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APRIL 2016 ₨100

INDIA'S No.1 HOME ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

HI-FI SHOW LIVE The biggest brands showing off their best at the WHF SHOW 2016

!

S O M E D E IV S U L C X E .

S E H NEW LAUNC INTERVIEW

The visionary behind B&W Joe Atkins lets out little secrets

Handy HD

Does the Sony Xperia Z5 cut it for audiophiles?

21:9 is back!

Asus goes ultra-wide for its latest 34in gaming monitor

EPSON'S BRIGHT STAR

TW-5300 OFFERS A LOT OF 3D...ON A BUDGET

W E LC O M E

Hello/04/16 Within the realm of our capabilities, the WHF Show is the best we can do to convert a passive listener into an active one. And last month’s show in Mumbai was a wake-up call for many who came in to get their senses stoked.

What was perhaps more shocking than the price tags of some of the systems on display, was the fact that two-channel was far from extinction. Along with a small display of vinyl, majority of the demos were conducted on perfectly set-up two-channel systems and this proved to be a treat not just for the audience but even for me! Big guns from Sonus Faber, McIntosh Labs, JBL Synthesis, Focal, Tannoy, Morel and the smaller ones from Acoustic Energy, Audio Vector, Klipsch enthralled along with a long list of other brands.

Of course, home-theatre wasn’t denied its share of the limelight too and Sonodyne, Procella, Elac, OEM, Jamo all put up a brave front and a bone-rattling demo. Our comprehensive 40-page coverage will give you a chance to ogle over your dream systems and hopefully even buy one of your own soon. Elsewhere in the issue, we have our hands on a new Epson projector, LG OLED television and a few other goodies that are hotter than the proverbial cupcakes. Try not to miss a page and enjoy the virtual experience!

Raheja Xion, 4th/5th Floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027. email us whathifi.edit@haymarketsac.com Call us 022-23787500 / 23787400 EDITORIAL Editor Nishant Padhiar Deputy Editor Yatish Suvarna Editor (Web) Farhan Kapadia Editor-Special Projects Vaibhav Sharma Sr. Correspondent Kaizad S Billimoria Staff Writer (Web) Karan Lohan Sub Editor Shanth Swaroop Content Editor Steve D’Souza Deputy Art Editors Kritika Dayal Sr. Designers Sahaya Johnson, Sukhdeep Singh Marketing Sr. Manager Kunal Marjadi Executive Jayson Lobo ADVERTISING Group Head Harvinder Pal Singh Chief Manager Amjad Khan Regional Head Amit Ahlawat (North) Managers Nackeeran (Chennai), Kanika Sood (Delhi) Asst. Manager Ratan Deb (Mumbai), Neha Singh (Delhi) Advertising Co-ordinator Sonal Jain PRODUCTION Sr. Manager Sanjeev Govekar Deputy Manager Prasad Gangurde CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION General Manager Gilbert D’Souza Head-Circulation Satish Kumar (North) Regional Manager P Vijayakumar (South) Asst. Manager Saravana D, Vimal Sharma Sr. Executive Ashok More (West) Executives Tapan H, Yogesh S, Anil Raghav Manager Subscription Mahesh Malusare Co-ordinator Rajesh Salian INTERNATIONAL Managing Editor Jonathan Evans Brand Editor Andy Clough Managing Director David Prasher Chief Operating Officer Brian Freeman Chief Executive Kevin Costello Chairman Rupert Heseltine Licensing Account Manager Isla Friend CONTACT Mumbai Raheja Xion, 4th/5th Floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027. email us whathifi.edit@haymarketsac.com Call us 022-23787500 / 23787400 New Delhi A2/9, Lower Ground Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, Africa Avenue Road, New Delhi - 110029 Tel : 011-46020600, 32444090, 32969125 Fax: 011-46020633 Chennai M H V Pinnacle, First Floor 8/27 Govindu Street, T Nagar Chennai 600 017. Tel: 044-65446363 Telefax: 044-4212 3230 Bengaluru No. 811, ‘A’ Wing, 8th Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bengaluru - 560001. Tel: 080-2559 3775

Nishant Padhiar, Editor

Secundrabad C/o. IBH Books and Magazine Dist. Ltd., #3-5-587, Vittal Wadi, Himayat Nagar, Lane Opp. ICCI Bank, Hyderabad 500 029

My product of the month

News-stand price ₨100

Epson TW-5300 Off the shelf Always great to see a budget product that stands above the competition

All prices and content correct at the time of going to press (*denotes indicative pricing) All rights reserved. All the data contained in this magazine is based on the information available with the publisher at the time of going to press. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct. However, he can accept no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions. Unsolicited material – including photographs and transparencies–is used in WHAT HI-FI? SOUND AND VISION, but is submitted entirely at the owner’s risk, and the publisher accepts no responsibility for its loss or damage. Advertisements are accepted by us in good faith as correct at the time of going to press.

Printed and published by Hormazd Sorabjee on behalf of Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Pvt. Ltd. Raheja Xion, 4th/5th Floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027.

Printed at Indigo Press (India) Pvt Ltd Plot No. 1, C/7 16, Off Dadoji Konddeo Cross Road, between Sussex and Retiwala Industrial Estate, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027.

Published at Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Pvt. Ltd. Raheja Xion, 4th/5th Floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027.

Editor: Nishant Padhiar CIN No. U22120MH1998PTC116780 This magazine contains 116 pages including both covers.

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www.whathifi.com April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 33

“We can’t say for sure if this is the best we’ll S CONTENT see. But if it’s anything to go by, the future of TV looks spectacular” Page 06

THE WORLD’S MOST

RESPECTED VERDICTS 4 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

One of the best ★★★★★ A serious contender ★★★★ Worth a look ★★★ Disappointing ★★ Awful ★

CONTENTS

THE HIGHLIGHTS

THIS MONTH WE’VE THE DEFINITIVE WORD ON THESE FINE PRODUCTS DACS Rega DAC-R HEADPHONES Jays u-Jays STEREO SPEAKERS Davis Acoustics Dhavaniidge Audio Azur 851N SMARTPHONES HTC One A9 Sony Xperia Z5 Premium

15 DAC

16 SMARTPHONE

TELEVISIONS

A successor to an old legend

A 4K screen in the palm of your hand

Samsung UE32J6300 LG 55EG960VN InFocus II-50EA800 Asus ROG Swift PG348Q TURNTABLES Technics SL-1200 WIRELESS SPEAKERS Beats Pill+sound Pulse/Pulse Mini Bose SoundTouch 20 III PROJECTORS Epson TW-5300 Asus S1 CD PLAYERS Metronome Le Player

20 INSIDER

27 WHF SHOW 2016

We speak to the head honcho from B&W

All the noise from India’s biggest AV show

74 TEMPTATIONS

79 PROJECTOR

Right from the WHF Show to our test desks

The best budget 3D projector you can buy

84 SUBSCRIPTION

87 BUYING GUIDE

114 THAT WAS THEN

SAVE ON THE NEWSSTAND PRICE Big saving when you subscribe

FIND THE BEST KIT AROUND, FAST! Our verdicts on every product worth owning

DANNYMEETS DAVID ... ...and they bond over obsolete technology April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 5

FIRST TEST

FIRST TESTS

RD EXCLUSIVE, IN-DEPTH VE

ICTS ON THE LATEST KIT

LG 55EG960VN | OLED television | ₨3,59,900*

A glimpse into the future of television with 4K OLED *Price for Indian equivalent model LG 55EG960T

FOR Gorgeous 4K picture quality; rich, subtle colours; elegant design; intuitive interface This is thefirst 4K OLED screen we’ve tested, and it’s everything we hoped it would be. The LG 55EG960V delivers the combination we’ve been waiting for – 4K Ultra HD resolution and OLED technology – and it does so with spectacular results.

What makes OLED special?

An OLED panel consists of pixels made up of organic carbon-based film, which light up when a current is put through them.

Unlike LCD screens that need a backlight, OLED pixels are self-lighting. So when a pixel turns off, it’s pitch black. There’s no

A look around the back of the curved screen reveals there is scope for connectivity, internal speakers and the ability to mount the TV to the wall

6 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

AGAINST Sound could be more dynamic and open; pricey

residual light bleeding into dark areas as with backlit LCDs, meaning we can have proper, inky blacks while retaining brightness, punch and clarity – the holy grail of TV technology.

LG takes its OLED technology further by adding a fourth white pixel alongside the standard RGB (red, green and blue) model for more accurate colours. So does it work?

★★★ ★ ★ A curved screen, wafer-thin panel and gorgeous floating screen give the OLED TV a premium design.

“We can’t say for sure if this is the best we’ll see. But if it’s anything to go by, the future of TV looks spectacular” Absolutely. The LG 55EG960V delivers on every promise, from intensely dark black scenes to bright and punchy whites. There are almost 8.3 million pixels on this 4K Ultra HD screen, and each looks crystal clear, punchy and precise.

We stream House of Cards in 4K, and are blown away by the detail on display. The depth of colours is breathtaking. They aren’t just richer, there are simply more precise shades of them on the screen, giving a wonderfully vivid feel to the picture.

Fine textures The interplay of light and shadow on trees, buildings and on people’s faces

is fascinating. Unlike early OLED sets, where the strong contrast meant nuances in detail were swallowed up, this set expertly delivers the fine textures of a black suit and the myriad colours within a sun flare.

Motion handling is stable, although we turn de-judder and de-blur settings to smooth out the picture more. Those characteristics remain when watching HD channels and Blu-ray films. We play our test favourite Star Trek Blu-ray and the spaceships look convincing. The steely structure of the USS Enterprise looks spectacular against the pitch-black backdrop of space.

FIRST TEST

IN DETAIL...

Linked in There are plenty of options to connect all your equipment, including three each of HDMI and USB

Harman Kardon sound The downwardfiring HK speakers hide behind this grille in the cabinet

The LG Magic remote finally has a proper keypad, so can stand

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 7

FIRST TEST

OLED: five layers of thin Since OLED is made up of pixels that generate their own light and colour, there’s no need for a bulky backlight panel. In fact, OLED screens are a whole lot thinner than LCD screens as there’s also no need for the liquid crystal layer or a colour filter. Instead, OLED is made up of just five layers, including the layer with OLED pixels on it, a colour refiner that manages the accuracy of hues and tones, and an anti-reflection coating on the screen that reduces glare. The slimmer panel makes that gorgeous curve possible, too.

the LG 55EG960V, but it’s not without reservations. Price might be an issue, but it’s worth remembering that you’re paying the premium for the new OLED technology and that elegant set design.

However, much like the first Full HD and 4K screens, we expect the price to come down once OLED is more widespread. We can’t say for sure if this is the best TV we’ll see this year. Nor can we make a judgement on whether OLED is better than LCD. But if this gorgeous LG 55EG960V is anything to go by, the future of TV looks spectacular.

SYSTEM BUILDER Get these three and you’ll be fully prepared to enter the future of television

Bright and punchy If you’ve ever had doubts about 3D films, watch Gravity on this LG telly. The passive technology means the 3D effect is gentle on your eyes, but the depth offered by OLED is utterly immersive.

The advantages of OLED kick in when you see just how dizzyingly vast and deep the void-like blackness of space looks, while the millions of stars are piercingly bright. You get four lightweight glasses in the box, and we’d urge you to give 3D a go.

But what about standard definition?

While it’s a shame to watch ropey old standard def on such a talented 4K screen, the LG TV works hard to upscale Who Framed Roger Rabbit? on DVD. There’s the expected fuzzy edges and drop in absolute detail, but the picture is bright and punchy.

We do find, though, that our Award-winning Samsung 4K TV is a touch crisper when it comes to upscaling.

LG has teamed up with Harman Kardon to outfit its 2015 screens with better sound.

The 55EG960V has two down-firing speakers at the base of the screen, and they sound smooth and weighty. Voices are clear and expressive, with enough detail to hold your attention. We wish it sounded more open and dynamic, though, as it can sound overly damped even at higher volumes.

Switching from Standard to Cinema sound mode breathes more space and scale into the sound without losing that solid detail. Still, to accompany such a fine screen, you should have a dedicated 5.1 speaker package to get the full cinematic impact.

Gorgeous floating effect For the money it may demand, you’ll want something rather special and the TV itself looks beautiful. The gentle swoop of the curved screen, the wafer-thin panel and that gorgeous floating screen effect – it’s a

design that looks effortlessly expensive.

The screen is only slightly curved, but you still get a slight distortion if you’re sitting off-axis from the centre. Curved LCD screens have so far also given us washed-out colours when viewed from an angle, but here’s OLED’s party trick: the contrast stays just as strong, the blacks just as deep and whites as bright and punchy as ever even when viewed from extreme angles. There is, incredibly, no fading whatsoever.

Blu-ray player

Marantz UD7007 ₨72,900

★★★★★ Realistic colour palette and smooth motion – this Blu-ray player is perfect for your films

Ace up its sleeve A glance at the back panel shows that the screen isn’t super thin all the way, giving scope for connectivity, internal speakers, and the ability to wall-mount the TV. Connections include three HDMI inputs (two of which can handle 4K/60p), three USB ports, an optical output and legacy analogue connections. You can access the internet using wired ethernet or wi-fi, and we experience no dropouts in streaming 4K. LG has yet another ace up its sleeve: WebOS 2.0. We were pretty effusive in our appreciation of LG’s smart interface last year, and the company claims the updated version is 60 per cent faster. The Launcher is intuitive, and moving around the interface is quicker. The animations are fluid and apps launch almost instantly.

Speaker package

B&W MT60-D ₨2,95,000

★★★★★ This Award-winning sub/sat package is dynamic, insightful and beautifully integrated

Home cinema amplifier

Pioneer SC-LX58 ₨1,10,990

★★★★★ Pioneer’s trademark precision, plus bags of deep, rumbling bass in surround sound

Total build ₨8,38,790

The future of TV LG’s updated remote finally gives the Magic Remote a proper keypad, so you don’t have to faff about with two remotes. Other updates include clever shortcuts to settings and inputs that don’t take up too much of the screen, as well as a ‘My Channels’ section in the Launcher. The idea is that you can launch all your online streaming services as instantly as your other regular shortcuts.

It’s fair to say we’re impressed with

says

RATING ★ ★★★★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT The LG is absolutely stunning – it’s everything we hoped 4K OLED would be

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 9

STEREO TREND 1st Floor, Jankidas House, Janki Kutir, Juhu, Mumbai 26113933

FIRST TEST

HTC One A9 | Smartphone | ₨30,199 for 16GB

Smart, and elegant with it FOR Smooth and easy to use; design; latest Android OS

Let’s cut straight to what everyone’s thinking: the HTC One A9 looks like an iPhone 6s. HTC’s new smartphone – which sits alongside (or rather under) the flagship M9 in the One range – bears such a close resemblance to the Apple flagship we’ve been confused between the two more than once during testing.

In keeping with the One family's premium status, the A9 is constructed entirely out of metal and looks sleek and desirable. It's slightly smaller and, at 7.3mm, slimmer than the M9. The curved back of previous HTC flagship smartphones is now gone, the A9 featuring a flatter design.

To HTC’s credit, all this means this is a great-looking smartphone (choose from carbon gray, opal silver, topaz gold and, our personal favourite, deep garnet). It’s lovely to hold, too. It fits nicely in the hand, and is good to grip. Fun fact: at 143g the A9 weighs exactly the same as the iPhone 6s.

The home button now doubles up as a swift fingerprint sensor, and once your dab has gained you access you benefit from the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

AGAINST Sound could have more insight; Full HD only

★★★ ★ ★ IN DETAIL...

Sleek good looks, ease of use, good customisation options and the latest operating system all help make the One A9 an attractive proposition

A single speaker on the bottom edge has replaced the front-facing stereo pair

Ease of use is a big plus In use this is one of the most easy-going smartphones we’ve tested. Navigating around the device is nice and swift, apps open instantly and the various camera modes are intuitive to operate.

Battery life isn’t as encouraging, however. It seems HTC still hasn’t been able to raise its game with the A9’s 2150mAh battery. Our video rundown test saw the A9 last roughly eight hours on a full charge.

The A9 comes with either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded thanks to the SD card slot – something that's sorely missing from flagships such as Samsung's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge+.

HTC's own Sense skin remains an unobtrusive interface, and we particularly like the Themes feature which lets you change the phone's colours, fonts and icons.

The 5in screen has been upgraded to an AMOLED display, which means punchier and deeper colours. For the most part, the 1920 x 1080 resolution is perfectly fine: text is crisp, the colours are rich, and shows streamed online are nicely detailed and sharp. Motion is stable too, but the A9 still can’t achieve the iPhone 6s's subtlety.

Taking pictures is a real pleasure – the camera is fast, and you get a good degree of

The camera boasts several appealing new features, including a 13MP rear lens

control over focus and contrast. The results are pleasing, if not mind-blowing – we could do with extra detail and a better level of contrast, for example – but there is support for shooting videos in Ultra HD 4K.

Speakers have moved Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the front-facing stereo speakers have gone.

HTC's BoomSound technology is still there but the speakers are now at the bottom edge of the phone, which supports highresolution music (up to 24-bit/192kHz).

Through headphones, you have to turn up the volume quite high to get a full, meaty sound, but when you do the cheeriness of Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind comes through with rich basslines and strong guitar pluckage. It's an enjoyable

KEY FEATURES

performance, but one that could be tauter and deeper in the low end. We find the iPhone 6s does a better job of delivering notes with precision and subtlety.

The A9 feels like a mixed bag, but one that still has enough goodies in it to make it an enjoyable phone – the latest Android OS and some nifty camera features will appeal to many. The picture and sound quality might not be class-leading, but they’re appealing enough. As is the One A9 overall.

FINGERPRINT SCANNER

says

13MP REAR CAMERA

RATING ★★★ ★ ★ SCREEN SOUND FEATURES

NFC

VERDICT An iPhone lookalike with the latest Android specs – an appealing smartphone that tries to please everyone

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 11

Muscial ecstasy in the comfort of your Den... “My client bought a 2 crore car because it had a Burmester audio system in it.

Everyday he goes home, parks in the garage, listens to music sitting in the car for 45 minutes and then enters his home�

- Prospective Burmester Dealer

Why hide what can be flaunted?

But if you insist, Burmester has in-wall speakers which can be hidden.

However, when people hear them, they will ask to see them!

Burmester ` India Pvt.Ltd. Contact : +91-9821238837 Email: sales@burmester.co.in

www.burmester.in

FIRST TEST

Samsung UE32J6300 | TV | ₨49,900*

“Squeaky clean, autumn-leaf crisp” FOR Crisp picture; good upscaler; attractive design

AGAINST You can buy larger rivals for the same money

A few years ago, ₨80K was the standard pricetag for a smart 32in Full HD TV. Our 2010 Award winner cost that much, for example. Yet for the past two years, the top brands have settled nearer the ₨50k figure – price drops have to cease somewhere, after all.

With the spotlight on bigger screens and growing accessibility of 4K, you could say humble TVs like the UE32J6300 (the smallest of Samsung’s top Full HD ranges) have been sidelined. Like the swings when the funfair comes to town.

But they still live and breathe, and Samsung is trying to keep an air of modernity around this one by making it curved. It’s subtly done – the frame seems more curved than the screen itself – and has more of a case for consistency throughout its J6300 range, which goes up to 55in, than it does for ‘immersion’. It looks smart, though.

But at ₨50k it’s not exactly a bargain, especially when you consider our favourite small TV of 2015, the 40in Panasonic TX-40CS520, matches it for price. But if 32in is as large as you can go, the UE32J6300 throws everything at you.

factor of the headliners – the sharpness of 4K, the blacks of OLED – and the underwhelming screen size. But it puts in a solid, pretty faultless stint: squeaky clean and autumn-leaf crisp, with clarity and coherence leading the rank.

Iris – a documentary on 93-year-old fashionista Iris Apfel – is a delight to watch.

The onslaught of colour throughout the show is both punchy and bright, and after finetuning the Samsung’s picture settings for further refinement and accuracy, glitter sparkles and beads reflect while Iris’s thick-framed glasses are a good advert for the Samsung’s deep, solid blacks.

Over to John Wick on Blu-ray and the Samsung manages to unearth clarity and detail in the film’s dingy underground palette. Suits are distinguished against the shadows, while city lights punch out of the night sky. Standard definition is sharper and cleaner than we’ve seen on small (40in) 4K TVs too – generally a benefit of Full HD sets over 4K rivals. The inevitable downgrade going from HD to the SD channel is less disturbing here than in most cases.

*Price for Indian equivalent model Samsung UA32J6300AK

Lure of the city lights There’s a tick in every box when it comes to catch-up TV – and Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, and YouTube join more obscure streaming titles like MUBI and BFI Player – it's ideal for movie lovers.

So unless you have discs itching to be played, a Blu-ray player isn’t essential to make the most of this Samsung. Though of course they, along with games consoles and hard drives, can be plugged into the TV's inputs: four HDMIs, three USBs and legacy analogue connections. An optical output caters for a soundbar, a headphone output for headphones, and there’s a LAN socket if you’d rather hardwire your TV to the internet than stream wirelessly.

Navigating Tizen, Samsung’s TV software, has become second nature to the What Hi-Fi? team, and as an improvement on the full-page ‘hubs’ that clad previous TVs, it’s something of a success. Like with LG’s WebOS, tiles of allocated apps and channels run along the bottom of screen, with most operations overlaying current viewing for minimal disruption. It’s generally foolproof, and menus are logical and straightforward.

When it comes to picture performance, the UE32J6300 may not have the wow

No need to touch base Where it really surprises us is sound quality. The volume possible from such a diminutive set is generous, comfortable right the way up to 100 without sounding shrill or forced. And while action scenes might not be as weighty or dynamically engaging as they would through a soundbar (or ‘base), we wouldn’t necessarily rush out to buy one for casual TV viewing. It’s clear and detailed enough to get across a soundtrack’s essential information.

If you’re interested in a 32in Full HD set, the Samsung UE32J6300 is a very good buy indeed. Picture quality is hugely competitive and its smarts (as with a lot of Samsung sets right now) set a benchmark of their own.

★★★ ★★

Samsung has given this humble 32in TV an air of modernity by introducing a subtle curve

KEY FEATURES

32IN

1080 FULL HD

FOUR HDMI INPUTS

says

RATING ★★★ ★★ PICTURE SOUND FEATURES

VERDICT With decent picture and sound quality, this 32in do-it-all television from Samsung is a strong contender

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 13

Mercury 7

Seventh heaven

MERCURY 7 - The seventh generation of Tannoy’s best-selling budget loudspeaker range is celebrated with a fresh new style. Offering a choice of four models in three luxury wood-grain effect finishes with imposing looking drivers and visible mounting bolts, Mercury 7 is ideal for a discreet music system or an impressive 5.1 movie set up with massive scale and class-leading dynamics.

Heralding from a long lineage of award-winning Mercury ranges, Tannoy’s seventh generation Mercury is the best yet.

FIRST TEST

Rega DAC-R | Digital-to-Analogue Converter | ₨81,000

Losing some of the black magic FOR Exciting sound; sturdy build; expressive dynamics

AGAINST USB input sacrifices some of this DAC’s magic

★★★ ★ ★

We were big fans of the original Rega DAC. Reviewed back in 2012, this brick-shaped black box delivered a combination of detail, dynamics and rhythmic ability few rivals could better. Its only shortcoming was a USB input that was limited to a sampling rate of just 48kHz. This wasn’t a massive negative at the time, as the availability of highresolution recordings with sampling rates of 88.2kHz or higher was limited. But things have since improved notably on that front.

Workmanlike aura The most obvious difference between the DAC-R and its predecessor is that the new unit can now accept 24-bit/192kHz music streams through all its inputs. Rega hasn’t been tempted to include DSD compatibility though, which is a shame as most recent rivals have added this format to their armoury. Such recordings are of minority interest, but we would prefer to have the option to play them.

The rest of the DAC-R’s design is familiar, but the new model is a few centimetres deeper. The casework looks pretty much the same as before, a solid-feeling mix of aluminium and steel. Finish is good, though the product has a workmanlike quality to it rather than an aura of luxury.

The DAC-R’s front panel is a simple affair with just three buttons – power, input and filter settings. There are six digital filter options – three for signals with sampling rates below 48kHz and three for those above.

There is no right or wrong choice and, as usual, much depends on the partnering system and personal taste. In our system we alternate between Filter 1 and 2 (these are Linear Phase and Minimum Phase variants) depending on the recording.

Look inside and you’ll find that, revamped USB module aside, much is familiar. Rega has taken care with the basics – optimising signal paths, component quality and the power supply arrangement.

A good deal of effort has gone into reducing noise – both internally generated and that coming in from the source.

The back panel shows a good range of connections. Alongside the asynchronous USB you'll find two opticals and a pair of

coaxes. Another slight change from the first model is the use of a traditional IEC mains lead rather than the less common cloverleaf design originally used. There’s the option of both optical and coax digital outputs, but most people will just leave these unused.

Bigger than Yeezus Those familiar with the last model will recognise Rega’s sonic signature instantly.

Through the coaxial or optical inputs the DAC-R produces an appealing sound. It’s a sparkling performance, delivering music as varied as Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Kanye West’s Yeezus with conviction.

We love the Rega’s expressive dynamics – the way it builds the crescendos in the Stravinsky piece while managing to resolve nuances in the quieter sections is impressive. It’s brilliantly organised too, keeping the instrumental strands in place even when the music gets complicated.

With Yeezus the Rega is surefooted rhythmically and never short of insight or punch. Rivals such as Audiolab’s M-DAC pull ahead when it comes to outright spaciousness and the ability to render a wide-open sound stage.

The DAC-R is solid and workmanlike rather than having any aura of luxury

KEY FEATURES 24-BIT/192KHz VIA USB

REMOTE CONTROL

CHOICE OF FILTER SETTINGS

The back panel has a range of connections. Just avoid the USB

The Audiolab delivers a more textured sound through the midrange too, giving vocals a bit more subtlety. But the shortfalls aren’t serious and the Rega counters with more convincing timing, a firmer grip on bass and a greater dose of dynamic punch.

Failed connections Change to the USB input and the story isn’t quite so positive. We use an Apple MacBook Air loaded with Pure Music software and are surprised at how limited the performance is in relative terms. Rhythm tracks lose a little snap while dynamics are neutered compared to the sound through the other inputs. It’s still a listenable presentation, but the same USB-versuscoax comparison with the Audiolab M-DAC shows far smaller levels of degradation.

If you’re going to use the Rega DAC-R with anything other than the USB input you’ll end up with one of the best-sounding number-crunchers ₨81,000 will buy. It’s energetic, yet has enough in the way of subtlety to impress. But if you’re going to use USB predominantly, there are better-sounding options at this price.

says

RATING ★★★ ★ ★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT The Rega DAC-R is one of the best-sounding DACs you'll find at this price – provided you avoid using the USB input

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 15

FIRST TEST

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium | 4K Smartphone | ₨62,990

A matter of time for the “world’s first 4K phone” FOR Sharp 4K screen; vibrant colour palette; punchy audio

AGAINST Expensive; 4K USP largely unused; flawed camera

★★★ ★ ★

In a world that’s only just making sense of 4K on TV screens, the idea of having the technology on a mobile phone might seem at best superfluous, and at worst pointless.

However, with 2K phone screens now on the verge of their third generation, it was only a matter of time before a manufacturer ran with the ‘world’s first 4K smartphone’ title and Sony has beaten the competition.

An impressive headline for sure, but the Xperia Z5 Premium doesn’t quite follow through with its 4K promises.

IN DETAIL...

colours by some margin, while X Reality Pro often oversharpens edges, so leave it off for the most natural picture.

Have a quick scan

Lovely, but what to watch?

While the display is a 4K screen (UHD if we’re being picky), most of the time you won’t actually be watching 4K, making the phone’s killer feature a bit of a damp squib.

That’s not to say it isn’t impressive. The 5.5in IPS display boasts a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution with an amazing 806ppi – almost double that of the standard Xperia Z5.

The problem is that the operating system hasn’t been optimised in 4K, nor have the majority of apps so, with the exception of Sony’s own Video and Photos applications, most of the time you’ll be seeing things only in Full HD. The Xperia Z5 Premium is capable of capturing 4K video, so you can watch that back natively, but 4K content from the likes of YouTube, Netflix and Amazon isn’t yet compatible with mobile, leaving you a little short.

We load some 4K demo clips on to the phone, and it looks stunning. Contrast is strong, with deep blacks and clean bright whites, though there is a slight loss of shadow detail compared with the iPhone 6s, which keeps the outlines of objects clearer in murkier scenes. Colours are punchier, but on the cooler side when compared with the iPhone, with reds and greens in particular standing out. There’s still subtlety here, meaning it’s not just about in-your-face colour.

It makes for an engaging picture, offering a real sense of depth and all the detail you’d expect at this resolution, giving a glimpse of what movies on-the-go could look like once the technology is ready to support it.

16 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

KEY FEATURES

To keep the Z5 Premium waterproof, make sure you close all the flaps, like this one covering the microSD slot

Sony is proud of its fingerprint scanner – it’s much slimmer than those of its rivals.

We find it to be quick and reliable too

Step down to Full HD and despite Sony’s claims of upscaling, we couldn’t see too much by way of obvious improvements when comparing the Z5 Premium with the iPhone 6s and the regular Xperia Z5.

We don’t feel disappointed for too long, as it’s still a great picture, matching its competition pretty closely in terms of detail levels and insight, and carrying off the same bright colour palette as before, whether we choose content stored on the phone or stream from Netflix.

We’d avoid the Image Enhancement options though – Super Vivid oversaturates

The Z5 Premium follows in the footsteps of the rest of the Z5 family, dropping the much-lauded rounder edges of the Z3 for a flatter, boxier design that hails back to the early Z range days. Far from being a nostalgic hat-tip though, this design is to accommodate the new fingerprint scanner power button on the right hand edge.

Sony is particularly proud of its fingerprint scanner because of its size – it’s much slimmer than those on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S6 or the iPhone 6s.

On the whole, we find it to be very reliable, even when trying to catch it out, and quick too, allowing you to both wake the phone and unlock it in under a second.

Elsewhere, the design is pretty familiar, with Gorilla Glass back and front panels (which are still fond of harbouring fingerprints), aluminium trim and nylon corners to protect it from knocks. The boxy design has left a notable edge to the front and back of the frame, which doesn’t feel the most ‘premium’ but, at 7.8mm thin, the phone is slim enough to look the part (if a touch on the heavy side at 180g). Its skinny left- and right-hand bezels mean it doesn't feel like a large device in the hand either.

Getting down to the nitty gritty, the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium packs a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor, with 3GB RAM. It’s the same processor that plagued the Z3+ with overheating issues, but we don’t notice anything more than slight warming over an extended period.

There's only a single choice of 32GB of on-board memory, but with a microSD card slot supporting cards up to 200GB we don't think this will be an issue for most people.

Sony has toned down its user interface, which sits over the top of Android Lollipop, with simpler icons and a stripped-back approach. There are still more Sony apps than necessary, particularly Sony’s own versions of apps that Google does better.

5.5IN SCREEN

3840 X 2160 RESOLUTION

806ppi

FIRST TEST

The Z5 Premium has a familiar design, with the rounded bezels meaning that it doesn't feel like such a big device

“The screen is gorgeous, but so is the Z5’s – and you won’t be able to see much difference, making the price disparity a bit of a sticking point” The photos from the Z5 Premium are largely very good. In decent light, images look sharp, detailed and well balanced, with the Superior Auto+ mode doing a good job of choosing the best settings for the scenario. Colours are a touch more vibrant compared with the iPhone 6s, and whites a little more bluey, but for the most part the image stays on the right side of believable.

Low-light performance isn’t as good as we’d hoped though, and you’ll get cleaner results by using the flash.

We’re not totally convinced by Sony’s two-day battery-life claim, but we get through around a full day of normal usage. As ever, you will find it drain quicker if you’ve got a long commute filled with video or gaming. It also takes a hit if you are tempted to have the brightness up high when watching movies.

Waiting for the 4K As for video, 4K comes into its own here, largely due to the fact you can watch it back in its native resolution. Whether 4K or Full HD, videos are sharp and motion is smooth, with Sony’s SteadyShot feature helping stabilise any shaky video to good effect.

The world’s first 4K smartphone doesn’t quite deliver in the way we’d hoped, but once 4K content for mobile arrives, this sort of device will make much more sense. Right now, with its USP largely underused, this is basically a slightly bigger, slightly fancier Xperia Z5 with a few tricks up its sleeve.

The screen is gorgeous, but then so is the Z5’s – and a lot of the time, you won’t be able to see a lot of difference, which makes the price disparity a sticking point.

There’s no doubt this is a capable phone with plenty of things to love – its snappy performance, great sound quality and quality build to name a few – but it has big competition, and not least from its cheaper and almost equally capable little brother.

Hi-res audio support Sony has followed in the footsteps of its other devices and kept highresolution audio support on the Z5 Premium. The sound is well-timed and full of detail, and with the same refinement we noted on the Xperia Z5. Music sounds clean, with a focused and enthusiastic midrange and a rich, weighty low end.

Listen to a hi-res recording of Muse’s Supremacy and rhythms stay tight as the song rises and falls in tempo, drum kicks are full-bodied and authoritative, and there’s plenty of space afforded to the grandiose instrumental arrangement. An acoustic version of Gotye’s Somebody That I Used To Know shows the Z5 Premium is just as at home with quieter tracks. There's superb insight and a great handle on dynamics that shows off the subtle differences in guitar strums.

Sony has gone big on its camera for the Z5 family, and the same one features across the whole range. It’s the first time since the Xperia Z1 that the camera module has been redesigned from the ground up, so Sony has been shouting loudly about it.

It's an impressive 5.5in UHD screen – 3840 x 2160 resolution, 806ppi – but this killer feature is still a bit of a damp squib

says

RATING ★★★ ★ ★ The main camera is a 23MP snapper with an F2.0 lens and new larger 1/2.3 sensor. It uses a new hybrid autofocus that claims to take snaps in around 0.03 seconds. This might be true in perfect light conditions, but we find that variable light slows it down, and in low light it can be sluggish.

SCREEN SOUND FEATURES

VERDICT A good all-round performer, but with 4K content scarce, the Z5 Premium offers little over the standard version

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 17

INSIDER

HANDS ON WE GET TO GRIPS WITH

THE LATEST TECH

Technics SL-1200

first look

Technics is back with two new versions of its classic SL-1200 turntable.

We got up close and personal with them.

Evolution of the Technics SL-1200

18 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

1970-1971 1972

1979

SP-10 and SL-1100

SL-1200

SL-1200MK2

The SP10 was the first commercially available direct-drive turntable. It was popular with broadcast studios and was followed up by the SL-1100.

The original. One of these is on display at the London Science Museum as a piece of technology that has “shaped the world we live in�.

Reduced vibration and feedback, shock resistance and slider pitch control. Credited with helping to develop hip-hop and modern DJs.

70 72 79

INSIDER

Since the return of the Technics brand in 2014, there has been one question on everyone’s lips: “Will there be a new Technics turntable?” The ongoing vinyl revival made it inevitable and the good news was confirmed in 2015, when Technics revealed a prototype turntable at the IFA show in Berlin.

But that was little more than a shell. At CES in Las Vegas, though, the wraps were off the finished article. And not only is it a new Technics turntable, it’s a new addition to the iconic, arguably unrivalled, SL-1200 series.

Introducing the Technics Grand Classic SL-1200G. A high-end hi-fi turntable aimed at audiophiles that’s also every bit a worthy successor to the DJ-friendly direct-drive SL-1200 and SL-1210 decks.

Two incarnations

In fact, Technics has announced two new (but very similar) turntables. First to go on sale this summer will be the SL-1200GAE. It’s a 50th anniversary special-edition model that will be limited to 1200 turntables, all individually numbered. This will then be followed by the SL-1200G turntable.

The limited-edition deck will sport a slightly different finish, a numbered platter, slight tweaks to the feet and a magnesium tonearm (as opposed to aluminium on the standard model).

Otherwise, the decks are the same.

We’re told both models will cost the same, which is around $4000 – more than three times the typical price of previous SL-1200 generations.

If you’ve seen a Technics turntable before, the design will be instantly familiar. The layout of the start/stop button, 33⅓/45rpm selection buttons and target pop-up light are all as before on SL-1200 turntables. The 7in vinyl adaptor is in the top-left corner, too.

The pitch adjustment and reset button are present and correct in the same spot on the right-hand side.

1989

Any deck that mixes it (no pun intended) with rivals at this sort of money needs to sound seriously good, even allowing for the build and DJ features Remove the rubber slipmat and you’ll see the three-layered construction of the turntable. There’s a gleaming brass top and heavyweight aluminium platter, under which is the direct-drive motor.

Technics says the new turntable has more than twice the inertial mass of the SL-1200Mk5 deck.

New developments

The deck uses a newly developed “coreless” motor in an effort to remove “cogging”, which refers to the minute vibrations generated as the deck rotates, while the twin-rotor construction aims to reduce the bearing load while maintaining high torque.

The tonearm uses lightweight magnesium for its damping effect (aluminium in the standard model), while the traditional Technics gimbal suspension construction aims to deliver high sensitivity.

The turntable plinth itself is a four-layered design, with a 10mm-thick top panel of aluminium added to the aluminium diecast, BMC (Bulk Moulding Compound) and rubber layers of the Mk5.

Known for its bullet-proof, super-solid build, the original SL-1200 became established as the DJ’s choice, and it looks like the new SL-1200s should do the dynasty proud in this respect. The likely weight of 18kg backs this up.

Pitching it right

New on the SL-1200G is a small x2 button above the pitch slider, which will allow you to increase the pitch control to +/-16 (up from +/-8), keeping it in line with the feature-packed DJ decks of recent years.

Also new on this deck are detachable, gold-plated phono audio cables and

1996

ground terminals. Older Technics turntables had hard-wired cabling, which was difficult to replace.

The SL-1200G won’t be supplied with a cartridge as standard, though no doubt your friendly dealer will have plenty to recommend.

We heard the SL-1200G playing in Technics’ demo room at CES, though the powers that be were adamant it was a “99 per cent” finished product rather than 100 per cent. Connected to the company’s reference series amplifier and speakers, it gave an impressively clear and detailed presentation.

Playing Diana Krall, a classic test artist if ever we heard one, voices were natural and there was plenty of space to the recording. Listening to a $10k+ system you’d naturally expect that, so any real qualitative judgements in isolation at a busy trade show are nigh-on impossible.

Early assessment

We resisted the temptation to ask for two decks and a mixer and instead sat back and soaked up the sound quality while we wondered about that price tag. And arguably it’s the hefty price and design smarts that have gone into the deck that tell us more about the new SL-1200 at this stage.

Technics clearly means business and the company believes it has a worthy successor to its iconic range of turntables. Any deck that mixes it (no pun intended) with rivals at this sort of money needs to sound seriously good, even allowing for the build and DJ features.

One thing we know for sure: there was a huge buzz around the product at CES. And we can’t wait to get hold of the finished SL-1200G for a full review.

2002

2007

8996 0207 SL-1200MK3

SL-1200MK4

SL-1200MK5

SL-1200MK6

This one was limited to Japan, with mostly aesthetic changes: a matteblack finish and gold RCA plugs.

More of a facelift than an overhaul.

New: 78rpm button and removable RCA cables. Technics stepped back from the DJ market and refocused on the audiophile with this one.

The anti-skate range was increased and a white LED was added. The hinged dust cover was replaced with a magnetic version.

Minor updates to damping, LEDs, tonearm mounting, wiring and pitch control. The last model before the line was discontinued in 2010.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 19

INTERVIEW

INSIDER

W H F S H OW 2016

“The new D800 series is the culmination of over 7 years of our most advanced research...”

A new generation of traditional Joe Atkins, Chairman of the B&W Group talks about changing trends in hi-fi

Bowers & Wilkins has been very cautious in rolling out new products. Is this the result of a long research process for each new model or because you like to extend the shelf life of existing products?

Were not really cautious about introducing new models or improvements to existing models but do so only when we have legitimate ways to enhance the product’s performance. Depending on the product, this typically takes between 3 and 7 years.

The new 800 Diamond series was a long time in the making. Will it be spending the next decade firmly established as your flagship range?

The new D800 series is the culmination of over 7 years of our most advanced research and is far and away the best product Bowers & Wilkins has ever produced.

It will take some doing to advance the various technologies enough to warrant a new series any time soon but that’s what our engineers strive to do every day.

Your partnerships with automotive brands like Volvo and Maserati have been very successful. Are you open to more such collaborations or exclusive to these brands?

We will also launch premium systems with McLaren this year, so with four partnerships and 20 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

plans to extend the platforms with each, I don’t see any additions in the foreseeable future.

Zeppelin was the pioneer in the iPod dock speaker segment. With the industry moving beyond docked and even Bluetooth/AirPlay systems, what interests you in terms of connected sound?

Of course, the original Zeppelin and its successors have set the standard in docking and then streaming (via AirPlay or Bluetooth) but the streaming audio segment is moving very quickly with multiple formats and brands attempting to challenge SONOS for streaming distributed audio throughout the home.

Bowers & Wilkins is working on appropriately premium platforms to extend our offerings in the streaming audio space but the challenges of achieving true hi fidelity signal delivery are significant and will have us joining the race a little later than most but with products that meet the expectations of the Bowers & Wilkins customer.

The Nautilus has reigned supreme for many years as the icon of B&W R&D achievement. Can we expect a successor to this anytime soon?

The Nautilus has for over 20 years been a unique and iconic representation of Bowers & Wilkins engineering and design capabilities and continues to enjoy commercial success in its current form. As such, there are no plans to

replace it at this point.

The B&W Group brands like Rotel and Classe enjoy equal success. Why haven’t you considered making a one-brand system ever..sort of like Burmester or Steinway Lyngdorf?

Each of our three brands has a rightful place in our dealers offerings and their customer’s systems and we have no plans to confuse that proposition.

The future increase in active speaker offerings will of course allow us to draw on the experience of our sister brands to optimally power Bowers & Wilkins speakers.

Do you feel the high-res music will be saviour for paid music?

Some will argue that there is no long term savior for music streaming services other than consumers being prepared to pay more. We of course are happy to see the emergence of better quality services like Tidal which further enhance the listener,s experience.

Does your retail strategy have place for exclusive lounges or boutiques in India?

You will have to speak to our distribution partners at AVI to find out what they have in mind for future retail concepts but the more brand exposure we get with Indian consumers the better, of course.

INSIDER

KEI gets over Peachtree’s sonaAMP and sonaDAC

Merlin’s Beat Master portable speaker features guitar input

The Beat Master boasts of a 600W output, a 6000mAh battery, and light effects. At ₨14,900, this new Bluetooth speaker comes with USB input, an SD card slot, and can also act as a portable power bank. Merlin also says that with the guitar input, the Beat Master can be used as a portable amplifier. Apart from this, the included microphones can be used for karaoke.

Sony launches new range of ‘Extra Bass’ wireless headphones

Sony India has introduced the MDR-XB650BT wireless headset in the Indian market. This Bluetooth set features 30mm drivers, a dedicated ’Extra Bass’ diaphragm, NFC pairing,a built-in microphone, along with AAC and aptX support. Sony also claims playback time of up to 30 hours with a 4-hour charging time. The MDR-XB650BT is available in three colours - black, blue and red.

Krypton targets your home theatre with the Electron 60

The newest addition to Krypton Audio’s Electron range, the Electron 60 uses a 3.5in polypropylene cone driver and an 18mm MDF cabinet, and has a 40W RMS power rating. According to Krypton, the Electron 60 can be used for a wide range of applications, from desktop to home theatre setups. The Electron 60 will be exclusively sold on hifinage.com.

KEI Hi-Fi has announced a special price offer on Peachtree Audio’s sonaAMP and sonaDAC when purchased together. Part of Peachtree Audio’s most compact range of audio components, the sonaDAC is a digital pre-amp /DAC /headphone amplifier based around a 32-bit ESS Sabre Reference DAC, and supports high-resolution audio up to 32-Bit / 384kHz (PCM) and 5.6MHz (DSD). Other highlights include independent, isolated audio circuits, volume control bypass, ESS Time Domain Jitter Eliminator and a 9W maximum power draw. You’ll also find full-sized headphone, XLR and RCA outputs, along with USB, Toslink and coaxial inputs.

The sonaAMP power amplifier supports an output of 150W (at 8ohms) and 300W (at 4ohms) and has a dynamic range of 101dB. You’ll also find XLR and RCA inputs, intermodulation distortion of less than 0.006%. Peachtree also claims overall audio performance levels are close to its Grand Series.

The sonaAMP and sonaDAC can be purchased together at a special offer price of ₨1,87,875 at keihifi.com. Independently, the sonaAmp costs ₨90,000 while the sonaDAC will set you back by around ₨1,17,000.

Enjoy Scansonic’s flagships speakers, courtesy of Audio Visual Lifestyle If you were at the What Hi-Fi? Show 2016, chances are that the Scansonic’s setup blew you away. Crave for more?

Then head down to its local distributor, Mumbai-based Audio Visual Lifestyle (audiovisuallifestyle. com) where the flagship MB series is on display.

The Danish brand’s MB series is the result of a team effort spearheaded by none other than Michael Børresen.

The flagship of the series, the MB-6 with its tall, slim and curved form factor houses six 4.5in carbon coned dynamic bass/mid driver with overhung magnet syste, arranged in a line array format. The tweeter crosses over to the dynamic driver array at 3kHz. The arrangement claims to have the bass output of a 12in driver but with the speed and agility of smaller drivers for better detail. Look out for a review soon.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 21

Debut S12EQ by Andrew Jones.

12-inch 1,000-Watt Powered Subwoofer

Advanced Bluetooth® Control

Doing away with traditional analog controls, the subwoofer incorporates our advanced digital control system. Simply download the ELAC SubEQ app for your smartphone* and you have complete control. No more fumbling around the back of the subwoofer again.

Auto EQ

Utilizing our SubEQ app and your smartphone’s microphone, the subwoofer will automatically EQ itself to your room’s unique characteristics using a 12-Band parametric equalizer. Full manual EQ is available as well.

Custom Driver

A custom 12-inch long-throw driver provides the quality and quantity of bass that is fundamental to accurately reproducing today’s demanding movie soundtracks and music.

A 12-inch passive radiator improves the transient response and increases the efficiency of the system.

BASH® Amplifier

All ELAC subwoofers utilize BASH tracking amplifiers. Unlike conventional amplifiers, BASH amplifiers track the input signal and adjust the available supply voltage to a traditional Class AB amplifier. This makes the amplifier incredibly efficient but also provides the on-demand power needed for dynamic movies and music.

Braced MDF Cabinet

A horizontal center brace strengthens and stiffens the cabinet, helping minimize unwanted vibrations that can discolor music or movie content.

Auto Power On/Off

The subwoofer will detect when an audio signal is being sent to the amplifier and will power on. Also, to conserve energy, the subwoofer will power off after a long period of inactivity.

INSIDER

DOLBY AIMS TO REINVENT VIDEO; LG HELPS With half a century of sound enhancing tech, Dolby now sprinkles its fairy dust on your TV! Dolby and LG chose the FICCI Frames 2016 Broadcast and Film expo to showcase their latest and greatest hardware. Dolby Vision, a new standard in improving the colour depth of display panels and cinema projectors was first showcased to audiences at CES earlier this year but LG is ready to start selling the next-generation of flat panels to Indian customers as early as May. Dolby Vision works by enhancing the picture quality of a movie right from the creation stage to the recreation medium at home. Hollywood biggies like Warner Bros, Disney, Sony and MGM are already on board and have agreed to shoot and colour grade their movies in the Dolby Vision HDR format. Recent releases like Inside Out, The Martian and Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens have already benefited from this tech but you didn’t notice because Dolby Cinemas have yet to make their way here LG is the first manufacturer to launch these advancedW televisions in the Indian market with Dolby Vision built-in. This includes LED models starting from ₨1.25lacs to all the way to the 77in signature OLED model that will be close to ₨15lacs when it hits the shelves next month. Is this the future of TV? It definitely seems so.

Sennheiser unveils the Momentum range Sennheiser has launched a slew of new headphones from its Momentum range. The new devices include both over-ear and on-ear variants of the Momentum Wireless bluetooth headset, which features NoiseGard Hybrid active noise cancellation, a VoiceMax mic, NFC pairing, and support for aptX. Also new is the Momentum M2 (winner of the EISA award for best European Headphones 2015-2016), which features steel and Alacantra leather construction and like its wireless cousin, is available in over-ear and on-ear styles. The new Momentum sets are come in two colours - black and ivory.

New pro-grade projectors from Sony Sony has expanded its reach in the professional category with the launch of a new WUXGA projectors. The new products include three laser projectors - VPL-FHZ65 (6000 lumens output), VPL-FHZ60 (5000 lumens) and VPL-FHZ57 (4100 lumens) - and 2 lamp projectors VPL-FH65 (6000 lumens) and VPL-FH60 (5000 lumens). The new projectors all offer HDBaseT interfaces with single-cable connectivity and wide powered lens shift for better installation options. According to Sony, it’s new laser projectors also offer a light source life of up to 20,000 hours, along with quick reboot, colour correction and colour space adjustment.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 23

INSIDER

INSIDER

TOP FIVE LAUNCHES

The latest news from the world of tech 3 Thorens TD 309 ₨1,52,000 Swiss turntable manufacturer, Thorens enters Indian market via bassntreble.com with the TD 309, besides others in the range. The TD 309 features a unique three-point-suspension for better balance, thus giving rise to this off-beat yet alluring look.

1 BenQSW2700PT₨75,000 Photographers worried about colour accuracy have a new option available - BenQ’s SW2700PT. This 27in, QHD monitor uses an IPS panel and features AdobeRGB coverage, hardware calibration, a 14bit 3D Look-Up Table for better accuracy and a Black-and-White Mode.

The monitor also comes with BenQ’s Palette Master software (compatible with X-Rite and Datacolor calibrators), along with a light-blocking hood.

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2 Schiit Magni 2 ₨9999 The compact, brushed-metal body makes it look rather natty and it weighs less than half a kilo, but Schiit’s Magni 2 headphone amp also packs a lot of power for its size - 1.8W RMS per channel at 16ohms. The FET / bipolar Class AB innards also make for an SNR of over 102dB. The Magni 2 is available via headphonezone.in

3

4 Roksan K3 DAC ₨1,68,000 Roksan's new standalone DAC is the latest addition to its K3 series of components. It supports hi-res audio and has XLR, optical, coaxial and USB Type-B inputs. It features the company's new K-LINK technology for "CD-quality wireless streaming".

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5 Q Acoustics Media 7000 ₨TBA This 2.1 Bluetooth amplifier/ speaker package can be used for music and home cinema.

It comes with a new Q-ACA stereo amp with built-in DAC, a range of digital inputs and uses the 7000i satellites and 7070Si subwoofer.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 25

Starting the year with the first show in Mumbai, the fifth edition of the WHF Show was the epicentre of the entire AV industry in India for a weekend in February. Here are some of the finest sightings from the show floor at the St. Regis Hotel.

180BRANDS• 35+ DEMO ROOMS• AURO3D • 2,00,000W• DOLBY ATMOS• AVDECOR • HOMEAUTOMATION• ELVISJUKEBOX • GUITARS• RETRO TURNTABLES

KEI

T

annoy fans had much to rejoice in the KEI stateroom, which was kitted out with a Dolby Atmos system in the 7.1.4 configuration through a custom-made rig. The mighty Tannoy DC-10A were being used as the L/R channels while the DC6 handled centre channel duties. The massive sub you see is the Definition model and an army of DC8i surrounds brought Atmos to life. The Denon AVR-7200W flagship AVR was the centrepiece, helped by NAD M27 Master series and Denon PMA-520 power amps. The Wolf SDC-15 projected brilliant upscaled video and the entire system wired by InAkustik cables left little to be desired. The real scale of 3D surround sound was experienced due to the sheer power and scale of this propulsive system and yet was within attainability.

28 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

Custom boxes were made to accomodate the powerful Tannoy DC8i in-wall speakers used as the height and side surrounds in this Dolby Atmos demo system.

All the surround speakers were mounted on a truss that allowed for multiple locations as mounting points, increasing their coverage area.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 29

NUCLEUS AUDIO VISUAL

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lways the one with a surprise, Nucleus Audio Visual is an extension of Nexus Audio and they know a thing or two about two-channel hi-fi. Hence, this unique prototype planar speaker drew crowds to the room with its almost linear on and off-axis response, irrespective of listener location anywhere in the room! It was powered by an Atora integrated amp and CD player, making for an exotic system at real-world prices. The Stylica Nordic series recliners provided the perfect resting place to enjoy the evolved sound this system was capable of reproducing.

Needless to say, we did spend many hours in this room amazed not just by the esoteric stuff but also the new launch that stole the show – OEM branded speakers in a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos configuration under ₨2lacs!

30 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

A new launch at the WHF Show, OEM speakers made their mark with aggressive price points for in-wall and on-wall speakers that could be had with backboxes too.

A big revelation was their sonic range and seamless integration with the 12in A120 subwoofer. Without a doubt, this was the budget sound of the show!

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 31

PREETI TRADING CORP.

T

hink Focal and you think PTC. As title sponsors of the WHF Show 2016, they left no stone unturned in impressing the enthusiasts with a proud display of the entire Focal range, including the magnificent Electra 1028BE L/R speakers that served as an anchor for the Dolby Atmos system they had on demo. Powered by ATI amplification that PTC also now distributes, the system was loud enough to rattle the floorboards! Also on display were various models from the Aria and the Utopia range along with the more accessible products from the Focal range like the Dimension soundbar, Bird sub/ sat system and the Spirit headphones.

Konig, a new cable and interconnect brand brought in by PTC also made its Indian debut at the WHF Show making this room choc-a-bloc with goodies!

36 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

Although Focal stole the show in the PTC room, a couple of new brands in the portfolio garnered enough interest to keep them on their feet all three days!

Origin Acoustics custom install speakers and Artison with their advanced flatpanel-friendly speakers made everyone sit up and take notice.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 37

AUDIO ONE

U

sing the space wisely, Audio One had multiple systems on demo. The home-theatre system comprised of the Dali Rubicon 8 and Vokal L/C/R speakers with Phantom surrounds and twin K-14 subs. Of course, Arcam was the choice for amplification and source players everywhere while Audioquest handled connectivity, both mainstay brands for Audio One. Making its first public appearance was the brandnew Dali Epicon 8 with the coveted Arcam A49 integrated amp and CDS27 player/streamer in a stereo config that had enthusiasts glued to their seats. The Dali Kubik One charmed the budgetconscious, but Audio One didn't just stop there, no Sir. A giant Audioquest display had almost every cable and accessory for audiences to sample, including the Jitterbug USB noise filter.

38 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

Having taken upon itself to revive the vinyl scene in the country, Audio One is ensuring that with ProJect turntables, it gives this format the push it deserves.

The ProJect Elemental, Essential, Debut and RPM models were all on display in an attempt to lure the digital fanatics over to the dark, analog side of music!

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 39

AV ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS PVT. LTD.

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s far as being unique and going off the beaten track is concerned, AVAA’s display made sure to be counted as being the busiest among the lot. On display were a much appreciated range of the German brand Thornet & Vander’s Bluetoothcompatible speakers.

Right from bookshelf’s like Kugel and Kurbis to speakers of increasing capacity, performance and size such as Hotch, Koloss and Turm loudspeakers. Also present was Thornet & Vander’s soundbase, Grund and an SW 10 subwoofer. What was interesting about all these products was that all of them were powered speakers with Bluetooth capability and visitors were given free reign to play music directly from their smartphones, tablet and what-have-yous. In the world of audiophiles, where high resolution music is a must, it was indeed amusing to see a positive reaction from vistors who chose to tread a different path, courtesy of AVAA and Thornet & Kugel.

Also on display were radios from Konig Retro Radio HAV TR 710, in black and brown colour options that had people reminiscing. The display was rounded off with Profigold and Bandridge’s range of cables and interconnects.

40 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

AUDIO VISUAL LIFESTYLE

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his was Audio Visual Lifestyle’s maiden innings at the What Hi-Fi Show 2016 and it was a blast. It was a love affair from the start with all setups playing and those on static display, being well-appreciated.

With a Cambridge Audio Azur 640BD as source, a Marantz AV 7702 MkII coupled with a MM 8077 amplifier was used to power the 5.1 home-theatre set-up. A pair of Scansonic MB-6 as left and right, MB Centre as centre channel, two M-5 as bookshelfs and a M8 subwoofer completed the setup. A Sony VPL-VW520ES projector made sure that setup was in full swing. A stereo setup comprising of a Cary Audio Cd500 as source, DAC Magic DAC via a Cambridge Audio Azur 840E preamplifier fed the gorgeous Cary Audio CAD-120S MkII tube stereo amplifier, offering listeners an option of listening to either a pair of Scansonic MB-6 or a pair of M-6 floorstanders. Another well- tuned setup was the pair of K-array Lyzard KZ12 paired with a KU36 subwoofer. This used a MacBook Pro as source, channeled through a Sonos ZP90 which fed into a K-array KA7-7 amplifier. The static display comprising of K-array Vyper KV50, Anthony Gallo Acoustics A’Diva SE among others made sure that the vistors had a thoroughly indulgent time at this venue.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 41

CASADIGI

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hile rest of the rooms showcased haughty speakers and well laid out set ups, Cassadigi’s room had an iPad. In the midst of all the music and the deafening sound effects of movies, Casadigi impressed everyone with its automation prowess. If you didn’t know already, Casadigi specialises in control systems for a vast array of platforms.

Everything from the lights in your room to the set-top box sitting aside your television can be programmed into the Casadigi system and automated.

Casadigi also launched a new service that allows you to Sync your iOS or Android phone with the Casadigi service to stream multiple formats of music in any room you desire.

The What Hi-Fi Show gets its share of movie buffs and the automation expert had a thing or two in store for them as well. Casadigi allows users to store, catalogue and playback movies, 3D blockbusters or television shows of most formats through a Network Attached Storage. The application additionally supports advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and Auro 3D. Automatic movie watching? Yes, please.

42 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

AUDIO ONE

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hile reviving vinyl in India might seem to be the major focus of Audio One, the move certainly hasn’t had an impact on the regular products that Audio One has to offer. In fact, visitors at the show got to audition the staggering 5.1 home-theatre set up comprised of the beautifuly finished Paradigm Prestige 85F floor standing speakers.

These towers utilize a 2.5-way crossover technology to greatly improve off-axis performance (for listeners not positioned directly in front of the sweet spot) and boost deep bass dynamics. That along with the Prestige 45C and Atom Monitor V7 and the Prestige 1000 subwoofer were driven by the mammoth Anthem MRX 310 AV reciever with the Pioneer BDP180 as source.

Younger siblings of the 85F, the Prestige 75F were connected to the big-thing-in-small-package Paradigm PW amp. Its main party trick is that it is wireless and features the Anthem Class-D Amp, with specs that read – 2 x 200W Dynamic Peak; 2 x 100W RMS 4 ohms.

That’s a lot of punch for something that fits in the palm. Needless to say, it impressed everyone who had a listen.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 43

NEXUS AUDIO

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hampions of simplicity, Nexus Audio have always wowed audiences at the show with their simplistic two-channel set ups. This time around they brought along OEM systems in a Dolby set up, but the two channel was not forgotten and the award-winning PMC Twenty.26 was paired with the AVM Evolution CS 5.2.

The PMC Twenty 26 are quite a stunning pair of speakers. Some words that come to mind when describing these beauties are finesse, delicacy and musicality. The audience at the show learnt how you don’t need massive amount of kit for something to sound beautiful. Simply working with what you have and setting it up right produces great results.

And when it’s kit like the Twenty.26, which we ourselves use as reference and the compact 300W per channel AVM Evolution CS 5.2 driving them, we don’t blame the audience who refused to leave the Nexus Audio demo room. Words can only paint a picture, the real joy is in the listening. Sorry if you missed it.

44 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

AUDIO EXCELLENCE INDIA

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xcellence is something we all strive for, excellence in audio?

More so. That’s exactly why Audio Excellence India brought along its finest and a very limited edition offering. A blast from the past, the Ricatech RR1600 jukebox looks old but runs like a young sprinter. What cought the eye of many at the show was the fact that it could play USB and instead of putting in coins for your music to play, you put in an SD card. What a clever devil in disguise.

Talking about the devil in disguise, there was also the Ricatech Elvis Presley Ltd. Edition, which people couldn’t help fall in love with. It’s a 3-speed turntable with USB and SD card support that also has an encoding function so that you can record your Vinyl to USB or SD card.

Yes, the Definitive Technology Mythos ST-L Super Tower was also standing tall and proud. American brand Revolution Acoustics made its debut here too, with mini transducers that are capable of converting any flat surface into a speaker, basically!

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 45

MZ AUDIO DISTRIBUTION

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esign may be an addiction for MZ Audio Distribution but quality sound is also a top priority on the list. And that’s exactly why the Taga Harmony Platinum F120s were paired with the Marantz PM8005 integrated amplifier and the Marantz SA8005 CD player and DAC. But that wasn’t it. The Taga Harmony Coral F120s were also tagged along with the Platinums to get the two-channel aficionado up and listening.

Home-theatre fans were also not left disappointed as MZ Audio got the Taga Harmony F100SE to handle the front left and right channels while the centre was taken upon by the Taga Harmony C40 PRSE Special Edition. The Platinum S40SE bookshelf took care of the surrounds. This impressive arrangement was driven by the mighty Marantz SR 6010 AV Receiver with the Marantz UD 5007 Blu-ray player as source. The Epson EHTW-8200 projector handled all things visual.

46 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

MZ AUDIO DISTRIBUTION

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Z Audio Distribution have an eye for design and a taste for the good looking. Case in point, the beautifully Swedish Vifa Stockholm soundbar. Vifa claims the Stockholm builds on the classic principles of Nordic design and is developed through more than 80 years of refined craftsmanship.

The special-woven textile covers are from Kvadrat and that was enough to capture the eye of many at the show. The Libratone Zipp BT also garnered the same attention from design addicts.

What you see on the right, in case you didn’t know, is the Devialet Phantom. It is a speaker made in France and is protected by 88 patents. It takes 1.2 tonnes of pressure to seal the Phantom hermetically and there’s 30kgs of thrust force behind the lateral woofers. The small speaker sings quite loud with 3000W of power. This is engineering at its finest.

Something a bit less complicated to fathom also caught the eye of many at the show. The Jarre AeroSkull HD+ Bluetooth speaker and iPhone dock is, well, shaped like a skull and looks stunning. The smaller Jarre AeroSkull Nano was a hot favourite as it came with five colour options for the audience to choose from.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 47

MZ AUDIO DISTRIBUTION

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orel is brought to Indian shores by local distributor MZ Audio and they launched the brand only last year. We spoke to Nir Paz (Director of Sales and Marketing, Morel) last year and he promised us that they would be launching the top-of-theline Morel Sopran at the next What Hi-Fi Show and they kept their word.

The Sopran is a 3-way speaker (which includes five drive units), the curved carbon fibre composite cabinet eliminates internal standing waves even though there is no internal absorption material present. The result is a speaker so transparent and natural that it sounds as if there was no cabinet at all and the proof was in the listening as the lovely Parasound Halo amps made the Sopran sing beautifully.

The Morel LCR was also showcased at the What Hi-Fi Show. These are in-wall speakers that can be arranged below a TV and are meant to replace a sounbdar.

They come with an in-built sub as well.

48 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

LAKOZY

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f you are based out of Mumbai, are an audiophile or an audio enthusiast, it would be impossible that you haven’t heard of Lakozy or visited their kitted out showroom at Chowpatty. As we entered the room we first laid our eyes on the PSB T3 setup kitted with the gorgeous NAD M12 digital preamp DAC and M22 power amplifier. The M22 uses the latest nCore amplifier technology licensed from Hypex to offer best in class sonics with distortion below measurement, ultra-high damping factor, and unconditional stability with any speaker. The result is tight, detailed sound with superb control There was something for home theater fans too in the form of NAD 787 AVR, NAD M56 Blu-ray player and Qube Premiere setup. Fans of PSB speakers would have instantly noticed the PSB Imagine W1, on-wall speakers and the mighty PSB SubSeries 200 subwoofer. If you are looking for a formidable projector, the BenQ W3000 should be a great buy, you would know after experiencing it here. A local start-up-designed media player called iBox also made its debut in the Lakozy room and it was a full-featured unit. Master of metadata, in the demo too it magically knew every movie and music on-the-fly, making it a delight to use.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 49

KEI

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his suite featured Dolby Atmos and a host of products on static display for the purveyors of audio and video alike. A smorgasbord of products from Elac greeted vistors entering the suite while a beautifully calibrated Dolby Atmos system was waiting to transport home-theatre lovers the realms of immersive movies.

The 5.1.4 home-theatre Dolby Atmos setup in question comprised of three of Elac’s WS 1665 speakers in LCR configuration, for starters. A pair of Elac WS 1645 speakers were used as the surrounds while four of the same Elac WS 1645 speakers were also employed to provide the immersive height element. The unique Elac Debut S12 EQ was used as the subwoofer for the low end. The flagship from Denon’s X series, the AVR-X7200W was used with a Denon DBT-3313UD as the source. An Epson EH-TW8200 projector projecting on a 100in Milan screen completed the setup.

On static display, HDMI cables from Kasper, Elac FS247, 249.2, 409, BS 403, Debut A4 and the S12 EQ sub, IC 1005 and 1010 among others.

Denon’s AVR-X4200W, AVR-X6200W were also on static display; providing a plethora of options to look at.

50 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

KEI

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ome blue-blooded English royalty was what was on the menu for stereophile purists at the show. We’re talking about a beautiful setup featuring a pair of Tannoy Turnberry GR floorstanders dominating the sight at hand. With such magnificent-looking speakers to behold, it was only fitting that an amp such as the powerful yet sweet - sounding Hegel H30 mono power aplifier, push the system. The remaining components of the signal chain included a Hegel HD 30 DAC and a Denon DCD-2020AE CD/SACD player as source. With all cabling done by InAkustik, the beautiful system was a treat to the eyes, ears and the soul and gave the room a typical English flair.

To continue this feeling of majesty, a pair of floorstanders from the same bloodline, Tannoy’s Kensington GR were kept on static display. Also on static display were the Hegel P20, an entry level preamplifier and the Hegel H20 music systems which incorporates the latest version of the Hegel FET-technology for a more rhythmic audio output. All in all, a wonderful display of traditional and contemporary was in full bloom at this room and the stereophiles had a field day listening, appreciating and clicking these beauties.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 51

KEI

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i-fi juggernauts KEI are known to house some of the best brands in the business. Tannoy being one of the favourites, KEI made sure there was no shortage of the British hard-hitter at the show.

Standing tall and proud, the Tannoy Mercury 7.4 features a 44-litre twin-ported cabinet, dual 7in mid/bass drivers and a 1.10in soft dome tweeter, a combination of which packs in quite a punch. And when the flagship of the Mercury series is paired with kit such as the Peachtree Audio Nova 125SE integrated amplifier/DAC with the Denon DBT-3313UD Blu-ray player as source, the result is a very satisfied audience.

KEI also brought along the Denon Envaya Mini and other members of Tannoy’s Mercury family, which included the Tannoy Mercury 7C, 7.2, and the Mercury 7.1. Also standing aloof was the Tannoy Eclipse Two with its unique driver combination that includes a 1.10in Eclipse HF driver and a single Eclipse 5in mid/bass driver.

Other kit from Denon was also on stand by waiting to be employed.

52 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

KEI

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EI launched the new Elac Debut series of loudspeakers at the show and their affordable price tag was an instant ice breaker for anyone who had a listen. The new Elac Debut products are designed by Andrew Jones, Chief Engineer at Elac. The series features components that have specially been made and designed for this series and everything is done while keeping affordability in mind.

The Elac Debut F5 floorstanders were paired with the Norma Audio Electronics Revo IPA-140 integrated amplifier. This Italian stallion has a high power output (140W/8Ohm), which means it has the ability to drive the most demanding speakers. This versatile amp paired well with the new Elacs and with the Norma Audio Revo CDP-1BR CD player spinning all the current favourites, the centre chair in this room was a tough one to find vacant.

But that wasn’t all. For those addicted to the LFE, KEI had also hooked up the Elac Debut S10 subwoofer. 200W of in-built power made our ears rumble and the ability to control the subwoofer via an app means you can tinker a manual 12-band parametric equalizer from the sweetspot with the help of the ELAC SubEQ app on your smartphone. And so we did...

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 53

JAY MULTIMEDIA INC.

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ased right here in Mumbai, Jay Multimedia’s room was a stellar display of AV might. On display were the Oppo PM1, Planar Magnetic headphones, which was accompanied by the closed-back PM3 unit along with the HA2 High-resolution USB DAC for Apple/Android/PC/Mac. We already have had our fill of listening to these amazing products and we knew the people walking in will lap them up too.

Also on display was the Audio Pro Addon T3 portable speaker. This tiny unit looks absolutely incredible and kudos to the Scandinavian company for bringing us such a unique product.

The next setup consisted of Cocktail Audio X40 which is capable of playback of DSD64 (2.8224MHz), DSD128 (5.6448MHz), DXD (24bit/352.8KHz), PCM signal up to 32bit/384KHz including 24bit/192KHz WAV/FLAC and full range of hi-res audio file formats. Yes, we did spend more than a few hours, quite happily with this kit. The story of the showgoers was not different.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 55

For Any Enquiry and Dealership: Please contact Optoma Corporation, 202, 3rd floor, Springdale, Manjula Residency, Vikrampuri, Karkhana, Secunderabad, Telungana State-500 003, Ph: 040-40164442.

PRINCE AV CONCEPTS

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oing the Atmos route seemed to be the synonymous path taken by many of the distributors at the What Hi-Fi Show. Prince AV Concepts is best known for exclusive brands such as Procella, Geneva, Stealth Acoustics and many more. The What Hi-Fi Show, saw a 5.2.2 Dolby Atmos system that comprised of the Procella P8 loudspeaker for the left, right and centre, the Procella P5 for surrounds and height and the LFE was taken care of by two P12 subwoofers.

On passive display were speakers on a diet. The DLS Flatbox XXL may sound big, but are actually super-slim 2.5-way in-wall speakers. One 4in driver works as bass driver and two others work combined as bass / mid drivers, a 30 mm tweeter is used for treble.

Prince AV Concepts also had something for those looking for some outdoor fun. The Stealth Acoustic StingRay is an 8in 2-way environmental outdoor speaker that is completely hermetically sealed and fully immune to the elements, including rain and snow.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 57

LITTLE NAP

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oing through the smorgasbord of audio/video choices spread out across a whopping 30-plus rooms can be daunting and a thoroughly exhausting sojourn. So, when you find yourself in Little Nap’s room, replete with uber-plush recliners that almost seem like they’ve been waiting for you, you’d have to be inhuman to not try and plonk down on one for a well-deserved rest.

A regular at What Hi-Fi Shows since 2013, they’ve grown from strength to strength through the years, including a World’s Greatest Brand Award, 2015 – Asia & GCC from URS, Asia One, now part of their kitty of accomplishments.

Little Nap offers a range of options, from finish, to style, cup holders that cool or warm your drink, they’ve got it all. You can customise almost any of the recliners to incorporate various features such as motorised recliners (including a dual motor option for smoother operation) with recliner setting, Bluetooth control, USB charger, a memory option that stores your favourite recliner position, rocking chairs that can also be made to be steady and many more. While standard models like Millor, Quies, and Signature were the ones on display, it was interesting to know that features mentioned above could very well be incorporated in them.

58 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

LEVIATHAN SYSTEMS PVT. LTD

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his room probably arrested the attention of audiophiles to the fullest thanks to an incredible setup consisting of top-grade components. The line-up consisted of the mega-impressive B100 loudspeakers, that are exquisitely designed and engineered well enough to offer a stellar sonic show regardless of what genre of music you listen to. The speakers were perfectly complemented by the 909 power amplifier that looked like it was lifted straight out of a Ridley Scott movie set and the 087 sound processor that got enthusiasts right down on their knees. Why? Because this block of goodness is capable of decoding DTS, ES, DTS Neo:6 and ProLogic II and it supports dynamic range control.

Also making its presence felt was the 113 DAC, which might fool you with its tiny footprint, but if you are looking for bold and powerful sound that comes coated with high level of detail and large-scale dynamics, this one should be it. Crowds poured in from all age groups and none left without being blown away with the sonic prowess the Burmester kit offered. It was a truly rare experience that both the show visitors and we thoroughly enjoyed.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 59

RAYLOGIC CONTROL SYSTEMS

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hink home automation and lighting control and the name Raylogic instantly comes to mind. Founded in Mumbai in 2009, to specialise in the indigenous design and manufacture of world-class control and automation equipment, Raylogic showed us the possibilities of how you could integrate your home AV, lighting and more and control it in an effortless manner. In the room at the St Regis hotel, they had their TC 1 Nano, home automation processor on display along with the Univo Lighting and Curtain control system. There were demos that showed us how to control home lighting and other daily functions via an iPad. We found the interface to be extremely lucid and overall, installing an automation kit even in your existing home, seemed like a breeze.

Raylogic not only had a smashing range of products in the display area but they were kind enough to have Mr Rajesh Sahjwani, Director at Raylogic Control Systems, shed light on the future of home automation via a 60-minute session, which was packed to the gills. Rajesh is an expert in his field and we too learnt more than a bit during the session.

60 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

SHEMAROO HOMETHEATRE SYSTEMS

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ne look was all it took for us to be glued inside the Shemaroo room. Inside was one of the highlights of the What Hi Fi Show and it was a scorcher. The product we are talking about is the Panasonic PT-RZ670 projector. It is the world’s first Laser light source single-chip DLP projector and it sports an incredible 6500 Lumens of brightness. No wonder, we could see laser-sharp imagery on the screen in the afternoon, with the curtains open. On the inside, the Quartet Colour Harmonizer optical drive for 1-Chip DLP projectors ensures visuals that are hyper-realistic as far as detail and colour reproduction is concerned. The Quartet Color Harmonizer enhances available light-source power through each color channel to provide an ideal balance of each hue. The end result is that the viewer is presented with a picture that closely resembles what is seen in real life. The room was also home to a lot of other high-end AV kit in the likes of the Dynaudio Xtreme X2 speakers, Yamaha AVR 679, Panasonic BDT 370 Blu-ray player and more. A portable speaker system in a flight case was one of the unique displays in the room too.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 61

PROFILE AUDIO

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tep into the Profile Audio room and you are welcomed to a plethora of AV gear, all set to soothe your aural yearnings. Based out of Pune, Profile audio caters to brands such as Acoustic Energy, Orb Audio, Synthesis and more. As you enter the room, unmissable to the eyes was the range of Acoustic Energy speakers.

Everything from the 1 Series and 3 Series made their presence felt and we were treated to the Reference Series too. AE speakers are always known for their exquisite finish and they sure would add to the decor of any room and have you sink into blissful sonics. Profile Audio ensured they had more than a handful for your listening pleasure. However, we are pretty sure visitors were stumped by the globular units spread out in the room, we were intrigued too.

These were the Orb Audio Mod 1X speakers that can be used for both desktop and home-theatre consumption.

They are built extremely well and look space-age to say the least. We hope to get hold of them soon for a review!

62 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

FAIRDEAL ELECTRONICS

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ith a massive spread of brands and their products, Fairdeal Electronics vowed showgoers on all four days and we too made sure we bit into the pie. As you settle down to give their hometheatre kit a listen, you can’t help but feast your eyes on the Revel Ultima range of speakers that were a part of the surround setup. The Ultima Studio is Revel’s second-largest speaker that will blow your senses with not only the way it looks but also how it sounds. These speakers are known for their impressive components and masterclass driver construction. Add the luscious cabinet design and the ultra-precise crossover into the mix you and know this one is a special unit.

That, however, wasn’t all as you could find an army of high-end kit in the room which included the Epson LA10000 Laser projector, the Oppo BDP-103D Blu-ray player and so on. The highlight for us though was the incredible JBL Synthesis Project Everest setup on the next page...

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 63

FAIRDEAL ELECTRONICS

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oming back to the behemoth JBL Synthesis setup, it was one of our top picks of the show. The speakers are top-drawer and they were set-up beautifully. This room had the resolution to die for with the Synthesis being driven by the the Mark Levinson No532 amplifier and the No585 integrated amplifier. The audio being chanelled off the Mark Levinson No512 CD player. The interconnects and the power conditioner was supplied by Monster and boy were we blown away.

This massive setup aside, the room was also home to Revel’s in-ceiling range of speakers in the likes of C263LP, C283LP, C283 and more. Revel also had on display their entire range of in-wall speakers that comprised of W583, W283, and a pair of W5532 and W990.

Everything set aside, this room gave audiophiles the best possible reason to forget about everything and stay put for a sonic treat, that would be extremely difficult to forget.

64 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

FAIRDEAL ELECTRONICS

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ur last venture into a Fairdeal room had us surrounded by products from Revel, Epson, Marantz, Lexicon and Oppo.

First up, were the Revel F206 floorstanders on the front, well supported by the C206 center channel speaker. Marantz’s formidable 7702 MK II preamp and Lexicon GX-7, sevenchannel power amp was used for all the processing. To fire the right amount of gut-churning bass, Fairdeal had chosen the Revel 112 subwoofer and finally the surround channel duties were handled by the Revel M10s. Video was beamed via the Epson 8200 projector supported by the Oppo BDP-103D Blu-ray player.

That however wasn’t all as there was a whole lot of in-wall speakers from Revel that you could get up close and personal with. One of our favourite was the Revel W990 in-wall speaker that features long-throw woofers with cast aluminum frames, MCC (Micro Ceramic Composite) cones and rubber surrounds to offer high output while keeping distortion levels at minimum. These can be installed quickly thanks to a patented installation mechanism that doesn’t require any tools for clamping to the drywall.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 65

SONODYNE

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mongst the plethora of brands that one got to see at the What Hi-Fi Show 2016, Sonodyne is definitely one that hits home with audiophiles, both purists and novices alike. Being a brand that’s been developed indigenously and matching pace with top brands in the world, if not being better is definitely a heartening feeling for the Indian audiophile community in general.

Sonodyne had a host of products on static display that included speakers from their popular SRT series and a teaser of what might be in store for the future.

But the home-theatre setup from Sonodyne is what saw a steady drift of visitors that had entered the Sonodyne camp. The solidlyperforming 7.1 home-theatre set up comprised of three SRT 301 speakers in LCR combination while four SRT 101 were used for the surrounds, in combination with an SRT S 21 subwoofer. An SRT 30 power amp powered the LCR while pair of SRT 4200 amplifiers, one for the surround and one for the subwoofer, made sure that this was one of the tightest setups at the show. An SRT DE4348 processor made sure that the audio flowed seamlessly. With a Pioneer BDP-160 as the source and a Viewsonic Pro8520HD projector along with Milan 150in screen, cinema magic was indeed achieved.

66 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

SIGHT & SOUND

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s far as being an off-beat experience at an audiophile show is concerned, Sight & Sound’s diplay was uniquely refreshing. Up first was a beautiful looking mirror TV which as the name suggests, held a TV behind the facade of a mirror. The Aero Mirror TV is a waterproof TV, that has an IP 6 rating to hold it’s own against water, steam and whatever mirrors normally encounter in a bathroom-like setting – the place where these Mirror TVs are usually installed. The size of the mirror can range from 30in to 120in while the Full HD TV inside can range from anywhere between 15in to 65in. A setup comprising of a range of frameless ceiling speakers from Audiostics, such as the SixSync (a speaker with an internally angled woofer), EightSync, BlueSync (Bluetooth compatible speaker) and SoundSync, which has an inbuilt Wi-Fi router and amp and power supply and can be synced with an app for multiroom configuration options. A range of outdoor speakers, namely the green, bell-looking NaturalFourth weatherproof speaker (that offers options in colour and finish) made a deep visual impact. Also displaying it’s wonderful prowess was Audiostics’ syncair, which is a Wi-Fi audio Streamer that makes any system wireless with app control no less. Neat!

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 67

RIVERA INTERNATIONAL

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or fans of stereo setups, this room was a must-listen at this year’s show.

Featuring a pair of Sonus Faber Amati Futura with a McIntosh MA8000 integrated amp for power, the beautiful setup was completed with an MCD550 as source with a McIntosh MB100 Media Bridge to complete it.

Sonus Faber’s plush Pryma headphones with its luxe looks made a dashing launch at the show and generated considerable buzz. Also on display for the visitor’s sonic indulgence was the McIntosh MXA-70, an integrated audio system that was also used as a source for the Pryma headphones, along with the McIntosh McAire, both from McIntosh’s Lifestyle Series of products.

Wadia’s di122 digital audio decoder, along with its a315 digital stereo amplifier were kept on static display. Also making a launch at the show were the Sonus Faber Venere S Signature floorstanders, albeit as a static display. To round up the ensemble were Kling & Freitag’s CA 106 and CA 1001 for pro home-theatre enthusiasts.

68 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

RIVERA INTERNATIONAL

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ixing class with style and performance with impressive results has always been Rivera International’s calling card. They did exactly that with two variants in home-theater setups, in their own inimitable style.

The Dolby Atmos 5.2.4 setup comprised of four Triad InRoom Bronze LR-H speakers which were used for the left and right channels and also as the surrounds. A unique feature of these speakers being the inbuilt upward-firing speakers that helped provide the height element. The centre was a Triad InRoom LCR and two Triad Omni 12 subs were used for the low-end. Using an Oppo BDP-103 as source, a Pioneer LX88 was used as the AVR. The second setup was a 5.2 surround system running on the same source and power. A pair of Sonus Faber’s Chameleon T for the left and right channels, a Chameleon C as centre with Chameleon B as surrounds and same pair of Triad Omni 12 subwoofers completed the system.

Visitors also indulged in browsing through passive components like Niles Audio in-ceiling options like 100K CM7 BG, including an outdoor speaker, the RS 8 Pro SI. Triad’s in-ceiling options like R25, Bronze 8 Sat and others offered a range of options.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 69

CINEBELS CINEBELLS

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inebels came prepared with a simplistic and splendid display of Jamo’s stereo and hometheatre products. THX-certified Jamo’s D600 PDD 5.1 on-wall setup comprised of three Jamo D600 LCR speakers for LCR while a pair of Jamo’s D600 SUR speakers brought up the surround. The lows were taken care by a Jamo J112 subwoofer. A Marantz SR 6010 AV receiver powered the system with a Sony’s BDP-S4100 as source. A Full HD and 3D capable Vivitek H1185HD (pictured right) completed the setup.

The stereo setup comprised of a pair of Jamo C109 floorstanders while a Roksan K3 integrated amp that powered the system and a K3 DAC, Marantz CD6004 and MacBook Pro as sources completed the signal path.

For those looking for in-wall options, Jamo’s’s IW 626, IC 608 and Klipsch’s R-5502-W II were powered by the same source as the stereo setup were on display along with Jamo’s 3605 35 HCS satellite package, J10 subwoofer and S 626 HCS home cinema system.

70 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

CINEBELS CINEBELLS

C

inebels enthralled with some more setups. A Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 configuration with pair of Klipsch RP-280FA from its Reference Premiere series were used as L/R channels with an RP-450CA as centre and a R-115SW for lows. A pair of RP- 250S surrounds had an RP-140SA sitting on top of each of the surrounds as an Atmos add on. This, along with an upward-firing speaker found inbuilt on the top of the RP280FA, provided the height element of the system. A Marantz 7010 powered the setup while a Sony BDP-S4100 was used as a source. Vivitek’s H1185HD projector with a 106in Milan screen completed the setup. Next, a stereo setup comprising a pair of flagship Klipsch Palladium P37 floorstanders, powered by a Roksan Caspian M2 amplifier with a Marantz CD6004 as source. A pair of Bluetoothcapable, powered monitors, Klipsch’s R-15PM along with a R-10 sub presented a power packed puny performer. A static display of Klipsch Quintet 5, CDT5800-C II among others kept visitors busy clicking pictures.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 71

INNOVATIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

W

e are sure that the moment you walked in to the Innovative Information Technology room, it didn’t take you long to be mesmerised by the Metronome Technologie CD8 S Transport flanked by the Tannoy DC10 TI speakers on either sides, it was a sight to behold. Venture deeper and you could glance upon everything from the REL subwoofers to the Acoustic Art Power ES and more. The combination of these two set-ups intrigued showgoers. One of the highlights of the room was the CD8 S unit and the way a CD is loaded on it.

Unlike most CD players that have you inserting the disc on to the tray or via the slot provided, here things were a bit different. To load a disc on to this player, first you are required to slide the protective covering, lift the magnet that will hold the CD in place, set the disc and put the magnet back in place. Yes, it was quite a surreal experience and one that had a sense of ocassion to it.

72 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

LEVIATHAN SYSTEMS PVT. LTD

Trinnov product specialist, Mr. Arnaud Destinay conducted a seminar on the future of 3D sound for home-theatre

Mr. Rajesh Sahjwani from Raylogic explains the basics of home-automation to a packed house of enthusiasts

WHF SHOW CONTEST GIVE AWAYS

Rising folk-rock singer Pratyul Joshi performed a special set at the KEI-sponsored What Hi-Fi Party

1

Acoustic Research BT Speaker

2

Roth Bar 2 LX

3

Denon Envaya Mini

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 73

TEMPTATION EXPENSIVE, YES. BUT YO

U KNOW YOU WANT TH

EM

Metronome Le Player | CD player | ₨4,80,000

“When ‘entry level’ sounds this good...”

FOR Agile and articulate; plenty of insight; expressive dynamics

AGAINST Ergonomics could be a little better

★★★ ★ ★

Don’t know Metronome? The company was founded in 1987 by Dominique Giner (who still designs the products) and is based in Toulouse. It’s a brand best known for its exotic-looking high-end digital creations.

The term ‘entry level’ is normally used for a cheaper product, but that description certainly doesn’t apply here.

For Metronome, ‘entry level’ means Le Player – a chunky 15kg aluminium-clad unit that promises a large slice of the performance of its pricier siblings, but at a fraction of the cost. The company’s flagship transport/DAC combination, the Kalista Ultimate SE/Nausicaa, costs around a dozen times as much, so if that holds true Le Player could be a bargain.

In high-end terms at least.

The transport is a Philips GF8 unit that has been modified by Metronome. It now features a revised motor spindle (to improve stability) and a magnetic puck made mostly of Delrin (a highly crystalline polymer). The nicely shaped puck is there to ensure the disc is held securely on the spindle. Make sure you don’t lose it – the player won’t work without the puck in place.

The whole transport assembly is mounted on a Perspex support to help control resonances. There are two large circular cut-outs on the top surface to provide clearance when putting the disc in. It’s a nice idea but their placement didn’t suit all our reviewers.

As would be expected at this level, Metronome has taken a lot of care with the power supply arrangement. The configuration used in Le Player is made up of no fewer than three mains transformers and seven discrete supply lines. The idea is to prevent degradation of performance caused by interference between the various analogue, digital and control sections of the circuitry.

This shortcoming makes it all the more important the remote feels so nice.

It’s not particularly flashy, but the clear layout and sensibly positioned buttons make it a pleasure to use. The unit’s display is pretty clear too, though the mix of upper and lower-case letters makes it look like a relic of the 90s.

Look around the back of Le Player and you’ll find the usual single-ended RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs alongside a coax digital output. Don’t be surprised if you find the Metronome sounds a little louder than normal. Its RCA analogue outputs are set to an output voltage of 2.5v rather than the more usual 2.0 volts, so make sure you

Relive the turntable ritual

Things start off well. While offering none of the outlandish aesthetic treats of other (much more expensive) Metronome products, Le Player is still an imposing unit once placed on our rack. It has to go on the top shelf because this is a top-loading design – none of your rickety plastic loading trays here – and any other level won’t leave enough space to load the disc comfortably.

We’ve always liked top-loading CD players. It makes them seem more exotic and adds some of the ritual of using a turntable into the deal. Here you slide back a thick aluminium lid, exposing the CD spindle and laser mechanism. Don’t be tempted to touch the laser though.

74 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

Simple button layout

The rest of the Metronome’s chassis is as solidly built and nicely finished as you’d hope, though the only colour option is silver at the moment. The front panel control layout is simple, with just the basic transport functions accessible. It’s a shame these buttons aren’t particularly precise or pleasant to use though. At this price there is no excuse.

1

T E M P TAT I O N

No rickety plastic loading tray here – the top-loading design means you need plenty of room for Le Player on your top shelf

”Entry level here means a large slice of the performance of its pricier siblings, but at a fraction of the cost” IN DETAIL 1 Delrin magnetic puck holds the CD on the motor spindle. Make sure you don’t lose it

2 The remote handset is a good one. The sensibly sized buttons are well organised too

3 Make sure you close the lid properly, otherwise the Metronome won’t read the disc

3 2

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 75

World’s Greatest Brand 2015 ASIA & GCC

T E M P TAT I O N

IN DETAIL...

3

1

compensate for this in any comparison.

Usually, the louder option tends to impress more, on a short listen at least.

The back panel is also home to the USB input. This opens up the player’s internal DAC to computer sources, and that can only be a good thing. Not only is Le Player’s internal DAC circuitry likely to be much better than that used in most sources, but such an input also offers a degree of future-proofing. That’s something to bear in mind when you’re thinking of spending so much money.

More accurate clock

The USB input is an asynchronous design where the Metronome takes charge of the timing of information flow between it and the computer. In theory, the player’s clock is more accurate than that used in the partnering computer, which should lead to a better sound.

The USB will accept signals up to 24-bit/192kHz, but you’ll need to load the dedicated software drivers onto your Mac or PC. Normally the drivers built into a Mac computer operating system tend to be compatible with most outboard DACs we’ve tried, but in this case our laptop didn’t even register the Metronome until the correct software had been installed. Everything runs smoothly after that is done.

Our review unit had what seemed to be a misadjusted sensor on the CD lid.

At times we had to open and shut the cover a couple of times before the player would work. But given that our player had clearly done the rounds before getting to us, we’ll give Metronome the benefit of the doubt.

”The Metronome’s combination of agility, insight and rhythmic precision makes the most of the music”

2

We start with an old jazz favourite in the form of Bill Evans’s Everybody Digs Bill Evans. Here the Metronome delivers a terrific performance. Peace Piece is a slow burner, and is rendered with all the finesse it deserves. We’ve heard this piece delivered in a more relaxed way, but there’s much to like about its more direct and communicative approach.

There’s a pleasing solidity to Evans’s piano and superb insight into the instrument’s rich harmonic envelope.

There’s power too, as and when the playing demands. We like the way the Metronome maintains the delicate forward momentum of the music – this is something that can so easily seem stagnant through lesser kit.

Tonally, things err a little towards leanness in our system, but not so much as to be an issue in a balanced set-up.

There’s plenty of weight and authority, but the emphasis here is on agility and articulation. This is a responsive performer that defines transients with crisp precision and control.

Those qualities are made all the more obvious when we play Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Le Player takes the wild dynamic swings in its stride, delivering them with a spellbinding combination of composure and drama. There’s plenty of attack here, but also top-class refinement that stops things going too far.

Ready to rock

The Metronome’s sense of organisation is impressive, as is its ability to keep track of low-level instrumental strands even when the piece becomes demanding. It’s this ability to keep control yet avoid sounding controlling that’s so impressive.

The sound-staging is suitably stable and layered. The Metronome doesn’t make as much of the space between instruments as some, and the sense of depth isn’t quite as expansive as it could be, but neither of these things is enough to spoil our enjoyment.

IN DETAIL 1 There’s a choice of balanced XLR and single-ended analogue outputs.

The output level is higher than normal

2 Le Player’s USB input needs special driver software to work. It is provided on a disc in the box

3 General build quality is good. Casework feels solid and the standard of finish is pleasing

KEY FEATURES

TOP LOADING CD PLAYER

USB DAC

We try a bit of rock in the form of Bruce Springsteen’s Radio Nowhere, and again the Metronome shines. It’s fast, punchy and latches on the song’s hard-charging rhythm track with glee.

The production is pretty dense, and hardly the cleanest around, but the player communicates the drive and energy brilliantly. There’s plenty of power in the bass and an impressive dose of attack throughout.

Just as good via USB

Worried that all this good work might be undone by the USB input, we connect our resident MacBook Air with Pure Music software and press play. Andthe USB sounds as convincing as the CD section.

Playing a range of files, from intimate pieces such as Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (16-bit/44.1kHz) through to dynamically demanding works such as Hans Zimmer’s Gotham’s Reckoning (24bit/192kHz) and Kanye West’s Yeezus (16-bit/44.1kHz), the Metronome continues to sparkle. Its combination of agility, insight and rhythmic precision makes the most of the music played.

Le Player may lack the sheer visual drama of its pricier stablemates, but its sound is one to treasure. Ergonomics aren’t flawless, but the overall package is tempting. If Metronome’s entry level sounds this good, we can’t wait to hear what the upmarket models sound like.

24/192 KHz 24-BIT/ 192KHZ

says

RATING ★★★ ★ ★ SOUND BUILD FEATURES

VERDICT Metronome’s Le Player may be the French company’s entry-level option, but it’s still a terrific sounding unit

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 77

FEBRUARY 2016

OFF THE SHELF REFERENCE SYSTEM

We use only the best ingredients in the making of this magazine. This in-house system helps us to evaluate incoming products with more insight and accuracy, so you always get the best tests!

Denon AVR-X7200W

Dolby Atmos out of the box and an upgrade to Auro 3D on its way, this is the most future-proof AVR we could get our hands on, yet.

Arcam D33 DAC / UDP-411 BD/SACD Player

Capable of full high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz processing and SACD playback, this duo is state-of-art audio/video decoding

BlueSound Vault

All our CDs and music get stored and served by this elegant solution from the boys at NAD

Mark Levinson No. 585

An integrated amplifier with (almost) no equal, this 200 w/pc dual mono design is the pinnacle of cutting-edge tech along with a 32-bit DAC onboard for added ammo!

PMC Twenty Series speakers

AudioQuest cables

Using the Twenty.26 as mains, Twenty.C for centre, DB1 Gold and Wafer 1 for surrounds, this speaker suite is the ideal blend of neutrality and musicality

Working truthfully between the various components, the DBSequipped line of cables and interconnects helps us see and hear without any anomalies

REL S5 Subwoofer

The cleanest and fastest way to add real weight and dynamics to our system was to introduce the brilliant S5 to the music and multichannel mix. A true legend

Also part of the system: Samsung 75H6400 LED TV, Apple Mac Mini, Audirvana Music Player, JBL Synthesis S800 power amp, Definitive Trinity Signature subwoofer

OFF THE SHELF

Epson TW-5300 Projector ₨ 79,726

Bright like a diamond FOR Brightness in 3D; colour definition; Game modes Buying a projector is the natural progression for a movie buff. You max out your budget for a large-screen telly and beyond 55 inches, projectors start making more sense for the buck. The Epson TW-5300 is a new entrant that aims to lure the big-screen fans by sticking to the basics and keeping the cost down, but it also endeavours to do the basics really well. Hence, you don’t get Ultra HD 4K compatibility here, just good ol’ Full HD 1080p resolution, but with a capable 3LCD engine that churns out 2200ANSI lumens of brightness, 35000:1 dynamic contrast and a screen size up to 300 inches. And that’s not it. In order to cater to the slim but important section of society that still believes in the power of 3D, it has a full feature set of 2D-to-3D conversion, frame interpolation and 3D Depth control. The glasses need to be bought separately and aren’t exactly cheap (₨6399 a pop) but they are one of the best fitting and best performing 3D eyewear we have worn in a long time. As an added bonus, they are rechargeable and work on Bluetooth for pairing and RF for transmission, which is better than IR since there is no signal loss when the line of sight is lost momentarily.

Installation is quick and easy, especially with keystone adjustment possible both in the vertical and horizontal domain. We could get a 130in image from a distance of about 12.5ft and

AGAINST Fan noise is intrusive; odd 3D stutter it was a fine image indeed. One of the core competencies of the TW-5300 is the 3D performance and on San Andreas, the helicopter rescue scene added real depth to the picture without making it seem artificial with the usual artefacts associated with domestic 3D. This could be in part due to the high 480Hz refresh rate of the 3LCD engine which provides enhanced brightness even in 3D mode and virtually lag-free playback. Stutter

The helicopter rescue scene added real depth to the picture without making it seem artificial with the usual artefacts associated with domestic 3D was experienced merely 2-3 times during the entire movie and the image colour, contrast and detail was as good as the 2D version of the movie, which by itself is incredible for a budget projector!

With other interesting features like a built-in speaker for those one off meetings, a split screen mode so you can view images from both the HDMI inputs in a split mode and MHL connectivity for your Android phone, the Epson TW-5300 has a lot going for it. The remote is satisfying with all the controls neatly laid out and the pattern generator coming in handy for getting the basics like keystone,

zoom and focus right. This also allows you to mount the projector slightly off-centre and yet achieve a perfectly formed image. The only real bug we encountered was the high fan noise in normal mode that constantly intruded during quite passages since we had the projector mounted directly overhead the viewing position. This will be reduced to a great extent in Eco mode but at the cost of brightness and saturation. For its asking price, the Epson TW-5300 is a great product that provides superbly balanced colours and a riveting 3D performance. Use the frame interpolation only in dire situations and you will be happy with the picture projected on your screen. It retains accurate skin tones along with a vibrancy in the picture that isn’t harsh like ‘Dynamic’ modes usually impose on you. To top it off, Epson claims that in Eco mode, you can stretch out the lamp life to 11 years watching one movie a day!

Says VERDICT Perhaps the best 3D projector at this price and its 2D picture is superior to most as well!

TECH SPECS Engine 3LCD 3D Native Resolution 1920x1080 Focal Length 16.9-20.28mm Throw Ratio 1.22-1.47 Brightness 2200ANSI lumens Contrast Ratio 35000:1 Connectivity HDMI x 2, RCA x 1, D-Sub x 1, WiFi Direct Dimensions (HWD) 114 x 297 x 245mm Weight 2.9kgs

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 79

OFF THE SHELF

JAYs u-JAYS Headphones ₨15,999

Swede emotion FOR Secure and plush fit; noise isolation; bass and mids You have got to hand it to the Swedes, they sure do build stylish and quality products. The u-Jays from Jays are no exception to this. Straight out of the box, these headphones have a luxe look and feel. These on-ears feel nice and sturdy and are very comfortable to wear.

According to Jays, the entire assembly containing the driver and the earcup is designed to function as a single unit, thereby making it immune to spurious resonances and also boosting LF response. A high level of structural rigidity is thus achieved. There are colour options, including iOS and Android capable headphones. This is an Android capable one with an in-line mic and control; a standard feature.

Alt+J’s Tessellate is crisp with hardly any congestion as the track progresses.

The bass exudes scale and definition but tends to smear the midrange detail by its over zealousness. Vocals are warm with the overall output being lush with appreciable imaging. Ben Howard’s Small Things lacks depth, yet the guitar’s lovely decays are maintained and the crescendo at the end of the song is aided by the

AGAINST Lack of detail and depth; bass tends to get fuzzy song’s bass made for an enjoyable listen. We finally move on to a track best suited for the u-Jays, Hilight Tribe’s Free Tibet and this is where the headphone comes comfortably into it’s own. The track’s energy is

Vocals are warm with the overall output being lush with appreciable imaging infectious, from start to finish.

Needless to say the u-Jays have a bassy signature with an output best described as being fun.

For the price, this is quite a capable headphone for the casual listner who prefers a bass-heavy output, without comprosmising on the looks department. With clear audio output for taking calls, plush ear cushions that let the hours roll by with surprisingly good noise isolation and minimal sound leakage, these headphones tick off all the right parameters for a fun, luxurious pair of on-ear headphones.

Says VERDICT Sturdy and luxe looks, plush fit with appreciable isolation and a bassheavy output that’s ready to party!

TECH SPECS Design On-ear Driver 40mm Noiseisolation Passive Impedance 32 Ohm Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz Sensitivity 100 +-2dB Nominal impedance 16 Ohms Microphone Yes Weight 224gms

InFocus II-50EA800 Television ₨34,999

Off to work FOR Pricing; brightness; contrast levels; decent motion handling With this new 50in set, InFocus hopes to draw in buyers who place a priority on pricing, panel size and brightness.

The II-50EA800 comes across as being understated to the point of bland, although the bezels are narrow enough to not warrant any complaints. What matters more is the thickness and that’s where this set falters as its bulky profile might not find favour with style-conscious users.

Move on to the hard-to-access input ports, the solitary USB input and a stand system with a very wide footprint and you begin to get the impression that design wasn’t the main criteria here.

This lack of imagination carries over to the basic remote control. No surprise there, considering this 50-incher isn’t a smart TV and has limited media playback options – the subtitles are rendered almost unreadable and even something as simple as fast-forwarding a movie requires you to use the on-screen display as the remote lacks dedicated buttons.

Things certainly get better when it comes to the image, if only by a bit. The

80 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

AGAINST Hollow sound; limited features; SD video; limited inputs D-LED panel is quite bright, with decent contrast, but despite that, the harshness of the image and poor black levels can make some scenes look strangely washed out and cold. Sharpness when playing Full HD content seemed absolutely fine, but 480p content is best avoided given the basic processing and the large panel. As for the sound quality, it’s too hollow and tinny even for casual viewing and you’d be well-served by a soundbar. But the II-50EA800 does come with PC VGA input, which should certainly increase its appeal

It’s not a smart TV so home users might want to plug in a media media player or streaming stick for commercial users. In fact, this InFocus set is definitely a good buy for commercial establishments and offices, but sadly, it doesn’t really offer the home-theatre buff anything much beyond a large screen and affordable price tag.

Says VERDICT Best suited to institutional and commercial buyers who care more about value and PC connectivity than smart features

TECH SPECS Screen Size / Type 50in / Direct LED Built-in wi-fi No Connectivity HDMI x 2, USB x 1, PC VGA, Composite Video, Component Video, PC Audio Speakers 8 + 8 Watt

OFF THE SHELF

Asus ROG3 Swift PG348Q Gaming Monitor ₨1,12,000 (Approx.)

Monitoring curves AGAINST Price; No Ultra wide QHD content available except gaming

FOR Stunning curved display; Great build; 100Hz refresh rate We have a little confession to make.

We love Ultra HD and everything to do with it. So, when Asus asked us if we would give its ROG Swift PG348Q curved 4K monitor a go, it was a temptation we had to give in to. A gaming monitor by birth, the PG348Q is meant for those who want to get rid of multi-display hassle and want one unit that does the job. The 34in curved monitor sports a 21:9 aspect ratio and an Ultra-wide QHD (3440 x 1440) resolution. It also has NVIDIA G-SYNC display technology and a 100Hz refresh rate, which translates to silky-smooth gaming visuals.

The build quality is exceptional, as it should be and the colour schemes are at home for a gaming monitor. The red ROG logo illumination effect that is projected from the bottom of the stand onto the table is an impressive touch. 4K content itself is tough to get hands on and so, you can imagine trying to find content in the Ultra wide QHD format. There is very little. So, we stick to a few games.

Witcher 3 has stunning visuals that

were brought to life by the Asus. Even Geralt’s hair looks stunningly detailed.

The crimson sunlit fields and the blue flowerheads of the Echinops look unreal (in a good way). We play a bit of Arma 3 for the photo-realistic terrain of Altis and the PG348Q doesn’t disapoint a bit when it comes to delivering the visual drama of Arma 3’s warfare. But the more we

Switching on the Dolby Atmos mode gives the X3 a shot of detail and definition play, the more daunting it gets. This monitor can only be used at full potential for gaming. Videos and movies are down-scaled. Another important thing to remember is that you will need an ambitious gaming PC to get the best results. Only a graphics card such as the GTX 980Ti or better will unlock the 100Hz refresh rate and hence reserves the PG348Q for only the most serious and affluent gamers out there.

Says VERDICT If you are a serious gamer and want to upgrade from Full HD to 4K, there is no better way to do so than to go ROG TECH SPECS Display 34in 3440x1440p IPS Ultra wide QHD Contrast Ratio 1000:1 Response Time 5ms (Gray to Gray) Display Colors : 1073.7M (10bit) Connectivity HDMI, DisplayPort, 3.5mm Mini-Jack, USB 3.0 x 4, 1 x upstream Dimensions (mm) 829 x 558 x 297 Weight 15kg

Asus S1 LED Projector ₨28,990

S1 for me please FOR Portability; battery life; built-in battery bank Large screen TVs are fantastic, but what do you do when you want to view your favourite movie on a cliff face during your next adventure trip? Or on the wall of the hotel room during your overnight stay? Lugging around even the slimmest LED TVs available in the market today can be a cumbersome experience. Which is why you need something that can fit in the palm of your hand and provide you a 100in wide display anywhere you want. The Asus S1 LED projector does just that, at a bargain price. Which is why, we are extremely interested.

The S1 is a a short throw LED projector capable of beaming more than 100in of viewable screen, however ASUS recommends a 41in diagonal display spec while you are seated 1 meter away. We would recommend this distance, as the image quality sufferes beyond that. Add the fact that this is not an HD projector and you know what we mean. Don’t dismiss this tiny offering, though, for at the price it is offered at you get decent imagery WXGA (854 x 480), an HDMI port and a built-in 6000mAh

AGAINST Lacks HD compatibility battery bank. On a full charge you get about 3 hours of viewing time. As we played movies and viewed documents ( the projector is MHL compliant, which means you can view content from your mobile devices too) the 200 lumens of brightness ensures a good spread of visuals but it lacks definition and colours were pale to our liking. You can adjust the focus of the 1.1:1 Short-throw lens as much as you would want but there is only so much a non-HD output can get you. As you view text, the output will leave a lot to be desired thanks to the lack of crispness in image reproduction.

If you can live with those caveats, the S1 makes a great projector for tight spaces and small rooms. Thanks to the usage of LED tech,

200 lumens of brightness ensures a good spread of visuals but it lacks definition and colours were pale the projector consumes lesser power and comes with a 30,000 hour lifespan. One last bit worth mentioning about the S1 is its

built-in speaker, which does a good job of pulling you into the action as you watch movies. The speaker is loud and fairly crisp for a budget offering like this one.

Says VERDICT Portable, great battery life and build quality, built-in speakers and decent imagery make this a formidable offering TECH SPECS Resolution 854 x 480 Tech DLP Brightness 200 Lumens Connectivity HDMI, MHL Built-in Speakers Yes Weight 340gms Dimensions 33 x 109 x 101 (HWD)

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 81

OFF THE SHELF

The Dhavanis come with an option to bi-wire for those who want such a configuration

Davis Acoustics Dhavani Loudspeaker ₨1,99,999

The French revolution FOR Impressive detail; Expansive soundstage; Price We love almost everything France has to offer, be it the Eiffel Tower or Inspector Clouseau, and when it is hand-made, we tend to sit up and listen carefully. The Davis Acoustics Matisse HD impressed us when local distributor Decibels Audio sent us a pair and we had to grant it the Best Value Loudspeaker award. The brand has been around for over 25 years now and every single component that goes into the speakers is hand-made including the crossovers. They also supply drivers to big names like MBL, Goldmund and many others. So, when we noticed the unusually large package with Davis Acoustics branding that arrived at our HQ, we were eager to know what we would be listening to next and if it would be as good or even better than the award-winning Matisse HD. The Davis Acoustics Dhavanis are larger than the Matisse HD and rest atop the Discovery range of the company. They stand 42 inches tall and are about 14 inches deep with a hefty 20.4kgs on the weighing scale. Needless to say, these are designed to fill rooms that are large and have ample of space for these towers to breathe. Davis Acoustics recommends a gap of at least 300mm between the wall and the speakers – information we found out was true. The units are supplied with

AGAINST Standard finish; Build quality could be better spikes that make the speakers look as if they are floating, but these also protect the otherwise easy-to-scratch low-key wood finish that the Dhavanis are wrapped in.

Speaking of finish, our units came in what appears to be the only one currently available, which is black. It's nothing

These speakers are designed to sing and they sing loud and proud without sounding even a tiny bit harsh exceptional or something that would make us go wow, but the 6.5in yellow fibre glass midrange driver with the bullet phase plug is the most attractive bit here and is mated with the 25mm soft dome tweeter. The two 8in cellulose woofers pave way for the front-facing bass port. So, not much of a looker, then, but even the quality is not awe-inspiring. You get what you pay for and that is quite acceptable for the money it demands. But looks are as important as an oxford comma when it comes to speakers. Driven by the brilliant Parasound Halo Integrated amp, it is apparent from the start that these speakers are designed to sing and they sing loud and proud without sounding even a tiny

bit harsh. Turn the volume up all the way, though, and there is a slight rattle. No, not from the speakers, but from the fittings in the room. Play a selection of tracks and it is pretty evident that the strength of these speakers rest in the midrange. We play Hey Now and Hannah Reid's vocals are delivered with detail and poise that speakers twice the price offer. The lower frequencies are handled exceptionally well too, which was expected considering the woofers are 8in cellulose units. It never gets boomy and the bass line in Don't let me get lonely by The Record Company is accurate and tight and has enough slam to wake up a mort.

Another great aspect of the Dhavani is the wide and open soundstage that you can establish with careful positioning and calibration as we found out while listening to The Animals Were Gone by Damien Rice.

The vocals and the intruments had dollops of detail but the Halo amp is clinical in nature and hence robs the track of its emotion. The Dhavanis need balanced kit for them to really shine. Another thing to take note is that the speakers can't be called slim and slender at 23cm wide, unlike the Matisse HD, but they do disappear to leave you alone with your music. You will obviously need a large room, for the Dhavanis to achieve their full potential and that can be the only glaring negative that comes to mind.

Give them a big room and pair them with quality kit and the sense of scale and dynamic reach far belie their asking price.

The standard build and finish don't let the performance down and the Dhavanis hold their own when pushed to ear-shattering levels. If you want a nicely layered and bold soud that's solid, the Dhavanis, at this price come highly recommended.

Says VERDICT If you have plenty of space and want to fill it with detailed sound, the Dhavanis are it TECH SPECS

Design 3-way Drivers 1 x 25mm soft dome tweeter, 1 x 6.5in fiber glass midrange, 2 x 8in cellulose woofers Frequency Range (+/- 3 dB) : 30kHz - 20000Hz Impedance 8 Ohms Crossover 400/4kHz Dimensions (mm) 230 x 340x 1080 Weight 20.4kgs

April 2016| What Hi Fi? | 83

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₨22,600 speakers, the Compact 1 will amuse and amaze with it’s fluid and dynamic performance. These active bookshelves belittle their looks in terms of output with size-defying depth and detail. Guaranteed to put a smile on any audiophile, amateur or veteran alike, there’s no way you could go wrong with the Acoustic Energy Compact 1.

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BUYER’S GUIDE

BUYER’S GUIDE BEST BUYS

NOW WITH THE BEST BUYS IN EVERY CATEGORY

HI-FI INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS

88

CD PLAYERS

90

DACS

91

MUSIC STREAMERS

92

STEREO SPEAKERS

93

MULTI-ROOM SYSTEMS

97

TURNTABLES

98

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

99

HOME CINEMA

This is the definitive guide to the best home entertainment kit you can buy. From 75in TVs to smartphones, from portable Bluetooth speakers to Dolby Atmos surround-sound packages, here’s where you’ll find the perfect product, fast.

BLU-RAY PLAYERS

101

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS

101

PROJECTORS

102

SOUNDBARS

103

SOUNDBASES

103

SPEAKER PACKAGES

104

TELEVISIONS

105

PORTABLE HEADPHONES

107

INSIDE From wall-sized 4K TVs, class-topping CD players and transports, to speakers and amplifiers of repute, we have it all, in a whole new layout.

Shanth Swaroop, Buyer’s Guide Editor

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 87

BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST BUYS

HI-FI

Stereo amps under ₨50,000

The only products worth considering

AMPLIFIERS

THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM

Marantz PM6005 ₨44,900 The PM6005 is a multiple Award-winner for good reason. Nicely made, well featured and with refinement and insight few rivals can match.

Power 45W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs 2 x speaker, headphone

Onkyo A-9010 ₨27,0000 Best stereo amplifier under ₨30,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Our favourite budget amplifier, this is arguably the most entertaining affordable amp around. It has agility and a wicked sense of rhythm.

Power 44W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs speaker, headphone

Arcam FMJ A19 ₨90,000

Stereo amps ₨50,000-₨1,50,000

Arcam’s entry-level amplifier is a terrific combination of sensible features, fine build and entertaining sound.

Power 50W Inputs 6 line-in, MM Outputs Speaker, headphone, preamp

Cambridge Audio CXA60 ₨63,400

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best stereo amplifier ₨30,000-₨70,000, Awards 2015

This is a lively performer with expressive dynamics and a surefooted sense of rhythm. Build quality is impressive.

Power 60W Inputs 4 line-in Outputs preamp, 2 x speaker, headphone

Naim Nait 5si ₨1,35,000 Naim’s starter amp is an exceptionally polished performer which combines drama with the insight and subtlety to match the very best.

Power 60W Inputs 3 line-in Outputs speaker, headphone

Rega Elex-R ₨1,12,500 Best stereo amplifier ₨70,000-₨1,50,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Stereo amps ₨1,50,000+

Arguably the best-value amp Rega makes, with insight and the precise handling of rhythms that’s hard to better even at double the price.

Power 72W Inputs 4 line-in, MM Outputs Speaker, preamp

Burmester 032 ₨17,79,221 An expensive product but feels it too. Plug the 032 into a system and it sounds lovely: top-class levels of resolution, authority and dynamics.

Power 105W Inputs 5 line-in, MM, MC Outputs Speaker, ’phone, preamp

Mark Levinson No. 585 ₨13,60,800 Get past the cost of the Mark Levinson No.585 Integrated and you’ll find a startlingly capable product – one of the finest amplifiers on the planet.

Power 200W Inputs 6 line-in Outputs Speaker, headphone

88 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

AWARD WINNER

AMPLIFIERS CONTINUED Naim Supernait 2 ₨4,27,985

Rega Elicit-R ₨1,90,000

Stereo amps ₨1,50,000+

A terrific integrated amplifier. It’s punchy, with a low-frequency performance that brims with authority. Dynamics are strong too.

Power 80W Inputs 5 line-in Outputs Speaker, headphone, preamp AWARD WINNER

Best stereo amplifier ₨1,50,000+, Awards 2015 Rega’s top integrated builds on the qualities of its smaller brother, the Elex-R. We haven’t heard a more precise amplifier for the money.

Power 105W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs preamp, speaker

Roksan Caspian M2 ₨2,44,000 A supremely rounded product with solid build, classy aesthetics and a brilliant all-round sound that works well with all types of music.

Power 85W Inputs 5 line-in Outputs Speaker, preamp

GamuT D3i ₨9,09,000 This GamuT D3i is a brilliant performer with excellent detail and superb transparency. It isn’t packed with inputs, but will cope with most set-ups.

Inputs 3 line-in Output Balanced, single-ended DAC No

Mark Levinson 326S ₨9,10,000 Power amps up to ₨35,00,000

This classy unit has a refined presentation and a spellbinding sense of control. Construction quality is deeply impressive.

Inputs 7 line-in Output Balanced, single-ended DAC No

Burmester 911 Mk3 ₨24,65,077 The 911 is a real powerhouse, capable of delivering high power into difficult speakers without struggling. Refinement is top class, as is build.

Power output 535W Mono/Stereo Stereo Inputs XLR

Cyrus Mono X300 Signature ₨3,25,000 Don’t let the Cyrus’s compact casework fool you. This powerhouse delivers high volume levels with a pleasing dynamic punch.

Power output 225W Mono/Stereo Mono Inputs Phono, XLR

GamuT D200i ₨11,28,000 The D200i combines transparency, muscle and agility better than any alternative we’ve heard. Build and finish are excellent.

Power output 220W Mono/Stereo Stereo Inputs phono, XLR

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p84 April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 89

CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS

CD players under ₨1,50,000

CD transports under ₨1,00,000

GET THE RIGHT PLAYER AND CD CAN STILL SHINE Cambridge Audio CXC ₨39,800

AWARD WINNER

Best CD transport under ₨50,000, Awards 2015

If you already have a DAC – the CXC is useless without one – we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this transport over a standalone CD player.

Type CD transport Outputs coaxial, optical

Cyrus CD t ₨1,28,000

AWARD WINNER

Best CD transport ₨50,000+, Awards 2015

An exceptionally talented transport, the CD t offers a level of insight, transparency and clarity you’d struggle to find elsewhere at this price.

Type CD transport Outputs coaxial, optical

Marantz CD6005 ₨44,900

AWARD WINNER

Best CD player under ₨50,000, Awards 2015

Marantz’s CD6005 is rightly regarded as fantastic player, one that offers sprinkles of improvements on top of its superb predecessor.

Type CD player Outputs coaxial, optical, RCA, headphone

Naim CD5si ₨1,45,000 The CD5si boasts a full-bodied, winningly enthusiastic approach to music. The absence of digital outputs means there’s no upgrade path.

Type CD player Outputs RCA, DIN

CD players ₨1,50,000 and above

Burmester 069 ₨51,54,435 If you can get past the massive price tag then you have a wonderful player that ranks among the best, if not the best, we’ve ever heard.

Type CD player Outputs 2 x coaxial, opt, XLR, RCA Inputs coax, opt

Burmester 089 ₨22,04,752 A top-class player that requires a suitably talented system to shine, the 089 is one of the best digital sources money can buy.

Type CD player Outputs coaxial, optical, USB Inputs coax, opt

Cyrus CD i ₨1,59,000

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best CD player ₨50,000+, Awards 2015

Cyrus says this player is its best-sounding yet, and after listening to how confident and entertaining it sounds, it’s tough to disagree.

Type CD player Outputs coaxial, optical, RCA

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90 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

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CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS CONTINUED Cyrus CD Xt Signature ₨2,24,000 Looking for a top-class transport? The Xt Signature provides a sound that’s cleaner, crisper and more dynamic than its predecessor.

Type CD transport Outputs coaxial, optical

Awards 2010

The Caspian M2 CD has been around the block, but it’s showing few signs of its age, showing skill with timing, dynamics and authority.

Type CD player Outputs coaxial, optical, XLR, RCA

Roksan K3 CD Di ₨1,69,400 Few players at this price are as musical as the K3 CD Di. It promotes the character of your music, so you’ll never tire of listening to it.

Type CD player Outputs coax, opt, XLR, RCA Inputs coax, opt

CD players ₨1,50,000 and above

Roksan Caspian M2 CD ₨2,21,800

Naim ₨16,40,000 A CD player and a separate power supply, this might not look like much but there are few players better at revealing what’s on your discs.

Type CD player Outputs RCA

DACS A DIGITAL-TO-ANALOGUE CONVERTER IS A MODERN HI-FI MUST Arcam miniBlink ₨13,800

AWARD WINNER

Best Bluetooth receiver, Awards 15

This receiver has serious dynamic clout, with a zingy and fluid rhythm.

The 3.5mm analogue output means an adaptor is needed for trad hi-fi.

Inputs Bluetooth Size (hwd) 2.5 x 3 x 4cm

A good desktop alternative to the Chord Mojo, with plenty more sockets and features. Smooth balance, fluid dynamics and subtle detail.

Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 6 x 25 x 25cm Res Up to 24-bit/192kHz

Audioquest DragonFly v1.2 ₨14,700 This tiny DAC/headphone amp remains one of our favourites for its USB-stick size and fine sonic talents. Clear, detailed with a fantastic sense of timing.

Inputs USB Size (hwd) 6 x 2 x 1cm Resolution Up to 24-bit/96kHz

Chord Mojo ₨45,000

DACS under ₨1,00,000

Audiolab M-DAC ₨69,000

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best DAC ₨40,000-₨80,000, Awards 2015

The majority of the Hugo’s performance for a fraction of the price. An enthusiastic performer that stays refined and superbly balanced.

Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 2 x 6 x 8cm Resolution 32-768kHz/DSD 512

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 91

DACS CONTINUED Oppo HA-2 ₨27,999

AWARD WINNER

The range of inputs makes this ideal to use with any laptop or smartphone.

The engaging performance and detail retrieval is remarkable at the price.

Inputs USB, optical Size 16 x 7 x1cm Res up to 384 kHz, 16/24/32-bit

Chord 2Qute ₨1,19,000

AWARD WINNER

DACS ₨1,00,000 and above

The 2Qute’s insight, accuracy and dynamic punch outshine rivals with aplomb. The colourful display and the shiny chassis continue to wow us.

Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 7 x 16 x 4cm Resolution Up to 32-bit/384kHz

Bricasti Design M1 DAC ₨9,49,000 This high-end DAC is impeccably built. There’s power, rhythmic coherence and dynamic punch, but it majors in analysis of the music.

Inputs USB, opt, coax, AESB, HDMI Size 6x43x30cm Res to 352.8kHz

Chord Hugo ₨1,59,999

AWARD WINNER

The Hugo benefits from the genius circuitry informing Chord’s latest products. It has superb timing, remarkable clarity and plenty of power.

Inputs 2x USB, opt, coax Size 2 x 13 x 10cm Resolution Up to 384kHz PCM

Chord Hugo TT ₨3,19,000 This ‘table-top’ version is the basic Hugo design, but supercharged.

The finish is gorgeous, and it sounds better than its cheaper siblings.

Inputs USB, opt, coax Size 5 x 24 x 23 Res Up to 32-bit/384kHz

Naim DAC-V1 ₨1,95,000 Naim’s entry DAC is typical of the company’s sonic signature, combining a balanced tone with strong dynamics and fine organisation.

Inputs USB, 2x opt, 3 x coax Size 9 x 21 x 32cm Res 24-bit/384kHz

MUSIC STREAMERS

Streamers under ₨1,00,000

THE BEST WAY TO SHARE YOUR TUNES AROUND THE HOUSE Bluesound Node 2 ₨50,000 Looking for a non-amplified streamer to hook up to your existing hi-fi?

The Node is back, and better, with improved design and connectivity.

DLNA Yes Inputs Toslink, 3.5mm Storage No

Cambridge Audio CXN ₨79,600

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best streamer ₨50,000-₨1,00,000, Awards 2015

Building on the success of Cambridge’s Award-winning Stream Magic 6 v2, the CXN features an all-new design and improved sound.

DLNA Yes Inputs optical, coaxial, 3 x USB Storage No

92 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

MUSIC STREAMERS CONTINUED Burmester Musiccenter 151 ₨17,90,235 This multi-talented machine is a streamer, server, CD player and ripper, all wrapped in one superbly made chrome-laden box.

DLNA Yes Inputs optical, coaxial, USB Storage 4TB

Cyrus Stream Xa ₨1,79,000 Best streamer ₨1,00,000-₨2,00,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER Music streamers ₨1,00,000 and above

The two-time Award-winning Xa is a corker. Its half-width design won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but its truly entrancing sound surely will.

DLNA Yes Inputs 2 x optical, 3 x coaxial, USB Storage No

Cyrus Stream XP2-Qx ₨2,69,000 An all-in-one music streamer that serves up an energetic, enthusiastic and immersive performance. Worthy of the sizeable asking price.

DLNA Yes Inputs 2 x optical, 3 x coaxial, USB Storage No

Naim ND5 XS ₨3,00,000 Best streamer ₨2,00,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

A forward-thinking design from an established hi-fi company. A brilliant sonic performance and a must-have if you’re after a do-it-all streamer.

DLNA Yes Inputs USB, coaxial, optical Storage No

Naim NDS/555PS ₨11,80,000 Hear what this monster of a streaming machine can do and there will be no going back. Can afford the outlay? Lucky you DLNA Yes Inputs 2 x coaxial, optical Storage No

STEREO SPEAKERS THEY BRING THE MUSIC TO YOUR EARS – SO CHOOSE WITH CARE AWARD WINNER

Desktop Speakers up to ₨1,00,000

KEF Egg ₨39,000 Best desktop speaker ₨20,000+, Awards 2015

Our 2015 Best Desktop Speaker Over ₨20k have a distinctive design and flexible connectivity – and a stunning, consistent performance.

Size (hwd) 27 x 13 x 17cm Powered Yes Finishes 3

Wharfedale DS-1 ₨16,500

AWARD WINNER

Best desktop speaker under ₨200, Awards 2015

Smart and terrific-sounding; if you’re after small, articulate, affordable desktops with Bluetooth streaming, you can’t go wrong.

Size (hwd) 19 x 11 x 15cm Powered No Finishes 1

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p84 April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 93

STEREO SPEAKERS CONTINUED B&W 683 S2 ₨1,59,000

Floorstanders under ₨1,60,000

Tremendously talented speakers. We’re impressed by their power, scale and delicacy – they’re wonderfully versatile performers.

Size (hwd) 99 x 19 x 36cm Powered No Finishes 2

Q Acoustics 3050 ₨75,400 Best floorstander under ₨80,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Another 2015 Award-winner, and no wonder. The powerful 3050s are so talented, they give speakers closer to a lakh a run for their money.

Size (hwd) 100 x 20 x 30cm Powered No Finishes 5

Q Acoustics Concept 40 ₨1,27,000 If you want a talented set of speakers with an easy-going, welcoming sound, you must consider these.

Size (hwd) 97 x 17 x 29cm Powered No Finishes 2

Tannoy Revolution XT 6F ₨1,41,000 Best floorstander ₨80,000-₨1,50,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

These Tannoys are something special – they fire out an infectious, entertaining sound that charms us. Superbly finished, too.

Size (hwd) 100 x 27 x 32cm Powered No Finishes 2

Tannoy Revolution XT 8F ₨1,89,500 Few rivals will be able to match this combination of muscle and subtlety. Most of all they make listening to music fun.

Size (hwd) 108 x 32 x 35cm Powered No Finishes 2

Floorstanders ₨1,60,000 and above

ATC SCM40A ₨6,99,000 The price looks steep but factor in built-in amplification and exceptional sound, and the SCM40As emerge as something of a high-end bargain.

Size (hwd) 98 x 37 x 34cm Powered Yes Finishes 2

Focal Electra 1038Be ₨8,99,999 A hefty slice of the performance of Focal’s high-end Utopia range, at a fraction of the cost. Impressive detail, dynamics, bass and timing.

Size (hwd) 125 x 30 x 40cm Powered No Finishes 2

PMC Twenty 23 ₨3,12,200 These PMCs show real class, serving up sound that’s both refined and exciting. The 23s stand on their clean insight and unfussy nature.

Size (hwd) 92 x 15 x 33cm Powered No Finishes 4

PMC Twenty 26 ₨7,72,686* This range of speakers hardly puts a foot wrong. Here, it’s the insightful yet refined balance and impressive levels of detail that win the day.

Size (hwd) 109 x 19 x 44cm Powered No Finishes 4

94 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

STEREO SPEAKERS CONTINUED ProAc Response D40/R ₨6,33,000 As musical as they come, these are also as articulate, transparent and dynamic as any floorstander we’ve heard around this price.

Size (hwd) 120 x 21 x 34cm Powered No Finishes 6

Spendor A6R ₨2,25,000

AWARD WINNER

Best floorstander over ₨1,50,000, Awards 2015

Spendor D7 ₨4,12,000 When it comes to insight and precision, these floorstanders set the standard at this price. Unfussy, and they deliver a huge sound for their size.

Size (hwd) 95 x 20 x 32cm Powered No Finishes 6

Tannoy Kensington GR ₨12,80,000 Along with that traditional appearance comes real substance. These are gentle giants, balancing finesse with force in a mighty appealing way.

Size (hwd) 110 x 41 x 34cm Powered No Finishes 2

Floorstanders ₨1,60,000 and above

Musical notes have dimension and depth, and vocals are conveyed with reality and emotion. Outstanding.

Size (hwd) 87.5 x 19 x 28cm Powered No Finishes 5

Triangle Signature Delta ₨5,60,000 Terrific timing ability combines with strong dynamics and impressive resolution to produce speakers that can stand toe-to-toe with the best.

Size (hwd) 123 x 37 x 39cm Powered No Finishes 3

Dali Zensor 1 ₨23,700 If you’re looking for a versatile, energetic pair of affordable speakers, give these a listen. They have a real feel for the the music. Good fun.

Size (hwd) 27 x 16 x 22cm Powered No Finishes 2

Dali Zensor 3 ₨33,000

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 ₨42,000

AWARD WINNER

Best standmounter ₨30,000-₨45,000, Awards 2015

For their size, these Monitor Audio Bronze 2 dig deep in the bass.

They’re tonally balanced and impressively detailed too.

Size (hwd) 35 x 19 x 26cm Powered No Finishes 4

Q Acoustics 3020 ₨28,900

AWARD WINNER

Standmounters under ₨50,000

If they’re made by Dali, they’re going to be fun to listen to. These classy-looking speakers have plenty of punch and winning dynamics.

Size (hwd) 35 x 21 x 29cm Powered No Finishes 3

Best stereo speaker under ₨30,000, Awards 2015

These lovingly constructed boxes deliver an exceptional combination of refinement, insight and dynamics. We can’t fault them.

Size (hwd) 26 x 17 x 23cm Powered No Finishes 5

Q Acoustic Concept 20 ₨43,000 If you want a top-quality, sub-₨50K standmounter you ignore this one at your peril. Clarity and refinement shine through in abundance.

Size (hwd) 26 x 17 x 28cm Powered No Finishes 2 April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 95

STEREO SPEAKERS CONTINUED B&W 685 S2 ₨65,000

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Product of the Year, Awards 2015

Standmounters ₨50,000 - ₨1,20,000

Put simply, the 685 S2s are superb. Hugely entertaining, with power, punch and excellent detail retrieval.

Size (hwd) 35 x 19 x 32cm Powered No Finishes 2

KEF LS50 ₨1,10,000 These striking speakers are blindingly good. Get their partnering kit right and you’ll revel in the excellent bass, energy and fine articulation.

Size (hwd) 30 x 20 x 28cm Powered No Finishes 1

Martin Logan Motion 15 ₨78,000 A talented and fun pair of speakers. We particularly like the lively, natural presentation, even if the low end could do with more punch.

Size (hwd) 29 x 13 x 24cm Powered No Finishes 2

Triangle Esprit Titus EZ ₨78,500 Your hunt to find a supplier for the Esprits might take a while, but it will be worth it for the articulate and agile presentation you’ll hear.

Size (hwd) 31 x 17 x 27cm Powered No Finishes 3

ATC SCM11 (2013) ₨1,42,000 Best standmounter ₨80,000-₨1,50,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

These are the most talented standmounters anywhere near this price.

The transparency of their sound compares with far more expensive rivals.

Size (hwd) 38 x 21 x 25cm Powered No Finishes 2

Standmounters ₨1,20,000 - ₨2,50,000

Dynaudio Xeo 4 ₨2,40,000 The active Xeo 4s (they have built-in amps) offer hassle-free set-up and an insightful, musical sound from almost any source. High-res support, too.

Size (hwd) 28 x 17 x 25cm Powered Yes Finishes 2

Neat Motive SX3 ₨1,50,000 If you’re tight on space, or don’t need an overpowering sound, these articulate, fun-loving speakers should be a shoo-in for your shortlist.

Size (hwd) 33 x 16 x 20cm Powered No Finishes 4

ProAC Studio 118 ₨1,25,000 Weighty, detailed bass, lively treble and a good natural balance overall.

The energy of the 118’s performance will provide hours of enjoyment.

Size (hwd) 38 x 19 x 24cm Powered No Finishes 4

ATC SCM19 ₨2,28,000

AWARD WINNER

Best standmounter ₨1,50,000+, Awards 2015

₨2,50,000+

It’s quite a trick for a speaker to be highly analytical with music yet never sound clinical or passionless. And yet so it is with the SCM19s.

Size (hwd) 44 x 27 x 30cm Powered No Finishes 2

PMC Twenty 22 ₨2,80,000 Solid build and a quality finish are just the start; it’s a big, authoritative sound, perfect for those who like a natural kind of presentation.

Size (hwd) 41 x 18 x 37cm Powered No Finishes 4

96 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

SYSTEMS SIMPLE DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN LOWER QUALITY Multi-room systems up to ₨1,00,000

Sonos System From ₨26,500

AWARD WINNER

Best multi-room system under ₨50,000, Awards 2015

If you don’t need high-res, Sonos is an obvious choice for multi-room.

A great user experience alongside a full-bodied, insightful sound.

Res 16-bit/44.1kHz App Mac, Android Formats MP3, iTunes Plus, WMA

Bluesound Generation 2 From ₨35,000

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best multi-room system over ₨50,000, Awards 2015

Bluesound’s Generation 2 has a more streamlined design and sounds as good as ever, offering high-res support and good connectivity.

Res 24-bit/192kHz App iOS, Android Formats MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG

Best music system ₨50,000-₨80,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Stereo systems under ₨50,000

Cambridge Audio Minx Xi ₨51,300

This terrific system is a joy to use. It has a 24-bit/96kHz resolution limit, but that’s OK in light of its articulate and hugely likeable character.

Inputs Analogue & digital Sources Streaming, internet

Denon D-M40DAB ₨49,900

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best music system under ₨50,000, Awards 2015

Denon continues to reign supreme on the micro-systems front. There are no Bluetooth or wireless features, but the sound makes up for it.

Inputs Analogue & digital Sources CD, streaming, DAB, FM

Stereo systems ₨50,000+

Cyrus Streamline 2 ₨1,73,000 Cyrus expertly combines hi-fi credentials and streaming features with ease. The superb sound quality is second to none at this price.

Inputs Analogue & digital Sources Streaming, internet

Naim UnitiQute 2 ₨1,60,000

AWARD WINNER

Best music system ₨80,000-₨2,00,000, Awards 2015

The epitome of a modern streaming system. The insightful, rhythmically precise, spacious sound is tremendous – and worth the high-end price.

Inputs Analogue & digital Sources Streaming, internet, DAB+, FM

Systems jargon buster UPnP Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a series of protocols that allow devices easily to discover and communicate with each other over a network to share information.

DLNA DLNA focuses on media formats and management, allowing content (video, audio, pictures, etc) to be shared across devices, with the user able to manage said files. Most DLNA tagged devices are UPnP capable too.

CD-quality CD-quality refers to the resolution of an audio CD, which is 16-bit/44.1kHz. CD-quality should not be confused with high resolution audio.

High resolution High-resolution audio has a higher sampling frequency and bit rate than CD-quality audio.

Hi-res files tend to use a range of sampling rates, the most common being 96kHz and 192kHz at 24-bit.

NAS NAS – Network Attached Storage – is an intelligent storage device.

Content stored on a NAS can be accessed through a media streamer via a network.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 97

TURNTABLES DECKS TO KEEP THE VINYL REVIVAL THRIVING

Turntables under ₨50,000

Pro-Ject Elemental ₨22,500 As plug-in-and-play as you’re likely to find, this is a quality entry-level record player for those taking their first steps in the world of vinyl.

Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 9 x 43 x 30cm

Pro-Ject Essential II ₨30,900 Best turntable under ₨40,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

A frill-free, entry-level product that gets all the basics spot-on. Easy to set up and even easier to enjoy, it’s an obvious Award-winner.

Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 46 x 36cm

Rega RP1 ₨36,000 The unadorned RP1 is an impressive turntable in its own right, with a good sense of drive and pleasing transparency.

Speed 33.3 & 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm

Clearaudio Concept ₨94,600

Turntables ₨50,000-₨1,00,000

Best turntable ₨80,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

A thoroughly sorted, easy-to-own package with tremendous sound, combining punch, extension and tonal variation in equal measure.

Speed 33.3, 45, 78rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 42 x 35cm

Pro–Ject 1 Xpression Carbon ₨70,800 The Pro-Ject 1 Xpression Carbon UKX is a terrific package for the price; it is balanced and insightful, rivalling the class-leaders in overall ability.

Speed 33.3, 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 42 x 34cm

Rega RP3/Elys2 ₨72,000

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best turntable ₨40,000-₨80,000, Awards 2015

Turntables ₨1,00,000 and above

Few rivals are as fuss-free or sound so good, building on the balance, resolution and excitement of prior generations while adding more clarity.

Speed 33.3, 45rpm Size (hwd) 10 x 45 x 36cm

Rega RP6/Exact ₨1,35,000 The RP6’s simple styling belies its engaging, detailed sound. One of the most expressive and enthusiastic turntables you can buy for the money.

Speed 33.3, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm

Rega RP8/Apheta ₨2,97,000 A terrific turntable that sets standards at the price. A detailed sound delivered with superb agility, strong dynamics and exceptional precision.

Speed 33.3, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm

98 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

WIRELESS SPEAKERS CONTINUED

WIRELESS SPEAKERS FREE YOUR MUSIC WITH ONE OF THESE STREAMING WONDERS Audio Pro Addon T3 ₨29,999

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best portable wireless speaker ₨20,000-₨30,000, 2015

This classy boombox from Audio Pro ignores gimmicks and focuses on delivering the best sound possible for an extremely tempting price.

Size (hwd) 12 x 22 x 14 Battery Yes

Cambridge Audio Go ₨12,500 Awards 2014 Wireless speakers under ₨30,000

Few wireless speakers offer such a great combination of build quality, battery life and enjoyable performance as this former Award-winner.

Size (hwd) 24 x 12 x 6cm Battery Yes

JBL Xtreme ₨24,990 The Xtreme delivers all the power suggested by its brutish physique, but is also capable of great subtlety and insight. Powerful and portable.

Size (hwd) 13 x 28 x 12cm Battery Yes

Monitor Audio Airstream S150 ₨15,500

AWARD WINNER

Best mains-powered wireless speaker under ₨20,000, Awards 2015

The Airstream S150 boasts impressive clarity and detail with solid, weighty bass and an agile and dynamic delivery.

Size (hwd) 27 x 12 x 14cm Battery No

Ultimate Ears Roll ₨8,495

AWARD WINNER

Best portable wireless speaker under ₨10,000, Awards 2015

Super-portable, waterproof and with great sound, the Roll is the ideal on-the-go companion. We haven’t heard better for less than a ton.

Size (hw) 4 x 14cm Battery Yes

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Wireless speakers ₨50,000+

Wireless speakers ₨30,000-₨50,000

WIRELESS SPEAKERS CONTINUED KEF Muo ₨35,000

AWARD WINNER

Best portable wireless speaker ₨20,000, Awards 2015

The Muo brings a touch of luxury with its detailed musical performance and great looks. You won’t get better without going mains-powered.

Size (hwd) 8 x 21 x 6cm Battery Yes

Q Acoustics Q-BT3 ₨43,000 Few products are as versatile as these for the price: wireless speakers, soundbar replacement, iPod dock or powered stereo speakers.

Size (hwd) 31 x 19 x 24cm Battery No

B&W Zeppellin Wireless ₨58,000 Eight years on, the Zeppelin speaker is still a must-have for the audiophile who wants fine sound in a convenient package.

Size (hwd) 18 x 66 x 18cm Battery No

Naim Mu-So ₨1,39,875

AWARD WINNER

Best mains-powered wireless speaker ₨80,000+, Awards 2015

The Mu-so has a rich, powerful sound, a huge sense of scale and soaring dynamics – and it’s now been updated to accommodate Tidal.

Size (hwd) 12 x 63 x 26cm Battery No

Getting the most out of your wireless speaker

Wireless tech explained The most used wireless transmission methods tend to be the following: aptX Bluetooth, regular Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay and Kleer (used

by Arcam).

AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary solution and works only with Apple devices.

Bluetooth, and its higherquality aptX variant, will work with any Bluetoothcompatible device, while Kleer requires a dongle.

If it were our money, we would opt for one of the Bluetooth variants – it’s versatile and the quality is fine, albeit lower than with a wired connection.

100 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

How much should you spend?

This all depends on what you want your dock to do.

If you fancy something to take to the park for picnics, then you’d want to consider a unit that has a good battery life. If you’re replacing a micro or mini system, then something like the B&W Zeppelin Wireless will do a commendable job. As ever, try before you buy, especially if you’re heading towards the premium range.

A good tip is to take your library with you to the dealer/ retailer and play some of the greatest hits straight from your portable.

Choose the right file type Whichever one you go for, and especially if you’re connecting your device, it’s important to supply the dock with a high enough quality file.

We find that 320kbps is as low as we’d go with MP3 files, with Apple Lossless, FLAC or uncompressed WAV far more preferable.

If you use an Apple device, and use WAV files on your computer but don’t have space for them on your portable, iTunes has a handy option to sync slightly lower-quality versions of your tracks to your device.

Instant multi-room music If you’re looking to build a multi-room system, you’re in luck. Some docks won’t be able to play music on more than one device at a time (unless you have more than one which can stream to each other), but it does mean you can simply select each device on your portable as you move between rooms and have your music instantly switch between docks.

Alternatively, you could fork out for a Sonos system – but that isn’t really the point. Wireless docks mean minimal set-up – always a bonus.

BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST BUYS

HOME CINEMA

The only products worth considering

BLU-RAY PLAYERS

ENJOY HIGH-DEF MOVIE THRILLS

Marantz UD7007 ₨72,900

AWARD WINNER

Cambridge Audio CXU ₨1,25,600

AWARD WINNER

Best Blu-ray player ₨30,000+, Awards 2015

A universal disc-player, packed with features and connections, that pushes the boundaries with both picture and sound quality.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD

Oppo BDP-105D ₨1,29,999

Blu-ray players ₨30,000 and above

A 2013 Awards winner, this is a solidly made machine that performs to a very high standard. If you have the right system, it’s a terrific buy.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD

It might seem a lot for a disc player, but if you want a quality component that’s as adept with music as it is with movies, you’ll want this. Top class.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS STUNNING SOUND THAT TRULY BRINGS MOVIES TO LIFE Denon AVR-X2200W ₨69,900

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best home cinema amplifier ₨50K-₨70K, Awards 2015

Yamaha RX-A850 ₨93,990

AWARD WINNER

Best home cinema amplifier ₨70K-₨1Lac, Awards 2015

In the sweet spot of balancing price, features and performance, this has a hugely entertaining combination of power and precision.

Power 7 x 100W Dolby Atmos Yes

AV amplifiers ₨50,000-₨1,00,000

Our AV amp Product of the Year is an articulate and detailed amp, with stacks of functionality and future-proofing. Packed with features.

Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos Yes

Yamaha RX-V679 ₨59,990 No Dolby Atmos but Yamaha does offer a big, spacious sound with decent detail and balance, though some others are more nuanced.

Power 7 x 90W Dolby Atmos No

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 101

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS CONTINUED

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS AV amplifiers ₨1,00,00 and above

STUNNING SOUND THAT TRULY BRINGS MOVIES TO LIFE Onkyo TX-NR3030 ₨1,90,000 Looking for high-end, high-quality surround audio? This amp delivers with a spacious, subtle sound, a plethora of features and Dolby Atmos.

Power 11 x 185W Atmos Yes

Pioneer SC-LX59 ₨1,32,000

AWARD WINNER

Best home cinema amplifier ₨1,00,000+, Awards 2015

The SC-LX59 makes it six ₨1,00,000+ Awards in a row for Pioneer. This latest offering is better than ever, making it a class-leading receiver.

Power 9 x 140W Atmos Yes

PROJECTORS

Projectors ₨1,50,000 and above

Under ₨1.5lac

BECAUSE A MASSIVE PICTURE IS HOME CINEMA BenQ W1080ST+ ₨1,25,000 Best projector under ₨1,50,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

This short-throw projector can sit less than six feet from the screen at max zoom – and looks brilliant thanks to its crisp, eye-catching pic.

Throw ratio 0.69-0.83:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, component Speakers Yes

Epson EH-TW7200 ₨1,80,000

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best projector ₨1,50,000-₨2,50,000, Awards 2015

Versatile and easy to set up, this one raises the bar for picture quality in the sub-₨2lacs arena with its realistic, subtle and punchy performance.

Throw ratio 1.34-2.87:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, component Speakers No

Sony VPL-HW55ES ₨3,16,667 Best projector ₨2,50,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

This well-specified Sony produces a very natural picture that’s precisely crisp and bright, and demonstrates exemplary contrast. Brilliant.

Throw ratio n/a Inputs 2 x HDMI, component Speakers No

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SOUNDBARS AN IMPRESSIVE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR TV’S SOUND Under ₨50,000

Q Acoustics Media 4 ₨45,000

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best soundbar under ₨50,000, Awards 2015

Q Acoustics’ debut soundbar is remarkable value – even more so at its reduced price – and more than worthy of its two-time PoY status.

Size (hwd) 9 x 100 x 14cm Inputs Optical, RCA Subwoofer No

Best soundbar ₨50,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Soundbars ₨50,000 and above

Dali Kubik One ₨1,05,000

A gorgeous and complete package, Dali’s debut soundbar impresses with its hugely engaging sound and smart, well-equipped exterior.

Size (hwd) 15 x 98 x 10cm Inputs Optical, 2 x RCA Subwoofer No

Philips Fidelio B5 ₨54,990 Thanks to two detachable (wireless, battery-powered) speakers, it can add surround sound or be a multi-room system. Great sound, too.

Size 7 x 104 x 16cm Inputs 2 x HDMI, optical, coax, RCA Sub Yes

SOUNDBASES AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF SUPERIOR TV SOUND Soundbases under ₨30,000- ₨70,000

Cambridge Audio TV5 ₨37,100 The TV5 shares its TV2 sibling’s rich presentation, but with an extra driver and bigger chassis there’s better detail, clarity and dynamics.

Size (hwd) 10 x 73 x 34cm Inputs Optical

Canton DM55 ₨69,000 Best soundbase under ₨70,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Replacing the DM50, the cheaper DM55 is even more appealing – its meaty yet subtle sound is a huge audio upgrade for your TV. Size (hwd) 7 x 55 x 30cm Inputs Optical, coaxial

Select the right cable for your system

Speaker cable What is it?

Solid-core or stranded cable.

What’s it for?

Connecting multiple speakers.

Digital optical cable What is it?

Cable that transmits audio as light.

What’s it for?

Transmitting audio in the digital domain.

HDMI cable What is it?

A digital cable that transmits video and audio.

What’s it for?

To link HDMI sources.

Stereo interconnects What is it?

Analogue cable.

What’s it for?

To replace your kit’s freebie leads.

Mains cable What is it?

Heavy-duty cable upgrade.

What’s it for?

To replace your kit’s inferior mains cable.

April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 103

SPEAKER PACKAGES

Style packages ₨1,10,000-₨2,00,000

Style packages under ₨1,10,0000

GOOD SURROUND SOUND IS A MOVIE-MAGIC MUST

Q Acoustics Q7000i ₨1,06,000 Got a lac to spend on a sub/sat package? Spend it here. This compact set creates a cohesive and expansive soundfield, with strong bass.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 12 x 20 x 16cm Finishes 2

Tannoy HTS-101 XP ₨72,900

AWARD WINNER

Best style package under ₨1,00,000, Awards 2015

The latest incarnation of a multiple winner has a sonic character that retains its fast, spacious quality, but with extra detail and solidity.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 19 x 10 x 11cm Finishes 1

B&W MT-50 ₨1,76,000

AWARD WINNER

Best style package ₨1,00,000+, Awards 2015

These speakers sound crisp, clear and insightful, and the sub and satellites integrate so well. Value and versatility combined.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 25 x 11 x 16cm Finishes 2

B&W MT-60D ₨2,95,000 Compact and stylish (we love that sub), this package presents a dynamic, powerful sound that excels with surround sound and stereo music.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 25 x 11 x 16cm Finishes 2

Before you buy: equipment racks Choosing an equipment rack can be tricky. Here are a few things to consider…

1) Equipment supports have a difficult job to do. Ideally, they should isolate your system from external vibrations, so that it can perform optimally, but also act as a ‘sink’ for any internally generated vibrations – say, the effects of a spinning disc or the low-level buzz of a mains transformer. Make sure there’s enough air space around your kit to avoid it overheating, though.

2) Racks come in different sizes and lengths. Do you need a full-width bench-style rack? If you have lots of hi-fi equipment, a wider rack might suit you better if you have the space for it. For those with only a CD player or amplifier to support, there are rack companies which sell half-width versions.

MODULAR RACK Ideal if you plan to grow your system, but check its ease of assembly

3) Plan for the future by choosing a rack with a modular design. It’s a good halfway house if you have one eye on later system expansion. How easy it is to assemble may be something to consider in this situation, too; a fussy design could bring frustration. However, while another shelf won’t be cheap, it’s likely to be less expensive than investing in a new rack altogether.

“Equipment supports should isolate your system from external vibrations, but also act as a ‘sink’ for internally generated vibrations”

104 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

FULL-WIDTH RACK The solution for those with plenty of hi-fi equipment to support

SPEAKER PACKAGES CONTINUED Best traditional package under ₨1,50,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Traditional packages under ₨1.5Lacs

Dali Zensor 1 5.1 ₨1,12,200

Why did it win an Award? Because of the sound’s punchy dynamics, abundance of detail, expression, articulation and impressive integration.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 16 x 44 x 29cm Finishes 3

Q Acoustics 3000 Series 5.1 ₨99,500 A budget package that makes the sound from films come across as subtle, atmospheric and detailed. This is a fun listening experience.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 15 x 43 x 20cm Finishes 5

Monitor Audio Bronze B5 AV ₨2,42,500 Best traditional package ₨1Lac-₨3Lacs, Awards 2015

Traditional packages ₨1.5 Lacs+

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Our Speaker Package Product of the Year is beautifully designed, has ample punch, creates a spacious soundfield and is very musical.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 17 x 46 x 19cm Finishes 4

KEF R100 5.1 ₨3,13,000 Best traditional package ₨3,00,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Gorgeous looks and superior sound quality – the R100 5.1 has both.

There’s great scale, seamless integration, and an expressive midrange.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 17 x 53 x 31cm Finishes 4

TELEVISIONS MAKE THE FOCUS OF YOUR ENTERTAINMENT HUB A GOOD ONE AWARD WINNER

Televisions ₨50,000-₨1,10,000

Samsung UA40JU6470U ₨83,900 Best 40-46in TV ₨50,000+, Awards 2015

You don’t need a huge screen to appreciate the benefits of a 4K pic.

This sleek 40in set combines features, functionality and performance.

Type LCD/LED Screen size 40in Resolution 3840 x 2160

Samsung UA48J6300AK ₨1,04,900

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best 47-52in TV under ₨1,10,000, Awards 2015

It has a pronounced curve, but the picture quality is a fantastic proposition at this price. Astonishingly good Full HD performance.

Type LCD/LED Screen size 48in Resolution 1920 x 1080

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Televisions ₨1,10,000-₨2,00,000

TELEVISIONS CONTINUED Sony KDL-55W800C ₨1,24,900 Ultra HD 4K screens may be grabbing all the headlines, but Full HD screens are still in the majority. A Android TV with the flair to dazzle.

Type LCD/LED Screen size 55in Resolution 1920 x 1080

Samsung UA48JU6470U ₨1,31,900 Best 47-52in TV ₨1,00,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

This Samsung is special: super-sharp 4K, realistic textures, a smart interface, and a slim, attractive physique. Impressive.

Type LCD/LED Screen size 48in Resolution 3840 x 2160

LG65EC970T ₨5,79,900 One of the very best TVs on the market, this LG is a lovely looking telly with a fantastic picture. Whisper it, but OLED is becoming accessible.

Type OLED Screen size 65in Resolution 3840 x 2160

LG55EG960T ₨3,59,900 Televisions ₨2,00,000 and above

Best 52-60in TV ₨2,50,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Top-drawer 4K Ultra HD resolution meets OLED technology, and the results are simply stunning. The price seems to be slipping too…

Type OLED Screen size 55in Resolution 3840 x 2160

Samsung UA55JU7500K ₨2,41,900 Best 52-60in TV under ₨2,50,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

This 55in beauty produces not just excellent 4K content, but will make your HD TV channels and Blu-rays look awesome too.

Type LCD/LED Screen size 55in Resolution 3840 x 2160

Samsung UA65JS9000K ₨4,40,900 Best 60in+ TV, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

This curved set combines excellent smarts with a gorgeous, insightful picture. If a big screen and 4K are must-haves, your search is over.

Type LCD/LED Screen size 65in Resolution 3840 x 2160

Sony KD-65X9300C, ₨3,74,900 A great, and very big telly, its stunning picture (and brilliant sound) is everything you would expect from a flagship television.

Type LCD/LED Screen size 65in Resolution 3840 x 2160

Gaming TVs

Input lag Televisions come with their own built-in latency, and high latencies lead to less-responsive controls.

Manufacturers rarely mention these figures, but look online and you’ll find some useful sites that list television latencies.

106 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

If you’re into gaming then a television that gives you an advantage is vital We’ve highlighted four areas to ensure you won’t be left on the losing side

Local dimming Local dimming works by dimming the backlight in the image’s darker areas, resulting in deeper blacks.

TVs with good dimming can have excellent contrast, making for more vivid, expressive colours but they can also add to a TV’s latency.

Don’t believe refresh rates Higher refresh rates update the image faster, which should reduce motion judder.

Console games run no faster than 60 frames per second, so refresh rates of 120Hz and more won’t hugely improve performance. A 60Hz set is more than capable.

Game mode Game mode disables processing modes thereby reducing input lag. That’s the good part. Less good is that contrast and image quality suffer, resulting in a drablooking image. A game mode can be useful, but it can also compromise the image.

BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST BUYS The only products worth considering

PORTABLE HEADPHONES

BIN THE BUNDLED BUDS, AND INVEST IN BETTER SOUND

Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi ₨6990

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best in-ears ₨5000-₨10,000, Awards 2015

You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound so good for the cost.

But good they sound, wonderfully smooth, expressive and balanced.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m In-ears under ₨10,000

FiiO EX1 ₨4,999 These monitors are nicely judged tonally, with plenty of detail. Add an expansive soundstage and you’re looking at great value for money.

In-line controls No Cable length 1.2m

SoundMagic E10S ₨1999

AWARD WINNER

Best in-ears under ₨5000, Awards 2015

Paying ₨2000 for a pair of buds like these ranks as one of the simplest, most affordable and most satisfying upgrades available.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m

Shure SE425 ₨23,220 Best in-ears ₨10,000-₨30000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Sennheiser IE 800 ₨54,990

In-ears ₨10,000 and above

If you’re serious about the quality of your in-ear headphones, we’d point you here. The energetic, immersive performance is irresistible.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.6m AWARD WINNER

Best in-ears ₨30,000+, Awards 2015

You might think it a waste to spend so much on buds, but don’t make up your mind till you’ve heard these – they’re astonishing performers.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.1m

Shure SE846 ₨84,700 Stunning detail, supreme tonal balance and extraordinary dynamics.

You just need to ensure you use an equally talented source In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m & 1.6m

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Noise cancelling heaphones up to ₨30,000

HEADPHONES CONTINUED Bose QuietComfort 25 ₨25,200 These cans are a real treat. Their noise-cancelling capabilities are extraordinary, their clear, balanced sound a joy to hear.

Quoted battery life 35 hours

PSB M4U2 ₨23,900 As well as obliging with a powerful delivery the PSBs offer a choice of listening modes (passive, active and noise-cancelling), to suit.

Quoted battery life 55 hours

AKG K451 ₨4999 Great agility and precision timing combined with excellent build and compact size, makes the K451s a must-audition pair of cans.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 120g PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

On-ears under ₨15,000

AKG Y50 ₨7990 Best portable on-ears under ₨10,000, Awards 2015

Our Product of the Year cans for 2015 are portable on-ears, and deliver a rhythmic, clear, detailed, dynamic sound. At this price they’re amazing.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 190g

Philips Fidelio M1MkII ₨10,999

AWARD WINNER

The Fidelios offer an unusually smooth delivery and plenty of weighty, punchy bass. Clarity and precision are further strong points.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 166g

On-ears ₨15,000-₨30,000

Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H2 ₨15,990 Not only do these headphones look great, they also do a fine job of music reproduction – and offer great pride of ownership.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 155g

Beyerdynamic T51i ₨19,999 Awards 2014

It’s satisfying when great design, premium build and top performance all come together. These on-ears really do sound as good as they look.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm/6.3mm Weight 174g

B&W P5 Series 2 ₨18,800 Clear, precise sound, bags of detail, punchy rhythm – these gorgeous ’phones have the lot. We can’t think of anything to say against them.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 195g

System Killers

Mission Impossible Out now 108 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

Inside out Out now

Mad Max: Fury Road Out now

Ex Machina Out now

Fast and Furious 7 Out now

HEADPHONES CONTINUED Grado SR125e ₨13,200 On-ears ₨15,000-₨30,000

These might have looked at home on the ears of a wartime radio operator, but they sound great. Stay at home, though: they’re leaky.

Type Open Connection 3.5mm/6.5mm Weight 363g

Grado SR325e ₨25,900 Best home on-ears £15,000-₨30,000, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

If you don’t mind the sound that leaks from them, you’re free to enjoy the fluid dynamics and wonderfully musical presentation.

Type Open Connection 3.5mm/6.5mm Weight 330g

AKG K812 ₨99,052 On-ears ₨30,000 and above

For outright insight you’d have to spend thousands more than this on speakers before you get close to the resolution and agility on offer here.

Type Open Connection 3.5mm/6.3mm Weight 390g PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

B&W P7 ₨33,000 Worth every penny. The solid build quality and comfy fit we expect, but the level of detail and dynamics swept us off our feet.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 290g

Shure SRH1540 ₨41,300

AWARD WINNER

Best home on-ears ₨30,000+, Awards 2015

Once the music starts you’ll focus on the expansive, beautifully balanced sound. There’s agility, enthusiasm and genuine musicality too.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 286g

Best wireless headphones ₨25,000+, Awards 2015

AWARD WINNER

Wireless headphones up to ₨40K

B&W P5 Wireless ₨28,950

All the characteristics of the P5 Series 2 without the wire. The Bluetooth connection works well and the sound is nigh-on as good as the Series 2.

Folding Yes Quoted battery life 17hrs Wireless range n/a

Philips Fidelio M2BT ₨14,500 Bluetooth here is the superior aptX version. There’s also NFC connectivity and – most important – a rich, balanced, musical sound.

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April 2016 | What Hi Fi? | 109

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Aeon EDGE FREE Series - Angular reflective front projection material designed to reject ambient light - Aluminum lightweight split-frame design - EDGE FREEÂŽ or install ultra-thin velvet tape trim - Wall mount brackets slide ensuring the frame is properly centered

The Only International Projection Screen Brand available in India from the manufacturer with service support

Optional LED backlight kit with remote control Optional splice bracket kit connects multiple frames to create a large size display 5-A Sowdambika Nagar, Opp. Police Station, Thudiyalur, Coimbatore 641034. India. contact: +91 7305640567. email: india@elitescreens.com

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Based on the projector’s sphere

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N E H T S A THADATVIW 99 D BOWIE 19

The Man Who Sold The World wasn’t buying my Laserdisc Danny Baker’s only meeting with David Bowie wasn’t going brilliantly – until they bonded over obsolete technology Bowie didn’t share Danny Baker’s enthusiasm for the obsolete “Laserdisc? Ah, Baker’s Folly. I got in early on the Laserdisc, and I held on to that thing, you know, same as when DVD came out, “Oh, the quality’s better…” And they were great big machines, twice as big as this desk, and you put in a Laserdisc – and they were LP-sized, literally 12in records – and halfway through a film it would go “gnn thurr hrr” and turn itself over in there. But the quality was better than video, and I bought thousands of them.

Brought back down to Earth

I’ll tell you the only Laserdisc I’ve still got. The only person I ever went in front of – and I don’t mean ‘overawed’ particularly – was David Bowie.

I used to write TFI Friday for six and a half years, and David Bowie was on. And I’d never met Bowie, and like all civilised people I thought “Blimey, it’s Bowie”. He’s little, he’s quite slight, and he came in, and he’s sitting there during

114 | What Hi Fi? | April 2016

I used to write TFI Friday for six and a half years, and David Bowie was on. And I’d never met Bowie, and like all civilised people I thought “Blimey, it’s Bowie” rehearsal, and I went over. And I said, “Er, Mr Bowie, I stood outside Lewisham Odeon in 1973, round the back there, trying to force open the doors…” And he’s got that look, David Bowie, which he’s quite entitled to have: waiting for you to stop speaking. And I thought “I’ve no idea where I’m going with this…” (normally I’m all right, but…) so I said, “By the way, I’m the producer of the show, anything you need?” And he went, “No, I don’t need anything,” and carries on looking at me. Nothing.

I thought, “Oh no...”, you know, and so I reached for this Laserdisc of The Man Who Fell To Earth. I said “I know you don’t sign anything

any more…” and he said “Yeah, I’ve stopped doing that.” I said “Well, would you do my Laserdisc?” And he went, “F***ing hell, a Laserdisc. Have you bought this particularly to be obtuse?” And all of a sudden it’s me and David Bowie, talking, and I said “Nah, I’ve got thousands of ’em”. And he went “…Heh”. And that’s what he did. I took it away, and if my stature was small before… But that’s the world’s only signed Laserdisc of The Man Who Fell To Earth. Guaranteed.”

Danny Baker was speaking on Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast in 2014.

“Q ACOUSTICS DOES IT AGAIN” What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, June 2015

3000 SERIES 5.1 CINEMA PACK

“Q Acoustics’ latest continues the company tradition of punching way above its weight.

For the money, what you get here is extraordinary.”

What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, June 2015

Perfect for every occasion, the new 3000 Series 5.1 Cinema Pack will unleash the full potential of your home cinema electronics.

“Frankly exceptional sonics that nothing I’ve With improved twin 165mm Aramid Fibre/Paper cone drivers deliver exceptional listened to at the price can match.” bass extension and midrange openness, whilst the new ‘2 in 1’, Concentric Ring AV Forums, Best Buy, July 2015 Dome tweeter adds astonishingly clear and smooth high frequencies.

Its exquisitely detailed sound will convey all the atmosphere, natural dialogue and, when required, the full bodied explosive drama of every movie soundtrack.

But of course, being Q Acoustics loudspeakers, they don’t just deliver fantastic home cinema sound. Every new 3000 Series model is also an outstanding, genuine hi- filoudspeaker. So the 3000 home cinema pack is also your best choice if you want to enjoy wonderful stereo musical performances.

“Q Acoustics’ superlative speaker package sets a new benchmark for standmount systems.”

Trusted Reviews, Editors Choice, May 2015

Find out more at www.Qacoustics.co.uk

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DEFINITIVE ushers in the new Wireless series

• Go Wireless • Easy Installation • Just Plug & Play • App Enabled • Multi-room Audio

Witness the latest in wireless Soundbar technology, with inclusion of W Studio Micro in the Definitive Technology Wireless Collection

“The W7 sonically devastated the Play: 5, trouncing it in low-end and midrange clarity and high-frequency detail.” “The Definitive Technology Wireless Collection products are all sonically terrific. Play any one of them next to a smililarly priced Sonos, and if the comparison is solely on sound quality you’ll choose the Definitive every time.”

“Sound & Vision” Magazine

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Email: anil@audioexcellenceindia.com | Website: www.audioexcellenceindia.com *Dealers enquiries welcome