bit/192kHz files and Apple frankly, that was all that was required. The Lossless tracks. WAV, FLAC, combination of stellar sound quality, ease of use MP3, AAC, AIFF and 24Bit/96kHz and functionality make it an undoubted star. files remain on the compatibility list, of course. Cyrus has also hinted at other features in the pipeline that this new platform allows.

Comprehensive specification

The Streamline 2’s core specifications remain the same, boasting internal amplification at 30W per channel, a selection of digital coaxial, digital optical and USB inputs, alongside digital

Sonically open and dynamic, it extracts a stunning level of detail, presenting music with brilliant clarity and precision

Best multiroom streaming system Sonos From £260

We’ve been big fans of the Sonos streaming system from day one. Originally a wireless system that looked to connect to your existing hi-fi systems and turn them in to a multiroom wireless system, the company has expanded its range to make it more accessible and versatile. The family of Sonos products is now more flexible than ever. Incorporating wireless receivers that connect to your existing system alongside all-in-one integrated wireless speakers and now a wireless subwoofer, the Sonos family has got bigger and better. The entry-level model is the Play:3. An all-in-one system that combines a network music client, amp and speakers, meaning it can work in isolation giving you access to internet radio, streaming music services such as Rdio and Spotify and your own music from a NAS.

Incorporating wireless receivers and speakers, the Sonos family has got bigger and better, and is now more flexible than ever

The best news about the Play:3, is that it sounds much better than its price and size might suggest. Feed it lossless or uncompressed rips from your library and it really shines, but it will do a fine job with lower bitrate streams too.

Moving on up

Step up to the Play:5 and you get a bigger speaker with two tweeters, two midrange drivers and a subwoofer. They sound superb for a product of this type, and give a wide soundstage. There’s detail, full-bodied vocals and solid bass.

If you want more, then this year’s new addition, the Sonos Sub, comes in to play. We didn’t see a wireless sub coming, but in reality it makes good sense, giving the system more oomph. There are minimal connections, a stylish design and it’s flexible with positioning. It also has some clever set-up features, which will EQ the sound to suit your room. The Sonos system isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. Easy to set up, it sounds great and works brilliantly. It gets our vote as top wireless multiroom system. www.whathifi.com 87

Best streaming system £2000+ Linn Kiko £2500

Linn was ahead of the pack when it came to embracing streaming. Around three years ago the Scottish company stopped producing CD players to concentrate on its range of streaming music players. It has since become one of the premier destinations for high-resolution Studio Master downloads via its own Linn record label. So it’s perhaps no surprise the company has again released a revolutionary streaming product in the form of the Kiko. An all-in-one system complete with active speakers, it’s an unashamedly lifestyle product, with a choice of six colours and smart styling, but still with superb sound quality as standard.

Ethernet, and more

The Linn Kiko’s basic role is to stream music via ethernet – there’s no wireless connectivity – from a computer or NAS drive, but the system also has a couple of analogue inputs, a couple of digital, and a trio of HDMI ins and a monitor output, with video passthrough. So you can run your video sound through it, too. The twist to this system is that it doesn’t ‘pull’ music from a computer or NAS drive like streaming products from Cyrus or Naim, rather you ‘push’ music directly from your computer, smartphone or tablet, which act as your source, using either Linn’s Kinsky software or the simpler Songcast app.

So, with Kinsky on an Android or iOS tablet, say, you can choose music on your computer or NAS and set up playlists for Kiko to deliver. Or should you have music stored on an iPad, for example, you can stream it wirelessly, using your home network to Kiko. Once you’ve got to grips with how it works, your reward is brilliantly agile and detailed sound. Whether it’s playing a high-res classical work from Linn’s own label, thundering out some techno from Robert Hood or streaming internet radio services, the sound is big, confident and easy to listen to.

Whether it’s playing a high-res classical work or thundering out techno, the sound is big, confident and easy to listen to Yes, Kiko would be challenged hard on pure sound-per-pound by more conventional rivals – think Naim UnitiQute and Neat Iotas – but the style, quality of build and well thought-through ergonomics give the Linn an appeal all of its own.

Sound and vision The Linn’s video passthrough capability amounts to a neat (and stylish) way of enjoying high quality sound from your video.

Best soundbar

Yamaha YSP-2200 £749 As much as many of us may dream of having a huge 5.1 (or more) speaker system as the centre piece of our front rooms, the practicalities of such a set-up don’t always make sense. And that’s where the soundbar can come into play. Yamaha has pretty much made this category its own in the last few years, with a succession of products which do their best to limit the compromise that a soundbar entails over a true

surround sound system. The YSP-2200 is the best example we’ve seen so far, delivering a proper surround sound experience from a compact and ingenious solution that any room can accommodate. The Yamaha stands under 9cm high, and unlike other Yamaha YSP models, it doesn’t include any larger mid/bass drivers. Instead, low-frequencies are handled by its matching

The YSP-2200 delivers a proper surround sound experience from a compact and ingenious solution passive subwoofer, powered by speaker cable from the amplification built into the main unit. The subwoofer can be orientated horizontally or vertically as you like – detachable feet support either approach – and Yamaha suggests it can even be installed into your TV rack if you’re determined to minimise clutter.

Great connectivity

How it works An array of speakers inside the 2200 all point in different directions, so the sound is ‘bounced’ off the walls of your room.

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This plonk-down-and-play simplicity is complemented by a decent array of socketry, fully automatic calibration via a microphone (supplied with its own folding stand) and support for every cause célèbre in modern home cinema, from HD Audio and iPod connectivity to 3D video. If you have a Panasonic Viera TV, the Yamaha’s HDMI sockets will even talk to the set and respond to remote commands from it, turning off and on in sync. Impressive.

SYSTEmS

Best networked micro system Onkyo CR-N755 £300

Best all-in-one music system

Ruark Audio R4i £599

While Denon may have taken the micro hi-fi spoils for overall audio quality, we had to find a place for this multi-talented Onkyo. Streaming music has taken the hi-fi world by storm and the CR-N755 system has fully embraced it, being the first micro system to have built-in access to Spotify and Last.fm as well as internet radio from AUPEO! and vTuner. So the key here is connecting to your home internet network. You can connect via a wired ethernet connection outside of the box or use a wireless dongle. Once on, you can access your Spotify or Last.fm accounts.

Under the bonnet you’ll find a 24-bit/192kHz DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) and 24-bit/96kHz optical and coaxial digital inputs for handling highresolution audio.

Good sound from all sources

Streaming Spotify can be a fiddle but music sounds great. Play a CD or stream some good quality digital files and it sounds even better. The CR-N755 is an ingenious little box and, paired with a good set of speakers, opens a world of sterling sound.

Best cinema system Sony BDV-N590 £400

Demand 5, or access music and films from Sony’s Entertainment Network. There’s an iPod dock and USB input, too. Phew. The flexibility extends to the speakers. The integrated stands on these speakers can be unscrewed, rotated and reattached, ready to go straight in the wall.

Delivers on its promise

If you want a master of all trades, then look no further than this Sony home cinema in a box. A 5.1 3D Blu-ray system at its heart, the N590 successfully combines a wealth of functionality with excellent all-round performance and a knockdown price to make a worthy winner. Capable of bringing surround sound to your TV, PVR or games console, it’s also as smart as you like. It can stream from your PC or NAS device, watch catch-up TV via BBC iPlayer and

Thankfully all those features are backed up by performance. The speakers can go loud and fill a room, and they do so without ever sounding harsh or out of control. Detailed and nicely balanced, they deliver a cohesive surround sound. Even in stereo, music sounds decent. Sony knows a thing or two about making an excellent-value Blu-ray player and, sure enough, colours are bright, pictures are clean and motion is smooth. DVDs are upscaled nicely, too, while even lower-quality images from streaming services hold up well enough. BBC iPlayer, especially on the HD channels, looks superb. Stylish, feature-packed and capable of brilliant audio and video performance, the Sony BDP-N590 has got Award-winner written all over it.

Variations of this R4i all-in-one system have been around for a good few years now. It launched under the name Vita Audio, a lifestyle offshoot of the Ruark Audio brand. The R4i is the latest incarnation of this system. The ‘i’ marked not only an update to the exterior – it’s available in black, maple or white – but also key internal changes. The audio circuitry has been revised, there’s a new CD suspension and an upgraded power supply. For a smart, compact box, there is plenty going on. There’s the visible iPod dock, a CD

It’s a superb iPod dock in its own right but add in the CD player, radio and luxurious finish and you have a winner player and an FM/DAB+ tuner. Connections include a 3.5mm input for other portables and a USB input for playing digital music files from a memory stick. The internal changes improve things and make this the best-sounding Ruark Audio radio we’ve heard. Voices are projected from the unit with maximum clarity, so you never miss the vocal even when the rest of the band ratchet things up.

Plenty of room to breathe

There’s impressive width and space to the soundstage, and a degree of stereo separation that defies the closeness of the two drivers, even if some of the fancier sound modes aren’t without their flaws. The woofer is impressive too, proving well-integrated and punchy. The Ruark Audio R4i is easy on the eye and the ear. It’s a superb iPod dock in its own right but add in the CD player, radio and luxurious finish and you have a worthy Award-winner. It’s no wonder this all-in-one is back on our Awards list for the second year running.

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Portables

Smartphones are getting bigger, tablets are getting smaller. The lines may be blurring, but sales are soaring: this is must-have kit

Best tablet up to £300 Google Nexus 7 £160

The launch of the Google Nexus 7 was the moment Google attempted to make the same mark on the tablet market that its Android phones have made in the world of smartphones. Comparisons with the iPad come easily but, for two key reasons, this isn’t really a like-for-like comparison. First, the screen size: the Nexus 7, as the name implies, has a 7in screen. That’s noticeably smaller than most tablets, which tend to be around the 10in mark. Then there’s the price: at £159 for the 8GB version, or £199 for the 16GB model, the 7 is at most half the price of the iPad. The specification isn’t left wanting, either. The 7in, 1280 x 800 HD screen ticks our boxes, while there’s the very latest version of Android, Jelly Bean 4.1, as the OS. It feels solidly built and looks smart, too. You can have 8 or 16GB verson (the latter is £200), though neither has an SD card slot. There’s Bluetooth, NFC and wifi inside, a front-facing camera, and access to the Google Play store of apps. The choice is excellent – though not many are yet optimised for this tablet. BBC iPlayer is one noticeable absentee, however, although there are workarounds. 90 www.whathifi.com

Down to core business and the smaller size proves ideal for comfortable use – it’s very light and compact. The smaller screen size helps make for sharp and detailed video – even streamed (HD) video from YouTube looks solid. There’s not quite the punch and colour of the best displays but we’re very happy with video performance. And it’s a similar story with audio. File compatibility is thorough and music sounds good: Hans Zimmer tracks are exciting and detailed, Emeli Sande’s vocals are nicely open and subtle, while Julio Bashmore’s dance track Au Seve sounds suitably powerful.

Competitive performance at a superb price

The Google Nexus 7 has shaken up the market by offering a smaller sized tablet at a more affordable price, and with a competitive level of performance. And with the Google brand name for good measure. Solid audio and video performance and an increasingly thorough and reliable selection of apps and other content, make this a genuine, affordable iPad alternative. And our Product of the Year.

PORTABLES

Best Smartphone Samsung Galaxy S3 £500

It took something special to take top spot from the iPhone last year – and it has taken something even better to retain it. The latest incarnation of Samsung’s Galaxy S range, the S3, is bigger and better than anything before it, and confirms Samsung as Apple’s key smartphone rival. The most eye-catching feature is the screen. It’s a 4.8in HD Super AMOLED monster, with a resolution of 1280 x 720 and Android’s 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Inside is a quad-core 1.4Ghz processor, a microSD card slot, support for aptX Bluetooth, NFC and DLNA and a choice of 16, 32 and 64GB storage. The unit packs new features, too, with S Voice, a Siri-like voice control system, and Smart Stay, which keeps the screen on as long as you’re looking at it. Both work effectively. A Wolfson DAC and the addition of aptX Bluetooth wireless streaming show that Samsung means business. A listen to The xx’s Coexist reveals that voices are open with plenty of room to breathe, while there’s good weight to bass notes.

The S3 adds useful features, a bigger screen, improved audio and video, and the perhaps the best Android experience yet

There’s nothing wrong with the level of detail nor the dynamic power on show, and with a decent pair of earphones in place of the average buds included it’s clear this is a capable music device. But it’s video and web browsing at which the S3 really excels. Picture quality is good, delivering colourful, vivid images that look great on that big screen. Web browsing is joy, too, with so much screen real estate to play with.

Features and future technologies

The 8MP camera is generally easy to use and quick to take a picture. Battery life is as good as most, while there are more features and future technologies on this phone than any other on the market. Its predecessor delivered a level of performance previously unseen for an Android device and the Galaxy S3 has successfully built on that, adding new, useful features, a bigger and better screen, improved audio and video quality for perhaps the best Android experience yet. The Apple iPhone 5 drove the S3 very close, and will do some things better for some people, but for an all-round example of everything that a smartphone can do in 2012, and for really pushing the boundaries of mobile technology, Samsung takes our crown.

A dream of a screen The new iPhone certainly pushes it close, but the S3 has the great benefit of its larger screen – a real joy for web browsing

Best tablet £300+ Apple iPad £399

The new iPad may look similar to the iPad 2, but much has changed. Thanks to a new screen and a faster quad-core processor, there’s plenty to get excited about with Apple’s latest-generation tablet. Most crucial in is that screen: the Retina Display has a mighty 2048 x 1536 resolution. Web browsing, reading, photo editing or movie watching – all are crisper, more vibrant, downright better experiences.

Those extra pixels make a big difference to HD movies. Edges are sharper, fine details are clearer and better defined (but never exaggerated), and the authentic picture grain is more, well, authentic. Even standard-def videos look better. The only fly in the ointment is that its 4:3 screen ratio means black bars at top and bottom when watching widescreen films.

iOS heaven There’s no match for Apple’s interface: intuitive, fast and fluid, it’s bursting with thousands of apps custom-made for the new iPad.

The Retina Display has a mighty 2048 x 1536 resolution, and those extra pixels really do make a big difference This remains the top tablet for music, too, with impressive dynamic range, detail and rhythm. Apple doesn’t support FLAC, but WAV is on board for those who want an uncompressed format. There’s a bigger battery, so power lasts as long as the iPad 2’s despite the extra processing and pixels. This does give the tablet a little extra weight and thickness, and it takes longer to charge.

Now with AirPlay too

The addition of AirPlay to the Apple arsenal makes the iPad even more versatile, while the increasing number of remote control apps really come in to their own on the larger screen. We would love to see a version that will work with the soon-to-launch 4G network in the UK – and the option of a bigger storage capacity would be great. That said, there’s no match for the iPad’s functionality, usability and performance. So, for media consumption on the move or at home, this is our big-screen, premium tablet of choice. www.whathifi.com 91

Stop searching, start watching

the smart new TV Guide from freesat Introducing that makes it easier to find the programmes you love. lets you roll backwards through the TV guide to find shows that have already been on. You can also enjoy On Demand TV with BBC iPlayer and ITV Player (4oD and Demand 5 expected late 2012). Plus, with Clever Recording you can record a personal library of your favourite shows.

The Humax Freesat+ box with features:

500GB hard disk drive offering 125 hours of HD recording.

Flexible playback various video, audio and photo formats (XviD, H.264, MP3, JPEG).

Applications

Low power consumption

via Humax TV portal, access applications such as: YouTube, social networking, news, magazines and games.

under 0.5W power consumption in standby.

Home network linking share media content.

Find out more at www.humaxdigital.com/uk/freesat

Stereo amplifiers

If you’re truly into music, you can’t beat a two-channel amplifier to do your tunes justice. Each of these five winners sets the example to follow…

Best stereo amp up to £400 Rotel RA-10 £350

What! No Marantz? You’d have been forgiven, following the Award for its excellent PM6004 last year, for thinking that was the precursor to a couple of years of dominance. The Rotel RA-10 has upset that expectation. Would we classify this as a major upset? Yes and no. It’s not as if Rotel doesn’t have a history of making good budget amps. We simply haven’t been able to attach the title ‘class-leading’ to one of them for a while. By the same token, it still has well-established and talented rivals to contend with, the PM6004 and Yamaha’s A-S500 to name but two. That it has jumped to the top of the class is a sure sign of this amp’s special talent.

Nicely built, and well specified

The RA-10 feels solid, while the streamlined design adds to the aesthetic draw. On the whole, it’s well-specified too, with a headphone socket, moving magnet phono stage and twin speaker outputs all included. The only thing missing is a remote control. Getting up to adjust the volume manually is a small price to pay when an amplifier sounds so good. Performance is very much in the classic Rotel mould but taken to a level we haven’t heard from the company at this price. Dynamics are impressively punchy, with a level of control and poise above and beyond what we expect at the money. It’s an engaging, entertaining amp, bristling with excitement. Rhythms are firmly grasped and portrayed. Emotion in vocals is beautifully expressed. Hook it up to speakers such as Q Acoustics’ 2050is and they’ll thrive on the energy and authority oozing from the RA-10. Rotel has been a little overshadowed by rival brands in recent years. Now it’s time for it to bask in the limelight and the glory of not only a Best Buy Award, but a Product of the Year gong as well. www.whathifi.com 93

Best stereo amp £400-£600 Rega Brio-R £480

Switch to the line-level inputs and the Rega continues to impress. This is a veritable musical maestro, majoring on rhythm and agility, but it’s also equally deft at communicating emotion and subtleties hidden within a track. With a relatively modest 50W per channel into 8ohms, the Rega doesn’t produce the weightiest of sounds but it’s still good enough to drive a huge range of speakers. We’d suggest partnering the Brio-R with Tannoy’s DC6 standmounters (back on p64) as a starting point. For a suitable CD spinner, the Rega would Simple is work well with machines from best Marantz’s budget CD6004 all the The Brio-R is refreshingly old-school in its features. The nearest it gets to a modern concession is a remote handset.

The Brio-R had its first taste of one of our Awards in 2011. And now Rega’s talented stereo amp is back for seconds. Few amplifiers will impress straight out of the box, but from the second you dial in the volume, the Brio-R grabs makes a hugely impressive sonic statement. It’s one that similarly priced rivals struggle to match.

A small, stocky powerhouse

The amp takes the form of a compact half-width unit, which uses an impressively robust casework. Rega takes a simplicity-first approach to hi-fi design, and this is reflected in the relatively basic feature set. You’ll find just four line-level inputs and a remote control handset – (which is where the ‘R’ in the model name comes in) – and that’s just about it. If you want a headphone socket, tone control, built-in DAC, or other niceties, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The Brio-R does have a fantastic movingmagnet phono stage, however. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, given Rega’s reputation for creating high-quality turntables. It sounds sensational and we’ve found it to be the perfect medium through which to use Rega’s similarly brilliant RP3/Elys 2 (see p100 of this issue).

This is a veritable musical maestro. It majors on rhythm and agility, but is equally deft at communicating emotion way up to the lofty Roksan Caspian M2. Alternatively, you could even go for Rega’s matching DAC (£500). Safe to say, though, that whichever path you tread, though, the Brio-R’s Award-winning talent will shine through.

Best stereo amp £600-£1000 Cyrus 6a £700

We’ve been surprised, yet delighted to see Cyrus adopt an aggressive pricing policy for its latest generation amps: the entry-level 6a delivers sensational value for money. It’s a considerable £200 cheaper than last year’s equivalent model, but still manages to retain the same Cyrus hallmarks, one of which happens to include sound quality to die The Cyrus for. It’s difficult to upgrade path argue with this kind of value. Cyrus owners always have the option to upgrade, via the addition of power units or off-board DACs.

Cyrus’s half-width aluminium chassis will be familiar to many. On the front panel are buttons for input selection, a customisable setup menu and a volume dial. Connections round the back amount to six analogue inputs, twin speaker outputs for bi-wiring, and a headphone socket. The amplifier delivers 40W per channel and shares core technology with the £1200 8a. Sonically, the 6a doesn’t stray from the traditional Cyrus sound. This means there’s a speedy delivery, excellent levels of detail, and a

breathtaking level of clarity across a wide variety of musical genres. Spin Paloma Faith’s 30 Minute Love Affair, and her vocal sounds open and expressive as the Cyrus presents it in a spacious soundstage. Dynamic bursts are wonderfully controlled and the Cyrus can keep pace with even the most frenzied and complicated of beats.

An authoritative sound

Compared with previous Cyrus amps at this level there’s more authority to low frequencies, which is an added bonus given the reduced price. Another bonus is the Cyrus upgrade path. This includes the possible addition of the standard DAC or the upgrade Qx and/or one of its power amp solutions. Rivals such as the Roksan Kandy K2 boast more power and fuller sound, but can’t match the Cyrus for precision and agility – unrivalled at this money.

It’s a speedy delivery, with excellent levels of detail and a breathtaking level of clarity across a wide variety of music 94 www.whathifi.com

stereo amplifiers

Best stereo amp £1000-£1500 Heed Audio Obelisk si £1290

It’s a good job our Awards aren’t handed out for first impressions. Or by a quick scan of the specification sheet. Then we’d have a very different set of results. Take the Heed Audio Obelisk si: 35 watts per channel in exchange for £1300 doesn’t appear particularly great value. Take it out of the box and the amplifier feels solid enough, but it lacks the luxury feel we would expect at this price. A basic ‘credit-card’ remote control handset completes the uncomfortable introduction.

Musically accomplished

But then we came to take our first listen. And once the Obelisk si is plugged into a system, any of those initial doubts simply fade away. This is one of the most musically accomplished stereo amps we’ve heard anywhere near this price. In fact, you’d have to go up a level to Roksan Caspian M2 (see below) to better the sound. Tunes with plenty of pep and zip, such as the Black Eyed Peas Hey Mamma, charge along. The

The Obelisk si sounds robust and controlled even when pushed. And it’s enthusiastic without ever being overbearing

amp makes the most of the intricate rhythms and dynamic thrust of the track. The unit sounds robust and controlled even when pushed to extremes. And it sounds enthusiastic without ever becoming overbearing. Opt for a more laidback piece such as Emelie Sandé’s Mountains and the Heed shifts down the gears effortlessly. It delivers vocals with appealing warmth and subtlety. And like Cyrus, Heed offers an appealing and useful upgrade path for ‘si’ owners.

Best stereo amp £1500+ Roksan Caspian M2 £1650

There’s the option of adding an outboard power supply (£730). This raises power to 50W and adds extra scale and punch to proceedings. The Obelisk si will also accept optional modules: a coax-only DAC (£265) or a moving magnet phono stage (£145). To sum up, then, this is a product that proves the maxim that one should never judge a book (okay, and amplifier) by its cover – you could be missing out. The Heed is a peach of a product and a deserved Award-winner.

Need more power? Should the Caspian need a bit more oomph for your system, you can add Roksan’s M2 power amp to really get things singing.

Over the years, Roksan’s Caspian range has evolved into a firm favourite over here at What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision. Excellent build quality, generous features, and the ability to produce brilliant all-round sound are all attractive assets, and Caspians have consistently combined all three to stunning effect. This, the M2, is the most accomplished version to date – and that’s why it walks away with a Best Buy Awards for a second year. The M2 feels substantial and well damped. Each control is solid and precise; combine that with a smart remote-control handset and you’re getting a package that looks and feels the part. And it sounds the part too. The Caspian’s strength has always been its amazing all-round ability – there’s bucketloads of detail to admire as

the amp delivers serious levels of subtlety and manages to arrange it musically and in a manner that exposes all the various elements of a track to the maximum. The soundstage is nicely layered and the stereo image is extremely focused. Vocals and instruments are locked into place no matter how intricate rhythms are or how dynamically demanding a track gets.

Superb timing, bountiful bass

Crank the volume up and the Roksan takes the strain it its stride. The amplifier is fitted with an intelligent internal cooling fan to make sure the circuitry doesn’t overheat when it’s working hard. Hip-hop and dance tunes are dispatched with aplomb. The Caspian’s expert timing and

powerful, bountiful bass keeps rhythms flowing positively, not ponderously. Of course the M2’s natural partner would be the matching Caspian M2 CD player, an Award-winner in its own right (see p84) while for speakers, you’d get great results hooking it all up to a talented floorstander such as the PMC Twenty 23 (£2100, and on p67). If your budget can stretch, then you’ll struggle to hear better at the money.

Vocals and instruments are locked into place no matter how intricate rhythms are or how demanding a track gets www.whathifi.com 95

Cables and accessories Often overlooked, these crucial components can make all the difference to a system and will help you get the best from your set-up

Best speaker cable

AudioQuest FLX-SLiP 14/4 £5.80/m There’s a new sheriff in town: the Audioquest FLX-SLiP 14/4. Yes, that name is a bit of a mouthful, but there’s a reason for it: the company reckons this cable is flexible (FLX) and easy to feed (or SLiP) through walls, thanks in part to its braided cable ends. The cable was originally intended for custom installers, but those properties make it great for conventional usage, helping it navigate tight corners with ease. So it’s easy fitting — but is it easy listening? We tested a pair of 5m lengths with an all-star Award-winning reference system, consisting of an Audiolab 8200CD player, Roksan Caspian M2 integrated amplifier, ATC SCM11 standmounters and Chord CrimsonPlus interconnects. It’s an enthusiastic cable, conveying our reference kit’s sound with real punch. That sound is full-bodied, and there’s a good grasp of dynamics. It’s a balanced listen, too: bass is deep and rich, while treble is smooth and clean. The midrange, meanwhile, feels natural. Timing is spot-on, never getting tripped up by the start-stop structure of The xx’s Islands. 96 www.whathifi.com

Spin Tortoise’s debut album (called Tortoise, imaginatively enough) and skip to Cornpone Brunch. This is a test-track favourite of ours, peppered with subtle snare drum, ride-cymbal dynamics and rich, deep bass. It’s an assault course of a track that readily highlights the shortcomings of lesser cables, but the FLX-SLiP breezes through it, never wavering in its grip on rhythm and precision.

Welcome to the organisation

Switch to Buena Vista Social Club and the sound is well organised. The cable handles the multitude of voices and instruments very well, giving them a proper sense of space. And it’s a very transparent delivery, even more so than Chord’s Carnival SilverScreen. Chord’s former champion did well to stay at the top for four years. But that just goes to show how much Audiquest has achieved. Confident, competent and reasonably priced, the FLX-SLiP 14/4 is a stunner.

Cables and aCCessories

Best phono stage

Best equipment support

Rega Fono Mini A2D £85

Atacama Eris Eco 5.0 £460

Vinyl is still going strong, even if things are becoming increasingly digital. Many of us treasure the sound that only turntables can provide, and if you want to do justice to your precious collection of LPs, your set-up needs a standalone phono stage.

Minimalist approach

The Rega Fono Mini A2D is distinctly no-frills. It is a moving magnet design, housed in a simple, unassuming black box. At the front is an earthing point and a USB port, while the back features standard in/out sockets. It’s well made: lightweight but solid enough to stay put.

Put to the test, it gives an excellent performance no matter what music is played. The sound is punchy, cohesive and tonally balanced. Timing is precise, the dynamic range is great, and the presentation is enjoyable. Time to put things in some perspective. It’s not as good at fine detail as last year’s champ in this section, Leema’s Elements, but that unit is five times more expensive than the Fono. Bottom line: Rega has made a great product that punches well above its weight and offers real value for money. At this price point, you’ll struggle to find anything this impressive. We haven’t yet.

Best speaker stand

Custom Design FS104 Signature £200

There’s probably a joke here about ‘standing’ out, but we’ll spare you that hilarity. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what this year’s – and last year’s – Award-winner does. The FS104 Signature has five columns: a large one in the middle and four satellites. Assembly is fairly simple, especially for anyone who’s ever played with construction sets or a certain brand of Swedish furniture. There’s something elegant in the Signature’s simplicity which promises to complement any set-up. There’s an all-black option but, for contrast, the satellites also come in gold, chrome and brushed chrome. It’s not all about looks either – these stands are practical too. The satellite columns help to keep the unit totally rigid, while the central column can be loaded with Custom Design’s Inert Filler (£20, sold separately). We recommend doing this to get the best results.

More than just good-looking

We tested the Signature with a variety of standmounters, including the Q Acoustics 2020i and ATC’s SCM11. Overall, these stands allowed our kit to perform with more control and precision than did their rivals. Compared with their competitors, music sounds clearer, livelier and has better timing.

The bass is punchy, but then that’s the case with many stands at this price. What distinguishes the Signature is that high-end detail is very agile, which balances things out nicely. If you’re after stylish, reasonably priced stands that make the most of your speakers, you need look no further.

Atacama has struck back, after being knocked off the top spot three years ago by Hi-Fi Racks and its wooden Podium. Racks don’t actively add anything to improve sound. They control resonances and reduce vibrations in order to let your equipment perform better – and the Eris Eco 5.0 does that very well. It has 40mmthick shelves made of bamboo, which

Everything we put on the Eris sounded more detailed and dynamic than it did on anything else at this price Atacama prefers to more traditional wood options. The shelves have grooves cut into their underside and so slot neatly onto the three-legged steel frame and help to dissipate sonic resonance. Gel pads and adjustable carbon steel spikes help to provide further isolation. It’s easy to construct, or upgrade as your system grows: the design is modular, with additional layers costing £115. It’s stylefriendly too – the frame is available in red, black, white and silver. We paired it with a variety of equipment including the Marantz CD6004, the Audiolab 8200CD and the Roksan Caspian M2 amplifier. The results were good across the board. Everything we put on the Eris sounded more controlled, detailed and dynamic than it did on anything else at this price range. Bass, in particular, is better defined, richer and smoother. The Eris Eco retains the attack you might expect from using glass, with none of the harshness. Add to those virtues the Atacama’s good build quality and competitive pricing, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

www.whathifi.com 97

ACCESSORIES LIVING WITH IT

Best analogue interconnect

This a tonally well balanced cable that will perform equally well across a wide range of systems. It won’t hide flaws, though.

Atlas Element Integra £45/m

After two years in this spot, the fine Chord CrimsonPlus now gives way to the Atlas Element Integra. A well-made cable with sturdy plastic plugs, it helped our reference system to achieve a smooth and subtle performance. The soundstage is pleasingly wide and there’s a good dynamic range. It’s a precise cable, very good at digging up fine detail. Tonally, the

experience is impressively balanced. Bass is supple and midrange is transparent, yet the cable is also unfussy about the kit you use. It’s £5 more expensive than CrimsonPlus, but then again it improves on many of the things that the former champ did right. There’s nothing to dislike here: the Element Integra is highly recommended as a first upgrade.

Best optical digital cable QED Performance Graphite £40/m Last year, QED tweaked its Performance optical cable in time to win an Award. This year it’s the same cable, only now labelled ‘Graphite’. And it doesn’t need any more tweaking: it’s still a winner. It made significant improvements to the sound of our reference set-up. The sound is incredibly detailed and startlingly clear. There’s a good grasp of

dynamics, too, and an excellent sense of energy. Tonally, it’s a balanced affair: bass is punchy, treble is smooth and midrange is expressive. The Performance Graphite faced tough competition last issue in the form of Chord’s Optichord. That was also a competent and enjoyable listen, but the QED’s more authentic sound and smaller price tag gives it the edge.

Best coaxial digital cable QED Performance £37/m

This is the first time in five years that we’ve decided to give Awards both to optical and coaxial digital leads. And, as in 2007, it’s QED that provides a winner in the shape of its excellent Performance cable. With a purple trunk, dark-chrome plugs and gold-plated connectors, it looks flamboyant – and that panache extends to its performance.

It’s assertive, but good at conveying subtleties. The sound is clean and vibrant. There’s a good sense of energy too, with plenty of attack. This is an excellent all-rounder and a better performer than many pricier alternatives. You’d have to spend significantly more to get a noticeable improvement, and even then you’d struggle to find better value for money.

Best USB cable Supra USB 2.0 £30/m

Supra has put very little effort into this cable’s appearance. The plugs are plasticky, and the trunk looks cheap, doing little to prevent its twisted innards from bulging out. But if a little cost-cutting means that you can get good sound for less, then we’re all for it. It’s the sound that matters, and it’s here that Supra has worked magic.

It’s got impeccable timing and good energy, both of which translate into a tangible sense of fun. There’s an impressive amount of detail, and yet the treble stops short of being too bright. Presentation is relaxed and easy-going – perfect for long listening experiences. When you consider the Supra’s price, it’s clear this cable punches well above its weight.

Best HDMI cable

AudioQuest Pearl £26/m

Winner of last year’s Best HDMI cable Award, this Audioquest remains a formidable opponent. At £26, the Pearl is one of the more walletfriendly HDMI options. But it’s a top performer, offering a spec that includes 3D capability, audio return channel and ethernet compatibility. It enables your equipment to put out sharp and stable images. The level of detail is

impressive, and it has a secure grasp of motion. The colour palette looks natural while the sound has good dynamic range. If you want to make the most of your home cinema set-up, you’ll want to invest in a good HDMI cable. And what better than an attractive option that offers excellent value for money? As a first upgrade, it gets our seal of approval. www.whathifi.com 99

Turntables

The tactile art of needle-on-vinyl music reproduction is alive and kicking. And these three proponents are right in the groove

Best turntable £500-£750 Rega RP3/Elys2 £550

For the best part of a decade Rega has dominated the mid-priced turntable category. The RP3’s predecessor, the P3-24, won no fewer than four awards in this price band, and this is the RP3’s second win, the first also being a Product of the Year title. That’s an impressive track record. Like every Rega deck we’ve ever reviewed, the RP3 is a simple design. It has little in the way of suspension, bar a trio of rubber feet, and is as manual as these things get. Want to change speed? You’ll have to move the drive belt from one step of the motor pulley to the next by hand. That simplicity is half the charm of this product, but it’s not the reason Rega decks tend to do well in our reviews. That’s all down to the excellent engineering. These are carefully conceived, immaculately engineered decks that have evolved over decades. There are no rough edges in the design. The RP3 may look just like previous offerings, but look closely and you’ll see the plinth features bracing between the arm-base and main bearing, and the long-running RB300 arm has been given a gentle makeover. 100 www.whathifi.com

While it’s possible to buy this turntable without a cartridge – saving around £75 on the price we’ve quoted – we would recommend going for the complete package. That package includes Rega’s excellent Elys2 moving magnet cartridge, which is a capable design that – as you would expect – works seamlessly with arm and deck.

Careful installation brings rewards

The lack of suspension means the RP3 is a little fussy about its positioning and support, but get it right and this record player shines. It doesn’t matter if it’s the rock of REM, or the jazz of Coltrane, this Rega has the insight, sure-footed timing and dynamic discrimination to impress. This is the kind of product that concentrates the listener’s attention on the music and nothing else. Yes, if you want to analyse the recording the RP3 will oblige, but we suspect it won’t be long before you just sit back and enjoy the music. It’s what Rega’s decks have managed for years.

TurnTables

Best turntable up to £500 Pro-ject Debut Carbon £300

It’s a shame that Pro-ject decided to use the well-established Debut name for this record player. As good as the company’s Debut models have been over the years, this is a far more ambitious design than those that have gone before. That design ambition translates into a brilliant sound for the money. The major technical highlight is the use of a carbon-fibre arm. Such things are normally reserved for far more exotic offerings, usually involving four-figure price tags. Remember, the Debut Carbon retails for just £300 and comes pre-fitted with a cartridge. There have been other upgrades over earlier models too. The Carbon has a heavier platter, revised motor mountings and a better cartridge in the form of Ortofon’s hugely capable 2M Red, which usually retails for around £80 on its own. That represents serious value when included in a package of this price. As with any turntable, care in set-up is rewarded richly. The Debut doesn’t have any isolating suspension bar a set of compliant feet, so make sure its support is as rigid and vibration-free as possible. Keeping the deck perfectly level and well away from the speakers is always a good idea too. Get it all right and this is a deck to savour. Play The xx’s debut set and it’s the insight and sure-footed portrayal of rhythms that impress.

The group’s understated vocals are presented with subtlety, and the high frequencies are clean without being bright. Most of all, it’s the Pro-ject’s ability to reveal the emotional core of the music that appeals.

Unfazed by musical complexity

Shift musical genres to the likes of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and this package’s confidence with huge dynamic swings and complex instrumentation comes to the fore. For a deck at this price level, the Carbon delivers a surprisingly polished performance. Pro-ject has been producing classleading budget turntables for many years now, but we think this is one of the company’s finest achievements and more than deserving of Best Buy status.

This is a far more ambitious design than those that have gone before, and that ambition translates into a brilliant sound

TOP TIP Most turntables are supplied with a lid – great for keeping dust off, but we’d recommend removing it for listening. You’ll notice the difference.

Best turntable £750+ Rega RP6/Exact £1000

If Rega’s RP6 has a problem it’s the visual similarity to its little brother, the RP3, winner of this year’s Product of the Year (see left). If the cheaper deck is so good, and looks pretty much the same, why spend the extra money? A casual glance won’t reveal much, but take a closer look and there are many engineering differences between the two. The RP6’s glass platter has a greater concentration of mass towards its rim, which increases inertia (so helping speed stability) without adding too much to the overall weight. Rega engineers have long felt excessive mass spoils sound quality.

Other upgrades see the inclusion of an outboard power supply, which gives the RP6 an electronic speed change – something we’re always happy to see on a turntable.

Keep the Exact specification

The plinth and arm designs are much the same as on the cheaper model, and none the worse for that. Both are well-proven. You can buy the turntable without Rega’s Exact cartridge for £800, but we wouldn’t. The complete package works so well that there’s little to gain from a mix-and-match approach.

We’ve heard rivals that deliver similar amounts of information but none that does it in such an attractive manner Once the listening starts the RP6 outpoints its little brother as much as the price difference suggests. This is a fast and agile-sounding package that delivers loads of detail without emphasising the fact. There are clear gains in transparency and definition over the cheaper RP3, though the sonic character of the two decks remains consistent. In full flow the RP6 is a magnificently engaging turntable that’s as happy charging along to Nirvana’s Nevermind as it is delivering largescale symphonic pieces such as Holst’s Mars. This package’s wide-ranging dynamics and sure sense of rhythm make it a real treat to listen to, while the sound staging is suitably precise. Most importantly, this Rega organises the mass of information it digs up into a musically entertaining whole. We’ve heard rivals that deliver similar amounts of insight but none that does it in such an attractive manner. We think this is the finest turntable package at this price. www.whathifi.com 101

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ER CH RI

NEW ●

Big display allows you to search and play from across the room

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Link to your iPod or MP3 Player

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No networking required

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Just use USB input and remote control

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Load your complete digital music collection

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Once loaded leave your iPod or MP3 in the car

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Find your digital music far more quickly

THE 2012 JB7 RETAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF THE ORIGINAL JB7

Introducing the world’s very first ‘Super-Dock’. The NEW 2012 JB7 from Brennan

Now you can store, browse and play all your digital music as well as your collection of up to 5000 CDs on one machine! The new 2012 Brennan JB7 links to your iPod or MP3 player and, unlike simple docks, its text search function lets you find music on your iPod quicker than you can with the iPod itself. The big bright display lets you search and see what’s playing from across the room. The world’s first ‘Super-Dock’ can also load your digital music from your iPod onto the Brennan JB7 to add to your library of favourite CDs. Once loaded you can keep your iPod in the car because you don’t have to keep plugging it in.

Feelgood button. Late home from work or friends round for coffee? Simply press this button and the JB7 will play your CD collection at random so you can unwind or entertain at leisure.

Quick to load. Themed playlists. It takes just two button Select tracks from your presses to load a CD and collection, give them a colour like red for romance just 3-4 minutes to rip it onto the internal hard or blue for relaxation then drive. So you can click on that colour on the remote and the JB7 will comfortably load between 20 and 30 in an evening. play them in sequence.

Listening to your music collections on the Brennan JB7 is so much easier, quicker, and a lot more enjoyable than you ever thought possible. Browse albums by spinning the volume knob - push to play • Delete tracks you don’t like • Display track names as they play • Seven rainbow colour-coded playlists • Segue function blends one track into the next • One touch record from vinyl, cassette or radio • One button plays the entire music collection at random • Use it with existing hi-fi or on its own • Clock with alarm • 60 Watt–4.8 x 16 x 22 cm steel and aluminium construction • Backup music to external USB hard disk for safe keeping • Credit card size remote control

Choose the Brennan that’s right for you. Vinyl and Cassettes? Keep your music safe. Album and track names automatically added. You can record both onto Just in case of a the JB7 as if it were a Once you’ve downloaded breakdown, the JB7 very large tape recorder. a CD the Brennan enables you to back up All you will need is a automatically checks its your entire music collection 3.5mm stereo jack, massive 3 million database onto an external hard twin phono lead, to confirm the album title drive so you don’t have to adapter or connector. and track names. spend time re-loading.

The face behind the Brennan JB7 range.

The NEW 2012 JB7 available as a 320Gb jukebox (holds up to 3200 compressed CDs) and 500Gb jukebox (holds up to 5000 compressed CDs) and in a choice of metallic grey and metallic blue front panels with black outer casing.

FULL MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. If the Brennan JB7 isn't right for you, give us a call and we will collect it and give you a full refund - we can even arrange collection from a place of work.

Martin Brennan, who designed the JB7, has worked with Sir Clive Sinclair and Lord Alan Sugar and has designed over 20 silicon chips in his career. He was a real pioneer in the computer games industry - he played a central role in the design of the worlds first 64 bit games computer.

Visit the online shop at www.brennan.co.uk The 2012 JB7 will link with a number of MP3 devices including the iPod Classic. To check compatability visit www.brennan.co.uk Photo shows the 2012 Brennan JB7 with a Pure digital iPod dock - you can just use the iPod USB cable directly - you don’t need a dock but it looks nice.

brennan

A word about copyright "In 2006 the record companies said unequivocally that they are happy for you to load your own CDs onto a hard disk but the Advertising Standards Authority have asked us to tell you that it is unlawful to copy material without the permission of the copyright holder. Confused? Find out more and have your say at www.brennan.co.uk”

Readers’ Award This is the Award voted for by you, the readers of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, in an online poll

Readers’ Award Apple iPad from £399

Each year we invite our magazine and website readers to nominate the product, service or app they’d like to see shortlisted for our Readers’ Award. After a month the nominations from our Forums are counted and the final shortlist of eight is posted on the Awards section of the website so everyone can vote for the item they’d like to see pick up the trophy.

A clear winner

We had an eclectic mix this time, with a DAC (digital-to-analogue converter), Blu-ray player, smartphone, tablet, music streamer, a pair of active speakers, smart TV and combi DAC/CD player/preamp making the shortlist. But once the votes started coming in, there was never any doubt which would be the winner: the iPad romped home. It seems the superb build quality, ease of use, sharp new screen and unbeatable selection of apps made Apple’s latest a runaway favourite.

The Shortlist - Apple iPad - Audiolab M-DAC - AVI ADM40 - Cambridge Audio 851C - Logitech Squeezebox Touch - Panasonic DMP-BDT500 - Samsung Galaxy S3 - Sony KDL-55HX853 www.whathifi.com 103

Apps

Despite the mass of competition, these three applications stand out as must-have winners in their field

Best video app BBC iPlayer £Free

Missed the latest Doctor Who episode, or want to catch up with a week’s worth of MasterChef? BBCiPlayer is your answer. It was already a great desktop service when first introduced to the UK public, and it’s even more excellent in its incarnation as an app for your smart device. You can instantly call up a week’s worth of TV, film and radio programmes across all BBC channels and stations, and even watch/listen live, as long as you have a stable 3G or wireless connection. The grid layout of the app is neat and stylish, with picture icons next to each programme, and scrolling through the app is swift and smooth. You can browse programmes by categories, schedules, Most Popular, Features, and also add shows to your Favourites list so new episodes are easy to access. With increasingly high-quality screen resolutions on smart devices, both standard and high-definition programming looks fantastic. BBC HD content is crisp and detailed enough on smartphones, but it looks especially lavish and exciting on bigger tablet screens. What’s even more exciting is that you can now download shows onto your smart device (iOS only), where they’re stored for 30 days. Then you can watch them offline at your convenience. This is great news for long train journeys, if you’re out of the country, or can’t get any internet signal – it’s the ultimate portable video app. Have we mentioned it’s completely free? We’ll never complain about our license fee again…

Thanks to increasingly high-quality screen resolutions on smart devices, both standard and high-definition programmes look fantastic

Best control app

Best music app

With this app – for its 2012 range of AV receivers and Blu-ray players – Pioneer has taken full advantage of the multi-touch functionalities of smartphone and tablet interfaces to design a new way of using a control app, while also giving extensive control over your home cinema amplifier. From basic controls of volume, play and input selection to in-depth adjustments of audio and video, the app presents all these options in a creative way that looks and feels brilliant. There’s little this app can’t do, and we applaud the inventive and fresh approach Pioneer has taken with its design. An instinctive and flexible way of controlling your hi-fi.

Spotify is the ultimate music streaming service, with more than 13 million songs at your fingertips to listen to – free or for a subscription. With the free service, you have instant access to songs, can store them on your computer, create playlists and also listen to internet radio stations tailored to your music taste. There’s a limit to the hours you can play per month, but you can buy tracks via Spotify’s download partner, 7Digital. Upgrade to Spotify Premium for £10 a month and you’ll get the full impact of what makes this a must-have app – access all its features on your smartphone and unlimited ad-free streaming up to 320kbps.

Pioneer iControlAV12 £Free

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Spotify from £Free

SIMPLE CONTROL OVER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT The award winning LG Smart TV offers simple access to a limitless world of entertainment. Enjoy catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer, movies from LOVEFiLM and Netflix, TV shows, games and much more. LG Smart TV makes entertaining the family easier than ever with the Magic Remote Control.

YOU CONNECT THE DOTS. www.lg.com/uk/smartTV #LGSmartTV

LG 47LM670T MARCH 2012

projectors Recent tech advances have made these kings of home cinema more impressive and more affordable than ever. The medal winners are…

Best Projector £2500+ Panasonic PT-AT6000E £3000

It may not quite be Apple and the iPhone, but the now-annual launch of a new Panasonic flagship projector has become something to really look forward to in this neck of the woods. And as the new PT-AT6000E proves, the excitement is nearly always justified. The exterior may remain fairly familiar but on the inside much has changed. Designed once more in collaboration with Hollywood filmmakers and the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, the projector boosts brightness from 2000 to 2400 lumens, while claimed contrast ratio goes from 300,000:1 to 500,000:1. There’s also a 3D dual-core processing engine, the addition of Frame Creation 2, Panasonic’s motion processing and 2D-to-3D conversion. New 3D glasses now communicate with the projector via a built-in IR transmitter. Thanks to a motorised lens and a well thought-out lens-shift arrangement, it only takes a minute or two to get your picture in the right place. Choose one of the three HDMI inputs and you’re soon enjoying staggeringly good HD pictures. 106 www.whathifi.com

The outgoing 5000 majored on detail, depth and realism in a way that truly brought films and TV to life. The new 6000 series manages to raise the bar again. Thor really stretches a machine’s capabilities and colour palette, and, fed with a Blu-ray copy of the film, the 6000 responds. It delivers natural shades and deep, insightful blacks. Motion is smooth too, and even standard-definition content holds up well.

A new dimension to 3D images

Watching 3D content feels more comfortable on the PT-AT6000E, too. Crosstalk does seem reduced, fast motion holds up better and only in the most complex images does some instability surface. That said, you can adjust the strength of the 3D effect. Regardless, there’s not a projector on the market that can match the all-round appeal of this Panasonic. Detailed, dynamic and confident with any content, it’s evolution not revolution but a very worthwhile update. And hey, it works for Apple…

projectors

Best projector up to £1500 BenQ W1200 £1000

You could have paid two, or even three times as much for a projector of this quality a few years ago and it probably would have been harder to set up and less flexible in use. BenQ has bossed the budget projector market for a while now, and despite ever more affordable, and still capable, models emerging – such as the £700 BenQ W1060 – the W1200 remains the best marriage of affordability and performance that we’ve found in this price bracket. It’s easy enough to get up and running. While more expensive projectors give you even more control of the lens position, the BenQ, complete with adjustable feet, has a good degree of position flexibility. What’s more, there is plenty of potential for picture tweakery. Happily, it works more than competently with a minimum of adjustment. Projecting Avengers Assemble, one of our favourite discs of the year for sound and picture performance, the BenQ W1200 delivers the vivid colour palette in style.

It’s there in black and white

Contrast levels are impressive for a £1000 projector, dark blacks delivering reasonable detail from deep, faithful shades, and whites looking pretty clean. Tricky blocks of colour prove reasonably free from noise, too.

This may not be a 3D projector, but there’s an impressive sense of depth from standard 2D images thanks to the overall level of detail retrieval and sharp, clean edges. Our only real gripe is that we’re not totally convinced by fast motion. With the motion processing turned on, we’re left unconvinced by the slightly unnatural effect, but turn the processing off and motion can be a little jumpy. This isn’t unusual in projectors more expensive than this one, however, so we are happy to cut the BenQ W1200 some slack. If you’ve got the room for a big-screen projector but don’t want to splash much cash, then this is the perfect answer.

If you’ve got the room for a big-screen projector but don’t want to splash much cash, then this is the perfect answer Pair it with an affordable Blu-ray player and, preferably, an amp and speakers – though this projector does have mini built-in speakers – for a complete home cinema system at a knockdown price. Tempted? You should be.

LIVING WITH IT The BenQ’s built-in speakers make it handy for applications (such as gaming) where sound quality is less than critical.

Best projector £1500-£2500 Epson EH-TW4400 £2000

While the projector market hasn’t been the most dynamic in the last 12 months, it’s still some achievement to win a category Award two years on the bounce. And that’s exactly what the Epson EH-TW4400 projector has done. A price cut last year brought it back into contention at this price point – a whole £1000 cheaper than we originally saw it – and it remains the projector to beat. In terms of spec, don’t expect the Epson to turn up and make a mockery of everything else. Instead it nods confidently as we rattle off the list of necessary projector specifications. There’s a claimed 130,000:1 contrast ratio, 1600 lumens brightness and a quiet 22dB fan, plus (two) HDMI, S-Video, RGB and composite inputs.

Setting up projectors nowadays tends to be a doddle and this Epson is a good example. There are no motorised controls, but you’ll find zoom and focus controls on the lens, plus simple lens shift wheels to move the image around. A quick run through a THX disc and all’s well. And that’s before we mention the picture.

Clarity and contrast

The Indiana Jones Blu-ray boxset picture is clean, sharp and free from digital noise. Colours are punchy but natural, while impressive contrast gets the most from bright hues and darker scenes. Scenes in bright sunlight show this best, with colours sitting happily alongside solid and detailed darker shades.

Colours are punchy but natural, while impressive contrast gets the most from bright hues and darker scenes Motion is handled confidently for the most part, with only the trickiest of scenes seeing the Epson image-thrower losing a little grip – this is so often where projectors fall down a touch. There may not be a new champion in this category for 2012 but we’re more than happy in our reigning champ – for £2000 this is a top-quality projector.

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Set-top boxes Buy one of these and you’ll get to more high-def, 3D, and on-demand content than you could ever dream of. Bye bye, social life…

Best subscription service Sky+HD £250

It’s not, as a famous man once observed, rocket science. If your satellite TV subscription service offers an industry-leading selection of content, absolutely impeccable ergonomics and enough storage space to keep a whole family in high-def heaven for weeks on end, critical and popular acclaim must surely follow, closely followed by huge sales. And, even more importantly, a coveted What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Product of the Year Award, and the kudos that goes with it, can be yours. If you decide to go for the full whistles-and-bells subscription (of which sport and movies are by far the costliest elements) there’s no doubt that Sky+HD doesn’t come cheap. But no one ever claimed that the best equated to the most affordable, and for those who take their TV seriously (by which we mean those with an interest in the standard of broadcast, the accompanying audio, the possibility of watching 3D content, and access to the increasingly essential Sky Atlantic HD channel among the 50-odd HD channels currently available) it’s worth every penny. 108 www.whathifi.com

Everything about the Sky+HD box is beautifully judged. The most recent upgrade to the EPG has made the best on-screen menus around even better, the remote control is logical, and as a piece of hardware it’s as robust and reliable as any nominal competitor.

It’s still number one

And where sheer convenience is concerned, Sky+HD bows to no rival. By the time this magazine is published there will be a two-terrabyte variation available, but for now the 1TB box is able to record around 240 hours of high-def programming (or the thick end of 750 hours of standard-def stuff – that’s a calendar month’s-worth). That sort of capacity means it’s ideal for archiving and time-shifiting – even storage-hungry 3D broadcasts are no problem. And there’s 400GB available for Sky Anytime, complete with online video-on-demand for Sky broadband customers. What more do you want – jam on it?

SET-Top BoXES

Best Freeview HD recorder Humax DTR-T1000 £280

It wasn’t a huge shock that the first taste of YouView we got came via established PVR hero Humax. And because the DTR-T1000 is a Humax product, not only does it incorporate all the catch-up and on-demand services you want (BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD and Demand 5) but it has twin Freeview HD tuners and a 500GB hard drive, too. The DTR-T1000 is a doddle to set up, is ergonomically sensible and has pretty much all the functionality you’d need (the ethernetonly design seems churlish at first, but there’s no getting around the fact that streaming is most stable via wires. If your router’s in a different room, a powerline system works well). The YouView menus look fresh and inviting, and the restyled Humax remote features large, finger-friendly buttons – a big, blue ‘Y’ button takes you to the main home-page from where you can access live TV and on-demand content. The guide shows both seven days ahead and seven days back, and if shows are available

The DTR-T1000 is a doddle to set up, is ergonomically sensible and has pretty much all the functionality you’d ever need

What’s YouView? This new service combines linear TV with online catch-up and on-demand services – including, imminently, Sky’s Now TV.

through any catch-up TV service it’s indicated with a little ‘play-button’ icon. Select it to be taken to the corresponding catch-up service, where you can start playback.

Fantastic picture quality

We viewed everything from a high-def rerun of EastEnders via iPlayer to a standard-def stream of The Hotel Inspector via Demand 5, and the picture remained overwhelmingly stable with only the merest hint of judder and/or noise. Detail levels are good, and the overall image quality is punchy, colourful and bright. Switch to one of the Freeview HD tuners and quality goes up a notch, especially with the

BBC’s HD channels. Picture quality is, broadly speaking, excellent, with outstanding detail, smooth edges and fine motion handling. Standard-def doesn’t quite hit these heights, but the Humax’s basic strengths remain. Ideally there would be a few more content providers (YouTube, maybe, and perhaps one of the movie-streaming services – but Sky’s pay-per-view Now TV should arrive soon), but there’s an appeal to the YouView concept that’s made only more concrete by the all-round strength of the DTR-T1000.

Best Freesat recorder Samsung SMT-S7800 £200

Meet the new, boss, same as the old boss. For the second year in a row, Samsung’s SMT-S7800 is our favourite Freesat recorder. And for those who are outside Freeview HD’s reach, or for those who crave the extra scintilla of detail and subtlety we think Freesat offers over its Freeview HD equivalent, it’s a beautifully built, simple-to-use and brilliant-to-watch delight.

Fantastic all-round

Initial glitches in operation having long since been ironed out by some judicious firmware updates, the Samsung is every bit as easy to live with as any putative rival. Its EPG is crisp, clear and logical, its remote control is up to

the standards of the class, and its 500GB hard-disk drive offers sufficient capacity for all but the most sedentary of users. The SMT-S7800 can also stream a decent range of audio and video file formats over your network or via USB, plus it has access to some (though not all) catch-up TV services. Crucially, the Award-winning BBC iPlayer is on board. Most importantly, though, the Samsung is a throughly enjoyable performer. HD broadcasts are a treat: the most testing transmissions (sport, inevitably – football, Formula One, tennis and so on all combine rapid movement with testing depth of field and, often, huge and uniform swathes of colour) are handled with

It’s a beautifully built, simpleto-use and brilliant-to-watch delight. You can’t buy a better Freesat box than this Samsung complete confidence. Motion is tracked doggedly, detail is high and the colour palette is convincing. Sound, too, is impressive, the SMT-S7800 making the difference between a so-so soundtrack and a sorted effort obvious. So as far as your Freesat options go, we don’t think you can buy better.

How do I get Freesat? If you have a working dish on your house, possibly from a previous resident, all you need is a box. Otherwise it’s ladder-time…

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YOUr QUEStIOnS AnSWErED

CENTRE ADVICE CEntrE Got a burning question? It’s nothing our team of experts can’t handle – just drop us a line Biamping a receiver?

Time for a new TV

Problem Hi there, I am looking to buy a new 46in TV. It needs to have 3D as well as being wall-mountable. Budget isn’t really a huge problem, but keeping it under £2000 would be good. Any advice you have would be great… Nick Murphy solution Your first port of call in the demo room should be the brilliant Award-winning Sony KDL-46HX853 (£1250), but bear in mind that the active shutter 3D glasses aren’t supplied with the set. You can buy them separately for around £50, but they’re rather bulky and heavy next to Samsung’s slim models. The 3D performance is clean and smooth with the least amount of cross stalk or shimmer, though, and the bright picture and rich colours are wonderful to watch. While the Sony’s plinth houses its main speakers, the chassis itself also contains speakers, so you’ll still be able to get sound out of your set when wall mounting it. The Sony is a fantastic deal, but if it’s bells and whistles you crave, the equally excellent Samsung UE46ES8000 is bang on your budget at £2000.

LIVIng WItH It Thin TV sets look even better mounted on the wall. If you want to do it yourself, turn to p112 for our step-bystep guide.

The Award-winning Sony KDL-46HX853 is a superb all-round performer – and even it sounds good, too While it has a flashy stand, as you can see above, it’s also wall mountable, with the connections neatly mounted on the side of the slim screen to make it easier to set up in situ. Like the Sony, it’s an active 3D set, and includes two pairs of newly designed lightweight 3D glasses, which, along with the Samsung’s smooth motion handling, makes it very

comfortable to watch 3D films on. The E80000’s pictures have an excellent level of detail and depth, too – and the Samsung Smart Hub is legendary for its scope. Both sets are fantastic, but we’d still urge you to try both in the shop: while active 3D technology is improving, you might still find that the version from one manufacturer suits your eyes better than another.

2 Get the positioning right Next, decide where your speakers are going. Some models are less fussy about being up against rear walls than others,

so try moving them closer to and away from the boundary. Likewise, experiment with angling (‘toeing’) them in and out to change the stereo image: start by listening to a solo vocal and get it sounding nice and solid – then play something with a wider stereo image to finetune the positioning. Ideally, you and your speakers should form an equilateral triangle. Be sure to take your time and, above all, trust your ears. If it doesn’t sound right to you, it probably isn’t.

HOW tO... SEt Up YOUr SpEAkErS 1 Sort out the stands Stands serve two purposes: to get the speakers up to ear level (the tweeters should be about level with your lugs), and to keep the cabinets still so all the sound energy comes from the drive unit and isn’t interfered with by the enclosure. Spikes ensure the stands won’t move, either.

Problem I have a Yamaha RX-V530 AV receiver, and I want to replace it with something that can handle HD audio. Can I run my 530 with my HD receiver in a monobloc or biamping mode? Jacques Vorster solution The short (and long) answer is yes you could… but we wouldn’t. One of the major advantages of AV receivers is that they are one-box solutions, offering input switching, decoding, signal processing and power amplification in one, reasonably priced box. One of their drawbacks is that they are pretty closed systems, with limited upgradability beyond the option (on some models) to add power amplifiers to feed extra channels or simply add more clout. But for that you really should use power amplifiers, rather than another AV receiver. Unfortunately even if you have an old receiver with analogue inputs, this wouldn’t be much help: hooking i t all up would be a nightmare, and the sound would be going through two lots of processing, which wouldn’t necessarily give you a better sound.

3 Run the cables The key here is to keep it neat. Keep speaker cables away from mains leads, use the shortest lengths you can get away with, and try to avoid crossing them over each other. Every little bit helps… 4 Experiment with ports If your speakers are sounding a little too bassy, try using foam port bungs to tame them. It’s a bit of a last resort, but can work.

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Rediscover your CD collection with CD Storage, Music Streamer & Internet Radio

• Full colour screen, showing album artwork & full track information • Internet radio with programme record function • CD quality record/ playback WAV/FLAC • Web interface for PC/MAC/iPad/Tablets

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

How to... install a telly Everyone wants that wall-hanging look for their TV – but how to do it? The experts at OmniMount gave us the lowdown. Do try this at home…

1

MARK OUT WALL STUD POSITIONS

You must fix the bracket to something solid. If it’s a concrete wall you’re golden – just use appropriate fixings. If it uses studs and plasterboard, use an electric stud-finder and mark out the positions. Check whether they’re aluminium or wood – this will affect the fixings you need. They’re metal here, so we added more screws to those supplied to be safe. This is also a good time to check for electric conduit – many studs house cables, and you don’t want any shocks.

2

POSITION THE TEMPLATE

5

… AND TO THE TV SET

Stick the template on the wall, lining up the fixing points with the stud-marks you drew earlier. Get it as close to the centre position as you can, but don’t worry if it isn’t bang-on – most brackets let you move the TV from side to side. Also bear in mind that the bracket can move on the fixings, so that might not be centred either. It’s an old maxim here, but keep checking, measuring and checking again. Use a level to get everything true – then check again. Mark out more anchor points if needed.

3

DRILL THE FIXING HOLES

6

HANG IT ALL ON THE WALL

Start with a pilot hole to make sure you’re hitting the studs – detectors are never perfect, and a wall full of holes seldom impresses guests. Reposition the template if necessary – you’ll still have those pilot holes for reference. If you’re using extra anchors, make sure that you’re drilling where there aren’t any studs – the wall fixings need to spread out across the back of the plasterboard to distribute the load of the bracket and TV. Now have a cuppa.

• Sonos compatible

Copy all your CD’s, cassettes and vinyl to one smart box! Available on the high street at...

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4

FIX THE BRACKET TO WALL

Unless you’re built like Arnie you’ll need a friend to hold the bracket while you screw in the fixings. It might sound obvious, but before you start make sure it’s the right way up – it’ll have markings to guide you. Don’t tighten everything yet; it’s time to fine-tune the bracket’s position and clean off the pencil marks. Sit down on your sofa to do an eyeball check for level – if it’s off, it’ll definitely be noticeable once the TV is hanging. Tighten it all up and the hard part’s done.

Time to fix the bracket parts to the back of your TV; the kit should include the right screws. Remove the stand and lay the set screen-down on the floor, making sure to check first for detritus from the drilling. Put down a towel or blanket first if your floor isn’t carpeted. Don’t use an electric screwdriver for this, and only handtighten the screws or you might go through the screen. Make sure everything’s evenly tightened and set the tilt approximately if appropriate.

You’re in the home stretch. Pry the biscuits out of your friend’s hands and together, carefully position the TV against the bracket – it should be pretty obvious where it attaches. Lower it down and lock it in place if the bracket allows. Some also have padlocking points to stop would-be tea-leaves making off with your set. Make sure the tilt screws are set and then sit down again to have one last check, carefully moving it along on the bracket if you need to. And that’s it!

Moving up to 7.1

Problem I currently own an Onkyo TX-NR808 home-cinema amp, a Denon DBP-2012UD Blu-ray player, Mission 774 front speakers, a Mission C1 centre channel, Mission 77DS rear speakers and a Paradigm sub. I was considering upgrading my system from 5.1 to 7.1 by adding two Mission M-Cubes as front-hight speakers, but I can’t find them anymore. What would you suggest as satellites that complement my other speakers? Raymond Rutsaert, Belgium

Ripping yarns

Problem Over the past few years I’ve been using an MP3 player and so have converted a number of my CDs (and shortly my vinyl) into that format – all of which is stored on my network. It’s all stored on an HP Data Vault and accessed via a wired home network (some kit is also connected via “powerline” devices), and I’ve recently added an Onkyo TX-NR609 AV amplifier to my setup. I can play music from my server via my Onkyo in the living room, but I don’t think I’m getting the best quality that’s available and I’m not sure how to configure it. I’d like to store and play the music in a higher quality than MP3, but copying CDs to the Data Vault produces a massive list of “Unknown Song”, from “Unknown Album”, by “Unknown Artist” when viewed from my Onkyo. Is there a format that retains the original quality, carries the artist, track, album data and will play on the devices that I have? Finally is there an advantage to putting a DAC into the chain – can you recommend any and explain where to connect them, given that my music will be delivered via Ethernet cable? Trevor Form solution The problem with simply copying CDs to a NAS is, as you’ve discovered, that no information about artist, album, track title and so on – the metadata – isn’t stored with WAV files when you store music directly. The way round it is to use one of the lossless compression formats – either FLAC or Apple Lossless –

Solution To be honest, you’d have a tough time adding a pair of M-Cubes to your set-up even if you could find them: you couldn’t hook them up to your Onkyo because they need to be paired with the M-Cube sub (which contains all the crossover circuitry) to work. As for alternatives, try the excellent (and sensibly priced) Mission MX1s – they should slot in nicely with the tonal character of your system. If they’re too big for your room, though, consider

B&W’s MT satellites. These have the added bonus of being wall-mountable out of the box.

and rip the discs using software able to recognise each disc, by looking it up using an online database, and attaching the appropriate metadata. There’s a wide range of such software available, from Apple’s iTunes – which will handle Apple Lossless but not FLAC – to the likes of dBPoweramp. Some of these are free, some will set you back £25 or so, and almost all have people who swear by them and others who swear at them!

soundcard) from a tape output on the AV receiver. You’ll also use a sound recording package – the free Audacity program is as good as any – and when recording from LP this will just give you one big FLAC file per record side, unless you do the fiddly bit of recording each track separately. You can use the software to slice up each side into its original tracks, but you’ll have to number these and enter artist/ album/title information manually.

Mission’s MX1s and B&W’s MT speakers make great frontheight channels

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award-winning high performance analogue, digital & video cables

Atlas Hyper Asymmetrical RCA-RCA

Is there an MP3 format that retains the original quality, carries the artist, track album data, and will play on my devices? Rip your music using one of these, and you will have quality almost indistinguishable from the original CD, plus all the information needed to enable you to access and search the music you have stored, using the Onkyo’s on-screen interface The only exception will crop up when you rip your LPs, for which you’ll need a USB interface to connect your turntable to the computer – or you could connect it through the Onkyo and use a direct connection to your computer (depending on the configuration of its

It’s a bit of a faff at first, but you’ll soon get into the swing of it. Finally, there’s no point in using a DAC in the system you have: given that you’re using the receiver’s internal streaming client, which is connected directly into the digital section of the receiver and then on to the preamp and power sections, there’s simply nowhere to put a DAC in that chain.

The Atlas Hyper is a superior asymmetrical or unbalanced design with a well-defined impedance of 75 ohms. This is an outstanding interconnect which allows music-lovers to achieve a superior signal path for their music and will suit both their pockets and their ears.

Need some advice on choosing the best cables? Call us free on The Onkyo TX-NR609 can stream lossless formats – and if you want an all-in-one discripper, try the Xiva Musicm8

0800 731 1140

e: [email protected]

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System builder

Problem I have a habit of buying new kit in an ad-hoc fashion when I can afford it. However, I am now at the stage where I’m not sure I’m getting the most out of what has become a pricey rig. I have a Pioneer BDP-320 Blu-ray player, Onkyo TX-SR605 home-cinema amp, a Sky+HD box and an Audiolab 8200CD CD player running through Monitor Audio Radius surround speakers (and sub), with Mordaunt Short Mezzo2 front speakers. The speaker cables are QED silver Anniversary and the interconnects are a variety of £20-£30 HDMI cables. Is the Onkyo a weak point for music now that I have the Audiolab? I’m very keen on music but also want the most from my surround sound. Will the 8200CD give me any help to upgrade the Sky HD sound? Do I need better cables? I don’t have space for a separate hi-fi amp, but I presume that would be a solution down the line? Advice would be most appreciated… Matthew Lamb solution You’ve got the makings of a good system there. The Onkyo TX-SR605 is a fine

Top tip Choosing your AV receiver carefully will pay dividends when it comes to futureproofing your system. It’ll be far easier to match new kit, too…

“I have a habit of buying kit in an ad-hoc fashion when I can afford it. But I’m not sure I’m getting the most out of it” performer with surround soundtracks, but you’re right in thinking it won’t make the best of the Audiolab CD player. If you want to prioritise music performance (but still stick with a surround amplifier) then we’d suggest switching to Sony’s excellent STR-DN1030 (£500). It has a leaner, more punchy presentation than your Onkyo and really excels in delivering an agile

and rhythmically cohesive musical performance. As far as sub-£1000 surround amplifiers are concerned we haven’t found one that will get more music from your Audiolab. However, it must be said that the Sony isn’t the most intuitive of products to use – but get over that hurdle and we’re sure you’ll be impressed. Using the Audiolab’s DAC with the Sky Box? Good idea, the DAC

perceived difference between adding a Cyrus PSX-R power supply or adding a discrete power amp to my setup? Would adding both be more effective? Ed Korolyk

solution Add a PSX-R to each box, if you can! We’re confident that you will hear the biggest improvement if you do this, as this will give better focus and detail, plus an overall feeling of greater power to the sound. The power supply upgrade has been part of the Cyrus CD philosophy for ages, and it’s a proven, tried and tested gain for decent money. Now, about that power amp… Yes, we’d add one to the 8XP, using it to biamp the PMC speakers, which really brings these designs to life. The DB1is might only be small, but they’re capable of a big sound, and the extra amp will really make the most of that.

If you want to beef-up your Cyrus CD player, consider adding its partnering power supply

Cyrus power-up

Problem I currently have a Cyrus CD8SE CD player and 8XP integrated amp running through a pair of PMC DB1i speakers. What would be the

To submit questions for publication in our Advice Centre section, email [email protected]. Unfortunately we can’t reply personally to individual emails, but if your query is urgent, the community at www.whathifi.com/forums might provide the answer

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED ADVERTISING FEATURE

Marantz add-ons?

Problem I currently own a Marantz CD6004 but would like to add a DAC to it. Should I go for the Cambridge Audio DacMagic or the Arcam rDac? I also would like to add a pair of headphones for £100-£150. Finally, my Denon PMA-1060 amp is now sounding a little tired, so I’d like to replace it with something for £400-£600 that will go with the CD6004 and a pair of Monitor Audio BR5s. What should I do? Andrew Eccles

The Sony STR-DN1030 would work well as a hub for a music-andmovie-based set-up section of the 8200CD sounds significantly better than that of the Sky Box, however, you’ll lose surround capability. While the Sky/Audiolab combination is worth a try, we’d be inclined to just let your Onkyo (or the Sony, if you go for that option) do the digital sound conversion. That way you’ll still improve the Sky box’s sonic performance but keep surround sound.

solution We’re not convinced that adding a DAC is going to bring much to the party, given that the CD6004 is a particularly wellsorted player with high-quality digital-to-analogue conversion and decent output stages built-in. Headphones? For your needs we’d suggest the £115 Grado SR-80i is the perfect solution, but you should also have a listen to the less expensive AKG K451, at around the £80 mark (see p48). As for the amplifier, there are a few in your price range that will work nicely with your setup. The obvious one is the Marantz PM6004, which is

specifically designed to partner the CD6004. You could also consider the Rotel RA-10 (£350; p29), which doesn’t have the PM6004’s smoothness, but does deliver plenty of excitement. If you crave more punch, then the Rega Brio-R (£480) is worth a listen. As its name suggests, it’s an agile, musical performer that will sound great with the CD6004.

The Grado SR-80is are an ideal pair of headphones for the home – as their Award this year proves…

Three top movie trilogies you must own You owe it to yourself – and your system – to have these in your collection

App of the month Your guide to the coolest new apps on Samsung Smart TV ● We love catch-up TV: no more rushing back for the start of a favourite show, and a whole lot less EPG browsing to record stuff. Great news, then, that ITV Player is now available exclusively on Samsung Smart TVs, making it easier than ever to get your catchup fix. Just hook up your TV to your home broadband and you can start streaming the cream of ITV’s programming on the best screen in the house. That means the last month’s worth of shows like the ever-popular Coronation Street, Celebrity Juice with Keith Lemon, and the global drama phenomenon, Downton Abbey are only an app away – and all those hundreds of hours of TV can be all yours for the princely sum of zero pounds.

● Smart TV is available on more than 25 Samsung flatscreens, from the sleek, range-topping ES8000 to the entry-level ES5400. All let you stream video, use apps and browse the internet. Selected Samsung Blu-ray players and home cinema systems also offer similar features through Smart Hub.

for more information VISIT: samsung.com/uk/smarttv

The Godfather £24 | Blu-ray Really, there’s no excuse not to own these already. Rows about whether Pt One or Pt Two is the more overt cinematic triumph continue; everyone agrees Pt Three is the dampest of squibs. These are moot points. Fact is, there’s more performance power here than in the rest of your Blu-rays combined.

Three Colors £30 | Blu-ray The three colors (sic) are blue, white and red, and the films loosely equate to the ideas of liberty, equality and fraternity. The overarching subject of all three films, though, is loss and the consolations thereof. While the sound won’t have your system breaking a sweat, visually this trilogy is little short of stunning.

Toy Story £20 | Blu-ray New ground can only be broken once, of course, and there’s no doubt that the first of the trilogy is looking dated – but for its straightforward storytelling, superb characterisations and excellent songs, Toy Story may be the best trilogy in cinematic history. We defy you to watch part three without blubbing…

That's So smart Five of our favourite shows to watch on ITV Player

1

Coronation Street

2

X Factor

3

The Only Way is Essex

4

Downton Abbey

5

The Jonathan Ross Show

www.whathifi.com [[2R]]

Win

a DaLi

ZEnSOR 5 5.1 SPEaKER PaCKaGE

WORTH £1300

Dali Zensor 5 5.1 ★★★ ★★

Dali’s stunning Zensor 5 5.1 is a multiple Award winner, and a simply superb home cinema speaker package. As we said in our First Test last year: “This is a good-looking system, with plentiful high-gloss accents and a generous driver count for the money. And we’ve got four sets to give away to four extremely lucky readers. See below for details on entering…

ly realised “This is a brilliant ng value for set-up and cracki n is money. Integratio g is impressive, timin ythms confident and rh sound unforced.”

To enter this month’s competition, go online to www.whathifi.com/win Terms and conditions 1 Open to UK residents aged 18 or over. 2 Entries close: 11.59pm on 19th November 2012. 3 Prizes are as stated. 4 Prizes are non-transferable. 5 Only one entry per person. 6 For full Haymarket terms and conditions see: www.whathifi.com/legal. Promoter: Haymarket Media Group, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9BE.

The No.1 source of clear, expert and independent advice

BUYER’S GUIDE We can help

Inside

Welcome to the UK’s best guide to TVs, hi-fi, home cinema and MP3, with full specs and ratings for more than 1200 products.

Televisions

122

Home cinema Ced Yuen Buyer’s Guide editor

Why our ratings count

Where other magazines rely on isolated writers reviewing in a range of locations, our star ratings are decided by an expert team of reviewers working together, in a state-of-the-art testing facility.

blu-ray players

124

projectors

126

surround amps & receivers

127

subwoofers

128

style speaker packages

132

speaker packages

132

Hi-Fi cd players and dacs

134

turntables

142

radio tuners

142

amplifiers

142

preamps

145

power amps

146

speakers

146

mp3 docks

153

dock systems

154

All-in-one-systems micro and style systems

156

Home cinema in a box

158

Home Digital Media Devices network storage devices

159

media centre pcs

159

media servers/clients

159

Digital TV boxes

How to use us Browse by section: categories are arranged logically, with products accompanied by price, date and star rating.

All entries have a star rating followed by a concise summary of the review, so you can easily find the product for you.

1

2

We offer the most comprehensive list of technical specifications for each and every product we’ve reviewed. 3

freeview

161

cable

161

satellite

161

Portable music players

164

video players

164

multimedia pHones

165

dab/fm radios

166

internet radio

166

Accessories

1

2 3

video cables

167

digital interconnects

169

analogue interconnects

169

mains products

171

speaker cables

174

speaker stands

175

equipment racks

176

HeadpHones

177

HeadpHone amps

183

pHono amps

183

cartridges

184

remote controls

184

www.whathifi.com 117

HOW TO ENTER Log on to whathifi.com/win to enter. Entry for the draw closes on 19th November 2012.

Win an aWard Winner

Each lucky winner will get their hands on a piece of our amazing Awards kit!

WINNERS INCLUDE

Cyrus CD8 SE2 ★ 3x JBL OnBeat Xtreme ★ Rega Brio-R ★ Yamaha RX-V373 ★ Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 ★ Rega RP6/Exact ★ Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 ★ Rega Fono Mini A2D ★ 12x AKG K451 ★ Yamaha RX-V673 ★ Cyrus Stream XP2 Qx ★ Rega RP3/Elys2 ★ 5x Revo Axis XS ★ 3x Musical Fidelity M1 DAC ★ Onkyo CR-N755… and more!

UnitiLite arrives at Sevenoaks Introducing UnitiLite in selected Sevenoaks stores nationwide. UnitiLite is a slimline version of Naim’s original award-winning NaimUniti and is the latest addition to the Uniti range. Comprising a CD player, MP3/iPod and USB memory stick playback, digital to analogue converter, high resolution 32bit/192kHz capable network stream player and integrated 50W amplifier in one sleek enclosure. Like Naim’s other streaming devices, the UnitiLite has a network connection and is UPnP enabled to stream audio stored on the home network and access internet radio (an optional FM/DAB module is also available). All you need to add is a pair of speakers to make an accessible, great sounding system.

Visit your local Sevenoaks Naim dealer today for a demonstration.

£1650

MASS S a t e l l i t e

USB DAC

S y s t e m

Packed with technology and easy installation features, MASS offers jaw-dropping audio dynamics coupled with décor-friendly styling, making the introduction of high quality home cinema sound into any living space a simpler and more satisfying experience.

Flash drive sized Digital-Audio Converter that connects to a USB jack on a Mac® or Windows® PC, turning any computer into a true high-fidelity music source. ● Plays all music files: MP3 to 24 bit/192kHz ● Drives headphones directly ● Variable or fixed output for connecting to powered speakers, power amp, pre-amp, amplifier or receiver

STORES NATIONWIDE Aberdeen • 01224 252797 Bishop’s Stortford • 01279 506576 ● Brighton (Hove)• 01273 733338 Bristol • 0117 974 3727 ● Bromley 020 8290 1988 ● Cambridge • 01223 304770 Chelsea • 020 7352 9466

MonitorAudio’s diminutive MASS home cinema system

EW

EW

Dragonfly DAC

N

N

AUDIOQUEST

£799

excluding stands

£215

Cheltenham • 01242 241171 ● Chorleywood (Watford)• 0845 5046364 Epsom • 01372 720720 Exeter • 01392 218895 Glasgow • 0141 332 9655 Guildford 01483 536666 Holborn • 020 7837 7540 ● Kingston • 020 8547 0717 Leeds (Wetherby) 01937 586886 ● Loughton • 020 8532 0770 Maidstone 01622 686366 ●

Norwich• 01603 767605 Oxford 01865 241773 ● NEW Reading • 0118 959 7768 ● Sevenoaks 01732 459555 ● Sheffield • 0114 255 5861 Southampton • 023 8033 7770 ● Tunbridge Wells 01892 531543 ● Weybridge 01932 840859 ● Witham (Essex) 01376 501733 ● Yeovil • 01935 700078

VISIT OUR WEBSITE For more information on our comprehensive range of products along with the latest news, offers and a convenient option to order many products on-line or reserve before you travel, go to www.ssav.com

● NAIM PRODUCTS ARE CURRENTLY ONLY AVAILABLE AT THESE STORES - WITH MORE STORES BEING ADDED SOON! PLEASE NOTE: SOME BRANDS/PRODUCTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT ALL STORES. SPECIAL/ADDED VALUE OFFERS ARE NOT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER (NICWAOO). ADVERT VALID UNTIL 16/11/2012. E&OE • THESE STORES ARE FRANCHISED AND OPERATE UNDER A LICENCE AGREEMENT TO SEVENOAKS SOUND & VISION.

www.SSAV.com

R E A L S TO R E S

REAL PEOPLE

REAL PRODUCTS

Sevenoaks Sound & Vision have stores nationwide - each carries the very best in home cinema and hi-fi equipment on display, ready for you to watch, listen to and compare in our dedicated demonstration rooms.

Our staff are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about music and film and the equipment needed to get the most out of your collection.They will be delighted to assist you in making the right selection to ensure you enjoy your system for years to come.

A wide selection of products from the world’s leading manufacturers is in stock and available for you to take home.We also offer a delivery and installation service as well as a convenient on-line click and reserve option for many of our products.

R E A L VA L U E Fantastic value for money is our aim. Although we remain independent, you’ll be pleasantly surprised just how competitive we can be - with the added benefit of seeing, hearing and touching the product before you buy, and someone to help if things go wrong.

F O R O U R L AT E S T P R I C E S A N D O F F E R S V I S I T W W W. S S AV. C O M

£139

£209

OR LESS

£219

OR LESS

PANASONIC DMP-BDT220 3D BLU-RAY PLAYER This smart network 3D player offers everything you could possibly hope for in a Blu-ray player. ALSO AVAILABLE: PANASONIC DMP-BDT500

SONY BDP-S790 3D BLU-RAY PLAYER Combines 3D playback with advanced networking features, superior audio performance and support for SACD. ALSO AVAILABLE: SONY BDP-S390 £99

NEW £1299

NEW £2199

OR LESS

PIONEER SC-LX56 AV RECEIVER Award-winning 9.2-channel receiver AV receiver meets all the popular needs including Apple AirPlay for wirelessly streaming music. ALSO AVAILABLE: PIONEER SC-2022 NEW MODEL

£1199

OR LESS

£699

.COM

OR LESS

CYRUS CD8 SE2 • 6A CD PLAYER / AMPLIFIER With its impressive 40 Watts per channel and six analogue inputs, the 6a amplifier is a great partner for the CD8 SE2 CD player.

£799

YAMAHA RX-V673 AV RECEIVER Award-winning 7.1-channel receiver. Includes Network functions such as AirPlay and AV Controller app and six HDMI inputs. ALSO AVAILABLE: YAMAHA RX-A1020 NEW MODEL

£1695

OR LESS

£SSAV

£1695 OR LESS

ROKSAN CASPIAN M2 CD / AMPLIFIER This award-winning combination boasts 85wpc, five line inputs.The CD player features a 24-bit DAC with dedicated power supplies.

£349

OR LESS

OR LESS

£749

£499

OR LESS

AUDIOLAB 8200CD • 8200A CD / AMPLIFIER The award-winning 8200CD features a wealth of digital inputs that will keep it playing all your music regardless of how it may be stored.

OR LESS

PIONEER SC-LX86 AV RECEIVER New 9.2-channel receiver AV receiver featuring network connectivity along with AirPlay and Bluetooth audio streaming. ALSO AVAILABLE: PIONEER SC-LX76 NEW MODEL

.COM

YAMAHA RX-V373 AV RECEIVER Award-winning, entry level, 5.1-channel receiver. Includes a frontmounted USB socket and four, 3D compatible HDMI sockets ALSO AVAILABLE: YAMAHA RX-V473 NEW MODEL

£499

OR LESS

£SSAV

MARANTZ CD6004 • PM6004 CD / AMPLIFIER This award-winning CD player and amplifier is the result of extensive research and development by Marantz’s engineering team.

OR LESS

OR LESS

ROTEL RA-10 • RCD-12 AMPLIFIER / CD New award-winning amplifier from Rotel. Delivers 40 Watts per channel and includes a four line level inputs and a phono input.

www.SSAV.com

NEW

£299

OR LESS

PRO-JECT DEBUT CARBON TURNTABLE With its Carbon armtube and supplied Ortofon 2m Red cartridge, the Debut Carbon sets new standards in its price range.

PLASMA & LED TV

SAMSUNG 3D LEDTV

ES9000 .....................................75” ES8000 .......40” 46” 55” 65” ES7000 .................40” 46” 55” ES6800 .......32” 40” 46” 55”

SONY

3D LEDTV

£SSAV

HX853 .................40” 46” 55” HX753 .......32” 40” 46” 55”

.COM

LEDTV EX553 ............................22” 26”

PANASONIC

3D LED TV

3D PLASMA TV

3D PROJECTOR

LED TV

WT50 ............. 42” 47” 55” VT50................. 50” 55” 65” DT50 ............... 42” 47” 55” GT50 ......................... 42” 50” ET5 ...32” 37” 42” 47” 55” ST50......... 42” 50” 55” 65” PT-AT6000E

£SSAV

E5 ............... 32” 37” 42” 47”

£SSAV

NEW £SSAV

.COM

.COM

.COM

NEW £249.99 OR LESS

£599

OR LESS

AUDIOLAB M-DAC PRE-AMPLIFIER/DAC Award-winning DAC featuring a USB input along with two coaxial and optical digital inputs.

£449

OR LESS

PIONEER N-50 MUSIC STREAMER Audiophile Network player supporting AirPlay® and DLNA wireless technologies, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your iTunes libraries or iOS devices.

DENON D-M39DAB CD/DAB SYSTEM Replacement for Denon’s award-winning system. Now adds digital inputs for iOS devices andTVs, and a complete electronic rework from power supply to disc transport.

B&W MT-50 / MT-60D SPEAKER PACKAGES These award-winning packages combine M-1 speakers with a choice of subwoofers.The MT-50 includes the ASW608 while the MT-60D includes the PV1D.

£1089 £1939 MT 50

MT 60D

YAMAHA YSP-2200 SOUNDBAR

£SSAV .COM

Award-winning low profile soundbar that fits neatly in front of a TV

Q ACOUSTICS 2020i SPEAKERS An award-winning, medium sized bookshelf, 2-way design that exudes quality.

£2795

STANDARD FINISHES

£149

OR LESS

OR LESS

£800

NAIMUNITI 2 MUSIC STREAMING SYSTEM The improved NaimUniti 2 now has a 70W per channel amplifier, whilst also boasting a whole new CD player section with a new and improved tray and transport and DAC. CYRUS STREAMLINE 2 MUSIC STREAMING SYSTEM Based upon the same platform as the Stream XP2 but it comes complete with a high performance built-in stereo power amplifier.

KEF R100 5.1 SPEAKER PACKAGE Award-winning package comprising four R100 speakers, an R200C centre speaker and R400B active subwoofer.

OR LESS

OR LESS

£1399 OR LESS

.COM

SONOS THE WIRELESS Hi-Fi SYSTEM The award-winning Sonos lets you play your favourite tunes all over the house and control them from the palm of your hand. You can even play different songs in different rooms.

Please Note: Some brands/products are not available at all stores. Special/added value offers are not in conjunction with any other offer (NICWAOO).

KEF LS50 SPEAKERS Introducing the LS50 Mini Monitor speaker; an innovative concept derived from the legendary LS3/5a and designed to bring professional studio monitor concept into the home.

£249

£2849

£SSAV

ADVERTVALID UNTIL 16/11/2012. E&OE.

OR LESS

£999

OR LESS

TANNOY DC6T SE SPEAKERS The DC6T SE takes the Revolution design concept to an even higher level. Using the very latest technology,Tannoy has improved on the awardwinning sound to deliver even more articulation and drama.

MONITOR AUDIO BRONZE BX2 SPEAKERS These compact, award-winning, speakers reproduce sound of immense stature and detail.

£1825 OR LESS

PMC TWENTY . 22 SPEAKERS Stand-mount speaker with an astonishingly natural balance, precise sound stage and profound bass performance.

TELEVISIONS

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Plasma and LCD TVs

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Weight (kg)

Accepts 1080p 24fps Analogue Tuner Digital Tuner Freesat Tuner HDMI in Component in RGB Scart in Scart in Composite in

LG42PW450T

475 10.11/ST

★★★★★ An ideal toe in the 3D water plasma

Plasma

16:9

●

42

1024x768

● ● ● ●

3

1

2

0

1

61x98x5

20

PanasonicTX L24E3

450 10.11/FT

★★★★★ Best sub-32in TV. Awards 2011

LCD

16:9

● ● 24

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

2

1

1

0

1

38x60x6

6

PanasonicTX L32E5B

400 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Great value if you’re not fussy about 3D

LCD

16:9

● ● 32

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

47x76x5

9

Samsung26D450

280 09.11/GT

★★★★★ An interesting budget option

LCD

16:9

●

26

1365x768

● ● ● ●

2

1

1

0

1

44x66x8

7

SamsungUE32ES5500

400 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Exciting, but the same money could buy better

LCD

16:9

● ● 32

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

45x74x5

6

SonyKDL 26EX320

380 09.11/GT

★★★★★ A fine TV with only one significant flaw

LCD

16:9

●

26

1024x768

● ● ● ●

3

1

2

0

1

41x63x4

7

SonyKDL 26EX553

400 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Capable enough for a kitchen or child’s bedroom

LCD

16:9

●

26

1366x768

● ● ● ●

2

1

1

0

1

41x64x6

6.1

Toshiba32RL953

380 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Smart features, but performance fails to impress

LCD

16:9

● ● 32

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

51x73x2

9.5

Toshiba40TL868

480 03.12/GT

★★★★★ Formidable value meets good performance

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

63x92x24

14.5

LG32LM620T

550 11.12/GT

★★★★★ A good effort with tough competition

LCD

16:9

● ● 32

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

47x75x4

8.5

LG42LM660T

750 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Good screen, good price, tough competition

LCD

16:9

● ● 42

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

1

0

57x95x3

12.5

PanasonicTX L32ET5B

530 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Price drop pushes this firmly into five-star territory

LCD

16:9

● ● 32

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

47x76x5

9.5

PanasonicTX L42ET50

900 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Good effort, great images, beaten by direct rivals

LCD

16:9

● ● 42

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

60x99x4

15.5

PanasonicTX P50ST30

950 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Impeccable performance at an eye-catching price

Plasma

16:9

● ● 50

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

74x120x7

26

Philips42PFL7666

999 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ In some areas it’s truly incredible

LCD

16:9

● ● 42

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

0

59x97x4

13

SamsungPS51D495

710 01.12/GT

★★★★★ At this price, this set’s a total bargain

Plasma

16:9

● ● 51

1365x768

● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

78x119x31 25.8

SamsungPS51E550

850 09.12/GT

★★★★★ A pedigree 50in plasma at a steal of a price

Plasma

16:9

● ● 51

1920x1080

● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

72x120x6

SamsungUE32ES6800

700 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Great, feature-packed TV with tough competition

LCD

16:9

● ● 32

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

45x75x5

6

SamsungUE40D5520

600 10.11/ST

★★★★★ Best budget 40 42in TV. Awards 2011

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

57x96x3

11

SamsungUE40D6530

650 03.12/GT

★★★★★ An LCD with 2D pictures to die for

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

55x95x3

10.7

SamsungUE40ES6800

950 07.12/FT

★★★★★ Good spec and looks, but the backlight isn’t great

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

67x92x33

11

SonyKDL 32HX753

580 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Best 32in TV. Awards 2012

LCD

16:9

● ● 32

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

47x76x6

8

SonyKDL 40EX524

750 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Solid performance at a decent price

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ●

4

1

1

0

1

58x94x3

16 12

Up to £500 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Resolution

Aspect Ratio

Slimline, stylish televisions available in huge screen sizes

HD Ready Full HD Screen size (in)

Inputs

Type

Plasma and LCD TVs

122

£500-£1000

21

SonyKDL 40HX723

650 03.12/GT

★★★★★ A super smart TV that’s full of frills

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

59x94x4

Toshiba37UL863

600 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Perfect balance of price and performance

LCD

16:9

● ● 37

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

54x87x4

11

Toshiba42VL963

750 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Good set, with lots of features, at a reasonable price

LCD

16:9

● ● 42

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

1

1

58x100x3

13

13

£1000-£2000

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

LG42LW650T

1000 10.11/ST

★★★★★ A killer combination of price, looks and images

LCD

16:9

● ● 42

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

62x101x3

LG47LM670T

1350 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Great spec, great looks, great performance

LCD

16:9

● ● 47

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

63x106x3

15

LG47LM860V

1600 08.12/ST

★★★★★ Lots to like: top-notch HD pics and easy-going 3D

LCD

16:9

●

47

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

1

1

63x106x3

16

LG55LM760T

1700 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Scores on value and features. A solid all-rounder

LCD

16:9

● ● 55

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

72x123x34

21

LG55LW650T

1800 11.11/ST

★★★★★ A well priced set with good picture quality

LCD

16:9

● ● 55

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

79x130x3

22

PanasonicTX P42GT50

1200 10.12/GT

★★★★★ This sensational all-rounder remains a favourite

Plasma

16:9

● ● 42

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

60x99x5

17.5

PanasonicTX L47ET50

1300 08.12/ST

★★★★★ This set gets plenty more right than it gets wrong

LCD

16:9

● ● 47

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

66x110x4

15

PanasonicTX P50GT50

1300 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Best 50 52in TV, Awards 2012

Plasma

16:9

● ● 50

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

70x117x4.7

23

PanasonicTX P50VT50

1900 07.12/FT

★★★★★ Stellar performance in every area from this Plasma

Plasma

16:9

● ● 50

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

1

1

70x117x5

30

SamsungPS51E8000

1700 06.12/FT

★★★★★ A big-screen plasma that should be tried out

LCD

16:9

● ● 51

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

71x119x5

24

SamsungUE40D7000

1200 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Front-running performance in every regard but one

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

2

0

1

92x53x3

10

SamsungUE40ES7000

1300 11.12/FT

★★★★★ A great TV with dazzling looks and performance

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

55x91x3

9.5

SamsungUE40ES8000

1450 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Impressive features and HD picture, but pricey

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

3

1

0

1

1

54x91x3

9.5

SamsungUE46ES6800

1150 08.12/ST

★★★★★ A fine performer – but with strong competition

LCD

16:9

● ● 46

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

3

1

1

0

0

64x107x5

14

Made for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts... The full range of phono stages and domestic headphone pre-amplifiers, including the Award-winning Rhinelander, are available in the UK exclusively through Henley Designs Ltd. W: www.henleydesigns.co.uk T : 01235 511 166 122 www.whathifi.com

✟

Bespoke Audio Visual Furniture LIMITED

Create excellence in audio performance and appearance with our beautiful tailor-made hardwood Hi Fi and AV Furniture

ULTIMATE SYSTEM BUILDER NOV ‘12 Hi-Fi Racks Podium XL “We loved this rack back in February 2010, and still do. It lets kit convey oodles of weight, and plenty of refinement too.” What hi-Fi? Nov ‘12

Hand Made y us

in our U

p Handm ad

Kw

eb

sh o o rk

in our U

p Handm ad

Kw

'Award winning performance'

y us

sh o o rk

eb

Tonally Balanced; Good Detailing; well made; very easy to put together

FOR AGAINST

Nothing of Note – What Hi Fi October 2009.

'You get a lot here for your money a high Quality, Attractive, Hard wearing rack.' – What Hi Fi 11.11 'They may pass the style test but it’s the sound that impresses more.' – Hi Fi World Jan 2012

www.hifiracks.co.uk t: +44 (0) 1572 756447 info@hifiracks.co.uk, Unit 24F Pillings Road, Oakham, Rutland, UK. LE15 6QF

Scanthiscodeintoyour iPhone/Android

HOMECINEMA

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Plasma and LCD TVs (continued) Product

£

Type

Aspect Ratio

HD Ready Full HD Screen size (in)

Resolution

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Weight (kg)

SharpLC 46LE831E

1300 09.11/FT

★★★★★ An enticing and relatively affordable LCD

LCD

16:9

● ● 46

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

66x107x3

23

SonyKDL 40HX853

1000 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Product of the Year - TVs. Awards 2012

LCD

16:9

● ● 40

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

0

1

1

57x94x4

14

SonyKDL 46HX753

1150 08.12/ST

★★★★★ A must-see TV: superb performer for the price

LCD

16:9

● ● 46

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

65x108x5

15

SonyKDL 46HX853

1250 08.12/ST

★★★★★ Best 46 47in TV, Awards 2012

LCD

16:9

● ● 46

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

64x108x3

17

SonyKDL 55HX853

1440 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Best 55in TV, Awards 2012

LCD

16:9

● ● 55

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

77x129x3

22

Toshiba46YL863

1200 05.12/GT

★★★★★ A breathtaking television in its class

LCD

16:9

● ● 46

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

0

1

1

1

77x127x3

20

LG47LM960V

2000 08.12/ST

★★★★★ An accomplished, covetable TV – but pricey

LCD

16:9

● ● 47

1920x1080

●

● ●

4

1

1

0

1

61x105x4

15

LG55LM960V

3300 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Impressive, but let down by price and sound

LCD

16:9

● ● 55

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

77x122x4

21

PanasonicTX L47WT50

2000 08.12/ST

★★★★★ Stylish, with real areas of expertise

LCD

16:9

● ● 47

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

63x107x3

13

PanasonicTX P65ST50

2500 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Best 60in+ TV, Awards 2012

LCD

16:9

● ● 65

1920x1080

● ● ●

3

1

0

0

1

89x151x5

38

Philips46PFL9706

2300 05.12/GT

★★★★★ A great flatscreen from Philips

LCD

16:9

● ● 46

1920x1080

● ●

●

4

1

1

0

0

66x108x4

16

Philips50PFL7956T

2000 09.12/GT

★★★★★ The best 21:9 set we’ve seen so far: brilliant for films

LCD

22:9

● ● 50

2560x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

58x124x3

22

Slimline, stylish televisions available in huge screen sizes £1000-£2000 Tested

Verdict

£2000 and above

SamsungUE46ES8000

2000 05.12/GT

★★★★★ A benchmark set for 2012

LCD

16:9

● ● 46

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

3

0

0

0

1

61x104x3

12

2500 09.12/GT

★★★★★ A towering bruiser, with an added control twist

LCD

16:9

● ● 55

1920x1080

● ● ● ● ●

4

0

0

0

1

72x123x3

17

SamsungUE60D8000

4200 11.11/ST

★★★★★ A show stopper on the looks front

LCD

16:9

● ● 60

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

78x136x38 21.6

SamsungPS64E8000

3000 09.12/GT

★★★★★ This is as smart as smart TV gets

Plasma

16:9

● ● 64

1920x1080

● ● ●

3

1

1

0

1

88x149x5

35

SonyKDL 55HX823

2300 11.11/ST

★★★★★ A striking screen with features to die for

LCD

16:9

● ● 55

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

77x128x3

23.2

Toshiba55ZL2

7000 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Struggles at this price level. But it’s the future.

LCD

16:9

● ● 55

3840x2160

● ● ● ●

4

1

1

0

1

79x125x4

30

BEST 32IN TELEVISION

“Picture quality is excellent and motion-handling is topnotch. Big screens might be all the rage, but if your sights are set on smaller fare then nothing can hold a candle to the KDL 32HX753 this year.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Blu-ray players Up to £3000

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

£

“Panasonic is back with a vengeance. Last year’s GT30 almost swept the board at our Awards last year, and the TX P50GT50 is the GT30 after going to the gym. Simply put, the best just got better.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Plays

High-definition sound and vision on disc Product

Panasonic TX P50GT50 £1300

Tested

Verdict

Outputs

Audio Decoding Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Sony KDL 32HX753 £580

24fps Dolby Digital + DTS HD Dolby TrueHD DTS HD Master Audio

“It’s with picture performance that this Sony positively shines. Clarity and detail definition are remarkable, effortlessly bringing out subtle impressions of texture and colour where most rivals struggle.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

BEST 50 52IN TELEVISION

Video scaling

Sony KDL 40HX853 £1000

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

✟

SamsungUE55ES8000

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

Accepts 1080p 24fps Analogue Tuner Digital Tuner Freesat Tuner HDMI in Component in RGB Scart in Scart in Composite in

Inputs

Blu-ray DVD Video CD DVD R/-RW DVD+R/+RW HDMI out Component out RGB Scart out Optical out Coaxial out Multichannel out HDMI 1.3

Plasma and LCD TVs | Blu-ray players

124

CambridgeAudioAzur651BD

500 04.12/GT

★★★★★ A very talented Blu-ray player

● ● ● ● ●

2

1

0

1

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

9x43x31

CambridgeAudioAzur751BD

800 08.11/GT

★★★★★ Ideal for those who want more than a budget player

● ● ● ●

● 2

1

0

1

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

9x43x31

DenonDBP 2012UD

500 04.12/GT

★★★★★ A price cut makes this disc spinner even more appealing

● ● ●

●

1

1

0

0

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

11x43x32

LGBD670

170 06.11/GT

★★★★★ Thoroughly admirable in isolation

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

12x34x56

LGBP420

160 06.12/ST

★★★★★ An enjoyable and vibrant performance

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x19

MarantzUD7006

550 04.12/GT

★★★★★ A splendid master of all trades

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

0

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

11x44x33

MarantzUD8004

2449 03.10/FT

★★★★★ A brilliant player – if you want one box to do it all

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

1

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

12x44x39

OnkyoBD SP809

500 04.12/GT

★★★★★ A fine choice, but not an all-rounder

● ● ● ● ●

2

1

0

1

1

No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

10x43x31

OppoBDP 93EU

500 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Perfect for the midrange Blu-ray player market

● ● ● ● ●

2

1

0

1

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

8x43x31

OppoBDP 95EU

900 08.11/GT

★★★★★ A thoroughly desirable premium player

● ● ● ● ●

2

1

0

1

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

10x43x31

PanasonicDMP BBT01

279 08.12/FT

★★★★★ A good quality, stylish Blu-ray player

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

2.7x18x18

PanasonicDMP BDT100

225 01.11/GT

★★★★★ 3D Blu-ray player with great pictures

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

6x43x21

PanasonicDMP BDT110

150 06.11/GT

★★★★★ This budget Blu-ray excels for the money

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x18

PanasonicDMP BDT210

200 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Blu-ray players. Awards 2011

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x18

PanasonicDMP BDT220

155 06.12/GT

★★★★★ Best Blu-ray player £100 175, Awards 2012

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x18

PanasonicDMP BDT310

230 05.11/FT

★★★★★ Capable of sensational picture and sound quality

● ● ●

2

0

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

3.5x43x18

PanasonicDMP BDT320

220 05.12/FT

★★★★★ A superb Blu-ray spinner from Panasonic

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

●

● ●

●

3x43x18

PanasonicDMP BDT500

300 07.12/FT

★★★★★ A truly captivating disc spinner

● ● ● ● ●

2

1

0

1

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

6x43x24

PhilipsBDP7500S2

230 01.11/GT

★★★★★ A decent enough effort - but there are better options

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

1

1 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

6x44x25

PioneerBDP LX55

350 03.12/ST

★★★★★ Essentially, you can’t go wrong with this disk spinner

● ● ●

●

1

0

0

1

0 8ch ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

9x43x25

SharpBD HP90S

295 01.11/GT

★★★★★ Very, very close to being at the top of the pile

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x22

SonyBDP S380

120 07.11/FT

★★★★★ Best Blu-ray player up to £120. Awards 2011

● ● ● ●

1

1

0

0

1

No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x20

SonyBDP S390

90 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Best Blu-ray player up to £100, Awards 2012

● ● ●

1

0

0

0

1

No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x20x23

SonyBDP S480

170 06.11/GT

★★★★★ Sits at the top of the tree with the best in class

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

1

0 No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x20

SonyBDP S770

280 01.11/GT

★★★★★ A quality player in every sense of the word

● ● ● ● ●

1

1

0

1

1

No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

5x43x21

SonyBDP S790

200 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Blu-ray players. Awards 2012

● ● ● ● ●

2

0

0

1

1

No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

4x43x19

ToshibaBDX3100

185 01.11/GT

★★★★★ A solid performer at an excellent price

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

0

1

No ●

1080p

● ● ● ●

●

5x36x23

124 www.whathifi.com

●

HOMECINEMA

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Projectors

Verdict

Weight (kg)

Tested

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

£

HD Ready Full HD Accepts 1080p HDMI 1.3 Rated Brightness (Lumens) HDMI in DVI in PC in Component In

Up to £1500 Product

Resolution

Bring the cinema into your front room

Throw Ratio

Inputs

Type

Projectors

126

BenQW1060

700 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Solid effort for a budget projector

DLP

1.59 1.9

1920x1080

● ● ●

2000

2

1

1

1

15x33x25

3.6

BenQW1200

1100 04.12/ST

★★★★★ Best projector up to £1500, Awards 2012

DLP

1.44 2.1:1

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1800

2

0

1

1

14x34x26

3.6 7.3

EpsonEH TW3600

1300 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Recommended for an entry-level projector

3LCD

1.34 2.87

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

2000

2

0

1

1

14x45x36

EpsonEH TW5900

950 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Sturdy and impressively spec’d

LCD

1.32 2.15.1

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

2000

2

0

1

1

14x42x37

6

InFocusSP8600

800 08.11/FT

★★★★★ It’s not perfect, but at this price it’s tempting

DLP

1.6 1.92

1440x900

●

● ●

1500

2

0

1

1

18x34x43

3.4

OptomaHD23

800 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Affordable, but not the last word in performance

DLP

1.5 1.8:1

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

2500

2

0

1

1

10x32x23

2.9

OptomaHD33

1350 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Great performance-per-pound projector

DLP

1.5 1.8

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1800

2

0

1

1

12x38x31

4.5

OptomaHD67N

530 07.11/FT

★★★★★ Creditable 2D performance for a budget projector

DLP

1.55 1.7

1280x720

●

400

1

0

1

1

10x29x19

2.3

7.5

● ●

£1500 and above EpsonEH TW4400

2100 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Best projector £1500-£2500. Awards 2012

LCD

1.64 2.37

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1600

2

0

0

1

14x45x36

EpsonEH TW6000W

1650 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Very impressive, and a bargain too

LCD

1.32 2.15.1

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

2200

2

0

1

1

14x42x36

6

EpsonEH TW9000W

3200 06.12/FT

★★★★★ If you need wireless HDMI, buy this Epson

LCD

1.34 2.87

1920x1080

● ● ●

2400

2

0

1

1

16x47x40

8.5

InFocusScreenPlay8604

2500 10.11/FT

★★★★★ A fine projector in many regards

DLP

1.54 1.93:1

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1700

3

0

1

1

18x43x34

8.6

JVCDLA X3

3500 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Pretty terrific in most repects

D ILA

1.64 2.37

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1300

2

0

1

1

18x46x47

15

JVCDLA X30

3000 02.12/GT

★★★★★ Seriously impressive for a £3000 picture

DILA

n/a

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1300

2

0

0

1

18x46x47

15

JVCDLA X7

6500 06.11/FT

★★★★★ Huge and bright with detailed 3D

D ILA

n/a

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1300

2

0

1

1

18x46x47

15

OptomaHD83

2400 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Healthily priced, but with a drop in performance

DLP

1.45 2.28

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1600

2

0

0

1

19x49x37

8.4 8.5

OptomaThemesceneHD82

2000 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Good, but there are more accomplished performers

DLP

1.50 2.28

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

680

2

1

0

1

19x49x37

PanasonicPT AE4000E

2160 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Still great, but loses a star on price

LCD

1.18 2.36

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1600

3

0

1

1

13x46x30

7.3

PanasonicPT AT5000E

3000 02.12/GT

★★★★★ Best projector £2500+ Awards 2011

LCD

1.18 2.36

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

2000

3

0

1

1

15x47x36

8.7 10

RuncoLightStyleLS 5 SIM2C3XLumis3D S SonyVPL HW20

7500 01.11/FT 30000 11.11/FT 2200 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Glorious pefrormance at a high price

DLP

1.85 2.40

1920x1080

● ● ●

754

2

0

1

1

20x45x53

★★★★★ The best 3D projector we’ve ever seen

DLP

1.75:1 2.48:1

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

3000

2

0

0

1

n/a

11

★★★★★ Subtle, but sometimes not that exciting

SXRD

1.41 2.13

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1300

2

0

1

1

18x41x46

10

SonyVPL HW30ES

3000 02.12/GT

★★★★★ Very capable, but there’s better for the money

SXRD

1.47 2.18

1920x1080

● ● ●

1300

2

0

1

1

18x41x46

10

SonyVPL VW90ES

6000 02.11/FT

★★★★★ If money is no object, you should consider this

SXRD

n/a

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1000

2

0

1

1

18x47x49

12

SonyVPL VW95ES

5000 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Very appealing, but needs better sound

SXRD

1.37 2.19

1920x1080

● ● ● ●

1000

2

0

1

1

18x47x48

11

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

126 www.whathifi.com

HOMECINEMA

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

127

Verdict

Weight (kg)

Tested

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

£

HDaudioviaHDMI HDMI In HDMI Out Analogueaudioin Optical In Coaxial in Multichannel In

Up to £300 Product

Video scaling

Channels/ power (w)

Home cinema and hi-fi sound through multiple speakers

Inputs and Outputs

Pro-Logic IIx Dolby Digital EX DTS ES Dolby Digital + Dolby TrueHD DTSMasterAudio Upconversion

Surround Modes

OnkyoTX SR308

240 09.10/FT

★★★★★ Does a good job for the money

5x100

● ● ● ● ● ●

No

●

3

1

5

2

1

No

15x44x33

8

PioneerVSX 520

280 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Solid performer but underwhelming sound

5x95

● ● ● ● ● ●

n/a

●

3

1

6

2

1

No

16x42x35

8.9

PioneerVSX 521

270 11.11/FT

★★★★★ An agreeable entry-level amp

n/a

● ● ● ● ● ●

n/a

●

4

1

6

2

1

No

17x44x36

9

10.2

£300-£500 DenonAVR 1912

449 10.11/GT

★★★★★ A fine amp bettered by close rivals

PioneerVSX 921

450 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Rip roaring but lacks some refinement

PioneerVSX 922 K

460 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Decent, but not enough to trouble the frontrunners

SamsungHW C700

300 07.10/FT

SonySTR DH820

300 10.11/FT

7x90

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

n/a

●

5

1

6

1

1

No

17x44x38

n/a

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

6

2

1

No

17x44x36

9.9

7x105

● ●

1080p

●

5

1

4

1

1

No

17x44x36

9.8

★★★★★ This Samsung seriously lacks in terms of sonics

7x120

● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

6

3

1 8ch

16x43x39

24

★★★★★ Best Home Cinema Amplifier up to £350. Awards 2011

7x100

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

7

2

1

No

16x43x32

8.5

● ● ● ●

SonySTR DN1030

470 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Slightly flawed, but a supremely capable machine

7x100

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

6

2

1

No

16x43x32

8.8

YamahaRX V667

450 10.10/GT

★★★★★ Still a great piece of kit, with a distinctive sound

7x140

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

No

●

5

1

6

2

2 8ch

15x44x36

11

9.5

Surround amps & receivers

Surround amps & receivers

£500-£1000 DenonAVR 2113

550 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Solid, likeable option for both novices and enthusiasts

7x95

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

6

1

5

1

1

No

17x44x33

DenonAVR 2311

800 11.10/GT

★★★★★ Still good value, but suffers against its rivals

7/105

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

6

2

2 No

17x43x38

11

Harman-KardonAVR 365

800 03.12/ST

★★★★★ Great looks, but lacks some precision

7x110

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

3

2

2 No

17x44x44

12.4

OnkyoTX NR515

450 11.12/GT

★★★★★ The amplifier to beat in 2012, now beaten

7x130

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

2160

●

5

2

5

2

2 No

17x44x33

9

OnkyoTX NR609

500 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Product of the Year 2011 - Home Cinema Amplifiers

7x120

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

6

2

2 No

18x44x33

11

OnkyoTX NR709

800 11.11/GT

★★★★★ A truly excellent home cinema amp

7x110

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

6

3

2 8ch

30x57x47

16.2

PioneerVSX 922 K

460 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Does all you can ask of it, but it’s outclassed by rivals

7x105

● ●

● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

4

1

1

17x44x36

9.8

SonySTR DA3500ES

600 02.10/GT

★★★★★ For once Sony doesn’t hit the home cinema bullseye

7x100

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

5

4

3 8ch 23x16x12

33

SonySTR DA3600ES

900 11.10/GT

★★★★★ The Sony is outgunned by all its close rivals

7x100

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

4

4

3 8ch

n/a

No

16x43x39

SonySTR DN1030

470 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Gives the best (at this price) a run for their money

7x100

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

6

2

1

No

16x43x32

8.8

YamahaRX V1067

850 11.10/GT

★★★★★ A seriously capable surround sound demon

7x95

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

9

4

3 8ch

18x44x43

14.7

YamahaRX V671

500 10.11/GT

★★★★★ A seriously talented amplifier

7x90

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

6

2

2 No

16x43x36

10.5

YamahaRX V673

500 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year 2012 - Home Cinema Amplifiers

7x90

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

6

1

4

2

2 No

17x44x36

10.2

ArcamAVR 400

1700 05.11/GT

★★★★★ Another Arcam receiver to hit the spot

7x90

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

6

2

4 8ch

17x44x44

16

CambridgeAudioAzur650R

1000 06.10/FT

★★★★★ This Cambridge needs to lose some enthusiasm

7x100

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

No

●

3

1

5

5

5 8ch

15x43x42

15

DenonAVR 3311

1200 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Very, very good but not quite great

7x165

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

8

2

2 No

17x43x38

12

DenonAVR 4311

1700 05.11/GT

★★★★★ Lots for rivals to admire and envy

9x140

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

6

2

2 8ch

17x43x41

17

Harman-KardonAVR660

1700 06.10/FT

★★★★★ Good-looking, but doesn’t pose a real threat to its rivals

7x75

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

6

4

4 8ch

17x44x43

18.6

MarantzSR7005

1400 12.10/FT

★★★★★ A genuine alternative to the class-leaders

7x125

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

6

2

2 8ch

19x44x41

13

OnkyoTX NR1009

1300 03.12/ST

★★★★★ An incredibly talented amplifier

9x135

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

6

3

3 8ch 20x44x44 18.5 3 8ch 20x44x44 18.7

£1000-£2000

OnkyoTX NR808

1000 11.10/GT

★★★★★ Best receiver £500-£1000, Awards 2010. Amazing value

7x95

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

1

5

3

OnkyoTX NR818

1000 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Impressive AV amp with features aplenty

7x135

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

7

3

3 8ch

34x59x55

22

PioneerSC LX75

1500 03.12/FT

★★★★★ A dynamic and exciting amplifier

9x180

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

5

3

2 7ch

43x18x44

17.6

PioneerSC LX85

1800 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Best Home Cinema Amplifier £1500+, Awards 2011

9x140

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

6

3

2 8ch

19x43x44

n/a

PioneerSC LX86

2200 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Best Home Cinema amplifier £1500+, Awards 2012

9x140

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

8

3

6

2

2 8ch

19x44x41

18

PioneerVSX LX55

1000 03.12/ST

★★★★★ Best Home Cinema Amplifier £700-£1500, Awards 2011

7x110

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

5

3

2 No

19x44x44

10

SonySTR DA5400ES

1400 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Comfortably the best receiver at this price-point

7x120

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

5

6

3 8ch

18x43x43

16.5

For advice call us on

0845 094 8778 We’ve been selling the best Hifi and AV brands for over twenty years. We’re independent and passionate about our customers. These award winners are exceptional. They’re in stock, ready for demonstration in our stores or to securely purchase through our on-line shop. If you’re not sure about what to buy, which speakers are best, and need some proper advice, give us a call. We’re here to help.

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Price: £2,199.99

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RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

Price: £1,299.99

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

Price: £499.95

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

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HOMECINEMA

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Surround amps & receivers (continued) 1960 02.09/FT

★★★★★ If you’ve got two grand to spend - audition this

7x140

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

11

5

3 8ch 20x44x44

20

YamahaRX A1010

1000 03.12/ST

★★★★★ A receiver with huge but fluid delivery

7x110

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

9

4

3 8ch

18x44x43

15.1

YamahaRX V2067

1100 01.11/FT

★★★★★ It’s good, but the competition is tougher

7x130

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

10

4

3 8ch

18x44x43

16

YamahaRX V3067

1500 02.11/FT

★★★★★ An appealing and likeable amplifier

7x140

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

5

4

3 8ch

18x44x43

17

AnthemMRX700

2100 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Fantastic-sounding and worthy of a serious audition

7x90

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

7

3

2 No

17x44x39

16

ArcamAVR500

2500 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Fine for some but not the best value

7x100

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

7

0

4 8ch

18x43x41

22

34x61x60 29.5

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

£1000-£2000

Weight (kg)

£

YamahaDSP Z7

Home cinema and hi-fi sound through multiple speakers

HDaudioviaHDMI HDMI In HDMI Out Analogueaudioin Optical In Coaxial in Multichannel In

Product

Video scaling

Inputs and Outputs

Pro-Logic IIx Dolby Digital EX DTS ES Dolby Digital + Dolby TrueHD DTSMasterAudio Upconversion

Surround Modes

Channels/ power (w)

£2000 and above

OnkyoTX NR3009

2000 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Produces seriously rewarding surround sound

11x160

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

8

3

3 8ch

OnkyoTX NR5008

2400 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Everything you’d want from a home cinema amp

220x9

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

9

4

3 8ch 20x43x46

25

OnkyoTX NR5009

2700 02.12/FT

★★★★★ A truly astonishing amplifier

9x145

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

4

1

8

4

3 8ch

20x10x46

25

YamahaRX A3010

2000 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Sensational - an amazing piece of kit

9x150

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1080p

●

5

2

10

4

3 8ch

19x44x47

20

BEST HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIER UP TO £350

Yamaha RX V673 £500

“The amp promotes a hugely involving and immersive sound. Watch the opening to Quantum Of Solace and the Yamaha produces a vivid, realistic echo as Bond races through the mountain tunnel.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

BEST HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIER £700 £1500

Yamaha RX V373 £250

“Spin a favourite such as Saving Private Ryan: artillery shells fly between channels with an alarming sense of realism. Explosions sound taut and weighty. Amongst all the action, dialogue is clear.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Pioneer SC LX56 £1300

“The SC LX56 displays power and poise like no other at the money. It bursts into life in Iron Man 2: explosions sound solid and boast a dynamic resonance that simply reinforces the Pioneer’s stature.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Subwoofers

Power (w)

Driver (cm)

Cabinet type

Drive unit orientation

Bass reinforcement for home cinema and hi-fi AcousticEnergyNeoV2

400 02.11/GT

★★★★★ A cracking addition to most systems

200

22

Sealed

Forward

2

0

● ● ●

B&WASW610

450 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Best subwoofer up to £700. Awards 2011

200

25

Sealed

Forward

1

1

●

KlipschSW 450

330 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Weighty and tight, but loses its way at times

200

25.4

Ported

Downward

2

2

MonitorAudioVectorVW 8

225 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Capable little sub for an entry-level system

100

20

Ported

Forward

2

RELAcousticsT Zero

350 05.12/GT

★★★★★ Small and discreet, but limited by size

100

16.5

Sealed

Downward

2

TannoyTS2.10

430 03.12/FT

★★★★★ Small, but packs a ferocious punch

300

25

Passiveradiator

Side

1

TeufelT1000W

200 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Lacks punch and pace

250

25

Ported

Forward

VelodyneCHT 8Q

445 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Cracking – Velodyne’s strongest budget offering in an age

180

20

Ported

Forward

Up to £500 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

2 ●

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Line inputs Speaker ins Line outputs Speaker outs Phase invert Remote control EQ Finishes

Surround amps & receivers | Subwoofers

128

41x36x33

4

31x31x31

● ●

1

43x36x50

0

●

2

32x28x28

1

●

2

24x22x26

No ●

●

3

39x38x33

2

0

●

●

1

50x32x45

2

0

●

● ● ●

1

38x30x42 37x34x38

VelodyneEQ Max8

495 04.12/FT

★★★★★ Small, but punches well above its weight

180

20

Ported

Forward

2

2

● ● ● ● ●

1

VelodyneImpact-10

295 07.09/GT

★★★★★ This sizeable subwoofer needs to be more controlled

150

25

Ported

Forward

2

2

● ● ●

4

35x32x37

VelodyneImpact-12

365 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Fine sub, more of a movie than a music classic

165

30

Ported

Forward

2

1

● ●

1

39x66x45

VelodyneImpact-Mini

435 10.09/FT

★★★★★ Amazingly small sub with fine movie performance

180

16.5

Sealed

Forward

2

2

● ●

1

25x25x30

WharfedaleDiamond10.MX

300 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Hard-hitting but not mindlessly so

150

25

Ported

Downward

2

2

● ● ●

7

33x33x37

W’fedalePowercubeSPC 10

300 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Nearly a terrific subwoofer - but there’s issues

215

25

Sealed

Downward

1

1

●

●

7

38x35x31

●

£500-£1000 700 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for big bass from a small box

500

25

Sealed

Forward

2

1

4

32x32x37

DynaudioSub250Compact

840 02.11/GT

★★★★★ You don’t get the bang for your buck with this Dynaudio

200

24

Sealed

Forward

2

0

●

●

4

29x29x32

M&KXenonSB-12

700 11.08/GT

★★★★★ It’s got attack, drive and style - it’s a must

250

30

Sealed

Forward

2

2

● ● ●

2

38x38x44

Gemini

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

£214.95 to £239.95

19

W

A

R

D

S

Hidden Depths! - Since 1992 we have designed and manufactured award winning subs across 4 brands. There are 11 finishes available, 7 real wood veneers and 4 spray finishes including gloss white and gloss black. All of our subwoofers are manufactured in the UK. Monolith Monolith+ XLS200 XXLS400

£314.95 to £349.95

£424.95 to £479.95

£449.95 to £494.95

See them all at www.bkelec.com/whathifi

£544.95 to £589.95

B.K. Electronics, Unit 1 Comet Way, Southend-On-Sea, Essex SS2 6TR Tel - 01702 527572 email :- [email protected]

128 www.whathifi.com

●

12

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

A

●

20

Subwoofers Direct Sales Hotline 01702 527572

92

B&WASW610XP

HOMECINEMA

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Tested

Line inputs Speaker ins Line outputs Speaker outs Phase invert Remote control EQ Finishes

£

Drive unit orientation

£500-£1000 Product

Driver (cm)

Power (w)

Bass reinforcement for home cinema and hi-fi MonitorAudioApexAW 12

950 05.12/GT

★★★★★ Beautiful to look at, and punchy too

500

30.5

Sealed

Forward

1

0

●

●

2

34x34x41

Mordaunt-ShortMezzo9

700 11.08/GT

★★★★★ It’s crude, but has many plus points

375

2x20

Sealed

Forward

2

2

● ● ● ● ●

2

32x34x35

●

RELAcousticsT 7

650 02.12/FT

★★★★★ A compact sub with authority

200

20

Passiveradiator

Downward

2

1

●

2

30x35x33

SonosSub

600 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Sounds great and makes sense with Sonos Play speakers

n/a

n/a

Sealed

Inward

0

0

● ● ●

1

40x38x16

TannoyTS2.12

549 05.12/GT

★★★★★ Attractively priced with decent sonics too

500

30.5

Sealed

Side

1

0

●

●

2

44x43x38

VelodyneCHT 12Q

775 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Superb – fully justifies its price tag

225

30.5

Ported

Forward

2

2

● ● ● ● ●

1

46x38x50

VelodyneEQ Max12

825 05.12/GT

★★★★★ Powerful and agile and supremely enjoyable

225

30.5

Ported

Forward

1

2

● ● ● ● ●

1

45x42x46

VelodyneWiConnect-10

525 10.11/FT

★★★★★ If you can’t stand cables consider this

100

25

Ported

Downward

2

0

●

1

40x30x40

XTZ99W12.18ICE

550 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Big sonic personality, but it suffers from lack of finesse

500

30.5

Ported

Forward

2

2

● ● ●

YamahaNS SW700

500 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Not the most accomplished, but very competent

300

25

Ported

Downward

4

2

●

1

50x42x52

●

2

45x41x41

● ● ●

2

34x27x36

1

47x52x50

Subwoofers

Subwoofers (continued)

Cabinet type

129

£1000 and above B&WPV1D

1200 05.12/GT

★★★★★ Delivers precision and agility in spades

400

20

Sealed

Side

1

0

EclipseTD725SW

2700 10.06/FT

★★★★★ Sonically, the best in class

500

25

Sealed

Forward

2

1

JamoD600

1300 05.12/GT

★★★★★ A brilliant sub that’s worth the price

400

38

Sealed

Forward

ParadigmSeismic110

1250 10.10/FT

★★★★★ A subwoofer that’s deeply impressive in every sense

850

25

Sealed

Forward

2

0

Sunf.Corp.Subr.SRA2700EQ

2350 03.12/FT

★★★★★ It’s not cheap, but it is impressive

2700 25x2

Sealed

Forward

2

0

VelodyneSPL 1000Ultra

1400 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Best subwoofer £700+. Awards 2011

1200

25

Sealed

Forward

1

VelodyneSPL 800Ultra

1000 12.09/FT

★★★★★ An amazing sub’, that fully deserves top whack

1200

20

Sealed

Forward

WilsonBeneschTorus

3000 02.07/GT

★★★★★ The most musical and insightful deep bass ever

200

36

Sealed

Upward

BEST SUBWOOFER UP TO £500

BEST SUBWOOFER £500 £1000

B&W ASW610 £450

“Of course, there’s more to a decent subwoofer than just out-and-out volume – but there’s no denying that the B&W ASW610 does offer an awful lot of thump for your money” 1/5/09 ★★★★★

B&W ASW610XP £700

● ● ● ●

n/a 0

1

56x59x50

●

● ●

1

34x30x32

●

●

●

1

36x113x9

1

●

● ● ●

3

34x33x34

1

1

●

● ● ●

4

28x27x27

4

1

●

● ● ●

2

45x90x30

BEST SUBWOOFER £1000+

“It’s agile and expressive, too: the sound fairly teems with energy, blending cohesion and formidable extension in equal measure. There’s nothing to find fault with in this performance.” 1/7/09 ★★★★★

Velodyne SPL1000 ULtra £1400

“This Velodyne continues to impress even when pushed particularly hard, managing to deliver high volumes with waves of deep bass as well as any rival we’ve heard at this level.” 1/9/11 ★★★★★

Other brands available include:

UnitiLite arrives at Sevenoaks NEW UnitiLite £1650 UnitiLite with FM/DAB module £1895

Introducing UnitiLite in selected Sevenoaks stores nationwide. UnitiLite is a slimline version of Naim’s original award-winning NaimUniti and is the latest addition to the Uniti range.

UnitiServe £2150

ALSO AVAILABLE

SuperUniti £3250

NaimUniti 2 £2795

Comprising a CD player, MP3/iPod and USB memory stick playback, digital to analogue converter, high resolution 32bit/192kHz capable network stream player and integrated 50W amplifier in one sleek enclosure. Like Naim’s other streaming devices, the UnitiLite has a network connection and is UPnP enabled to stream audio stored on the home network and access internet radio (an optional FM/DAB module is also available). All you need to add is a pair of speakers to make an accessible, great sounding system. UnitiQute £995

Visit your local Sevenoaks Naim dealer today for a demonstration.

NAIM UNITI PRODUCTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT SELECTED SEVENOAKS STORES. PLEASE VISIT WWW.SSAV.COM FOR FULL DETAILS. ADVERT VALID UNTIL 16/11/2012. E&OE.

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

www.SSAV.com

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 129

HOMECINEMA

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com Sens

Imp

Power

Dimensions Sub power (w) Finishes

350 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Just as good as its predecessor: a must-hear

85 85 85

8

8

8 100 100 100

11x11x9

11x11x9

11x11x9

31x28x40

100 2

CantonMovie125MX

400 09.11/GT

★★★★★ A choice compact speaker package under £500

88 88 88 8

8

8 140 140 140

12x9x10

9x20x10

12x9x10

43x24x42

140 3

CantonMovie130

450 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Likeable and listenable

85 87 85

8

8

8 100 100 100

12z9x10

9x19x10

12x9x10

41x24x42

120 3

Harman-KardonHKTS20

450 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Neat, but a conservative listen

86 86 86 8

8

8 120 120 120

22x11x9

11x26x9

22x11x9

36x27x27

200 n/a

JamoA102HCS5

300 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Excellent performance for the price

86 86 86 6

6

6 60 60 60

4x4x4

4x7x4

4x4x4

30x23x43 200 2

RothOLi15.1

449 10.09/GT

★★★★★ Pure home-cinema entertainment

88 n/a 88 8

6

8 100 100 80

24x15x18

23x16x12

24x15x18

33x33x36

125 4

TeufelMotiv3

460 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Another solid showing from this manufacturer

82 82 82

4

4

4

70 70 70

12x12x14

12x12x14

12x12x14

26x26x32

110

34x32x44 200 2

Up to £500 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Rear speaker (hwd, cm)

BostonAc.SoundwareXSSE

Surround sound enjoyment from small, stylish speaker systems

Front speaker (hwd, cm)

Subwoofer (hwd, cm)

Centre speaker (hwd, cm)

Style speaker packages

Front (db/w/m) Centre (db/w/m) Rear (db/w/m) Front (ohms) Centre (ohms) Rear (ohms) Front (w) Centre (w) Rear (w) Biwirable

Style and traditional speaker packages

132

1

£500-£1000 BostonAc.SoundWareS

510 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Dinky yet substantial sounding

87 87 87

8

8

8 125 125 125

14x14x14

14x14x14

14x14x14

CambridgeAudioMinxS215

500 05.11/FT

★★★★★ Lots to admire here from very little

n/a n/a n/a 8

8

8 50 50 50

8x8x9

8x8x9

8x8x9

22x21x22

200 1

KEFKHT1505

500 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Likeable still, but the competition is feral

85 85 85

8

8

8 100 100 100

20x8x6

20x8x6

20x8x6

23x16x12

200 1

KEFKHT2005.3

800 12.08/GT

★★★★★ A proven winner made even better

88 88 88 8

8

8 100 100 100

23x13x15

16x19x15

23x13x15

34x33x33

200 2

KEFKHT3005HD2

900 03.12/FT

★★★★★ Great build with an expansive sound

88 88 88 8

8

8 100 100 100

25x13x15

13x25x15

25x13x15

38x37x18

250 1

MonitorAudioVectorAV10

900 09.09/GT

★★★★★ For those who like big sound, not big boxes

85 85 85

8

8

8 80 80 80

24x15x17

15x36x17

24x15x17

37x32x32

250 3

QAcousticsQ7000

800 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Product of the year - Speaker packages. Awards 2011

85 85 85

6

6

6 100 100 100

24x10x16

12x21x16

24x10x16

37x51x22

250 2

TannoyHTS 101

500 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Best style package up to £600. Awards 2012

87 87 87

8

8

8 100 100 100

16x11x14

11x25x17

16x11x14

42x28x37

100 1

B&WMT 25

1044 04.11/GT

★★★★★ The MT 25 is still a top-notch package

85 85 85

8

8

8 100 100 100

24x11x17

11x24x17

24x11x17

26x26x33 200 3

B&WMT 50

1095 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Speaker Packages. Awards 2012

85 85 85

8

8

8 100 100 100

25x11x16

25x11x16

25x11x16

26x26x33 200 2

B&WMT 60D

1945 05.12/GT

★★★★★ Best style package £1500+, Awards 2012

85 85 85

8

8

8 100 100 100

25x11x16

25x11x16

25x11x16

34x27x36 2400 2

CabasseEole2

1000 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Enjoyable sound meets decorative looks

91 91 91

8

8

8 70 70 70

13x13x13

13x13x13

13x13x13

33x33x36

DALIFazon1

1500 07.10/GT

★★★★★ Preferable in many ways to its pricier big brother

86 86 86 6

6

6 120 120 120

DALIFazon2

1800 11.09/FT

★★★★★ A stunning and refined style speaker system

86 86 86 6

6

6 120 120 120

10x6x5

10x6x5

10x6x5

28x26x26

120 2

★★★★★ Best style package £1200-£2000. Awards 2011

86 86 86 6

6

6 120 120 120

26x14x14

14x26x14

26x14x14

23x16x12

220 2

£1000 and above

250 2

25.5x14x12.5 25.5x14x12.5 25.5x14x12.5 27.5x25.5x26.5 150 2

DALIFazon35.1

1725 05.12/GT

KEFKHT3005SE

1000 02.10/GT

★★★★★ Still a valid product and test winner

88 88 88 8

8

8 100 100 100

25x12x15

13x30x18

25x12x15

39x44x19

250 2

KEFT105

1200 04.11/GT

★★★★★ A stealthy package that looks the part

90 90 90 8

8

8 100 100 100

33x14x4

33x14x4

33x14x4

38x37x8

250 1

MonitorAudioApex

2400 05.12/GT

★★★★★ Best style speaker package £2000+, Awards 2011

87 90 87

8

8 100 200 100

25x14x14

14x61x10

25x14x14

34x34x41

500 2

Imp

Power

Dimensions Subwoofer (hwd, cm)

Sub power (w) Finishes

JamoA101HCS5

230 11.11/FT

★★★★★ A great way to get started with home cinema

85 85 85

6

6

6

9x15x5

9x15x5

9x15x5

30x57x16

200 1

JamoS426HCS3

350 01.12/FT

★★★★★ A worthy home cinema solution

89 87 86 6

6

6 140 120 100

91x18x24

12x34x12

21x12x12

n/a

n/a 1

MissionMX15.1

600 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for a medium sized room

86 87 86 8

8

8 100 100 100 ●

28x17x26

15x42x19

28x17x26

QAcoustics2000i5.1

600 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ Best traditional package up to £700, Awards 2012

86 89 86 6

6

6

75 100 75

23x15x20

23x16x12

23x15x20

TeufelTheater80

449 01.10/FT

★★★★★ Big sounds for not too much money

n/a n/a n/a 4 8 4 8 4 8 120 120 120

23x15x19

23x15x19

23x15x19

40x26x40 150 1

Larger surround sound speaker systems for better-quality sound Up to £1000 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

70 70 70

Front speaker (hwd, cm)

Rear speaker (hwd, cm)

Front (db/w/m) Centre (db/w/m) Rear (db/w/m) Front (ohms) Centre (ohms) Rear (ohms) Front (w) Centre (w) Rear (w) Biwirable

Sens

Centre speaker (hwd, cm)

Speaker packages

8

30x30x33 100 4 23x16x12

140 2

TeufelTheater200

799 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Big-screen soundtracks don’t come bigger than this

88 90 88 4

4

4 140 140 90

44x20x29

25x44x27

23x16x12

60x38x49 250 1

WharfedaleDX 1HCP

400 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ Gets a lot right for this kind of money

84 86 84 8

8

8 80 100 80

19x12x12

12x29x12

19x12x12

34x29x32

150 2

AcousticEnergyNeoV25.1

1200 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Plenty to enjoy if you have a large room

90 90 89 8

8

8 170 120 120

91x20x24

18x48x20

36x18x23

41x36x33

200 2

B&W685Theatre

1200 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Best traditional package £1000-£1500, Awards 2010

88 90 84 8

8

8 100 150 80 ●

23x16x12

34x20x33

27x17x33

26x26x33 200 6

DALIZensor55.1

1300 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ Best traditional package £700-£1500. Awards 2012

88 89 87

6

6

6 150 120 100

84x16x27

16x44x28

97x16x23

34x37x38

JamoD500THXSelect2

1700 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Exceptional and unbeatable value too

89 89 89 4

4

8 150 150 120

26x45x13

26x45x13

26x45x13

42x40x42 650 2

KEFQ3005.1

1880 10.11/GT

★★★★★ An admirable package for the purists

87 87 87

8

8

8 120 150 120 ●

36x21x30

21x63x30

36x21x30

33x34x33

KlipschSynergyB20/SW450

1050 09.11/FT

★★★★★ A vibrant and exciting 5.1 package

93 94 95

8

8

8

85 50 50

32x18x20

15x41x13

14x30x12

43x36x50 450 1

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

MonitorAudioBronzeBX25.1

1050 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ Thrillingly fit for purpose

90 90 88 8

8

8 100 120 80 ●

35x19x26

17x46x17

29x28x11

32x32x33

200 4

MonitorAudioBronzeBX55.1

1215 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Does a good job of filling a big room

90 90 88 8

8

8 120 120 80

85x17x25

17x46x17

29x28x11

32x32x33

200 2

1300 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Exceptional sound in the average living room

87 87 87

8

8

8 No No No

8

8

8

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

AcousticEnergyActivePro5.1

3035 08.10/FT

★★★★★ A stunning listen that’s great value too

87 87 87

8

8

8 160 160 160

22x15x18

22x15x18

22x15x18

35x35x33

AcousticEnergyRadiance5.1

3000 05.09/FT

★★★★★ This 5.1 package has plenty of appeal

90 88 88 8

8

8 200 150 150 ●

92x23x30

19x45x30

32x19x25

41x36x33

200 2

B&WCM9Theatre

4200 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Best traditional package £3000+. Awards 2012

89 89 89 8

8

8 200 200 120 ●

102x32x37

22x59x28

34x20x28

32x32x32

500 2

B&WCT800system

67950 11.08/GT

£1000-£2000

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

TannoyRev.Compact5.1

220 2

200 3

32x29x29 300 2

£2000 and above 200 1

★★★★★ Expensive but it’s the best we’ve heard.

93 93 93

8

8

8 100010001000●

110x33x55

33x110x55

110x33x10

48x48x48

n/a 1

CabasseMT 305.1

2100 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Looks more assertive than it is, but still likeable

91 88 90 8

8

8 100 85 75

99x22x32

16x48x37

41x23x30

42x31x43

750 2

DALIIkon6Mk25.1

2900 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for those with big listening areas to fill

89 90 89 6

6

6 180 150 150 ●

103x19x35

15x57x25

38x27x15

48x41x46

325 3

132 www.whathifi.com

audiblefidelity

WWW.AUDIBLEFIDELITY.CO.UK

01327 301006 [email protected]

Order upto 3pm for Free Next-Day Delivery* Full range of unit & speaker finishes in stock. Alternative DM39 Package Deals available online.

www.audiblefidelity.co.uk

Denon D-M39DAB sold at £249.99.

PACKAGE DEAL

SAVE

£122

£399

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - DENON DM39DAB + BEST STEREO SPEAKERS - MONITOR AUDIO BX2 + HIFI CHOICE 'RECOMMENDED' BLACK RHODIUM 'TWIST' SPEAKER CABLE

RX-V673 AV Receiver 7.2 Ch

Call us or visit our website for latest prices...

October 2009 Review.

FREE £100 HDMI CABLE VAN DEN HUL 'F180' 3D v1.4

BEST MICRO SYSTEM - AWARD WINNER 2011 - MARANTZ M-CR603 BEST STEREO SPEAKERS - MONITOR AUDIO BX2 HIFI CHOICE 'RECOMMENDED' BLACK RHODIUM 'TWIST' SPEAKER CABLE

PACKAGE DEAL

SAVE

£122

£529

visit us in store or buy online

All trademarks are acknowledged. E&OE. All stock is sealed and brand new and supplied with the full manufacturers warranty unless clearly stated. *Applies to UK Mainland addresses only, Saturday delivery is subject to an additional charge.

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Subwoofer (hwd, cm)

2320 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Only just fails to get top marks against its rivals

90 88 85

6

8

6 180 120 100

106x25x37

17x60x18

31x17x22

36x31x40 300 2

DALIMentor5.1

5700 08.08/FT

★★★★★ Powerhouse of a system

90 91 86 6

6

6 200 200 180 ●

103x20x39

20x89x29

32x16x24

37x33x33

M&K950 Series

5445 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Exceptional system with thrilling sound

n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

41x18x22

41x18x22

26x18x22

60x39x51 400 2

Tested

Verdict

500 2

MonitorAudioPL200AV

11400 08.10/FT

★★★★★ Exceptional in every sense

90 89 88 4

4

4 250 200 120 ●

100x25x28

22x58x29

37x34x36

45x48x47 1000 3

MonitorAudioPL300AV

13500 10.09/FT

★★★★★ One of the finest 5.1 speaker packages on the market

90 90 90 4

4

4 300 250 120 ●

111x41x47

29x80x37

37x22x28

45x48x47 1000 2

Mon.AudioSilverRX6AV12

2200 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Best traditional package £1500-£2500. Awards 2011

90 90 89 6

6

6 125 125 80 ●

85x19x25

19x50x20

30x12x25

34x34x41

Mordaunt-ShortAviano5.1

2000 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat

88 89 88 8

8

8 200 120 150 ●

95x21x32

18x46x23

95x21x30

42x31x36

175 3

Mordaunt-ShortMezzo5.1

2300 11.08/GT

★★★★★ Lots of attack, with little respite

89 89 89 8

8

8 150 120 120 ●

100x22x28

18x49x22

35x22x28

32x34x35

375 2

500 6

★★★★★ Deeply impressive, they will leave you breathless

89 89 89 8

8

8 250 150 250 ●

121x24x37

60x21x22

121x24x37

50x50x50 1000 2

PMCDB1i5.1

4675 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Small and sonically brilliant package

87 87 87

8

8

8 150 150 150 ●

29x16x23

16x29x23

29x16x23

55x20x55

150 4

TannoyRevolutionSignature

2300 11.08/GT

★★★★★ As thrilling or as calming as you want it to be

87 87 87

8

8

8 125 125 100 ●

85x17x18

17x45x18

27x17x18

37x34x34

500 2

BEST TRADITIONAL PACKAGE UP TO £700

2012 TRADITIONAL PACKAGE £1500 £3000

Q Acoustics 2000i 5.1 £600

KEF R100 £2750

“We didn’t expect this amount of room-filling dynamics with such relatively compact speakers. The wide soundstage is lush and spacious, with easily locatable instruments and sound effects.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

£

Tested

“Home cinema systems that do music well are rare, and it’s this quality that we love. Its natural agility comes to the fore with stereo music. The satellites so talented that you almost don’t need the subwoofer.” Awards/12 ★★★★★ Outputs

Up to £500 Product

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR SPEAKER PACKAGES

Bowers & Wilkins MT 50 £1095

Verdict

Inputs Dimensions (hwd, cm)

10000 12.05/FT

Integrated Transport DAC Multidisc Coaxial Out Optical Out XLR RCA Headphone Coaxial In Optical in XLR RCA CD Text Memory Display off Finishes

Mordaunt-S.Performance5.1

A dedicated unit will maximise sound quality

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

Sub power (w) Finishes

£

DALILektor5.1

£2000 and above

CD players and DACs

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

Dimensions

Product

“We’re still impressed at the scale and confidence of this system. Another year, another award - it speaks volumes that nothing else in this price bracket has come close to challenging this multi-Award-winner. Awards/12 ★★★★★

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

Power

Rear speaker (hwd, cm)

Larger surround sound speaker systems for better-quality sound

Imp

Centre speaker (hwd, cm)

Sens

Front speaker (hwd, cm)

Speaker packages (continued)

Front (db/w/m) Centre (db/w/m) Rear (db/w/m) Front (ohms) Centre (ohms) Rear (ohms) Front (w) Centre (w) Rear (w) Biwirable

Speaker packages | CD players and DACs

134

AudioengineD1

150 05.12/FT

★★★★★ A DAC and headphone amp with a fine sound

●

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

1

3x9x8

AudioquestDragonFly

215 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - DACs. Awards 2012

●

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

1.2x2x6.2

ArcamrDAC

300 10.10/FT

★★★★★ Best DAC £200-£400. Awards 2011

●

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

4x16x11

ArcamrDACWireless

380 09.12/GT

★★★★★ No longer the default choice at the money, still very much a contender

●

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

4x16x11

ArcamrPac

150 06.12/FT

★★★★★ A great DAC and headphone amp combination

●

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

1

3x10x6

BeresfordCaiman

220 Aw.09/FT

★★★★★ Digital sources deserve decent DACs – here’s another

●

0

0

0

1

1

2

1

0

0

1

4x24x11

2

9x43x31

CambridgeAudioAzur350C

230 09.10/FT

★★★★★ Fine value but spend more for a more accomplished all-rounder

●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

CambridgeAudioAzur351C

300 11.12/FT

★★★★★ A worthy rival to the Award-winning Marantz CD6004

●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

CambridgeAudioAzur651C

450 03.12/FT

★★★★★ A spacious sounding disc spinner

●

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

●

●

2

9x43x21

●

1

9x43x31 22x5x19

CambridgeAudioDacMagic

230 05.10/GT

★★★★★ One of the best DACs we’ve tested

●

1

1

0

1

0

2

2

0

0

2

Camb.AudioDacMagic100

200 06.12/FT

★★★★★ An affordable, fine looking and listenable DAC

●

0

0

0

1

0

2

2

0

0

2

5x11x13

Camb.AudioDacMagicPlus

350 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Better sound and features than the original - but pricy

●

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

0

0

2

5x22x19

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

ChordElect.ChordetteGem

399 05.10/GT

★★★★★ An intriguing and fine sounding DAC for music phone and PC users

DenonDCD 710AE

350 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Enjoyable enough, but holds itself back

● ●

● ●

6

7x16x4

2

11x43x28 6x15x11

FurutechADLGT40

400 06.11/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Cables & Accessories. Awards 2011

●

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

1

1

FirestoneSpitfire

250 05.10/GT

★★★★★ If you don’t need USB, then this is the pick of the DACs

●

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

5x8x11

HRTHeadstreamer

145 02.12/FT

★★★★★ A neat headphone amp and DAC combination

●

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

2.5x6x7.5

●

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

HRTMusicStreamerII

140 06.10/FT

★★★★★ Best DAC up to £200. Awards 2011

MarantzCD6004

300 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Best CD player up to £500. Awards 2012

MusicalFidelityM1DAC

400 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Best DAC £300-£500, Awards 2012

NADC545BEE

350 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Excellent all-rounder that entertains like no other at this price point

● ●

●

1

3x5x10

● ● ●

2

11x44x34

1

10x22x30

0

● ● ●

1

7x44x29

● ● ●

1

9x44x31

NADC546BEE

500 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Talented but struggles against the more enjoyable budget Marantz

●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

NADDAC1

295 01.12/ST

★★★★★ A good, though not exceptional, wireless DAC

●

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

4x14x7

Pro-JectDACBoxUSB

140 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Truly tiny box and there’s plenty to enjoy about it

●

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

2

4x10x10

SansuiCDD 201V

200 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Sensibly priced, but not quite an all-rounder

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

2

7x43x28

TEACUD HO1

300 11.11/GT

★★★★★ Good, but its performance can be bettered

●

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

6x22x22

XTZCD100

365 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Gentle natured and worth a listen

●

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

●

3

11x44x37

Audiolab8200CD

800 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - CD players. Awards 2012

●

●

1

1

1

1

0

2

2

0

0

● ● ●

1

8x44x30

Audiolab8200CDQ

950 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Improves on the sky-high performance of the 8200CD

●

●

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

0

3

● ● ●

2

8x44x30

AudiolabM DAC

600 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Best DAC £500-£900, Awards 2012

●

1

1

1

1

0

2

2

0

0

1

n/a

ArcamFMJCD17

500 06.12/ST

★★★★★ Basic on features, but capable enough

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ● ●

2

9x43x29

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

7x16x4

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

2

8x22x36

● ●

2

8x22x36

●

£500-£1000

ChordElectronicsQuteHD

990 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Best DAC £900-£1200, Awards 2012

CyrusCDTransport

750 01.12/ST

★★★★★ An impressive and affordable CD transport

CyrusCD6SE2

700 06.12/ST

★★★★★ Subtly upgraded, with worthwhile results

HeedAudioDactilus3

515 09.12/GT

MarantzSA8003SACD

800 07.09/FT

134 www.whathifi.com

● ● ● ●

★★★★★ Excellent presentation let down by understated sound ★★★★★ Warm welcoming SACD player that won’t offend

●

●

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

●

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

●

●

1

6x9x22

2

11x44x34

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

135

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

£500-£1000 Product

Inputs

Integrated Transport DAC Multidisc Coaxial Out Optical Out XLR RCA Headphone Coaxial In Optical in XLR RCA CD Text Memory Display off Finishes

A dedicated unit will maximise sound quality

Outputs

NaimCD5i(MkII)

975 06.08/ST

★★★★★ One of the best sub-£1000 CD players around

●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

● ●

1

7x43x30

RegaApollo-R

550 06.12/ST

★★★★★ Admirable, but lacks some cohesion

●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

2

9x22x32

RegaDAC

500 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Beefy build; natural, unforced, dynamic and detailed sound

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

RoksanKandyK2

900 06.12/ST

★★★★★ Big and powerful, with an entertaining sound

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

StelloDA100Signature

750 08.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine buy, and a good first upgrade DAC

YamahaCD S2000

979 03.09/GT

★★★★★ A beautiful object that’s involving to listen to

● ● ● ●

1

8x22x27

●

2

11x43x38

1

6x21x29

● ●

2

14x44x44

14x45x40

CD players and DACs

CD players and DACs (continued)

£1000 and above AudioAnalogueMaestro

4300 01.11/FT

★★★★★ A classy choice that just lacks a little fun

●

1

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

●

1

AudioResearchCD5

5500 06.09/FT

★★★★★ Audio Research strikes gold again. The CD5 is a terrific player

●

1

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

●

2

13x48x31

AudioResearchDAC8

4698 03.12/FT

★★★★★ Pricey, but as organic sounding as you can get

●

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

0

1

14x48x26

ArcamCD37

1300 03.09/GT

★★★★★ Capable and covetable, it looks and sounds like a premium product

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

2

9x43x36

ArcamFMJD33

2000 04.12/FT

★★★★★ A well-equipped DAC, but not the best in class

●

0

0

2

1

0

2

2

0

0

2

11x43x37

Burmester113

2300 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Want excitement and insight above all else? The 113 could be for you

●

1

1

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

6x20x17

BrystonBCD 1

2550 05.08/FT

★★★★★ Versatile and involving

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

43x29x8

●

●

● ● ●

●

BrystonBDA 1DAC

2350 06.11/FT

★★★★★ A great sounding DAC with appealing build quality

●

0

0

1

1

0

3

0

1

1

2

8x43x29

ChordElectronicsQBD76

3000 12.08/FT

★★★★★ Brilliant sonic performance coupled with a stunning design

●

0

0

1

1

0

2

2

2

0

2

6x34x15 12x45x42

ClasseCDP 202

4750 UH.08/GT

★★★★★ Very accomplished music-maker

●

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

1

CreekDestiny

1400 06.08/ST

★★★★★ Well-built and smooth-sounding, but lacks attack

●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

1

7x43x31

CyrusCD8SE2

1200 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Best CD player £1000-£1500, Awards 2012

●

1

1

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

2

8x22x36

CyrusCDXtSE+/DACX+/PSX R

4050 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Best CD player £2000+, Awards 2010

1

1

0

0

0

3

2

1

1

● ●

2

7x22x36

dCSPuccini

11300 02.11/FT

★★★★★ With the master clock it’s an amazing combo

1

0

1

1

0

2

0

0

0

●

2

11x46x40

● ● ●

1

14x43x34

● ● ●

DenonDCD 2010AE

1700 02.10/FT

★★★★★ A solid, great-sounding SACD player. Could do dynamics better

●

1

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

ElectrocompanietPC 1

1190 10.09/FT

★★★★★ Decent player but others are exceptional

●

1

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

LeemaAntilaIISEco

2995 09.11/FT

★★★★★ The already good Antila goes up another level in performance

●

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

●

●

1

7x42x34

2

11x44x31 11x44x34

MarantzSA KIPearlLite

1000 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Great player for classical, jazz and sultry female vocals

●

1

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

● ●

2

MoonCD3.3

2600 08.09/FT

★★★★★ Entertaining, and works well across a range of systems

●

1

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

● ●

2

9x43x33

NaimCD5XS

1950 Aw.09/FT

★★★★★ It’s an excellent CD player, but faces stiff competition

●

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

1

7x43x30 11x43x31

●

NaimCD555/555PS

18345 10.09/FT

★★★★★ The CD555/555PS has a hefty price tag, but a classy performance

●

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

1

NaimCDS3/XPS2

9990 06.04/FT

★★★★★ Sell your car and treat your music collection to the best present ever

● ● ●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

1

9x43x31

NaimCDX2

3640 02.10/FT

★★★★★ The tweaked CDX2 remains a fine proposition

●

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

● ●

1

9x43x31

0

0

0

1

0

3

3

0

0

1

7x43x30

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

2

11x43x38

NaimDAC

2100 08.10/FT

★★★★★ Best premium DAC, Awards 2010. Gives digital sources a big boost

PrimareCD32

2200 04.11/FT

★★★★★ It’s massively detailed, but not as engaging as we’d like

●

●

RegaIsis

5998 06.10/FT

★★★★★ A great first stab at tackling the high-end CD market

●

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

● ●

1

11x44x35

Res.Aud.CantataMus.Centre

6000 04.11/GT

★★★★★ A truly audiophile digital hub that’s excellent to boot

●

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

0

●

1

6x43x22

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

●

2

8x43x33

1

1

1

1

0

1

1

0

0

● ●

1

9x46x40

1

1

1

1

0

1

1

1

0

● ●

2

18x43x42

RoksanCaspianM2CD

1695 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ Best CD player £1500+ Awards 2012

●

StelloCDA500

2300 10.10/FT

★★★★★ The CDA500 does an awful lot excellently

●

★★★★★ An engineering sledgehammer

●

WadiaS7i

14000 10.11/FT

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR CD PLAYERS

Audiolab 8200CD £800

“It takes a special product to pick up our top accolade for one year, let alone three. No other CD player we’ve reviewed this year has combined sound, build and features so effectively.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

BEST CD PLAYER UP TO £500

Marantz CD6004 £300

“A beautifully judged player. It has nicely balanced presentation that marries refinement and drama brilliantly. Last year we called it a truly complete budget player. It remains exactly that.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

●

●

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR DACS

Audioquest DragonFly £215

“We’ve heard many excellent DACs. But the simplicity and elegance of the DragonFly, combined with its fantastic sound quality, allow it to stand out from the crowd. This is hi-fi’s newest superstar.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 135

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Marantz PM6004 Amplifier, CD6004 CD Player & Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 (Pair) “Combines refinement with verve.” - WHF? S&V magazine.

The 2012 JB7 enables you to store, browse and play all your favourite digital music as well as your complete collection of up to 5000 CDs.

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Q Acoustic 2050i

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2012 Award Winner!

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“One of the best all-round amplifiers at the price.” - Hi-Fi World of the FMJA18

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“A highly enjoyable musical companion.” - Hi-Fi World of the FMJCD17

Cyrus 6A Amplifier

"The usual Cyrus traits: precision, clarity, speed, detail and confidence" - WHF? S&V magazine.

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED £

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"Brilliant build; precise, punchy and balanced; compelling upgrade path." - WHF? S&V magazine.

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WE’LL BEAT ANY GENUINE ADVERTISED PRICE, ONLINE & IN-STORE, BY UP TO £100! PRICE BEAT ON TVS APPLIES AFTER ADDING THE PRICE OF OUR 5 YEAR WARRANTY TO OUR PRICE, AND THE COMPETITOR’S EQUIVALENT 5 YEAR WARRANTY TO THEIR PRICE. ASK IN-STORE FOR DETAILS

Welcome to Richer Sounds

We're keen to reward all our customers that make the effort to come and visit us in-store. Here's why… • Exclusive deals for our valued in-store customers • You can see your products in the flesh and compare • Take it home today – no delivery charges or waiting for couriers • Enjoy face to face expert advice from our friendly teams • Unlike others we honour ALL our web prices in-store

We are the streaming experts!

Sonos Wireless Streaming Sonos Apps available for Apple & Android products

2012 Award Winner!

We’ve an awe-inspiring range of technology designed to move your music from room to room and our experts are here to talk you through our entire wireless streaming range from hi-fi components with wi-fi, bluetooth streaming or Airplay to docks and network drives.

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2012 Award Winner!

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when you buy 851a and 851c together

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Some of these offers are exclusive to WHF? S&V magazine readers. Please quote this ad when calling. While stocks last. Available from 17th October - 20th November 2012 All trademarks are acknowledged. E&OE. All featured products strictly 1 per customer/household. Some offers may be for in-store callers only. All stock is brand new in sealed containers and fully guaranteed for one year unless clearly stated otherwise. 1000s MORE BARGAINS IN-STORE! TSP = Typical Selling Price [TSPs are based on information supplied by WHF? S&V magazine., manufacturers, Hi-Fi Choice, Home Cinema Choice, T3 & What Video. Further information available on request] OUTLET STOCK: Pure refurbished with 12 month guarantee

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ARDS 2011 AW FOLLOW US ON: B

Blu-ray Players

A 6x improvement in picture quality over DVD and the sound to match. Blu-ray gets the very best from your home cinema.

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.95

5Yr Supercare £24.95

We have custom-built demonstration rooms, so come & test drive the latest surround sound equipment in a place that feels like a living room, not a show room. Bring your favourite movie with you and we’ll show you how to make it sound amazing! < Reading Dem Room

Premium Home Cinema

Joe - Reigate store

If you’ve never heard how top-notch home cinema separates can enhance your viewing experience, then visit one of our 42 premium centres and be prepared to get blown away by jaw-dropping surround sound realism!

2012 Award Winner!

Special What Hi-fi? reader offer saving

2012 Award Winner!

Pioneer SCLX86

AV Receiver “A heavy hitter of the highest order, capable of brawling with the best, but also charming the pants off you.” - WHF? S&V mag.

2199

SAVE £ £

200

.95

5Yr Supercare £219.95 TSP £2399.95

Onkyo TXNR818 & Dali Zensor 5 5.1

SEPTEMBER 2012

5.1 Home Cinema System "This is a brilliantly realised set-up – and cracking value, too." - WHF? S&V magazine.

£500 £1799.95 SAVE

5Yr Supercare £179.95 TSP £2299.95

Cambridge Audio 751BD

Universal Player "Superbly capable player… an audiophile dream" - WHF? S&V magazine

Pioneer SCLX56 AV Receiver

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED

1299

£

.95

5Yr Supercare £129.95

AUGUST 2011

699

SAVE £

100

£

.95

5Yr Supercare £69.95 USUALLY £799.95

Pioneer SCLX86 & Monitor Audio BX5 5.1 5.1 Home Cinema System No compromise surround sound for movies and music.

2999

SAVE £ £

450

.95

5Yr Supercare £299.95 TSP £3449.95

Lowest Prices

we’ll beat any genuine advertised price, online & in-store, by up to £100!

Guaranteed!

AV Receivers and Speaker Packages Product of the Year!

What Hi-Fi

PRICE BEAT ON TVS APPLIES AFTER ADDING THE PRICE OF OUR 5 YEAR WARRANTY TO OUR PRICE, AND THE COMPETITOR’S EQUIVALENT 5 YEAR WARRANTY TO THEIR PRICE. ASK IN-STORE FOR DETAILS

Make the most of your films, TV and games with these AV bargains.

2012 Award Winner!

Yamaha RXV673 AV Receiver "The Yamaha RXV673 is left standing with the trophy." - WHF? S&V magazine.

READY

GUARANTEED

CALL OR SEE WEB

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED

2012 Award Winner!

2012 Award Winner!

Tannoy HTS101

5.1 Speaker Pack "Deeply impressive." WHF? S&V mag.

799

£

5Yr Supercare £79.95

GUARANTEED

GUARANTEED

Headphones "Brilliant sound." WHF? S&V mag.

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED

.95

READY

SAVE £

140

£

799

.95

5Yr Supercare £79.95 TSP £939.90

33

serving you for

Headphones "Awesomely detailed, musical ...and simply beautiful." - WHF? S&V mag.

94

£

LOWEST PRICE

.95

GUARANTEED

112

£

SAVE £

70

Grado SR325i

Headphones "A stunning achievement: effortlessly detailed." - WHF? S&V mag.

179

£

.45

LOWEST PRICE

.95

GUARANTEED

TSP £249.95

£

314

.95

We love to listen! We’ve been listening for over 33 years Unlike mass market and internet retailers, we pride ourselves on stocking not just an extensive range of the best brands but, even more importantly, having a team of expert advisers on hand who are passionate about finding you the right solution for your needs, your budget and your home.

years

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Established 1978

Paul - Croydon store

London

52 Stores Nationwide Bath 0333 900 0088 Belfast 0333 900 0070 Birmingham 0333 900 0023 Bournemouth 0333 900 0058 Brighton 0333 900 0039 Bristol 0333 900 0024 Cambridge 0333 900 0053

Early

Grado SR80i

Headphones "A hugely capable pair of closed-back headphones." - WHF? S&V mag.

5.1 Home Cinema System

5Yr Supercare £49.95

Call Us

2012 Award Winner!

AKG K550

Onkyo TXNR515 & Q Acoustic 2000i

499

£

2012 Award Winner!

2012 Award Winner!

5.1 Speaker Pack "Sounds fabulous." - WHF? S&V mag.

LOWEST PRICE

GUARANTEED

Also K450 £42.95

5Yr Supercare just 10% of purchase price.

Cambridge Audio Minx

FEBRUARY 2012

CALL OR SEE WEB

LOWEST PRICE

.95

CALL OR SEE WEB

LOWEST PRICE

Bayer Dynamic MMX101IE

Monitor Audio MASS

GUARANTEED

Headphones “The K451s are, musically, simply exceptional." - WHF? S&V mag.

AV Receiver Amazing sound and easy to use too!

5Yr Guarantee just 10% of purchase price.

LOWEST PRICE

Product of the Year!

What Hi-Fi

Yamaha RXV373

5Yr Supercare just 10% of purchase price.

5.1 Speaker Package Designed from the ground up to offer both beautiful looks and stunning sound quality.

Enjoy top quality sound at home or on the go.

AKG K451

CALL OR SEE WEB

LOWEST PRICE

Headphones

Cardiff 0333 900 0029 Cheltenham 0333 900 0057 Chester 0333 900 0063 Eton 0333 900 0087 Edinburgh 0333 900 0026 Exeter 0333 900 0061 Glasgow 0333 900 0038

Guildford 0333 900 0050 Hanley 0333 900 0060 Hull 0333 900 0059 Leeds 0333 900 0025 Leicester 0333 900 0043 Lichfield 0333 900 0089 Liverpool 0333 900 0030

We know how important it is to speak to our customers! stomers! To give you the best service possible, our in-store experts willl be answering the phones, irrespective of our opening time, from 9am Monday - Saturday and 11am on Sundays.

42 of our stores now boast premium hi-fi centres, packed ed with award-winning products from the finest brands in the business. Our experts will help you choose separates to o suit your system and budget. Try before you buy in a demo room. Beki - Chiswick store

London Bromley 0333 900 0051 London Chelsea 0333 900 0027 London Chiswick 0333 900 0055 London City 0333 900 0045 London Croydon 0333 900 0033 London Kingston 0333 900 0040 London Bridge 0333 900 0021

London Southgate 0333 900 0085 Swiss Cottage 0333 900 0031 London West End 0333 900 0028 Manchester 0333 900 0086 Maidstone 0333 900 0062 Middlesbrough 0333 900 0096 Milton Keynes 0333 900 0054

Newcastle 0333 900 0032 Norwich 0333 900 0046 Nottingham 0333 900 0035 Oxford 0333 900 0052 Plymouth 0333 900 0047 Preston 0333 900 0080 Prestwich 0333 900 0042

10off

£

Reading 0333 900 0044 Reigate 0333 900 0081 Romford 0333 900 0041 Sheffield 0333 900 0034 Southampton 0333 900 0036 Stockport 0333 900 0022 Tunbridge Wells 0333 900 0082

Watford 0333 900 0037 Weybridge 0333 900 0083 York 0333 900 0084 03 NUMBERS ARE NOT PREMIUM RATE NUMBERS! 03 numbers connect you directly to the store you call and are charged at the same rate as you are charged for numbers starting 01 and 02. If the store is very busy you will be transferred, after 10 rings, to our central support team at no additional charge. 03 numbers are included in all bundle rates for mobile phones and landlines.

just spend £100 or more in-store

Simply cut out & present this voucher at your local store. Expires 20/11/12 This voucher is non transferable. Only 1 voucher per customer. Not exchangeable for cash. Defaced, torn or photocopied vouchers will not be accepted. First come, first served basis. (Not in conjunction with any other offer/promotion)

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Turntables

Revive your vinyl with a top-quality deck Up to £10000 Product

£

AudioTechnicaLP120USB

Tested 275 11.10/FT

Verdict

★★★★★ You can connect this sturdy record player directly to your PC or MAC

● ● ●

●

●

1

16x45x35

ClearaudioConcept

1190 08.10/GT

★★★★★ Best turntable £1000+ Awards 2011

● ● ●

●

●

● ● ●

1

14x42x35

ClearaudioEmotionSE

2110 11.09/FT

★★★★★ For the money, this is an excellent performer

● ●

●

● ● ●

1

8x40x32

★★★★★ Quality engineering and top-class sound

● ●

●

● ● ●

2

13x42x33

ClearaudioPerformanceSE

2660 08.12/FT

EdwardsAudioTT1

380 11.11/FT

★★★★★ A tempting alternative to the class-leaders at this price

● ●

IoniProfile

130 12.09/FT

★★★★★ A brilliant way to transfer vinyl to your iPod, but sounds mediocre

● ●

●

● ● ●

●

● ● ● ● ●

1

12x45x36

● ●

1

13x48x38

2940 04.10/FT

★★★★★ A worthy alternative to the Michell Orbe

● ●

●

●

1

14x40x30

2350 03.09/FT

★★★★★ The LP12 offers great value for money with no compromise

● ●

●

● ● ●

●

5

14x45x36

MichellGyro.SE/TecnoArmA

1478 09.08/FT

★★★★★ Packs a sublime punch – it makes listening a pleasure

● ●

●

●

●

1

19x41x53

MichellOrbeSE/TecnoarmA

2675 01.09/FT

★★★★★ Don’t buy anything without hearing this deck first

● ●

●

●

●

2

26x64x53

OriginLiveCalypsopackage

2440 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Impressive package, but lacks some attention to detail

● ●

●

● ● ●

1

14x45x38

★★★★★ Fuss free package with a strikingly clear sound

● ●

●

● ● ●

1

14x46x36

★★★★★ Precision and integration to keep it among the top players

● ●

●

● ● ●

1

14x46x39

★★★★★ A fine deck that’s worth auditioning

● ●

●

●

●

3

16x46x36

Pro-Ject2 XperienceBasic+

600 Aw.11/FT

●

●

Pro-Ject2XperienceX Pack

1000 08.10/GT

Pro-Ject2XperienceClassic

750 12.10/FT

Pro-JectDebutCarbon

300 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Best turntable up to £500, Awards 2012

● ● ●

●

● ● ●

7

12x42x32

Pro-JectEssential

150 06.10/FT

★★★★★ There’s little to complain about here

● ●

●

● ● ●

1

11x42x34

Pro-JectJukeBox

499 11.09/FT

★★★★★ The Juke Box doesn’t challenge the best separates

● ●

●

● ● ●

1

12x16x12

4000 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Proves Pro-ject can compete at all price levels

● ● ●

4

25x55x45

RegaP3 24/Elys2

508 11.07/GT

★★★★★ Best turntable up to £300–£600, Awards 2010

12x45x36

RegaRP1

225 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ Best turntable up to £400. Awards 2011

RegaRP3/Elys2

550 10.11/FT

RegaRP6/Exact

1000 11.12/FT

●

●

●

●

● ●

●

●

●

8

● ●

●

● ● ●

3

12x45x36

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Turntables. Awards 2012

● ●

●

● ● ●

3

10x45x36

●

● ● ●

8

12x45x36

●

●

●

●

●

●

★★★★★ Best turntable £750+, Awards 2012

● ●

1375 Aw.09/FT

★★★★★ Best turntable £1200+, Awards 2010. Superb performance

● ●

RoksanXerxes20Plus(Pack)

6275 10.08/FT

★★★★★ A truly exceptional turntable

● ●

● ●

★★★★★ A neat solution to archive your vinyl

● ●

1560 10.08/GT

★★★★★ One of the best at this price

● ●

ThorensTD309

1250 06.10/FT

★★★★★ The TD309 is a good deck, but it’s no TD160HD on the cheap

● ●

TownshendRock7

1500 09.09/FT

★★★★★ It’s got its quirks, but it’s great value for the money

● ●

350 01.12/FT

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Rega RP3/Elys 2 £550

“This concentrates your attention on the music and nothing else. You can analyse the recording or song production, but we suspect it won’t be long before you just sit back and enjoy the music.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

●

●

●

●

● ● ●

“At this price the Debut Carbon delivers a surprisingly polished performance. Pro-ject has been producing classleading budget turntables for many years. This is one of the company’s finest achievements. ”Awards/12 ★★★★★

12x45x37 11x45x38

● ● ●

●

2

13x47x43

●

●

1

15x40x34

●

BEST TURNTABLE £750+

15x45x37

3

18x43x34

●

●

1

1

●

Rega RP6/Exact £1000

●

1

●

BEST TURNTABLE UP TO £500

●

●

●

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon £300

“We’ve heard rivals that deliver similar amounts of information but none that do it in such an attractive manner. This is what we consider to be the finest turntable package at this price level.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Radio tuners Up to £2500

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

DAB DAB + FM MW LW SW Internet radio Presets Autotune RDS Remote Finishes

Bands

Take your pick from digital, analogue or hybrid tuners Product

●

●

RoksanRadius5.2

ThorensTD160HD/TP250

ArcamT32

600 06.09/FT

★★★★★ Best Hi-Fi Tuner, Awards 2010. Talented and engaging

● ● ● ●

100 ● ● ●

2

CyrusDAB8.0

500 07.07/FT

★★★★★ Impressive with good-quality broadcasts

●

●

10

●

2

8x22x37

DenonTU 1800DAB

300 08.07/GT

★★★★★ Refined and full-bodied sound - a cracker

●

● ●

200 ● ● ●

1

7x43x29 8x44x35

9x43x29

MarantzST7001

249 08.06/FT

★★★★★ Easy on the ears on both DAB and FM

●

● ●

200 ● ● ●

2

NADC445

350 11.06/FT

★★★★★ Can sound very good with a strong FM signal

●

● ●

40 ● ● ●

2

7x44x29

TEACT R650DAB

150 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Struggles to inspire either sonically or in terms of build.

●

● ● ● ●

60 ● ● ●

1

9x44x29

Amplifiers

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

● ●

LinnMajikLP12

TDKETVT20102

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

● ●

KuzmaStabiS/StogiS

P’JectXten./Ortof.RS 309D

One-box powerhouses to drive your speakers –the heart of the system Up to £1000 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

AudioAnalogueCrescendo

595 09.12/FT

★★★★★ A cheaper Audio Analogue amp, but it shows

●

50

5

0

0

1

Audiolab8200A

730 07.11/FT

★★★★★ Capable, but lacks some subtlety

● n/a 60

6

0

0

3

●

ArcamFMJA18

500 06.12/ST

★★★★★ Comfortable, with impressive detail and agility

● n/a 50

6

1

0

2

●

CambridgeAudioAzur350A

250 01.12/ST

★★★★★ A budget amp with a decent grasp of timing

● n/a 45

6

0

0

1

CambridgeAudioAzur351A

300 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Worth considering if you prefer an overtly energetic approach●

n/a 45

5

0

0

1

CambridgeAudioAzur651A

450 03.12/FT

★★★★★ Meaty and powerful, but not the most refined

●

0

5

0

0

CambridgeAudioTopazSR10

230 06.10/FT

★★★★★ This affordable stereo receiver has plenty to offer

● 30 85

5

1

0

1

Cyrus6a

700 06.12/ST

★★★★★ Best stereo amp £600-£1000, Awards 2012

● n/a 40

6

0

0

Cyrus6XP

925 09.09/FT

★★★★★ Stereo amplifier Product of the Year, Awards 2010

● n/a 40

6

0

0

142 www.whathifi.com

75 ● ●

●

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Inputs and Outputs Integrated Tuner presets Power out (w) DAB FM MW LW SW Internet radio Line level in MM phono in MC phono in USB in Tape loops Preamp out Speaker outs Tone controls Headphone out Remote control Finishes

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

●

●

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Speeds 33.33 45 78 Electric speed change Manualoperation Semi-automatic operation Phono amp Auto operation Tonearm incl Cartridge incl Belt drive Direct drive USB port Suspension Finishes

Turntables | Radio tuners | Amplifiers

142

1

● ●

1

3x17.5x15

1

● ●

2

7.5x45x34

1

● ● ●

1

8.5x43x33

2

● ● ●

2

9x43x34

2

● ● ●

2

9x43x34

●

2

● ● ●

1

12x43x35

2

● ● ●

1

11x43x34

0

●

2

● ●

2

7x22x36

1

●

2

● ●

2

7x22x36

1

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

143

Up to £1000 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

DenonPMA 710

350 07.10/GT

★★★★★ The most enjoyable Denon amp we’ve heard in ages

● No 50

5

1

0

2

IconAudioStereo25

500 01.09/FT

★★★★★ The Stereo 25 is superbly made for the money

● n/a 30

3

0

0

0

MarantzPM KIPearlLite

900 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Decent peformance at an affordable price

● n/a 70

3

1

0

2

MarantzPM6004

310 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Stereo amplifiers. Awards 2011

● n/a 45

5

1

0

1

MarantzPM8003

750 09.09/GT

★★★★★ It’s built like a battleship and delivers most of the goods

● n/a 70

5

1

0

2

NADC316BEE

260 01.12/ST

★★★★★ A decent listen that’s overshadowed by rivals

● n/a 40

5

0

0

1

NADC326BEE

300 07.10/GT

★★★★★ A really musical amplifier to grace any budget system

● n/a 50

7

0

0

2

NADC356BEE

600 10.10/FT

★★★★★ A party animal of an amplifier

● n/a 80

7

0

0

NADC356BEEDAC

695 01.12/FT

★★★★★ A good amplifier with a great DAC

● n/a 80

8

0

0

●

●

2

● ● ●

1 ●

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

One-box powerhouses to drive your speakers – with or without tuners

Integrated Tuner presets Power out (w) DAB FM MW LW SW Internet radio Line level in MM phono in MC phono in USB in Tape loops Preamp out Speaker outs Tone controls Headphone out Remote control Finishes

Inputs and Outputs

2

12x43x21

1

22x32x31 13x44x38

2

● ● ●

2

2

● ● ●

2

11x44x37

●

2

● ● ●

2

12x44x36

1

● ● ●

2

8x44x29

●

1

● ● ●

1

10x44x29

2

●

2

● ● ●

1

13x44x34

2

●

2

● ● ●

1

13x44x34

NaimNait5i

850 09.09/GT

★★★★★ The Nait 5i gets all the basics right and more

● n/a 50

4

0

0

1

1

●

1

7x44x31

OnkyoA 5VL

350 11.09/FT

★★★★★ This digital amp is beaten by the best analogue rivals

● n/a 40

4

1

1

1

2

● ● ●

2

8x44x34 13x38x29

PeachtreeiDecco

999 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for a digital based set-up

● n/a 40

1

0

0

1

● ●

1

Pro-JectStereoBox

360 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Only consider if you really need a tiny amplifier

● n/a 20

2

0

0

0

1

●

2

4x10x14

Pro-JectStereoBoxS

200 11.11/FT

★★★★★ A small amp that’s worth investigation

● n/a 40

2

0

0

0

1

●

2

4x10x10

1

● ● ●

2

10x42x36

1

● ● ●

1

12x42x37

1

●

2

8x22x31

1

● ●

3

10x43x38

●

1

PioneerA A6

350 03.08/FT

★★★★★ Among the most fluent amps under £500

● n/a 45

3

1

0

●

1

PioneerA A9 J

700 08.07/FT

★★★★★ Sadly doesn’t build on the success of the A6 amp

● n/a 70

4

1

1

●

1

RegaBrio-R

480 06.12/ST

★★★★★ Best stereo amp £400-£600, Awards 2012

● n/a 50

4

1

0

1

RoksanKandyK2

795 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Best stereo amp £700-£1000. Awards 2011

●

0 125

5

1

0

1

●

●

●

RotelRA 04SE

300 07.10/GT

★★★★★ A startling upgrade to an already strong performer

●

0 40

4

1

0

1

●

2

● ●

2

7x44x34

RotelRA 06SE

600 02.10/FT

★★★★★ A forceful, articulate listen, but could do with more detail

● n/a 70

5

1

0

1

●

2

● ● ●

1

9x44x34

RotelRA 1520

700 09.09/GT

★★★★★ Its got good looks, a good spec, and a great sound

● n/a 60

5

1

0

1

●

2

● ● ●

2

9x43x26

TEACA R650

249 08.10/FT

★★★★★ This retro amp can’t compete at this price level

● n/a 90

7

0

0

0

2

● ● ●

1

14x44x36

Wadia151PowerDACMini

999 02.12/FT

★★★★★ A compact digital amp with plenty of appeal

● n/a 25

0

0

0

YamahaA S300

230 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Solid performer but you can get better for not much more

● na 60

6

1

0

●

0

1

●

1

7x20x20

1

1

● ● ●

2

15x44x39

YamahaA S500

330 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ Best stereo amplifier up to £500, Awards 2010. A must-hear

● na 85

3

1

0

2

2

● ● ●

2

15x44x39

YamahaA S700

400 07.10/GT

★★★★★ An easy listen, but could do with more pace and punch

● No 90

3

1

0

2

2

● ● ●

1

15x43x38

Amplifiers

Amplifiers (continued)

AV Receivers: TX-NR818 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver £999

The 7.2-channelTHX® Select2 Plus™certified model that has it all. Class-leading video performance comes from a dual-core HQV® Vida™VHD1900/ Qdeo™ processing engine partnered by an ISF-certified calibration system. Extra 24bit/192kHz DACs for 2-channel audio ensure superior musical fidelity while DTS Neo:X™ sound expansion transforms home cinema sound.Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction allows for hyper-accurate auto set-up while digital crossover processing, front channel bi-amping capability, and threezone audio distribution guarantee astonishing flexibility.

TX-NR414 £329

TX-NR515 £399

These extremely compact and stylish active speakers deliver a clear, powerful, dynamic and accurate sound and are the perfect partner for computers, portable audio players or your flat screen TV.They have received superb reviews, including a.

TX-NR616 £599

5.1-Channel Network A/V Receiver

7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver

7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver

Even this 5.1-Channel model is equipped with full home networking including Spotify compatibility and vTuner for thousands of free radio channels.There are 6 HDMI inputs, InstaPrevue™ (HDMI picture-inpicture), iPhone/iPod Direct Digital USB connectivity and full control via Onkyo’s free Smartphone apps.

Step up to this hugely popular 7.2-Channel model and you benefit from 4k video upscaling, Dolby® Pro Logic® IIz processing, Audyssey 2EQ auto set-up and 8 HDMI inputs/2 outputs including a front-panel HDMI/MHL Link that displays 1080p movies from compatible smartphones.

This more powerful 7.2-Channel THX® Select2 Plus™-certified model boasts Audyssey DSX™ expansion for extra Height channels while Onkyo’s WRAT amplifier tech with three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry delivers incredible performance. And don’t forget the optional wireless and aptX™ Bluetooth dongles!

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

Other brands available include: PLEASE NOTE: SOME BRANDS/PRODUCTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT ALL STORES.

ADVERT VALID UNTIL 16/11/2012. E&OE.

www.SSAV.com

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Amplifiers (continued)

One-box powerhouses to drive your speakers – with or without tuners £1000 and above Product

£

AudioAnalogueClassAInt.SE

9190 06.11/FT

Tested

★★★★★ A fantastic, and sonically rounded performer

Verdict

● n/a 50

5

0

0

1

ATCSIA2 150

2379 02.10/GT

★★★★★ One of the best amplifiers at this price level

●

0 150

4

0

0

1

BrystonB60R

2600 07.09/FT

★★★★★ The Bryston B60R may be unassuming, but it has quality

● n/a 60

4

0

0

ChordElec.CyanClickHP

4215 07.10/FT

★★★★★ Stylish, and astonishingly well built too

● n/a 100

2

0

0

ClasseCAP 2100

3950 09.08/FT

★★★★★ The well-built CAP 2100 is an eloquent communicator

● n/a 100

3

0

0

1

33x45x41

● ●

1

14x44x35

1

1

● ●

2

5x43x28

0

1

●

2

6x34x15

2

●

1

12x45x42 9x43x34

1

●

1025 06.10/FT

★★★★★ There’s lots to like here, but better available elsewhere

● n/a 120

5

1

0

0

●

2

● ●

1

1250 01.12/ST

★★★★★ A sturdy DAC toting amp that’s a cracker

● n/a 40

6

0

0

●

1

●

2

● ●

2

7x22x36

Cyrus8DAC

1400 07.12/FT

★★★★★ Meticulous and engaging amp and DAC combo

● Yes 70 ● ●

6

0

0

●

0

2

● ●

2

7x22x36

Cyrus8XPd

1500 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Sets a sky-high standard at the price point

● n/a 70

5

0

0

●

Cyrus8XP

1250 11.09/GT

★★★★★ The Cyrus 8XP misses nothing out in sonic thrills

● n/a 70

6

0

0

1

●

1

● ●

2

7x22x36

1

●

1

● ●

2

7x22x36

DartzeelCTH 8550

16858 05.10/FT

★★★★★ Well engineered - but with a colossal price tag

● n/a 200

7

0

0

1

●

1

●

2

17x44x34

DenonPMA 2010AE

1700 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Listen to this amp in full flow and it’s a monster

● N/A 80

4

1

1

2

●

2

● ● ●

1

18x43x44

DevialetD Premier

11450 08.12/GT

●

1

●

4x40x40

★★★★★ A fresh look at amp design

● n/a 240

2

1

1

1

ElectrocompanietPI 1

1345 10.09/FT

★★★★★ Decent performer for the money

● n/a 50

4

0

0

0

HeedAudioObelisksi

1290 06.12/FT

★★★★★ Best stereo amp £1000-£1500, Awards 2012

● n/a 35

5

1

0

0

●

●

3

1

●

2

7x42x34

1

●

2

9x22x36 26x49x52

KrellFBI

15250 09.08/FT

★★★★★ A serious amp in every sense of the word

● n/a 300

5

0

0

2

●

1

●

2

KrellS 300i

2400 05.09/FT

★★★★★ Not Krell’s finest hour, but still recommended

● n/a 150

4

0

0

0

●

1

●

1

10x44x45

LavardinISReference

2950 01.10/FT

★★★★★ Amazing: its rivals sound mechanical in comparison

● n/a 30

4

0

0

1

1

8.5x43x35 10x43x36

1

LeemaTucanaMkII

3595 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Best stereo amplifier £2000+, Awards 2010. Incredibly able

● n/a 148

7

0

0

1

●

1

● ●

2

Mooni-1

1600 11.09/GT

★★★★★ The Moon’s lack of precision holds it back from five stars

● n/a 50

5

0

0

0

●

1

● ●

2

8x43x33

Mooni3.3

2700 04.09/FT

★★★★★ This Moon will find it hard to be eclipsed by its peers

●

0 100

5

0

0

1

●

1

● ●

2

8x43x33

MyryadMXI2080

1000 08.08/FT

★★★★★ Assiduous, precise presentation

● n/a 80

6

1

1

1

●

1

● ●

1

9x44x38

NADC375BEE

1000 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Average performer that doesn’t justify its price

● n/a 150

7

0

0

2

2

● ● ●

1

13x44x35

NaimNait5XS

1500 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Still a top class premium amplifier

● n/a 60

3

0

0

PathosEthos

3800 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Mixes style and substance better than any rival

● n/a 100

7

0

0

●

2

●

1

●

1

7x43x30

0

●

1

●

1

15x43x49

●

18x33x29

PathosInpolRemix

3800 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Not cheap or powerful - just brilliant

● n/a 10

1

0

0

0

PathosLogos

3650 09.08/FT

★★★★★ An inspirational amp: wonderful with all music

● n/a 110

6

0

0

1

PliniusHautonga

4455 07.11/FT

★★★★★ A powerhouse of an integrated amplifier

● n/a 200

5

1

1

2

PliniusHiato

6759 08.09/FT

★★★★★ If you’re after a top class amplifier the Hiato is for you

● n/a 300

5

0

0

PrimareI32

2200 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Adventurous product but it fails to deliver

● na 120

5

0

0

QuadIIClassicIntegrated

4500 04.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine integrated amplifier with a hefty price tag

● n/a 25

3

1

1

1

RegaElicit

1498 01.09/FT

★★★★★ It’s decent enough, but you can get more for the money

● n/a 82

5

0

0

1

RegaOsiris

5998 06.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine amp that makes most sense partnering its Isis sibling

● n/a 162

6

0

0

1

RoksanCaspianM2

1650 10.10/FT

★★★★★ Best stereo amplifier £1500+ Awards 2012

● n/a 85

5

0

0

StelloA1500

2500 09.10/FT

★★★★★ A premium amp that’s well worth seeking out

● n/a 150

4

0

0

SynthesisShine

2449 07.10/FT

★★★★★ This valve design needs sensitive speakers to fly

● n/a 40

5

0

0

UnisonResearchPreludio

2295 02.10/GT

★★★★★ Rubs shoulders with the very best at this price

● n/a 14

4

0

0

●

1

●

2

2

●

1

15x48x22

●

1

●

2

12x45x50

1

●

1

●

2

17x45x45

1

●

1

●

2

11x43x42

1

20x31x38

1 ●

1

●

1

9x44x31

1

●

1

12x44x35

1

●

1

●

2

8x43x33

1

●

1

●

1

9x46x40

1

1

●

4

16x32x22

1

1

1

20x40x38 21x35x49

UnisonResearchS6

2995 05.11/FT

★★★★★ In the right system, the S6 is truly magical

● n/a 33

5

0

0

1

1

●

2

UnisonResearchS9

6995 02.10/FT

★★★★★ We can’t help but love this quirky valve amplifier

● n/a 35

4

0

0

0

1

●

1

25x41x57

UnisonResearchSimplyItaly

1495 09.12/FT

★★★★★ A well-engineered valve amplifier at a sensible price

● n/a 12

5

0

0

1

1

●

2

26x19x35

BEST AMPLIFIER £600 £1000

“Dynamics are impressively punchy, with a level of control and poise above what we expect at the money. It’s engaging and entertaining, bristling with excitement. Emotion in vocals is beautifully expressed.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Cyrus 6a £700

“Dynamic bursts are wonderfully controlled and the Cyrus can keep pace with even the most frenzied and complicated of beats. The Cyrus’ precision and agility is unrivalled at the money.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Preamps

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

●

1

CreekEvolution5350

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

1 ●

Cyrus6XPD

Rotel RA 10 £350

BEST AMPLIFIER £1500+

Roksan Caspian M2 £1650

“There are bucketloads of detail to admire. The amp delivers serious levels of subtlety and manages to arrange it in a manner that exposes all the various elements of a track to the maximum. ” Awards/12 ★★★★★

The control section of the amp – team with a power amp or active loudspeakers Up to £15000 Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Inputs and Outputs Line level in MM phono in MC phono in Tape loops Preamp out Balanced out Headphone out Tone controls Remote control

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

●

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Inputs and Outputs Integrated Tuner presets Power out (w) DAB FM MW LW SW Internet radio Line level in MM phono in MC phono in USB in Tape loops Preamp out Speaker outs Tone controls Headphone out Remote control Finishes

Amplifiers | Preamps

144

Product

£

AesthetixCalypsoSignature

6400 03.11/FT

★★★★★ One of the finest preamps on the market today

5

0

0

1

● ●

●

11x46x45

AudioResearchLS17

3399 01.09/FT

★★★★★ This top quality product should serve you for decades

7

0

0

1

● ●

●

14x48x31

AudionetPre1G3

3525 01.10/FT

★★★★★ As revealing as amplifiers get for the money

5

0

0

1

● ● ●

●

7x43x31

ATCCA 2

1058 12.09/FT

★★★★★ A matchless preamp when paired with the P1 power amp

5

0

0

1

● ● ●

●

9x44x32 49x6x28

BrystonBP26DA

5050 08.06/FT

★★★★★ A must hear preamp. Lacks style but built to last

5

0

0

1

● ● ●

●

ChordElectronicsCPA3000

5480 03.08/FT

★★★★★ Livelier and dynamically expressive

2

0

0

1

● ●

●

42x9x36

ChordElectronicsIndigo

8670 11.09/FT

★★★★★ A far sighted design mixing useful features with great sound

1

0

0

0

● ● ●

●

9x42x36

CyrusDACXP+

2550 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Massive ability in a small box

2

0

0

1

● ●

CyrusPreXPd

1300 02.10/GT

★★★★★ Works wonders when coupled with the matching 8 Power amp

6

0

0

0

●

144 www.whathifi.com

●

●

7x22x36

●

7x22x36

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

145

Up to £15000 Product

£

LavardinC62

3471 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Paired with the Lavardin AP150 power amplifier this has to be top of any shortlist

6

0

0

1

●

9x43x31

LeemaPyxis

3995 11.11/FT

★★★★★ A versatile, enjoyable preamp

5

1

1

1

● ● ● ● ●

11x44x31

LinnAkurateKontrol KrellPhantomII

Tested

4200 09.11/FT 12000 11.12/FT

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

The control section of the amp – team with a power amp or active loudspeakers

Line level in MM phono in MC phono in Tape loops Preamp out Balanced out Headphone out Tone controls Remote control

Inputs and Outputs

★★★★★ Part of the Linn Akurate system - and truly awesome

4

1

1

1

● ● ●

●

9x38x38

★★★★★ A hugely capable preamplifier that has the ability to dig deeply into any recording

8

0

0

1

● ●

●

10x44x47

NADC165BEE

650 08.10/FT

★★★★★ A brute of a preamp

4

1

1

2

●

● ● ●

8x44x29

NaimNAC152XS

975 02.10/GT

★★★★★ It’s good, but could do better with dynamics

5

0

0

0

●

●

7x43x30

NaimNAC252/Supercap

9070 11.08/FT

★★★★★ Makes a magical combination with the NAP250 power amp

6

0

0

0

●

●

9x43x32

PliniusTautoro

6325 09.08/FT

★★★★★ A mighty amplifier in every sense of the word

4

1

1

1

● ● ●

●

16x45x48

QuadElitePre

850 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Pair with the Elite Stereo amplifier. Doesn’t blow us away, but it’s still worth consideration

6

1

1

1

●

● ●

RotelRC 1580

995 03.10/FT

★★★★★ A likeable, fully featured performer that delivers much for the money

5

1

1

2

●

● ● ●

TownshendAllegri

1895 08.12/GT

★★★★★ Basic features, but terrific sound

6

0

0

0

●

Power amps

7x32x31 10x43x34 4.5x13x31

Weight (kg)

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Tested

Type

Up to £20000

Power (w) Bridgeable Phono in XLR in

Inputs

Supplies the music muscle to the loudspeakers – just add a preamp Product

£

AesthetixAtlas

7600 08.08/FT

★★★★★ Sophisticated brute - pair with the Aesthetix Calypso

Stereo 200

2

2

19x45x46

33

AudioResearchVS115

5395 02.09/FT

★★★★★ Ignore the looks and enjoy the sound

Stereo 120

1

1

20x45x21

29

Audiolab8200MB

1900 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Hefty, but a bit of a blunt instrument

Mono 250

1

1

15x22x38

9

AudionetAmp1V2

4850 01.10/FT

★★★★★ As revealing as amplifiers get for this kind of money

Stereo 200

1

1

18x43x32

28 26

ATCP1

1566 12.09/FT

★★★★★ A matchless power amp when paired with the CA 2 preamp

Stereo 150

1

1

14x44x35

Bryston2BSST

2925 08.06/FT

★★★★★ Big, strong and very powerful

Stereo 100 ●

1

0

49x13x41

14

ChordElectronicsMaxx

990 05.11/FT

★★★★★ This could be a sign of hi-fi to come

Stereo 20 ●

1

0

4x16x7

0.4

ChordElectronicsSPM1050 CroftPolestar1

Preamps | Power amps

Preamps (continued)

3990 10.07/FT

★★★★★ Very fast and punchy, exciting and stable sound

Stereo 200

2

2

42x36x14

15

800 06.07/FT

★★★★★ Great buy if you want sound quality not quantity

Stereo

1

0

11x22x33

6

25

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

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Power amps (continued)

Inputs Weight (kg)

★★★★★ Performs with panache, we’d spend our cash here

Stereo 60

3

0

7x22x36

5

★★★★★ Exceptionally fluid and agile. Recommended.

Mono 235

1

1

7x22x36

7

★★★★★ The Evolution 402e is world-class. It isn’t cheap, but quality such as this never is

stereo 400

1

1

25x44x56

61

Cyrus8Power CyrusMonoX300 KrellEvolution402e

£

Tested

850 02.10/GT 2500 04.11/FT 18500 11.12/FT

Type

Up to £20000 Product

Verdict

Power (w) Bridgeable Phono in XLR in

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Supplies the music muscle to the loudspeakers – just add a preamp

LavardinAP150

7686 12.10/FT

★★★★★ For sound quality and musical enjoyment you’ll find the C62 with the AP150 power amp hard to beat

Stereo 50

1

0

14x43x31

12

LeemaHydraII

3595 11.11/FT

★★★★★ A top class power amplifier for the money

Stereo 160 ●

1

1

11x44x31

33

LinnAkurate2200

3350 09.11/GT

★★★★★ A fine product with a distinctive sonic signature

Stereo

1

1

9x38x38

6.5

MarantzMA 9S2

5000 02.08/FT

★★★★★ Right up there with the very best power amplifiers

Mono 300

2

1

45x46x20

37

111

NADC275BEE

820 08.10/FT

★★★★★ A great power amp, best matched with the C165BEE preamp

Stereo 150 ●

1

0

13x44x35

15

NaimNAP155XS

1115 02.10/GT

★★★★★ It’s a good performer, but not the last word in dynamics

Power 60

0

0

7x43x30

7.5 16

NaimNAP250

3050 11.08/FT

★★★★★ Paired with the NAC252 preamp it’s magical

Stereo 80

0

0

9x43x32

PliniusP10

3390 09.07/FT

★★★★★ Makes a terrific amp when partnered with the Plinius M8 preamp

Stereo 200

2

1

12x45x40

14

PliniusSA REF

12650 09.08/FT

★★★★★ As enticing an amplifier as you can get

Stereo 300 ●

1

1

28x51x54

57 6.25

Stereo 80

1

0

7x32x31

1200 07.12/FT

★★★★★ Needs to be auditioned - a confident listen

Stereo 140

2

0

15x33x27

14

RotelRB 1582

1095 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Great when paired with the RC 1580 preamp

Stereo 200

1

0

14x43x41

33

700 11.10/FT

Speakers

From floorstanders to standmounters to all-in-one active monitors Up to £200 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

★★★★★ The Elite power amp paired with the Elite Pre is well worth consideration but doesn’t blow us away

QuadQSP

QuadEliteStereo

Standmount Floorstander Sensitivity (db/w/m) Impedance(ohms) Max power handling (w) Biwirable Finishes

Power amps| Speakers

146

AcousticEnergyCompact1

150 10.11/FT

★★★★★ Stylish looks meet grown up performance

●

88

8

100

2

22x15x20

AudioengineP4

183 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Small in size, huge in sound: a must-audition pair

●

88

8

125

3

23x14x17

DALIZensor1

180 08.11/GT

★★★★★ These brilliant budget standmounters demand a listen

●

86.5

6

100

2

27x16x22

I.USi70

110 04.10/ST

★★★★★ A too-rich bass drags these standmounters down

●

88

4

40

2

24x16x20

1

20x20x14

LacieSound2

75 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Still using your laptop speakers? You must hear these

n/a

n/a

30

Mordaunt-ShortAvant902i

150 01.08/GT

★★★★★ Your budget system deserves speakers this good

●

89

8

100

●

3

29x17x27

MissionMX1

150 06.11/GT

★★★★★ Best stereo speakers up to £150, Awards 2010. A real return to form from Mission

●

86

8

100

●

4

28x17x26

Pro-JectSpeakerbox5

150 06.11/GT

★★★★★ Not bad - but not enough to challenge the best

●

86

8

150

3

26x16x21

QAcoustics2010i

120 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Set the standard at this price and size level

●

86

8

75

4

23x20x15

QAcoustics2020i

145 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Best stereo speakers up to £200. Awards 2012

●

88

6

75

4

26x17x28

RothOli10

90 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for when space is at a premium

●

88

8

100

2

20x15x18

RothOLi20

150 02.11/FT

★★★★★ These standmounters just don’t cut the mustard

●

88

8

100

2

32x19x21

S.ScienceFrankenspielFS 1

130 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Best Budget desktop speakers. Awards 2011

89

8

50

1

n/a

★★★★★ Compact, clever and with a big detailed sound

n/a

n/a

15

1

85x85x85

●

SoundScienceQSB

85 04.11/FT

TannoyMercuryV1

150 06.11/GT

★★★★★ An excellent entry-level all-rounder

●

86

8

200

2

30x17x26

TeufelOmniton202

150 04.10/ST

★★★★★ Far too exciteable for our tastes - these Teufels need to calm down

●

89

8

120

1

25x21x18

WharfedaleDiamond10.0

130 04.10/ST

★★★★★ These are streets ahead of generic freebies, but fall behind the best

●

86

6

75

7

24x15x17

AcousticEnergyAE22

450 10.08/ST

★★★★★ Great speakers but austere looks

●

87

8

200

1

25x35x30

AcousticEnergyNeoOneV2

210 08.11/GT

★★★★★ Real ability in most areas but they don’t quite gel

●

89

8

120

2

36x18x23

Acoust.EnergyNeoV2Three

399 09.10/FT

★★★★★ Much to like, but not quite all-rounders

90

8

170

2

91x20x24

AudioengineA5+

290 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Bigger, better and more flexible than the originals

A

A

150

3

27x18x20

£200-£500

For advice call us on

0845 094 8778 RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

We’ve been selling the best Hifi and AV brands for over twenty years. We’re independent and passionate about our customers. The brand new Award Winning Monitor Audio MASS is in stock, ready for demonstration in our stores or to securely purchase through our on-line shop. If you’re not sure about what to buy, which speakers are best, and need some proper advice, give us a call. We’re here to help.

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f facebook.com/musicmatters01

● ●

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

£200-£500 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

From floorstanders to standmounters to all-in-one active monitors ArcaydisDM1

299 10.10/GT

★★★★★ These brilliant DM1s will give every rival below £450 a fright

●

87

8

40

4

30x16x21

BostonAcousticsA 25

200 08.11/GT

★★★★★ Classy and likeable speakers

●

89

8

150

3

27x18x23

BostonAcousticsA 26

260 01.12/ST

★★★★★ A beautifully accomplished standmounter

●

87

8

150

2

33x21x27

B&W685

380 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Superb Award-winning speakers from B&W

●

88

8

100

●

4

34x20x33

●

8

38x20x34

CastleKnight2

400 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Good, but not as adapatable as we’d like

●

90

8

125

DALILektor1

250 10.09/GT

★★★★★ As musically enjoyable as you’ll buy at this price

●

84

8

100

DALILektor2

299 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Seriously entertaining speakers and simply stunning at this money

●

85

6

100

DALILektor3

450 08.09/GT

★★★★★ Bigger isn’t always better, as the Lektor 3s prove

●

88

6

120

EBAcousticsEB1

470 08.09/GT

★★★★★ You’ll have trouble faulting these nifty standmounters

●

85

8

100

EposELS8

250 04.09/GT

★★★★★ These Epos need to gain more individuality for us

●

85

6

100

EposEpic1

325 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Punchy and exciting but they can’t deliver all-round ability

●

88

4

100

FocalChorus706V

390 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Thoroughly enjoyable but they may not cut it with dance music

●

90

8

120

2

26x15x21

●

2

31x18x22

2

39x20x26

●

2

31x17x27

3

26x16x14

●

2

31x19x25

3

39x22x29 28x11x20

FocalXSBook

300 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Hi-fi listening to your desktop

n/a

n/a

20

1

JamoGraphic

350 09.08/FT

★★★★★ You’ll love these logistic solving speakers

88

8

90

1

44x39x8

JBLES20

200 12.08/GT

★★★★★ These JBLs will give you a rocket regardless

86

8

125

3

32x17x20

KEFC5

400 Aw.08/FT

★★★★★ KEF has produced some stonking £400 floorstanders. These aren’t them

90

8

150

●

2

92x18x26

KEFQ300

450 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Product of the year - Stereo speakers. Awards 2011

●

87

8

120

●

3

36x21x30

KlipschRB 10

230 10.09/GT

★★★★★ Dinky, affordable speaker that are lively and upfront

●

90

8

200

1

22x14x20

LeemaXero

495 07.08/GT

★★★★★ Not a true all-rounder, but loaded with talent

●

86

6

200

5

25x25x16

MonitorAudioBronzeBX1

200 05.11/FT

★★★★★ Stylish as you like, but not the complete article

●

88

8

70

MonitorAudioBronzeBX2

250 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Best stereo speakers £200-£350. Awards 2012

●

90

8

100

● ●

●

4

26x17x18

●

4

35x19x26

MonitorAudioSilverRX1

425 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Form and function in perfect harmony, these speakers will sit pretty in any home

●

89

6

80

●

6

31x19x24

Mordaunt-ShortAviano1XR

250 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Still great, but the rivals have caught up

●

88

48

100

●

1

28x18x27

Mordaunt-ShortAviano2

300 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Plenty of bang for your buck, and more besides

●

88

8

120

●

3

32x21x30

Mordaunt-ShortMezzo2

450 08.09/GT

★★★★★ For speakers so small, you get surprisingly full bass

●

89

8

120

●

2

35x22x28 26x16x14

Mission790SE

400 Aw.09/FT

★★★★★ ’SE’ modifications have altered the 790s’ sound, but they remain short of rivals

●

88

6

100

●

3

MissionMX2

200 08.11/GT

★★★★★ Dynamic enough but maybe too exciting

●

87

8

100

●

4

34x21x31

MissionMX3

350 11.11/GT

★★★★★ Peppy and communicative floorstanders

89

8

150

●

4

82x17x34

PSBImageB5

250 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Standmounters with uneven tonality

QAcoustics2050i

420 04.12/FT

★★★★★ Best floorstander £350-£700, Awards 2012

Quad11LClassic

330 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ Impressive standmounters but lack a touch of sparkle

RothAudioOLi3

249 09.08/FT

RothAudioOLi50 ScandynaMicropodSEActive

● ●

89

6

150

2

32x18x24

●

92

6

150

●

4

100x32x27

87

8

85

●

4

31x19x24

★★★★★ The quality of the sound could be better

●

90

8

150

●

1

87x21x25

400 11.11/GT

★★★★★ Twice as much speaker, but only half the performance

●

92

8

250

●

2

122x21x41

300 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Interesting design, but with poor sound

75

n/a

20

1

n/a

TangentEvo5

200 05.09/FT

★★★★★ Considered, grown-up and a supremely easy listen

88

8

100

2

23x15x20

TannoyMercuryV4

380 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Best floorstander £350-£700. Awards 2011

97x20x28

TannoyRevolutionDC4

349 04.09/GT

★★★★★ They may be small of stature but these Tannoys have a huge sonic heart

TeufelUltima60

368 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Bargain speakers with a big, bold sound that’s engaging and exciting

TriangleColor

470 06.11/FT

★★★★★ Small, but perfectly formed

●

UsherS 520

330 05.08/FT

★★★★★ Clear, rhythmic and detailed musical delivery

● ●

●

● ● ● ●

91

8

200

●

2

89

6

50

●

2

27x15x16

88

4

120

●

1

103x21x32

90

6

100

3

29x17x24

86

8

75

●

6

30x18x26

WharfedaleDiamond10.1

200 10.10/GT

★★★★★ Fresh competition now offers more for the money

86

6

100

●

4

30x19x28

WharfedaleDiamond10.3

300 Aw.09/FT

★★★★★ If you must have floorstanders for this money, then these are as good as we’ve heard

●

86

6

100

●

1

80x19x28

WharfedaleDiamond10.5

480 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Lots of sonic plus points, but their timing and dynamic ability let them down

●

86

6

120

●

7

85x22x30

30x18x26

Speakers

Speakers (continued)

Standmount Floorstander Sensitivity (db/w/m) Impedance(ohms) Max power handling (w) Biwirable Finishes

147

£500-£1500 AcousticEnergyAE1Classic

1000 07.11/GT

★★★★★ A classic yes, but not the best around

●

88

8

200

2

AcousticEnergyAE22Active

899 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Talented Active speakers not easily matched

●

87

8

160

1

25x35x30

AcousticEnergyAegisNeo4

700 08.11/FT

★★★★★ Floorstanders with plenty of punch and dynamics

●

91

8

100

2

110x21x30

3

21x14.5x18

●

91

8

180

5

98x14x24

AudioProLV2e AudiovectorKi3Standard

700 09.12/FT 1200 03.12/FT

★★★★★ Wireless desktop speakers with a hi-fi flourish

100

★★★★★ Packed with resolution and speed

●

AmphionHelium

799 05.10/FT

★★★★★ There’s some good here, but not enough for us

●

86

8

100

ArcaydisSM35C

850 08.09/FT

★★★★★ If you want a quality small standmounter, audition these

●

87

8

70

●

ATCSCM11

940 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Best standmounter £700-£1500. Awards 2011

●

85

8

200

●

AVIADM9.1

1125 07.12/GT

★★★★★ A simple way to make the most of your music

●

B&W684

700 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Still a fine product after all these years

B&WCM5

780 06.09/GT

★★★★★ These B&Ws are deeply impressive in parts, and lacking in others

B&WCM8

1250 08.11/FT

★★★★★ Stunning in some ways but not the last word in integration

B&WXT2

700 07.08/GT

★★★★★ Classy, sophisticated but lacks youthful bite

CabasseMinorcaMC40

720 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for those who like finger-snapping ability

Cantonyour_Duo

600 06.12/FT

★★★★★ Decent enough desktop speakers, but there’s better

DALIIkon6MK2

1200 09.10/FT

★★★★★ Cleaner, clearer and more insightful than its forerunner

●

7

31x16x27

3

30x16x14

1

38x21x25

5

30x20x26

90

8

150

●

4

91x20x30

88

8

120

●

4

34x20x28

88

8

150

●

4

96x25x30

●

85

8

100

2

31x15x20

●

89

8

550

2

40x23x28

●

n/a

n/a

2x50

2

24x14x16

89

6

180

3

100x19x36

● ●

●

●

www.whathifi.com 147

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

From floorstanders to standmounters to all-in-one active monitors £500-£1500 Product

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

Tested

Verdict

★★★★★ Only the bass stops these good speakers becoming great

●

88

6

100

3

26x16x14

1200 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Likeable as long as you can live with the size and bass

●

89

6

180

2

106x27x37

DALIMentorMenuet

900 07.12/ST

★★★★★ These Menuets are something of a gem

86

4

100

2

25x15x23

DALIZensor5

500 11.11/GT

★★★★★ Compact and affordable floorstanders

●

88

6

150

2

84x16x27

●

DALILektor6

750 12.08/FT

DALILektor8

●

●

DALIZensor7

649 06.12/FT

★★★★★ Not flawless, but musical and enjoyable performers

90

6

150

3

98x21x31

DynaudioDM2/10

880 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Size and scale are impressive, but there are better choices about

●

89

4

150

2

45x28x35

DynaudioDM2/6

535 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Best stereo speakers £300-£600, Awards 2010. Just the right amount of sparkle at the top end

●

86

6

150

2

29x17x24

DynaudioDM2/7

600 08.09/GT

★★★★★ A seriously competitive speaker at this price point

●

86

4

150

●

1

36x22x27

DynaudioDM3/7

1300 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Plenty of positives in this mid-range floorstander

86

4

200

●

2

96x20x27 29x17x26

●

DynaudioExciteX12

695 09.08/FT

★★★★★ They get enough right to warrant the full five stars

●

86

4

100

4

DynaudioMC 15

780 09.08/GT

★★★★★ Well-executed active speaker

●

Act.

Act.

100

1

26x17x24

DynaudioXeo3

1365 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Versatile wireless speakers

●

n/a

n/a

n/a

2

28x17x26 45x23x30

★★★★★ Remarkable performers that should worry the competition

●

87

8

100

●

2

ElacBS243

1050 07.11/GT

★★★★★ These standmounters crave excitement

●

87

4

150

●

5

29x17x22

ElipsonPlanetL

600 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Charming in many ways, with good transparency

●

90

6

60

3

40x42x43

EposEpic5

750 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Hugely likeable floorstanders with broad sonic appeal

92

4

200

●

2

92x21x32

EposM12i

525 08.09/GT

★★★★★ Brings this classic standmounter back to the fore

●

87

8

120

●

3

38x19x25

JBLStudio530

650 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Odd looking - but fun sounding and refined

●

86

6

125

●

1

47x21x22

KEFLS50

800 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Stereo speakers. Awards 2012

●

85

8

100

1

30x20x28

KEFQ700

1000 03.11/GT

KEFR100

600 08.12/FT

★★★★★ These are extremely talented stand-mounters

KudosX2

1450 03.11/GT

★★★★★ These floorstanders have much to recommend them

KlipschRB 81

540 08.09/GT

★★★★★ If you like to party hard, audition these Klipschs

EBAcousticsEB2

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

£

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Speakers (continued)

Standmount Floorstander Sensitivity (db/w/m) Impedance(ohms) Max power handling (w) Biwirable Finishes

Speakers

148

669 09.10/GT

●

★★★★★ Purposeful looks but hopeless low-end frequencies

● ● ● ●

89

8

150

●

3

92x21x30

86

8

100

●

4

28x18x29

86

8

150

97

8

150

●

6

78x17x21

2

48x24x31 111x24x41

KlipschRF 82

858 08.09/FT

★★★★★ A big, boisterous speaker that needs to show a bit more restraint

●

98

8

150

●

2

LeemaXone

995 10.09/FT

★★★★★ In certain areas nothing else comes close at this pricepoint

●

87

6

200

●

6

85x14x21

MAD1920

1350 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Impressive and powerful. although not as precise as its peers

●

91

4

60

5

28x19x23

●

49x18x23

MonopulseModelC

1145 08.12/FT

★★★★★ A touch short of all-round appeal to fully recommend

MonitorAudioBronzeBX5

500 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Easiest £500-ish floorstanders to live with we’ve heard in a good while

MonitorAudioGoldGX50

950 12.11/ST

★★★★★ There’s very little to fault here

MonitorAudioSoundFrame1

900 02.12/GT

★★★★★ An impressive alternative to conventional speakers

MonitorAudioSilverRX2

630 10.12/GT

★★★★★ A lot of speaker and a lot of sound

MonitorAudioSilverRX6

800 12.09/GT

★★★★★ A sensational product from Monitor Audio – detailed, dynamic and very attractive, too

MonitorAudioSilverRX8

1050 06.10/FT

★★★★★ If you’re addicted to bass, these floostanders will suit you

86

8

150

● 10

90

8

120

●

4

85x17x25

●

86

8

100

●

5

30x17x26

86

6

100

2

54x39x9

●

90

6

100

●

6

37.5x23x30

●

90

6

125

●

6

91x28x31

●

90

4

175

●

6

96x28x39 95x21x30

●

Mordaunt-ShortAviano6

600 01.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine all-rounder, with power and bass in spades, and plenty more besides

●

88

8

150

●

3

Mordaunt-ShortAviano8

750 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Great speakers for sure, but too controlled

●

88

8

200

●

3

95x21x32

Mordaunt-ShortMezzo6

800 11.08/GT

★★★★★ Possibly the best in their class

●

89

8

150

●

2

100x22x28

Mordaunt-ShortMezzo8

1000 03.09/FT

★★★★★ Not the best all-rounders in the Mezzo range, but still very likeable

●

89

48

200

●

2

107x22x31

MissionMX 5

600 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Physically and sonically impressive

●

90

8

200

●

4

100x25x39

NeatIota

650 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Attractive but with a hefty sound too

84

6

100

NeatMotive1

1350 02.09/GT

★★★★★ Charming unique speakers - they lean backwards

86

6

120

●

NeatMotive2

945 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Cohesive, authoritative and downright exciting

85

8

100

NeatPetiteSX

1250 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Small and perfectly formed standmounters

●

86

8

200

PMCDB1i

1050 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Superbly detailed and rewarding small speakers

●

87

8

Quad12LClassic

500 11.11/FT

★★★★★ There’s plenty to admire here

●

RegaRS3

780 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Floorstanders that are effortless with dynamics

RevolverMusic3

650 06.10/FT

★★★★★ Big, bold looks disguise an easy-going character

RevolverMusic5

1300 02.10/FT

● ● ●

13x20x17

4

93x16x20

●

4

77x16x20

●

6

31x20x18

150

●

4

29x16x23

●

4

34x21x28

3

80x22x25

87

6

150

●

89

6

100

89

8

100

●

4

39x21x28

●

90

8

200

●

4

93x25x32

2

34x20x27

1

37x19x28

●

★★★★★ Fine all-rounders with the power to fill larger rooms

5

RuarkAcousticsSabreIII

899 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Communicate music so well they demand to be auditioned

●

86

8

120

RoksanKandyK2TR 5

750 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Stunning speakers that deserve to be labeled as contenders for class-leading status

●

88

6

100

SpendorA3

1295 07.11/FT

★★★★★ Talented enough, but a touch lean in the bass

86

8

125

4

75x17x25

SpendorS3/5R2

850 07.11/GT

★★★★★ A little less than the sum of their parts

●

85

8

100

4

31x17x18

SpendorSA1

1395 07.08/FT

★★★★★ Small, top-class standmounts

●

85

8

125

3

31x17x19

TangentEvoE45

650 12.09/GT

★★★★★ For those who like an exciting and exuberant listen

88

8

200

2

100x15x26

TannoyPrecision8D

800 09.08/GT

★★★★★ Solid active speakers that sound good

●

Act

Act

180

TannoyRevolutionDC6

400 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Best standmounter £350-£700, Awards 2012

●

88

8

75

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

KEF LS50 £800

“Over the years KEF has built some stunning speakers, and this is one of those. Strong dynamics, surefooted sense of timing, class-leading cohesiveness: one of the finest standmounters below £1000.” Awards/12 ★★★★★ 148 www.whathifi.com

BEST STEREO SPEAKER UP TO £200

Q Acoustics 2020i £145

“These speakers sound terrific. They retain the unfussy, refined presentation we’ve always liked from the Q Acoustics brand but add a notable dose of transparency and attack to the proceedings..” Awards/12 ★★★★★

●

●

●

●

●

1

44x27x37

1

36.5x20x25

BEST DESKTOP SPEAKER

Epoz Aktimate Micro £260

“A well-made and well-conceived set of powered speakers that sound better than any dedicated desktop set-up we’ve heard. They can double as a pretty effective second system too.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Standmount Floorstander Sensitivity (db/w/m) Impedance(ohms) Max power handling (w) Biwirable Finishes

From floorstanders to standmounters to all-in-one active monitors £500-£1500 Product

£

TannoyRevolutionDC6T TannoyRevolutionDC6TSE

Tested

Verdict

799 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Best floorstander £700-£1500. Awards 2011

●

89

8

350

●

1

95x26x29

1000 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Best floorstander £700-£1500, Awards 2012

●

90

8

200

●

1

100x31x28

87

8

200

●

2

27x17x18

●

89

8

175

●

2

14x9x9

87

4

100

●

4

36x17x23

★★★★★ DC4s are still appealing across the board

TannoyRev.Sig.DC4

600 07.12/GT

TannoyRev.Sig.DC6T

1000 11.08/GT

★★★★★ Expensive but fully justify the price tag – expertly balanced performance

TotemRainmaker

1095 06.10/FT

★★★★★ Hugely musical, and a pleasure to listen to

●

●

TriangleColor123

600 08.12/FT

★★★★★ A brilliant desktop speaker package

n/a

4

n/a

TriangleCometeAnniv.

950 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for injecting energy into your music

●

90

8

80

ViennaAc.HaydnGrand

1000 10.10/FT

★★★★★ Beautifully built, they pack a sweet sonic punch that’s focused and purposeful

●

89

4

180

5

36x17x27

★★★★★ Enjoyable enough, but lack any grasp of rhythm

●

A

A

260

1

33x22x24

1000 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Not the greatest touch with complex rhythms

●

88

6

120

3

38x22x35

AcousticEnergyAE1MkIIISE

2500 12.08/FT

★★★★★ If you want a tiny, top-class monitor, these AE1 Mk III SEs are a must-audition

●

87

8

200

2

31x19x25

AcousticEnergyReference1

1500 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Terrific all-rounders for the money

●

87

6

200

1

31x19x28

●

YamahaMSP 7

800 06.10/GT

YamahaSoavo2

●

●

3

14x14x14

1

42x20x34

Speakers

Speakers (continued)

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

149

£1500 and above

ADAMAud.ClassicCompact3

2800 06.10/GT

★★★★★ For those who like their music ear-poppingly loud

ADAMAudioTensorGamma

12500 05.09/FT

★★★★★ Quite possibly the best speakers we’ve seen in a decade

AudiovectorS1Avantgarde

2950 03.10/FT

★★★★★ At their best these are stunning, but not for all tastes

AurousalVS

1650 04.11/FT 1650 Aw.11/FT

AurousalVSx AnalysisAudioOmega ATCSCM100A

14500 08.11/FT 11615 04.11/FT

A

A

500

1

44x23x29

●

Act

Act

1000

2

108x32x34

87

8

180

★★★★★ When they’re good, these Aurosal’s are great

●

89

4

250

★★★★★ A speaker that’s great in parts

●

92

4

250

★★★★★ These planar floorstanders are a sonic treat

●

86

5

400

★★★★★ Massively talented and proportioned

●

n/a

n/a

350

●

●

●

5

37x19x28

3

108x22x27

3

108x22x27

1

168x61x6

4

107x40x56

ATCSCM40

2185 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Among the best at this price level, but is your system good enough?

●

85

8

300

1

97x23x32

BeauhornRhapsodyB2

2750 10.07/FT

★★★★★ Outlandish shape but treat them right and you’ll be deeply rewarded

●

98

8

70

98

120x34x75

B&OBeoLab9

5060 05.07/FT

★★★★★ Work not just as style in hi-fi terms too

●

91

8

100

4

78x40x30

B&OBeoLab5

11000 10.08/FT

★★★★★ Active speakers with outlandish looks that sound fabulous

●

Act

B&W800Diamond

18500 10.12/FT

★★★★★ An exceptional performer, and a fine showcase for B&W’s range of technology

●

90

8

1000

B&W805Diamond

3750 01.11/FT

88

8

120

★★★★★ Good, but easier to admire then really love

●

●

Act A2500

1

97x49x49

●

3

118x45x65

●

3

42x24x35

New arrivals: AV RECEIVERS Pioneer introduces its new top of the line AV receivers, including two 9.2-channel models, the SC-LX86

As with the VSX range of receivers, these new models offer a multitude of network connectivity

and SC-LX56, and the 7.2-channel SC-2022 that can become an entertainment hub for connectivity,

options including Apple’s AirPlay, DLNA 1.5, Internet radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. Each

content sources, control and ultra-high audio and video performance. Each receiver is designed to

receiver in the line-up is “Made for iPad, iPhone and iPod” and comes with a USB/video cable to

deliver clean and powerful audio output with high efficiency using Pioneer’s renowned and further

provide an out-of-the-box “plug-and-play” convenience without having to buy an optional dock,

refined Direct Energy HD amplifiers built on Class D technology.

as well as charge it while physically connected to the receiver.

sC-2022 7.2 CHANNEL RECEIVER £899

vsx range

sC-Lx56 9.2 CHANNEL RECEIVER £1299

sC-Lx86 9.2 CHANNEL RECEIVER £2199

The new VSX range offers complete and comprehensive connectivity with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Each delivers top quality audio and advanced technologies including a variety of powerful features.

Other brands available include: Please Note: some brands/produCts are not avaiLabLe at aLL stores.

vsx-527 £299 5.1 CHANNEL RECEIVER

vsx-922 £399 7.1 CHANNEL RECEIVER advert vaLid untiL 16/11/2012. e&oe.

www.ssav.com

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 149

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

From floorstanders to standmounters to all-in-one active monitors £1500 and above Product

£

B&WPM1

1995 03.12/GT

★★★★★ Best standmounter £1500+. Awards 2011

B&WXT4

1700 05.06/GT

★★★★★ Love high volumes; deliver sound with composure

DALIFazonF5

2700 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Stylish deliverers of audiophile sound

DALIHelicon300Mk2

2100 02.08/FT

★★★★★ Excellent midrange; wooly bass

DALIMentor6

2200 02.07/FT

★★★★★ Dynamic floorstanders that are really fast and agile

DynaudioConfidenceC1

5325 08.08/FT

★★★★★ Set up with care, the C1s are quite exceptional

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

Verdict

● ● ● ● ● ●

84

8

100

86

8

150

●

87

6

180

86

4

200

●

90

6

200

●

86

4

170

1

33x19x30

1

114x15x20

3

92x28x32

2

44X21X40

1

40x8x15

4

45x20x43

DynaudioExciteX32

1765 02.09/GT

★★★★★ These pack an eloquent, expansive sound

●

87

4

200

4

92x17x27

DynaudioExciteX36

2225 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Alas, these Excites just fail to excite us enough

●

89

4

250

4

104x21x31

6

31x17x32

200

6

35x20x29

DynaudioFocus110A

1700 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Fun, flexible and hugely capable active speakers

●

n/a

n/a

DynaudioFocus160

1800 03.12/GT

★★★★★ Just do the job and don’t intrude on the entertainment

●

86

4

DynaudioFocus220MkII

2630 10.09/FT

★★★★★ These Dynaudios are fine speakers; all they lack is a little star quality

DiapasonAstera

6050 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Spellbinding performance with the right kind of music

● ●

87

4

250

88

8

200

EclipseTD510ZMk2

3840 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Superb timing, detail and imaging

●

84

6

50

EposEncore50

4995 09.10/FT

★★★★★ These floorstanders lack all-round talent at this price level

●

89

4

500

ImageAudioIA8

2000 02.12/GT

★★★★★ Deeply impressive alternatives to convention

89

8

150

JamoR907

5500 04.09/FT

★★★★★ The innovative R907s are stunningly capable speakers

●

89

4

500

JamoR909

7500 07.06/FT

★★★★★ Losing the cabinet proves a triumph

●

89

4

800

JBLStudio580

1500 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Hugely capable floorstanders for the money

●

90

6

★★★★★ Big, bold and stunningly built, they major on bass

●

91

8

KEFReference207/2

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

Tested

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Speakers (continued)

Standmount Floorstander Sensitivity (db/w/m) Impedance(ohms) Max power handling (w) Biwirable Finishes

Speakers

152

12000 10.08/FT

●

●

4

98x21x30

1

38x26x44

3

98x38x39

1

123x27x39

1

59x48x10

●

1

119x44x19

3

127x48x54

200

●

2

107x25x35

400

●

4

123x40x69

KudosCardeaC30

5650 07.10/FT

★★★★★ Ideal if musical enjoyment is your top priority

●

90

8

200

●

7

112x20x27

LinnAkurate242

7300 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Very impressive speakers, and ideal in a Linn set-up

●

87

8

200

●

2

100x21x38

MartinLoganVantage

4250 11.08/FT

★★★★★ A great alternative to conventional speakers

●

92

4

250

●

4

145x27x41

Monopulse42A

2000 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Odd appearance apart, there’s an awful lot to like about these Monopulses

●

88

9

100

● 10 108x23x25

MonitorAudioGoldGX200

2300 03.12/FT

★★★★★ Pretty looks and excellent refinement

MonitorAudioPL100

2500 10.08/FT

★★★★★ For those who want sonic delivery and insight

Mon.AudioPlatinumPL300

6000 03.08/FT

★★★★★ Its been a long time coming, and it is well worth the wait ★★★★★ Not all-rounders, but exceptional in some areas

● ● ●

89

8

150

●

2

90x17x30

88

4

120

●

3

37x23x29

90

4

300

●

3

111x41x47

89

8

150

●

3

49x24x36

●

2

121x24x37

5

106x33x35

Mordaunt-ShortPerf.2

2495 10.10/FT

Mordaunt-ShortPerf.6

3500 05.05/FT

★★★★★ Among the most realistic-sounding speakers ever

●

89

6

150

NaimOvatorS 400

3250 01.12/FT

★★★★★ The most rounded Naim speaker we’ve heard

●

88

4

130

NeatUltimatumMFS

3390 03.09/FT

★★★★★ Not only is it immensely accomplished, it’s entertaining too

●

88

6

200

●

9

38x22x37

NeatUltimatumXLS

4500 09.12/FT

★★★★★ An entertainer of the highest order if partnered with care

●

88

6

200

●

9

38x22x37

●

86

4

250

3

37x23x34

89

4

100

3

95x27x32

OperaCallas

2375 01.09/FT

★★★★★ Arguably the best standmounter at this price level

OperaGrandeMezzo

1500 06.09/FT

★★★★★ These Operas are tall, elegant and talented with it

●

●

PMCDB1S AII

2060 06.10/GT

★★★★★ They may not look it, but these PMCs sound like every penny’s-worth

●

A

A

400

PMCFact3

4100 08.11/FT

★★★★★ Hugely capable but a touch overcontrolled

●

89

8

300

PMCFact8

4700 04.10/FT

★★★★★ These PMC floorstanders are quite simply magical - even at this price

●

89

8

PMCFB1i

2275 07.09/GT

★★★★★ These PMCs are great all-rounders. They have real long-term appeal

●

90

8

300

1

29x16x28

●

4

54x16x30

●

4

103x15x38

●

4 100x20x30

PMCGB1i

1525 02.09/GT

★★★★★ Superbly balanced speakers that get the basics right

●

87

8

150

●

4

87x16x23

PMCPB1i

5850 09.09/GT

★★★★★ Simply excellent speakers: big, bold and accomplished

●

87

6

n/a

●

1

108x20x40

PMCTwenty22

1825 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Best standmounter £1500+, Awards 2012

90

8

150

●

4

41x18x37

PMCTwenty23

2100 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Best floorstander £1500+, Awards 2012

87

8

200

●

4

92x15x33

PMCWafer2

2295 02.12/GT

★★★★★ A real achievement for those after proper hi-fi

90

8

n/a

2

57x35x10

ProAcResponseD18

2100 01.10/FT

★★★★★ Best floorstander £1500+. Awards 2011

●

88

8

180

●

6

93x19x27

ProAcResponseD28

3250 07.07/FT

★★★★★ Another excellent pair of floorstanders from ProAc

●

89

8

200

●

6

108x20x29

ProAcStudio140Mk2

1650 12.10/FT

★★★★★ An entertaning and dynamic performer

●

91

8

250

●

4

104x19x28

PiegaTC70X

9500 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Given a talented source they are bound to please

●

92

4

250

●

1

102x26x29

QuadESL2805

5000 09.08/FT

★★★★★ Exceptional electrostatic speakers

●

86

8

100

1

104x70x39

QuadESL2905

6000 01.07/FT

★★★★★ A truly world-class speaker

●

86

8

100

●

1

143x70x39

●

87

4

135

●

2

100x20x25

● ●

RoksanCaspianFR 5

2475 07.09/GT

★★★★★ A bit more even-handed and that fifth star would have been there

SonusF.CremonaAuditorM

2690 06.08/FT

★★★★★ One of the best standmounts money can buy

●

88

4

150

2

35x20x37

SonusF.LiutoMonitorWood

1649 01.10/FT

★★★★★ These are classy and natural standmounters

●

86

8

150

2

35x19x34

92

6

250

SPAcousticsSP1Signature

14950 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Able to challenge the very best at this exalted level

●

Any 106x35x46

SpendorA5

1695 03.11/GT

★★★★★ The most accomplished speakers for this money

●

85

8

150

4

79x17x25

SpendorA6

2295 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Brilliant speakers for the money – a class-leading combination of insight and naturalness

●

86

8

200

4

88x19x28

SpendorA9

4395 06.10/FT

★★★★★ Best stereo speakers £3000+, Awards 2010. Stunningly capable

●

90

8

250

4

103x21x35

SpendorSP100R2

6495 10.11/FT

★★★★★ Can still compete with the best at this price level

●

89

8

200

●

2

70x37x43

SpendorSP2/3R2

2495 05.09/FT

★★★★★ They’re wonderfully natural with a seamless presentation

●

88

8

150

●

1

55x28x33

TannoyDefinitionDC8

2500 03.12/GT

★★★★★ Capable of seriously controlled sound

●

88

8

350

●

3

47x27x26

TotemMani-2Signature

4600 12.10/FT

★★★★★ When it comes to outright enjoyment we can’t think of any rival speakers we prefer for this money

●

85

4

200

●

4

42x21x31

TriangleMagellanCelloSW2

6699 05.10/FT

★★★★★ A speaker dedicated to actually enjoying music

●

91

8

350

●

2

114x42x37

TriangleQuartet

2400 05.11/FT

★★★★★ Hugely entertaining premium floorstanders

●

92

8

120

●

2

123x37x39

152 www.whathifi.com

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Standmount Floorstander Sensitivity (db/w/m) Impedance(ohms) Max power handling (w) Biwirable Finishes

From floorstanders to standmounters to all-in-one active monitors £1500 and above Product

£

VividAudioV1.5

5250 11.09/FT

★★★★★ They might look odd, but these are a must hear

Verdict

●

89

4

150

●

5

113x26x24

WharfedaleJade-5

1650 01.12/ST

★★★★★ Floorstanders that pack immense power and poise

●

87

6

200

●

3

106x25x40

WilsonAudioDuette

11000 10.08/FT

★★★★★ One of the best pairs of speakers we’ve ever heard

WilsonBeneschA.C.T

8800 08.07/FT

★★★★★ Good looking, solid and superb sounding floorstanders

WilsonBeneschSquareTwo

2199 02.07/FT

★★★★★ Best stereo speakers £2000+ in Awards 2007

WilsonBeneschTrinity

4700 03.08/FT

★★★★★ An awful lot of technology and ability for the money

BEST FLOORSTANDER £350 £700

BEST FLOORSTANDER £700 £1500

Q Acoustics 2050i £380

“If you have a large room and need an affordable floorstander to fill it with sound, we haven’t come across anything better than the 2050i to do the job. This is one to buy with confidence.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Tannoy Revolution DC6T SE £1000

“The DC6T SE is the finest floorstander anywhere near this price, with immaculate integration, expressive dynamics and a surefooted sense of rhythmic drive that few rivals can get close to.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

●

●

90

4

400

●

88

6

200

●

86

6

200

89

6

200

£

Tested

Verdict

108x23x37

3

98x20x26

●

4

108x24x30

PMC Twenty-23 £2100

“A firm sense of control, convincing tonality, high level of detail resolution, easy positioning and an unfussy attitude to partnering equipment: the Twenty-23s really are a fabulous buy.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Player type

Up to £1000 Product

47x23x35

1

BEST FLOORSTANDER £1500+

MP3 docks

Connect your MP3 player to your hi-fi

Any ●

3.5mm input Charging Phono out S Video out HDMI out Remote control Finishes

Tested

ArcamirDock

150 02.10/FT

★★★★★ After an analogue iPod dock? This is your best bet

iPod

● ● ●

CambridgeAudioiD100

150 10.11/FT

★★★★★ Ideal for decent digital iPad docking

iPod

●

LencoSpeakerball

100 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Quirky design but there’s better for the cash

iPod

● ●

NADViso1

500 04.12/ST

★★★★★ A bold newcomer to the dock class

iPod

●

●

4

●

1

●

1

1

75 02.11/FT

★★★★★ A good iPod dock with DAC for those on a budget

iPod

● ● ●

SonosWirelessdock

99 01.11/FT

★★★★★ A neat way to add your iPod to Sonos

iPod

●

SonyRDP XA900iP

500 08.12/FT

★★★★★ It’s versatile, well built and serves a decent, musical sound

iPod

● ●

●

Wadia171iTransport

599 02.12/FT

★★★★★ The best sounding iDevice dock around

iPod

●

●

50 02.11/FT

★★★★★ A likeable dock with good sound quality

iPod

● ●

THE ULTIMATE GIFT OF MUSIC

1 2

PureDigitali20

iLuvMM190

Speakers | MP3 docks

Speakers (continued)

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

153

1

1 1

All for just

£259

+ 6 MONTHS FREE

ONE GIFT. MILLIONS OF REASONS TO LOVE IT.

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

The ultimate Sonos starter pack. Now coming with six months free access to an unlimited amount of music. Making it the ultimate music gi - to give and to get. Promotion ends December 31, 2012 or while stocks last. Terms & conditions: www.sonos.com/promo

Other brands available include:

audiolab

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

www.SSAV.com

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 153

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

£

Tested

Verdict

Alt.Lans.inMotionCompact

60 05.10/FT

★★★★★ It’s a nice design, but the sound’s just too lightweight

iPod

● ● No

●

iLuviMM178DABVibePlus

70 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Perfectly decent but there’s better for not much more money

iPod

● Yes

● ●

iLuviMM289

40 01.11/FT

★★★★★ A smart little dock at a decent price

iPod

● ● No

1

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Up to £100 Product

3.5mm input Charging Radio Phono out S Video out HDMI out Subwoofer out Headphone out Remote control Detachablespkrs Battery Finishes Power (w)

Dock systems

Add sound to your iPod, MP3, PC or games console

Player type

Dock systems

154

n/a

12x24x46

1 2x4

9x29x12

1

3

n/a

£100-£500 AudysseyLES AudioDockAir

300 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Cheap but dogged by dreary looks and sound

iPod

●

AudysseySouthofMarket

350 04.11/FT

★★★★★ A worthy addition to the high end dock market

iPod

● ● n/a

AltecLans.ExpressionistUltra

180 01.10/FT

★★★★★ Altec’s done a lot right here, but that treble’s really rather wrong

Any

●

AltecLansinginAir5000

400 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Too good to be true - gets hopes up but can’t deliver

iPod

● ● No

● ●

ArcamrCube

350 04.12/ST

★★★★★ Best iPod dock £150-£400. Awards 2011

iPod

● ● No

● ●

BoseSoundDockII

250 09.10/GT

★★★★★ A talented iPod Dock which has no problems filling an average-sized room

iPod

● ● No

260 12.11/FT

★★★★★ A flexible, and user friendly wireless speaker

Any

●

Braven625s

150 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Practical outdoors-friendly Bluetooth speakers

Any

● ● No

B&WMM 1

399 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Still good, but there’s better available

B&WZeppelin

400 11.10/GT

★★★★★ Great sound in a desirable curvy cabinet

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

PC/Mac iPod

●

● ●

No

BoseSoundlinkW’lessMobile

● ●

●

●

No

● ● No ●

B&WZeppelinMini

300 09.10/GT

★★★★★ Best iPod Dock £150–£300, Awards 2010. Class-leading sonic ability

iPod

● ● No

200 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Not a disaster, but there’s better

iPod

● ● No

●

CreativeZiiSoundD5

260 05.12/FT

★★★★★ A good dock system ith enjoyable musicality

iPod

● ● No

●

1

n/a

21x12x23

1

n/a

23x13x23

1 200 22x14x16 1

No

CambridgeAudioSLA 25

110

19x48x17

●

2 90

20x20x20

3 n/a

17x30x17

●

4 90

13x24x5

●

2

6.5x5x16

12

● ● ●

1 4x18

17x10x10

● ●

1 150

17x64x21

● ●

1

36

20x32x10

1

15

22x15x18

1

n/a 10x42.5x10

EpozAktimateMicro

260 03.12/GT

★★★★★ Best desktop speaker, Awards 2012

i

● ● No

●

3 40

24x15x20

EpozAktiMateMini

350 07.12/GT

★★★★★ Not the smallest desktop speakers, but they’ll make your iPod sing

iPod

● ● No

● ●

3 40

30x19x21

EtonSoulra

149 01.11/GT

★★★★★ A specialist dock for the great outdoors

iPod

● ● No

●

●

1

FatmaniTubeValveDockMkII

400 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Packed with all-round valve-y warmth and intimacy

iPod

● ● No

●

1

25

Gear4AirZoneSeries1

200 04.12/ST

★★★★★ AirPlay and iPad support, with good sound too

iPod

● ● FM

●

1

n/a

GenevaLabS’ndModelSDAB

379 11.11/FT

★★★★★ A must for smaller sized rooms

iPod

● ● Yes

●

3

30

15x24x18

GenevaSoundModelS

300 09.10/GT

★★★★★ Discreet looks combine with authentically competitive performance

iPod

● ● FM

●

3

30

14x24x19

●

1

n/a

19x18x17

iLuviMM727

100 04.11/ST

★★★★★ Lots of features, but no sonic thrills

iPod

● ● No

iLuviMM747

100 01.11/GT

★★★★★ A dock designed specifically for the iPad

iPod

● ● No

●

18x33x19

1

IntempoPerform

130 08.10/FT

★★★★★ An able performer for the money

iPod

● ● FM

● ●

1

30

17x37x16

iRhythmsA303

100 03.07/FT

★★★★★ Not the worst for £100, but you can buy better too

iPod

● ● No

●

2

10

17x30x17

●

JawboneBigJambox

260 09.12/FT

★★★★★ A cool product, but there are rivals with more detailed sound

iPod

JBLControl2.4G

169 Aw.09/FT

★★★★★ These wireless active speakers deliver good sound

Any

JBLOnStage400iD

200 02.10/GT

★★★★★ An intriguing design, but mundane performance

iPod

● ● No

JBLOnBeat

150 09.11/FT

★★★★★ Has its pluses but it’s not a serious hi-fi dock

iPod

● ● No

KlipschiGrooveHGWWI

110 04.12/ST

★★★★★ A great dock with only a slight lack of refinement

iPod

● ● No

KlipschiGrooveSXT

129 05.10/FT

★★★★★ With refined sound and style, this Klipsch dock excels

iPod

● ● No

KitSoundBoomDock

100 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Big, bold and brutally exciting

iPod

Lars&IvanBK 21

130 04.08/FT

★★★★★ Amazing sound and build for the money

LogitechS715i

80 04.12/ST

★★★★★ Best speaker dock up to £200, Awards 2012

iPod

● ● No

300 06.12/FT

★★★★★ Best speaker dock £200-£350

iPod

● ● No

MagicboxXP 1Nocturne

100 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Has some decent features, but sound can be beaten

iPod

● ● Yes

● ●

1

20

17x30x15

MonitorAudioi-deck100

300 10.11/FT

★★★★★ A dock that’s full of style and substance

iPod

● ● No

●

1

90

25x32x21

●

1 140

25x55x21

● ●

1 180

10x61x11

1

30

15x14x13 17x46x15

LogitechUEAirSpeaker

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

No

Various

No No

MonitorAudioi-deck200

250 04.12/ST

★★★★★ No frills but very high quality sound

iPod

● ● No

299 12.11/FT

★★★★★ An effective panacea for your TV’s sound

iPod

● ● No

ParrotDS1120

140 06.09/FT

★★★★★ Fair Bluetooth speakers but we’d expect better at the price

●

9x8x26

1

40

23x14x16

●

3

30

10x36x18

●

2

15

15x28x14

●

1

n/a

14x40x16

●

1

●

1

60

15x42x28

1

40

6x30x17

n/a

17x53x15

No

OrbitsoundT12v3

Various

●

● FM ● ●

3 40 ● ●

● ●

●

1 1

●

No

●

12x30x12

6x39x13

PhilipsDS8800W

349 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Not quite audiophile quality but good anyway

iPod

● ● No

●

1

30

PhilipsFidelioPrimoDS9

300 09.11/FT

★★★★★ A well-built and easy to use dock

iPod

● ● No

●

3

50

18x51x21

PhilipsFidelioPrimoDS9010

400 08.11/GT

★★★★★ A solid proposition thanks to its price

iPod

● ● Yes

●

1 100

21x56x23

PureDigitalAvantiFlow

250 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Radio Product of the Year, Awards, 2010. Astonishing capable all-rounder

iPod

● ● Yes ●

● ●

1

75

13x39x23

PureDig.ChronosiDockS.II

100 01.10/FT

★★★★★ Does everything you should expect of it – and does it well

iPod

● ● Yes

● ●

2 2x5

13x20x19

PureDigitalContour

200 04.11/FT

★★★★★ A fine idea with solid sound and features

iPod

● ● Yes

● ●

1

40

23x37x18

PureDigitalContour100Di

100 04.12/ST

★★★★★ Versatile, great looking and great sounding

iPod

● ● Yes

● ●

1

20

18x31x15

PureDigitalContour200iAir

200 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Pure’s first radio-less speaker dock fares well, but it can be bettered

iOS/Android ● ● No

●

1

36

23x37x18 15x42x21

●

●

PioneerNAS5

350 11.10/GT

★★★★★ Intriguing on paper but needs more zest

iPod

● ● FM

●

4

70

RevoK2

300 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Lot’s to like - but it’s not perfect

iPod

● ● Yes ●

● ●

1

40

33x11x11

RobertsSound53

250 01.09/GT

★★★★★ A decent option if you want a smart, all-in-one system

iPod

● ● Yes ●

● ●

1

n/a

12x36x26

RothMusicCocoonMC4

399 01.08/FT

★★★★★ It’s quirky but sounds splendid

RuarkAudioR2i

280 09.09/FT

★★★★★ Best desktop DAB £200+, Awards 2010. Fine DAB radio and iPod system

Various

● ● No

iPod

● ● Yes

● ● ●

2

20

11x19x17

3

20

12x34x18.5

SamsonStudioDock3i

110 04.09/GT

★★★★★ An iPod dock that’s unarguable value for money

Any

● ● No ●

●

●

1

15

17x13x17

SamsonStudiodock4i

180 04.09/GT

★★★★★ If you’ve a big desk this docking system could well do the job

Any

● ● No ●

●

●

1

20

23x17x23

SonyRDP X80iP

230 10.10/FT

★★★★★ A excellent sounding dock that merits inspection

iPod

● ● No

●

1

40

12x36x16

SonyRDR X50iP

150 01.11/GT

★★★★★ Does much right, but needs better sound

iPod

● ● No

●

154 www.whathifi.com

●

1

HIFI

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

£100-£500 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Player type

Add sound to your iPod, MP3, PC or games console TEACNS X1

230 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Versatile but let down by price

iPod

● ● Yes

●

1

20

22x35x6

TEACSR 80iDAB

150 10.11/FT

★★★★★ Great looks but just falls short on sound

iPod

● Yes

●

3

30

18x39x21

●

4

15

11x35x13

4 30

13x35x13

YamahaPDX 30

130 11.09/FT

★★★★★ If you like big, bold looks and big, bold sound, this Yamaha’s a perfect fit

iPod

● No

YamahaPDX 50

200 02.10/GT

★★★★★ Still good, but close rivals have made it lose a star

iPod

● No

Dock systems

Dock systems (continued)

3.5mm input Charging Radio Phono out S Video out HDMI out Subwoofer out Headphone out Remote control Detachablespkrs Battery Finishes Power (w)

155

£500 and above B&OBeolit12

600 07.12/FT

★★★★★ A great design with amazing build quality

B&OBeoSound8

895 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Relishes big volumes, the performance justifies the cost

Various iPod

● ● No

●

● No

●

4 120

19x23x13

6 n/a

24x66x16

BoseSoundDock10

699 08.11/GT

★★★★★ A price cut sees this nifty Bose move up a star

iPod

● ● No

●

1

22x43x24

B&WZeppelinAir

500 12.11/ST

★★★★★ A massive step up from the original

iPod

● ● No

●

1 150

17x64x21

EpozAktimateMaxi

600 06.10/GT

★★★★★ True hi-fi sound in the form of a speaker dock

iPod

● ● Yes ●

● ●

3 60W

GenevaLabModelL

1000 08.09/FT

GenevaLabModelM

550 04.12/ST

GenevaLabModelXL

★★★★★ More musical than your usual dock’n’speakers combo

Various

● ● FM

●

1 100

29x45x37

★★★★★ Still capable but rivals have caught it up

iPod

● ● FM

●

3

20x37x25

1500 10.09/FT

★★★★★ If you’ve lots of money and space, this is a must try

iPod

● ● FM

●

3 600

79x55x37

JBLOnBeatXtreme

500 04.12/ST

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Speaker Docks. Awards 2012

iPod

● ● No

●

1 120

23x44x24

KrellKID

1350 09.08/FT

★★★★★ Krell’s KID delivers stirring dynamics and staggering stereo imaging

iPod

● ● No ● ●

●

1

7x33x28

PhilipsFidelitySSDS9800

700 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Unified and nicely balanced

iPod

● ● No

● ●

1 100

n/a

Pro-JectDBS1

500 06.11/FT

★★★★★ There’s much to like sonically here

iPod

● No

● ●

2 n/a

4x10x11

SamsungDA E750

600 10.12/FT

★★★★★ A unique-looking, fine-sounding, feature-packed speaker dock

2 100

15x45x24

SoundcastOutcast/iCast

500 10.07/FT

★★★★★ Wireless speaker system/dock for your garden

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

JBL OnBeat Xtreme £400

“A great-looking, well-thought-out and versatile unit that would serve more than adequately as a replacement for any ageing micro system. Indeed, we use one as our office system at What Hi-Fi? towers.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

BEST SPEAKER DOCK UP TO £200

Logitech S715i £80

“If your budget for an iPod dock is anywhere near the £100 mark, this really should be your choice. This could well be the last year it’s available: snap one up while you have the chance.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

●

Various

● ● No

●

iPod

● ● No

●

●

50

n/a

1 100 100x28x26

BEST SPEAKER DOCK £200 £350

Logitech UE Air Speaker £300

“Logitech has taken a gamble moving up to a more expensive price level, but it’s absolutely paid off. The UE is a superb AirPlay speaker dock and a great option for wireless music.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 155

ALLINONESYSTEMS

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Micro & style systems

Plays

One-box music solutions Up to £500 Product

£

Tested

Records

Tuner

Inputs

Outputs

CD DVD A SACD MP3 CD R CD RW Hard disk DAB FM Internet radio RDS USB Rated Power (w) Coaxial In Optical In Analogue In Coaxial out Optical out Analogue out Subwoofer Headphones Dimensions (main unit, hwd, cm)

Micro & style systems

156

Verdict

DenonD M38DAB

300 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Best microsystem up to £400. Awards 2011

●

● ● ●

● ●

● ●

2x30

0

0

2

0

0

1

●

1

21x12x31

DenonD M39DAB

359 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Systems. Awards 2012

●

●

● ●

● ●

2x30

0

1

1

0

0

1

●

-1

23x15x23

MarantzM CR502

400 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Exceptional precision and timing, and better value

●

● ●

● ●

●

50

0

0

2

0

0

1

●

1

11x28x30

OnkyoCS 545UK

350 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Honest, capable system that includes an iPod dock

●

●

● ●

● ●

40

0

0

1

0

0

0

●

1

10x22x34

PanasonicSC HC55DB

240 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Great specs and a great sound too

●

●

● ●

● ●

2x40

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

19x48x8

PioneerX HM70

350 03.12/GT

★★★★★ Not flawless, but gets much right

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

2x50

0

0

1

0

0

0

●

1

11x22x35

PioneerX SMC5 K

300 02.12/FT

★★★★★ An excellent jack of all trades

● ●

●

●

●

40

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

22x52x16

RobertsSound200

300 11.12/GT

★★★★★ A unit with many skills, but not the best sound

●

●

● ●

● ●

n/a

0

0

0

0

0

0

-1 12.2x36x25.9

★★★★★ Decent option - DAB radio alarm clock and iPod dock

●

●

● ●

●

2x7

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

11x33x22

SonyCMT G1BiP

400 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Capable and fun to listen to

●

●

● ●

● ●

2x40

0

0

2

0

0

0

1

13x22x34

SonyCMT MX750

340 03.12/GT

★★★★★ Great on paper, but it flatters to deceive

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

2x40

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

12x32x22

SonyNAS E300HD

230 08.10/GT

★★★★★ Stunner on paper but a let-down in real-life

●

●

● ● ●

2x30

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

14x29x32

RobertsSound43

185 08.10/GT

● ●

TEACCR H258i

230 08.10/GT

★★★★★ Big in heart and low in price

●

●

● ●

● ●

2x25

0

0

2

0

0

1

TeufelImpaq40

299 08.10/GT

★★★★★ No frills but near-faultless sound for the money

●

●

●

● ●

2x25

0

0

1

0

0

1

YamahaMCR 140

275 09.10/FT

★★★★★ Large portfolio of functions and it sounds good

●

●

● ●

● ●

2X15

0

0

0

0

0

0

YamahaMCR 550

280 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Ditch the speakers, the CD/receiver is top-notch

●

●

● ●

● ●

2x32

0

0

2

0

0

YamahaMCR 555

380 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Vastly improved over the original

●

●

● ●

● ●

2x32

0

0

1

0

0

1500 05.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine sounding all in one system

●

●

●

●

2x50

0

1

2

0

0

★★★★★ Best CD system £400–£800, Awards 2010

●

●

● ●

● ●

25

0

0

3

0

0

2x50

0

0

3

0

1

1

1

11x22x36

●

1

13x28x35

1

12x18x31

0

●

1

12x21x31

0

●

1

15x27x29

1

1

9x28x28

1

1

9x23x35

1

8x43x45

£500 and above AuraNotePremier ArcamSoloMini

765 12.10/GT

ArcamSoloNeo

1350 09.10/FT

★★★★★ Extra functionality over the original Solo - great buy

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

Camb.A.SonataDR30/CD30

550 10.09/FT

★★★★★ Decent, but the performance doesn’t hit the heights

●

●

● ●

ConsonanceF. City-Ping

1495 08.08/FT

★★★★★ Delightful CD receiver in one box

●

500 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Smooth and detailed, with great features

●

★★★★★ Not without its flaws, but a system worth a look

●

DenonCEOL(RCD N7) LyngdorfDigital2.2System

12350 05.10/FT

LinnClassikMusic

999 04.01/FT

★★★★★ Classik by name and Classik by nature: it’s a star

●

MarantzM CR603

500 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Best microsystem £400+ Awards 2011

●

●

● ● ● ●

● ● ●

● ● ● ● ● ●

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

●

2x65

0

1

2

0

0

1

●

1

11x28x30

2x375

3

1

3

1

1

1

●

0

10x45x36

150

1

1

1

0

1

0

60

0

1

3

0

0

0

●

1

27x29x7

0

11x45x33

1

8x38x37

1

11x28x30

1495 07.07/FT

★★★★★ A sublime combination of style and substance

● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

●

80

1

1

1

0

0

1

1

19x42x23

1250 12.08/FT

★★★★★ The Mi is packed with features and sounds great

●

●

● ●

● ●

200

0

2

3

0

1

1

1

35x9x33

NaimUniti

2670 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Best Network Music Player £1500+, Awards 2010

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

50

2

3

3

0

0

1

1

9x43x31

NaimUnitiQute

1600 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Systems Product of the Year, Awards 2010

●

● ● ● ● ●

30

2

2

1

1

0

1

1

9x21x32

PioneerPDX Z9

800 10.08/FT

★★★★★ This one-box hi-fi system neatly fills a gap

●

● ●

● ● ●

50

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

9x39x35

RuarkAudioR4i

599 07.11/FT

★★★★★ Best all-in-one music system. Awards 2012

●

●

● ●

● ●

80

0

0

2

0

0

1

1

15x45x26

SonyCMT G2BNiP

500 04.12/FT

★★★★★ A solid performer in every respect

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

40

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

14x22x34

TEACCR H500DNT

500 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Very capable and it has wi-fi functionality too

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

40

0

0

2

0

0

1

●

1

11x29x34

TEACCR H700DAB

550 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Great - but not a total all-rounder

●

●

● ● ● ● ●

2x40

0

0

1

0

0

1

●

1

11x29x34

TEACReference600

1000 11.09/FT

★★★★★ Fills the gap between systems and hi-fi separates

●

● ●

● ● ● ●

150

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

20x29x34

BEST MICRO & STYLE SYSTEM £400+

“This system sounds better than ever. It’s controlled, yet powerful, with dynamic recordings. The more detailed tracks are delivered with subtlety. Vocals are clear and bass lines are fast and agile.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Marantz M CR603 £500

“This is one slick, fully loaded little system, and it has the performance, not to mention the build quality and finish, to back up all that cleverness. The M CR603 has the power to rock out too. Tempting.” 1/12/11 ★★★★★

“There’s impressive width and space to the soundstage, and a degree of stereo separation that defies the closeness of the two drivers. The woofer is impressive, proving well-integrated and punchy.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

0845 094 8778 We’ve been selling the best Hifi and AV brands for over twenty years. We’re independent and passionate about our customers. The award winning Denon DM39 is in stock, ready for demonstration in our stores or to securely purchase through our on-line shop. If you’re not sure about what to buy, which speakers are best, and need some proper advice, give us a call. We’re here to help.

w musicmatters.co.uk 156 www.whathifi.com

t @musicmattersltd

●

BEST ALL IN ONE MUSIC SYSTEM

Ruark R4i £599

For advice call us on

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

40 100

MeridianF80

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR SYSTEMS

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

●

MyryadMi

Denon D M39DAB £359

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

●

●

Call For Best Price

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ALLINONESYSTEMS

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Up to £500

Speakers (hwd, cm)

Subwoofer (hwd, cm)

Dimensions

Head unit (hwd, cm)

Instant surround sound solutions for maximum convenience and style

Inputs and Outputs Radio tuner Dolby Digital EX DTS ES DolbyDigitalplus DTS HD Dolby TrueHD DTSMasterAwudio HDMI out HDMI in Component out RGB scart out Coaxial In Optical In

Plays Rated power (w)

Home cinema in a box

DVD Blu-ray

Home cinema in a box

158

JVCTH BA1

300 05.10/GT

★★★★★ Not much to look at, but sounds decent

0

0

0

0

0

2

n/a

13x90x9

35x22x25

LGHB354BS

480 08.09/GT

★★★★★ Stylish and accomplished for the money

● ●

310

● ● ● ● ● ●

1

2

1

0

1

1

8x43x38

23x12x11

41x22x31

LGHX906PA

425 07.11/GT

★★★★★ Talented enough to warrant an audition

● ●

1100

● ● ● ●

1

2

1

0

0

1

6x43x28

115x28x23

39x19x36

PanasonicSC BTT270

400 06.11/FT

★★★★★ Excellent pictures - but the sound is lacking

● ●

5x160

● ● ● ●

1

0

0

0

0

1

4x43x28

12x8x7

29x15x26

PanasonicSC BTT370

430 07.11/GT

★★★★★ Best home cinema system 2011 - up to £500

● ●

1000

● ● ● ●

1

2

1

0

0

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

PanasonicSC HTB520

300 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Lacks the features and sound of its peers

1

1

0

0

0

1

8x102x4

n/a

41x18x31

PhilipsHTS5563

400 08.12/GT

★★★★★ A super budget solution

QAcousticsQ TV2

330 11.09/FT

★★★★★ A great way of boosting poor sound on your TV

SamsungHT D5100

360 07.11/FT

★★★★★ There’s a lot to be said for this system

● ●

1000

SamsungHT E5530

450 08.12/GT

★★★★★ Plenty of bang for your bucks

● ●

5x185

Product

£

Tested

Verdict

220

240 ● ●

5x166

1

2

0

0

0

1

44x45x30

19x9x8

30x18x34

0

0

0

0

0

1

n/a

32x4x11

39x67x4

● ● ● ●

1

1

1

0

0

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

6x43x26

120x9x7

35x17x29

310

1

2

0

0

0

2

8x106x5

n/a

36x18x30

2x80

1

2

0

0

0

1

n/a

5.5x109x5.5

38x29x29

SamsungHW D570

330 10.11/GT

★★★★★ An affordable soundbar

SamsungHW E551

400 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Decent sound in a versatile package

SharpHT SL50H

180 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Not the greatest choice out there

SonyBDV E380

400 07.11/GT

★★★★★ A fine system for the money

● ●

1000

SonyBDV E870

410 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Top-drawer pictures, but not the best sound

● ●

1000

SonyBDV E880

450 12.11/GT

★★★★★ A fair effort, but no class leader

● ● ● ●

SonyBDV N590

400 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Best cinema system, Awards 2012

YamahaYHT S400

400 05.10/GT

★★★★★ A hybrid soundbar that delivers time and again

● ● ● ●

100

100

1

1

0

0

0

0

3x80x5

n/a

42x12x31

● ● ● ●

1

2

1

0

1

1

33x38x19

25x10x10

8x43x32

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

1

0

1

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

1000

● ● ● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

1

1

8x43x32

120x28x25

33x38x19

1000

● ● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

7x46x23

26x10x9

33x19x38

1

3

0

0

0

1

n/a

5x80x7

15x44x36

●

250

£500-£1000 Harman-KardonBDS 570

750 04.12/FT

★★★★★ Compact and ultimately convenient

Harman-KardonSB30

800 07.12/FT

★★★★★ A good alternative, to a full-on HC system

● ●

5x65

● ● ● ●

100

1

3

0

0

1

2

10x40x26

n/a

n/a

0

0

0

0

1

1

n/a

10x116x8

35x27x27

LGBH8220B

600 08.12/GT

★★★★★ A bit pricey, but a good performer

● ●

5x180

● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

LGBH9520TW

600 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Packed with features but a little pricey

● ●

5x180

● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

7x44x30

133x28x28

25x34x35

LGHLX56S

800 10.11/GT

★★★★★ It does everything well

● ●

430

● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

LGHX906TX

800 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ A nice idea let down by flawed sonics

● ●

1125

● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

6x43x28

133x28x28

39x20x36

LGHX976TZW

700 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Best HC system up to £500. Awards 2011

● ●

5x180

● ● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

158 www.whathifi.com

211x495x73 1250x256x256 40x21x37

HOMEDIGITALMEDIASERVICES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com Plays

£500-£1000

Rated power (w)

● ●

n/a

Subwoofer (hwd, cm)

Verdict

Speakers (hwd, cm)

Tested

Head unit (hwd, cm)

Instant surround sound solutions for maximum convenience and style

Dimensions

Radio tuner Dolby Digital EX DTS ES DolbyDigitalplus DTS HD Dolby TrueHD DTSMasterAwudio HDMI out HDMI in Component out RGB scart out Coaxial In Optical In

Inputs and Outputs

1

2

0

0

0

1

28x44x7

121x28x20

44x24x39

1

2

0

0

0

3

15x108x14

n/a

n/a

1

3

1

0

1

2

15x44x33

18x10x12

43x23x41

0

1

19x104x9

n/a

32x25x36

0

2

5x43x29

102x26x8

32x18x35

1

4x43x28

40x13x12

41x18x30

Product

£

LGHX995TZ

800 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Very good, but there’s better available

MarantzES7001

800 06.08/FT

★★★★★ An appealing alternative to 5.1 systems

OnkyoHT BD3315

500 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ This Onkyo system needs better speakers

● ●

5x85

PanasonicSC BFT800

600 10.11/GT

★★★★★ A neat and well-priced all in one option

● ●

300

● ● ● ●

1

0

0

0

PanasonicSC BT735

600 08.10/GT

★★★★★ Good Blu-ray system but lacks polish

● ●

n/a

● ● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

0

PanasonicSC BTT590

500 08.12/GT

★★★★★ An excellent all-in-one Blu-ray system

● ●

5x185

● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

● ● ● ●

60 ● ● ● ●

PanasonicSC BTT755

500 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Best Blu-ray system £500+, Awards 2010

● ●

590

● ● ● ●

1

0

0

0

0

1

6x43x29

102x26x26

32x18x35

PanasonicSC BTT775

580 12.11/GT

★★★★★ A great alternative to LG’s HX976TZW

● ●

1000

● ● ● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

4x43x28

102x26x26

41x18x30 40x20x41

SamsungHT BD1255

600 01.10/GT

★★★★★ One for the style-conscious home cinema fan

● ●

5x166

● ● ● ●

1

0

1

0

0

2

7x44x35

120x26x26

SamsungHT C6930W

500 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Still worthy - just not great

● ●

1330

● ● ● ● ●

1

2

1

0

0

1

6x43x33

130x9x12

7x36x7

SamsungHT E8200

500 11.12/FT

★★★★★ If it’s convenience you crave, this is pretty alluring

● ●

400

● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

n/a

104x13x9

29x29x37

YamahaYHT S401

500 06.12/FT

★★★★★ Well built, but features thin sound

YamahaYSP 2200

800 10.11/GT

★★★★★ Best soundbar, Awards 2012

1450 02.08/FT

250

●

16x2/100

● ● ● ● ● ●

1

3

0

0

0

1

n/a

10x80x8

14x44x36

1

3

0

0

1

2

9x94x14

n/a

14x43x35

£1000 and above ●

50

●

1

2

1

1

2

2

8x43x35

16x12x23

43x30x30

2000 12.07/FT

★★★★★ Best home cinema £1000+ Awards 2007

●

250

● ●

2

2

1

1

1

2

8x43x35

16x12x23

43x30x30

B&WPanorama

1500 06.09/FT

★★★★★ Good with low frequencies but not much else

0

0

0

0

2

1

n/a

13x110x18

n/a

Harman-KardonBDS 800

1300 05.11/FT

★★★★★ A simple, compact and effective system

1

0

0

0

2

1

11x27x9

30x11x9

35x27x27

MeridianG95

3995 12.07/GT

★★★★★ Top performer with sound and vision

●

500

● ●

2

0

1

0

2

2

9x44x35

n/a

n/a

NADViso5

1150 07.08/FT

★★★★★ Worthy alternative to the Arcam Solo Movie

●

5x45

●

1

0

1

1

1

1

14x44x37

n/a

n/a

● ●

1400

44x22x44

175 ● ●

5x100

● ● ● ●

1800 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Sexy, but with a very steep price-tag

● ● ● ●

1

2

0

0

0

1

16x49x3

130x9x9

1100 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Good attempt to get surround from one box

n/a

● ● ● ● ● ●

1

3

0

0

1

2

103x21x9

n/a

n/a

YamahaYSP 5100

1300 10.10/FT

★★★★★ The best virtual surround solution we’ve heard

n/a

● ● ● ● ● ●

1

3

0

0

1

2

21x120x9

n/a

n/a

Capacity (GB)

Network storage

Access all your media from a networked hard drive Up to £5000 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

●

Wi-fi PC compatible Mac compatible Ethernet USB

SamsungHT C9950W YamahaYSP 4100

Weight (Kg)

★★★★★ Superb stereo music and cinema system

ArcamSoloMovie5.1

ArcamSoloMovie2.1

BuffaloLinkstationDuo1TB

190 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Perfectly useable, but others have more features

1TB

● ● ● ●

13x9x20

2.3

BuffaloLinkstationMini500GB

170 05.10/FT

★★★★★ A great option for most, but not all, NAS buyers

500

● ● ● ●

8x4x13

0.5

HPMediasmartServerEX490

440 04.10/GT

★★★★★ It isn’t cheap, but this HP is a cracking NAS

1TB

● ● ● ●

40x25x33

5

LinksysNMH405MediaHub

206 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Held back by its truly awful software

500

● ● ● ●

20x11x17

2.1

NetgearStora

190 04.10/GT

★★★★★ A compelling option at a commendable price

1TB

● ● ● ●

18x15x15

1.4

SynologyDS211J

160 01.11/FT

★★★★★ This could be the perfect NAS device for some

n/a

● ● ● ●

n/a

n/a

XiVamusicm8

800 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Does what it ought to, straight out of the box

1000

● ● ● ●

30x7x26

n/a

Media centre PCs

Dimensions

★★★★★ Doesn’t deliver HD audio or the claimed 3D

500 No

Blu-ray

●

1.3

2

● ●

7.1

1

0

0

1

1

1

3x30x18

1.2

EvolveLifeStation

3800 01.11/FT

★★★★★ One of the finest Media Centres we’ve seen

1TB n/a

Blu-ray

●

n/a 4

● ●

7.1

1

0

1

1

0

1

13x43x33

16

I.USXPCHDS

2300 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Great HD performance, but the price is a tad steep

1500 n/a

Blu-ray

2.54 2

● ●

7.1

1

1

1

1

0

1

19x20x31

5

Tested

Verdict

Media servers/clients

Formats

Up to £3000 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Type

One smart hard drive to stream all your digital media

Inputs and Outputs Dimensions (hwd, cm)

£

Hard disk (GB) Wireless Networked Zones Uncompressed MP3 WMA AAC FLAC AVI DivX WMV Quicktime HDMI out Analogue In Analogue Out Coaxial in Optical in Coaxial Out Optical Out USB

AcerRevo100

HDMI Out DVI Out Coaxial Out Optical Out 3.5mm Out Stereo Out

600 03.11/FT

Up to £5000 Product

Soundcard

Weight (Kg)

Audio

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Analogue Tuner Digital Tuner Freesat Tuner Processor (GHz) RAM (GB) Wi-fi 24fps

Manage all your digital media on a PC

Optical Drive

Hard disk (GB) Display (in)

Video

AppleTV

100 06.12/GT

★★★★★ A limited but likeable client from Apple

Client

0

● ●

1

● ●

●

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

2x10x10

AsusO!PlayHD2

110 01.11/FT

★★★★★ A flexible streamer improved by a hard disk

Client

0

●

1

● ●

● ● ● ● ●

1

0

1

0

0

1

1

3

6x23x18

AirPhonicWireFree

100 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Convenient, but pricey for what you get

Both

n/a ●

1

● ●

●

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

n/a

BoxeeBox

150 06.12/GT

★★★★★ Not a streamer for rookies

Client

0

● ●

1

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

11x11x12

★★★★★ A true hi-fi media player

Client

0

●

0

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

3

BrystonBDP 1

2350 06.11/FT

●

CambridgeAudioNP30

430 05.12/ST

★★★★★ Still worthy, but there’s better around

Server

0

● ●

0

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

2

7x27x29

Camb.AudioStreamMagic6

700 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Music Streamers. Awards 2012

Client

0

● ●

1

● ● ● ● ●

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

8.5x43x31

CreativeSBlasterWireless

130 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Cheap but falls short

1

● ●

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

12x34x56

1

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

2

3

2

1

0

1

7x22x36

CyrusStreamXP

2000 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Best streamer £1000-£2500. Awards 2011

Wireless No ● Client

0

● ●

●

Home cinema in a box | Network storage | Media centre PCs | Media servers/clients

Home cinema (continued)

DVD Blu-ray

159

www.whathifi.com 159

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

HOMEDIGITALMEDIASERVICES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

One smart hard drive to stream all your digital media Up to £3000 Product

£

CyrusStreamline

1600 08.11/GT

DenonDNP 720AE

Tested 250 02.12/GT

Verdict

★★★★★ Best streaming system up to £2000. Awards 2011

0

● ●

1

● ● ● ● ●

0

1

1

3

2

1

0

1

8x22x39

★★★★★ A bargain for its features

Streamer 0

● ●

1

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

7x43x30

Streamer 0

●

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

3x17x12

●

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

3

5x12x19 4x12x12

DigitalStreamDPS 1000

90 07.11/GT

★★★★★ A respectable but not inspiring option

LacieLacinemaClassicHD

190 04.10/GT

★★★★★ As good as Apple TV, this needs to be auditioned

Server

Inputs and Outputs

Hard disk (GB) Wireless Networked Zones Uncompressed MP3 WMA AAC FLAC AVI DivX WMV Quicktime HDMI out Analogue In Analogue Out Coaxial in Optical in Coaxial Out Optical Out USB

Formats

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Media servers/clients (continued) Type

Media servers/clients

160

Both

1TB

●

●

●

●

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

LacieLaCinemaMiniHD

180 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Great as a NAS drive or a streamer

Client

0

● ●

1

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

LGST600

130 07.11/GT

★★★★★ With more apps it could be a class king

Client

0

● ●

0

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

3x11x11

LogitechSqueezeboxTouch

259 07.10/FT

★★★★★ An affordable and flexible multi-room system

Client

0

● ●

0

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

1

9x15x8

1

1

0

0

1

0

0

0

8x28x27

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

0

8x38x35.5 11x44x35

LinnKiko

2500 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Best streaming system £2000+, Awards 2012

Allinone 0

LinnMajikDS I

2500 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Gives a glimpse of the music-streaming future

Allinone

● ● n/a ● ● ● ● ● ●

1

● ●

● ●

MarantzNA7004

430 05.12/ST

★★★★★ Unique, flexible and packed with dynamics

MicrosoftXbox360(250GB)

200 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Now an appealing media hub as well

NaimND5XS

1950 01.12/ST

★★★★★ A thrillingly musical music streamer

NaimNDX

2995 07.11/FT

★★★★★ Best streamer £2500+ Awards 2011

NaimUniti

2670 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Best streaming system £2000+ Awards 2011

NaimUniti2

2795 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Uniti continues to lead the market at this price

Streamer No ● ● n/a ● ● ● ● ●

NaimUnitiQute

1600 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Systems Product of the Year, Awards 2010

Client

No ● ●

1

● ● ● ● ●

★★★★★ Needs better sound and Apple TV-like usability

Both 500 ● ●

1

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

NetgearEVA9000 NetgearNeoTV550

190 04.10/GT 150 07.11/GT

★★★★★ Decent enough if you know what you’re doing

Client

No

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

3

8x27x27

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

1

7x43x30

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

1

1

1

1

0

1

9x43x32

Streamer No ● ● n/a ● ● ● ● ●

0

3

3

2

3

0

0

1

9x43x32

0

3

0

2

3

0

0

1

9x43x31

0

1

1

2

2

1

0

1

9x21x32

1

0

1

0

0

1

1

2

5x43x25

●

n/a ● ● n/a ● ● ● ● ●

Client

0

Streamer 0

★★★★★ This is 21st-century hi-fi at its best

OliveO2M

700 12.11/ST

★★★★★ Affordable, but a bit too refined for our tastes

Client

OliveO3HD

900 12.10/FT

★★★★★ A great music server that’s nearly excellent

Server 500

● ●

●

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

4x22x15

● ●

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

1

8.5x43x29

● ●

● ●

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

1

8x28x17

● ●

● ●

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

6.4x43x30 27x62x17

Server 2TB ● ● 10 ● ● 0

● ●

1

●

PhilipsWACS7500

700 07.07/FT

★★★★★ Wireless, yes, but good wireless sound? No

Server 80 ● ●

2

● ●

PopcornPopBox3D

140 10.11/FT

★★★★★ A Swiss Army Knife of streaming

Client

0

●

0

● ● ●

PinnacleShowCenter250

170 03.08/FT

★★★★★ Connects PC to system, wireless HD issues

Client

0

● ●

1

● ● ●

500 05.12/ST

★★★★★ Best streamer up to £600, Awards 2012

Server

0

●

1680 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ A fabulous product to make Sonos sweat

Both

160 ● ●

★★★★★ A family friendly streamer

Client

n/a ● ● n/a

PioneerN50 Raumfeld3Raumfeld Roku2XS

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

160 www.whathifi.com

100 06.12/GT

●

UPnP

2150 02.10/FT

Olive4HD

● n/a ● ● ● ● ●

Streamer 250 ● ● n/a

3

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

2

4x20x15

0

0

2

0

0

1

1

1

50x50x50

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

10x44x33

● ● ● ● ●

0

3

1

0

0

1

1

0

4x18x16

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2x8x8

●

● ● ● ● ●

●

DIGITALTVBOXES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

161

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

Up to £3000 Product

Type

One smart hard drive to stream all your digital media

Inputs and Outputs

Hard disk (GB) Wireless Networked Zones Uncompressed MP3 WMA AAC FLAC AVI DivX WMV Quicktime HDMI out Analogue In Analogue Out Coaxial in Optical in Coaxial Out Optical Out USB

Formats

RotelRT 09

650 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Does a lot but not all of it to the standard we’d like

client

0

● ●

1

● ● ●

0

0

0

1

1

1

1

1

SlimDevicesSqueezebox3

180 04.06/FT

★★★★★ Great for sending music from PC to hi-fi

Client

0

● ●

2

● ● ● ● ●

0

1

1

1

1

1

1

0

4x8x3

SlingboxPRO HD

250 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Useful for some, but with a limited spec’

Server

0

●

0

0

2

2

1

0

1

0

0

6x34x14 14x14x8

9x44x33

SonosBU130Dig.MusicSys.

700 09.07/FT

★★★★★ Best Digital Music system Awards 2007

Client

0

● ● 32

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

SonosBU150

700 10.08/FT

★★★★★ Still one of our favourite multiroom systems

Both

0

● ●

2

● ● ● ● ●

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

9x21x19

SonosBU250

960 Aw.10/GT

★★★★★ Best Multiroom System, Awards 2010

Both

0

● ●

2

● ● ● ● ●

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

9x21x19

● ●

SonosPlay3

259 12.11/ST

★★★★★ A cracking little performer

Client

0

● ●

1

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

13x27x16

SonosPlay5

349 12.11/ST

★★★★★ An ideal one-box network player

Client

0

● ●

1

● ● ● ● ●

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

22x37x12

SonyAIR S20PK

250 10.10/FT

★★★★★ Budget multiroom iPod system

Both

No ● ●

3

● ● ● ●

SonyNSZ GS7

180 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Good first Google TV device but needs more apps

Client

0

● ●

0

● ● ●

Client

0

● ●

1

● ● ● ●

● ●

1

0

1

0

0

0

Streamer n/a ● ● n/a ● ● ● ●

● ● ●

1

0

1

0

0

0

Server n/a ● ● n/a ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SonySMP N100

120 07.11/GT

★★★★★ A fine mixture of paid-for and catch-up content

SonySMP N200

100 06.12/GT

★★★★★ A competent and easy to use device

SynologyDS212j

170 01.12/FT

★★★★★ You can’t go wrong with this user-friendly NAS

2700 12.10/FT 1400 01.12/ST

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

4x12x2

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

4x20x13

1

1

4x19x19

1

1

4x15x15

1

17x10x23

★★★★★ Amazing – this is proper high-end hi-fi

Client

No ● ●

1

● ● ● ● ●

0

0

1

1

1

1

0

1

7x44x37

★★★★★ A decent streamer at a good price

Client

0

●

1

● ● ●

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

2

4x20x14

★★★★★ Network streamer – a solid piece of hi-fi hardware

Client

No

● n/a ● ● ● ● ●

0

0

2

1

1

1

1

0

7x44x44

Freeview

● ● ● ● ●

Tuners HDTV Capacity (GB)

Up to £500 £

Tested

Verdict

DigitalStreamDHR8205U

290 09.10/GT

★★★★★ This nifty set-top Freeview HD recorder does a decent job

2

EquinuxTizi

150 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Wi-fi Freeview for your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch

1

GoodmansGDB300HD

150 07.10/GT

★★★★★ It’s not a bad option, but needs to be slicker

1

HumaxDTR T1000

299 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Best Freeview HD recorder, Awards 2012

2

● 500

HumaxHD FOXT2

100 07.10/GT

★★★★★ Best Freeview HD receiver. Awards 2011

1

●

0 0

● 500 130HD 0 ●

8

1

0

1

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

9x5x1

8

0

2

0

2

1

0

0

1

0

0

1

4x26x17

n/a

7

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

25x38x6

0

8

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

1

4x28x20

n/a

0

IcecryptT2200

160 07.10/GT

★★★★★ Functional enough, but not fantastic

1

●

8

0

2

0

2

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

IcecryptT2400(2TB)

330 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Loads of storage, but could do with more features

2

● 2TB1000/500 8

0

1

0

1

1

1

0

0

2

1

1

LinsarFHD1

150 07.10/GT

★★★★★ Perfectly respectable - but again, there’s better out there

2

●

PanasonicDMR HW100

250 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Struggles to match the best for all-round ability

2

● 320

0

na

7

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

79

7

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

●

Dimensions (hwd)

Inputs and Outputs

Add extra digital channels with a Freeview box Product

0

EPG (days) Scart in Scart out RGB Scart in RGB Scart out HDMI out Component out S-video out Composite out Analogue out Coaxial out Optical out PayTV card slot

YamahaNP S2000

117 04.10/GT

Capacity (hrs)

T+AMP1260R ViewSonicVMP72

● ● ●

●

6x36x27

5x26x19 6x40x27 4x30x17

●

6x43x24

PanasonicDMR PWT500

350 01.12/FT

★★★★★ PVR box meets Blu-ray player

2

● 320

n/a

8

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

2

6x43x24

PhilipsDTR 5520

150 07.10/GT

★★★★★ Fine in its own right, but there’s better out there

2

●

n/a

7

0

3

1

0

1

0

0

0

1

1

0

4x29x16

PhilipsHDT8520

270 09.10/GT

★★★★★ Excellent Freeview HD+ box

2

● 500 110HD

8

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

1

1

1

7x21x24

SagemDTR64160T

100 02.09/FT

★★★★★ For just £100 this PVR provides decent all-round performance

2

8

0

0

0

2

0

1

0

0

1

1

1

5x31x20

0

160

80

SamsungBD D8500

450 05.11/FT

★★★★★ Freeview meets Blu-ray in this handily sized box

2

● 500

240

7

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

●

11x49x38

SamsungBD DT7800

280 Aw.11/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year. Awards 2011

2

● 500

250

8

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

●

5x36x27

SamsungSTB E7500

270 09.12/FT

★★★★★ One of the best, most flexible, Freeview HD TV recorders

2

● 500 199HD

8

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

5x33x27

SharpTU T2

170 08.10/FT

★★★★★ A good option for those wanting Freeview HD

2

● n/a

n/a

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

1

4x26x16 6x32x23

n/a

SonySVR HDT1000

300 12.11/GT

★★★★★ One to appeal to the ’bigger is better’ crowd

2

● 1000 250

7

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

TechnikaSmartbox8320HD

200 09.10/GT

★★★★★ Very decent pictures and sound

2

● 320 40HD

8

0

0

0

1

1

0

1

0

1

0

1

5x21x21

TVonicsDTR HD500

280 12.10/FT

★★★★★ A clever and well-presented PVR

2

● 500

7

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

9x38x20

Cable

200 06.11/FT

Verdict

★★★★★ An alternative to Sky HD, but still less high-def content

3

● 160

7

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

★★★★★ Best cable recorder. Awards 2011

3

● 1TB 400(SD) 7

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Satellite

8x40x28 ●

7x37x24

Verdict

★★★★★ If you’re looking to try Freesat, this is the way we’d do it

SagemDTR94250S

250 04.10/GT

★★★★★ A capable if unspectacular buy

SamsungSMT S7800

215 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Best Freesat recorder. Awards 2012

Sky+HD1TB

249 Aw.10/GT

★★★★★ Product of the year, Set-top boxes. Awards 2012

TechniSatHDFS

180 04.10/FT

★★★★★ A superb solution for its price

●

2

● 320 200/80 8

0

●

1

● 500

2

● 1.5TB 240

1

●

● ●

120 7

2

0

2

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

0

1

1

0

2

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

0

1

1

Dimensions (hwd)

Tested

300 04.10/GT

EPG (days) Scart in Scart out RGB Scart in RGB Scart out HDMI out Component out S-video out Composite out Analogue out Coaxial out Optical out PayTV card slot

£

HumaxFoxsatHDR

Capacity (hrs)

Up to £300

Sky Freesat Tuners HDTV Capacity (GB)

Inputs and Outputs

Digital boxes to allow you to receive satellite TV Product

80

Dimensions (hwd)

Tested 99 07.09/FT

EPG (days) Scart in Scart out RGB Scart in RGB Scart out HDMI out Component out S-video out Composite out Analogue out Coaxial out Optical out PayTV card slot

£

VirginMediaSamsungV+

Capacity (hrs)

Tuners HDTV Capacity (GB)

Up to £200

VirginMediaTiVo

n/a

Inputs and Outputs

Digital boxes for cable TV Product

Media servers/clients Freeview | Cable | Satellite

Media servers/clients (continued)

0

1

5x28x20

1

1

0

4x41x22

1

0

1

12x34x56

1

1

1

1

1

1

● 5x30x13

www.whathifi.com 161

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

PORTABLE

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Music players

Connect Dimensions (hwd, mm)

Weight (g)

MP3 WMA WMA Lossless AAC Apple Lossless FLAC WAV Screen (in) Battery (hrs) FM radio DAB radio Analogue USB Bluetooth PC Mac

Storage (GB)

Enjoy your music and movies wherever you go

Storage type

Formats

160

HD

●

● ●

● 2.5 20

●

● ●

6x10x1.4

157

AppleiPodNano8GB

115 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Class leading in every respect

8

Flash

●

● ●

● 1.5 24 ●

●

● ●

38x41x9

21

AppleiPodShuffle2GB

40 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Simple and brilliantly effective

2

Flash

●

● ● ● ● n/a 15

●

Archos15bVision4GB

25 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Cheap and cheerful, but needs better sound

4

Flash

●

● ● 1.5 22

●

Up to £600 Product

£

AppleiPodClassic160GB

Tested 229 09.09/FT

Verdict

★★★★★ Carry your entire music collection, uncompressed

● ●

3x3x1

13

76x39x9

25

Archos43InternetTablet

160 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Aggressive price but middling performance

16

Flash

● ●

Archos5InternetTablet

280 03.10/GT

★★★★★ A desirable media player with the occasional flaw

32

Flash

● ●

CowoniAudio02

243 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Extremely versatile, but lacks the finesse of class-leaders

32

Flash

● ● ● ● ● ● ● 4.3 18

●

● ●

7x12x1.8

205

CowoniAudioE22GB

40 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Stylish, but let down by poor sound

2

Flash

● ● ●

● ● n/a 11

●

● ●

62x27x8

16.6

35 12.11/GT

● 1.45 20

33

●

●

4.3 36

● ● ●

135x65x9

130

●

4.8 22 ●

● ● ● ●

8x13x1.3

250

★★★★★ An ultra-portable player with punch

4

Flash

● ● ●

CreativeZenX Fi2(32GB)

170 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Offers decent value, but there’s room for improvement

32

Flash

● ●

HiSoundPDAA 1

100 09.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine idea that needs to sound better

8

PhilipsGoGearMuse

140 04.10/GT

★★★★★ A classy design from Philips, with bags of appeal

16

HD

SamsungTicToc4GB

30 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Good for the kids, but lacks adult sound quality

4

Flash

● ● ●

●

SanDiskSansaClipZip4GB

40 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Looks good on paper but can’t deliver in practice

4

Flash

● ● ● ●

SanDiskSansaClip+8GB

40 12.11/GT

★★★★★ A worthy Apple alternative

8

Flash

● ● ●

● ● 2.8 29

CreativeZenStyleM1004GB

●

Expand. ● ● ● ●

●

●

●

55x44x13

● ●

3

25 ●

●

● ●

6x10x1.2

75

● ●

2

16 ●

●

●

83x23x17

28

3

25 ●

● ●

●

●

55x110x9

95

n/a 12

●

●

36x18x18

n/a

●

1.1 15 ●

●

● ●

55x35x15

25

●

n/a 15

●

● ●

6x4x2

23

SonyNWZ A845

120 07.10/GT

★★★★★ The best non-Apple portable device we’ve seen

16

Flash

● ● ●

●

●

SonyNWZ S544

109 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Ignore the speakers and you’ve a competent player

8

Flash

● ● ● ● ●

2.4 42 ●

●

● ●

★★★★★ Ideal for the sporty type

2

Flash

● ● ● ●

n/a 8

●

●

50 12.11/GT

Video players

Formats

102x46x7

62

10x5x1

68

n/a

32

Dimensions

★★★★★ A solid enough effort, but needs more AV content

32

Flash

●

● ●

10.1 ●

1280x800

9

9

●

177x260x13 756

AppleiPad216GBWi-Fi

400 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Best tablet. Awards 2011

16

Flash

●

● ●

9.7

1024x768

10 10

●

241x186x9 601

AppleiPad23G

480 06.11/GT

★★★★★ Remains second to none in this genre

32

Flash

●

● ●

9.7

1024x768

10 10

●

241x186x9 601

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

164 www.whathifi.com

Tested

Verdict

Weight (g)

395 09.11/GT

£

Dimensions (hwd, mm)

Storage type

AcerIconia

Up to £700 Product

Screen res

Storage (GB)

Enjoy your music and movies wherever you go

Batt Video TV Tuner Audio (hrs) Video (hrs) S Video Out Composite Out Mac

SonyNWZ W2622GB

MP3 WMA AAC MP4 XVID DIVX WMV Screen (in) Widescreen

Music players | Video players

164

PORTABLE

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

165

Weight (g)

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, mm)

Tested

Dimensions

TV Tuner Audio (hrs) Video (hrs) S Video Out Composite Out Mac

£

Screen res

Up to £700 Product

Batt Video

MP3 WMA AAC MP4 XVID DIVX WMV Screen (in) Widescreen

Storage (GB)

Enjoy your music and movies wherever you go

Storage type

Formats

AppleNewiPad 3G64GB

660 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Best tablet £300+, Awards 2012

64

Flash

●

● ●

9.7

2048x1536

10 10

●

AppleiPodTouch32GB

250 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ Best media player. Awards 2011

32

Flash

●

● ●

3.5 ●

960x640

40

●

AsusEeePadTransformer

380 09.11/GT

★★★★★ A competitive tablet with a keyboard dock

16

Flash

●

● ●

10.1 ●

1280x800

9.5 9.5

●

170x272x13 680

● ●

181x263x8 537

7

AsusE.PadTransformerPrime

500 07.12/FT

★★★★★ A slim and smart tablet that we love

32

Flash

● ● ● ●

● 10.1 ●

1280x800

12 12

BlackberryPlayBook16GB

400 09.11/GT

★★★★★ There’s plenty on offer here, but lacks apps

16

Flash

● ● ● ● ●

●

1024x600

10

120 HD/Flash ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 4.3 ●

7

●

8

CowonX7

200 02.11/FT

★★★★★ A genuine rival to the monopoly of Apple

GoogleNexus7

160 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Product of the Year, Portables. Awards 2012

MotorolaXoom2ME16GB

600 06.12/FT

★★★★★ The level of performance needs to be better

16

Flash

● ● ● ●

MotorolaXoom32GB

480 09.11/GT

★★★★★ A worthy adversary to the vaunted iPad

32

Flash

●

PhilipsGoGearMuse16GB

130 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Fine in many ways, but not the best in class

16

SamsungGalaxyNote10.1

400 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Decent tablet, but falls behind competition

16 16

Flash

● ● ● ●

●

1024x600

64mb Other

● ● ● ●

4.3 ●

480x272

n/a 4 n/a 10

480x272

103 9

9

● 120x199x10.5 340

1280x800

6

6

●

● ●

10.1 ●

1280x800

36 10

Flash

● ● ● ●

● ● 3.2 ●

480x320

24

5

6x11x1

Flash

●

● 10.1 ●

1280x800

8

8

● 262x180x8.9 597

8

7

7

● 8.2

● ●

★★★★★ Does much, but beaten by smaller and larger options

150 12.08/FT

★★★★★ The most competitive version of the PSP yet

SonyTabletP

500 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Clever, but not clever enough

4

Flash

● ● ● ●

● 5.5 ●

1024x480

SonyTabletS

399 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Plenty of potential, but there are niggles

16

Flash

● ● ● ●

● 9.4 ●

1280x800

Tested

7

8

Verdict

212

216x139x9 388

100

190x120x12 380 ●

5

7x17x2

189

●

158x180x14 372

●

174x241x10 598

Formats

Dimensions

AppleiPhone3GS32GB

0 01.10/GT

★★★★★ The iPhone becomes even more formidable

● ● ●

●

● ●

AppleiPhone4S

0 07.12/ST

★★★★★ The best iPhone yet

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

HTCOneX

0 07.12/ST

★★★★★ One of the best smartphones ever made

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

HTCSensationXE

0 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Good but not great

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

LGOptimus3D

0 01.12/GT

★★★★★ It may have 3D, but its performance isn’t great

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

LGPrada

0 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Lots to like but poor audio and video quality

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

MotorolaRazr

0 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Stylish but not the best with media

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

NokiaLumia800

0 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Well designed but its has some serious flaws

PanasonicEluga

0 07.12/ST

★★★★★ Attractive and simple, but average performance

SamsungGalaxyNexus

0 07.12/ST

SamsungGalaxyNote

0 07.12/ST

●

127x79x15

249x168x13 730

3G O2 Vodafone T Mobile Orange 3 MP3 WMA AAC MP4 XVID DIVX WMV Memory (MB) Expansion slot Wi-Fi Camera (MP) Screen (in) 3.5mm Out

Network

Up to £1000 £

● ●

● ●

● 32

● 3.0 3.5 ●

120x60x10 133

● 8.0 3.5 ●

12x6x0.9

140

● 32

● 8.1 4.7 ●

134x70x9

130

● 4GB

● 8.0 4.3 ●

13x7x1

151

8

●

5 4.3 ●

13x7x2

168

8

● ●

8 4.3 ●

128x69x9

138

16

●

8 4.3 ●

13x7x1

127

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 4GB

● 8.0 4.3 ●

13x7x1

151

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ●

●

123x67x8

103

★★★★★ Great in many ways but pipped by rivals for audio

● ● ●

● ● ● ●

★★★★★ A hybrid between a smart phone and a tablet

● ● ● ● ●

● ●

64GB

Weight (g)

● ● ●

469 01.11/FT

Product

● 130x194x10 425

1280x800

● ● ●

SamsungGalaxyTab

Music and video on your phone

101

●

Flash

SonyPSP3000

Multimedia phones

11x6x0.7

Dimensions (hwd, mm)

8

241x186x9 601

●

8 16GB

8 4.3 ●

● 5.0 4.7 ●

● ● ● ● ● ● ● 16 ● ● 8.0 5.3 ●

14x7x1

135

146x83x9

178

SamsungGalaxySII

0 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Still great but upped by the new kids on the block

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 16GB ● ● 8.0 4.3 ● 125x66.1x8.49 116

SamsungGalaxySIII

0 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Best smartphone, Awards 2012

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

SonyXperiaArcS

0 01.12/GT

★★★★★ An excellent addition to the market

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1GB ● ● 8.1 4.2 ●

13x6x1

117

SonyXperiaS

0 07.12/ST

★★★★★ A real rival to the iPhone

● ● ●

16

12x6x1

133

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Google Nexus 7 from £160

“The Nexus 7 has shaken-up the tablet market by offering a smaller size at a more affordable price and with a competitive level of performance. And with the Google brand name, for good measure.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

BEST TABLET £300+

Apple iPad (3rd gen.) from £399

“There’s no match for its functionality, usability and performance. For media consumption on the move or at home, and the iPad is comfortably our big-screen, premium tablet of choice.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

●

●

● ● ● ● ● 16 ● ●

● ●

Video players | Multimedia phones

Video players (continued)

8 4.8 ●

● 2.0 3.5 ●

137x71x9

133

BEST SMARTPHONE

Samsung Galaxy S III £500 (SIM-free)

“Apple’s iPhone 5 drove the S III very close, but Samsung takes our crown. An all-round example of what a smartphone can do in 2012, really pushing the boundaries of mobile technology. ” Awards/12 ★★★★★

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 165

PORTABLE

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Small radios for the home and on the go Up to £100 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions

Weight (g)

Bands

Dimensions (hwd, cm)

DAB/FM radios

DAB DAB + FM MW LW SW Presets Autotune RDS Alarm Clock Remote Battery Battery (hrs) Finishes

DAB/FM radios | Internet radio

166

7x23

8

iLuvVibroClassicII

50 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Up-to-date iDevice compatibility - but at an old-school price

JohnLewisCarbon

65 12.11/GT

★★★★★ It looks good, but the sound lets it down

MagicboxParabola

40 01.11/GT

★★★★★ The design is different but it’s no great shakes sonically

●

●

0

● Var 1

15x29x8

MagicboxTouch

53 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Ideal for those after stylish looks and smooth sound

●

●

20 ● ● ●

●

2

28x12x7

n/a

MagicboxTouchHandheld

70 07.10/GT

★★★★★ A thin sounding DAB that needs to function better

●

●

40 ● ●

●

1

10x6x2

128

NevadaSinfonieII

60 08.10/FT

★★★★★ The competition firmly beats this Nevada hands down

● ● ●

20 ●

●

● 25

1

15x21x7

n/a

PureDigitalElanII

99 01.10/GT

★★★★★ Classy and natural - another joy from Pure

●

50 ● ● ●

● n/a

1

16x28x9

1526

●

●

10 ●

●

20 ● ● ●

●

●

n/a 4 n/a

● ●

8

1

105x240x135 440 480

PureDigitalMove2500

90 11.11/FT

★★★★★ A great performer in the right circumstances

● ● ●

20 ● ●

● 14

1

102x56x15 105

PureDigitalMove400D

90 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Perfect for on-the-go casual listening, but not as your main home radio

● ● ●

20 ● ●

● 60

1

8.5x15x2.7 300

PureDigitalOneClassicII

65 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ An upgrade of an established favourite

●

●

30 ● ● ●

● n/a 2

15x21x7

n/a

PureDigitalOneMini

40 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Ideal portable DAB radio for just about every situation

●

●

20 ● ●

● 20

14x13x6

51

RobertsDuologic

75 01.10/GT

★★★★★ User friendly and sleek – with great sound

●

●

● ●

● n/a 2

15x25x83 1100

●

3

RobertsExpression

90 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Sweet sounds, and sophisticated retro looks

●

●

Yes

● 100 1

18x26x90

RobertsSportsDAB2

75 07.10/GT

★★★★★ A great sounding DAB with a fiddly set of controls

●

●

20 ● ●

● 18

3

23x16x12

124

SonyXDR S10

65 01.10/GT

★★★★★ Retro looks, but a congested sound

●

●

20 ● ●

n/a

1

14x27x12

1700

148

SonyXDR S16

80 12.11/GT

★★★★★ An uncomplicatedly chunky listen

● ● ●

20 ● ●

n/a

1

TangentTrioDAB

90 01.11/GT

★★★★★ Fine value, smart-looking and future proof

● ● ●

0

0

1

17x33x20

300

TechnikaDAB 108P

50 07.10/GT

★★★★★ For the money, there’s a lot to like here

●

10 ● ●

● 10

1

7x4x2

52

●

● ● ●

140x270x112 1700

£100 and above BostonAcousticsSoloXT

150 01.09/GT

★★★★★ Solid styling and easy to use DAB/FM radio

●

●

20 ● ● ●

EtonP9120

480 01.09/FT

★★★★★ Unusual looks don’t justify the high pricetag

●

● ●

30

PureDigitalEvoke-1SMarshall

120 01.11/FT

★★★★★ A quirky and appealing style classic

PureDigitalEvoke-2S

170 01.09/GT

★★★★★ It’s well built, and offers an evolution in performance

n/a

14x13x23

280

0

1

17x22x12

150

● ● ● ● ● 20

1

21x29x12

160

18x21x13

1.5

30 ● ● ● ●

5

●

P.Dig.EvokeMio(OrlaKiely)

150 01.11/GT

★★★★★ If it’s talk radio you’re are after, this is an enjoyable listen

● ● ●

30 ●

0

100 11.12/GT

★★★★★ As a step-up on the bedroom radio, the Pixis is pretty good value

● ● ●

Yes ● ● ●

n/a 3

12.5x15.5x16 n/a 15.5x32.7x14 n/a

1

RobertsFusion

150 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Good if you crave a dock with your radio. Otherwise there are better options

●

●

20 ● ● ● ●

n/a

1

RobertsRevival

200 01.09/GT

★★★★★ Retro, beautiful and a great performer to boot

●

●

n/a ● ●

n/a

1

16x26x10

1.6

RobertsRevivalCathKidston

200 01.11/GT

★★★★★ Cath Kidston’s flower-power version of this fine sounding radio

●

●

30 ● ●

0

1

23x16x12

149

● ● ●

10 ● ● ●

0

1

18x13x14

330

0

n/a 8

13x19x13

n/a

RuarkAudioR1MkII

160 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Best DAB/FM radio. Awards 2012

TangentUno

100 01.09/GT

★★★★★ With a sound like this it should be on your list

TivoliPAL+

249 12.11/FT

★★★★★ Good, but you don’t get bang for your buck here

● ● ●

10 ● ● ● ● ● 10

5

16x9x10

880

ViewQuestRetro1

100 12.11/GT

★★★★★ A neat, talented portable radio that deserves an audition

●

10 ●

6

n/a

n/a

● 15

Verdict

Weight (g)

Tested

Dimensions Dimensions (hwd, mm)

£

●

●

Presets Autotune Wi-fi Ethernet DAB DAB + FM MW Scrolling Text Alarm clock Remote Battery Battery (hrs) Finishes

Up to £1000 Product

● ● ●

Bands

Tune into your favourite stations on the web LogitechSqueezeboxRadio

160 12.09/GT

★★★★★ A slick and stylish way to get web-based music

6

● Yes

n/a 2

MagicboxNocturneXP 2

170 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Much more of a saint than a sinner, so well worth considering

30 ● ●

●

●

● Yes ●

n/a

1

PureDigitalAvantiFlowi’net

250 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year, Awards 2010. A genuine alternative to a micro system

40 ● ●

●

●

● Yes ●

n/a

1 130x390x230 n/a

●

● ● ●

130x220x85 n/a 17x30x15

n/a

PureDigitalEvokeFlow

150 05.10/GT

★★★★★ Internet and DAB-capable radio that’s a delight to use and listen to

40 ● ●

●

● Yes ● ● 15

1

PureDigitalOasisFlow

170 09.10/FT

★★★★★ Weatherproof, but its sound-per-pound ratio can be bettered

30 ● ●

● ● ●

● Yes

● 10

1

23x16x14

220

PureDigitalOneFlow

100 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Best internet radio up to £150. Awards 2012

30 ● ● ● ● ● ●

● Yes

na

1

15x21x8

0.65

PureDigitalSensia

250 01.10/FT

★★★★★ Plenty to offer: add to your shortlist of portable internet radios

40+ ● ●

●

●

● Yes ●

10

4

17x28x18

2

PureDigitalSensia200D

250 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Good sound let down by unintuitive touchscreen

40 ● ●

● ● ●

● Yes ●

n/a 2

17x28x18

1.9

★★★★★ No-frills wi-fi radio that sounds great for its size - bitrate dependent, of course

4

No

● 14

RevoAXiS

200 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Radios. Awards 2011

20 ● ●

● ● ●

● Yes

n/a

1

RevoAXiSXS

200 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Radios. Awards 2012

20 ● ●

● ● ●

● Yes ●

n/a

1

Q2Internetradio

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

13x21x16

1

●

RevoPixis

Internet radio

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

● ● ● ●

n/a 2 n/a

●

90 03.11/FT

● ●

180x210x110 196

5 100x100x100 390 13x22x15

n/a

12.5x22x15 1410

RevoDominoD3

170 05.10/GT

★★★★★ There’s lots to like here, but sound is a bit bottom-heavy

30 ● ● ● ● ● ●

● Yes ●

n/a 2

14x22x13

RevoHeritage

230 03.10/FT

★★★★★ On paper, beyond reproach, but comes up a bit short with sound

40 ● ● ● ● ● ●

● Yes ●

No

1

18x26x10 1845

RevoPicoRadioStation

170 12.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine little radio/streamer for bathroom and kitchen

12 ● ● ● ● ● ●

● No ● ● 12

1

17x11x11

RobertsRevivaliStream

200 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Fifties style meets modern functionality

30 ● ●

●

●

● Yes ● ● 60

1

15x25x13

n/a

RobertsStream83i

150 05.10/GT

★★★★★ Good in most areas, but the 83i needs a more balanced sound

30 ● ● ● ●

●

● Yes ●

n/a

1

21x25x13

180

RobertsStreamtime

120 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Cheap enough, but lacking in many ways

10 ● ●

●

● Yes

n/a

1

8x20x18

n/a

ViewQuestWiFi200

80 01.11/FT

★★★★★ A handy portable wi-fi internet radio

12 ● ●

● No

● 15

1

n/a

n/a

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

166 www.whathifi.com

n/a

n/a

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

ACCESSORIES

AudioquestPearl AmazonBasicsHDMI

£

Tested 23 06.11/FT 4 10.10/GT

Verdict

HDMI type

Up to £80 Product

Type

Essential extras to maximise the quality of your DVD player and other sources ★★★★★ Best HDMI cable. Awards 2011

HDMI

1.4

1

●

n/a

★★★★★ The only thing this HDMI has in its favour is price

HDMI

1.3b

2

●

n/a

CambridgeAudio500(5m)

69 06.10/GT

★★★★★ A perfectly acceptable cable for the money

HDMI

1.3a

5

●

n/a

CambridgeAudio700Series

50 01.10/FT

★★★★★ A passable HDMI upgrade, but the 700 Series doesn’t really excel in any particular area

HDMI

1.3a

1.5m

●

n/a n/a

ChordCompanySupershield

50 10.10/GT

★★★★★ Still a class-leading cable, but now it’s 1.4 too

HDMI

1.3

1.0

●

ClearerAudC-lineHDMI(2m)

60 08.07/FT

★★★★★ Will improve even 1080p pictures, helping stability. Well worth the money

HDMI

1.3

2

●

10

FalconHDMI(1.5M)

10 03.09/GT

★★★★★ Struggles to convince us it’s worth even this price

HDMI

1.3

1.5

●

n/a

GembirdHDMI IxosStudioXHT 228(5m)

1 11.09/GT 75 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Not notably different from a freebie cable, so buy only if you need the 1.8m length

HDMI

1.3

1.8

●

n/a

★★★★★ It’s reasonable enough, but at this price there’s better

HDMI

1.3a

5

●

n/a n/a

KimberKableHD 09

73 03.09/GT

★★★★★ Picture quality is up with the best and it creates a wide sound field

HDMI

1.3

2.0

●

LindyPremiumHDMI

20 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Perfectly reasonable; just undistinguished

HDMI

1.4

1

●

5

PeerlessSigmaHDMI

70 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Okay, but for the money there’s better out there

HDMI

1.4

2

●

n/a n/a

PhilexThorFlatHDMI

40 10.09/GT

★★★★★ A gutsy, well built HDMI cable

HDMI

1.3

1.0

●

PhilexThorHDMI/DVIkit

60 09.06/FT

★★★★★ A very decent cable for not much cash - you can’t really go wrong

HDMI

1.3

5

●

10

QEDHDMI P

50 11.08/FT

★★★★★ This award winning cable just got better

HDMI

1.3

1

●

n/a

QEDPerformanceHDMI

70 03.09/GT

★★★★★ Capable performer – finely balanced sound and a wonderfully rendered picture

HDMI

1.3

3.0

●

na

QEDPerformanceHDMI-e

35 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Perfectly good cable that just falls down in its pricing

HDMI-e

1.4

1.0

●

n/a

QEDPerf.HDMI-eS/speed

60 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Communicates a superb and natural colour balance and virtually noise-free images

HDMI

1.4

2.0

●

n/a

QEDProfileHDMI

25 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Now with 1.4 status, this is still a worthy cable

HDMI

1.4

1

●

n/a

QEDQunexHDMI P(5M)

75 09.08/GT

★★★★★ Fantastic picture quality mated with a dynamic and powerful sound

HDMI

1.3

5.0

●

8

★★★★★ Brilliant way to spend a fiver - will give rivals up to £20 something to think about

HDMI

1.3

1.5

●

n/a

ThatCableHDMI

5 10.09/FT

ThatCableHDMI(5m)

10 06.10/GT

★★★★★ A no-brainer for those on a tight budget

HDMI

1.3a

5

●

n/a

VivancoProwire

45 10.10/GT

★★★★★ A fine cable that’s worth seeking out

HDMI

1.3b

1.5

●

n/a

VivancoSoundandImage

30 11.09/GT

★★★★★ A respectable upgrade, it provides clear improvements in sound and vision over budget cables

HDMI

1.3

2

●

n/a

WireworldChroma(Miami)

60 10.09/GT

★★★★★ Highly competent, although lacking in low-frequency heft

HDMI

1.3

1.0

●

n/a

WireworldChroma6

60 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ Best HDMI cable £50+, Awards 2010. Great upgrade cable for higher-end systems

HDMI

1.4

1

●

n/a

WireworldIsland6

46 10.10/GT

★★★★★ Packs a firm punch and strong dynamics

HDMI

1.4

2.0

●

n/a

Video cables

Video cables

Length (m) Price includes terminations Additional cost £/m

167

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 167

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

£80 and above Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Length (m) Price includes terminations Additional cost £/m

Essential extras to maximise the quality of your DVD player and other sources

HDMI type

Video cables (continued)

Type

Video cables

168

AudioquestCinnamon

80 01.11/FT

★★★★★ A top-notch HDMI that’s a credit to any system

HDMI

1.4

2

●

n/a

AudioquestForest

80 06.10/GT

★★★★★ A true and worthy rival to Chord’s Supershield

HDMI

1.4

5

●

n/a

AudioquestHDMI 1

180 09.08/GT

★★★★★ This stylish cable offers a solid, cohesive image with good sound

HDMI

1.3

3

●

n/a

AudioquestHDMI X

95 03.09/GT

★★★★★ A real entertainer – chunky bass and images are well defined

HDMI

1.3

3.0

●

n/a

AtlasHDMI

160 07.07/GT

★★★★★ Upgraded version of the existing Atlas HDMI - delivers good detail and contrast.

HDMI

1.3

7

●

n/a

BlackRhodiumCoralHDMI

100 10.06/FT

★★★★★ Worthy of serious consideration - pictures are highly detailed, colours convincing

HDMI

1.3

4

●

n/a

ChordCompanyActive

115 10.09/GT

★★★★★ Muscular-sounding and excellent in every regard

HDMI

1.3

1.5

●

n/a

ChordCo.ActiveSilver+HDMI

95 01.11/FT

★★★★★ An impressive successor to the old Active cable

HDMI

1.4

1

●

n/a

ChordCo.Supershield(5m)

90 06.10/GT

★★★★★ A punchy award winner that defies its low price tag

HDMI

1.3a

5

●

n/a

EcossePicturePerfectUltra

110 09.08/GT

★★★★★ This Ecosse gives a punchy, powerful performance with great detail levels

HDMI

1.3

5

●

n/a

EcossePicturePerfectUltra+

169 09.08/GT

★★★★★ With its punchy, powerful and composed production, this cable oozes dynamics

ProfigoldOxypurePGV3300

90 09.06/FT

★★★★★ Substantial connection, substantial images. Great with contrast and texture, but it’s noisy too

QEDQunexHDMI P(7m)

85 07.07/GT

★★★★★ Stunning value, offering a cracking picture, and great for budget set ups

QEDQunexSR CV

85 09.06/FT

★★★★★ Stability, clarity and rock-solid detail make the QED a star perfomer

HDMI

1.3

5

●

n/a

Component

n/a

1.5

●

n/a

HDMI

1.0

7.0

●

8

Component

n/a

1.0

●

n/a

QEDReference

125 06.10/GT

★★★★★ An assured, but expensive, performer

HDMI

1.3a

5

●

n/a

QEDSignatureHDMI

150 10.09/GT

★★★★★ It’s competent and classy, and looks good too

HDMI

1.3

1.0

●

n/a

112 08.06/GT

★★★★★ Not just pretty but it delivers impressive performance over eight metres.

7.50

SupraHF100HDMI(8m)

HDMI

1.0

8

●

100 03.07/FT

★★★★★ So solid and unspectacular that it robs soundtracks of excitement and attitude.

Component

n/a

1

●

n/a

90 10.09/GT

★★★★★ Typical van den Hul quality from a hinged cable that doesn’t fall out of its socket

HDMI

1.3b

2

●

n/a

vandenHulFlatHDMI(3m)

105 03.09/GT

★★★★★ One of the best HDMI cables we’ve ever heard

HDMI

1.3

3.0

●

n/a

vandenHulUltimate

300 10.08/FT

★★★★★ It’s pricey, but has good performance

HDMI

1.3

1

●

n/a

TCIAdder vandenHulFlat180

VivancoSHQUltra

80 06.10/FT

★★★★★ It’s an enjoyable watch, although there’s some reservation

HDMI

1.4

1.2

●

n/a

WireworldChroma5HDMI(7m)

109 07.07/GT

★★★★★ Flexible cable that delivers pictures as good as any HDMI cable at this price

HDMI

1.0

7

●

n/a

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

168 www.whathifi.com

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

ACCESSORIES 169

£

Tested

Type

Up to £500 Product

Length (m)

Connect your digital kit with a superior lead Verdict

AudioquestCinnamon

60 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Like a fine paintbrush: controlled and delicate but lacking the broad strokes of a roller

USB

1.5

AudioquestForestUSB1.5

25 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Got a budget laptop and a budget DAC? This cable is ideal for connecting them

USB

1.5

AudioquestOptilink-A

20 10.08/GT

★★★★★ Lots of style, but lacks substance

Optical

1

AudioquestVDM 1

43 09.08/GT

★★★★★ This interconnect has a pleasing, refined sound

Coaxial

1

AtlasEquatorOptical

50 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Worth checking out, but not for the basshunters

Optical

1

AtlasFibreOptic

32 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Fine, substantial, budget cable choice

Optical

1

BelkinSil.Ser.AV50000QP

20 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Delivers an enthusiastic, muscular sound. It’s a respectable buy, but not a great one

Optical

1.2

BlackRhodiumRondo

60 03.08/FT

★★★★★ Fast, detailed sound but top end harshness from this coaxial cable

Coaxial

1

★★★★★ Confident, competent and extremely likeable. Highly recommended

Optical

1

ChordCompanyOptichord

51 11.12/GT

ChordCompanyProdac

80 09.09/GT

★★★★★ It’ll help your system deliver drive, but it’s just pipped on price

Coaxial

1

ChordCo.ProdacProDigital

70 05.11/FT

★★★★★ Even better following an upgrade to its plugs

Coaxial

1

ClearerAudioCopper-line75

97 Aw.08/FT

★★★★★ This is another fine cable from the Copper-line stable. It’s well worth a listen

Clear.Aud.C-lineAlpha(dig)

40 11.07/GT

★★★★★ Entry-level - solid construction and a smooth sound. Not for sonic thrill seekers

Clear.Aud.C-lineAlpha(opt)

25 08.09/FT

★★★★★ Noticeably better performance can be had for a little more money

optical

1

ClearerAudioSilver-line

125 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Will suit the majority of upmarket systems nicely - well judged scale of sound

Coaxial

0.5

ClearerAudioSilver-lineUSB

40 11.12/GT

★★★★★ An adequate product, but not a serious contender for top honours

Clear.Aud.SilverlineOptimus

185 09.09/GT

★★★★★ The sheer brilliance of this cable makes it stand out

EcosseT2TDeluxe

38 11.12/GT

★★★★★ An ordinary cable that’s only deluxe in name

Optical

1.8

EcosseTheDirectorSE

89 09.09/GT

★★★★★ Spacious sounding and great with higher frequencies

Coaxial

1.0

EcosseTheProducer

15 09.08/GT

★★★★★ A fine budget offering - with punch

Coaxial

0.8

FurutechFormula2

55 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ Best USB cable. Awards 2011

USB

1.2

Coaxial

1

Analogue

0.5

USB

1

Coaxial

0.5

ImpAudioSilverKnightExec

120 03.08/FT

★★★★★ This is a beefy, breezy cable with plenty of composure but it’s far from cheap

Coaxial

1

IxosXHD 608

50 10.08/GT

★★★★★ Best digital audio cable in Awards 2006. Won three years on the go

Coaxial

1

KimberUSB

52 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Worth an audition if you’re after something laid-back

MonsterM1000D

70 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Brings scale to low frequencies and the upfront midrange contributes to excitement

ProfigoldPROI2102

30 03.11/FT

★★★★★ Simple upgrade to the iPod/iPhone-to-USB cable - music sounds cleaner and clearer

QEDPerformanceCoaxial

30 10.08/GT

★★★★★ Best coaxial digital cable, Awards 2012

Coaxial

1

QEDPerformanceGraphite

40 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Best optical digital cable, Awards 2012

Optical

1 1.0

USB

1

Coaxial

1

USB

2.0

QEDQunex75Signature

80 09.09/FT

★★★★★ Beautifully made, but not quite as thrilling as we’d like

Coaxial

QEDQunexSR75

60 04.07/GT

★★★★★ For uncoloured, uncluttered sound, look no further - it dishes the details keenly

Coaxial

1

QEDUPlay(Bluetooth)

65 05.10/FT

★★★★★ It’s small, cheap, and does an effcient job

Bluetooth

10

Coaxial

1

SupraAnCo(coaxial)

29 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Ideal if you like it meaty and beaty - it revels in low-end stuff

SupraUSB2.0

29 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Best USB cable, Awards 2012

TrueColoursIndustriesAdder

60 10.08/GT

TrueColoursIndustriesCoral VivancoProwirePW2TT15

USB

1

★★★★★ So solid and unspectacular that it robs soundtracks of excitement and attitude

Coaxial

1.5

35 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Best digital interconnect, Awards 2010. Excellent optical lead

Optical

1

25 06.09/GT

★★★★★ It might look flash, but it lacks assurance

Optical

1.5

35 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Worth looking at, if you can get a good deal

Optical

1.2

40 09.09/GT

★★★★★ At this comfortable price, this Vivanco’s rather tempting

Coaxial

1.2

WireworldNova6

40 11.12/GT

★★★★★ Like an up-and-coming band: unrefined but likeable and energetic

Optical

1

WireworldUltraviolet5

40 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Carries portentious weight but the presentation is ill-defined and ill-disciplined

Coaxial

1

WireworldUltraviolet5USB

50 08.09/FT

★★★★★ Best USB cable, Awards 2010. If you use digital kit, this needs to be on your audition list

USB

2.0

Analogue interconnects

Use a dedicated lead and sonic delivery takes a jump Up to £80 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

RCA phono 3.5mm-to-RCA XLR (balanced) Length (m)

VivancoSHQTT12 VivancoSHQ1112D

Digital interconnects | analogue interconnects

Digital interconnects

AudioquestEvergreen

29 09.12/GT

★★★★★ So-so dynamics and lean bass affect an otherwise clear, detailed performance

●

1

AtlasElementIntegra

45 04.12/FT

★★★★★ Best analogue interconnect, Awards 2012

●

1

●

AtlasEquatorIntegra

75 02.12/FT

★★★★★ A recommended second-upgrade cable

BelkinMini-StereoCable

13 12.08/GT

★★★★★ Cheap MP3 cable with reasonably exciting sound

BlackRhodiumHarmony

60 08.08/GT

★★★★★ It offers power and detail, but we found the top-end just a bit too harsh

●

●

1 1.8 1

BlackRhodiumOpus

49 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Mellow and easy-listening, but needs more dynamic punch and finesse

●

ChordCompanyCobraPlus

66 10.10/FT

★★★★★ The perfect tonic for a dull system

●

ChordCompanyCrimson

38 02.09/GT

★★★★★ A superb all-rounder that’ll work wonders in a sub-£1000 system

●

1

ChordCompanyCrimsonPlus

45 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Fantastic control, expression and detail resolution

●

1

ChordCompanyCrimsonPlus

40 06.11/GT

★★★★★ Best analogue interconnect. Awards 2011

●

1.0

1

ChordCompanyiChord

50 12.08/GT

★★★★★ Expensive, but definitely worth it

Clear.Aud.C-lineAlphaOne

30 12.11/FT

★★★★★ A bargain interconnect that should be on your shortlist

●

1

Clear.Aud.C-lineAlpha

35 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Unless you’ve a feral system to be subdued, this cable just doesn’t appeal

●

1.0

EcosseBestBoy

27 11.10/GT

★★★★★ Affordable, but lacks drive and fine detail

●

1.0

1.0

www.whathifi.com 169

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Analogue interconnects (continued)

Use a dedicated lead and sonic delivery takes a jump Up to £80 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

RCA phono 3.5mm-to-RCA XLR (balanced) Length (m)

Analogue interconnects

170

EcosseConductorCA1.2

49 06.11/GT

★★★★★ Excellent with detail - a good all-rounder

●

1

EcosseTheComposer

37 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Lacks excitement, but a lovely design with warm and punchy sounds

●

0.8

GothamGAC 1

17 11.08/FT

★★★★★ It’s an improvement over free cables - but only just

●

GriffinAuxAudioCable3011

15 12.08/GT

★★★★★ Last-generation iPhone compatible 3.5 plugs

GriffinAuxAudioCable3022

15 12.08/GT

★★★★★ Intended for in-car MP3 use - weak and wooly

IxosXHA 616

69 12.09/GT

★★★★★ This is a lively sounding cable, but we found it too strident

●

IxosXHA516 100(1m)

40 09.07/FT

★★★★★ Refined - if you’re after a gentle, mature sound they are fine

●

IxosXHS205

10 12.08/GT

★★★★★ This 3.5mm-RCA sounds rather compressed

1.8

65 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Does a job, but there’s a lot better out there

MerlinBachMk.IV

70 06.11/GT

★★★★★ This new version needs a touch of flair

●

MerlinMozart

40 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Open and exuberant, if lacking in warmth

●

17 12.08/GT

★★★★★ Excellent 3.5mm – 3.5mm cable

QEDAudio1

25 09.07/GT

★★★★★ Good value, but struggles with challenging tracks

QEDJ2P

50 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Fast and agile 3.5mm-RCA cable

1.0 1 1.5

MarkGrantG1000

ProfigoldPROI3301

1.5 1.8

1 ●

1 1 1.0

●

1 1.5

QEDPerformanceAudio2

40 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Agile, fun and nuanced: would do well in pretty much any system

●

QEDProfile

18 06.11/GT

★★★★★ At the top of the first upgrade tree

●

QEDReferenceAudioJ2P

50 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Clean sounding and packed with detail

RussAndrewsGQ 24UltPlate

73 12.08/GT

★★★★★ Best iPod cable, Awards 2010. Punchy cable for iPod or iPhone owners

SilverHigh-BreedMetaphor2

28 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Great for pepping up a dull system, but too bright for us

●

1.0

TCITigerII

30 08.08/GT

★★★★★ Doesn’t do much wrong, but it also fails to do much right

●

1

TCIViperII

45 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Good for long listening sessions, but lacking in precision

●

1

vandenHulTheName

60 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Energy and fun trump ultimate precision

●

0.8

1 ●

1 1.5 1.0

WireworldLuna

37 09.12/GT

★★★★★ Excellent with subtlety and dynamics: should be on any interconnect shortlist

●

1

WireworldLuna6

36 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Looks strange, but delivers a great refined sound

●

1.0

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

170 www.whathifi.com

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

171

RCA phono 3.5mm-to-RCA XLR (balanced) Length (m)

Use a dedicated lead and sonic delivery takes a jump £80 and above Product

£

Tested

Verdict

750 08.08/FT

★★★★★ Provided you have an appropriate system you’ll find these cables work a treat

●

80 09.07/FT

★★★★★ Very good cable - sound is crisp and detailed, but still with lovely, chunky bass

●

BrillianceSynergy

83 10.06/FT

★★★★★ Best stereo interconnect Awards 06. Sensible price

●

1.0

ChordCo.ChameleonPlus

125 11.11/FT

★★★★★ New plugs make these even more essential

●

1

ChordCompanyIndigoPlus

995 05.09/FT

★★★★★ It’s genius in an interconnect - but you need the right system

●

ClearerAudioCopperline

135 05.07/FT

★★★★★ Produces a fast, well separated sound, with plenty of detail and dynamics

●

85 09.08/FT

★★★★★ Entry-level - solid construction and a smooth sound. Not for sonic thrill seekers

●

● 18

★★★★★ A hugely capable - but expensive - cable

●

●

●

AtlasMavros BlackRhodiumPrelude

Clear.Aud.C-lineAlpha DNMInterconnect-HTFN

300 06.11/GT

1 ●

1

1 ● 1.0

1

DNMResonTBB100

85 09.07/GT

★★★★★ ’Bullet’ plugs and solid-core conductors really work. Ideal for pricier systems

EcosseMaestroMA2

177 05.08/FT

★★★★★ The Maestro MA2 may be getting on years, but it remains appealing

EcosseNuDiva

140 09.05/FT

★★★★★ Not cheap, but they will take your listening experience to a new level

●

0.8

EcosseTheBatonMkII

104 08.08/GT

★★★★★ Although there’s much to admire, the Baton Mk II can struggle to gel sounds

●

● 0.8

1 ● 0.8

EcosseTheSymphony

225 03.05/FT

★★★★★ Authoritative and detailed, a real all-rounder, but it is 10 percent too pricey

●

● 0.8

FurutechAlphaLine-1

80 03.11/FT

★★★★★ A cable for owners of midrange systems to get very excited by - very good indeed

●

1.0

IxosXenHXA 716

80 08.08/GT

★★★★★ It’s pedestrian to a point, but does a good job with unearthing detail.

●

1

NordostBlueHeaven

125 10.06/FT

★★★★★ There’s little at this new price that can better this cable’s speed and taut bass

●

1

NordostTheBaldur

399 08.08/GT

★★★★★ Handles top end sounds quite beautifully and with a huge amount of detail

●

1

QEDSignatureAudioS

190 09.09/FT

★★★★★ QED’s new flagship interconnect offers great dynamics and punch

●

1

QEDSignatureAudioXT

150 03.09/FT

★★★★★ Another fine interconnect from QED, but it remains a few short steps off class-leading status

●

1

RussAndrewsCrystalCU

184 08.08/GT

★★★★★ This is a first-rate cable that can handle any sounds

●

1

vandenHulTheWave

100 01.09/FT

★★★★★ The Wave has a formidable array of talents and is one of the best cables at this kind of money

●

vandenHulTheWell

100 06.11/GT

★★★★★ An ideal booster for thin sounding kit

●

●

1

WireworldOasis6

130 06.11/GT

★★★★★ A truly splendid cable for kit worth £800-£1000

●

●

1

BEST ANALOGUE INTERCONNECT

“It’s £5 more expensive than Chord CrimsonPlus, but then again it improves on many of the things that the former champ did right. The Element Integra is highly recommended as a first upgrade.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Furutech Alpha-Line 1 £80

“It promotes a free-flowing and hugely enjoyable sound. If your current soundstage sounds a little loose and disorganised, this can help to snap everything back into place.” 1/3/11 ★★★★★

BEST ANALOGUE INTERCONNECT

Chord Company Chameleon Plus £125

“Give your kit a serious shot in the arm – an overly dull system would certainly benefit from its ability and verve, and it would certainly sit happily in systems with midpriced to high-level components.” 1/11/11 ★★★★★

Mains products

Make the most of your equipment with superior mains cabling Up to £100 Product

£

Tested

1

Verdict

Cable Block Conditioner Maximum output (kW) Length (m) Captive lead Number of sockets Figure of 8 (2 pin) IEC (3 pin) Price per additional metre (£)

BEST ANALOGUE INTERCONNECT

Atlas Element Integra £45

Analogue interconnects | Mains products

Analogue interconnects (continued)

ChordCompanySuperScreen

65 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Gives your system superior solidity

●

ClearerAudioCopper-line

95 09.05/FT

★★★★★ Our Award-winning mains cable in 2005, 2006 and 2007

●

Clear.Aud.C LineAlphaOne

25 11.10/FT

★★★★★ A fine first stage mains cable upgrade

●

n/a

1.0

n/a

●

1

n/a

●

n/a

n/a

1.0

n/a

●

n/a n/a

Clear.Aud.C LAlphaP/HUB

90 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Makes a noticeable difference, but not the last word in cohesion

n/a

0.5 ●

6

●

EcosseBigOrangeMK2+

60 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Provides worthwhile gains in performance – and plenty of them

●

3.8

1.5

n/a

●

EcosseTheBigOrangeGR8

60 01.11/GT

★★★★★ Every bit as worthy as the standard three-pin version

●

n/a

1.5

n/a

● ●

Lindy6-way

40 12.08/FT

★★★★★ For just £40, this conditioner is a bona fide system booster

MerlinTarantulaFigure’8’

40 01.11/GT

★★★★★ Incredible bang for your buck from Merlin

●

MerlinTarantulaMK6

40 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Best mains cable, Awards 2010. A good tweak for a hi-fi or AV system

●

PhilipsSPR5520

20 01.09/FT

★★★★★ Surge protection is always welcome, but not at the expense of performance

RussAndrewsPowerkord-8

75 01.11/GT

★★★★★ An ideal choice for a simple upgrade

TacimaCS929

40 08.06/FT

★★★★★ Explicitly illustrates the gains a modest outlay can achieve - really is a no-brainer

● ●

● ●

n/a

2

n/a

1

n/a

n/a

1.0

n/a

n/a

1.5 ●

n/a ● ●

●

1 2

6

20 n/a

● ●

n/a n/a

●

5 n/a

●

●

20 n/a

●

6

n/a ●

£100 and above AudioquestNRG1.5

100 01.11/GT

★★★★★ A lively and precise cable that does much right

●

n/a

0.9

n/a

AtlasEos

147 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Well-balanced, delivering impressive depth and scale with both AV and hi-fi

●

n/a

1.5

n/a

45

ClearerAudioSilver-line

150 07.06/FT

★★★★★ Capable of truly astonishing improvements to your equipment’s performance

●

n/a

1

n/a

n/a

EcosseTheBigRedHC

119 Aw.05/FT

★★★★★ This mains lead is a mean-looking bit of wire with decent balance and attack

●

n/a

1.2

0

FurutechG 320AG

165 02.11/GT

★★★★★ A pricy but worthwhle addition to your set-up

●

n/a

1.8

n/a

●

n/a

● ●

n/a n/a

RussAndrewsPowerlink

112 02.09/FT

★★★★★ A roaring success in many ways, but ideally we’d like something less prim

3.8

2

RAndrewsRefP/KordW350i

232 05.09/GT

★★★★★ If you have components costing £2000 upwards seriously consider this cable

●

n/a

1.0

n/a

●

92

RAndrewsSigP/KordW350i

275 11.06/GT

★★★★★ Top mains cable that will really get a system purring. Worth every penny

●

n/a

1

n/a

●

n/a

●

●

4

20

RussAndrewsX2

200 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Effective but suffers from lack of sockets

● ●

n/a

0.17

2

●

n/a

SupraMD 06

150 07.08/FT

★★★★★ It adds clarity, but some might not like the leaner sound

●

n/a

1

6

●

n/a

vandenHulM/ServerHybrid

150 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Not boring or dull, but it’s just too relaxed and safe sounding

●

n/a

1.5

n/a

●

n/a

WireworldStratus52

100 08.10/FT

★★★★★ One of the best mains cables for this money

●

n/a

2.0

n/a

●

30

www.whathifi.com 171

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Speaker cables

One of the most cost-effective speaker upgrades Up to £10/m Product

£

Tested

Verdict

AudioquestFLX SLiP14/4

5 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Cables and Accessories. Awards 2012

AudioquestX2

5 07.11/GT

★★★★★ A perfectly smooth and even-handed sounding performer

Flat Diameter (mm) Termination cost (£) Directional Biwire

Speaker cables

174

8.5 ●

n/a

●

n/a

AtlasElement

3 11.09/FT

★★★★★ A fine budget upgrade, but you don’t have to spend too much more to do quite a bit better

7

50

AtlasEquator2.0OFC

6 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Natural, even-handed and with good dynamic ability. A must-hear.

9

n/a

●

AtlasEquatorMkII

8 04.10/GT

★★★★★ It’s smooth and refined - it just needs a touch of verve

8.5

n/a

●

BlackRhodiumDisco

4 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Attractive price and pleasant way with trebles and vocals, but the lazy bass is irredeemable

6.3

n/a

●

ChordCo.CarnivalSilv.Screen

6 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Slightly overtaken by newer rivals, but still a mighty fine choice

10.5

n/a

●

ChordCompanyLeyline

2 07.11/GT

★★★★★ A cracker of a budget cable

Cl.AudioC-lineAlphaShield

5 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Restrained dynamics hold this otherwise good cable back from the full five stars

12 8.2

EcosseCS2.3

5 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Balanced, nuanced and an easy listen, but a little subdued

EcosseCS2.4

8 07.11/GT

★★★★★ Detailed, but could be too bright for some

EcosseCS4.2

3 02.12/FT

★★★★★ A decent cable that needs a touch more punch

EcosseCS2.3MKII

4 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Decent but there are better for a few pennies more

n/a

n/a

●

25

●

n/a

●

n/a

●

n/a

● ●

£47+

●

EcosseReferenceCS 2.3

4 10.07/FT

★★★★★ Provides a solid, composed and detailed sound with good timing

8.2

40

IxosGammaXHS806W

6 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Good balance, with lacklustre detail and dynamics

4x2

n/a

●

IxosXHS 513

7 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Needs more authority to really be able to shine

n/a

●

IxosXHS523 100M

4 10.06/FT

★★★★★ Sounds fine – until you demo similarly priced wires

9

inc

●

MonsterMCX 2s

8 10.06/GT

★★★★★ Interchangeable ends are a nice touch, but performance is nothing special

35

56

QEDRubyAnniversary

6 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Rich and detailed but lacking in rhythm and dynamics

6x2

n/a

●

QEDSilverAnniversaryXT

5 07.08/GT

★★★★★ Our budget cable Best Buy for three years on the trot

QEDX TC

4 09.10/FT

★★★★★ A great budget cable that’s able to hold its own

n/a

●

QEDXTEvolution

6 10.09/FT

★★★★★ QED is now a twin threat in the sub-£10/m speaker cable market

10

n/a

RussAndrewsKimber4PR

7 07.08/GT

★★★★★ A powerful sounding cable - although lacking in refinement

● ●

TalkElectronicsTalk3

4 07.11/GT

★★★★★ An essential first cable upgrade

●

n/a

vandenHulSnowline

7 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Somewhat muzzled and lacking in enthusiasm

● 4x2

n/a

●

WireworldLuna5biwire

5 10.06/GT

★★★★★ Stellar performance from a biwire cable priced firmly at ground-level

8

48

● ●

WireworldTheStream16/2

5 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Still a cracking cable, but losing out to better competition

7

n/a

●

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

174 www.whathifi.com

●

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

175

Flat Diameter (mm) Termination cost (£) Directional Biwire

One of the most cost-effective speaker upgrades Up to £10/m Product

£

Tested

Verdict

AudioquestRocket33

11 07.08/GT

★★★★★ The Rocket 33 boasts superb build quality but we’d like more subtlety and less glare

● ●

AtlasHyper2.0

15 07.08/GT

★★★★★ If your system warrants this kind of cable, you won’t be disappointed.

●

AtlasMavros(5m)

2290 08.08/FT

ChordCompanySignature

125 01.07/GT

★★★★★ Pair with an extravagant system and get excellent performance

10

n/a

★★★★★ One of the most effective upgrades you will ever hear if you own expensive kit

25

inc

Cl.AudioC-lineAlpha

10 10.06/GT

★★★★★ Chunky, it excels at timing and will pound out a rhythm track with confidence

DNMSolidCore

11 04.11/FT

★★★★★ All the detail of previous DNM cables with added authority

● ●

18

70

● 26

40

● ●

28

52

● ● ●

50 01.08/FT

★★★★★ A massively detailed cable that reveals subtleties with refinement

EcosseReferenceES4.45

19 04.07/FT

★★★★★ This speaker cable has a well separated, detailed sound but lacks in the bottom end

17

72

EcosseReferenceMS 2.3

25 10.06/GT

★★★★★ This is a supremely well-balanced cable that does most things very well

8.2

40

ImpAudioBlackKnightExt

131 05.08/FT

★★★★★ The limited audio improvement doesn’t really justify the price

18

inc

●

Kimber4VS

12 04.10/GT

★★★★★ An accomplished performer with an expressive sound

7

50

●

50

●

135

●

EcosseMS2.4

MerlinIRC6

15 09.08/FT

NordostBlueHeavenRevII

632 10.06/GT

★★★★★ The IRC6 is a fine cable that will suit a wide range of systems

10

★★★★★ A very good cable, but doesn’t do enough to get the full five stars

●

QEDRevelation

15 04.10/GT

★★★★★ A fine cable that should be on your audition list

QEDSilverAnniv.XTBiwire

10 10.06/GT

★★★★★ A clear class-leader with exceptional sonic transparency on display

3.3

96

TrueColoursInd.Python

12 07.08/FT

★★★★★ Good all-round performance, but musically beaten by cheaper rivals

9.5

9.99

●

16.5

n/a

●

vandenHulCS122

17 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Still great with subtleties, but rivals have caught up

WireworldTheOrbit

14 07.08/GT

★★★★★ Despite sounding a touch lean, The Orbit is definitely worth an audition

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR CABLES & ACCESSORIES

Audioquest FLX SLiP 14/4 £5.80

“This is an enthusiastic cable, conveying our reference kit’s sound with real punch. The sound is full-bodied, and there’s a good grasp of dynamics. Bass is rich, treble is smooth and midrange feels natural.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

BEST HIGH END SPEAKER CABLE

Talk Electronics Talk 3 £3.99

Chord Company Signature £115

“Given the price the results are extremely satisfying, with this cable performing admirably with detail, dynamics and subtlety, while there’s a lovely expressive midrange and firm bass too.” 1/7/11 ★★★★★

●

“If you’re lucky enough to own a sufficiently high-end set-up, add a few metres of Chord Signature to your system. The thrilling dynamics will put a grin on the face of anyone.” 1/1/07 ★★★★★

Up to £500 Tested

Verdict

Height (cm) Width (cm) Depth (cm) Steel Aluminium Concrete Wood Glass Carbon Fillable Finishes Top-plate spikes Floor spikes

Material

Give your speakers the support they deserve £

15

● ●

BEST BUDGET SPEAKER CABLE

Speaker stands Product

10

★★★★★ Spacious and well-focused fillable stands

60 23 26 ●

●

230 10.09/FT

★★★★★ If you want a bespoke stand, the Zeus makes sense

60

● Any

AtacamaAurora6

190 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Still a great option - but no longer the best

65 25 33

AtacamaHMS2

200 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Gain additional detail and cohesion with these solid stands

ApolloA3/6

80 07.10/GT

ApolloZeus

● ●

2

●

1

60 30.5 30.5 ●

●

1

AtacamaNexus6

70 12.00/FT

★★★★★ Still performing well after eight years

60 25 30 ●

●

1

AtacamaSL600

120 07.06/FT

★★★★★ Big Bold stands, that give a natural sound

60 31

●

1

Customrc60Deluxe

125 10.07/FT

★★★★★ This bespoke service has made a fine pair stands

60 20 25

CustomDesignFS104Sig.

190 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Best speaker stands. Awards 2012

16 62 18 ●

CustomDesignRS300

90 03.07/GT

★★★★★ Minimal design, a thoroughly appealing listen

61 22 26 ●

●

CustomDesignRS302

120 11.06/FT

★★★★★ Plenty of detail & clarity especially with vocals

61 22 26 ●

●

CustomDesignSignature402

150 07.06/GT

★★★★★ Too much of a mixed bag to suite the listener

51

31 ● ●

● ● ●

● ● ●

●

●

5

17 18 ●

1

●

●

2

●

●

●

●

3 2

●

HiFiRacksPodiumT5IV

150 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Ideal for those with forward sounding speakers

50 24 30

●

2

●

●

ImpAudioSandwich

150 01.08/FT

★★★★★ They might look good, but soon appear lacking

60 25 30

●

1

●

●

KudosS50

200 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Highly recommended and agile stands

62 18 20 ●

MissionStance

100 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Will do a fine job with £200-£400 speakers

58 21 28 ●

●

1

●

●

3

●

●

7

●

●

OptimumOPT60S

130 07.10/GT

★★★★★ A lightweight presentation that’s not ideal

64 25 20 ●

PartingtonANSA60

150 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Remain fine stands - but no longer outstanding value

60 23 28 ●

Part.D’noughtBroadside

300 08.08/FT

★★★★★ Deliver wide ranging improvements to sound

60 20 17 ●

PartingtonHeavi

399 03.07/FT

★★★★★ If you demand the best, by these

60 30 21 ●

Part.SuperDreadnought

180 03.07/GT

★★★★★ Best £100+ speaker stands in Awards 2007

60 16 17 ●

●

1

PartingtonTrophy

130 07.06/GT

★★★★★ Hefty, glossy and suitable for all speakers

61 17

●

2

★★★★★ Sturdy enough, but need more body to the bass

59 24 30 ●

QAcoustics2000ST

75 07.10/GT

● ●

●

1

●

2

●

1

17 ●

100 01.06/GT

★★★★★ Low mass for those who want to control excess bass

60 24 24

●

6

QuadraspireQV60

250 07.10/GT

★★★★★ Unusual to look at, but brilliant to hear

58 30 30

●

4

RussAndrewsTorlyte

336 03.07/GT

★★★★★ Good-looking wood stands that are a real find

50 16 18

●

1

SoundstyleXS122

105 07.06/GT

★★★★★ Beautifully finished and reveal a spacious sound

57 25 30 ●

2

★★★★★ Best sub-£100 speaker stand in Awards 2007

57 17 23 ●

2

70 11.08/FT

●

● ●

●

2

QuadraspireQ60

SoundstyleZ2

Speaker cables | Speaker stands

Speaker cables (continued)

● ● ●

●

● ●

●

● ●

www.whathifi.com 175

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Product

£

AudiophileBaseStarBase

1180 12.06/GT

★★★★★ Exceptional, spectacular results with high end hi-fi

65 59 52 ● ● ●

3

59 52

variable

●

n/a

n/a

● ●

3

AudiophileBaseStratabase

360 01.08/FT

★★★★★ It isn’t cheap but justifies the cost

0.4 43 36 ● ● ●

1

43 0.4

variable

●

n/a

n/a

●

2

96 50

26

40

106

25/18

70

70

AlphasonADP3/96 PB

399 06.06/GT

★★★★★ Hell to assemble, sound is cluttered and confused

105 110 50 ●

●

3

AlphasonAspectASP900 LO

400 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Ideal for the ’furniture’ look and decent sonics

40 57 96 ●

●

3 90 46

AlphasonMode

1699 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Massively expensive, but supremely capable as well

60 150 57 ● ●

3

45 15

18

AlphasonST560/3

260 06.10/GT

★★★★★ A well isolated modular design that does much right

65 56 59

● ●

4

55 50

23

ApolloConcertoLCD

250 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Fine all round performance-corner stand

50 79 44 ● ● ●

3

69 40

22/18

●

●

●

1

●

4

● ●

●

4

●

●

2

●

5

●

150

60

n/a

n/a

●

115

115

● ●

●

●

●

ApolloMezzoSoprano

390 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Superbly versatile, gives fine sound and pictures

var 55 50 ● ● ●

3

55 45

variable

●

opt

opt

ApolloRealWoodSoprano

360 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Compact and stylish, buts lacks agility and definition

93 55 45

●

4 46 37

variable

●

n/a

n/a

●

3

AtacamaEuropaRef6.5

520 05.09/GT

★★★★★ It’s got good looks but sounds too harsh for us

59 65 40

●

4

65 40

variable

●

25

25

●

●

1

●

AtacamaEuropaRef8

400 06.06/GT

★★★★★ Stimulating, class-leading detail, strong dynamics

var 80 40 ● ● ●

4 68 40

variable

●

25

25

●

●

2

●

● 2 5 50 50

variable

●

20

20

●

●

3

●

75

25

●

●

3

AtacamaEquinox

339 11.19/GT

★★★★★ Still a good rack, but newer rivals offer more

var 60 55

380 05.07/FT

★★★★★ Neat solution to mount a TV above AV electronics

110 106 60 ● ●

AtacEquinoxHi-FiCelebLE

499 11.09/GT

★★★★★ Its stylish and more than capable, but lacks some grip

var 60 55

●

4 50 50

variable

●

20

20

●

AtacamaErisEco5.0

460 04.12/FT

★★★★★ Best equipment support, Awards 2012

70 59 56

● ●

4 49 50

Variable

●

20

20

●

BlokProStax500

500 08.11/GT

★★★★★ A behemoth with a big, stable sound

108 67.5 52.5

●

5 67.5 52.5

variable

n/a

n/a

2

97 51

21

● 10 ● ● ●

AtacamaEquinoxAVI

● ● ●

●

1

●

4

●

●

5 2

●

●

4

●

BlokStax300

180 06.10/GT

★★★★★ A solidly constructed rack with a matching sound

51 58 40

●

3

46 40

variable

n/a

n/a

CustomDesignConceptAV

350 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Looks and sounds excellent, plus 4 colour options

60 101 40 ● ● ●

3

97 37

21

50

20

CustomDesignIconSig.

330 10.06/FT

★★★★★ A great rack for an upgrade to tame unruly systems

42 75 66

●

4

56 37

variable

n/a

n/a

●

●

11

●

CustomDesignMilan4

470 11.09/GT

★★★★★ Small and well made, but lacks subtlety

59 57 40

●

4 47.5 1

15.5

●

40

40

●

●

5

●

CustomDesignMilanLCD3

350 09.08/FT

★★★★★ A stylish addition to Custom Design’s catalogue

42 77 40 ● ●

3

68 40

15

●

30

30

●

●

4

●

CustomDesignTokyoHi-Fi4

430 08.11/GT

★★★★★ A lightweight rack with immense potential

64 58 40

4

47 40

15

●

n/a

n/a

●

●

3

●

CustomDesignUlt.Corn3AV

400 12.06/GT

★★★★★ Great picture and vibrant sound on a clever stand

53 113 51 ● ●

3

113 52

23

60

60

●

●

7

Fut’glassGem(Acoustglass)

540 06.06/GT

★★★★★ Fine sense of drive and insight from special glass

54 60 40

●

4 49 40

variable

●

n/a

n/a

●

FutureglassGem(Separates)

500 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Good sound, but appalling build quality

54 60 40

●

4 49 40

variable

●

60

60

FutureglassGemLite

150 10.08/FT

★★★★★ This looks and sounds great for very little

var 60 40

●

4 40 60

variable

25

25

FutureglassGemSlender

556 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Modular design £129 per shelf-a clean sound

160 80 40 ● ● ●

4 68 40

variable

●

60

60

HiFiRacksAkornerXL

930 09.12/FT

★★★★★ A corner-friendly alternative to the Podium

45 110 40 ● ●

3

99 40

variable

●

150

150

HiFiRacksPodium

460 08.11/GT

★★★★★ Best equipment support. Awards 2011

62 60 40

●

4 60 40

variable

●

90

HiFiRacksPodiumXL

1050 06.10/GT

★★★★★ A great performer: plenty of weight and dynamics

53 140 40 ● ● ●

3 140 40

variable

●

★★★★★ An ideal rack for those who like a lighter listen

76 68 50

4

299 05.09/GT

●

●

20.2

● ● ●

●

5

●

●

3

●

● ● ●

2

●

●

5

●

●

6

●

90

●

1

●

200

200

●

1

●

n/a

n/a

●

1

●

●

4

●

3

● ●

●

●

●

OfftheWallProfile

329 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Retro styling that’s great for the money

48 90 57 ● ●

3

43 40

19

50

10

● ●

OptimumAvion8925

999 06.10/GT

★★★★★ Heavyweight, but likeable and good with sonics

57 127 56 ● ●

3

47 52

variable

34

23

● ●

PartingtonMinim

420 08.05/FT

★★★★★ Superb, sonically effective, improves fine details

75 60 44

3 160 54

variable

n/a

n/a

●

●

2

PartingtonMinimAV

410 04.07/GT

★★★★★ A special favourite. Tested with £195 LCD support

59 106 54 ● ●

5

44 35

variable

n/a

n/a

●

●

2

QuadraspireQ4evo

380 11.09/GT

★★★★★ A solid, cohesive and supremely affordable rack

var 59 39.5

●

4

59 39.5

variable

80

80

● ●

8

●

QuadraspireQAVM(Oak)

540 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Solid and rigid, delivers a fine performance

50 109 50 ● ● ●

3

96 50

variable

●

100

100

● ●

8

●

QuadraspireQAVX

560 12.07/FT

★★★★★ Supports a great big telly and expansive system

var 163 52 ● ● ●

2 163 52

variable

●

280

280

● ●

8

●

QuadraspireSunokoVentT

800 11.09/GT

★★★★★ A first-rate rack, that highlights subtleties

var 59 47 ● ● ●

4

47 59

variable

●

120

120

● ●

6

●

SoundstyleWG3AV

300 12.06/FT

★★★★★ A balanced, likeable rack with music and movies

49 120 46 ● ● ●

3 108 46

variable

60

60

●

280 06.06/GT

★★★★★ Smooth refined performer-retains bite

71 60 46

4 48 46

variable

60

60

★★★★★ Doesn’t perform better than cheaper rivals

37 120 50 ● ●

3

117 50

variable

100

n/a

●

●

●

1

★★★★★ Classy looks and features

82 95 44 ● ●

2

95 44

28

30

30

●

●

●

6

SoundstyleWG4 SonorousN110 SonorousPL2200

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

Verdict

Material

Modular Max load top (kg) Max load other (kg) Steel Aluminium Wood Glass Other Glass shelves Finishes Floor spikes

Up to £2000 Tested

Shelves

Height (cm) Width (cm) Depth (cm) TV Home cinema Hi-fi Shelves Width (cm) Depth (cm)

Provide a solid, secure and stylish home for your treasured kit

IconAudioAero

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

Type

Spacing (cm)

Equipment racks

1000 08.08/FT 280 09.08/FT

Hardwood AV and Hi Fi designs of visual and tonal excellence Handmade in the UK Highest craftsmanship and the finest hardwoods, metals, stone and glass Anti-vibration and platform isolation throughout

NEW Fusi on r ange

Ca ram e Sta l Ba inl mb es oo sS w tee it l le h tu gs rne d

Equipment racks

176

www.wisgood.co.uk

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

176 www.whathifi.com

●

●

●

●

●

5

●

2

Extensive range of hardwoods available

Interested in talking to us about your next AV or Hi Fi furniture project? E-mail us at [email protected] or give us a call at +44 (0) 1909 726411 as we’d love to help!

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

177

Tested

Verdict

Material

Modular Max load top (kg) Max load other (kg) Steel Aluminium Wood Glass Other Glass shelves Finishes Floor spikes

Up to £2000

Spacing (cm)

Provide a solid, secure and stylish home for your treasured kit

Shelves

Height (cm) Width (cm) Depth (cm) TV Home cinema Hi-fi Shelves Width (cm) Depth (cm)

Type

Product

£

SpectralClosedCL1050

1100 07.07/FT

★★★★★ Fantastic build and style, plus numerous options

31 101 53 ● ● ●

2 100 53

variable

100

50

●

●

● 17

SpectralClosedCL1552

1800 07.07/GT

★★★★★ Awesome style and decent abilities - a great rack

var var 53 ● ● ●

6 var 48

variable

100

50

●

●

● 16

StandsUniqueSoundSupport

330 08.11/GT

★★★★★ An agile sounding rack with a good feel for subtlety

57 72 42

●

4 n/a n/a

variable

250

250

●

●

1

StandsUniqueSoundtower10

533 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Beautifully made with a very capable performance

81 72 42

●

5

55 33

variable

500

500

●

●

5

●

TargetCL470

299 06.10/GT

★★★★★ For pure performance, this is a winner at this price

82 50 55

●

4 50 55

variable

n/a

n/a

2

●

TechlinkOvid

200 04.07/GT

★★★★★ Perfect for a minimalist system in a trendy flat

32 95 40 ● ●

3

78 40

13

60

50

YamahaYRS 1000

900 11.09/FT

★★★★★ Convenient and compact, but compromised

50 116 42 ● ●

3 116 42

45

30

40

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT RACK

“Everything we put on the Eris sounded more controlled, detailed and dynamic than on othersat this price range. Bass, in particular, is better defined. There’s good weight behind its delivery.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Custom Design Tokyo Hi-Fi 4 £430

“It’s a fixed-width design, meaning there’s a lack of flexibility to kit placement, but the solid build more than makes up for that. Our reference kit sounds full-bodied, lashed with detail, and well-balanced. ” 1/8/11 ★★★★★

1

“It lets our kit sound even better than the smaller (former award-winning) model, allowing it to convey a little more openness in the midrange and treble, and a touch more articulation low down.” 1/6/10 ★★★★★

Up to £70 Tested

3

●

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT RACK

Headphones

£

● ● ● ●

Hi Fi Racks Podium XL £1050

A top pair of cans provides a bargain route to quality sounds Product

●

Verdict

In-ear On-ear Over-ear Open Semi-open Closed Wireless Surround sound Weight (g) 3.5mm jack 6.3mm jack 2.5mm jack Cable (m)

BEST EQUIPMENT RACK

Atacama Eris Eco 5.0 £460

●

●

a-JaysThree

40 08.12/GT

★★★★★ Entertaining performers at lower volumes

AudioTechnicaATH CK400i

35 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Budget buds with a lightweight bass-delivery

AudioTechnicaATH CK550

49 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Smooth and weighty with lashings of detail

●

●

8

●

1.2

AudioTechnicaATH CKS55i

45 08.12/GT

★★★★★ Big on bass, these cans are no shrinking violets

●

●

6

●

1.2

AudioTechnicaATH T400

50 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Nicely balanced pair that just lack the wow factor of the class leaders

260 ● ●

3

AKGK315

20 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Affordable, but not the best upgrade going

AKGK430

50 08.10/GT

★★★★★ Loads of detail and very deep bass and they’re comfortable

● ● ●

●

●

n/a ●

n/a

●

n/a ●

n/a

●

●

5 ●

●

1

●

110 ● ●

1.1

AKGQ350

60 06.11/FT

★★★★★ These AKG’s are a huge let down

●

●

n/a ●

AltecLansingBackbeat903

60 Aw.09/FT

★★★★★ The perfect partner for your Bluetooth-enabled portable

● ●

● ●

36

1 n/a

AppleIn-earheadphones

54 06.09/FT

★★★★★ An unconvincing set of buds that don’t come close to justifying their price-tag

●

10.2 ●

1.4

AiAiAiPipe

36 08.12/GT

★★★★★ Hampered by wooly, indiscreet bass

●

●

n/a ●

n/a

BeyerdynamicDTX101iE

64 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Best in-ears £40-£80. Awards 2012

●

●

11

●

1.2

BeyerdynamicDTX71iE

54 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Detailed and with supreme tone control

●

●

11

●

1.2

BreodeJaneiro

65 08.10/FT

★★★★★ Uncover decent levels of detail but clouded by the thick and closed-in presentation

●

n/a ●

CreativeEP 830

40 09.10/GT

★★★★★ Sound is lightweight and lacks drive

● ●

9

1.5

●

1.2 n/a

dBLogicEP 100

25 08.12/GT

★★★★★ A dramatic, enjoyable musical performance

●

●

n/a ●

DigitalSilenceDS 321D

60 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Admirable noise-cancelling buds

●

●

11

●

1.8

EtymoticResearchMC5

57 01.12/GT

★★★★★ A likeable sound for the money

●

●

17 ●

0.4

●

n/a ● ●

1.5

GeniusGHP 04NC

30 10.10/FT

★★★★★ Impressive noise cancellers hampered by poor sound

GradoiGrado

40 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Fabulous iPod upgrade: these are unbeatable at the price.

GriffinTunebuds

8 01.10/GT

Equipment racks | Headphones

Equipment racks (continued)

● ●

●

85 ●

1

★★★★★ A definite step up from offensive iPod earphones

●

●

n/a ●

1.0 1.1

Jaysa-JaysFour

50 12.11/FT

★★★★★ The Jays combine looks and performance to alluring effect

●

●

14 ●

Jaysa-JaysThree

40 AW.10/FT

★★★★★ Perfectly fine for the money

●

●

14 ●

1.1

Jayst-JaysTwo

67 09.11/ST

★★★★★ A sure fire winner for those who like their bass

●

●

8

1.3

●

JVCHA E130

10 02.09/GT

★★★★★ Rhythmic and detailed considering the £10 price

●

26 ●

1.2

JVCHA FXC51

30 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Lots to like but the treble’s just too harsh

●

●

4.4 ●

1.2

KlipschImageS2

40 01.10/GT

★★★★★ Soundly thrashed by cheaper rivals

●

●

n/a ● ●

1.0

KickerEB141

65 04.10/FT

★★★★★ Look snazzy but most of the competition sounds better

●

●

20 ●

1.3

KickerHP 301

35 11.09/FT

★★★★★ Lots to admire here but, sadly, not that much where sound is concerned

●

20 ●

1.3

LencoHP 080

27 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Cheap noise-cancellers that do a job

●

●

260 ●

1.1

LindyActive24025

40 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Despite lacking some clarity, these Lindy’s are a solid effort

●

224 ● ●

2

n/a ●

1.2

●

●

●

●

MemorexWR100

17 07.10/FT

★★★★★ Even at this money, the WR100s are poor headphones

●

MinistryofSoundMOS003

30 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Tidy, well balanced and nicely made

●

●

15 ●

1.3

Mix-Styleinnerheadphones

30 08.12/GT

★★★★★ Punchy, controlled and balanced

●

●

n/a ●

n/a

NocsNS200

45 03.11/GT

★★★★★ A full-bodied and enjoyable listen

●

NokiaBH 504

60 10.10/GT

★★★★★ Light, comfortable and sound rather good

NixonTheWire

30 08.12/GT

★★★★★ Stylish, but somewhat lacking sonically

● ●

n/a ●

n/a

● ●

n/a

n/a

●

●

n/a ●

n/a

n/a ●

1.0

●

PanasonicRP HJE170

10 01.10/GT

★★★★★ For just £10, these vuds are worth looking at

●

●

PanasonicRP HJE350

21 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Decent sound, but can be bettered at the price

●

●

3

●

1.3

PanasonicRP HS200

26 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Comfortable, but with a lightweight sound

●

●

7

●

1.2

www.whathifi.com 177

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Headphones (continued)

A top pair of cans provides a bargain route to quality sounds Up to £70 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

In-ear On-ear Over-ear Open Semi-open Closed Wireless Surround sound Weight (g) 3.5mm jack 6.3mm jack 2.5mm jack Cable (m)

Headphones

178

PanasonicRP HTX7

35 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Best portable on-ears up to £50. Awards 2012

●

●

153 ●

PhilipsCitiScapeDowntown

55 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Fun, stylish and great to use on an everyday basis

●

●

174 ●

1.2

PhilipsSHE8000

25 08.12/GT

★★★★★ A nice, easygoing listen, but lacking in drama

●

●

n/a ●

n/a

●

PhilipsSHE9000

35 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Too jumbled sonically to be pleasurable

PhilipsSHS8000/00

25 03.09/GT

★★★★★ Dynamic and detailed, and they’ll definitely stay on at the gym

PhilipsTheBend

50 03.12/FT

★★★★★ There’s better portable on-ears at this price

RadiopaqDots

15 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Decent sounding buds that don’t cost a bomb

● ●

RadiopaqFlex

25 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Good for jogging but they’re not great for sound

RHACA 200

40 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Comfortable, but they pack a spiky treble

RHAMA 350

30 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Nicely made from quality materials, with impressive sound to match

●

● ●

1.6

●

12 ●

1.2

●

na ●

1.2

●

300 ●

1.2

●

n/a ● ●

1.2 1.2

●

n/a ●

●

166 ●

1.5

●

48 ●

1.2

n/a

n/a

SantokBTHS600

38 10.10/GT

★★★★★ Stylish and cheap, but a tad bright for us

SennheiserCX280

29 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Affordable, but not at all fun

●

●

12 ●

1.2

SennheiserCX300 II

30 09.10/GT

★★★★★ Best in-ear headphones up to £50, Awards 2010

●

●

4

1.2

●

●

●

●

SennheiserCX281

35 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Enjoyable enough, but a touch quiet

●

●

16 ●

1.2

SennheiserCX495

35 08.12/GT

★★★★★ A brilliant upgrade bargain

●

●

n/a ●

n/a

SennheiserHD202

26 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Great sound for the money and a bargain buy

SennheiserHD218

40 11.09/FT

★★★★★ For closed-back cans, the Sennheisers are very good – but not the best

SennheiserHD408

34 01.11/FT

★★★★★ Not the last word in definition

SennheiserMM70i

50 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Nice features for the money

●

●

12 ●

SennheiserMM50

40 12.09/GT

★★★★★ An excellent perfromance-per pound proposition

●

●

n/a

SennheiserMM60

60 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Open, balanced and controlled - these cans deliver the goods

●

●

n/a ●

1.3

SennheiserPX100 II

40 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Improvement over previous model and a smart alternative to the iGrados

●

●

80 ●

1.2

● ●

Skullcandy50/50

45 12.11/GT

★★★★★ Plump bass spoils a lively performance here

45 08.10/GT

★★★★★ Dull and unexciting, sound lacks spaciousness and openness

SkullcandyFullMetalJacket

65 07.10/FT

★★★★★ An extremely likeable pair of in-ear ‘phones

●

SkullcandyFIX

60 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Inoffensive enough, but you can get a better sonic fix elsewhere

●

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

178 www.whathifi.com

130 ● ●

3

224 ●

1.4

154 ●

1.4

● ●

SkullcandyAgent

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Belowpar ★★★★★ Poor

● ●

● ●

●

17 ●

1.2

●

181 ●

1.2

● ●

1.2 ● 1.3

13 ●

1.3

n/a ●

1.3

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

179

In-ear On-ear Over-ear Open Semi-open Closed Wireless Surround sound Weight (g) 3.5mm jack 6.3mm jack 2.5mm jack Cable (m)

A top pair of cans provides a bargain route to quality sounds Up to £70 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

SkullcandyIcon/Recruit

21 02.09/GT

★★★★★ Comfortable with admirably direct and communicative sound

●

●

45 ●

1.2

SlickDistributionsSD50

30 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Features and price make it easy to forgive minor sonic flaws

●

● ●

n/a

n/a

SoundMagicE10

35 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Best in-ears up to £40. Awards 2012

●

SoundMagicPL30

30 01.10/GT

★★★★★ Great headphones that are held back by better value rivals

●

SoundMagicPL50

50 02.10/FT

★★★★★ Comfy and smooth-sounding; great all-rounders

●

SonyMDR 570LP

30 08.10/GT

★★★★★ Comfortable, all-round, on-ear headphones

SonyMDR AS40EX

24 03.09/GT

★★★★★ Sporty headphones that sound weighty and clear

●

●

●

●

11

●

1.2

●

n/a ●

1.0

●

8

●

110 ●

●

1.2

●

6

●

1.2

5

●

1.2

7

● ●

1.2

SonyMDR EX500LP

45 09.10/GT

★★★★★ Display good solidity and weight – well worth an audition

●

SonyMDR NC33

50 04.10/FT

★★★★★ The sound’s passable, but they don’t do what it says on the tin

●

●

UltimateEarsLoudenough

23 01.10/GT

★★★★★ Suitable for children, but no-one else

●

●

UltimateEarsMetroFi170vi

30 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Incredibly comfortable, but lacking in attack

●

●

16 ●

1.2

UrbonearsMedis

45 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Handicapped by flat and cluttered sound

●

●

n/a ●

1.2

Vivanco27100

40 03.10/GT

★★★★★ A cheap-feeling design that lacks some refinement

VivancoAircoustic

50 06.10/FT

★★★★★ These wooden buds don’t have the necessary sonic skills

●

VivancoAirc.StudioMonitors

50 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Capable - but should be approached with caution

●

●

Headphones

Headphones (continued)

n/a ●

1.5 1.0

●

118 ●

1.5

●

5.1 ●

1.2

●

n/a ●

n/a

£70 and above AudioTechnicaATH A500

140 02.10/GT

★★★★★ If you’re after closed back cans, give these a try

●

●

290 ● ●

AudioTechnicaATH A700

190 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Thin treble and big bass lets these cans down

●

●

290 ● ●

3

AudioTechnicaATH ANC1

80 06.10/FT

★★★★★ Their portability and noise-cancelling makes them a viable buy

●

●

100 ●

1.6

AudioTechnicaATH ES55

90 09.11/GT

★★★★★ Best portable on-ear headphone up to £100, Awards 2010

●

●

120 ●

1.2

AudioTechnicaATH ES7

140 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Appearance apart, there’s an awful lot to like here

●

●

160 ●

1.2

AudioTechnicaATH ES88

230 02.12/FT

★★★★★ Appealingly eccentric cans

●

●

130 ●

1.2

AudioTechnicaATH EW9

159 10.07/FT

★★★★★ Featherlight phones are awesomely detailed

●

●

33 ●

0.6

AudioTechnicaATH W1000

650 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Expensive, but offer magnificent hi-fi sound

●

●

350

●

3.0

AudioTechnicaATH W1000X

650 07.10/FT

★★★★★ Best home on-ear headphones £500-£800, Awards 2010. Beautiful, and supremely non-leaky

●

●

350

●

2.5

●

165 ●

AudioTechnicaATH WS55i AKGK240MKII AKGK3003i AKGK370

89 Aw.11/FT 100 11.10/FT 1000 04.12/FT 73 12.10/GT

★★★★★ An excellent pair of on-ears for the bass-loving iPhone-owner

●

★★★★★ Always listenable, but you can do much better at this money

●

★★★★★ The best, and priciest, in-ears we’ve seen

●

★★★★★ Impressive for the money

●

● ●

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Headphones. Awards 2011

●

80 10.12/GT

★★★★★ Product of the Year - Headphones. Awards 2012

●

90 10.11/FT

★★★★★ Likeable, but dedicated cans give better sound

●

AKGK550

180 02.12/ST

★★★★★ Best home on-ear headphones £150+, Awards 2012.

●

AKGQ460

140 02.11/GT

★★★★★ More pros than cons, but still not complete

AKGQ701

340 09.11/ST

AKGK450/HA450

180 09.11/ST

AKGK451 AKGK540

AltecLansingBackbeat906

90 10.09/GT

●

●

★★★★★ A great, solid sounding set of cans

●

★★★★★ Dynamic and clear - the Backbeat 906s are a real find

●

5

10 ●

1.2 1

120 ● ●

0.5

120 ● ●

1.2

230 ● ●

3

●

305 ●

3

●

n/a ● ● ● 1.2

●

●

1.2

240 ● ●

n/a ●

●

3

● ●

236 ● ●

n/a

34 ●

n/a

AltecLansingMuzxUltra

100 12.10/GT

★★★★★ Good specification, but lacking in thrils

●

●

n/a ● ●

1.2

Atom.FloydHiDefAc.Steel

100 12.09/GT

★★★★★ They’re on the forward side, but an exciting listen

●

●

24 ● ●

1.2

●

AtomicFloydTwistJax

129 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Stylish, but lacking in sonic ability

BeyerdynamicDT440

125 02.10/GT

★★★★★ They uncover detail, but are lacking in fluidity

BeyerdynamicDT880

200 06.09/GT

BeyerdynamicDTX80

80 12.10/GT

BeyerdynamicMMX101iE

95 Aw.11/FT

★★★★★ Comfortable and the sound is impressive ●

★★★★★ Best in-ears £80-£120. Awards 2012

●

160 10.09/GT

★★★★★ A pleasure to listen to, but not quite as good as newer rivals

BeyerdynamicT1

880 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Best home on-ear headphones £800+, Awards 2010.

BeyerdynamicT50P

230 02.12/ST

★★★★★ Best portable on-ears £200+ Awards 2012

BeyerdynamicT70

456 11.11/FT

★★★★★ Undeniably capable, but don’t quite feel worth the money

90 12.10/FT

★★★★★ Good noise-cancellers, but sonically slack

BlackboxM10 RB

99 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Impressive, capable and clear-sounding

BlackboxM16

165 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Good at killing outside noise, but they could sound better

Blackboxi10

80 12.10/GT

★★★★★ A great set of noise-cancellers, with a good sound to boot

BoseAround-ear

90 11.10/GT

★★★★★ Packed with clever technology and work well

BoseMIE2i

120 09.11/ST

★★★★★ A perfect headphone meets microphone solution

BEST IN EARS UP TO £40

Soundmagic E10 £35

● ●

★★★★★ Best in-ear headphones £50-£100, Awards 2010. Effortlessly enjoyable to listen to and wear

BeyerdynamicRSX700

BlackboxM10

● ● ●

“While some rivals go for refinement and restraint, the E10s simply lets the music go where it wants to; you get a lovely, airy presentation with finely detailed rhythms and excellent stereo imaging.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

BEST IN EARS £40 £80

Beyerdynamic DTX 101iE £65

“Beautifully balanced performance with sparkly, controlled treble and the kind of bass that not only underpins and solidifies the presentation, but also adds a lovely fullness to vocals.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

● ●

● ● ●

● ●

● ● ●

12 ● 11

3 1.2

●

1.2

270 ●

n/a ●

3

●

350

174 ● ●

1.2

●

330 ● ●

3

n/a ●

1.6

●

180 ● ●

1.6

●

360 ●

1.2

●

●

1.2 3.0

340 ● ● ●

●

n/a ● ● 320 ● ●

25 ●

1.3

●

n/a ● ●

n/a

●

19 ●

1.2

BEST IN EARS £120 £200

Sony XBA 2iP £130

“Their sound quality is excellent. Tuneful and exciting, we can’t fault their agility or precision, and their open, spacious delivery allows for plenty of detail from top to bottom of the frequency range.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

www.whathifi.com 179

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Headphones (continued)

A top pair of cans provides a bargain route to quality sounds £70 and above Product

★★★★★ Fine in many ways, but not the best about

●

BoseMobilein-earheadset

99 12.09/GT

★★★★★ Unobtrusive in place, but lacking in excitement

●

BoseOE

120 02.11/GT

★★★★★ We’d like more vigour and detail here

BoseQuietComfort15

280 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Best noise-cancelling headphones. Awards 2012

B&WP3

170 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Stylish and sonically talented on-ear headphones

●

12 ●

1.3

18 ●

1.3

●

147 ●

1.1

●

227 ●

2

●

130 ●

1.2

●

195 ● ●

1.2

5.6 ●

0.7 1.5

● ● ● ●

B&WP5

250 02.12/ST

★★★★★ Aesthetically beautiful and aurally accomplished too

DenonAH C710

140 04.10/GT

★★★★★ There’s plenty of power and punch here, but less subtlety

DenonAH NC732

250 03.09/FT

★★★★★ These are good noise cancellers, but sound quality could be a lot better for the money

●

146 ● ●

EtymoticResearchHF2

180 08.09/FT

★★★★★ The same money buys punchier cans, but not ones that fit as well as these customised buds

●

●

26 ●

EtymoticResearchHF3

134 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Serious hi-fi quality in a stylish little package

●

●

11

★★★★★ Not balanced enough for five-star glory

●

80 04.11/FT

● ●

● ●

1

●

1.2

●

n/a ●

1.2

FocalSpiritOne

200 04.12/FT

★★★★★ Refined enough, but not the most exciting

●

●

225 ● ●

1.3

GermanMaestroGMP8.35D

150 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Virtually indestructible sonic goodness

●

●

220 ● ●

1.5

GoldringNS 1000

100 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Sweet, powerful sounding noise-cancellers

●

183 ● ●

1.8

GradoGR10

355 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Stunningly insightful and expressive

●

●

9.0 ●

GradoGR8

300 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Precisely detailed and balanced, but they lack a certain richness

●

GradoGS1000i

1000 10.09/GT

GradoPS1000

1795 09.11/ST

●

●

9

1.3

● ●

1.3

★★★★★ For sheer, sonic pleasure these cans are stunning

● ●

312

●

1.9

★★★★★ Undoubtedly one of the finest headphones money can buy

● ●

500

●

1.75

GradoSR325is

315 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Best home on-ear headphones £150+ Awards 2011

GradoSR60i

100 02.10/GT

★★★★★ Hugely accomplished and built to last too

GradoSR80i

115 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Best home on-ear headphones up to £150, Awards 2012.

GradoiGi

90 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Classy and compact buds

● ●

●

● ●

330 ● ●

1.5

125 ● ●

2.5

200 ● ●

●

●

1.8

12 ●

1.25

Harman-KardonCL

170 09.12/FT

★★★★★ An impressive headphone debut for Harman Kardon

●

●

195 ●

1.4

HouseofMarleyFreedom

150 02.12/ST

★★★★★ These cans have individuality but little else

●

●

410 ●

1.3

IncaseSonic

170 02.12/FT

★★★★★ A triumph of style over substance

●

230 ●

1.5

JabraHalo

99 10.09/GT

★★★★★ They may be slim and gimmicky, but they have a good sound

n/a ●

n/a

JamoIN40i

90 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Chunky and enjoyable buds

●

●

11

●

1.8

JamowEARIN20m

70 06.11/FT

★★★★★ These quiet Jamos aren’t without charm

●

●

n/a ●

n/a

n/a

n/a

100 10.10/GT 70 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Tiger in name , but the Jaybirds perform like a disinterested pussycat

Jayst-JaysThree

80 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Dig deep, but could do with more snap

JVCHA FX1000

250 06.09/FT

KlipschImageOne

70 04.12/GT 140 05.11/GT

● ●

★★★★★ Need an apt-X Bluetooth dongle to really shine

JaybirdTigerEyes

JVCHA NC120

★★★★★ Comfortable, unique, and great-sounding; these premium cans are well-worth trying

●

●

●

●

● ● ●

● ●

13.5 ●

1.1

●

n/a ●

n/a

7.5 ●

2.5

●

★★★★★ Decent enough, but there’s better available

●

●

120 ●

1.2

★★★★★ Perfect for those who enjoy a lot of bass

●

●

138 ● ●

1.4

320 ● ●

1.8

KlipschImageX10i

219 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Best in-ears £140+. Awards 2011

●

●

KlipschImageX5

140 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Still a great buy, with a very balanced sound

●

●

11

●

1.5

KlipschS4i

90 12.09/GT

★★★★★ These Klipschs are great all-rounders, with an exciting edge

●

●

12 ●

1.3

KlipschS5i

120 05.11/FT

★★★★★ In-ear buds that strain at the leash

●

LindyPremiumHeadphones

75 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Ideal for those unwilling to break the £100 barrier

MonsterBeatsbyDrDre

280 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Noise-cancelling cans that are seriously good

Mon.BeatsbyDrDreSoloHD

180 05.11/GT

★★★★★ Lack definition and transparency when it’s needed

MonsterBeatsbyDreiBeats

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

Verdict

149 05.11/GT

JaybirdSportsbandSB2

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

Tested

BoseMobileon-earHeadset

EtymoticResearchMC3

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

£

In-ear On-ear Over-ear Open Semi-open Closed Wireless Surround sound Weight (g) 3.5mm jack 6.3mm jack 2.5mm jack Cable (m)

Headphones

180

80 03.11/GT

★★★★★ For smooth, bassy sounds they’re ace

● ● ● ●

MonsterBeatsProbyDre

350 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Brilliant at what they do well

MonsterBeatsTour

120 07.09/FT

★★★★★ The most exciting and excitable earbuds we’ve heard

●

MonsterGratitude

199 08.12/FT

★★★★★ Celebrity hook-up cans sound good for the money

●

MonsterTurbinePro

240 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Eye-catching, and with some serious grunt, but not an all-rounder

●

NocsNS400Titanium

80 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Still great, but there’s better for the money

●

●

●

12 ●

1.8

●

n/a ● ●

n/a

●

260 ● ●

1.3

●

186

1.2

●

n/a ●

n/a

●

299 ● ●

1.8

●

20 ●

1.2

n/a ●

n/a

430 ● ●

1.14

●

★★★★★ These over-ear Nokias have plus points but are pricy

●

12 ●

1.2

●

● ●

n/a

n/a

NokiaBH 905

200 10.10/GT

NokiaBH 905i

140 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Solidly built, but with a fuzzy sound

● ●

167 ● ● ● n/a

NokiaBH604

80 10.09/GT

★★★★★ These Nokia’s do the job, but don’t get us excited

●

● ●

260 ●

NixonMasterBlaster

160 06.09/GT

★★★★★ Designed for Snowboarders – impressive bass weight and spacious sound

●

●

n/a ●

1.5

NixonRPM

170 02.12/ST

★★★★★ Not without merit, but not as assertive as they look

●

●

347 ●

1.3

OakleyORokr

170 06.07/FT

★★★★★ Sounds barely better than a pair of freebie earbuds

● ●

52

n/a

PanasonicRP HC101

82 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Nice enough sound but average noise cancelling

●

n/a ●

1.4

PanasonicRP WF950H

80 05.10/GT

★★★★★ That distracting background hiss spoils an otherwise reasonable pair of cans

● ● ● 190 ●

n/a

PhonakAudeoPFE022

80 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Pacey, detailed, insightful and recommended

●

●

PhonakAudeoPFE232

300 03.12/FT

★★★★★ They’re classy, but the basic sound isn’t strong

●

●

PhiatonMS300

150 02.12/ST

★★★★★ These over ears deserve careful consideration

PhiatonPS200

150 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Punchy, but with more than a touch of sibilance

180 www.whathifi.com

●

● ● ●

● ●

●

● ●

n/a

14 ●

1.2

16 ●

1.2

140 ● 5

●

1.2 1.2

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

181

In-ear On-ear Over-ear Open Semi-open Closed Wireless Surround sound Weight (g) 3.5mm jack 6.3mm jack 2.5mm jack Cable (m)

A top pair of cans provides a bargain route to quality sounds £70 and above Product

£

Tested

Verdict

PhiatonPS300NC

210 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Neat, but with poor noise cancelling

●

PhilipsFidelioL1

230 05.12/FT

★★★★★ Easy going and comfortable

●

PhilipsFidelioM1

160 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Best portable on-ears £100-£200. Awards 2012

●

PhilipsSHE9850

70 09.09/GT

★★★★★ Following a price reduction, these offer good value

●

140 ●

● ●

●

1.6

272 ●

1.1

166 ●

1.1 1.2

●

36 ●

PSBM4U2

300 10.12/ST

★★★★★ PSB’s first headphones are truly brilliant. Hear them now!

●

●

362 ●

1.5

PioneerSE NC70S

100 Aw.10/FT

★★★★★ A folding design that’s perfect for that in-flight experience

●

●

● 200 ● ●

1.5

●

●

SennheiserCX880i

90 01.12/GT

★★★★★ Great sounding in-ears, although there’s a hard edge

SennheiserHD380Pro

110 02.10/GT

★★★★★ Still seriously good headphones, but rivals have caught up

SennheiserHD25 1IIAdidas

190 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Stylishly excellent all-rounders

SennheiserHD598

190 02.12/ST

★★★★★ Too well-mannered for our tastes

● ●

●

SennheiserHD800

1000 10.09/GT

★★★★★ They offer much, but close rivals pip them to the post

● ●

350

●

●

●

●

11

●

●

1.2

220 ● ●

1.0

140 ● ●

1.5

270

3 3

SennheiserIE6

100 05.09/GT

★★★★★ These comfortable in-ears display a chunky bass, although others display greater insight

SennheiserIE8i

260 03.11/GT

★★★★★ Enjoyable enough, but need a better tonal balance

SennheiserIE80

270 02.11/FT

★★★★★ Expensive, but a truly quality option

●

99 10.09/GT

★★★★★ In terms of detail, clarity and musicality you could do a lot worse

●

SennheiserMM400 X

150 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Best wireless headphones, Awards 2012

●

● ●

105

n/a

SennheiserPXC310BT

190 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Best Bluetooth headphones. Awards 2011

●

● ●

105

n/a

SennheiserPXC360BT

260 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Decent enough, but with too thin a sound for us

●

● ●

115 ●

n/a

SennheiserPXC450

300 03.10/GT

★★★★★ Excellent fit and great performance, but now beaten by newer rivals

●

240 ● ●

1.4

SennheiserPXC250 II

140 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Portable enough, but uneven dynamically

●

●

65 ●

1.5

SennheiserPXC310

200 02.11/GT

★★★★★ Perfect for a walk on the mild side

●

●

115 ● ● ●

SennheiserMM200

● ●

●

5

●

2.5

●

18 ●

1.2

●

5 ●

●

●

1.2

28 ●

n/a

SennheiserRS160

115 05.10/GT

★★★★★ An exciting, affordable option but tiring over longer periods

●

SennheiserRS180

185 05.10/GT

★★★★★ These comfortable, wireless headphones justify their premium price

● ●

●

204 ● ●

n/a

SennheiserRS220

350 10.12/ST

★★★★★ A very neat wireless solution with great sound quality

● ●

●

329

n/a

SennheiserX320

70 10.12/ST

★★★★★ The best Xbox gaming headphones we’ve heard so far

●

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226 ●

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Headphones

Headphones (continued)

Only £979

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Mon – Sat: 9.30 – 18.00, Thursday: open till 19.00 Bilton Way, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3nF

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

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ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Headphones (continued)

In-ear On-ear Over-ear Open Semi-open Closed Wireless Surround sound Weight (g) 3.5mm jack 6.3mm jack 2.5mm jack Cable (m)

Headphones

182

A top pair of cans provides a bargain route to quality sounds £70 and above Product

£

Tested

Verdict

ShureSE115

100 06.09/FT

★★★★★ These Shures aren’t only a colourful upgrade but a sound investment, too

●

n/a ●

1.36

ShureSE215

100 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Affordably opulent buds

●

●

30 ●

1.6

ShureSE310

120 05.09/GT

★★★★★ No longer the best at this price for bass weight, but detail and clarity is first class

●

●

7

1.4

ShureSE420

170 05.09/GT

★★★★★ Not the easiest headphones to fit, but once in your ears they offer a dynamic sound

●

●

29 ●

1.4

ShureSE535

450 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Still good but no longer the best

●

●

n/a ● ●

1.6

ShureSRH1840

500 06.12/FT

★★★★★ Not cheap, but worth every penny

● ●

ShureSRH440

130 02.10/GT

★★★★★ They’re energetic, but lack finesse when needed

●

●

268 ● ●

2.1

●

272 ● ●

3.0 n/a

SleekAudioSA6/W 1

250 10.09/GT

★★★★★ These are the wireless earphones of choice

● ●

226 ●

SonyMDR NC200D

199 04.12/GT

★★★★★ Average sounding noise cancelling cans

●

●

180 ●

1.5

SonyMDR Z1000P5

385 09.11/ST

★★★★★ Impressive sounding cans - with good flexibility

●

●

270 ● ●

1.2

●

SonyXBA 2iP

130 11.12/FT

★★★★★ Best in-ears £120-£200. Awards 2012

●

●

6

●

1.2

SonyXBA 4iP

275 10.12/ST

★★★★★ The best Sony headphones we’ve heard in years

●

●

8

●

1.2

TDKST700

150 01.12/FT

★★★★★ Tonally balanced and solidly musical

●

●

n/a ●

1.3

UltrasoneHFI 580

125 11.10/GT

★★★★★ Not class-leading, but still worthy of consideration

●

●

n/a ● ●

n/a

UltrasoneHFI 780

160 02.12/ST

★★★★★ Big and bold, and offer excitement in spades

UltimateEars700

150 04.10/GT

★★★★★ Harsh brightness spoils a clear and open presentation

● ●

UltimateEarsSuperFi5vi

110 12.09/GT

★★★★★ These in-ears are, in a word, brilliant

V-modaCrossfadeM 80

160 10.12/ST

★★★★★ Good-looking and great fun, with lots of bass

V-modaRemixRemote

70 12.10/GT

● ●

●

★★★★★ Smooth and enjoyable sounding buds

2012 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

●

BEST ON EARS £100 £200

AKG K451 £80

“Agility and good timing make the K451s an enthusiasticsounding pair of headphones. That character, combined with their excellent build and compact size, makes them a must-audition pair of cans. ” Awards/12 ★★★★★

285 ●

●

11.6 ● ● ●

n/a ●

1.2

●

200 ●

1.4

●

17 ●

1

BEST PORTABLE ON EARS £150+

Philips Fidelio M1 £160

“Vocals are given a decent amount of room to breathe, while high-frequency sounds are natural. Stereo imaging is impressive, too, with instruments sitting explicitly in their own space.” Awards/12 ★★★★★

Beyerdynamic T50p £240

“The ability to combine punch and attack with control and fluidity means they won’t overly expose the more compressed tracks in your digital library. And that closedback design is commute-friendly... ” 1/9/11 ★★★★★

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182 www.whathifi.com

1 1.2

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ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Power (w) Line level in Finishes

Get the best from your headphones Up to £1000 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

BeyerdynamicA1

975 11.10/FT

★★★★★ Best headphone amplifier £500+, Awards 2010. A formidable combo when partnered with T1 headphones

100 2

2

5x6x12

ChordElectronicsToucan

800 10.10/FT

★★★★★ A headphone amp with built in DAC that’s worth a punt

n/a 2

2

70x160x40 66x100x150

CreekOBH 21SE

280 04.09/GT

★★★★★ Perfectly pleasant but it could do with more bite

100 2

1

EdwardsAudioHA1

280 09.12/FT

★★★★★ Packs a punch but not that refined

n/a 2

1

5x11.5x16

★★★★★ One of the most cost-effective ways to improve headphone sound from a computer

0.15 1

1

96x55x16

FiiOE7

65 03.11/FT 255 04.09/GT

★★★★★ Best headphone amplifier. Awards 2011

50

1

1

50x110x110

GrahamSleeVoyager

180 02.09/FT

★★★★★ It might not be the most practical headphone amp ever, but it’s packed with potential

n/a

1

1

28x125x67

HeadDirectHiFiManEF5

300 07.10/FT

★★★★★ This hybrid has its pluses, but its rivals are too strong

n/a

1

1

5x11x27

LehmannBlackCubeLinear

750 07.09/FT

★★★★★ Deeply impressive device given the right system

200 1

1

44x110x280

LehmannRhinelander

400 04.09/GT

★★★★★ Best headphone amplifier £300-£500, Awards 2010. Its user-friendly sound makes this a very wise buy

160 2

1

47x110x135

iBassoD10

279 10.09/FT

★★★★★ Headphone amp, DAC and USB soundcard - a gifted machine

0.1 0

1

21x55x104

iBassoD2Boa

165 06.09/FT

★★★★★ A very-good-but-not-quite-great headphone amplifier/off-board DAC

n/a n/a

1

21x82x51

MusicalFidelityV CANII

120 10.12/FT

★★★★★ Does enough right to be worth serious consideration

0.25 1

1

40x95x180

Moving magnet Moving coil Finishes

Phono amps

Make your amp turntable friendly Up to £5000

Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Dimensions (hwd, mm)

GrahamSleeNovo

ClearaudioNano

255 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Impressive, if you need a headphone output on your phono stage buy this one

● ●

1

3x10x8

CreekAudioOBH 15

240 02.09/GT

★★★★★ Decent phono amplifier for a relaxed listen

● ●

1

66x100x150

HeedAudioQuestarMM

225 02.09/GT

★★★★★ Engaging, fluid and neutral, the Questar is an enthralling listen

●

1

102x76x203

LeemaElements

495 03.10/FT

★★★★★ Best phono stage. Awards 2011

● ●

2

50x11x10

LehmannBlackCube

325 02.09/GT

★★★★★ Clarity and punchiness make this a great amp

● ●

1

45x113x108

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Headphone amps | Phono amps

Headphone amps

Dimensions (hwd, mm)

183

01327 301006

[email protected]

MASS 5.1 AV Speakers

MASS AV 5.1 Packages available to buy online or demo in store

FREE £100 VAN DEN HUL 'F180' HDMI CABLE with every Denon & Marantz Blu-ray Player

RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Average ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

www.whathifi.com 183

ACCESSORIES

Read over 1000 full reviews at whathifi.com

Make your amp turntable friendly Up to £5000

Product

£

PliniusKoru

2325 04.09/FT

Tested

Verdict

★★★★★ If you have a top-class system, the Koru will sound stunning

7x45x40

★★★★★ You’ll get great detail form this good phono amp

● ●

2

72x103x158

PSAudioGCPH

800 12.08/FT

★★★★★ Provided your deck is good enough, it’s an excellent phono stage

● ●

1 76x216x394

★★★★★ Best phono stage, Awards 2012

●

1

n/a

★★★★★ Top-class performer – you’ll need a deck costing £4000 upwards to do it justice

● ●

2

7x43x33

RegaFonoMiniA2D RoksanCasp.M Ser.Pho.SE

85 03.12/FT 1530 06.09/FT

Moving magnet Moving coil Cartridge weight (g)

Cartridges

Pick the right cartridge for top vinyl sound Up to £500 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

360 04.11/GT

★★★★★ Accomplished and blessed with pin-sharp accuracy

●

6

2.0 2.5

2.2

Goldring2100

92 05.10/GT

★★★★★ It punches well above its weight - with great results

●

7.2

1.5 2.0

1.75

Goldring2500

224 03.09/GT

1.75

ClearaudioAurumBetaMkII

★★★★★ A Group Test winner with its full bodied and detailed sound

●

8.2

1.5 2.0

GradoPrestigeSilver

115 05.10/GT

★★★★★ Smooth and balanced, but can be awkward to fit

●

5.5

1.5

1.5

NagaokaMP110

89 05.10/GT

★★★★★ A great first upgrade cartridge that does much right

●

6.5

1.5 2.0

1.8

NagaokaMP300

500 04.11/GT

★★★★★ A cartridge that stands out at this price-point

●

8

1.3 1.8

1.5

Ortofon2MBlack

460 04.11/GT

★★★★★ Power and dynamics are on tap from this Ortofon

●

7.2

1.4 1.7

1.5

Ortofon2MBronze

275 03.09/GT

★★★★★ If you want a neutral and analytical cartridge this fits the bill

●

7.2

1.4 1.7

1.5

Ortofon2MRed

80 05.10/GT

★★★★★ An easy to fit and fine sounding cartridge

●

7.2

1.6 2.0

1.8

195 03.09/GT 400 01.11/FT

★★★★★ This Rega is a fun listen that does much right

●

4.5

1.75

1.75

★★★★★ Better then ever - but heftily priced to match

●

6.5

1.8 2.2

1.9

Remote controls

Batteries

Control all your equipment from a single handset Up to £500 Product

£

Tested

Verdict

Gear4UnityRemote(iPod)

99 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Simple to set up and use

3xAA

LogitechHarmony555

60 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Easy to set-up, good to use, and solid value

4xAA

LogitechHarmony700

99 05.10/FT

★★★★★ Works well, but its number of devices is limited

LogitechHarmonyOne

120 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Best universal remote control. Awards 2011

NevoC2

120 08.10/FT

★★★★★ If this was cheaper and had more frills it’d worry the best

3xAA

●

Dimensions (hwd, mm)

RegaExact

● ● Yes

n/a

n/a

51x64x64

● PC

15

n/a

21x5x2.5 23x6x4

2

●

● Yes

6

Unlimited

Rechargeable

●

● ● ● PC

15

n/a

23x6x4

●

● PC

18

18

229x56x25

OneForAll2-in-1

15 12.09/FT

★★★★★ Replaces two remotes with one – it really works

2xAA

● Yes

2

n/a

n/a

OneForAllComfortLine5

16 07.09/GT

★★★★★ Simple, easy to use and lightweight - what’s not to like?

2xAA

No

5

n/a

190x58x25

OneForAllSmartControl6+3

25 07.10/FT

★★★★★ It’s smart, butnnot as smart as the best in class

4xAAA

●

● No

6

3

n/a

OneForAllSmartCtrl.Motion

30 03.12/FT

★★★★★ A great value remote control

4xAAA

●

● Yes

n/a

n/a

210x55x20

OneForAllXsightPlus

50 04.11/FT

★★★★★ Excellent universal remote for simple and advanced systems

4xAAA

●

● PC

12

12

225x48x27

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RATINGS ★★★★★ Excellent ★★★★★ Verygood ★★★★★ Decent ★★★★★ Disappointing ★★★★★ Awful

BACK ISSUES 08456 777813

Tracking weight (g)

2

350 02.09/GT

Nominal tracking weight (g)

● ●

Pro-JectTubeboxSE

RoksanCorusSilver

TESTED Month/FT= FirstTest Month/ST= Supertest Month/GT= GroupTest

Dimensions (hwd, mm)

Moving magnet Moving coil Finishes

Phono amps (continued)

Rechargeable batteries Backlight Touchscreen Macro functions Programmable Number of devices Number of macros

Phono amps | Cartridges | Remote controls

184

TVs >> iPods >> Hi-Fi >> Home Cinema

Thousands of exclusive reviews, breaking news and the best advice 184 www.whathifi.com

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A Custom Installer integrates your A/V equipment into your home. From mounting a television and running cables behind walls, to being able to stream your films and music in high definition to any room in your home, or even constructing a fully-functional cinema in your house, a Custom Installer not only performs the install, he’ll also help choose the equipment that’s right for you. AVON

LASERVISION 52 North Street, Bedmister, Bristol, Avon, BS3 1HJ Tel: 0117 9632963 Mobile: 07767234218 Email: [email protected] Web: www.laservision.co.uk Multi award winning company delivering the highest levels of service and design. Specialising in cinema systems, lighting control, multi room audio, satellite tv and aerial systems, telephone and home networking.

BERKSHIRE STUDIOAV LTD 44 High Street, Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6BL Tel: 01753 631000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.studioav.co.uk We design and install home cinema, multi-room audio visual systems, controlled lighting and home automation. Everything on demonstration.

ESSEX CHEW AND OSBORNE 148 High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4AG Tel: 01992574242 Email: [email protected] Web: www.chewandosborne.co.uk We automate your home entertainment technology to suit the way you live. A/V, lighting and temperature control are just three of the technologies we offer, with systems to suit all budgets.

LEICESTERSHIRE DIGITAL LINK 24 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2DA Tel: 0116 20 181 20 Email: [email protected] Web: www.digi-link.org.uk Creating amazing home entertainment systems that are incredibly simple to use and bespoke to all budgets.

NORTH WEST NIRVANA AUDIO VISUAL 27 Ridge Way, Penwortham, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 9XW Tel: 0800 6226884 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nirvanaaudiovisual.co.uk Custom design and installation of home automation / audio visual systems for the home. Personal service. Excellent support.

HAMPSHIRE

LONDON

SCOTLAND

EVOLUTION AV 32 Dragon Street, Petersfield, Hants, GU31 4JJ Tel: 01730 263073 Email: [email protected] Web: www.evolutionav.co.uk Evolution design integrated systems of all sizes and provide a full range of entertainment products, programming and installation. Call Steve on 07941997915 for a no obligation quote.

1ST STOP AUDIO VISUAL 83 Lavender Hill, SW11 5QL 247 Kings Road , SW3 5EL Tel: 020 7978 6262 (Battersea) Tel: 020 7349 8970 (Chelsea) Email: [email protected] Web: www.1ststopav.com We at 1st Stop Audio Visual, provide the very best integrated solutions for our clients needs. One Stop Service: Design, Install and Support

HUBBUB 22 Lomond Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3JR Tel: 0131 552 7601 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hubbubknowhow.com Looking for help with any home entertainment - including home cinema, TV, wireless Hi-Fi (Sonos®), satellite or aerials? We design, install and support the right system for you. Call us for a no-obligation quote. We cover all of mainland Scotland.

CHESHIRE

KENT

LONDON & SOUTH EAST

SURREY

ASPECT HOME CINEMA 67 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Chesire, SK9 5BQ Tel: 01625 529 275 Email: [email protected] Specialising in the design and creation of outstanding Home Cinema, with a wide range of multi-room AV, Home Automation, and Lighting Products. Call for free consultation and viewing in our new 2012 Demo Room.

PROGRESSIVE HOME TECHNOLOGY Unit A4 Speldhurst Business Park, Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0AQ Tel: 01892 860801 Email: [email protected] Web: www.progressive-ht.com All aspects of Home Technology undertaken in-house - Home Automation, Scene Controlled Lighting, Multi-Room Audio and Video, Home Cinema, CCTV and HVAC integration.

CIRCLE AUTOMATION LTD 6 Bradbourne Court, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3QG Tel: 07766 001624 Email: [email protected] Web: www.circleautomation.co.uk Designers and installers of media rooms, lighting, Sonos multi-room and control systems. Contact us to discuss all your audio visual requirements from single room to whole house solutions!

INFIDELITY 9 High Street, Hampton Wick, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 4DA Tel: 0208 9433530 Email: info@infidelity.co.uk Web: www.infidelity.co.uk Infidelity design and install high quality distributed audio, video, lighting and home automation systems. Contact us for a brochure or enquiry!

CORNWALL

LEICESTERSHIRE

LONDON & SOUTH EAST

YORKSHIRE

CYMBIOSIS 6 Hotel Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5AW Tel: 0116 262 3754 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cymbiosis.com Home cinema? Multiroom audio? Lighting? Whatever your dream, Cymbiosis can help you fulfill it.

CUSTOM ELECTRONIC DESIGN LIMITED 11 Charter Place, High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9EA Tel: 01784470881 Email:[email protected] Web: www.customelectronicdesign.co.uk We’d love to show you what we can do! Visit our showrooms where we can demonstrate whole house control, integration and automation solutions. We design and install Home Cinema, lighting systems, distributed audio & video, data & wireless networks, CCTV, gate entry, hi-fi and more!

ACOUSTIC STREAMS Unit 6A, Long Rock Ind. Est., PENZANCE, Cornwall, TR20 8HX Tel: 01736365035 Email: [email protected] Web: www.acousticstreams.com We design, supply and install audio and video distribution systems tailored to your requirements. Expert advice on whole home systems through to home cinema plus lighting systems.

PIXLL 39 Parkland View, Yeadon, Leeds. LS19 7DZ Tel: 07792 361615 / 01943 879996 PIXLL can supply, design and install home cinema, lighting, audio and home control systems, however big or small. We are also a recommended retailer for many of the Uk’s biggest brands. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Octave Hifi Choice call it the 8th Wonder... It offers a direct line to the soul of the music. Jason Kennedy

HiFi Critic say it’s a Game Changing DAC... Such high sound quality - Irrespective of price. Martin Colloms

6 Moons give it a full blown Blue-Moon...

Blue Moons are bestowed only on components of rare excellence. Srajan Ebaen The chief engineer at Metrum Acoustics is an audiophile whose previous incarnation was spent designing systems and transducers for nondestructive ultrasonic investigations. Whilst designing an industrial high speed data acquisition system, an extremely fast chip capable of 16 or 24 bit audio with sampling rates up to 15 MEGAHERTZ was discovered. He tried it in his audio system and the results were outstanding. No digital filters nor oversampling The sound was ‘real’, not forced and without ‘THAT digital veil’ present in digital audio, more like a fine tuned turntable without the pops and crackles, the Holy Grail had been discovered and Metrum Acoustics was born.

Sounds like a finely tuned turntable Metrum Acoustics is unique, it’s the only digital audio company able to offer a real alternative because its not dependent upon the regular AKM, Burr Brown, TI, Crystal or Wolfson chips required for digital audio and used by all, which is why competitors DACs sound digital and alike. Uses 8 extremely fast dac chips In addition no digital filters nor oversampling is used and therefor pre or post ringing associated with oversampling dacs is entirely eliminated. Octave parallels 4 of these expensive dac chips per channel in a 2 box system. One contains a 15V power supply (PSU) and the other the dac itself.

Instead of charging an appropriately high price (justified), it was decided to offer it without frills at a lower price, initially ex-factory, to a wider audience of music lovers. It punches well above its weight The Octave was eventually sent to critics for review. All were flabbergasted and all agree that it punches well above its weight, and up to 10 times its price. It is now available in the UK. We invite you to audition this unique product in your own system at home for 30 days. If you don’t like it return it and we’ll give your money back, no quibble!!

£729 - If it were 10 times its price it’ll still be good value Jason Kennedy HiFi Choice

CustomersComments: Comments: Customers John,Now Nowthe theunit unithas hasstarted startedtototruly truly •• HiHiJohn, warmup, up,ititisisaadecidedly decidedlyimpressive impressive warm product!The Thefact factthat thatititdoes doesnot notuse use product! digitalfiltering filteringororoversampling oversamplingisisaagreat great digital exampleofofless lessbeing beingvery verymuch muchmore. more. example Myprevious previousDAC DACwas wasan anXXXXdax, XXXXdax,and and My theOctave Octavetrounces trouncesit.it.Craig Craig the John,The TheMetrum Metrumisisvery veryvery verygood. good.ItIt •• John, sounded‘right’ ‘right’from fromfirst firstswitching switchingon. on. sounded hasaalovely lovelysound, sound,very veryneutral neutraland and ItIthas natural.Voices Voicesare areparticularly particularlygood. good.I I natural. havebeen beenlistening listeningtotoCDs CDsfor forhours hoursatat have time,with withno notrace traceofoffatigue. fatigue.Many Many aatime, thanks,Bob Bob thanks, John,Just Justtotosay saythis thisOctave OctaveDAC DACisis •• HiHiJohn, fantasticititblows blowsthe theXXXXac XXXXac55away away fantastic butdon’t don’ttell tellanyone anyonebecause becausethey theywill will but putthe theprice priceup. up.Thanks Thanksfor foryour yourgreat great put serviceAll Allthe thebest bestGiles Giles service John,Wow Wowhow howgood goodisisthe theMetrum?! Metrum?! •• HiHiJohn, I’vehad hadaaXXXX202 XXXX202and andXXXXXvb XXXXXvbininmy my I’ve systemover overthe thelast lastfew fewmonths monthsand andthe the system Metrumsounds soundsbetter betterthan thanboth bothofofthem. them. Metrum hopeword wordspreads spreadsabout aboutjust justhow howgood good I Ihope thisDAC DACis. is.Regards, Regards,James James this

Connect it to your computer with a Halide Bridge

• Built on its own USB cable • Plug n Play • No PSU Wall-Warts: Refines the power from USB • Asynchronous 24/96 USB to S/Pdif • Halide Bridge Price £279

Try them for 30 DAYs - If you don’t like them return for a full refund

AVAILABLE DIRECT

@ www.istereos.co.uk 01206 820 805

DEALER FINDER CHESHIRE

Cheshire | Cumbria | Essex | Furniture | Hampshire | Hertfordshire | Home Cinema Specialists | London

190

CUMBRIA

FURNITURE LOOKING FOR CLEAN, CONTEMPORARY, EXCELLENT VALUE FURNITURE?

Arcam ● ATC ● Audio Lab B&W ● Cyrus ● Denon ● KEF Marantz ● Mission ● Monitor Audio NAD ● Onkyo ● Pioneer ● Pro-ject Roksan ● Sonos ● Spendor FULL DEMONSTRATION FACILITIES

51 Washway Road, Sale, Cheshire M33 7AB 0161 973 5577

TURNTABLES I HIFI I STREAMING

www.dougbradyhifi.com 01925 828009

(Mon–Sat 9.00–5.30)

www.hifistereo.co.uk

ESSEX ARCAM ARTCOUSTIC ATACAMA AUDIOLAB B&W BOSE BDI CHORD COMPANY CRESTRON CYRUS DYNAUDIO GRADO LUTRON

MARANTZ MONITOR AUDIO NAD PIONEER PROJECT PURE DIGITAL QED QUAD ROBERTS ROKSAN ROTEL SENNHEISER SIM2

Come to www.demagio.com or call us on 01604 652832 to see the full range of furniture for your home

HERTFORDSHIRE

SONANCE SONOS SONY SPECTRAL SYSTEMLINE TEAC THEME SCENE VELODYNE VITA YAMAHA

148 High Street, Epping, Essex Tel: 01992 574242 26 King Street, Saffron Walden, Essex Tel: 01799 523728 Email: [email protected] Web: www.chewandosborne.co.uk

Some products not always available in both stores.

LONDON

HAMPSHIRE To advertise here please call

020 8267 5109 01252 845400

1 High Street, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8PE

www.hiddensystems.co.uk

or email matthew.larkin@ haymarket.com

HOME CINEMA SPECIALISTS

LONDON

“One of the five best hi-fi shops in the world”

Hi-Fi Home Cinema Multi-Room Installations

020 7226 5500 Grahams Hi-Fi, Canonbury Yard, 190a New North Road, London N1 7BS Tel: 020 7226 5500 Fax: 020 7359 7620 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.grahams.co.uk

LONDON Simplifying Technology to Enhance Lifestyle Custom Design & Installation Innovative Technology Multimedia Networks Easy to use Battersea showroom Chelsea showroom 020 7978 6262 020 7349 8970 [email protected] [email protected]

www.1ststopav.com

190 www.whathifi.com

+++++

+++++

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Home Entertainment Systems

+++++ James Morrow aim to provide a five star service. Whether you are a first time buyer or a hi-fi fanatic, you will enjoy our new approach to home entertainment.

1 Home Street, Tollcross, Edinburgh. 0131 229 8777 www.james-morrow.com

4

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DEALER FINDER KENT

Kent

194

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Progressive Audio Visual Ltd Unit A4 Speldhurst Business Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0AQ

KENT

194 www.whathifi.com

01892 860801 progressive-ht.com

DEALER FINDER LONDON

195

London | North Yorkshire

LONDON

NORTH YORKSHIRE

www.whathifi.com 195

DEALER FINDER MERSEYSIDE Crosby - 0151 924 7287 Southport - 01704 536901 www.paaudiovisual.co.uk

Hifi • Home Cinema • Multi-room Installations • Plasma, LED & Projectors ARCAM • BOSE • CYRUS • DENON • KEF • MARANTZ • MONITOR AUDIO NAD • ONKYO • PANASONIC • PIONEER • PROJECT • PURE • REGA • REL • ROKSAN RUARK AUDIO • SENNHEISER • SONOS • TEAC • YAMAHA & many more...

NORTH EAST

hifisound UNLIKE ANY HIFI SHOP YOU HAVE EVER BEEN TO BEFORE!

Audiolab - Chord - Monitor Audio - Naim Onkyo - Q-Acoustics - Rega - Roksan & many more!

NORTH EAST

Castlegate Mill, Riverside, Stockton-On-Tees, Cleveland TS18 1BZ

NORFOLK

T: 01642 267012 E: info@hifisound.co.uk

OXFORDSHIRE Specialists in beautifully-crafted, made to order furniture. – CD/DVD cabinets – TV/Hi-Fi cabinets – Wide range of woods and finishes – Contemporary or traditional designs For further information, please email us [email protected] or phone 01295 760017or 07929 032574 www.deanwattsbespokefurniture.com

Audio Cinema Multi-Room Network Installation

01362 820800 [email protected] www.basicallysound.co.uk

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RY 1968 - 2 SA

40

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8 • NOTTIN 00 OF RS Y E AO U N D E S VIC R E S

N H AN IVER 0T

Merseyside | Norfolk | North East | Nottinghamshire | Oxfordshire | Surrey

196

SURREY

Nottingham HiFi Centre 9 HIGH STREET, HAMPTON WICK, KINGSTON UPON THAMES, KT1 4DA MEMBERS OF CLARITY AND CEDIA

hifi as individual as you are 120-122 Alfreton Road, Nottingham NG7 3NR Telephone: 0115 978 6919 www.nottinghamhifi.co.uk [email protected]

196 www.whathifi.com

www.infidelity.co.uk Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm

020 8943 3530

NAIM, LINN, REGA, ARCAM, B&W, PMC, FOCAL, DYNAVECTOR, VELODYNE, STAX, SIMPLE AUDIO, LYRA, BENZ, OPPO, ROTEL, TELLURIUM Q, AND MANY MORE SEE AND HEAR THE VERY BEST WITH US

DEALER FINDER SCOTLAND

199

MAIN DEALER FOR:

Our shop is open 7 days a week with easy parking / loading outside.

0131 229 8777

www.james-morrow.com 1 Home Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9JR

SURREY

SHROPSHIRE

SUSSEX To advertise here please call

020 8267 5109 or email matthew.larkin@ haymarket.com

WEST YORKSHIRE

Eric Wiley

EST. 1957

HI FI AND AUDIO VISUAL SPECIALISTS

Custom Installation Available Tel: (01977) 553066 / 556774 64 & 85 Beancroft Road, Castleford, W Yorks, WF10 5BS

[email protected] www.ericwiley.co.uk

WEST MIDLANDS

WEB DEALER

YORKSHIRE Fanthorpes F anthorpes Hi-Fi Hi-F Fi

37 High Street, Aldridge 01922 457926

exposure focal linn marantz michell monitor audio okki nokki onkyo optoma ortofon project rel roksan trichord Ample Parking Tue-Sat 10 - 5.30pm www.soundcinergy.co.uk

Anthem A th • Arcam A • Atlas Atl • Bryston B t • Ch Chord d Creek • Cyrus • Dali • Denon • Dynaudio • Kef Marantz • FACT • Monitor Audio • Musical Fidelity • PMC • Project • Quad Rel • Roksan Spendor • Sugden • Vienna Acoustics

TRADE IN AVAILABLE 6 Hepworths Arcade, Hull, HU1 1JU. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01482 223096

www.fanthorpes.co.uk

www.whathifi.com 199

Scotland | Shropshire | Surrey | Sussex | Web Dealer | West Midlands | West Yorkshire | Yorkshire

James-Morrow has experience in all the leading hi-fi, television, projector, home cinema and multi-room products. We offer you the chance to make informed choices about what you buy, through discussion and demonstration. We offer a first class bespoke system design and custom installation service, coupled with industry leading after sales care.

Next month

Award-winners from Apple and Google take on the best of their 7in and 10in rivals...

From just £160...

Absolutely scorching sound from this group of musical marvels – a true taste of the high end without breaking the bank

Great big sound from lovely little speakers – what more can you ask?

Small-screen superstars for every budget

plus! Mission’s brand new SX loudspeakers exclusively reviewed December 2012 issue on sale 16th November

The Carbon Age

Introducing the multi-award winning Debut Carbon from Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The Debut record player is an icon of the entry-level audiophile market, and this latest incarnation elevates the model to a new level of audio quality.

Debut Carbon Brand new one-piece 8.6” Carbon Fibre tonearm - New motor isolation set-up Upgraded 12” platter with higher mass - New mains supply method - Cable junction box Ortofon 2m Red Pre-Fitted - Available in 7 high-gloss colours Pro-Ject Audio Systems is distributed in the UK by Henley Designs Ltd. Telephone : 01235 511 166 Email : [email protected] Web : www.henleydesigns.co.uk