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W E LC O M E

You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone

Reviews you can trust

“I dream of wires,” sang Gary Numan in 1980 and it was difficult to see how he could be any more modern or futuristic. These days, of course, old Gary sounds irretrievably quaint and the exact opposite is true. We dream of a lack of wires.

But wirelessness can’t be the be-all and end-all, of course. Liberation from wires can’t be at the expense of performance, otherwise what’s the point? In this issue, we’ve established how easy (if not always inexpensive) it is to achieve a brilliant-sounding wireless experience via seven desirable pairs of wireless headphones (p28) and four astonishingly capable wireless speakers (p49). Absolute freedom of movement with no compromise where sound is concerned, and with the pride of ownership that only comes from buying a bit of cutting-edge technology.

Experience & heritage We’ve been hard at work helping the world discover the best in hi-fi and home cinema for more than 37 years, and have getting on for 100 years of reviewing experience under our collective belts – so you can count on our expert opinions.

Dedicated test facilities We test every product in the magazine or at whathifi.com against its peers in our New! Improved! bespoke reviewing facilities.

And we test every product as a team, so our opinions and conclusions are always the result of collaboration.

We spot big trends first MP3 player tests before the iPod even existed? High-def video before it even had a name? That was us. We keep you in touch with big stories and future trends.

Worldwide readership With seven international editions in Africa, Asia and Europe, we reach more than 1.6 million readers every month.

Simon Lucas, editor

NEXT MONTH

My product of the month

4K TV 55in? 65in? Whether you want ‘big’ or ‘really big’, we find the screen for you

Onkyo TX-8150 First Test p14 At this price, and with this kind of specification, and with this kind of performance, there’s really no reason not to invite the Onkyo TX-8150 into your life.

(Unless you’re shallow like me, of course, in which case you’ll wish it looked a bit happier.)

Hi-res download sites are proliferating.

We put the latest up against the best The best tabletop all-in-one system meets some capable opposition May2016 issue ON SALE 6th April

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CONTENTS “We’ve come a long way from the heavy-duty wireless headset that graced the 2000s” Page 28

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70% RESPECTED VERDICTS

WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO WHAT HI-FI? Page 66 6 www.whathifi.com

THE WORLD’S MOST

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 CD PLAYERS Metronome Le Player HEADPHONES Beats Solo 2 Wireless B&O BeoPlay H8 Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless Parrot Zik 3.0 RHA T20

8 4K HDR PROJECTOR

14 NETWORK RECEIVER

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless

Prepare to have your retinas fried

Doesn’t look much.

Does everything

Soundmagic WP10 Sony MDR-1ABT NETWORK SYSTEM Onkyo TX-8150 PROJECTORS Sony VPL-VW520ES STEREO SYSTEM Pure Evoke C-D6 STEREO AMPLIFIERS Unison Research Unico 150 SMARTPHONE Motorola Moto X Force SOUNDBASE Philips Fidelio XS1 TELEVISION

18 4K TELEVISION

41 TURNTABLES

Samsung UE65JS9000

An attractive 4K screen at a very tempting price

A pretender to the throne faces off against the King

TURNTABLES Clearaudio Concept Pro-Ject 2 Xperience VPI Nomad USB NOISE FILTER Audioquest JitterBug WIRELESS SPEAKERS Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Dali Kubik Free Geneva Aerosphère Large Naim Muso-Qb

49 WIRELESS SPEAKERS

60 TEMPTATIONS

Free yourself from the tyranny of wires

An ‘entry level’ CD player from France, for £5500

BUYER’S GUIDE

FINDTHE BEST KIT AROUND, FAST! Our verdicts on every product worth owning, p69

Ced Yuen News editor Sony VPL-VW520ES

“If this first 4K HDR projector is anything to go by, the future is very bright indeed”

FIRST TEST

FIRST TESTS

RD EXCLUSIVE, IN-DEPTH VE

ICTS ON THE LATEST KIT

Sony VPL-VW520ES | Projector | £8800

The future –projected into the present FOR Fantastic all-round picture; HDR support; easy set-up

AGAINST It's a shame 3D glasses aren't included

★★★★★

We know what you’re thinking: what does a projector have to do to justify a near-£9k price tag? You could get a brand-new car for that. Or get yourself most of the way to a deposit on a house.

Well, Sony has done some secondguessing and, as a result, given its top-tiering VPL-VW520ES everything you might (realistically) want from a 2016 projector.

That means it’s native 4K (of course!) like its predecessor, the VPL-VW500ES, and the five-star VPL-VW300ES we saw last summer.

Sony’s proprietary SXRD system, which uniquely uses LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology – almost a cross between the usual DLP and LCD technologies – is still the only one currently offering native 4K playback, with rivals JVC and Epson only venturing as far as faux-K projection.

But Sony has far from rested on its resolution-pushing laurels. Upstaging itself in a manner Steve Jobs would approve, it has produced the VPL-VW520ES – claimed to be the world’s first HDR-ready 4K home cinema projector. It may as well have a big police tape-like banner across the front saying ‘future-proofed’. After all, 4K and HDR are the immediate future of the AV world, and just about ready to take centre stage in a living room near you.

2.2 certified to pass through streamed and physical 4K content from video-streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon or impending Ultra HD blu-ray players.

And if that doesn’t have you drooling over the page maybe a 300,000:1 contrast ratio will – up again from its predecessor’s 200,000:1. Sony also claims an impressive 6000-hour lamp life.

The VPL-VW520ES uses three native 4K SXRD panels with a 4096 x 2160 resolution,

On the subject of lenses, set-up is dead simple. Once powered up (it takes a few seconds to show a picture), it’s simply a case of using the motorised shift, focus and (up to 2.1x) zoom adjustments on the wellsized, backlit-on-demand remote – much more efficient, we think, than twisting dials on units with non-powered lenses. Plus you can do it from your sofa. Keeping the two HDMIs company are LAN, IR and trigger inputs and a USB for firmware updates.

Key extra features HDR support sets the Sony apart from its sibling, the VPL-VW30ES, as does a greater brightness output (the 520ES has 1800 lumens rather than the 320ES’s 1500).

HDR can be carried through the second of the Sony’s two HDMI inputs, which is HDCP

8 www.whathifi.com

“With the trusty guidance of a THX Optimizer and a bit of patience, a thorough play with the settings produces a picture we think befits the Sony’s asking price. And that's really saying something” as per the 4K film-projection standard and much like a commercial 4K cinema. They may not be the digits you’ve clocked on TV adverts, but that’s because the TV industry shoehorns it into 3840 x 2160.

You get a lot of projector for your money.

14kg of it, in fact. It’s a bulky, structurally well-made unit, but like its predecessors runs with the aesthetic curve to help it look more capable of fitting in with your home furnishings than something you might think had a past life as a Robot Wars contestant.

In fact, it doesn’t look too dissimilar from the brand’s five-figure flagship model, which can only be a good thing. The finish (available in white or black) is attractive, and the gold frills around the lens bring a touch of pizzazz about the design.

Taking a page out of the Victorian schoolbook, the VPL-VW520ES understands its duty to be seen and not heard. The claimed 26dB fan noise proves pretty accurate and, even sitting close by, it's easy to ignore altogether when we fire up our reference home cinema set-up.

Twin delights HDR 4K material is being hailed as the predominent next-gen content, and while 4K and HDR are different technologies, they do seem to come packaged together.

Combined content is still thin on the ground, although it should come trickling in this year. Even more exciting, Ultra HD Blu-ray players and discs are due in the coming months too.

KEY FEATURES

4K RESOLUTION HDR MOTORISED LENS

FIRST TEST Creating a very happy marriage of 4K and HDR technologies, the Sony takes big-screen viewing to a super-lofty level

While 4K is all about delivering more pixels, HDR is all about extracting more information from within the pixels, opening the dynamic contrast range up to brighter whites, darker blacks and greater colour insight inbetween. And, trust us, it’s an impressive indicator to the future of home cinema. We tuck into 4K HDR clips provided by Sony, on a USB stick fed through the company's FMP-X5 4K media player, the most eye-boggling of which include The Amazing Spider-Man 2 footage.

There’s varying intensity to the voltage running down Electro’s face and the lights in Time Square’s billboards and skyscrapers.

You can follow the billowing smoke from the electric sparks as it trails off into the atmosphere and, during the slow-mo, make out every stitch of Spidey’s sleeve.

Even Japanese cityscapes are a treat to scrutinise. Take a colourful mosaic lampshade, for example. Rather than simply seeing light glow through the whole lampshade, here each piece reveals varying degrees of light shining through.

Strip the HDR, and 4K delivery alone is still enough to turn heads. The technology has spread into the TV industry like wildfire, but arguably it’s even more important for larger projected pictures where you’ll see how much each of those 8.3 million pixels counts. We see a sharply drawn picture no less crisp than that from the better 4K TVs we’ve seen. It truly wows on our 100in screen with its sharpness, accuracy and precision – but it’s not love at first sight.

You may think our claim of the Sony’s refined, natural colours is suspect upon

your first acquaintance with the projector.

Indeed, out of the box they’re more ‘out there’ and oversaturated than organic. But with the trusty guidance of a THX Optimizer and a bit of patience, a thorough play with the settings produces a calibre of picture we think befits the Sony’s asking price. And taking into account what that is, that's really saying something.

Reaping the rewards Spending time tweaking colour hues and experimenting with contrast modes pays off royally, so when we test the results on The Ridiculous 6, desert landscapes no longer look too richly hued. In fact, that spot-on palette coupled with gritty texture and wide-open insight provides a realism that’ll soon have you reaching for a glass of water.

IN DETAIL...

A motorised lens makes set-up – which can be done from your sofa – easy

Alongside the two HDMI side inputs are LAN (for control purposes only), IR and trigger connections

The good-sized remote is well featured and has optional backlighting

www.whathifi.com 9

FIRST TEST

We can’t fault the Sony’s design or quality of build but bear in mind that – at 20 x 50 x 47cm – it’s a bulky unit

The browns and golds of The Wild West jump out from one another, all subtly identifiable as different in tone. The darks of trees don’t compromise the bleach-white outfits standing in front of them and, similarly, the brightness of a campfire doesn’t sacrifice dark details in the characters sitting around it.

It’s up there with one of the most complete projected pictures we’ve ever seen, and we aren’t just talking about 4K performance. Those whose viewing habits lie mostly with Blu-ray, HD streams or DVD (which is more or less everyone) will have every reason to invest here too.

Taking a resolution knock to satisfy your Fargo addiction isn’t so bad. The HD picture sheds a layer of sharpness, losing its immaculate feel, yet it’s still a precise, mature display. Colour and contrast remain on the money – the snow as white as car tyres are black – and detail spreads evenly around the screen so textures in jumpers are as obvious as details in the cast's faces.

No sudden movements Motion handling doesn’t have us reaching for menu assistance (in the Sony’s case the ‘Motionflow’ mode), though anyone having

“It’s up there with one of the most complete projected pictures we’ve ever seen, and we aren’t just talking about 4K performance”

10 www.whathifi.com

trouble in that area should find a remedy in the ‘smooth high’ setting.

A common bugbear of the very first 4K TVs was the substandard quality of standard-def – after all, they have to upscale a huge amount to fill the screen. Visually, it’s a bit like flicking over to an episode of Fawlty Towers after you’ve just watched a glitzy new drama; you see that outlines have softened and freshness is lost.

Dealing with SD And not even a near-£9000 projector can make standard-definition content look spanking. We wouldn’t go as far as saying skyline panoramas in our Robocop DVD are crisp or the expressions of people in the background well etched. But the clarity exceeds our expectations and it’s a remarkable effort – one that rubs shoulders with the best we’ve seen from a 4K telly.

Compared with Blu-rays, more motion instability is noticeable as the camera pans across foyers, but the picture stays sufficiently coherent in action scenes. By and large, it’s more than watchable.

When an £8800 3D-compatible projector doesn’t come with any 3D glasses, though, it’s a bit like breaking the bank for a weekend’s paintball session and then having to shed out extra for pellets. Okay, so glasses are pretty cheap these days for those who enjoy the 3D movie experience, but it’s the principle…

That said, when that’s our only gripe, we can’t help but sing the Sony VPLVW520ES’s praises. It’s a beast of a performer with anything you throw at it and, at the moment, one of the most cutting-edge, future-proofed home cinema projectors money can buy.

If it’s within your grasp financially, and you’re all about the here-and-now rather than waiting to see what competitors respond with (because no doubt they will be hot on Sony’s heels) – and if you're excited by the benefits of HDR technology – we’d be hard-pushed to recommend anything else. Good job, Sony.

SYSTEM BUILDER Sort your source and amplification…

BLU-RAY PLAYER Cambridge Audio CXU ★★ ★ ★ ★ £1000 A multi-talented universal player

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIER Onkyo TX-NR3030 ★★ ★ ★ ★ £2500 High-end, high-quality surround sound

SPEAKER PACKAGE Kef R100 5.1 ★★ ★ ★ ★ £2850 A surround package to do the other kit justice

Total build £15,150

says

RATING ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ PICTURE FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT A feature-laden, pull-out-all-thestops performer that has a high degree of future-proofing built in

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FIRST TEST The sleek, glasstopped main unit sits under your TV while the more functional-looking subwoofer can be tucked out of sight

Philips Fidelio XS1 | Soundbase | £500

Slimline approach is a real tonic FOR Seamless integration; lots of inputs; innovative design

AGAINST Could do with greater subtlety and dynamics

Divide and conquer. That seems to be Philips’ tactic when it comes to soundbars.

Take the Award-winning HTL9100 from a few years ago, with side speakers that detached to double as wireless surrounds.

Now we have the Fidelio XS1 soundbase, and it looks as though the company has taken a similar approach. This one doesn’t come apart or transform, but it does have a wireless subwoofer that you stick under the sofa (if your sofa has a clearance of at least 9cm). Or behind it (not too close to the wall though – it doesn't play well with walls). Or next to it.

The point is to hide the bulk of the system, which means your TV gets to sit on something that doesn’t have the appearance or heft of a tombstone. That way you get substantial sound as well as slimline looks.

It’s sleek, as soundbases go. Metal and glass, plenty of class, and only 4cm high. It’s sturdy too: Philips says it can comfortably hold up 44kg, and we believe it. It looks and feels every penny of that £500 price tag.

mains power. Once plugged in, you could pair them manually, but we find the automatic connection works flawlessly.

A dimmable dot matrix display at the front does a clear, big-enough job of indicating which input you’ve selected.

Hook-up heaven It's well specified, too. A great many soundbars and soundbases come with only a digital optical input, with the idea that you plug everything into your TV, and then boost your sound with a single cable. Not so with the Philips Fidelio XS1.

On top of the digital optical input, you get digital coaxial in, HDMI in and out, plus a 3.5mm output for headphones. Then there’s the USB 2.0 port, for memory sticks containing MP3 and WMA music files. You also get aptX Bluetooth, with NFC (Near Field Communication) for speedy pairing.

Set-up is a painless process. The soundbase and subwoofer require separate

12 www.whathifi.com

★★★★ ★ KEY FEATURES

SLIMLINE SUBWOOFER

Know your settings Before you get listening, there are some final adjustments. We would advise turning off Auto Volume Leveller and Night Mode.

Those settings may keep your neighbours happy, but they restrain the dynamic range.

We’d also suggest turning the bass way down, because when you’re sitting right above a subwoofer, you really don’t want it higher than the -5 setting.

It’s time to get cracking, and few films get cracking like Captain America: The Winter Soldier on Blu-ray. The audio performance is a mixed, but mostly positive, bag.

We are seriously impressed by the integration between soundbase and subwoofer. At no point do we feel we are listening to two separate components – which cannot be said for many such systems. Whether you’re watching a conversation or a gunfight, there is no perceptible lag or miscommunication.

The subwoofer works well. Bass weight is never an issue – you get plenty of it, and it goes down deep, with the sort of rumble that occasionally and momentarily makes

BLUETOOTH WIDE CONNECTIVITY

you fear for your safety. At the top end the sound is clear and rounded, never sounding shrill even when you crank the volume. The midrange suffers, mind. We like a direct, open midrange and here it’s a bit recessed.

Then there’s the matter of dynamics. It’s an impactful performance for sure, and things kick up a notch when lips stop flapping and bullets start flying. But the Philips struggles with subtlety, and wide dynamic shifts don’t come easy. Voices don’t carry as much emotion as they should – when Samuel L Jackson doesn’t sound angry, you know something is amiss.

What are your priorities?

We compare the Philips with our favourite soundbase of around £500, the Geneva Model Cinema. That unit makes no attempt at Philips’ slimlining – nor does it have the low-end heft – but its performance is more faithful and more rounded.

It comes down to features versus performance. If you’re after outright performance, the likes of the Geneva make a more compelling argument. If you’re willing to trade some of the audio quality for features, connections and streamlined looks, the Philips Fidelio XS1 is spot-on.

If the subwoofer doesn't fit under your sofa you can stand it upright

says

RATING ★★ ★★ ★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT An innovative, well integrated design that gets the basics just right

FIRST TEST

Pure Evoke C-D6 | Stereo system | £250

We’re thinking outside this box FOR Powerful sound; decent balance; forward presentation

AGAINST Sound lacks detail; coarseness and fizz to treble

★★★ ★ ★

The Pure Evoke C-D6’s symmetrical face looks neat and a claimed 20W power output has us expecting a stout performance We were somewhat conflicted prior to testing the Pure Evoke C-D6. On one hand, we want to be able to recommend it – we don’t see many decent one-box systems at this price, so it would be nice if this could fill the gap. On the other, perhaps we don’t want a one-box system at this price. There’s a reason you can’t purchase a £250 house for example. You see, conflicted.

Stout performance Nominally, the Evoke C-D6 is a combination DAB and FM radio, CD player and Bluetooth speaker. It also has an aux input and headphone jack, room enough for 20 radio presets, and a radio/CD alarm. It’s an arsenal largely uncompromised by the price – for example, our current all-in-one Award winner, the £400 Ruark R2 Mk3, offers more extensive streaming features, but is without a CD drive.

The Evoke C-D6’s facial symmetry, setting to its edges a pair of 7.6cm wide-range drivers, is neat, and we’re pleased to find a substantial and well-built remote (which shouldn’t be, but has become, a rarity). Inside, its digital amplifier is pushing a claimed 20W of power, so we’re expecting a performance as stout as the box itself.

We begin with a CD, The National’s High Violet. There seems to be plenty of power here – Terrible Love opens the album with its alternately plodding, then racing, rhythmic motion, and it never feels lightweight or feeble. It times well enough to make enough sense of the top of the build with its confusing, crashing

percussion. We don’t get scalpel-like precision, but enough capability to be relatively pleased with what we hear.

A somewhat forward presentation also shines a light on Matt Berninger’s vocal, from which the Evoke C-D6 benefits. His isn’t always an easy voice to render, many of the deeper harmonics lost either because a speaker can’t reach deep enough to give it full body or because it can’t separate those tones from other instruments working in the lower frequencies. But for this price, this is a decently coherent performance.

Coarse and fizzy treble It benefits from its forward presentation mainly, however, because space-wise it is cramped. Sections with thinner arrangements – the more fragile Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, for example – aren’t so much affected, but as textures become busier, such as in Bloodbuzz Ohio, space between instruments is compressed to become close to claustrophobic.

It leads to little discernible background detail, which is a shame given that when we plug in our headphones we can hear that the Evoke C-D6 is not incapable. This in particular may be less alarming to those who listen mostly to stripped-back arrangements or talk radio, of course.

What remains our major concern, even when listening with headphones, is the quality of the treble. The general balance is fine, we don’t find the treble to stick out because there is too much, but there is a coarseness, fizziness even, to the top end.

After a short while it can become difficult to

listen to – all the more so when you turn the volume up higher. This character is unchanged as we switch between radio, Bluetooth and aux input.

With a track such as Lazarus from David Bowie’s Blackstar album, for example, the snare has a relentless fizz that is difficult to get over, the saxophone is unconvincing, sounding unreal, and there’s a hard edge to Bowie’s vocal that we find incongruous, and which detracts from enjoyable listening.

Does the job, no more The remote is substantial and well-built, which is something of rarity these days

KEY FEATURES

So what we have here is an all-in-one which, for its price tag, is okay. If you’re expecting the sound quality of the Ruark but on the cheap, you’re out of luck. We’d suggest either upping your budget, or foregoing the one-box solution and trump both with an all-in-one system such as Denon’s Award-winning D-M40DAB. But if £250 is a concrete ceiling to your budget, and not being one-box is a deal breaker, the Evoke C-D6 will do the job decently, but really no better than that.

BLUETOOTH

says

RATING ★★★ ★ CD PLAYER

★

SOUND FEATURES BUILD

DAB RADIO

VERDICT Sonically, the Pure Evoke C-D6 could be better – compromise on price or space and there are better options

www.whathifi.com 13

FIRST TEST

Onkyo TX-8150 | Network system | £550

“Looks one of the bargains of the year“ FOR Full-bodied sound; agile rhythm and good dynamics

AGAINST Phono stage could be better; plain appearance

Don’t let the description of the Onkyo TX-8150 as a ‘network receiver’ underwhelm you: this unassuming, modestly priced box is a packed with every streaming feature you can think of, has a powerful amplifier, a high-resolution DAC and support for streaming services like Spotify and Deezer.

Music stored on laptops and smartphones, it’ll play it. A turntable? It’ll play that too.

All this for £550? If that’s starting to look like one of the bargains of the year, you’re right. But it’s not all about specs. The TX-8150 is an engaging performer that will have you listening to music for hours.

wispy, breathy vocals of The Unthanks are wonderfully direct and nuanced, sounding sweet and packed with character.

Big rock anthems sound rousing, while orchestral pieces flourish in the big, airy presentation. Instruments are allowed ample space to flaunt their harmonies, with rich textures of guitar strings and piano notes delivered with confidence and ease.

If judged by the highest standards it could do with a touch more weight and impact with the drum kicks, and more emphatic piano clunks, but at no point do we feel shortchanged.

“But it’s not all about specs. The TX-8150 is an engaging performer that'll have you listening to music for hours” We kick off with The Dresden Dolls’ My Alcoholic Friends, played through our reference streamer into the Onkyo’s linelevel input. The TX-8150 charges through the punchy song with a cheerful sense of rhythm. The low end is impressively taut and controlled, perpetuating a sense of tension that keeps you wanting more.

There are no flabby basslines, no brash edges. It’s a full-bodied, richly detailed sound that’s enjoyable to listen to. We particularly like just how clear and revealing the TX-8150 is with voices. The

14 www.whathifi.com

KEY FEATURES

BLUETOOTH

DLNA

24/192 KHz I-

S

Very well connected Switch to the digital coaxial input, and the result is a thinner, less vigorous sound.

Voices aren’t quite as upfront – there’s less body to the song and the dynamics shrink down, but that snappy, taut rhythm remains. It still makes you want to carry on listening.

The true test of the TX-8150 comes when we stream using the wired ethernet connection. The sonic performance is strong: great rhythm, plenty of detail and a big, spacious sound that draws you into every song you’re listening to. Eric Bibb’s guitar strums are crisp and detailed when played in DSD. PJ Harvey’s voice sounds just as emotive and insightful when streamed.

Bluetooth is surprisingly robust, too.

With the Star Wars: The Force Awakens soundtrack playing over Spotify from an Apple iPhone 6S, we’re easily hooked into

SYSTEM BUILDER

STEREO SPEAKERS: Dali Zensor 3 ★★ ★ ★ ★ £300 Enthusiastic, big-sounding speakers will work wonderfully with the Onkyo system

★★★★★

SMARTPHONE: Apple iPhone 6S ★★ ★ ★ ★ £540 Stream songs and control the Onkyo with this powerful and great-sounding smartphone

The remote is practical, with neat and easy-tooperate buttons, and it works seamlessly with the receiver

John Williams’ masterful compositions.

The TX-8150 charges along with nimble rhythm and a convincing sense of dynamism when playing the playful and sprightly Rey’s Theme.

The only slight let down is the movingmagnet phono stage. David Bowie’s vocals on Starman sound a touch reedy and lack some vocal subtlety, with less of that soaring passion and sparking detail coming through. Ziggy Stardust deserves a more nuanced and capable treatment. It’s the only blip in the TX-8150’s box of tricks.

But we’re not expecting a truly fantastic phono stage here, not at this price level. It’s a good feature to include so you have the choice of plugging in a turntable for a casual listen, but if you’re serious about your vinyl, invest in a separate phono stage.

The Onkyo receiver is kitted out with a wealth of connections – there are not only six line-level inputs and that movingmagnet phono stage, but you can also connect your TV or set-top box using the optical and coaxial inputs.

But it's the streaming capabilities of the TX-8150 that make it such a versatile machine. If your music collection is stored on a NAS drive, laptop or smartphone, you can stream those files through the TX-8150 and out of your favourite speakers – just make sure all the devices are connected to the same network. Or simply use Bluetooth or AirPlay to play songs directly from your smartphone or tablet.

That’s not all: there’s native support for streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Deezer and TuneIn internet radio (although sound quality is a bit patchy). Add in DAB and FM tuners, and you’re unlikely to run out of music to listen to any time soon.

It’s just as versatile when it comes to music file types. The Onkyo TX-8150

FIRST TEST For such a modern device, the Onkyo TX-8150 is a rather old-fashioned looking box of streaming tricks

doesn’t snub its nose at low-resolution recordings, taking standard MP3s and Spotify streams in stride as well as hi-res 24-bit/192kHz FLAC and WAV files. You can play hi-res and DSD 5.6MHz files through all physical inputs, and when using the wired ethernet connection to stream.

Connecting the Onkyo to your home’s network (and pairing with smart devices) is easily done through the set-up menu, and while the wi-fi works fine, it is more secure with the wired ethernet connection. If you are going to be using wi-fi, you’ll also be limited to 24-bit/88.2kHz files, and won’t be able to play any DSD tracks.

You can, however, play DSD and other hi-res songs off a memory stick or hard drive using the front panel’s USB port.

There are two sets of speaker terminals, if you want to drive speakers in a different room. And a 6.3mm headphone jack on the front panel gives you the option of some private listening in the twilight hours.

An old-fashioned streamer As modern as its features are, the TX-8150’s façade remains distinctly old fashioned. In fact, it looks exactly like one of Onkyo’s traditional AV receivers: a black rectangular box that focuses purely on function. Ideally we’d like something that looks a bit more stylish and special. But buttons and knobs for the inputs and volume all work perfectly, and when a feature-laden streaming product such as this works without hiccups or stutters, we can’t complain too much.

The black and green display is large and legible. You’ll be able to tell exactly what you’re listening to, through which input,

The connections include six line level inputs and a moving magnet phono stage for plugging in your TV or set-top box

USE IT WITH Spotify £10/month Spotify’s vast catalogue and user-friendly interface makes it our go-to streaming service for music

and how loudly it’s playing with just one glance at the Onkyo’s fascia. The included remote control is just as practical, with neatly laid out buttons that are easy to operate. It works seamlessly with the receiver: there’s a button for each input, and they respond instantly.

If you’re streaming from various devices around the house and listening to radio regularly, we’d recommend downloading the Onkyo Remote 3 app to make using it that bit easier. It’s free for Apple and Android users, and is straightforward to use, with a minimal interface that is fuss-free and simple to use. A dropdown menu lets you pick your source, and control the volume from each screen – it’s not flashy and there is the occasional lag, but it’s handy to have when you’re scrolling through long lists of songs.

Everything about the Onkyo TX-8150 is practical and functional. While that’s a godsend for a streaming product, that alone

doesn’t get this Onkyo the full five stars.

What makes the TX-8150 a truly recommendable product is just how well it performs. We find ourselves playing one song after another, just enjoying the sound.

The clear detail, fluid dynamics and agile rhythm make every song fun to listen to.

If you’re after a streaming system that does it all for a very tempting price, you can’t go wrong with this talented Onkyo.

says

RATING ★★ ★ ★ ★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT An enjoyable performance from this feature-packed and affordable Onkyo streaming system that can play it all

www.whathifi.com 15

FIRST TEST

Audioquest JitterBug | USB noise filter | £40

“A clear head versus a hangover” FOR Affordable; encourages a more solid and precise sound

AGAINST Improvement can be product-dependent

Upgrading your hi-fi system needn’t always involve a hefty blow to your wallet – an affordable little tweak here and there can make a world of difference. With a desktop audio system, it could be adding a little critter like the Audioquest JitterBug. Slightly larger than your average USB memory stick, JitterBug plugs into your computer’s USB socket and acts as a link between your computer and DAC, whether it’s a standalone converter or housed in a headphone amp or traditional stereo amp.

The thinking goes there’s a lot of noise and interference coursing through the circuitry of your average desktop computer or laptop, the main source of which is your computer’s own power supply. JitterBug’s job is to act as a passive filter and dissipate any noise before the signal enters your DAC.

★★ ★ ★ ★

Slightly larger than a USB memory stick, the JitterBug filters noise interference before the signal enters your DAC

Punctuating the right places So does it work? We tested JitterBug with a number of different products and varying qualities of source material. We kick off with Audioquest’s own DragonFly USB DAC hooked up to a MacBook Pro. Fed a CD rip of Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Don’t Forget Me, there’s more meat on the bones of the opening guitar riff, there’s more solidity to each note and you can hear the subtle differences as different levels of force are applied to the strings.

Drum thwacks hit with more conviction, punctuating the track in all the right places without disrupting its rhythm. There’s also more detail and insight to the echo and reverb that halos Anthony Kiedis’s vocal.

You are presented with a rich, detailed picture, even if you swap to a 320kbps Spotify stream of the same track.

Take JitterBug out of the chain and you’re back to square one. The song sounds

vague in comparison. Those punctuation marks and leading edges are all less pronounced. The clarity is replaced by a murky fog and as a result, rhythms are harder to follow. It’s like the difference between a hangover and a clear head.

We step up a level to the Award-winning Chord Mojo and a similar pattern emerges.

Switching tracks to The Border, taken from the soundtrack to gangster flick Sicario, the track sounds dramatic enough without using the JitterBug. But slot it into the system and the tension and drama goes up

USE IT WITH STREAMING SERVICE Tidal £20/pm

★★ ★ ★ ★ Tidal’s CD-quality streams sound clear, crisp and packed with detail through the Audioquest pairing

a notch. There’s immense power and solidity to the pulsing drumbeat, and a level of dynamism and attack on display that goes missing when JitterBug bugs out.

Even with more laid-back tracks such as The 1975’s So Far (It’s Alright), you can hear the Jitterbug have an impact. The dynamic shifts between bass notes sounds much clearer and more lucid. Percussion has more of a cutting edge and sparkle.

Our doubts evaporate The next step on our journey is the Mojo’s bigger brother, Hugo. And here the story takes a twist. The improvements in sound quality are there: the increased robustness, the upsurge in dynamics and clarity are all present and correct, but the music doesn’t flow quite as effortlessly – it’s as if the extra weight and solidity stunt the natural flow.

It’s a strange one, especially when we swap the Hugo for DAC input of Cambridge Audio’s Azur 851N streamer. Any previous questions we had evaporate, and once again the positive status quo is resumed.

The xx’s Heart Skipped A Beat sounds punchier and more precise than ever.

Clarity goes up a notch soundstage opens up and the his ‘n’ hers vocals hang beautifully. Shifts between high and low dynamics are more explicit and the track displays a new-found sparkle.

Audioquest even claims that using two JitterBugs in parallel can make a difference, but in our experience using one had much more of a significant impact.

Nine times out of ten we’d rather have a Jitterbug in our system than leave it out. If it fits your current set-up, we’d certainly recommend taking one for a spin – it’s a clever, audio-improving critter.

SYSTEM BUILDER says

RATING ★★ ★ ★ ★ SOUND COMPATIBILITY

LAPTOP Apple MacBook Pro from £900 Our go-to laptop stores all our hi-res tunes and is easy to use

16 www.whathifi.com

DAC Audioquest DragonFly v1.2 ★★ ★ ★ ★ £130 Delivers a potent combination of musicality and dynamics

HEADPHONES AKG Y50 £80 ★★ ★ ★ ★ Style, comfort and sound quality in spades. They’re a great pair of on-ears, for home or portable use

BUILD

VERDICT It might not look like much, but for the results it produces this affordable USB upgrade is well worth investigating

FIRST TEST

Samsung UE65JS9000 | SUHD Television | £2800

“Avery tempting proposition indeed” FOR Impressive sharpness; lovely colours; that curve

Samsung had a very good 2015. Its TV range earned a swathe of glowing reviews, including five sets that went on to win What Hi-Fi? Awards. Yes, it’s 2016, which means the new range is due in months. But that doesn’t mean you ought to write off the current models, especially when they have been discounted at several retailers.

The £2800 price tag is a significant step down from this set’s launch price of £3700, and a good deal considering the UE65JS9000 is very nearly at the top of the Samsung hierarchy. It sits only one step down from the UE65JS9500, which offers slightly more advanced processing.

Not that you’ll be left wanting once you clap eyes on the JS9000, which is ranked highly enough to qualify for SUHD status – Samsung’s way of differentiating its very

AGAINST 3D glasses sold separately; that curve

KEY FEATURES

65IN SCREEN

CURVED

★★ ★ ★ ★

about these days, thanks to the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

The Samsung makes the most of those 8.3 million pixels, and you get clarity and sharpness in spades. It’s easy to make out the texture of Parmesan cheese on Chef’s Table with virtually no picture noise. As for colours, those nano-crystals give you lush, expressive hues. It’s a wide colour palette – and doesn’t look exaggerated or false.

Detail in the shadows UPGRADABLE

Contrast performance is strong, with no problems juggling bright whites and deep blacks. Those black levels are surprisingly deep for an edge-lit LED panel, with a good amount of detail in shadows, but we don't think this TV goes quite as black as the top-of-the-line Samsung UE65JS9500.

“The Samsung UE65JS9000 worth it? We think so. It is an excellent TV from a series that has done extremely well. We like the big-screen picture, the sound and its smart features” best from ‘regular’ TVs offering 3840 x 2160 Ultra High Definition (usually known as 4K).

What does the S stand for? Nobody knows. ‘Super’ would make sense but it could easily be ‘Sith’ or ‘Smarties’. In any case, it refers to the use of fancy processing and nano-crystal technology, where a thin layer of the stuff in the display panel emits light in various colours according to their size. SUHD TVs claim to thoroughly embarrass conventional UHD TVs: 64 times the colour expression, 2.5 times the brightness and 10 times darker blacks.

While we’re not entirely convinced by those numbers, we can verify that the Samsung UE65JS9000 offers a picture of extraordinary beauty. We begin with UHD footage, because there’s a lot more of it

18 www.whathifi.com

Outputs such as USB ports are housed on the ‘One Connect’ box, connected to the TV via a single proprietary cable

This TV is also compatible with High Dynamic Range (HDR). While there is still a dearth of HDR content, what we find on Amazon Instant Video is impressive.

The colour gamut is wider and more life-like, while still resisting the temptation to get psychedelic.

Step down to Blu-ray and the Samsung proves itself an adept upscaler of Full HD 1080p. It is sharp enough that we don’t feel the need to switch back to UHD. The standard definition you get from DVDs and most TV channels is significantly less clean and defined, as expected. Overall, though, this is a hugely impressive picture.

With Samsung's 8.3 million pixels, you get clarity and sharpness in spades and a wide colour palette that looks convincing We are surprised by the sound. We’ve come to expect flat TVs to sound thin and hard, but that isn’t the case here.

There is a 4.2channel sound system, four front-firing drivers and dual subwoofers. It’s not the stuff of a hi-fi system, but the weight, clarity definition and spread mean you don’t need a soundbar straight away.

Check out the curves The design doesn’t wander far from the rest of the 2015 range. Expect a slim bezel and a minimalist Y-shaped stand, with a single point holding the screen up. Some of the lower models in the range had a wobbling issue, but this one is sturdier and heavier. It takes two people to install the thing, especially if you’re wall-mounting.

The screen has a curvature of 4200R, which refers to a radius of 4200cm. That means it’s a fairly gentle bend, so you’re not anchored in the central viewing position.

But the curve itself isn't necessary, so check it out in a showroom before spending cash.

As a member of Samsung’s top tier, the UE65JS9000 is well connected. The

FIRST TEST

IN DETAIL...

We might not know for sure what the 'S' stands for, but SUHD denotes this as one of Samsung’s top sets

The elegant stand design is simple, yet effective. It feels significantly more sturdy than previous efforts

highlights are four HDMI sockets, three USB ports (one of them a 3.0), optical digital output and ethernet, as well as aerial and satellite connections.

Samsung maintains the habit of moving all these bits and pieces off-site – you won’t find them on the back of the telly. Instead they are on a separate ‘One Connect’ box, which connects to the TV via a single proprietary cable. This saves space on the TV itself, and it also means you could position the connections somewhere more accessible than down the back of the shelf.

Samsung sees these One Connect boxes as an external upgrade option, so you won’t need to buy a new TV just to get the latest connections, chipsets and smart features.

Curiously, Samsung doesn’t seem to think much of 3D’s longevity. This set supports active 3D, but no glasses are provided.

Smarter navigation Samsung’s operating system, Tizen, looks remarkably similar to LG’s Web OS. The idea is that you can jump between apps, TV programmes and physical inputs as easily as flicking between channels.

No longer are you booted off whatever you’re watching and made to watch a loading screen while the TV brings up a ‘smart’ landing page. You navigate the

USE IT WITH

options on a pop-up menu, like the ones on a Blu-ray disc – all without interrupting your current programming. It’s useful, though navigation isn’t the smoothest.

Even with the set’s octa-core processor we experience the occasional lag and stutter.

By contrast, LG’s WebOS is silky smooth.

Is the Samsung UE65JS9000 worth it?

We think so. It is an excellent TV from the top of a series that has done extremely well.

We like the big-screen picture, we like the sound, and we like its smart features. Factor in the drop in price and this becomes a very tempting proposition indeed.

Netflix £10pm Our 2015 Awardwinner is the complete video streaming service

The Samsung comes with a choice of remote controls – both are nicely designed and simple to use

says

RATING ★★ ★ ★ ★ PICTURE SOUND FEATURES

There are volume and channel controls on the rear panel, which can be used should you misplace both remotes

VERDICT A top-tier 4K TV with superb picture and sound, plus smart features, now available for less? It’s hugely tempting

www.whathifi.com 19

FIRST TEST

RHA T20 | In-ear headphones | £180

RHA doesn’t drop the ball with T20s FOR Plenty of detail; punchy and exciting; comfortable fit

AGAINST More accuracy needed with complex rhythms

No, it’s got nothing to do with cricket, but that won’t necessarily prevent us from trying to fill this review with dreadful/ terrific T20-based dad jokes.

Right off the bat (sorry!) these RHA in-ears appear befitting of their substantial price tag. Of course quality isn’t measured in grams, but the T20s’ thick rubber cord and kidney-shaped stainless steel earpieces weigh a reassuring 39g. It’s probably worth noting here that you’ll need to spend an extra tenner on the T20i for the pleasure of an inline microphone.

Despite the subtleties the T20s are able to unearth, they are also capable of entertaining, in no small part thanks to a decent amount of driving low end.

However, that depth isn’t only useful for bass-driven songs. Fast forward to tracks as sparse as The Railway House and you experience the support it gives the whole midrange. The song keeps its light-footed airiness in the absence of bass frequencies, but there’s a solidity and warmth to the vocal that keeps a satisfying balance.

So what’s the catch (shoehorning in another cricket pun) then? Comparison with the Shure SE425s highlights a few of the T20s’ weaknesses. We find the Shures to be more dynamically expressive and more accurate articulators, especially when dealing with more complex rhythms.

Play something such as 65Daysofstatic’s Drove Through Ghosts To Get Here, for example, constantly accelerating and

Heavy metal Although they're a third heavier than RHA’s main rival at this price point, the Awardwinning Shure SE425, it needn’t be an issue thanks to support from the T20s’ over-ear cabling. In fact, these are some of the most comfortable in-ears we’ve tested, and they also come armed with a selection of 10

“What’s more, this is a performance full of life. The bass and 4/4 kick drum have real impetus that steers the song from the moment their beat kicks in. There's a decent amount of driving low end” interchangeable tips, including doubleflange and memory-foam types.

Much of the T20s’ mass is housing what RHA has dubbed its Revolutionary DualCoil dynamic driver. The purpose of the additional, independently moving voice coil here is to separate higher and lower frequency signals and produce a more accurate overall reproduction. There’s certainly some logic there.

The performance tends to support the theory. We play Patrick Wolf’s Wind In The Wires and are struck immediately by the detail in the introduction of the album’s opening track, The Libertine. As the piano and violin meander towards a beginning, there is ample room beneath to accommodate the insect-like scraping percussion and electric hum.

As the piece progresses, we’re drawn to each of the subtler accompaniments: the lightly strumming acoustic guitar, the sampled horse hooves and octave-up doubled vocal. What’s more, this is a performance full of life. The bass and 4/4 kick drum have real impetus that steers the song from the moment their beat begins.

20 www.whathifi.com

★★★★ ★

One of the most comfortable in-ears we’ve tested, the T20s also have a selection of ten interchangable tips

You can tweak the settings on the T20s with three interchangeable filters – reference, bass and treble

decelerating and broadening in percussive texture. The T20s don’t lose pace – they’re quite capable of expressing the rubato – but are less precise with each glitch and beat as the rhythms grow to near a cacophony.

Bowled over That loss in accuracy is likely due to the rich bass, which the Shures cannot match – nor do they offer the same solidity and warmth to the midrange – but it's enough, along with the less able grasp of subtler dynamics, to have the T20s drop a star.

While you can combat this to a point by tweaking the amount of low end via the interchangeable filters – ‘Reference’ filters come attached, but also included are ‘bass’ and ‘treble’ filters – it isn’t drastic enough a change and you sacrifice the overall balance of our preferred choice ‘Reference’.

But this is a high four; we like the T20s.

They are detailed, punchy, fun and have an impressive amount of low end. Though we’d want a little more to challenge the Award-winning Shure SE425s at this price, we’d be lying if we told you we weren’t bowled over by them. So, how’s that?

KEY FEATURES

39g

says

RATING ★★ ★★ ★ FILTER CHOICE

SOUND BUILD

STEEL BODY

COMFORT

VERDICT If you’re after an entertaining, exciting sound with plenty of detail and low end, the RHA T20 could be your match

FIRST TEST

Motorola Moto X Force | Smartphone | £475, free on contract

“...ballistic nylon...”

FOR Sharp picture; shatterproof screen; expandable storage

Accidents happen. It’s inevitable. That’s why we love it when manufacturers not only keep that in mind, but also show off how much they’ve kept that in mind. Take the Moto X Force. So confident is Motorola that you won’t be able to break its screen, that it is guaranteed against cracking and shattering for four years of 'typical' use.

This ruggedness is down to Motorola’s ‘ShatterShield’ technology, a display comprising five layers (instead of the typical three). At the top is a sheet of hardened plastic and glass, followed by a dual touch-sensitive layer, which senses the prod of your fingertips. Underneath that is an AMOLED panel with a resolution of 2560x1440, also known as Quad HD. And, finally, an aluminium chassis holds it all together. The plastic layer is userreplaceable, so you could fix any minor damage yourself.

This is all on top of Motorola’s approach to building phones. The metal frame is good, but the option to customise the rest of the phone is something special. The Moto Maker website lets you choose a phone back made of tough fabric (‘ballistic nylon’), soft-touch plastic, or leather.

AGAINST Colours could be more natural; poor low-light pics

KEY FEATURES

“This is Motorola’s best smartphone yet. Picture and sound performance could be better, but in almost every other respect it's a remarkable device”

BLUETOOTH

DLNA 24/192 KHz

HI-RES

We all want vibrant colours, but the Moto X Force overdoes it a little and ends up looking not entirely realistic. Skies are a little too blue, street lamps too yellow and there's a slight green tint that prevents whites from achieving a fresh-snow purity.

However, we are impressed by the clarity of the screen. QHD resolution and a pixel density of 540 pixels per inch may be overkill for a 5.4in screen, but the image is about as sharp as you get on a smartphone.

Sound is also good, but not truly great.

There’s clarity and organisation – it’s easy to make out the various textures and vocals,

Plenty of storage space It also lets you upgrade the internal storage from the standard 32GB to 64GB. However, that’s not entirely necessary, because the Moto X Force has what is increasingly rare in the world of premium smartphones: expandable memory. The SIM tray has a secondary slot for microSD cards up to 2TB. To go with its extensive storage capabilities, the Moto X Force has a powerful 3760mAh battery. We play a 720p video on loop for 15 hours and 30 minutes before it gives out. There's also an updated version of Motorola’s TurboPower charging. We go from zero to 20 per cent charge in 10 minutes, and just over 90 per cent in an hour. The phone also offers wireless charging, compatible with QI and PMA type chargers.

But when it comes to sound and picture performance, we’d file this under ‘almost there’. There’s much to like, but there are also flaws. The picture demonstrates the typical strengths and weaknesses we’ve seen in phones with AMOLED screens.

Contrast is lovely. It’s a more dramatic look than the LCD of an iPhone 6S, with livelier colours, brighter whites and darker blacks.

★★ ★ ★ ★

and they’re not all crammed in there. It is powerful and articulate enough to handle the dynamic shifts of Ennio Morricone’s The Hateful Eight soundtrack, for example.

Tonal balance is okay, although the midrange feels a little too keen. Timing could also be a little tighter – we still prefer the iPhone 6S’s rhythmic agility and snap.

Not right in low light The camera is let down by flaws. The 21MP sensor has plenty going for it in good lighting conditions – images are sharp and colours are natural. The default camera software lets you set separate focus and exposure settings but, without optical image stabilisation, it is much harder to achieve sharp images in low light. Overall it is a decent camera, but beaten by those on the LG G4 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

One area of operation that doesn’t disappoint is the operating system. The Moto X Force ships with Android 5.1 Lollipop, driven by Qualcomm’s 2.0GHz octa-core Snapdragon 810 processor and 3GB of RAM. It can be upgraded to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which positively flies.

What you get is a slick experience free from annoying third-party bloatware – both Samsung and Sony should take note.

There’s no doubt this is Motorola's best smartphone yet. Picture and sound performance could be better, but in almost every other respect it's a remarkable device – powerful, smart and shatterproof. Factor in an asking price significantly lower than the flagship competition and you have a force to be reckoned with.

says

RATING ★★ ★★ ★ SCREEN

The Moto X Force is a powerful smartphone with a fine AMOLED screen and it's at a price to get its rivals properly concerned

SOUND FEATURES

VERDICT A solid performance and neat customisable features make this smartphone a force to be reckoned with

www.whathifi.com 21

FIRST TEST

VPI Nomad | Turntable | £795

“All-in-one, high-end, entry-level turntable” ★★★ ★ ★

FOR Good amount of detail; entertaining character

AGAINST Lack of subtle dynamics; build issues

It must be quite a daunting task to name a new hi-fi product. So bizarre or tangential are so many of the titles, it often seems that manufacturers haven’t really bothered trying to come up with anything that relates to the product in question at all.

But naming this one the Nomad makes sense. Although we concede that it's highly unlikely that many nomadic tribes are actually interested in hi-fi, if they were this turntable from VPI would appear to suit many of their demands.

and removing the stylus guard. Its cartridge is the well-regarded Ortofon 2M Red, and is mounted on a nine-inch stainless steel tonearm. The plinth is vinyl-covered MDF, there's nothing particularly flash here.

Despite the not inconsiderable pricetag, we have some concerns regarding the Nomad’s build. Though we are particularly impressed by the quality of the oil-bath bearing when dropping on the platter, we are disappointed by the platter itself – specifically, it isn’t flat.

When it begins spinning, it appears to wobble immediately. Placing a finger beneath the spinning plate highlights quite a major discrepancy. How much this affects the Nomad’s performance is difficult to determine.

Perhaps it's so minimal that, sonically, it could barely be an issue at all – nonetheless, it is indicative of poor quality control.

Though it affects only the platter, you would want to cast a critical eye over the Nomad if you were to pick one up.

Served on a platter VPI, whose extensive history of designing quality premium turntables speaks for itself, calls this the first all-in-one, high-end entry-level turntable. Its built-in phono stage and headphone amp mean that all you need to pair it with is some headphones or even desktop speakers.

Many people will still connect to a standard stereo amplifier via the usual RCA outputs, but the Nomad’s versatility should not go unnoted even so. It certainly promises to take the hassle out of decent-quality vinyl listening.

That fuss-free aspect extends to the set-up, which is no more complicated than adding the turntable platter and belt (there are separate grooves on the pulley for changing speed between 33⅓ and 45rpm),

Included in the price Having connected the Nomad to our reference system, we first play Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1 in F Minor as performed the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kiril Kondrashin.

Before we begin, it’s worth reminding

ourselves that this is not an £800 turntable, as such; its built-in headphone amp and phono stage leave us, for comparison’s sake, probably somewhere around £500.

Still, the sound is upbeat and nicely textured. Brass and string sections converse with balmy swells and spritely retorts in what is a suitably lively but easily listenable opening.

Comfortable with the shifts Generally speaking, it is a well-balanced presentation. There is no harshness as strings stab, nor is there a rolling-off in the treble. Though we aren’t hearing walltrembling levels of low end, the sound is nicely weighted, with enough bass to support what can be a pleasantly tender midrange. While not attempting to accentuate it unduly, the Nomad fully subscribes to analogue warmth.

There is a good amount of detail as well; individual instruments sound authentic and are easily distinguishable, with well-defined timbre – vibrato and glissandos are prominent and aid expression well.

KEY FEATURES

PHONO STAGE

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

MANUAL SPEED CHANGE

IN DETAIL...

Being all-in-one means you can just pair it with headphones or speakers

22 www.whathifi.com

The pre-mounted tone arm is a nicely engineered unit

Accomplished Ortofon 2M Redtone cartridge provides a balanced sound

The belt on the pulley changes speed between 33⅓ and 45rpm

FIRST TEST

“We were intending to award the Nomad four stars – sonically, this is a recommendable product. It isn’t truly exceptional, but does most things very well for the money”

Easy set-up and a a balanced sound make the Nomad a recommended product, if platter issues can be fixed This isn’t the most analytical level of detail we’ve heard, but is abundant enough to draft an engaging portrait of the piece.

And of dynamics, we can hardly be disappointed by the rumble and boom of the timpani or shrieks of chopping strings.

The Nomad is more than comfortable with those large-scale shifts. There is room for improvement when it comes to subtler dynamics, those often minimal but ultimately expressive peaks and dips in force that give each part its personality.

There is enough there to hold our attention – it’s ultimately enjoyable – but we aren’t as completely absorbed as we would be if the sound were a little more sensitive to those elements.

Watch this space The only thing we’d like a bit more of in the mix is space. It isn’t that the sound is overly compressed, but it can sometimes be difficult to separate instruments when textures build in one frequency band.

Changing tack somewhat with The Twilight Sad’s Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave, we notice this more. With crunching guitars often doused with a healthy amount of reverb, we get a warm wash of sound but one that can

become a tad one-dimensional. We don’t want our music to be clinical – this feels to us like a turntable built on musicality rather than analysis – but we would welcome just a little more insight.

James Graham’s vocal could also be more expressive – a symptom of that marginal lack of subtle dynamics – but otherwise we like the sound. There’s enough transparency here to be able to discern the change in recording and production from live orchestra to studio album, but that same warmth and satisfying balance is present.

Versatile and sonically fine We’re pleased to say the same is also true when we plug in a pair of headphones. Of course, we can’t expect exactly the same performance as when using our reference amplifier and floorstanding speakers, but the general character of the sound is pretty uniform anyway.

So let’s be clear: we were intending to award the Nomad four stars. It isn’t truly exceptional, but does most things either well or very well for the money. And that's before you even consider its versatility, sonically this is very much a recommendable product.

However, that issue with the quality control has cost the Nomad a fourth star.

Our review sample arrived with a poorly machined turntable platter, and we can’t be entirely confident that there won’t be similar pressing issues with other units. If that becomes no longer a problem, we would absolutely consider revising this three-star rating.

If the Nomad fits your budget and your priorities, we recommend you go and check one out for yourself. They’re right, as far as we’re concerned, about this being an anomaly in terms of high-end, all-in-one turntables, and it wouldn’t be only a lack of alternatives that would lead you to taking one home, or, for that matter, away.

TURNTABLE HEAD-TOHEAD p41 Award-winner Clearaudio Concept goes head-to-head with a Pro-Ject 2Xperience.

Which comes out on top?

says

RATING ★★★ ★

★

SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT The VPI Nomad is only let down by questionable quality control. Worth an audition, but needs careful inspection

www.whathifi.com 23

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, both due this summer. We got up close and personal at CES 2016

F O R A L L T H E L AT E S T C E S N E W S A N D P R O D U C T S , V I S I T W W W.W H AT H I F I . C O M

Evolution of the Technics SL-1200

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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.

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.

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

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

TURNTABLE HEAD TO HEAD Need a top deck now?

See how the Clearaudio Concept and Pro-ject 2 Xperience compare on page 41.

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

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.

www.whathifi.com 25

INSIDER

INSIDER

TOP FIVE LAUNCHES

1 OMA Imperia $280,000 That price tag might seem a touch steep, but bear in mind that for the best part of £200k you'll get "the ultimate speaker from OMA", which uses various horns to deliver sound. Put it like that and it almost seems a bargain… whf.cm/OMAImperia

1

The latest news from the world of tech 3 Elipson turntables from £200 French manufacturer Elipson has launched a new range of turntables. Features include built-in phono pre-amplifiers, Bluetooth wireless streaming and Ortofon cartridges. For more information, go to whf.cm/ElipsonTurntables

2

2 3D TV on its way out?

It's bad news for anyone still eagerly using the format, but both Samsung and LG are reportedly planning to cut down on the number of 3D-compatible products they produce. Emerging technologies such as 4K, HDR and Ultra HD Blu-ray will be given more attention. For the full story, visit whf.cm/RIP_3D

3

4 Roksan K3 DAC £1500 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". whf.cm/K3_DAC

26 www.whathifi.com

5

4

5 Q Acoustics Media 7000 £800 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. whf.cm/Media7000

G R O U P T E ST

When the music takes you to another place, why tie yourself to the source? Now’s the time to cut loose with these excellent wireless headphones

Parrot Zik 3.0 £280 p34

28 www.whathifi.com

Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H8 £380 p30

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless £380 p35

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

Beats Solo 2 Wireless £230 p31

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless £330 p32

Soundmagic WP10 £250 p37 Sony MDR-1ABT £250 p36

www.whathifi.com 29

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

CH CORD-CUTTING, NOT

ORD-CUTTING

B&O BeoPlay H8 £380 FOR Effective noise-cancelling; full-bodied listen; look stylish

AGAINST Bass a little fat; slight thud with movement

★★★★ ★

Decent-sounding wireless headphones no longer cost the earth – just look at the Award-winning AKG Y50BTs (£150). But when they serve up noise-cancelling and premium material trimmings too, you should expect to pay top whack – as you do for the Award-winning Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless. Here, out to rival them, are B&O’s BeoPlay H8s.

and balanced, with no hint of hiss to give away the wirelessness. From detail to dynamics, it’s a good all-round performance.

It takes one play of Mercury Rev’s Holes to appreciate how impressively solid and detailed the midrange is. Every vocal croon is communicated, while breathy woodwinds, whining musical saws and soaring trumpets are lathered in clarity and texture.

They offer decent timing and dynamics to the stepping keyboard rhythm too, and while the H8s can’t layer the opening ethereal orchestration as well as the more transparent Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wirelesses, nor sound quite as cohesive or precise, there is generous insight to enjoy.

More sound per pound ‘Plush’ may well be the Danish brand’s middle name, what with some of the eye-pleasing designs it fashions. A fusion of leather, aluminium and plastic, our off-nude Agrilla Bright sample looks classy, but there’s also a Gray Hazel (grey and dark brown) finish too.

The memory-foam lambskin-coated earpads sit just right, and are plump enough to keep their shape and comfort level for long periods. Padding underneath the leather headband makes sure the H8s are kind to your head.

Down to the wire

IN DETAIL...

The right earcup has a jack for wired use, a microUSB slot and an on/off switch

The left earcup has a compartment for a rechargeable – and replaceable – battery

30 www.whathifi.com

There’s a circular metal plate on each earcup, with the right one packing a headphone jack for wired use, a microUSB input for charging, and a switch for on/off and Bluetooth pairing.

There are touch-sensitive playback controls too – and, once memorised, actions become second nature.

The controls are redundant during wired use, although noise-cancelling is still good and works for up to 35 hours on a single charge. A full three-hour charge should get 14 hours of playback with Bluetooth and noise-cancelling activated, or 16 hours of Bluetooth alone.

On the left earcup you’ll see a compartment for the rechargeable battery, which is handily replaceable.

Having a spare could see the end of your weekend camping woes, keeping you listening twice as long when you’re away from a power outlet. As far as accessories go, there’s a soft drawstring bag, a flight adapter and two lengths of cable for listening through a wire.

B&O’s products can be hit and miss when it comes to sound for your pound; this time it’s a hit. Putting their mouth where their money is, the H8s are clear

KEY FEATURES

BLUETOOTH

NOISE-CANCELLING

Treble doesn’t let the side down, with shakers and cymbal strikes biting and defined. It’s bass that proves their weak spot: though confidently deep, it’s a little on the tubby side in comparison with the Sennheisers and B&W P5 Wireless – not quite as taut or punchy as we’d like.

Listening through the wire brings a touch of refinement and precision but frankly there’s not much in it, which if anything is a credit to its cord-cutting performance.

Noise-cancelling is so effective, we find ourselves reaching for it on nearly every occasion. However, the earcups provide a good enough seal to keep outside noise to a minimum for general use in quiet places. It also helps reduce the thudding sound of your footsteps that come through the H8s when you walk, so bear that in mind if it’s primarily hiking partners you’re after.

The asking price may be a little steep, but if Bluetooth and noise-cancelling are must-have features then consider the B&O BeoPlay H8s. The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless’s more open, transparent sound top our wishlist, but the B&Os certainly make a good option.

REPLACEABLE BATTERY

says

RATING ★★ ★★ ★ SOUND COMFORT BUILD

VERDICT Style meets great features and good sound in B&O’s flagship on-ears

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

EA AN EMPHASIS ON DRIV

ND ATTACK

Beats Solo 2 Wireless £230 FOR Bold, upfront listen; rich, full-bodied sound

AGAINST Lack subtlety; need better dynamics; expensive

★★ ★ ★ ★

It’s hard to deny the influence Bea headphones have had on the mainstream headphone industry in recent years. While their popularity hasn’t gone down well with everyo Beats made it cool to spend big mo on headphones and, for that at leas industry should be grateful.

With their popularity, the Beats r has grown, not to mention improve The tonal balance has been readdre since the original Studio headphon were launched, earning the current up several four-star reviews.

DETAIL...

earpads are made of a soft, leatherk material, but the grip is quite firm

Ears are burning The Solo 2 Wireless are a wireless version of the Solo 2 headphones, t smaller on-ear sibling to the over-e Studio range. As is often the case w portable headphones, the Solo 2 W are hinged so they can be folded do and come with a neoprene zip case The body is largely plastic, which keeps them nice and light, and ther 11 colours to choose from including rose gold of our review sample. The plasticky look might not be to ever taste, but you’re going to have to s more money to get the more premi finish of the B&W P5 Wireless or th Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireles The earcups are made from a sof leather-look material and there’s a generously padded headband, so they sit comfortably on your head. The grip is on the firm side of things, which makes them great for wearing during exercise but perhaps a bit too tight for long wear.

They make our ears a little hot too.

Being wireless, there is Bluetooth on board, and a built-in control system – you click the Beats logo on the left earcup to control track and volume. The power button sits on the right, with five small LEDs underneath it to show how much battery life you have left – Beats’ claim of around 12 hours seems accurate and, for their size, pretty generous too. Should you be caught short on battery life, they can be used wired, with the included cable also featuring inline controls.

It’s a familiar sound – rich, full-bodied and full of attack. There seems to be very little difference in character between wired and wireless listening, which some lesser headphones don’t manage as convincingly. Play Kanye West’s

Beats can be used wired, with the uded cable featuring inline controls

well pronounced without being overpowering. There’s no denying its forward character in comparison with other elements of the frequency range and, though not unwieldy, it could be a little tighter for a more cohesive sound.

BLUETOOTH

Lost in the fine detail That’s not really what these headphones are about though – their emphasis is on drive and attack. They deliver a fun and exciting sound, but fall down in their handling of nuance and fine detail.

While they’ll throw themselves enthusiastically behind any piece of music and do a good job rhythmically, listen with a more critical ear and you’ll realise they aren’t actually telling you much about the track at all.

Detail levels don’t dig much below the surface and subtlety falls short – vocals and instruments can’t shift between loud and soft with real authority. The midrange could do with a touch more bite too.

12 HOURS BATTERY LIFE

The real struggle here is the cost. At £230, the Beats sit between two great pairs of headphones – the AKG Y50BTs at £150 and the B&W P5 Wireless at £330, either of which make much more sense at their price.

If you want a bold, upfront pair of headphones that look good and carry some kind of street cred, the Beats Solo 2 Wireless are ones to consider. However, we’re not convinced their performance justifies the pricetag, especially when there are better options out there.

says ON-EAR FIT

RATING ★★★ ★

★

SOUND COMFORT BUILD

VERDICT Balance is much improved,but detail and dynamics fall short of the best

www.whathifi.com 31

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

AN ARMCHAIR FOR YO

UR EARS

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless £330 FOR Excellent sound; lovely design; Bluetooth operation

AGAINST Nothing of note

★★ ★ ★ ★

When a hi-fi manufacturer of Bowers & Wilkins’ pedigree makes something a little different, we sit up and listen. This time, though, we find ourselves sitting up with additional comfort and freedom of movement, because the company has entered the Bluetooth headphone market. Behold, the B&W P5 Wireless.

B&W is established when it comes to wired headphones: its P3, P5 and P7 have all garnered significant praise from us.

Fans of those will be right at home here: the P5 Wireless headphones are based on the excellent P5 Series 2.

IN DETAIL...

The standard three-button control configuration is on the right earcup

Mistaken identity You might struggle to tell them apart at a glance, because they share a design philosophy – rounded rectangular earcups, sheep’s leather and twisted aluminium. It’s an executive armchair for your ears and the epitome of portable elegance. There are key differences, however. The right earcup has a standard three-button configuration for volume, play/pause and calling, along with a power/pair slider. There are two microphones and a lithium battery, and crucially, Bluetooth of the aptX variety.

The headphones are a joy to operate.

The entire process is intuitive and responsive. Pairing is easy, with connection taking place in seconds.

Once connected, the link is stable, and button commands are carried out without hesitation.

The P5 Wireless are very impressive, retaining much of the sonic character of the excellent wired P5 S2s. A blast of Muse’s Psycho proves a rousing listen, the headphones maintaining the song’s fist-pounding aggression. It’s a bold sound with enough weight to give your ears a thorough slamming.

The wide dynamic reach helps to reinforce that impression of power.

Subtle dynamics make the most of the song’s distorted guitar torture, while a firm grip on rhythm ensures an eloquent delivery. It’s not merely the impression of authority – you will find yourself paying attention.

The bassline is deep and taut, the drums kick hard and there’s easily enough texture to make out Matt Bellamy’s laboured breathing. It helps that the sound is clean, with barely a hint of the hiss we sometimes get from 32 www.whathifi.com

Bluetooth headphones. We love the sound of the wired P5 S2s, but if you want to cut loose, the P5 Wireless present a worthy, more flexible alternative.

Protected from yanking Despite packing extra kit, the Wireless have not put on much weight – an extra 28g compared with the wired P5 S2, with earcups just 2mm thicker. They are little burden for your cranium.

The extra weight is barely perceptible, and clamp force is well judged. They are a little snug out of the box, but soon loosen up while maintaining enough grip for a brisk walk. As for the earpads, the foam is obliging and the leather soft, but they do get warm during longer listens.

The earpads are attached by magnets, and can easily be replaced if necessary.

Under the pad you will also find a hidden socket for wired use. It’s hidden so the headphone cables need to be snaked through a tiny channel, thereby protecting the socket from death by yanking. A cable is included for passive listening, in case you run out of power – but B&W claims a battery life of 17 hours.

KEY FEATURES

BLUETOOTH

BATTERY: 17 HOURS

The socket for wired use is under the pad, which prevents it from being pulled out

The power cell is charged by plugging in a microUSB cable (included), at which point a small LED glows approvingly.

So what’s not to like about the B&W P5 Wirelesses? Not a lot, from what we can see and hear in our time with them.

Bowers & Wilkins has taken the excellent P5 Series 2s and added a wireless option – and it works beautifully.

Great sound and gorgeous design, minus the inconvenience of cables – that’s what we like to hear.

WEIGHT: 213G

says

RATING ★★ ★ ★★ SOUND COMFORT BUILD

VERDICT The cord is cut but the quality remains. These are excellent headphones

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

S TH AS FEATURE-PACKED A

E Y CO M E

Parrot Zik 3.0 £280 FOR Balanced, up-front sound; effective noise-cancelling

AGAINST Poor dynamics; bass lacks depth; short battery life

★★ ★ ★ ★

Everything comes with an app these days: AV amps, wireless speakers, streamers, Blu-ray players. But a pair of Bluetooth headphones? That’s a new one on us.

The Parrot Zik 3.0s’ app (officially named ‘Parrot Zik’ and available on iOS, Android, Apple Watch and Android Wear devices), lets you activate noise cancellation and unlock more functions. If nothing else, it shows Parrot is thinking outside the box.

When noise-cancelling is activated, the app shows how much ambient sound is being kept out in real time (the Ziks claim to block ‘up to 30dB’). Battery status is handily displayed too, and you can fiddle with the pretty extensive EQ settings yourself or download existing presets by various music artists – we try those from DJ Jazzy Jeff and La Roux – free of charge.

You can turn on text-to-speech, which automatically pauses music when a call comes in and tells you who is calling too.

There’s more menial stuff: personalising the name and colour of your Ziks, and a ‘noise map’ that pinpoints the noisiest areas in the world, based on data from Parrot Zik users.

IN DETAIL...

The Parrots are compatible with wireless Qi chargers, but also charge via microUSB

Who’s a pretty boy?

Away from the app, the Parrots have a couple more tricks up their sleeve. They automatically pause your music when you take them off your head, and are compatible with wireless Qi chargers – though one isn’t included in the box.

A two-hour charge should get you 18 hours’ playback of noise-cancelling, though only six hours with Bluetooth activated too.

That tallies up with our tests – we would like more stamina from the Parrots.

More down-to-earth functionality sees discreet touch-panel controls on the whole surface of the right earcup, with tap, drag and swipe actions covering volume, track skipping and noise-cancelling activation. It works well nine times out of ten, although any haphazard dragging (for volume) can be mistaken for tapping (for pausing).

Anyone familiar with the Zik 2.0s will be able to tell their successor a mile off.

The French company has, in its words, created ‘a touch of couture’ with the oval earcup designs this time. There’s red, green, black or brown in crocodile effect, overstitched effect in black or ivory, and a black or tan leather grain finish.

Pretty boys indeed, the Parrots are well made and tidily finished. The matte chrome details you might see in a modern

34 www.whathifi.com

Right earcup has touch control for volume, track skipping and noise-cancelling

bathroom look rather lavish, and even the headphone socket feels of certain quality.

The pads completely encase your ears, a good seal providing a sense of isolation, and the headband is well cushioned. The stiff adjustment slider could be easier to manipulate when mounted, though.

KEY FEATURES

BLUETOOTH

Knocked off its perch There’s no question that the Parrot Zik 3.0s have plenty to offer the modern, choiceladen consumer. But what’s the point if sound quality isn’t up to scratch? That could have well been our closing line, as this is where the Parrot’s lose their edge.

Strict balance, fair detail and a timely manner make them an innocuous listen.

They have the gusto to bop along to the bouncy bassline and larger-than-life synth melody driving Broken Bells’ After the Disco, and enough weight to make the electronics in My Morning Jacket’s Big Decisions sound comfortably bold. Treble snaps through slicing cymbals, vocals are clear and focused.

NOISE-CANCELLING

But bass isn’t very pronounced, and there’s not much going on dynamically. At this price they have a battle against the solid, dynamic B&W P5 Wireless. Where the Parrots feel congested during the cacophonous accordion in Mabon’s The Accordionist’s Despair, the B&Ws are more orderly, with a greater sense of space and precision.

It’s a fair performance, just not one that’s going to place the Parrots high up the pecking order – even if they are among the best-equipped cans we’ve come across.

WEIGHT: 275G

says

RATING ★★★ ★

★

SOUND COMFORT BUILD

VERDICT Sadly for Parrot, a whole lot of features can’t make up for so-so sound

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

W AS CLOSE TO WIRED AS

E’VE HEARD

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless £380 FOR Premium design; rich bass; comfortable; great dynamics

AGAINST A little pricey, but that’s about all

★★ ★ ★ ★ The noise-cancelling on board is Sennheiser’s proprietary NoiseGard technology, and it does a really good job of dulling down the outside world. Office noise is all but gone and airplane noise is reduced to a negligible hum – it’s up there as one of the most effective noise-cancelling experiences we’ve had.

When Sennheiser launched the first range of Momentum headphones in 2013, it showed a fashion-conscious headphone market that style and substance didn’t have to be mutually exclusive. Now in its second generation, that message is stronger than ever. Not only has the range been improved, but it’s also expanded with the addition of these wireless, noise-cancelling cans.

Close to wired performance

Even better portability At first glance, The Momentum 2.0 Wireless appear similar to their predecessors, with an all-leather headband and elegantly sculpted earcups that sit on adjustable stainless steel rails. Look closer though, and you’ll notice some tweaks. The frame is now collapsible, allowing them to fold down for better portability, while the earcups are bigger to ensure a better fit.

IN DETAIL...

The soft leather earpads are thicker too, making them even comfier than before. We wear them for hours at a time without feeling the need to remove or adjust them, and our ears don’t get overly warm during use either.

KEY FEATURES

APTX BLUETOOTH

aptX and noise-cancelling Thick, soft earpads block out noise, and now there’s active noise-cancelling too

They look similar to their predecessors, including an all-leather headband

The headline features of this model are the introduction of aptX Bluetooth and active noise-cancellation, both of which make their debut here. You’ll get around 22 hours of stable wireless music playback with noise-cancellation activated and, should you drain that before you manage to charge them via microUSB, you can attach the included cable and continue listening passively.

The controls for power and music control are on the right earcup. The power button doubles as the pairing button for up to eight different devices, or you can use NFC pairing if your device is compatible. The multi-function button shifts up and down for volume, and can be pressed to skip tracks, answer calls or find out how much battery is remaining.

BATTERY: 22 HOURS

Fire them up and you’re greeted with the signature Momentum sound. In fact, we’re impressed at how close the wired and wireless performances are. It’s a rich, full-bodied sound with a level of composure and refinement we don’t always hear from Bluetooth headphones.

The low end is weighty but detailed, offering the pulsating bassline of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s No Church In The Wild plenty of punch without ever sounding boomy or overbearing. Despite the strong bass response, it’s in the midrange that the Momentums really shine. From vocals to guitars, there’s a level of subtlety here that uncovers stacks of fine detail with plenty of clarity to boot.

The high end is as well judged as the rest of the frequency range, with an open and articulate treble that shows no signs of harshness either, even with lesser quality recordings.

In the Momentum 2.0 Wireless, Sennheiser has delivered an endlessly listenable pair of headphones, with useful new features and design tweaks that make them better than ever. We didn’t think it was possible to like the Momentums more than we already did, but the Momentum 2.0 Wireless have managed it. The only hitch is the price – £380 is a not inconsiderable amount for a pair of headphones – but if you can stretch to their price, you’ll be rewarded with every listen.

NOISE-CANCELLING

says

RATING ★★ ★ ★ ★ SOUND COMFORT BUILD

VERDICT The Momentum range got even better – these headphones sound superb

www.whathifi.com 35

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WIRELESS HEADPHONES

BLUETOOTH? NOT REQ

UIRED

Soundmagic WP10 £250 FOR Expansive presentation; impressive transmission range

AGAINST Flat dynamics; chunky transmitter; plasticky

★★ ★ ★ ★

These days you wouldn’t think of setting off on a road trip without a satnav even though, while less convenient, a trusty map or AA Route Finder print-out ultimately get you to the same place.

The same is true of wireless headphones. Bluetooth has dominated much of the past decade thanks to its ubiquity and convenience, but there are still those that do the job via oldfashioned infrared or radio frequency.

The Soundmagic WP10s are examples of the latter, which means that, instead of receiving music directly from a source like Bluetooth headphones, the WP10s stream from a small transmitter wired to your device.

IN DETAIL...

Buttons on the earcup allow for pairing between portable device and headphones

Surprisingly portable You can connect three ways: by wiring the transmitter (which is about the size of three packs of gum) to your portable device via 3.5mm cable – or even to the headphones themselves for passive listening – or by using the included RCA cable to hook it up to your hi-fi kit.

Alternatively, you can connect the transmitter to your laptop or PC via USB cable, going through its built-in DAC. The first two methods are simple: press the power buttons on the transmitter and left earcup, and then the ID button next to it on the earcup to pair.

However, the transmitter method requires both headphones and transmitter to be charged. The bottom line is that, out and about, you’ll need the transmitter wired to your device.

On the plus side, the WP10 is compatible with almost any music source. And with a wireless range of 50m, they are arguably much better if you like to wander around away from your source than Bluetooth headphones, which typically have a range closer to 10m.

At first glance, the chunky WP10s don’t look terribly portable with their jumbo earcups, richly padded pleather pads and belt-thick, leatherette-wrapped headband. However, their ability to fold into a ball, thanks to collapsible earcups, helps their case.

Soundmagic has played it safe in the design department, and while we don’t doubt the rugged WP10s will stand up to the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, at this price we would prefer less plastic and more metal on show.

You won’t hear any grumbles from us where comfort is concerned though. The earpads create a firm, comfortable and well-isolating seal around your ears.

KEY FEATURES RF WIRELESS

Enjoy a greater range We get stuck into our LG G4’s music library and Neutral Milk Hotel’s The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One fills the WP10s’ expansive soundfield with tangible guitar strums and textured, doublelayered vocals. Accordion melodies come through thick and fast, showcasing the WP10s’ agile, articulate demeanour.

Vocals generally sound clear, smooth and fairly expressive, with mids falling headfirst into the WP10s’ comfort zone.

However, the low end is a little on the murky side, and the bright treble almost wilfully sticks out in the mix, making for a lively rendition of Suede’s We Are The Pigs that isn’t sparse on wince-worthy riffs and cymbal crashes.

Tonal balance needs smoothing out, and the presentation could do with a larger dynamic window to operate in too.

A lack of dynamic expression and punch sees them downplaying the sweeps of

Instead of receiving music directly, the WP10s stream from a small transmitter

WEIGHT 331G

OUTBOARD TRANSMITTER

guitar solos, and sucking the excitement out of the track’s explosive opening.

Neither is remedied by using a USB connection, although you do get a touch more clarity, solidity, precision and volume than offered by the 3.5mm port.

The WP10s will have their fans – home users who play music from a variety of analogue and digital devices and who will appreciate the transmission range. But for portable use they have their caveats and, ultimately, need to sound better too.

says

RATING ★★★ ★ ★ SOUND COMFORT BUILD

VERDICT Streaming via transmitter has its pros and cons, but sound needs improving

www.whathifi.com 37

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

TEST WINNER

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless

£380 ★★★★★

We’d like to say it went right down to the wire, but there’s only one winner of this particular test Apple’s rumoured plans to ditch the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 should suit the wireless headphone market nicely. There will be competition from the Lightning connector models, but the convenience of cutting the chord and the growing accessibility of wireless cans should sway the masses.

Gathering Momentum We’ve come a long way from the heavy-duty wireless headsets that graced the shelves in the 2000s. Now we have wireless cans that come with apps and others that measure your heart rate.

Better still, sonic standards are improving all the time. Philips M2BTs and AKG Y50BTs are proof you can get good wireless sound for as little as £150.

Sennheiser’s Momentum line impresses all the way up to its flagship Bluetooth and noise-cancelling Momentum 2.0 Wireless models. They build on generous functionality with a likeable, refined and insightful sonic signature, and a swish, portable design.

B&O’s BeoPlay H8s go shoulder to shoulder with them where price and functionality are concerned, but less insight and a fatter bass see them settle for four stars. The B&W P5 Wireless keep

the full star set awarded last summer. If noise cancelling isn’t a must-have, then they are a strong choice.

SYSTEM BUILDER

Best of the rest Entries from Parrot, Beats, Sony and Soundmagic are harder to recommend for their sonic capabilities, but aren’t without benefits. Those who can’t afford the Sennheisers may look to the Parrots for their sound-blocking skills.

Beats headphones never fail to attract a fan base and, despite the Solo 2 Wireless favouring attack over fine detail and nuance, they’re much improved on earlier versions.

The Sonys’ comfort, above-par battery life and easy listening manner will appeal to the frequent traveller, while the Soundmagics stand apart for their extensive wireless range and source compatibility.

Streaming service: Tidal ★★ ★ ★ ★ £10/20pm A superb streaming service where great sound quality is matched by a strong interface and extensive music catalogue

Smartphone: Apple iPhone 6S ★★ ★ ★ ★ £550 Clever features and upgrades that matter come together to deliver an experience that few can challenge

Total build £940

HOW THEY MEASURE UP B&O BeoPlay H8

Beats Solo 2 Wireless

B&W P5 Wireless

Parrot Zik 3.0

Weight (g)

255

215

213

275

Bluetooth

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Noise-cancelling

Yes

No

No

Yes

Battery life

16 hours

12 hours

17 hours

18 hours

Cable length (m)

n/a

1.3

n/a

1.3

3.5 connector

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Senn M’tum 2.0 Wireless

Sony MDR-1ABT

Soundmagic WP10

Weight (g)

190

300

331

Join us on Spotify & Tidal whf.cm/playlist16

Bluetooth

Yes

Yes

No

Listen to our favourite tracks every month!

Noise-cancelling

Yes

No

No

Battery life

22 hours

30 hours

12 hours

Cable length (m)

1.4

1.2

1.2

3.5 connector

Yes

Yes

Yes

FOR A FULL LIST OF S P E C I F I C AT I O N S A N D OT H E R U S E F U L I N FO V I S I T W H AT H I F I . C O M

www.whathifi.com 39

H E A D -TO - H E A D

Pretender to the crown takes on the establised ruler “Come at the king, you best not miss.” You may be thinking the world of £1000 turntables is not quite perilous enough to be analogised using a quote from The Wire, but many a decent record player has wilted in combat with the Clearaudio Concept. If anyone is to steal the 2015 Awardwinner’s crown, we think Pro-Ject could. In this head-to-head, we put the 2Xperience SB through its paces and, of course, delight in an old friend.

But who will rule the roost in four pages’ time?

Clearaud

io Concep

t

Xperie

nce SB

HEAD-TO-HEAD

www.whathifi.com 41

A MAGNET FOR TURNTA

BLE TALENT

Clearaudio Concept £1000 FOR Easy to set up; great build; excellent sonic performance

AGAINST Nothing

★★★★★

So, if you’re not by now familiar with the Clearaudio Concept turntable, the concept is essentially getting the most exceptional sound you can from your records at this price. If that, combined with the five stars at the top of this review and this deck’s mantelpiece full of What Hi-Fi Awards, doesn’t convince you to part with a grand, we suppose our work is cut out with the remaining stretch of this review.

Still, we’ll soldier on undaunted because we think anyone who treasures their stack of vinyl deserves to know just what delights the Clearaudio has to offer.

Just plug in and play Simplicity is a big part of this package’s charm. Unlike some rival designs, which require patience, a steady hand and a passable grasp of mathematics to get working, the Concept is a ‘plug and play’ product straight from the box.

The company’s own moving-magnet Concept cartridge is fitted to the Verify Direct Wire Plus tonearm (though there is also a moving-coil alternative available), and Clearaudio sets everything, including the cartridge weight and bias, before the turntable leaves the factory.

As with all turntables, you’ll need a level, rigid and properly damped support for this deck to sit on if you’re serious about getting the best out of it (at £1000, you should be). You can fit a platter and a drive belt, can’t you? Of course you can – and then the Concept’s ready to play.

Material benefits Before dropping a record into place, though, it’s worth taking a moment to admire the Concept’s clean design and chunkily substantial finish.

The chassis itself comprises a natural medium-density wood fibre in aluminium surround and an upper layer incorporating what Clearaudio describes as a high-tech synthetic compound. A hefty rotary dial controls speed, which can be set to 78rpm (lovely touch) as well as your standard 33⅓ and 45, and the whole thing operates with the sort of solidity more readily associated with outside water closets.

Being so largely redundant during set up, all that’s left for us to do is dig Pixies’ 42 www.whathifi.com

Doolittle from its sleeve, delight in drawing the Concept’s tonearm – which has a magnetic bearing – over the edge of the record and let it drop gently into place. Kim Deal chugs those first four bass notes and guitars yell as we anticipate being hit by opening track Debaser like a fist to the thorax.

What’s immediately impressive is that it sounds so incredibly taut, matching its blistering pace with extraordinary poise and agility; something like the Rudolf Nureyev of £1000 turntables. It isn’t the weightiest of sounds in terms of low-end anchor, but the bass guitar feels anything but cumbersome, afforded the same light feet as its six-stringed cousins, and it’s certainly far away from substantially lacking in terms of depth.

The Concept of agility As we tear through the album’s opening tracks without pause for breath, we also find it difficult not to be enamoured with the precision of the Concept’s timing. It’s fast – incredibly fast – and yet consistently in control, never stumbling or tripping over its laces. Pixies frontman Black Francis’s rhythmic gasping in Tame, for example, has that combination of pace and restraint that builds anticipation to fever pitch ahead of the final capricious chorus.

Build quality is high, not least on the chunky rotary speed-selection knob

Afforded a slight reprieve as the intensity is relaxed a touch for tracks such as Wave Of Mutilation and Here Comes Your Man, we now also have time to explore the ample space within the mix.

There is air around the instruments– they have room enough to interact without ever colliding with one another, allowing us either to focus on a singular part or let ourselves be immersed in the whole.

If analysis is a chief concern, that’ll be further aided by the Concept’s transparency and a level of detail of

H E A D -TO - H E A D

“Anyone who treasures their stack of vinyl deserves to know just what delights the Clearaudio Concept has to offer”

Clearaudio thoughtfully pre-sets the cartridge’s weight and bias in the factory

which JRR Tolkein would be proud.

Having expended both sides of Doolittle, we dig out some Django Reinhardt. Short of seeing the room and smelling the air for ourselves, Clearaudio comes close to transporting us all the way to 1930s France. It’s like the company’s proof of honesty being the best policy, refusing to sand off any edges that would alter or dilute the character of the music, instead digging into the timbre of the instruments to let them tell whatever is their own story.

Faithful tracking And what story do they tell here? Well, Reinhardt’s tale is so often one of quite complex dark and shade, rife with slides and trills – a spritely dance with delicate dynamics. By now, you’ll be unsurprised

to read that the Concept tracks this dynamic journey step for step.

It is this delicate sense of alternating intensity that sets the very best hi-fi apart, and it has been a significant factor in giving Clearaudio such a stranglehold on this portion of the market.

Indeed, the company’s glut of What Hi-Fi? Awards should indicate we find no discernable shortcomings at this price, though that isn’t to say this Clearaudio is the perfect option for everyone. Many might, for example, prefer the more vigorous performance offered by the Rega RP6/Exact.

Knocking at the Concept’s door with more urgency though, is the updated (SB) version of Pro-Ject’s 2Xperience, which, as a turn of the page will confirm, perhaps isn’t so widely talented but has

KEY FEATURES

PLAYS 78RPM

N

a satisfying warmth that also makes listening to it a joy.

But, no, we can’t see anyone turning down the Clearaudio Concept for a lack of talent. It is as clean, rhythmic, detailed and spacious as you’ll find for the money, not to mention engaging and entertaining. A Conceptual masterpiece, you could say.

says

S

MAGNETIC TONEARM BEARING MM CARTRIDGE

RATING ★★ ★ ★ ★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT The Concept’s diverse talents are readily discernible; there’s good reason it wears the crown for £1000 turntables

www.whathifi.com 43

A CHIP OFF THE OLD B

LOCK

Pro-Ject 2Xperience SB £1050 FOR Rich, full-bodied tone; fine sense of large-scale dynamics

AGAINST Could be more precise and more expressive

★★★★ ★

When you’ve an Award-winner as celebrated as Clearaudio’s Concept turntable, it isn’t always easy to know how it’s going to be displaced. Will its rival improve on the reigning product’s strengths or will it excel in different ways, highlighting the other’s shortcomings with its own skill and, most pertinently, personality?

The last, and thus far only, time the Concept relinquished its crown, the reason was a price hike that cleared a path for the similarly talented Rega RP6/ Exact to nip in. With that a non-starter this time around, and with this opponent being 50 notes dearer, the challenge from Pro-Ject’s 2Xperience SB, as far as we’re concerned, can be filed under the second of those we mentioned.

One of the family This, before we get ahead of ourselves, is one of various incarnations of Pro-Ject’s 2Xperience – a line that, over the past five-and-a-half years, has garnered three four-star ratings, for the Classic, 2-Pack and X-Pack, and five stars for the Basic+.

Outwardly, the 2Xperience SB is not dissimilar to many Pro-Ject turntables: a chunky, chopping-board chassis – available in three matt and three high-gloss finishes – and heavyweight sandwich-style platter cut a bold and restrained aesthetic, an aesthetic we admire. We are also pleased to note a rather basic switch for changing speed between 33⅓ and 45rpm, rather than us having to adjust the belt manually.

(One press gets the platter spinning, subsequent touches change speed, a blue LED flashing as it adjusts. Holding it down stops rotation altogether. Simple.)

No mat is required as the platter has its own vinyl covering, but a record clamp, which we will touch on again later, is provided to secure the record in place.

Trusted components Pro-Ject has attached its 9cc Evolution tonearm, with its familiar sleek carbon fibre arm tube designed to avoid standing-wave build-up. The pre-fitted cartridge is an Ortofon 2M Silver; a moving-magnet unit the coil windings of which are made from pure silver, which, the company says, is condusive to more dynamic playback.

44 www.whathifi.com

Now, we can’t pretend the Clearaudio Concept hasn’t spoiled us over the past however many years with the simplicity of its set-up, but even the relatively more extensive task of readying the Pro-ject is far from burdensome.

In fact, while it would be difficult to do anything majorly wrong, the more tactile approach to getting the 2Xperience SB going is probably part of the enjoyment.

In reality, all you’re doing is screwing on some feet and setting the counter- and balance-weights – hardly anything requiring an engineering degree – but already with this turntable you get the feel of a very different personality to that of its Award-winning rival. Add in its somewhat contrasting appearance and the impression is fully formed.

The big clampdown We set the 2Xperience SB on its way with Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures. And, being only a few missing chromosomes short of idiocy, we begin by forgetting to apply the record clamp. What we get is authoritative heft from Stephen Morris and Peter Hook as Disorder opens the record with its iconic kit and bass line, and whirring warmth when they’re joined by Bernard Sumner’s guitar.

The balance is fine, but, especially when compared with the accuracy of the

Speed-selector simplicity: one press to spin the platter, a second to change speed

Concept, it’s a bit of a thick sound without a huge amount of precision, be it rhythmically or in terms of organisation and detail. Ian Curtis’s vocal, too, is supported by the smooth midrange.

It’s a nice sound to listen to, but seems affected, too well supported in the low end, not entirely like a real voice.

Realising our mistake with the clamp as the track ends, we screw it on tight before Day Of The Lords. Proving its worth, it tightens up the sound in almost direct correlation: Hooky’s bass, for example, loses some of its soft edges,

H E A D -TO - H E A D

“If you value a warm, dense tone with a more luscious midrange over insight, you’re probably more likely to enjoy the 2Experience the most”

The decoupled motor, which drives a round belt, sits back-left. A hinge for the supplied dust cover is also visible

and there’s more space between the instruments, which can now interact rather than simply mesh. It’s certainly a more precise rhythmic performance, but we’ve lost too much of the loose swagger we had before; we aren’t feeling quite the ominous foreboding that makes this track so resonant.

The happy medium And so, as if the story of Goldilocks and the three bears were written as an allegory for record clamps, upon loosening the clamp a little we find just the right balance. We get an equilibrium between the precision of the clamp being spun tightly on and the energy and extra warmth of playing without it. This, essentially, feels like the 2Xpreience SB’s true personality.

It is a warm, musical sound. It isn’t the most detailed or analytical but it has an endearing, full-bodied character that suits Unknown Pleasures as well as it does when we listen to Miles Davis, Nick Drake or Ludwig van Beethoven.

The work of the last – we play Symphony No 5 in C Minor – gives this Pro-Ject the opportunity to show off its bold sense of dynamics, nose-diving into that famed refrain. Compared with the Clearaudio Concept though, it doesn’t quite show off the character of the instruments as well through the more subtle sonic shifts. That said, we’re far from disengaged and can see why many would happily substitute the Concept’s extra space for the 2Xperience SB’s own rich timbre, but we’d still like Pro-Ject to better match Clearaudio’s delicacy.

KEY FEATURES

RECORD CLAMP INCLUDED

To earn a fifth star from us, the 2Xperience SB would need to be more of an all-rounder – a little more detail, rhythmic discipline and a better gauge of subtle dynamics. But we shouldn’t let it sound like there’s clear daylight between this and the class leaders. If you value a warm, dense tone with a more luscious midrange over scrupulous insight, you’re probably more likely to enjoy the 2Experience the most. If you’re not entirely sure, then we can only implore you to investigate both for yourself.

says CARBON FIBRE TONEARM

RATING ★★ ★★ ★ SOUND FEATURES

MM CARTRIDGE ONLY

BUILD

VERDICT A turntable with great musicality and a full-bodied, luscious timbre that’ll suit many listeners down to the ground

www.whathifi.com 45

V E R D I C T T U R N TA B L E S

TEST WIN

F O R A F U L L L I S T O F S P E C I F I C AT I O N S A N D O T H E R U S E F U L I N F O V I S I T W H AT H I F I . C O M

Clearaudio Concept £1000 ★★★★★ A single-minded commitment to excellence in all areas pays off handsomely for the Concept Oh, this is the kind of head-to-head we enjoy: a pair of talented performers with strong, differing personalities – and, at the end of it, a new product to recommend.

In the end it was a case of all-round excellence from the Clearaudio Concept that put a star between it and the Pro-Ject 2Xperience SB. We’ve said before that the Concept gives the lie to those who believe vinyl reproduction can only be warm and wallowing – it delivers the kind of transparent detail, sure-footed alacrity and insight you may more commonly associate with a digital source, toeing the right side of analysis without becoming antiseptically clinical.

The finer details Those sonic traits would cement the Concept’s five-star status almost regardless of its aesthetic or user experience, but it’s those finer details that elevate it to such worthy Awardwinning status. Its build is exceptional, that much is unarguable, and we’re fond of its understated sleekness. As for the simplicity of its set-up, requiring you only

to fit the turntable platter and its belt, that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

But intricate, near-painstaking detail with finely drawn lines doesn’t suit everybody – you need only peruse the last century’s-worth of art for proof of that – and that’s why the 2Xperience SB will have an audience of its own.

SYSTEM BUILDER An analogue set-up to turn your friends green

Warm fuzzies It isn’t that it dispenses with detail, dynamics and the like – no turntable at this price could earn as many as four stars without truly high standards in all respects – but that its character is much warmer and, in a way, much more analogue. Its full body and rich tone don’t as much say, “Examine what I’m playing”, as, “Let yourself enjoy it”. That will suit certain listeners, or all listeners at certain times, but we found ourselves being indiscriminate in our enjoyment of all genres we played.

If we had our way, perhaps we would take both of these home to alternate depending on our mood. That would be a nice set of circumstances.

Stereo amplifier Rega Elex-R ★★ ★ ★ ★ £900 A muscular yet agile amp that will nicely complement the Concept’s character

Stereo speakers Neat Motive SX3 ★★ ★ ★ ★ £1045 Lively, expressive and musical – perfect buddies for the Rega and Clearaudio

Total build £2945

HOW THEY MEASURE UP

TEST WINNER

Clearaudio Concept

Pro-Ject 2Xperience SB

Drive type Belt

Drive type Belt

Speeds (rpm) 33⅓, 45, 78

Speeds (rpm) 33⅓, 45

Tone arm Manual

Tone arm Manual

Weight 7.5kg

Weight 7.7kg

www.whathifi.com 47

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WIRELESS SPEAKERS

What shape is your hi-fi?

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless £500, p50

Dali Kubik Free £650, p52

Geneva Aerosphère Large £650, p54

Today’s premium wireless speakers ooze design innovation. They sound pretty fine too. Here, four of the best square up

Naim Mu-so Qb £595, p56

G R O U P T E ST

www.whathifi.com 49

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

IT’S NEVER BEEN IN BE

TTER SHAPE

B&W Zeppelin Wireless £500 FOR Spread of sound; precise soundstage; control and design

AGAINST No Android app; midrange could be fuller

Bowers & Wilkins has cemented its commitment to the wireless speaker market in recent years with the five-star A5 and A7 AirPlay models and portable T7, but the brand’s Zeppelin line is perhaps its biggest success story in the field.

It all started eight years ago. The original Zeppelin marked the brand’s first foray into all-in-one speakers, spawning the equally impressive Zeppelin Mini (in 2009) and Zeppelin Air (in 2011). Just when we thought the beloved range had succumbed to the brand’s more regular-looking entries, the Zeppelin Wireless arrives to make its mark – and with an almighty bang.

B&W couldn’t very well tamper with the airship-shape and keep the legendary moniker, so the iconic design returns – the Wireless simply gains a couple of centimetres here and there. In a test filled with speakers of different shapes and sizes, its unique look doesn’t seem quite so offbeat now either, but it does enough to stand out while still looking elegant and stylish.

resonance dust caps for a cleaner, smoother response.

Taking centre stage on the baffle (now double the thickness to reduce vibrations, and strengthened with glass-fibre ribs, by the way) is a single 15cm woofer – the same size as the one found on the flagship A7.

Save for a few upgraded components the amplification stage is largely the same, each driver powered by a Class-D amplifier.

B&W claims that the digital signal processing is now twice as powerful for more accuracy too.

That’s pretty tech-heavy stuff for a £500 wireless speaker, but if an established stereo speaker company such as B&W wants to repackage some of its flagship technology into a more modest offering, who are we to argue?

Under-skin overhaul Its design might appear familiar, then, but beyond the chassis shape almost everything has been entirely reworked.

Behind the elliptical front panel are five new drivers: two 25mm Double Dome tweeters as found in the company’s CM Series speakers, and a pair of midrange drivers which, featuring FST technology borrowed from the flagship Diamond 800 Series, use a foam surround instead of a conventional one to improve damping. They also feature anti-

Leaving dock Sensing the end of an era, the Zeppelin Wireless ditches the front-facing Apple dock, so Apple users don’t need to hand over their iPhone or iPod anymore. A direct connection to a smartphone or tablet can still be made via its 3.5mm input, but, living up to its name, the Zeppelin’s focus is very much on wireless connectivity –through AirPlay, aptX Bluetooth or Spotify Connect.

Design-wise, it’s the most seamlesslooking of the Zeppelins, and not just because it doesn’t have a device sticking out of it. A small brand badge – the only thing protruding from the shapely chassis – doubles as a neatly discreet control touch-panel. Touch its righthand side for two seconds to initiate

“It doesn’t just throw out a big stage but also a precise and well imaged one that stays composed no matter how hard you push up the volume. In that respect it puts the Dali Kubik Free in the shade” 50 www.whathifi.com

★★ ★ ★ ★

That distinctive airship design endures, but the front-facing Apple dock has given way to wireless functionality

Bowers & Wilkins control app B&W’s alliance with Apple is no secret, but that’s no excuse for not doing an Android version of its app. As long as you’re able to make use of this iOS only offering, though, it’s neat and it lets you view any and all B&W speakers in your system, control playback and update firmware.

This, then, is not the best featured app around, but it’s easy to use for Apple owners.

RATING

Bluetooth pairing, tap the other side to switch to the 3.5mm input. It’s wonderfully simple.

Set-up is facilitated by the updated Bowers & Wilkins control app, which works a treat and gets you up and running in no time. You can download it on a Mac, PC or iOS device, but there’s no Android version, which feels quite an oversight.

The only other things to get acquainted with are three buttons on the top for volume and playback, and the ethernet, power and auxiliary

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

sockets around the rear (the type-B USB is for service only).

The Zeppelin plays and upsamples to 24-bit/192kHz so a 96kHz file of Muse’s Supremacy over Bluetooth seems like a good place to start.

KEY FEATURES

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Feel the width The B&W’s wide girth helps to create an expansive, sweeping spread of sound that doesn’t struggle to fill our largest test room nor overpower our smallest one; close your eyes and it’s easy to imagine that the song’s epic orchestration is blaring from two speakers.

It doesn’t just throw out a big stage but also a precise and well imaged one that stays composed no matter how hard you push up the volume. In that respect it puts the Dali Kubik Free in the shade.

The last-generation Zeppelin impressed most with how tight and defined it was in the bass, and that proves one of the Wireless’s biggest charms too. The track’s big walloping drums are lathered with punch and power, and the rolling drumbeat slaps with a vengeance underneath the vocals.

As the onslaught of distorted guitars comes in, there’s heft behind each precise string strum and, in the same breath, enough insight to hear every

AIRPLAY

3.5MM INPUT

tremor in its diction. The Zeppelin isn’t all about the big picture, putting its finger on the finer details too. The dramatic rapture of violins pulls through with clarity and texture in spades.

Convincingly organised and with a precise ear for rhythms, the B&W stays coherent and coordinated even in the dense orchestral climax. Its pricier competition shows it up in absolute timing but there’s agility aplenty for its level.

Take the intensity down to a simple vocal and guitar accompaniment – this time Eva Cassidy’s Fields Of Gold – and you can really appreciate the transparency of the midrange. Her soaring vocals are given free rein in the soundstage, with all her subtle outbursts and trail-offs accounted for, and there’s a strong sense of tactility to the strings.

There’s also a slight dip in sound quality playing songs over AirPlay, most notably in clarity and subtlety. Against Bluetooth and Spotify Connect, it makes music feel a little closed-in too. That said, even a lo-res Spotify stream of Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall Pt 1 sounds surprisingly informative.

The Zeppelin Wireless keeps the range’s legacy well and truly alive, combining a highly accomplished sound with greater functionality and an even more seamless design.

It’s not often a product, let alone one as short-lived as a wireless speaker, has such timelessness, but the Zeppelin is still a great option. More expensive rivals might have more to offer in terms of timing, drive and overall authority, but at £500 this is one of the most talented wireless speakers we’ve heard.

Venomous delivery laid bare Move onto Eminem’s rap vocal in Bad Guy and it sounds almost like an assault, the venom in his delivery and the dynamics of his quirky vocal laid bare.

There’s no shortage of clarity and insight at this price then, but we would perhaps like a touch more solidity through the midrange to give the Zeppelin just a little more authority.

Compared with the £650 Naim Qb, it reveals a hint of fragility and leanness.

says

RATING ★★★★★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT Building on the beloved range’s sterling reputation, the Wireless is the best Zeppelin yet

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WIRELESS SPEAKERS

THE LEAN MACHINE

Dali Kubik Free £650 FOR Enthusiastic sound; fine dynamics; good connections

AGAINST Unresponsive; no app; unrefined treble

what source is selected by following the For a company that has built up its white LED along the bottom of the unit. reputation in stereo speakers and The remote has been updated since speaker packages, the introduction of we last saw the Kubik Free, and is now a the Kubik Free active wireless speaker much nicer-feeling metal design. We still signalled Dali’s move into new territory. have similar issues with responsiveness Like many premium wireless though, which appears to be down to a speakers, particularly those from short transmission range. From our traditional hi-fi manufacturers, Dali listening position we have to lean hasn’t concerned itself with the more forward to ensure our volume affordable end of the market. Even after commands are recognised. two years, the Kubik Free still Even then, the buttons holds its price at £650 – and A raft of wired don’t always feel like it’s a true reflection of connections (not they’re making the quality of which least a micro USB contact with the this compact port) nestles under electronics. speaker is capable. a neat clip-in panel The good Look closely news is the and you’ll see same controls where every can also be penny has been found in a panel spent. Behind on the right side the removable of the Kubik Free. cloth panel, There’s no control available in a choice app though, so in any of nine colours, you’ll event you’ll have to be find a 13cm mid/bass using the remote most of wood-fibre cone, supported the time. We hope Dali has an by a 25mm soft-dome tweeter. app in the pipeline.

Both are Dali designed, as is the 100W Finally, nestled up alongside the digital amplifier which powers them. controls on the unit is a 3.5mm auxiliary input for connecting a smartphone Extensive options or tablet, with a handful of other On board is aptX Bluetooth, though controls on the back of the unit, there are wired connections for those including a full-sized USB port for who need them too, all hidden neatly charging devices only. under a clip-in panel on the base.

These include an optical digital input for using the speaker with a TV Intimate streaming and a micro USB socket for connecting We find Bluetooth pairing is a quick to a computer. Both of these digital and easy process, and it takes just a inputs support up to 24-bit/96kHz matter of seconds to connect before we sampling rates. can start streaming music. The results You’ll also find a pair of analogue ins are good – take something such as The for hooking up CD players and the like, Masterplan by Oasis, and the strippedplus a subwoofer out for adding some back intro sounds delicate and intimate, extra kick to the low end. with an impressive amount of detail, if It’s a good range of inputs, though we not quite up to the levels of the would say the sockets are a little close AeroSphère Large. for comfort if you have all the cables Vocals are clear and sit pretty connected at once. You’ll also need to alongside precise, crisp guitar make sure you have any cables you strums, while still providing enough require, as the Kubik Free doesn’t come get up and go for when the strings with any included, which feels a touch really kick in later. mean-spirited at this price.

The Kubik Free is capable of a big What is included is a small remote, sound for something so compact, but which allows you to control power, does sit on the leaner side with its source and volume – you’ll be able to see presentation. This certainly helps with 52 www.whathifi.com

★★ ★ ★ ★ KEY FEATURES

APTX BLUETOOTH

100W POWER

OPTICAL INPUT

Like the 100W amp that powers them, the tweeter and mid-bass cone are Dali-designed

keeping it light on its feet for more complex rhythms, but means it isn’t able to compete with the weight and authority of the Mu-so Qb.

Lacking an app This leanness also emphasises the speaker’s slightly unrefined treble, which can make the likes of cymbals and electronic music sound harsh. It can also lend a certain hardness to the edges of vocals too. An app with some EQ settings might be able to help even this edginess out somewhat. That would make a significant difference, because while it isn’t overly distracting for the most part, it’s possible that longer listening sessions with more aggressive recordings could render this character trait a little tiring.

We take things up a notch and Rudimental’s Waiting All Night confirms just how well the Dali handles timing

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

“The Free is capable of a big sound for something so compact, but its presentation sits on the lean side. This helps keep it light on its feet, but means it can’t compete with the weight of the Mu-so Qb”

articulation. It’s not the best in this test, but it’s a decent performance from such a compact speaker.

While the Kubik Free is happy to ride solo, it does have a partner in the shape of the Kubik Xtra – a second speaker that turns the system into a stereo pair.

Simply connect them using the supplied umbilical cable and you’ll get an immediately more expansive, weighty sound, and a much greater sense of scale and drive. If this sounds like something you’d want, you can choose to buy them in a package for £900, or add the Xtra in later for £295.

It’s been two years since we first heaped praise on the Dali Kubik Free, and while much of that opinion still stands – which is to its credit given the movement of the market in that time – there are now competitors that really challenge it – particularly if you have the space to accommodate a larger speaker.

Our wishlist We want a touch more bass richness and authority to tone down that leanness, a more refined treble and a bit more by way of detail and dynamics. A remote app (or a better remote control handset) and wireless support for streaming from NAS devices would be nice at this price too.

But there’s no doubt the Kubik Free is still an engaging speaker, Dali using its wealth of speaker expertise to pack plenty into such a compact size. It’s just that we need a touch more from the Kubik in 2016 if it’s to keep up with the competition. Until then, it’s nudged from a five-star rating to four.

and rhythm. It sounds tight, fluid and foot-tappingly entertaining, and the bass is solid and balanced. There is, though, a slight lack of warmth and solidity when compared with the competition. It’s as though the overall sound has been stripped back to help boost clarity, but ends up sounding a little clinical instead.

The AeroSphère Large shows the Dali a thing or two when it comes to dynamics too but it does more in this

says department than the Mu-so Qb, thanks to a touch more subtlety and insight in its presentation.

Feed it a Spotify stream of Foo Fighters’ Everlong, for example, and the Kubik Free is able to offer up some separation of the cymbal beat from the guitar melody and vocals, while changes in tempo and volume are demonstrated with reasonable

RATING ★★ ★★ ★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT Still a talented speaker, but the bar is currently set high in this market and there are competitors that better it now

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WIRELESS SPEAKERS

THE BIG, IMPRESSIVE S

OFTY

Geneva AeroSphère Large £650 FOR Scale of sound, frequency range; rhythmic and expressive

AGAINST DLNA needs separate app; it really is large

can then play music together or independently of one another.

There’s the optional AeroSphère Base (£450) too, which, if added to your system, can stream CD and FM/DAB radio over wi-fi to up to four AeroSphère devices.

This app also helps with set-up.

A significant presence Obviously if you’re playing back via We say big – Geneva certainly wasn’t Bluetooth then you just n eed to pair joking when it labelled this speaker with the AeroSphère directly, Large. At 40cm tall and wide, it’s but for AirPlay and DLNA not going to play the part of connections you’ll the unassuming kitchen As well as via the need it on your companion or wireless modes of network. Follow bedside clock radio.

AirPlay, DLNA and the instructions The AeroSphère Bluetooth, you can on the app to do demands space connect through so and you to really show the 3.5mm input should be up what it’s capable and running of – and our time within minutes. with it tells us There are it absolutely coloured LEDs deserves it. behind the Geneva Underneath its logo on the base of soft-domed exterior the AeroSphère that (available in a choice of will light up to help you black, white or red) is a with set-up. They will also tell cabinet comprising three separate you what source is connected – by, for acoustic chambers, which house an instance, appearing blue for Bluetooth. impressive driver set-up of two 25mm As long as you can find a decently tweeters, a pair of 10cm midrange/ sized surface on which to position it, the woofers and an up-firing 15cm AeroSphère Large will work fine just subwoofer, all powered by dedicated about anywhere in the house. We have amplifiers. Geneva says the positioning it about 50cm from our back wall but of the subwoofer in particular makes the the speaker configuration means you speaker less fussy about where you place needn’t be too fussy. it in the room.

For best results, we’d steer clear of In terms of connectivity, the placing it too deeply into a corner but, AeroSphère supports AirPlay, DLNA and if you have to, the app has some EQ high-quality aptX Bluetooth, plus has a settings that will help you find the right 3.5mm input, meaning it’s pretty much balance. Geneva suggests knocking the compatible with any device on which bass down to -6 for corner placements, you store your music. and giving it at least 55cm of space from either wall if possible.

Ways to take control A large remote control is included in the box. It is finished in a rather fetching Piano? Forte silver aluminium and it covers off most At £650, this isn’t a penny pincher’s controls you’ll need for input selection, choice, so we throw the AeroSphère in at volume and playback in a spacious, the deep end with the second movement easy-to-read manner. of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto You can also control multiple No1 In B Flat Minor as played by Daniil AeroSphère products via the free iOS Trifonov and the Mariinsky Orchestra. or Android app and create your own And we are impressed. multi-room system of AeroSphères (the The pizzicato strings opening the AeroSphère Small is yours for £350). movement are rhythmically spritely and Your chosen configuration of speakers set in open space that is soon shared by It’s not often we find ourselves throwing our arms around a wireless speaker. But the Geneva AeroSphère Large is so big and so soft it leaves us with little option but to humour that particular impulse.

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★★ ★ ★ ★ woodwind, brass and, of course, piano.

There is more insight into each instrument than you might expect from a product such as this, and a dynamic understanding that lets each part sing.

As the texture builds, the AeroSphère doesn’t seem to be in awe of the task presented to it. Feeding each staccato note with decent attack, it also appears to have more space to give.

Punching above its weight Over six-and-a-bit minutes, we hear the kind of dynamics, balance and organisation we wouldn’t have dared expect from a wireless speaker at this price not long ago. Let’s put this into perspective: in terms of overall sound quality, the Large isn’t that far away from the £895 Naim Mu-so, but it’s way off that lofty price tag. At this level, and in this test, the Geneva has other competition, in the shape of the Naim’s smaller brother, the Mu-so Qb, and the Dali Kubik Free. And it bests them both when it comes to insight and dynamic know-how.

There’s stacks of space to its presentation too, which makes mincemeat of tricky dynamic shifts and dramatic orchestral sweeps, plus there’s real scale here – this speaker sounds big at normal listening levels but push it loud and it will fill the biggest of rooms without ever sounding stretched.

Inside the dome are two tweeters, two mid/woofers and an upfiring sub, all powered by dedicated amps

Geneva control app Geneva’s app features a bold, modern design that’s both clear and easy to use. In the Settings menu you can adjust bass and treble levels, select from three DSP settings and set up two Aerosphères as a stereo pair.

One downside is that you can’t access any DLNA devices through it – for that, you have to download a third-party app instead, which is a bit of a shame.

RATING

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

“Over six-and-a-bit minutes of classic Tchaikovsky, we hear the kind of dynamics, balance and organisation we wouldn’t have dared expect from a wireless speaker at this price not long ago” character across both media.

We continue raiding our library, trying out everything from Frank Sinatra to FKA Twigs. We tell ourselves we’re testing the speaker’s versatility, but in reality we’re simply enjoying listening to it – surely the most telling sign of a truly great speaker.

Still on top

Changing musical direction, we test the AeroSphère with La Dispute’s Hudsonville, MI 1956, and find electric guitars and drums are treated with the same insight and expressiveness as the Mariinsky Orchestra.

The rhythms are there in Jordan Dreyer’s vocal, so often toeing the line between lyrics and performance poetry.

And so is the expression – as Dreyer’s tone switches between apathy and anguish in almost schizophrenic fashion, the AeroSphère is there ready to act as a faithful conduit.

Switch it up again to Rihanna’s Work and the AeroSphère demonstrates a natural effortlessness and fluidity to the way it flows over the song’s catchy melody. Once again the level of insight here is second to none at this price and the transparency afforded the vocals

KEY FEATURES

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really allows us to pick out the fine detail and nuances lost elsewhere.

The bassline is rich and full-bodied, punctuating the track with real weight and authority, but still offering up enough agility to drive the track forward with excitement and enthusiasm.

Put simply, this is as close to hi-fi as we’ve heard a wireless speaker get at this price – and even six months on from it winning our Award at this level, the AeroSphère is still holding its own admirably against newer competition.

This isn’t merely a victory for interior-design one-upmanship. Geneva has succeeded in bridging the gap between kitchen-top mini speakers and much more expensive kit, providing a truly enjoyable and talented performance to complement its huggable stand-out design.

The AeroSphère might be large, but once you’ve heard what it’s capable of, we don’t think many people will have trouble making space for it.

A precise, textured sound AIRPLAY

DLNA

This rumbling muscularity doesn’t stop the treble from shining either, with a smooth, open high end that remains controlled and clear, even at volume. The frantic cymbals in Foo Fighters’ Everlong never pick up a harsh edge or sound unnatural, instead sounding precise and full of texture.

Even better, we find that whether playing over AirPlay or Bluetooth the AeroSphère remains consistent, keeping its punchy, detailed and expressive

says

RATING ★★★★ ★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT One of the most striking wireless speakers we’ve ever seen, and top of the list of the best we’ve heard at this price

www.whathifi.com 55

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

A MASTERCLASS IN TIM

ING

Naim Mu-so Qb £595 FOR Big, bold sound; decent detail; well featured; fine build

AGAINST Bass a bit thick; quality of the competition

for the Qb, allowing you to tap In 2014, Naim took some time out from illuminated icons to select inputs and producing more traditional hi-fi kit to manage playback. have a punt at the wireless speaker It’s a stylish and sophisticated system market with its original Mu-so. And it not that works wonderfully well while only gained a legion of new fans, but also also looking the part. Considering the proved it could bring hi-fi sound quality design has been borrowed from Naim’s to a one-box design – albeit at a price. £100,000 flagship Statement pre/power Now Naim is taking this a step further amp, we’re not surprised. by taking everything we love about the To get the sound it wanted from such Mu-so and squeezing it into a more a small speaker, Naim carefully affordable, more compact design. positioned a five-strong The result is the Mu-so custom driver set-up Qb, a stylish speaker into a sturdy casing with a small behind the front footprint but panel, placing a big personality. some at an And with a angle to widen performance the sound. this good, we’re The set up only too happy comprises two to stand back dome tweeters and let it work and two midrange its magic. drivers, as well as a If you’ve seen single woofer the Mu-so, the Qb’s Naim’s designers supported by two design will look familiar, have positioned passive radiators, which except instead of a long, the five speaker help the Qb go deeper at rectangular outline, the Qb is – drivers at differing bass frequencies. It’s run on as its name alludes to – a angles to widen the same 32-bit DSP as the compact cube shape. It’s a the overall sound Mu-so too, and it all comes striking yet minimalist design, together to deliver a huge with an illuminated acrylic base 300W of sound – no mean feat for a that makes it look as though it’s speaker of this size. hovering. Its otherwise crisp outlines are But the real coup for the Naim Qb is softened by the characteristic ripple of that it comes with all the streaming the Qb’s three grilles. features found in the bigger Mu-so. This As with the Mu-so, these grilles can be means Apple AirPlay, aptX Bluetooth, switched up from a dramatic black to Spotify Connect, Tidal and internet radio more playful choices of blue, red or are all present, as is uPnP for sniffing out orange, while the back edge of the cube music stored on your home network. is given up to the same distinctive aluminium heat sink that keeps things cool on the original.

Not just wireless Plenty of design similarities then, but On its back panel there are also a number while the original Mu-so needs a of physical connections, including a considerable amount of space, the Qb’s 3.5mm aux in and an optical input, plus more flexible design means it can fit on a USB port for connecting external drives your bedside table, on the kitchen and Apple devices. worktop or in the corner of a room.

Fans of high-resolution music are in luck, with support for everything from MP3s all the way up to 24-bit/192kHz Qb: Quality build hi-res tracks in WAV, FLAC and AIFF. The It’s impeccably made – heavier than you only catch is that you’ll need to be might expect, and topped with the same hardwired to get the best sample rates gorgeous touchscreen dial that we love – any hi-res tracks streamed over wi-fi will on the original Mu-so. As well as be downsampled to a still-respectable, adjusting the volume, the aluminium “better-than-CD-quality” 24-bit/48kHz. dial also doubles as the control panel 56 www.whathifi.com

★★ ★ ★ ★ The easiest way to hook up to your home network via wi-fi is to download the Naim control app.

Once your device is connected, the app will walk you through the set-up process (see panel).

One of the first things that strikes us about the Qb is just how powerful it sounds for such a small speaker. It delivers a size and scale of sound that you just wouldn’t expect from such compact dimensions. This suits its bold demeanour, with an upfront, muscular presentation that isn’t short of clout in the low end.

Larger than life Listen to Top Boy by Blacks and the larger-than-life bassline is deep and weighty. It’s taut and controlled for the most part, if perhaps a little on the rich side for neutral ears, but it does deliver a real sense of solidity to its character that helps with lower-quality recordings and streams.

There is a hint of thickness to the bass when the volume is pushed, but it’s far from a dealbreaker. Most usage won’t require anything like the volume levels you have to reach before this really becomes noticeable… because this can go loud. Really loud.

Naim control app In Naim’s case, the app is especially handy since there’s no remote control. It’s well designed too, allowing you to skip between sources and control internet radio presets with ease.

You can also set up a multiroom system with up to four other Mu-sos, playing either simultaneously or independently of each other. Oh, and you can control the base’s illumination.

RATING

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

“We praised the ability of the original Naim Mu-so to deliver hi-fi sound in a wireless speaker, and the Qb follows in these footsteps with a big, authoritative sound that belies its small stature”

While the bass might steal the show in the sonic signature, its solidity rubs off on the midrange and treble too. Vocals are clean and focused, while the high-end sounds open and composed – there’s no hint of hardness here.

We do note a slight lack of subtlety in the midrange when compared with the cheaper B&W Zeppelin Wireless though, with finer details hidden beneath its bold-as-brass presentation and dynamics that are not quite as expressive.

For example, Nina Simone’s Baltimore, with its sassy instrumental mix of guitars and violins, doesn’t rise and fall with quite the same command as you’ll hear with the B&W. But where the Naim falls short in these areas, it really makes up for in its

KEY FEATURES 24/192 KHz

24-BIT/192KHZ SUPPORT

INTERNET RADIO

APTX BLUETOOTH

rhythmic flair, and here it leaves the Zeppelin Wireless for dust.

Half of the charm of Baltimore’s instrumental is the foot-tapping exchange between the bass guitar and kick drum that punctuates the track, and the Qb delivers the punch it needs.

It’s a masterclass in timing, and it’s this that really makes the Qb character one to fall in love with. Its bold, upfront sound might well grab your attention, but the punchy precision and rhythmic know-how holds it.

We praised the ability of the original Naim Mu-so to deliver hi-fi sound in a wireless speaker, and the Qb follows in these footsteps with a big, authoritative sound that belies its small stature.

It complements the Mu-so’s slightly more refined sound with one that’s a touch more mainstream in its balance, packing a punch in the low end and delivering a real sense of presence and solidity.

This confident persona can mean the Qb falls a touch short with finer detail and dynamics, but it makes up for this with a superb handle on timing for a tight presentation that’s both upfront and exciting. Add to this a whole load of connectivity for streaming to the Qb and it makes for a very comprehensive speaker indeed.

While £600 is still a lot of money to spend on a wireless speaker, if your budget can cover such a price tag there’s no doubt the Qb should be high on your shortlist.

Bite and precision Play Home by St. Lucia and the staccato electronic instrumental is delivered with both bite and precision, starting and stopping on cue while keeping a tight hold on its presentation throughout.

Even the most complex rhythmic patterns can’t fluster it, as is shown by a playthrough of Roulette Dares (The Haunt of ) by The Mars Volta. The Qb keeps up with every change of tempo and makes rhythmic sense of manic riffs over which lesser speakers would stumble.

says

RATING ★★★★★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT A small speaker with big personality, the Qb combines style, substance and a whole lot of features

www.whathifi.com 57

EXTREME? IT IS NOW!

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WIRELESS SPEAKERS

TEST WINNER

Geneva Aerosphère Large

£650 ★★★★★

All four speakers shine, but the Geneva presents the most rounded case. In more ways than one talented (but pricier) rivals that leaves us wanting somewhat.

The Geneva Aerosphère Large certainly couldn’t be accused of that.

Warm, weighty and full of confidence, this enthusiastic speaker also manages to be agile enough to demonstrate a masterclass in dynamics as well as show off superb levels of insight and expression. It might look fun on the outside, but on the inside this speaker is serious about sound. And it’s an attitude that pays dividends for the buyer.

As we’ve seen in this test, wireless speakers come in all shapes and sizes, and with all four of our contenders putting in performances worthy of their loftier price tags, some part of your decision may well come down to what your situation most requires.

Compact options If you need a more compact speaker, the Dali Kubik Free or Naim’s Mu-so Qb are going to be your best options, thanks to their smaller footprint.

The latter is a stunningly designed, flexible box of tricks, with stacks of connectivity and authority by the bucketload. We love its way with rhythm and are impressed that such a small box is capable of such full-bodied bass. It’s another stunning addition to the Mu-so family, and it gets the full five stars.

What the Dali Kubik Free can offer over the Naim is slightly better dynamic expression and a little more space in its presentation, but when it comes to timing and muscularity it just can’t compete. Its leanness also emphasises a slightly unrefined treble, and it just lacks the solidity and warmth of its cubed competitor. While the Dali is still a talented speaker with plenty to offer, after a few years at five stars the competition now forces it down to four.

Balancing size and price

The two larger speakers in this test sit at slightly different price points – the Zeppelin Wireless at £500 and the Geneva Aerosphère Large at £650 – and present rather different form factors too.

USE IT WITH Apple iPhone The premium design is one thing, but it’s the rich, full-bodied audio performance that delights. Just like the Geneva, then.

The crucial difference The Zeppelin Wireless, with its iconic and enduring airship design, brings a large, spacious presentation, with detail levels and dynamics that shine at its price. There’s just a slight lack of solidity here when compared with its more

Of course, at £150 more expensive than the B&W, you’d expect a shift in quality, and you certainly get it – but the Zeppelin Wireless remains a compelling choice for those who can’t make the jump over £500. Both score the full five.

As for the winner? If your budget can handle it and your room can accommodate it, the Aerosphère Large offers the best balance between muscle, detail and dynamics in this test, delivering a distinct hint of hi-fi to the wireless speaker market.

F O R A F U L L L I S T O F S P E C I F I C AT I O N S A N D O T H E R U S E F U L I N F O V I S I T W H AT H I F I . C O M

HOW THEY MEASURE UP

TEST WINNER

B&W Zeppelin Wireless

Dali Kubik Free

Geneva AeroSphere Large

Naim Mu-so Qb

Bluetooth

Yes, aptX

Yes, aptX

Yes, aptX

Yes, aptX

AirPlay

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Inputs

3.5mm

3.5; opt; analogue; USB

3.5mm

3.5mm, USB, optical

Claimed power

150W

100W

Not listed

300W

Dimensions (hwd)

19 x 66 x 18cm

31 x 15 x 15cm

41 x 41 x 32cm

21 x 22 x 21cm

Weight

6.5kg

4.5kg

8kg

5.6kg

www.whathifi.com 59

TEMPTATION EXPENSIVE, YES. BUT YO

U KNOW YOU WANT TH

EM

Metronome Le Player | CD player | £5490

“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 Kalsita 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.

60 www.whathifi.com

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

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” 62 www.whathifi.com

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

2

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## % %1 # %1 *! " # # ! !

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!+ &/ * $&* - 000() ( &(."

TEMPTATION Unison Research Unico 150 | Stereo amplifier | £4000

“A beast – albeit one in a smart suit” FOR Muscular presentation; huge scale; strong dynamics

AGAINST Lacks a little insight and precision; some build issues

★★★★ ★

Unison Research’s flagship Unico amplifier is something of a beast, albeit one dressed in a crisp smart suit. The numbers reveal a lot about this hybrid integrated – £4000, 25kg and 150W per channel – but even these take a back seat to the way it dominates our test rack. Thanks to its generously stocky proportions, the Unico dwarfs most of our reference kit.

That nicely finished casework measures a substantial 18 x 44 x 44cm (hwd), so make sure you have plenty of space to house it, and to help with ventilation.

That Class A/B MOSFET output stage is capable of plenty of power. It has a claimed output of 150W per channel into 8 ohms that rises to a mighty 220W as impedance halves. That’s plenty of grunt and certainly enough to deliver high volume levels from most price-appropriate speakers.

The Unico’s connectivity is good enough for the types of systems it will typically be bought for. There are a decent number of line-level inputs, including two balanced XLRs, plus a direct connection that bypasses the volume control – for use in a multichannel set-up where the volume

level will be controlled by an external AV processor. There are two pairs of speaker connections to help make biwiring easier.

The distinctive remote got a mixed reaction from our test team. For the most part we warmed to the oddly shaped wooden casing, but it’s a system remote, which means many of the multitude of identikit small circular buttons are no use for the amp – and their slightly sharp edges didn’t meet with universal approval.

Once up and running, the Unico proves an impressive unit. We connect it into our reference system using Naim’s NDS/555PS

Searching for perfection The three-piece front panel is crisply machined and the rest of the casework feels immensely solid. Neat details such as the classy-looking RCA sockets used and Unison Research-branded speaker connections lift the 150 above the norm. There’s a choice of finishes – the silver of our test sample, or black. The latter will cost you £100 more.

There are some areas where there is room for improvement. The two large control dials fit nicely in the hand, but the input selector feels a little wobbly. That three-piece front panel looks distinctive, but one of the trio of panels wasn’t aligned exactly. It was only a touch out, but at this price we’d expect perfection.

Take a look inside and you’ll find a dual-mono hybrid circuit, which mixes valves in the input and driver stages with MOSFETs on the output stage. It’s a clear attempt to blend the fluidity and finesse of valves with plenty of muscle and grip.

Many manufacturers have tried to combine these vastly different technologies and, judging by the mixed results, it isn’t easy. In our experience, Unison Research is one of the few to do so on a consistent basis.

64 www.whathifi.com

1

2

3

IN CLOSER DETAIL 1 Good array of single-ended connections. There’s a pre-amp output alongside a tape out and a bypass input that makes integration into an AV set-up easier.

2 The two pairs of balanced XLR inputs should be enough for most high-end set-ups. Unison Research has chosen not to offer digital options with this amp.

3 We are impressed by these speaker terminals. They’re nicely made, they feel chunky and the paired-up arrangement makes biwiring much easier.

T E M P TAT I O N

”The Unico is exciting, articulate and a whole lot of fun – something many high-end products overlook in the quest for insight and refinement”

music streamer as the main source, with our long-serving ATC SCM50 speakers completing the set-up. In this system the 150 comes across as a powerhouse – no surprise considering its generous output.

KEY FEATURES

Huge scale and authority

HYBRID CIRCUIT DESIGN

Considering the amplifier’s muscularity, large-scale classical works seem a good place to start listening. We run through Tchaikovsky’s Marché Slave Op.31 and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, taking in a large dose of Dvořák in the middle. The Unison Research is a smooth performer with a lively and articulate nature, though that isn’t what grabs our attention.

We are initially drawn to the presentation’s scale and authority. It sounds huge, with plenty of headroom and the ability to play at furniture-rattling levels without any obvious signs of stress. There is little sign of hardness as the volume level heads northwards, just a wall of sound that extends to completely fill one end of our listening room.

150 WATTS PER CHANNEL

25KG WEIGHT

Tonally there’s a decent balance, though the top end lacks a bit of the body and richness that makes the bass frequencies so attractive. The Unico’s sound staging is nice and wide, but lacks a little depth compared with the best we’ve heard at the price.

A whole lot of fun We move onto Nick Cave’s Push the Sky Away and love the way the Unison renders voices. There’s delicacy here and the kind of fluidity that brings to mind some of the company’s all-valve designs. It makes a decent job of rhythms too, allowing the song’s gentle momentum to build with grace. We know there’s more detail on this track than the Unico delivers and a greater separation of instruments too, but there’s enough this amplifier does right that such shortcomings don’t overly concern us.

That’s particularly the case when playing Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore & Lewis, where the Unison Research’s responsive nature makes listening to the song a treat.

The amplifier’s energetic delivery works

brilliantly. There’s so much drive, it’s exciting, impressively articulate and a whole lot of fun – something many high-end products overlook in the quest for more insight and refinement. We’re glad Unison Research hasn’t gone down that road.

The Unico 150 isn’t flawless, but it is immensely likeable. For some the size may be an issue, others may want a more precise and transparent performer, but we’re charmed by its big-hearted presentation.

says

RATING ★★ ★ ★ SOUND FEATURES BUILD

VERDICT The Unico 150 is a powerhouse, delivering an immensely muscular sound mixed in with a large dose of fun

www.whathifi.com 65

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BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST BUYS The only products worth considering

HI-FI AMPLIFIERS THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM

Marantz PM6005 £300 Up to £500

May 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £200 Best stereo amplifier under £300, 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 £650 October 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £500

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

£500 to £1000

Best stereo amplifier £300-£700, 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 £925 January 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £900 Best stereo amplifier £700-£1000, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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

Naim Supernait 2 £2750 £1000 to £3000

December 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Rega Elicit-R £1600 Best stereo amplifier £1000+, 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 76 www.whathifi.com

AWARD WINNER

AMPLIFIERS CONTINUED Roksan Caspian M2 £1900 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£1000 to £3000

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

Roksan K3£1250 February 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This lively effort from Roksan delivers a sound that’s big, expressive and agile. It even performs capably on a Bluetooth connection.

Power 150W Inputs 5 line, MM, B’tooth Outputs Spkr, preamp, h’phone

Burmester 032 £12,380 June 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£3000 and above

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

Dan D’Agostino Momentum integrated £42,000 November 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Get past the cost of the Dan D’Agostino 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

Preamps up to £9000

GamuT D3i £6150 January 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Townshend Allegri £1895 August 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Allegri a passive unit with six inputs and two outputs, but the real attraction is a wonderfully transparent sound that brims with insight.

Inputs 6 line-in, MC Output Single-ended DAC No

Network audio Pick a capable stereo amplifier A good stereo amplifier is handy as it takes the signal from your network streamer and sends it to your speakers.

There are plenty of options but Cambridge Audio’s Award-winning CXA60 at £500 is a great choice. It offers an excellent sense of musicality and enough connections to allow a range of sources to be hooked up.

Invest a lot in storage Storage is a necessity if you’re heading down the network-audio path. Music collections typically expand so equip yourself with a large hard drive that can be upgraded.

Go for a NAS drive such as Synology’s DS213 Diskstation. It’s available in a number of configurations from 1TB to 6TB and is compatible with just about every streaming device out there.

To store music as a 128kbps – or even 320kbps – file is a missed opportunity. You’d

have space to store more tracks but quality would suffer compared with CD. As the saying goes: rubbish in, rubbish out.

WAV, FLAC or Apple Lossless are preferred formats but FLAC has metadata support, which contains information about the track, artist, artwork and sampling rates among other things.

If you’re looking to move to a digital ecosyste m, we have a fe w tips yo u should c onsider

Try before you buy Don’t forget control apps either. If you have a tablet, a control app is an intuitive and accessible way of managing your digital music collection. Keep that in mind when you’re shopping around and try out any apps by downloading the demos for free from the iOS or Android app stores.

As always, try before you buy and see what set-up works best for you.

www.whathifi.com 77

AMPLIFIERS CONTINUED Aesthetix Janus Signature£10,000 Preamps £9000 and above

April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This cutting-edge valve-powered preamp is remarkably refined but preserves all the energy and power in the music. Expensive, but lovely.

Inputs 5 line-in, MM, MC Outputs Balanced, single-ended DAC No

Burmester 808 MK5 £22,242 February 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Burmester’s masterpiece may be decades old but a string of upgrades have kept it relevant. Sound quality remains exceptional.

Inputs line-in, MM, MC (opt) Outputs Balanced, single-ended DAC No

Mark Levinson 326S £9300 July 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Power amps up to £10,000

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

Cyrus Mono X300 Signature £2750 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £8500 January 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

£10,000 and above

Altas Stereo Signature £10,000 April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This Atlas comes close to being all things to all listeners. It has loads of grunt, yet there’s a gentle side too with delicacy and exceptional insight.

Power output 200W Mono/Stereo Stereo Inputs 2 x Phono, 2 x XLR

Burmester 911 Mk3 £32,800 August 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS GET THE RIGHT PLAYER AND CD CAN STILL SHINE

Cambridge Audio CXC £300 Up to £500

Best CD transport under £500, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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

Type CD transport Outputs coaxial, optical

Marantz CD6005 £300 Best CD player under £500, 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 78 www.whathifi.com

AWARD WINNER

CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS CONTINUED Up to £500

Onkyo C-N7050 £350 April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A CD player or a hi-res music streamer? Whatever it is, the C-N7050 is a hugely appealing system that combines the best of both worlds.

Type CD player/streamer Outputs optical, coaxial, line level

£500 to £1000

Cyrus CD t £750 Best CD transport £500+, 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

Cyrus CD i £1050

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best CD player £500+, 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

£1000 to £1500

Roksan K3 CD Di £1300 November 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Naim CD5si £1080 October 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

£1500 to £2000

Cyrus CD Xt Signature £1750 May 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Savvy shopper: CD players and transports

Cambridge CXC, £300 The CXC is a marvellous piece of kit but it comes with a caveat: as a CD transport it needs a DAC to make a sound.

If you have a capable DAC then there’s no reason not to consider the CXC. It’s simple to use, with a precise sound and a sense of musicality that emphasizes the interplay between instruments on a track.

If you don’t have a DAC, Marantz’s CD6005 is a more-than-capable alternative at the same price.

Onkyo C-N7050, £350 There aren’t many CD players that can also stream music, which makes the C-N7050 a tempting proposition. That it offers commendable performance in both categories means it’s something of a bargain.

With a smooth and upbeat presentation across both CD and streamed music, playback over a network edges CD by sounding a little more spacious. The Onkyo is forgiving with low-res MP3 files, yet serves out a good amount of detail with 24-bit/192kHz tracks.

A dedicated CD player will have more authority and drive, but it’s a credit to the C-N7050’s skills that it isn’t far behind.

Cyrus CD i, £1050 If you can stretch your budget towards the £1000 mark, then there’s the option of the Cyrus CD i player. Cyrus claims this is the company’s best-sounding player yet, and we’re inclined to agree.

Cyrus has built a CD player that’s capable of reaching exceptional highs, with plenty of clarity and a fast and fluid sound that doesn’t scrimp on detail.

Black marks against are the unit’s uninspiring display and a transport that’s noisier than many. Nevertheless, it would give more-expensive CD players a run for their money with its terrific performance.

www.whathifi.com 79

£1000 to £2000

CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS CONTINUED Roksan Caspian M2 CD £1900 Awards 2010 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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, USB, XLR, RCA

Burmester 089 £13,320 £2000 to £15000

January 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Esoteric K-05 £7495 January 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The K-05 is a hefty, well-built piece of hi-fi. The sense of scale and composure is impressive; as is its powerful, yet articulate bass.

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

Burmester 069 £35,840 £15000 and above

November 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Naim CD555/555PS £18,345 October 2009 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £90

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

Audioquest DragonFly v1.2 £130 Up to £500

February 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £400

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best DAC £400-£800, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The majority of the £1400 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

Oppo HA-2 £250 October 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 80 www.whathifi.com

DACS CONTINUED June 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Chord Hugo £1400 March 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£500 to £1000

Audiolab M-DAC £600

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 AWARD WINNER

August 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

£1000 to £2000

Chord 2Qute £1000

Naim DAC-V1 £1250 July 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Bricasti Design M1 DAC £7000 March 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 6 x 43 x 30cm Res to 352.8kHz

September 2015 ★★★★★

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 23cm Res Up to 32-bit/384kHz

£2000 and above

Chord Hugo TT £2995

TAD DA1000 £11,995 May 2015 ★★★★★

It’s massive and it costs an eye-watering £12,000, but this is a brilliant performer. Agile and refined, it handles low level detail with finesse.

Inputs USB, opt, coax, AES/EBU Size 9 x 27 x 27cm Res Up to 384kHz

MUSIC STREAMERS THE BEST WAY TO SHARE YOUR TUNES AROUND THE HOUSE

Bluesound Node 2 £435 November 2015 ★★★★★

Google Chromecast Audio £30 January 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Up to £500

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

Google turns its expertise to audio streaming to bring music from any Cast-compatible app to your amps and speakers. And for only £30.

DLNA Yes Inputs RCA, 3.5mm, optical Storage No www.whathifi.com 81

MUSIC STREAMERS CONTINUED Cambridge Audio CXN £700

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

£500 to £1000

Best streamer £500-£1000, 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

Pioneer N-50A £500 Best streamer £500-£100, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

The impressive N-50A offers an insightful performance, and can pluck music over DLNA and Internet radio or via a hoard of inputs.

DLNA Yes Inputs optical, coaxial, USB Storage No

Cambridge Audio Azur 851N £1200 March 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A sterling streamer that boasts excellent file support, plenty of connections and a sound that’s both expressive and dynamic.

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

Cyrus Stream Xa £1250 £1000 to £5000

Best streamer £1000-£1500, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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 £2010 Awards 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £2245

AWARD WINNER

Best streamer £1500+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Burmester Musiccenter 151 £12,500 £5000 and above

August 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Naim NDS/555PS £12,620 December 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

RADIOS Up to £200

ONE OF THE OLDEST ENTERTAINMENT TECHS, STILL GOING STRONG

Pure Evoke D2 £90 Best radio under £100, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

A three-time Award-winner. For just £85, you have a stellar radio that not only sounds lovely but will look charming in any home.

Battery Yes Size (hwd) 15 x 21 x 7cm Inputs mini-USB, 3.5mm

82 www.whathifi.com

RADIOS CONTINUED PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best radio £100-£200, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This Roberts delivers deep bass that doesn’t overpower the midrange.

Spotify Connect, wi-fi and USB playback are the headliners.

Battery No – Size (hwd) 21 x 24 x 13cm Inputs 3.5mm

Up to £200

Roberts Stream 93i £150

Geneva World Radio DAB+ £270 September 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This Bluetooth-toting portable radio is a sleek machine that’s a breeze to use. The full-bodied, detailed performance is worth the price.

Battery Yes (chargeable) Size 18 x 30 x 12cm Inputs 3.5mm, B’tooth

Revo Axis X3 £200 January 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Revo SuperConnect £280

AWARD WINNER

Best radio £200+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£200 and above

Strong with voices, the X3 goes surprisingly loud for a compact radio.

It also has internet radio, aptX Bluetooth and a Lightning connector dock.

Battery No Size 13 x 22 x 15cm Inputs 3.5mm, B’tooth, Apple, DLNA

Not just a radio, this feature-packed Revo is a streaming music player that will play just about anything from nearly any source.

Battery No Size 18 x 27 x 12cm Inputs 3.5mm, Bluetooth, DLNA

Ruark Audio R1 Mk3 £200 April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A stylish design, petite size and a solid performance packed with detail and character mean this charming unit is perfect for talk-radio and music.

Battery Yes (opt) Size (hwd) 17 x 13 x 13.5cm Inputs AUX in, 3.5mm

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

Eclipse TD-M1 £800 August 2014 ★★★★

KEF Egg £350

AWARD WINNER

Best desktop speaker £200+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Our 2015 Best Desktop Speaker Over £200 have a distinctive design and flexible connectivity – and a stunning, consistent performance.

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

Wharfedale DS-1 £130

AWARD WINNER

Desktop Speakers up to £1000

Some might feel the TD-M1s are watching them – but we’re more interested in the great stereo imaging, fine detail and precision.

Size (hwd) 24 x 16 x 22cm Powered Yes Finishes 2

Best desktop speaker under £200, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Smart, terrific-sounding and just £130; 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

F O R A F U L L L I S T O F S P E C I F I C AT I O N S A N D I N - D E P T H R E V I E W S V I S I T W H AT H I F I . C O M www.whathifi.com 83

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Up to £1000

STEREO SPEAKERS CONTINUED Q Acoustics 3050 £500 Best floorstander under £600, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Another 2015 Award-winner, and no wonder. The powerful 3050s are so talented, they give speakers closer to £1000 a run for their money.

Size (hwd) 100 x 20 x 30cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 5

B&W 683 S2 £1150 October 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Floorstanders £1000 to £2000

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

Size (hwd) 99 x 19 x 36cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Q Acoustics Concept 40 £1000 May 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

Tannoy Revolution XT 6F £1000 Best floorstander £600-£1200, 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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

Tannoy Revolution XT 8F £1300 July 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

Eclipse TD 510Z Mk2 £3840 August 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The 510Z Mk2s plump for the single-driver route to quality sound. It yields insight, impressive agility and rock-solid stereo imaging.

Size (hwd) 98 x 38 x 39cm Bi-wire No Finishes 3

PMC Twenty 23 £2300 Floorstanders £2000 to £5000

February 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 4

Spendor A6R £2500

AWARD WINNER

Best floorstander over £1200, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Size (hwd) 87.5 x 19 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 5

Spendor D7 £3500 February 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 6

Triangle Signature Delta £4900 July 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 3 90 www.whathifi.com

STEREO SPEAKERS CONTINUED ATC SCM40A £6280 April 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 2 Powered Yes

Focal Electra 1038Be £7700 July 2015 ★★★★★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 2

PMC Twenty 26 £5750 November 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ProAc Response D40/R £6125 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 6

Quad ESL-2812 £6500 October 2013 ★★★★★

Floorstanders £5000 and above

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 4

Electrostatic speakers with cutting-edge standards of mid-range finesse, great detail and a smooth tone. In many respects, unmatched.

Size (hwd) 107 x 69 x 38cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1

Tannoy Definition DC10T £5250 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We’ve heard few price rivals that come close to matching the dynamic envelope, authority and sheer engagement of these big Tannoys.

Size (hwd) 113 x 34 x 32cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

Tannoy Kensington GR £9950 August 2015 ★★★★★

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

www.whathifi.com 91

£5000+

STEREO SPEAKERS CONTINUED Wilson Audio Sophia 3 £16,500 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Eye-wateringly expensive but hugely capable, too. Properly partnered they’re able to deliver a sound full of detail, dynamics and drive.

Size (hwd) 105 x 35 x 48cm Bi-wire No Finishes 7

Dali Zensor 1 £200 July 2015 ★★★★

Standmounts up to £300

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 £280 Best standmounter £200-£400, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 4

Q Acoustics 3020 £190 Best stereo speaker under £200, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 5

Wharfedale Diamond 220 £180 March 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Standmounts £300 to £500

A talented speaker that’s a great fit for a budget or mid-range set-up.

At less than £200 the Diamonds are an attractive proposition.

Size (hwd) 50 x 32 x 41cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 4

Dali Zensor 3 £300 October 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 3

Q Acoustic Concept 20 £350 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

If you want a top-quality, sub-£500 standmounter you ignore this one at your peril. Clarity and refinement shine through in abundance.

Size (hwd) 26 x 17 x 28cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

B&W 685 S2 £500 Standmounts £500 to £1000

Product of the Year, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Size (hwd) 35 x 19 x 32cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

KEF LS50 £800 December 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 1

Martin Logan Motion 15 £795 December 2013 ★★★★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 2 92 www.whathifi.com

STEREO SPEAKERS CONTINUED Standmounts £500 to £1000

Neat Iota £695 December 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

You wouldn’t think it to look at them but these unusual speakers turn out a big, weighty, detailed performance. They sound truly remarkable.

Size (hwd) 13 x 20 x 17cm Bi-wire No Finishes 5

Triangle Esprit Titus EZ £600 April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 3

ATC SCM11 (2013) £1200 Best standmounter £800-£1200, 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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2 Powered Yes

Dynaudio Xeo 4 £1775 November 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Standmounts £1000 to £2000

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Neat Motive SX3 £1045 November 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 4

PMC Twenty 22 £1920 November 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 4

ProAC Studio 118 £1075 November 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 Bi-wire Yes Finishes 4

“The ELAC Debut series delivers superior performance thanks to custom made key components, with no off-the-shelf parts.

Unlike many more expensive speakers that mix parts-bin drivers, bare-bones crossovers and generic cabinets—every ELAC speaker is built from a clean-sheet design.”

Debut by

Andrew Jones

HiFiNetworkLtd www.hifi-network.com/dealers

www.whathifi.com 93

ATC SCM19 £2000

AWARD WINNER

Best standmounter £1200+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Standmounts £2000 and above

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 Bi-wire No Finishes 2

ATC SCM20ASL Pro £4380 October 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

These ATCs are terrific value. Getting standmounters and four power amplifier channels of such a high standard should cost far more than this.

Size (hwd) 45 x 25 x 39cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 1 Powered Yes

Focal SM9 £4100 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

1.2 kW of power amplification and sound quality that conventional alternatives at twice the price would struggle to better. Quite superb.

Size (hwd) 32 x 49 x 39cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1

Roksan Darius S1 £5000 December 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fluid, balanced and with a solid, agile bass, the S1s are among the most enjoyable standmounters we’ve heard in years.

Size (hwd) 38 x 20 x 38cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

SYSTEMS SIMPLE DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN LOWER QUALITY Sonos System From £175 Multi-room

Best multi-room system under £500, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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 £540

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best multi-room system over £500, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stereo systems up to £500

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

Cambridge Audio Minx Xi £400 Best music system £400-£800, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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 £350

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best music system under £400, 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

F O R A F U L L L I S T O F S P E C I F I C AT I O N S A N D I N - D E P T H R E V I E W S V I S I T W H AT H I F I . C O M 94 www.whathifi.com

Up to £500 Stereo systems £500+

AWARD WINNER

Ruark Audio R2 Mk3 £400 Best all-in-one music system, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Packed with extensive radio, network and streaming features, this is a system whose spacious, rich and dynamic performance is captivating.

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

Cyrus Streamline 2 £1600 Awards 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 AWARD WINNER

Naim UnitiQute 2 £1295 Best music system £800-£1500, 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

TURNTABLES DECKS TO KEEP THE VINYL REVIVAL THRIVING Pro-Ject Elemental £150 April 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Up to £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 £210

AWARD WINNER

Best turntable under £400, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £225 Awards 2010 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £995

AWARD WINNER

Best turntable £800+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£500 to £1000

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 UKX £575 January 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 £550

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best turntable £400-£800, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 96 www.whathifi.com

TURNTABLES CONTINUED Rega RP6/Exact £1000

December 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

£1000 and above

Rega RP8/Apheta £2200 December 2014 ★★★★★

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

VPI Prime £3750

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best Temptation, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

A confident-sounding package that can organise with the best and maintain composure even when faced with the most challenging music.

Speed 33.3, 45rpm Size (hwd) 18 x 54 x 40cm

WIRELESS SPEAKERS FREE YOUR MUSIC WITH ONE OF THESE STREAMING WONDERS Cambridge Audio Go £120 Awards 2014 ★★★★★

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, up to 18 hrs playback

Roberts Travel Pad £80 March 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Up to £150

With its neat design, thoughtful features and clean, open sound, the Travel Pad delivers a fine portable Bluetooth pick-me-up.

Size (hwd) 8 x 19 x 3cm Battery Yes, up to 12 hrs playback

Ultimate Ears Boom 2 £120 February 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

UE has built on the success of the original Boom and produced a speaker that betters its predecessor in usability and performance.

Size (hw) 18 x 7 x 7cm Battery Yes, up to 15 hrs playback AWARD WINNER

Ultimate Ears Roll £100 Best portable wireless speaker under £100, 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, up to 9 hrs playback

Audio Pro Addon T3 £165

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best portable wireless speaker £100-£200, 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Audio Pro Addon T8 £250 June 2014 ★★★★

£150 to £300

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, up to 30 hrs (at half volume)

These lively, beautifully built speakers are punchy, offer plenty of detail and an upbeat and immensely enjoyable overall sound.

Size (hwd) 16 x 10 x 14cm Battery No www.whathifi.com 97

WIRELESS SPEAKERS CONTINUED JBL Xtreme £250 November 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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, up to 15 hrs playback

Monitor Audio Airstream S150 £150

AWARD WINNER

Best mains-powered wireless speaker under £200, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£150 to £300

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

Sonos Play:1 £170 January 2014 ★★★★★

Well built, with solid bass response and great detail and clarity, the Play:1 offers much more than its price tag might suggest.

Size (hwd) 16 x 12 x 12cm Battery: No

Sonos Play:3 £260 December 2011 ★★★★★

Impressively musical with great dispersion of sound, flexible about positioning and with intuitive, free control apps. A winner.

Size (hwd) 12 x 26 x 15cm Battery No

Ultimate Ears Megaboom £250 April 2015 ★★★★★

Arguably the most polished performer in the UE range. Battery life and build quality are excellent: you’re in for a musical treat.

Size (hw) 23 x 8cm Battery Yes, up to 20 hrs playback

Audio Pro Allroom Air One £400 August 2014 ★★★★★

Winner of an Award in 2013, the Air One put the cat among the pigeons. It’s still tough to argue with its rounded, entertaining sound.

Size (hwd) 20 x 31 x 19cm Battery No

Bluesound Pulse Mini £420 February 2016 ★★★★★

£300 to £500

A great addition to Bluesound’s family of wireless speakers, it packs the Pulse’s impressive sound into a smaller, more affordable package.

Size (hwd) 17 x 16 x 34cm Battery No

Geneva Model S Wireless DAB+ £330

AWARD WINNER

Best mains-powered wireless speaker £200-£600, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

A classy speaker with additional radio features, the Model S Wireless DAB+ offers clear, detailed, punchy sound with agility and precision.

Size (hwd) 15 x 14 x 18cm Battery No

KEF Muo £300 Best portable wireless speaker £200, 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, up to 12 hrs playback

Q Acoustics Q-BT3 £350 June 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 98 www.whathifi.com

AWARD WINNER

WIRELESS SPEAKERS CONTINUED Ruark Audio MR1 £300 October 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£300 to £500

The £50 wireless battery pack for the R1 radio will turn these Awardwinning desktop speakers into a tidy little wireless package.

Size (hwd) 17 x 13 x 14cm Battery No

Sonos Play:5 £350 December 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Its rich bass response, great detail and crystal-clear mid-range make the Play:5 a class leader as a wireless speaker or part of a multi-room set-up.

Size (hwd) 20 x 36 x 15cm Battery No

B&O BeoPlay A6 £800 February 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Oozing style and substance, the A6 effortlessly combines the simplicity and convenience of a one-box system. It’s a job fully well done.

Size (hwd) 30 x 54 x 16cm Battery No

B&W Zeppellin Wireless £500 December 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

£500 and above

Dali Kubik Free £645 March 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A 2014 Award-winner, the Dali Kubik Free remains a real entertainer with its enthusiasm, bass weight and spade-loads of detail and dynamics.

Size (hwd) 31 x 15 x 15cm Battery No

Geneva AeroSphère Large £650

AWARD WINNER

Best mains-powered wireless speaker £600-£800, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Not only is this bulbous beauty among the best-looking wireless speakers we’ve seen, it’s high on the list of the best we’ve heard too.

Size (hwd) 41 x 41 x 32cm Battery No

Naim Mu-So £895

AWARD WINNER

Best mains-powered wireless speaker £800+, 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

www.whathifi.com 99

BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST BUYS The only products worth considering

HOME CINEMA BLU-RAY PLAYERS ENJOY HIGH-DEF MOVIE THRILLS

Panasonic DMP-BDT170 £90 Up to £100

August 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Picture quality is what counts. It might be short on catch-up services but the arresting colours, strong contrast and good upscaling make up for that.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD

Sony BDP-S4500 £75 August 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Nothing’s perfect in this life, but the BDP-S4500 comes pretty close.

Delivering on every count, it’s a positive steal at this price.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD

Panasonic DMP-BDT370 £100

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best Blu-ray player under £150, Awards 2015 ★ ★★★

£100 to £300

A bright, sharp picture, weighty sound and 4K upscaling, all for just £100. Enough to award this player our 2015 Blu-ray Product of the Year.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD

Sony BDP-S5500 £110 July 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A tiny player that goes big on performance. Features and design are strong too – and there’s a dedicated Netflix button on the remote.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD

Sony BDP-S7200 £180 Best Blu-ray player £150-£300, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

The pictures here are impressive, but it’s with sound quality that this model’s star shines brightest – it’s entertaining, exciting and musical.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD

Pioneer BDP-LX58 £600 £300 to £800

April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Rivals offer more smart content, but if that’s not an issue you’ll be wowed by the jaw-dropping movie experience from this 4K-upscaler.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD

Panasonic DMR-BWT850 £570 February 2016 ★★★★

£800+

Packing an impressive array of features, this Blu-ray recorder comes with a high price tag but does pretty much everything you can imagine.

Compatibility Blu-ray, DVD, CD

Cambridge Audio CXU £1000 Best Blu-ray player £300+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

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

100 www.whathifi.com

BLU-RAY PLAYERS CONTINUED March 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£1100 is 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

£800+

Oppo BDP-105D £1100

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS STUNNING SOUND THAT TRULY BRINGS MOVIES TO LIFE

Sony STR-DN860 £400 September 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Yamaha RX-V379 £300 Best home cinema amplifier under £350, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

Up to £500

Sony proves the value of performance over the latest mod cons. No Dolby Atmos, but a thoroughly authoritative and engaging sound.

Power 7 x 95W Dolby Atmos No HDMI in/out 5/1

This entry-level amp is a great way to start in home cinema. Champion under £350 at the Awards, it offers a scale of sound belying its price.

Power 5 x 70W Dolby Atmos No HDMI in/out 4/1

Denon AVR-X2200W £500

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best home cinema amplifier £350-£700, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

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 HDMI in/out 8/2 AWARD WINNER

Best home cinema amplifier £700-£1000, 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 HDMI in/out 8/2

£500 to £1000

Yamaha RX-A850 £900

Yamaha RX-V679 £600 October 2015 ★★★★

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 HDMI in/out 6/1

Onkyo TX-NR3030 £2500 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 Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/3

Pioneer SC-LX59 £1400

AWARD WINNER

Best home cinema amplifier £1000+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The SC-LX59 makes it six £1000+ Awards in a row for Pioneer. This latest offering is better than ever, making it a class-leading receiver.

Power 9 x 140W Dolby Atmos Yes HDMI in/out 8/3

£1000 and above

June 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

F O R A F U L L L I S T O F S P E C I F I C AT I O N S A N D I N - D E P T H R E V I E W S V I S I T W H AT H I F I . C O M www.whathifi.com 101

PROJECTORS

Up to £1000

BECAUSE A MASSIVE PICTURE IS HOME CINEMA AWARD WINNER

BenQ W1080ST+ £850 Best projector under £1000, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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-TW6600 £1400 April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£1000 and above

If you aren’t bothered about wireless connectivity, you’ll be thrilled by its bold, rich colours, sharp lines and hugely impressive contrast.

Throw ratio 1.32-2.15:1 Inputs 2 x HDMI, PC, component Speakers Yes

Epson EH-TW7200 £1900

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best projector £1000-£2000, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Versatile and easy to set up, this one raises the bar for picture quality in the sub-£2000 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 £2800 Best projector £2000+, 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

SET-TOP BOXES THE BEST WAY TO ACCESS THE WORLD OF TELEVISION

Humax DTR-T2000 £180 Best PVR, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

This YouView recorder is still one of the best ways to handle live TV. Its 500GB is a decent amount of space, but it’s now available with 1TB too.

Tuners 2 Storage 500GB Ultra HD No

PVRs

Humax FVP-4000T £200 March 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Catch-up TV is made supremely easy with this Freeview Play box.

It’s a comprehensive entertainment hub with minimum fuss.

Tuners 3 Storage 500GB, 1TB Ultra HD No

Humax HDR-1100S £190 (500GB), £220 (1TB), £270 (2TB) December 2015 ★★★★★

Set-top boxes

Now with wi-fi, this impressive Freesat recorder is a genuine wireless entertainment hub. It’s our top subscription-free choice.

Tuners 2 Storage 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Ultra HD No

BT Ultra HD YouView min £15/month + fees November 2015 ★★★★

The first 4K box to hit the market, this is the most accomplished live TV you can watch. Content is a little limited right now – so sports fans only.

Tuners 2 Storage 1TB Ultra HD Yes

102 www.whathifi.com

SET-TOP BOXES CONTINUED Sky+HD 2TB free or £250

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Set-top boxes

Best subscription service, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sky+HD is a complete subscription package that’s hard to rival.

The interface keeps getting better too, which is great for longevity.

Tuners 2 Storage 2TB Ultra HD No

SOUNDBARS AN IMPRESSIVE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR TV’S SOUND PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best soundbar under £500, 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

Dali Kubik One £800

Up to £500

Q Acoustics Media 4 £330

AWARD WINNER

Best soundbar £500+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

£500 and above

Philips Fidelio B5 £600 December 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Sonos Playbar £600 January 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Better TV sound is one thing, but this is Sonos in a soundbar – so you can stream music from a NAS, laptop or smartphone or access internet radio.

Size (hwd) 9 x 90 x 14cm Inputs Optical Subwoofer Optional

SOUNDBASES AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF SUPERIOR TV SOUND

Cambridge Audio TV5 £250 June 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Canton DM55 £330

AWARD WINNER

Up to £300

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

Best soundbase under £400, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Replacing the DM50, the £70 cheaper DM55 is even more appealing – its meaty yet subtle sound is a huge audio upgrade for your TV. AWARD WINNER

June 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This premium soundbase has a big, balanced and authoritative sound, with detail and dynamic insight in spades. It’s worth the extra spend.

Size (hwd) 10 x 70 x 35cm Inputs Optical, coaxial

£300+

Geneva Model Cinema £550

www.whathifi.com 103

SPEAKER PACKAGES

Style pkgs up to £1000

GOOD SURROUND SOUND IS A MOVIE-MAGIC MUST

Q Acoustics Q7000i £900 November 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Got £900 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 £600

AWARD WINNER

Best style package under £1000, 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 £1100 Best style package £1000+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Style packages £1000 and above

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

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

B&W MT-60D £1950 May 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Compact and stylish (we love that sub), this package presents a dynamic, powerful sound that excels with surround sound and stereo music.

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

Monitor Audio Apex £2400 May 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Not cheap, but it delivers a truly large-scale sound that registers a skyhigh entertainment factor with films. Fine musical performance, too.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 14 x 61 x 10cm Finishes 2

Monitor Audio Radius R90HT1 £1500 October 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We’re drawn in to the finely balanced sound, excellent integration and clear dialogue. The weighty, controlled bass is the icing on a tasty cake.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 17 x 46 x 17cm Finishes 3

104 www.whathifi.com

SPEAKER PACKAGES CONTINUED AWARD WINNER

Dali Zensor 1 5.1 £980 Best traditional package under £1000, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

July 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Wharfedale Diamond 220 HCP £850 July 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Featuring one of our favourite standmounters, this package offers an excellent surround-sound experience for a reasonable price.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 17 x 47 x 27cm Finishes 7

Monitor Audio Bronze B5 AV £1500

Traditional packages up to £2000

Q Acoustics 3000 Series 5.1 £700

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best traditional package £1000-£2000, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

B&W 683 S2 Theatre £2750 November 2014 ★★★★

Dali Ikon 5 Mk2 £2500 June 2014 ★★★★

Not much else at this price is as thrilling, forceful or cohesive as this. It’s clear and detailed too, even if the subwoofer seems a touch lethargic.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 15 x 57 x 26cm Finishes 2

KEF R100 5.1 £2850

AWARD WINNER

Best traditional package £2000+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Traditional packages £2000 and above

We’d like a bit more authority in the bass, but we’re still delighted by the detailed, agile sound, focused surround steering and power on offer.

Size (hwd) Centre speaker 22 x 59 x 30cm Finishes 2

Monitor Audio Silver 6 AV12 £2875 June 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

With terrific build and finish, and a fine degree of insight and precision in the sound, these speakers work together seamlessly. A top-notch package Size (hwd) Centre speaker 19 x 50 x 24cm Finishes 6

VIDEO STREAMERS DON’T RESTRICT STREAMING TO A LAPTOP – GET IT ON THE TELLY

December 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The second-gen Chromecast still ‘casts’ content from a device to a TV over wi-fi, but now with speedier operation and a performance boost.

Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage No Ultra HD No

Up to £50

Google Chromecast 2 £30

www.whathifi.com 105

Up to £50

Now TV (2015) £15

£50 to £100

VIDEO STREAMERS CONTINUED

Amazon Fire TV (2015) £80

Reviewed online ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Now it outputs 1080p and passes through 7.1 surround sound, NOW TV is a great way to open your doors to a plethora of Sky content.

Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage n/a Ultra HD No

Best streaming box, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

An improvement on the first Fire TV. For the same money you get 4K streaming, greater speed and power, and expanded storage options.

Resolution Ultra HD, 1080p, 720p Storage 8GB Ultra HD Yes

Roku 3 £100 March 2015 ★★★★★

£100 and above

Super-slick operational speeds and a plethora of content make Roku’s latest entry to its established streaming catalogue the best we’ve seen.

Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage opt. 2GB microSD Ultra HD No

PlayStation 4 (500GB) £300 February 2014 ★★★★

With stacks of smart music and movie apps plus solid performance, Sony’s latest is a must-have for gamers and entertainment-seekers alike.

Resolution 1080p, 720p Storage 500GB, 1TB Ultra HD No

Xbox One (500GB) £300 January 2014 ★★★★

This hugely ambitious console isn’t without imperfections, and it might need time to realise its potential. For now it’s a very good games console.

Resolution 1080p, 1080i, 720p Storage 500GB, 1TB Ultra HD No

TELEVISIONS

Up to 40in

MAKE THE FOCUS OF YOUR ENTERTAINMENT HUB A GOOD ONE

Samsung UE32J6300 £380 March 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It expertly ticks all the boxes you’d expect from a Full HD TV. The only issue is the availability of larger rivals at the same price.

Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD

Panasonic TX-40CS520 £380

AWARD WINNER

Best 40-46in TV under £500, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

40in to 50in

This is a great deal. It might not be flashy (there’s no 3D or 4K) but it’s packed full of features and its picture quality is best-in-class.

Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD

Panasonic TX-40CX680B £700 August 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This good-looking telly is a great advert for smaller-screen 4K, offering a fine picture and a good stack of features with it. £700 well spent.

Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview HD

Samsung UE40JU7000 £880

AWARD WINNER

Best 40-46in TV £500+, 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 HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freev’w/Freesat HD 106 www.whathifi.com

TELEVISIONS CONTINUED Samsung UE48J6300 £650

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best 47-52in TV under £1000, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Samsung UE48JU7000 £1250 Best 47-52in TV £1000+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

40in to 50in

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

Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD

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

Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freev’w/Freesat HD

Panasonic TX-50CS520 £500 October 2015 ★★★★★

This Full HD TV presents a stunning picture, but the sound is good too.

Add a fine interface and that £500 price becomes an act of generosity.

Type LCD/LED HDMI 2 Resolution Full HD Tuner Freeview HD

Panasonic TX-50CX802B £1800 September 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

LG 55EG960V £3800 Best 52-60in TV £2500+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

50in to 60in

This is an impressive 4K screen, but it also renders Full HD content with particular flair, with great upscaling being the real talent here.

Type LCD/LED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freev’w/Freesat HD

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

Type OLED HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview HD

Samsung UE55JS8500 £2100 Best 52-60in TV under £2500, 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 HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freev’w/Freesat HD

LG 65EF950V £4000 January 2016 ★★★★★

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 HDMI 3 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview HD

Samsung UE65JS8500 £3000 Best 60in+ TV, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Samsung UE65JS9500 £5800 November 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Believe it or not, this 4K TV’s lavish picture, neutral colours, strong contrast, future-proof nature and ease of use make it worth every penny.

Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freev’w/Freesat HD

60in and above

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 HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freev’w/Freesat HD

Sony KD-75X9405C £6000 January 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A great, and very big telly, its stunning picture (and brilliant sound) is everything you would expect from a flagship television.

Type LCD/LED HDMI 4 Resolution Ultra HD Tuner Freeview HD www.whathifi.com 107

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BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST BUYS

In-ears up to £50

The only products worth considering

PORTABLE HEADPHONES BIN THE BUNDLED BUDS, AND INVEST IN BETTER SOUND

Best in-ears under £50, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Paying £40 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

Sennheiser Momentum M2 IEi £90 In-ears £50 to £100

AWARD WINNER

SoundMagic E10S £40

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best in-ears £50-£100, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

You wouldn’t think anything so small could sound so good – not for just £90. But good they sound, wonderfully smooth, expressive and balanced.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m

Sony MDR-EX650AP £60 November 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

These smart buds are nicely judged tonally, with plenty of detail. Add an expansive soundstage and you’re looking at great value for money.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.2m

Focal Sphear £100

In-ears £100 to £500

November 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

These Focals back that a classy design with a full-bodied, detailed sound that’s seriously engaging. They are a comfortable fit, too.

In-line controls: Yes Cable length 1.2m

Klipsch X11i £200 November 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

As comfortable in your ear as a cotton bud, the X11is deliver great sound too – exciting yet smooth and insightful. Highly recommended.

In-line controls Yes Cable length 1.3m

Shure SE425 £200 Best in-ears £100-£300, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

In-ears £500 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

Sennheiser IE 800 £600 Best in-ears £300+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

You might think it a waste to spend £600 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 £950 June 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

110 www.whathifi.com

HEADPHONES CONTINUED AWARD WINNER

AKG N60 NC £230 Best noise-cancelling headphones under £250, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Noise-cancelling headphones up to £300

The N60s are ultra-portable and offer effective noise-cancellation, leaving them free to present a punchy, musical, balanced sound.

Quoted battery life 30 hours

Bose QuietComfort 25 £270 April 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Lindy Cromo NCX-100 £100 March 2016 ★★★★

The main draws here are good isolation and nicely judged sound – at an affordable price. Well worth considering if you’re on a budget.

Quoted battery life 20 hours

PSB M4U2 £250 April 2015 ★★★★★

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 £50 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

AKG Y50 £50

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best portable on-ears under £100, 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

AKG K550 £100

On-ears up to £100

October 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Best home on-ears under £150, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

These on-ears, relatively light and very comfy, are communicative too, natural and unforced. And they deliver bass with punch and precision.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm/6.3mm Weight 305g

Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H2 £170 On-ears £100 to £200

May 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Grado SR125e £150 December 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Philips Fidelio M1MkII £135

AWARD WINNER

May 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 www.whathifi.com 111

HEADPHONES CONTINUED Beyerdynamic T51i £245 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 £250

On-ears £200 to £300

February 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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 AWARD WINNER

Grado SR325e £270 Best home on-ears £150-£300, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

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

Philips Fidelio X2 £230 October 2015 ★★★★★

The X2s have a smooth, neutral sound, great rhythm and punchy bass.

Superior design helps make them supremely comfortable too.

Type Open Connection 3.5mm Weight 380g AWARD WINNER

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 £270 Best portable on-ears £200-£300, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

We love the design but it’s more than just pretty – the Momentums 2.0s are comfortable on your ears and fold neatly off them.

Type Closed Connection 3.5mm Weight 240g

£500 & above

On-ears £300 to £500

B&W P7 £330 September 2014 ★★★★★

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

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 £400 Best home on-ears £300+, 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

AKG K812 £1100 October 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

AKG Y50BT £150 Wireless up to £200

AWARD WINNER

Best wireless headphone under £250, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

AWARD WINNER

By wireless standards, they’re excellent. Clarity and insight are particular strong points, but it’s also a great design.

Folding Yes Quoted battery life 20hrs+ Wireless range n/a

Philips Fidelio M2BT £185 Janaury 2015 ★★★★★

Bluetooth here is the superior aptX version. There’s also NFC connectivity and – most important – a rich, balanced, musical sound.

Folding No Quoted battery life 10hrs Wireless range 15m

112 www.whathifi.com

HEADPHONES CONTINUED Best wireless headphones £250+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless £380 Best noise-cancelling headphones £250+, Awards 2015 5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Take the Momentum 2.0, add aptX Bluetooth and active noise cancellation and – voilà. Very desirable.

Folding No Quoted battery life 22hrs Wireless range 10m

Wireless £200 & above

AWARD WINNER

B&W P5 Wireless £330

PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS TREAT YOUR TUNES TO A DEDICATED MUSIC PLAYER

Apple iPod Touch (6th Gen) 128GB £330 December 2015 ★★★★★

Sony NW-AH25N £240 February 2016 ★★★★

Up to £400

There’s life in the iPod Touch yet. Its price and talent with CD-quality music makes it a worthy challenge to pricier rivals with hi-res audio.

Hi-res compatible No Weight 88g Storage128GB

Likable and affordable, the AH25N boasts plenty of features and, although the ergonomics could be better, it produces a good sound.

Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 66g Storage 16GB

Astell & Kern Ak Jr £400

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best portable music player, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pioneeer XDP-100R £500 February 2016 ★★★★

£400 to £700

Our favourite portable unit of 2015, this hi-res player isn’t cheap, but its build quality and performance make it a formidable, portable pleasure.

Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 93g Storage 64GB

A player that ticks all the boxes on the hi-res checklist thanks to its excellent compatibility, massive storage and balanced sound.

Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 181g Storage up to 432GB

Acoustic Research M2 £900 June 2014 ★★★★★

There are niggles with the interface and design, but this is one of the best-sounding players we’ve heard. You really need to listen to the M2.

Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 245g Storage 64GB

April 2014 ★★★★

This middle-of -the-range hi-res player’s fluid, dynamic and detailed sound and extensive file compatibility far outweigh the sluggish interface.

Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 170g Storage 32GB

£700 and above

Astell & Kern AK100 MkII £700

Sony NW-ZX2 £950 September 2015 ★★★★

This second-gen hi-res Walkman is impressive. If you’re an audio enthusiast who takes music seriously you should take a closer look.

Hi-res compatible Yes Weight 235g Storage 128GB www.whathifi.com 113

SMARTPHONES Under 5in

SUPERB MUSIC AND VIDEO PLAYERS THAT MAKE PHONE CALLS TOO Apple iPhone 6S

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best smartphone under 5in, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The iPhone 6s packs class-leading audio and video performances, a faster processor, better camera and the intuitive 3D Touch feature.

OS iOS Size (hwd) 138 x 67 x 7mm Storage 16/64/128GB

Apple iPhone 6S Plus January 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The best big screen iPhone yet, we heartily recommend this if you have deep pockets and are looking for a fantastic multimedia device.

OS iOS Size (hwd) 158 x 78 x 7mm Storage 16/64/128GB

LG G4 August 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

If its leather exterior isn’t enough to win you over, the G4’s snappy processor, stunning screen and superb camera probably will.

OS Android Size (hwd) 149 x 76 x 10mm Storage 32GB & microSD

Samsung Galaxy S6

Over 5in

August 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It’s lost the ability to boost the storage or change the battery, but this premium, non-plastic device offers top-quality picture and sound.

OS Android Size (hwd) 143 x 71 x 7mm Storage 32/64/128GB

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge June 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

There’s little more than its curved screen to separate the S6 Edge from the regular S6, but it’s the very screen that makes it so desirable.

OS Android Size (hwd) 149 x 76 x 10mm – Storage 32/64GB AWARD WINNER

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ Best smartphone above 5in, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It’s pricey, but with a performance this good and a design this gorgeous, we’d pay it. It’s our favourite big screen phone.

OS Android Size (hwd) 154 x76 x7mm Storage 32/64/128GB

Sony Xperia Z5 March 2016 ★★★★

We expected more in the way of innovation but, nevertheless, the Z5 is an admirable achievement that has improved sound and fast operation.

OS Android Size (hwd) 146 x72 x7.3mm Storage 32GB & microSD

STREAMING APPS & SERVICES

On demand video

THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR STREAMING FIX

BBC iPlayer Free

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best video-on-demand service, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Quality content, a great interface and free (for catch-up TV), BBC’s iPlayer is one of, if not the best, video on-demand platforms out there.

Resolution up to 1080p Offline playback Yes

114 www.whathifi.com

STREAMING APPS CONTINUED On demand video

Google Play Movies & TV Variable June 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Google’s venture into video streaming is a success, offering pretty much everything we could ask for from an on-demand video service.

Resolution Up to 1080p Offline playback Yes

7digital Variable January 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Primephonic Variable January 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A strong catalogue, superb website and a growing community ensure this is the place to be if you’re a fan of classical music.

Sound quality Up to 24-bit/192kHz; DSD 2.8MHZ Offline Yes

On demand music

A download site that features competitive pricing, a strong catalogue and that’s easy to use, this is one of the best music-dowload sites around.

Resolution Up to 24-bit/192kHz Offline playback Yes

Technics Tracks Variable January 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Offering a (very) similar experience to 7Digital, the Technics site focuses on hi-res music, which is what gives it the edge over its competition.

Resolution Up to 24-bit/192kHz Offline Playback Yes

Amazon Prime Instant £6/month June 2014 ★★★★

A very good video subscription service, its strengths lie in its strong film library, offline playback and its near-ubiquity among devices.

Resolution Up to Ultra HD Offline playback Yes

Best video subscription service, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Without doubt one of the most satisfying streaming services runs on practically every platform available, even on your Ultra HD television.

Resolution Up to Ultra HD Offline Playback No

Video apps

AWARD WINNER

Netflix £6 SD, £7.50 HD, £9 Ultra HD

Now TV from £7/month June 2014 ★★★★

Essentially a Sky service without the subscription, Now TV is a great way of getting the latest content without paying through the nose for it.

Resolution Up to 1080p Offline playback No

Apple Music £10/month September 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This long-awaited service from Apple has intelligent curation, a huge catalogue, good sound quality and an engaging live radio station.

Sound quality Up to 256kbps AAC Offline playback Yes

July 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The service that led the streaming revolution, its accessibility, ease of use and content are reasons Spotify remains at the top of the pile.

Sound quality Up to 320kbps Ogg Vorbis Offline playback Yes

Tidal from £10/month

Music apps

Spotify from free

AWARD WINNER

Best music streaming service, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

One of the few streaming services to offer lossless audio, Tidal’s exclusive content and curated playlists make it stand out.

Sound quality Up to 1411kbps lossless Offline playback Yes www.whathifi.com 115

TABLETS Under 8in

TOUCHSCREEN HEAVEN, WITH LAPTOP SMARTS Apple iPad mini 4 from £320 Best tablet under 8in, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Apple’s best small tablet yet? A superb screen, great user experience, punchy audio and fine apps make this the best small-screen tablet.

OS iOS Size (hwd) 203 x 135 x 6mm Storage 16/64/128GB

Apple iPad Air 2 from £400

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

Best tablet 8in+, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Over 8in

The iPad Air 2 ticks all the boxes. Best-b ar-none video and audio, an unrivalled user experience, snappy in use and a gorgeous design.

OS iOS Size (hwd) 240 x 170 x 6mm Storage 16/64/128GB

Apple iPad Pro from £680 February 2016 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A sharp screen and fine audio performance make the Pro a superb proposition for big-screen lovers. In this case, bigger definitely is better.

OS iOS Size (hwd) 306 x 220 x 7mm Storage 32/128GB

Sony Xperia Z4 tablet £500 Reviewed online ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

An excellent screen, superb sound and lovely features. The Z4 is a great option for Android fans and, at last, a real competitor for the iPad. OS Android Size (hwd) 254 x 167 x 6mm Storage 32GB (expandable)

BUYER’S GUIDE

BEST BUYS The only products worth considering

ACCESSORIES ANALOGUE INTERCONNECTS DON’T SKIMP ON CABLES: THEY’RE A TOP-VALUE UPGRADE

Atlas Element Integra £45 November 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Up to £50

An Award-winner three years on the trot, this cable digs up detail and isn’t fussy about the kit it’s used with. A great first upgrade.

Balanced/Single Single

Chord C-Line £45 Best analogue interconnect, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Few entry-level interconnects at the price come close to offering the sonic enjoyment that Chord has produced with this cable.

Balanced/Single Single

Wireworld Luna 7 £40 March 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Luna 7 really gets stuck into a track, allowing an enthusiastic sound and showing little in the way of brightness or sharpness. Great value.

Balanced/Single Single 116 www.whathifi.com

ANALOUGE INNTERCONNECTS CONTINUED June 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

An engaging interconnect that’s capable of expressing the dynamics and nuances of a track, and which has reassuring build quality.

Balanced/Single Single

£50 & above

QED Reference Audio 40 £85

AV & HI-FI RACKS HI-FI KIT CAN ONLY SOUND ITS BEST WITH THE PROPER SUPPORT

Atacama Eris Eco 5.0 £460 April 2012 ★★★★★

Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40 £450 September 2014 ★★★★★

Up to £500

Whatever hi-fi you have will sound agile, detailed and dynamic on this.

If that’s not all, the Eco is well built, easy to construct and looks smart.

Width 590mm Modular Yes Cable management No

Helps a hi-fi system by giving it the support to sound confident, insightful and entertaining. Build and design are superb, naturally.

Width 600mm Modular Yes Cable management No

Atacama Elite Eco 12.0 £500 March 2013 ★★★★★

Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40 SE £525 Best equipment support, Awards 2015 ★★★★★

AWARD WINNER

£500 to £800

Those looking for a strong support for AV and hi-fi that enables a fluid, authoritative presentation will like the performance this rack can offer.

Width 1157mm Modular Yes Cable management Yes

The SE stands for Special Edition, while significant improvements in the Eco 60-40’s design and dampening mean it works better than ever.

Width 600mm Modular Yes Cable management No

Know your stuff: speaker cables It’s not always easy to navigate your way through the terminology of hi-fi, so for those who haven’t yet mastered the art, here are a few cable-based terms worth knowing Termination The price we list is for a cable from a reel. However, the chances are you’ll want it terminated – which means having a connection plug fitted – and that will add to the final cost. It does make set-up much easier though.

Length When you’re measuring up for a new speaker cable, ideally you should use the same length for both left and right speakers. We’d also recommend you try to keep the lengths as short as possible to achieve the best results.

Direction If there are no obvious markings or arrows on your cable, look for writing and make sure it reads in the same direction of the music flow, ie from amp to speakers. It’s a controversial subject, but with some cables it can make a difference.

Bi-wire/single wire Speakers that have two sets of terminals instead of one are called bi-wire speakers. With some speakers bi-wiring offers an improvement over single wiring, creating a more open soundstage and increasing levels of detail.

www.whathifi.com 117

AV & HI-FI RACKS CONTINUED Hi-Fi Racks Akorner XL £930 £800 and above

September 2012 ★★★★

A capable and attractive rack that allows for a full-bodied and refined sound. Add an additional £75 if you want cable management.

Width 800 to 1500mm Modular Yes Cable management No

Hi-Fi Racks Podium XL £1050 June 2010 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Made for home cinema, this large rack can take a 65in TV and with performance that has more weight and top-end refinement than most.

Width 800 to 1200mm Modular Yes Cable management No

HEADPHONE AMPLIFIERS HOW TO GET THE VERY BEST FROM YOUR CANS

Meridian Prime £1200 Up to £1500

February 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A supremely capable headphone amp which doubles as a talented, if feature limited, stereo amplifier. Treat the DAC as a nice bonus.

Outputs 3.5mm, 6.3mm Inputs RCA,3.5mm, USB

Pathos Aurium £850 August 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A top-class choice for amplification, but you’ll need a source and a pair of headphones of similar quality if you want the best from it.

Outputs 6.3mm, XRL, RCA Inputs XLR, 3 RCA

MAINS PRODUCTS A CLEAN POWER SOURCE IS VITAL FOR INTERFERENCE-FREE HI-FI

Olson Sound Fantastic HF6 £135 Up to £200

September 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Grants a system far greater freedom of expression without sacrificing control or authority. If you can afford to, buy it without reservations.

Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6

Tacima CS947 £45 September 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great value, the highlight being how well it allows for greater detail, attack and dynamics. For the price, it’s a brilliant entry-level purchase.

Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6

Isotek EVO Polaris + Premier cable £400 £200 and above

September 2015 ★★★★

Offers a significant improvement over just plugging your hi-fi into the wall, allowing your system to sound more positive and confident.

Type Cable + block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6

Russ Andrews X6 £350 September 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

No matter what the source material, the X6 helps unearth a revealing, well-integrated listen, allowing your kit to be as explicit as it can be.

Type Block Mains filter Yes No. of plugs 6 118 www.whathifi.com

PHONO AMPLIFIERS EVERY RECORD DECK NEEDS A PHONO AMP Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator £160 June 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fast, organised and dynamic, this box offers great quality on a budget.

The Gram Amp 2 Communicator is low on frills but high on quality.

Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 10 x 25cm

Up to £300

Rega Fono Mini A2D £85 March 2012 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

There’s little fancy about the Fono Mini A2D but that doesn’t matter when the presentation is this good. And it has a useful USB output.

Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 6 x 18 x 25cm AWARD WINNER

Rega Fono MM Mk2 £200 Best phono stage, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Although it lacks the detail of other similarly priced phono amps, the Rega Fono more than justifies its price in terms of dynamics and scale.

Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 4 x 33cm

£300 & above

Rega Aria £800 December 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A phono stage of rare quality under £1000, the Rega Aria will perform superbly – as long as the rest of your system is suitably talented.

Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 8 x 22 x 32cm

SPEAKER CABLES ONE OF THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE UPGRADES YOU CAN MAKE Up to £10/m

Audioquest FLX-SLiP 14/4 £5.80/m November 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Not only is the FLX-SLiP 14/4 able to turn a corner no matter how tight, lest we forget, it’s also an incredibly easy cable to listen to as well.

Single or Bi-wire Single

“Silver Streak produces masses of detail with no strain or unpleasant edge to the sound.

The music is reproduced with excellent accuracy and clarity.”

Hi Fi Choice, Jan ‘16

BUY YOURS NOW!

From £221 for 0.5m pair Kimber Silver Streak analogue interconnect

Call: 01539 797300

or visit www.kimberkable.co.uk

60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

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www.whathifi.com 119

SPEAKER CABLES CONTINUED QED Ruby Anniversary Evolution £6/m March 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Up to £10/m

Capable of delivering a jolt of excitement to a hi-fi system, but can emphasise any harshness present in bright-sounding electronics.

Single or Bi-wire Single

Van den Hul The Clearwater £6/m March 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Capable of delivering a jolt of excitement to a hi-fi system, but can emphasise any harshness present in bright-sounding electronics.

Single or Bi-wire Single

Wireworld Luna 7 £6.50/m March 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fine speaker cable, the Luna’s exciting presentation and all-round ability means it should sit well with a wide range of systems.

Single or Bi-wire Single

Chord Clearway £10/m £10/m and above

Best speaker cable, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Not the flashiest cable, its strength is aiding dynamics and musicality, as well as knitting instruments together for an enjoyable experience.

Single or Bi-wire Single

QED XT40 £10/m Awards 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Facilitates a detailed, balanced and authoritative sound with a full-bodied presentation that leaves competitors sounding lean.

Single or Bi-wire Single

120 www.whathifi.com

SPEAKER STANDS STAND-MOUNT SPEAKERS NEED THE BEST SUPPORT YOU CAN GET

Atacama Duo 6 £65 February 2013 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Easy to assemble (we suggest you mass-load the stand), these Atacamas help produce a detailed, clear and energetic sound.

Top plate size (wd) 130 x 170mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes

Best speaker stand, Awards 2015 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

AWARD WINNER

Up to £200

Atacama Moseco 6 £120

A speaker stand that impresses with how weighty and dynamic it allows systems to sound. Considering the price, it’s something of a steal.

Top plate size (wd) 130 x 170mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes

Soundstyle Z2 £70 November 2008 ★★★★★

An ideal stand if you’re on a budget, the Z2s can boost your speakers’ detail, attack and openess for less than £100.

Top plate size (hwd) 125 x 166 x 3mm Height 57cm Fillable No

Custom Design FS104 Signature £200 September 2011 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

£200 and above

A stylish, reasonably priced stands that work across a variety of speakers. Buy Custom Design’s Inert Filler (£20) for the best results.

Top plate size (hwd) 220 x 260 x 4mm Height 60cm Fillable Yes

Q Acoustics 20 speaker stands £200 September 2014 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Designed with QAs’ Concept 20 speakers in mind, the clever construction and elegant design ensures other speakers give their best too.

Top plate size (hd) n/a Height 66.5cm Fillable No

F O R A F U L L L I S T O F S P E C I F I C AT I O N S A N D I N - D E P T H R E V I E W S V I S I T W H AT H I F I . C O M

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EN SodT25H A W T A H T th JUNE 2010 Wo n tio ova Inn Clearaudio

Haymarket Media Group, Bridge House, 69 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SP EDITORIAL 020 8267 5000 Editor-in-chief Andy Clough Editor Simon Lucas Digital editor Joe Cox Managing editor Jonathan Evans International technical editor Ketan Bharadia Multimedia editor Verity Burns Content editor Andy Madden First tests editor Kashfia Kabir News editor Ced Yuen Staff writers Andrew Murphy, Becky Roberts News writer Max Langridge Buyer’s Guide editor Kobina Monney Sub-editor Jon Crampin Art editor Simon Bowles Designer Kayleigh Pavelin Photographer Steve Waters Video editor Pete Brown THANKS THIS ISSUE Andy Puddifoot ADVERTISING 020 8267 5976 Commercial brand manager Chloe McDowell Sales manager Liz Reid Display sales executive Joshua McGonigle Retail sales executive Milo McConaghy Global sales manager Amardeep Mangat Special projects manager Julie Hassan Advertising director Steve Nicolaou Tech business development director Mike Walsh

By accident or design...

Clearaudio keeps on producing Clearaudio’s Innovation Wood is our current reference turntable. Along with the company’s Universal arm and DaVinci V2 cartridge it wowed us when we reviewed it six years ago, and still does.

At first glance, this piece of engineering magnificence seems to have little in common with the company’s entry-level product, the Concept (tested this issue), but they’re more alike than you’d think. Both use carefully configured wood and aluminium plinths to produce a rigid but lowresonance structure. The Innovation uses exotic Panzerholz wood while the Concept makes do with MDF, but the principle is the same. There’s also the use of smooth-spinning DC motors and platters made of fancy plastics that can ‘sink’ unwanted resonances away from the playing surface.

The result in both cases is a class-leading sound.

These decks share a common sonic signature – responsive, massively detailed and brilliantly articulate. As we’ve seen, that’s not by accident.

PRODUCTION & PLANNING 020 8267 5000 Production manager Anthony Davis Production controller Katrina Renwick OVERSEAS LICENSING 020 8267 5024 Licensing and syndication Isla Friend MANAGEMENT Group publishing manager Ollie Stretton Brand director Alastair Lewis Editorial director Mark Payton Managing director David Prasher

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email: whathifi@servicehelpline.co.uk What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision (incorporating VTV, Audiophile, Hi-Fi Answers, High Fidelity, Which Hi-Fi?, DVD, What CD? & What MP3?) is published by Haymarket Consumer Media Ltd, a subsidiary of Haymarket Media Group Ltd. What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, ISSN no. 0309333X, is published monthly (with an extra Awards issue) by Haymarket Media Group, Bridge House, 69 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3SP, UK. Airfreight, mailing in USA by Air Business Ltd, c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc., 156-15, 146th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431. Subscriptions records maintained at Haymarket Media Group, Twickenham, TW1 3SP. We take every care when compiling the contents of this magazine, but assume no responsibility for effects arising therefrom. Adverts accepted in good faith as correct at time of going to press.

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