Richer Sounds Sound Living 2014/15 by Richer Sounds

2 / Welcome

A SOUND EXPERIENCE When I set up shop in London Bridge in 1978, my mission was simple: employ friendly people who have a passion for music and love sharing their knowledge, keep overheads down and buy big so my prices were razor sharp. My aim at the time was to enable as many people as possible to afford the thrill of great sound and, 36 years on, my team and I still remain as committed to this as ever. We now also stock a wide range of wireless streamers, home cinema equipment, projectors and Smart TVs to complete your audio-visual experience. With more products than ever on display so that you can see, touch and hear before you buy, plus demonstration rooms and in-house installation teams in every store that will visit your home, we have never offered a more comprehensive service. Our new enhanced VIP Club - that is free for all and takes seconds to join - also gives you added perks such as a free 5 year guarantee on TVs and projectors, the ability to shop from 8am-8pm and special VIP-only prices on many lines. In recent years, supermarkets, department stores and the internet have expanded your choice of options, but, despite that, our business continues to grow. As our loyal customers appreciate, we’re not a faceless, foreign-owned website that expects you to make a major purchase on the back of a spec sheet without even seeing what you’re buying or hides behind an email address when you need help. We’re not like most supermarkets where no-one knows what they’re talking about, offering a “bargain” on a brand you’ve never heard of, or a department store with staff who may lack the specialist knowledge our enthusiasts have. We pride ourselves on being there for you, face to face or on the end of a phone, with stock to take home today and we have installers on site who will happily pop round to set it up for you, as well as prices at least as good as, if not better than, anyone else’s price on the web, in addition to our bullet-proof price promise. Shopping in one of our stores has never made more sense! On a personal level, I’m as passionate about music as ever. Great music, played live or through a quality sound system, will always be one of life’s best pleasures. Rest assured we’ll always do our best to make Richer Sounds your first choice for the biggest brands, best prices and expert advice! Yours,

The Richer Sounds difference Biggest brands We only stock products we believe in, so if you’re after the best in audio and visual entertainment kit, we’ve got you covered.

Try before you buy All our stores include demo rooms where you can try potential purchases in a comfortable setting that’s as close to a home layout as possible.

Best prices We check rivals’ prices daily, online and in stores. We take the hard work out of getting the best value for you – and in the unlikely event that you find the same thing cheaper elsewhere within seven days, we’ll beat the price! See our price beat online.

Take it home today From headphones to big screens, get what you want today, without delivery charges or waiting in for couriers.

Expert advice Our staff are chosen for audio-visual expertise and enthusiasm, not slick sales patter. They’re truly passionate about helping you go home with kit that will make you happy!

We’ll happily install it for you We have 100+ qualified installers employed directly by us in our stores as part of our trusted teams. Our VIP Club Our free-to-join VIP Club lets you arrange out-of-hours appointments (8 till 8, even if the store’s closed), gives you exclusive discounts, and a free 5 year guarantee on all TVs and projectors, plus other benefits.

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Contents 4 6 8 10

The Richer Sounds Difference VIP Club Demonstration Rooms Installation Service

14 Get Connected 16 Music Streaming 18 20 22 23 24 25 26

Hi-Fi Separates Mini Systems Wireless Speakers DACs Multiroom Systems Headphones

28 30 32 34

Television Smart TVs 4K Ultra High Definition Gaming

36 Home Cinema 38 Soundbars 40 Projectors 42 Manufacturers’ Pages Above (top to bottom): DAC: Denon DA300USB DAC: Arcam airDAC DAC: Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus Portable DAC: HRT microStreamer Cover: Television: Panasonic TX50AX802 Satellite Speakers : Cambridge Audio Min21

114 Store Finder /3

4 / The Richer Sounds Difference

WHY RICHER SOUNDS? Our stores offer a unique combination of expertise, value and customer service. You can try before you buy and we’ll happily install your purchase for you.

Just why is Richer Sounds so different from the “big box” retailers, department stores and supermarkets? There are many reasons, but at the heart is a very simple premise: “Biggest Brands, Best Prices, Expert Advice and Take It Home Today”. As specialists we only stock products we really believe in – and we don’t try and stock all the electronic goods in the world. If you need a washing machine, drill or baby monitor, look elsewhere. If you’re after the best in audio and visual entertainment, we’ve got you covered like no-one else. We take the hard work out of getting the best value for you. Every day we check our rivals’ deals online and in-store; if you find something you’ve bought from us cheaper elsewhere (including online*) within seven days, we’ll not only match, but beat that price! How do we do that? We have lots of stores but they’re not huge or flashy and we work directly with manufacturers,

cutting out middle men wherever possible to keep costs low. We passionately believe great value isn’t just found in low-budget items either – we deliver the best in audio and video thrills to our customers at all budgets. That’s why our staff are chosen for audio-visual expertise and enthusiasm, not slick sales patter. Every store has experts covering the entire range of options – from vinyl and hi-fi separates to wireless speakers to high-end home installs to simply getting a nice new TV. We stock such a vast range of top brand electronics – we’re bound to have the right TV, hi-fi, home cinema or streaming solution for your needs and budget. All of our stores now have demonstration rooms where you can try out potential purchases in a comfortable home-styled setting and experience our wide range of options for yourself.

At Richer Sounds we always put the customer first. We now open stores early and late by appointment for our VIP Club members (our VIP Club is completely free for all – sign up in seconds, with just an email address). We also offer industryleading extended guarantees. So much so, that Which?, the highly respected consumer association and magazine, gave us five stars for service in the Which? High Street Shops survey 2014 and made us a Which? Recommended Provider. We were also the only store to get 5 stars for value as well as range and quality. Visit your local store and experience the Richer Sounds difference. * Delivery charge added if mail order offer only.

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“We sell solutions, not boxes. Just tell us what you want to do and we’ll find the system of your dreams.”

Anca, Watford store, 6 years of service

6/ VIP Club

BE A VIP With exclusive benefits and great deals, it pays to be in our free Richer Sounds VIP Club.

Become a Richer Sounds VIP Club member and you’ll not only get our very best prices, you’ll also have access to a whole host of services that are only available to VIPs. What’s more we won’t charge you for the privilege. Sign up with just your email address today FREE, to receive these GREAT BENEFITS and much, much more!

Special VIP-Only Discounts

At Richer Sounds, we’re well known for our year-round deals, but, as a VIP, we want to give you something extra. As well as giving you the big brands for less, by signing up, you’ll get special VIP-only reductions on our already low, everyday prices. Simply check our catalogue or mailshot, and you’ll see that we feature many prices that are only available to VIP members.

Free 5 Year Guarantee On All TVs And Projectors

We want you to have total peace of mind, so as an extra special ‘thanks’ to all of our VIP members, you automatically qualify for a 5 year guarantee on every TV and projector purchase.

8am-8pm Opening

For VIP Club members we are open 12 hours a day for you to book demonstrations and shop. Our demonstration rooms are ideal places to get a feel for the difference home cinema and surround sound can make. We want you to enjoy an enhanced shopping experience with extended opening times so we can spend more time with you on demonstrations of those more significant purchases. Monday to Friday our showrooms normally open at 12, allowing our teams to undertake many hours of all-important ongoing product training per week, to fully familiarise themselves with new equipment, in order to provide the most knowledgeable buying advice possible. We’re giving VIPs out-of-hours access to one of our friendly experts, as well as our demonstration rooms. This means you will be able to enjoy an uninterrupted demo session and make your purchase without the distractions of a busy shop floor. Bring your family, friends, your favourite music and movies, your pets and anything else you might need to help you make the right choice – we’ll supply the coffee and advice!

An Additional 10% Off All Clearance Products

All of our stores are packed to the rafters with deals at incredible prices, but those of you after an even more discounted bargain should head to the clearance section where VIP members will enjoy an additional 10% off all marked prices.

Free On-Site Quotations For Home Or Business Installs

Want to have your home entertainment system beautifully integrated into your home? Each store has at least two fully qualified in-house installers, who are on hand to help you seamlessly blend technology into your living space. For more complex jobs, we also work with registered tradespeople who can undertake all necessary work. We’ll happily manage this for you, taking all of the hassle out of the process.

To enjoy an enhanced out-of-hours session, simply call us to make an appointment.

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Free At-Home System ‘Health Check’ Worth £99.95

Unlike other retailers, we don’t lose interest in you as soon as you’ve purchased. At Richer Sounds, we want to ensure that your system is delivering optimum sound and picture quality well after you buy. VIP Club members can enjoy a free system ‘health check’ by one of our specialists one year after your purchase of over £1000, to ensure everything is performing as it should be. This includes recalibrating your TV and any other relevant components, checking that all of your units have the latest software installed and ensuring that everything is working just as it should be. Normally, this service would cost £99.95, but to our VIPs, it’s completely free. We look forward to seeing you in-store and helping out with your home entertainment needs, both today and in the future. We hope you’ll agree - it pays to be a VIP!

Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon CD Player/DAC: Cambridge Audio 851C

“Make a VIP appointment and you can try your chosen hi-fi or home cinema system at a time that suits you, even if the store is closed.” Adam, Croydon store, 15 years of service

8 / Demonstration Rooms

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Home-styled demo rooms in our stores let you see and hear for yourself

Step into one of our stores to see what we can do for you. Richer Sounds isn’t just about selling a vast array of wonderful high-tech audio-visual equipment (although we do). And it’s not just about finding you the very cheapest price (although we guarantee that we do). The Richer experience is all about helping you choose the set-up that’s precisely right for you; one that will deliver what you most want from audio and video – your ultimate stereo and perfect home cinema. Our specialists are all passionate about making your music sound miles better, making your TV and film-watching full of drama and excitement, and helping you get more from your technology. This needn’t be complex or pricey. With our home-styled demonstration facilities, you can try out a wide array of products in a space similar to your living room. We have everything from multiroom music set-ups to smartphone docks, from home cinema projectors to Smart TVs. We can help you with simple streaming solutions. We’re also here to show you much bigger possibilities, like stunning surround sound that doesn’t break the bank, and stereo systems that will rekindle your love of music. If you have any difficulty getting to a store, a home demonstration can normally be arranged. Call in now for a new experience...

“Our demo rooms are ideal places for getting a feel for the difference hi-fi, home cinema and surround sound can make.”

Joel, City store, 14 years of service

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Get the VIP treatment We want to make sure you get the best experience possible. Our demonstration rooms are designed to work around you. That’s why we offer our VIP customers the flexibility of out-of-hours access to one of our friendly experts, as well as our demonstration rooms. Whether it’s the flexibility of our 8am till 8pm service, or the comfort and convenience of not being disturbed by a busy shop floor, our VIP out-of-hours demo facilities are designed with you in mind. Try before you buy? We strongly recommend it!

10/ Installation Service

BESPOKE AND BEAUTIFUL Build your dream system with the help of our in-store expert installers Every Richer Sounds store has at least two fully qualified installers with the expertise to seamlessly blend your technology into your living space. No job is too big or too small for our team – from hanging your new Ultra High Definition TV on the wall, with all the wires hidden, to building you a bespoke multiroom music system with discreet speakers and controls. You tell them your idea, or the problem you’d like solving, and they’ll come up with the solution.

The installers you meet in-store are the people who will actually plan and manage your installation from start to finish, so you’ll have a truly personal service throughout. We start with a free, no obligation visit to your home or business, to survey the space and discuss your ideas. For more complicated jobs, we have local, trusted tradespeople who we will happily project manage and oversee for you, taking all of the hassle out of the process.

Enjoying the latest technology doesn’t have to mean clutter. Our expert installers can make order out of chaos: hiding everything from view so you get the benefits without having to see the boxes.

Let us help you find the perfect system for your needs

Here are just a few ideas to show what our comprehensive installation service can do for you. Whatever you want No job is too big or too small for our installation experts. Home quotations We will happily drop everything, pop over and spec out your home or business (at a moment’s notice, if possible). Delivery plus If you’re not a fan of menus or manuals, our team can do more than just deliver your new TV or hi-fi. They can unpack it, set it up perfectly and teach you how to use it.

Ultimate home cinema Want a 3D projector? Cinema-style seating? Automated blackout blinds? Turn your spare room, cellar or garage into a stunning cinema? We can help! Hidden technology Speakers buried in the walls or ceiling, TVs that fold away and projector screens that roll out of sight – our installation experts can do it all without mess or fuss.

Multiroom audio From Sonos wireless to bespoke multiroom systems with hidden wiring and wall-mounted controls, we can make sure your music seamlessly follows you around your home.

Smart system Stream media from your chosen internet services, hide your system out of sight and control everything by tablet or smartphone with a super-smart system that’s a doddle to use.

Ultimate stereo set-up Our in-house music fanatics can advise on components and cables that will bring out every last detail from vinyl, CDs and lossless digital files. And set it up for you perfectly.

Tricky spaces Awkward-shaped rooms and open-plan spaces are a sonic challenge. We can visit your home, design and install a set-up that works, and optimise each speaker for where you sit.

After

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Television: Samsung UE55HU7500 In-Wall Speakers: Monitor Audio WT250LCR Subwoofer: Monitor Audio Mass W200

Before

“Every one of our stores has at least two expert installers, so you’ll be dealing with the same person from start to finish.” Lee, Weybridge store, 3 years of service

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12/ Installation Service

TAILOR-MADE SYSTEMS

Our knowledgeable installers have a vast range of hi-tech solutions and an array of tricks up their sleeves, to give you a discreet system that does more. For example, we can make the most of your TV set-up, big or small. If you simply want a flatscreen TV, we can mount it flush on the wall, or on a flexible arm so you can adjust its position depending on where in the room people are sitting. Of course, we can hide the wires and boxes that come with it. Our installers can also fit in-wall speakers to improve sound no end, without creating clutter. At the other end of the spectrum, our team can work with you to design a bespoke home cinema to fit your space and budget. The latest projectors and surround sound systems will give you an experience to rival any multiplex. We can even organise cinema-style seats for your dedicated movie room if you want the full Tony Soprano experience! Of course, Richer Sounds’ heritage is in hi-fi and we’re as passionate about music as ever. Our team can help you select the perfect stereo set-up for your space and then install it beautifully. Whether you love listening to your vinyl collection or streaming new music as high bitrate audio, getting the amplifier, cables and speakers set up just right will perfect your listening experience for years to come. Whether it’s hi-fi, home cinema or something else, we can make a tailor-made system to do anything you can imagine and more. From multiroom audio systems like Sonos that let you listen throughout the house without the need to fit it out with new wires, to automated blinds to go with a home cinema projector and home security to match your automated home, whatever appeals, our home installation experts can help turn your dreams into reality.

Speaker: Monitor Audio CT165 Fitted by: Jeff, our National Installations Director, 8 years of service

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Turntable: Project Debut SE3 CD Player: Cambridge Audio Azur 851C HDMI Cable: Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI Television: Panasonic TXL32E6B

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14/ Get Connected

EVERYTHING’S CONNECTED TV: Samsung UE48H5500 Speaker: Monitor Audio Bronze BX5

Headphones: Grado RS1i

Wireless Music System: Cambridge Audio Minx Air 100

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Speakers: Q Acoustics 2010i Mini Hi-Fi System: Teac CRH260i

You have a world of entertainment at your fingertips, we have the knowledge to help you make the most of it. Isn’t technology marvellous? Your phone carries your life, you can work on a slender tablet and you have instant access to all the music, video and news of an entire planet’s history. But during the headlong rush of change, you may have found disconnects – old and new tech don’t always talk to each other and the music in your pocket just doesn’t sound as good as it should. Instant access to media means you can end up playing music through the tinny speakers on the back of your phone, suddenly unable to capture the excitement of the tracks you hear. Maybe you’ve used a streaming service to catch up on a favourite TV show on a laptop, only to find previously thrilling drama rendered tiny and dull.

of YouTube videos and Spotify tracks, via the best speakers in your home. After all, great music can inspire passion – but when was the last time you felt truly moved by music listened to on a phone’s speakers? It also means we can train your TV to be smarter, hooking in to a world of content: websites, YouTube videos and catch-up content from BBC iPlayer, 4oD and others. We can wirelessly send music through your home to multiple rooms. Technology should free you to experience your music, your TV, your movies wherever you want, whenever you want, in the best possible quality. It’s time to get passionate about the things you love again, while the technology just gets on with the business of giving it to you simply.

Or perhaps you’ve bought a flatscreen TV and been impressed with the big picture but found it sounds worse than your old gogglebox. It doesn’t have to be that way. At Richer Sounds, we’ve been experts in audio since the seventies. We’ve sold the best in visual entertainment technology for more than a decade too. And ever since broadband, Wi-Fi and smartphones came along, we’ve been finding clever ways to connect everything. We can knit all your exciting new technology together seamlessly, to make sure that no matter how you stream your TV or where you store your music, you can experience it as it was meant to be experienced. We can wirelessly link your phone and hi-fi for the perfect combination of instant access to all your digital files and a world

You’re already halfway there ... Got broadband? With Wi-Fi at home, internet radio, multiroom music and movies on demand are easy.

Got a smartphone or tablet? Wirelessly stream your music and video straight to your hi-fi, wireless speaker or TV.

Got a flatscreen TV? Blu-ray players and set-top boxes bring catch-up services and video streaming to your big screen, while surround sound systems put you in the middle of the action.

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16 / Music Streaming

A WORLD OF MUSIC

There’s a world of music, video and audio content out there on the internet, but most of us don’t have access to a fraction of it in our homes. With home broadband and Wi-Fi, the audio and video content possibilities are nearly limitless. But are you getting it all? Where, when and how you want it? Catch up on missed TV and radio programmes with BBC iPlayer on the big screen, stream any song you want to hear from Spotify and discover new and wonderful music and spoken word content you didn’t know existed on internet radio. All of that is available throughout your home – not just at the desktop PC but in the living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. It’s easy to access, with a little help from us.

There’s a near-infinite supply of great music and video in the cloud, and it’s easily accessible if you ask the right people…

With network music players like the Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6, you can use Wi-Fi to stream music stored on your own computer or NAS drive, or music from online streaming services such as Spotify. There are multiroom components that plug into the back of existing hi-fis and speakers, or standalone multiroom speakers with streaming capabilities built in. And you can choose whether to stream different music to each room, or have all rooms play the same track for a party. Embracing streaming doesn’t mean throwing out vinyl and CDs either. Streaming is a great way of trying new music before you buy. Plus some download sites offer better-than-CD audio quality. The choice is yours – just don’t miss out on it all.

Streaming services are increasingly turning up built into everything from hi-fi separates to mini systems and wireless speakers. Our experts can also easily add streaming support to your existing set-up too. Streaming Mini System: Marantz MCR510

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Streaming devices & services Spotify - music streaming Spotify will let you search for new albums and songs from millions of tracks stored in cloud storage. Premium users can, for a monthly fee, have better sound quality, strip out ads and listen offline. Increasingly, modern audio kit such as hi-fi separates, home cinema amps, wireless speakers and mini systems have access to streaming services built in.

Napster - music streaming The original peer-to-peer music sharing service that turned legit, Napster now offers over 20 million tracks. Stream back on your iPhone, Android device or Windows phone, at small monthly cost. Napster also offers an online streaming service directly through its website at a reduced price.

Beats Music - music streaming The advantage of Beats Music over other streaming services is the integration of playlists. Curated by specialist editors, such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and in-house experts, Beats Music will give you custom playlists. Stuck for something to listen to? The service also offers specific playlists for activities. Stream music back to iOS devices, Android and Windows phones, as well as from the website.

Google Play - media streaming The makers of the Android platform offer premium content either via their Play Store app built into all Android devices, or via their Google Play website. Download and play from a massive collection of music and movies, both new and old.

Youtube - video streaming The world’s most popular video hosting site offers so much more than fluffy-kitten videos. From new and exciting bands hosting their videos online, to insightful and well made video-shorts and documentaries. Most Smart TVs contain the Youtube app, making streaming back on your big screen possible.

iPlayer - on demand TV BBC iPlayer and other catch-up services make it a doddle to enjoy TV and radio programmes broadcast in the last week or more – often in high definition. Nearly all Smart TVs, consoles and Blu-ray players have iPlayer built in, as do some dedicated streaming devices such as network music players and multiroom devices.

Top to bottom: Streaming Mini System: Cambridge Audio Minx Xi Streaming System: Cyrus Lyric 05 Wireless Music System: Sonos PLAY:5

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18 / Hi-Fi

HIGH FIDELITY

Sound has the power to inspire like nothing else. That’s why Richer Sounds is so passionate about audio quality.

Speakers: Focal Chorus 705 Speaker Stands: Focal Chorus S700 Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon CD Player/DAC: Cambridge Audio 851C Amplifier: Cambridge Audio 851A Network Music Player: Sonos CONNECT Hi-Fi Rack: Atacama Evoque Eco 60-40

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“There is nothing in the world quite like music. It has the ability to move you, to make you feel alive. That’s why sound quality is so important.” Leon, Swiss Cottage store 11 years of service

Sound is so important – it’s the thrilling music in a cinematic chase sequence that gets adrenaline pumping, as much as listening to your favourite singer stirs the soul. It doesn’t matter if you’re streaming Spotify over Wi-Fi in the kitchen, listening to vinyl through a separates system, or watching a movie or TV, you want the best sound you can get. The best sound is in our DNA. We’ve been hi-fi experts since our founder, Julian Richer, first set up shop in London Bridge in 1978. Passion for audio runs bone-deep through everything we do and everyone at Richer Sounds. Our colleagues aren’t salespeople in sharp suits, they’re music maniacs, truly passionate about your audio experience. From our start at a single shop at London Bridge, we now have over 50 stores across the UK, so there’s one near you. But our focus hasn’t changed: passion for sound, expert advice and no pushy sales patter. Come in to give your ears a treat.

Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Speakers: Tannoy Mercury V4

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20 / Separates

ULTIMATE AUDIO

If music is your passion, there’s no better investment than a serious separates system. Remember that first gig? The first notes of the tune you met the love of your life to? The revelation that you really can hear a million raindrops behind Jim Morrison’s vocals in Riders On The Storm? Great audio inspires passion. And if you’re as passionate about audio as we are, a separates system is the best way to get maximum sound quality and stay future-proof. A well-chosen amp and speakers will last decades, while you add sources or connections as technology changes.

Speakers: Dali Zensor 1

Amplifier/DAC: Cyrus Streamline2 CD Player: Cyrus CDt

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“If you’re playing digital music from your laptop on your separates system, an external DAC makes it sound even better.” Kirt, Prestwich store, 3 years of service

Amplifier: Roksan Kandy K2 Integrated Amplifier CD player: Roksan Kandy K2 CD Player Speakers: Roksan Kandy K2 TR5

Key components

Plug these into your hi-fi amp, or home cinema receiver, to make your music sing.

Streaming receivers Add one of our high-quality wireless streaming receivers that uses Bluetooth or AirPlay to transmit music directly from your phone or tablet. Many of these use special high-end technologies like enhanced aptX Bluetooth and premium DACs so you can enjoy your music in maximum detail and surf the web while you listen. What’s more, many devices allow you to stream music from online services such as Spotify, Napster and Last.fm, plus thousands of podcasts and internet radio stations from all over the world. Turntables If you love listening to vinyl, old or new, add a turntable (record deck). The signal from a turntable is very quiet, so you’ll either need an amp with a phono input or you’ll need to add a small, affordable box called a phono pre-amp.

Network music players Access digital music no matter where in the house it’s stored. This internet-connected source can access files from your computer or a standalone NAS hard drive in another room. Modern, large hard drives are capable of holding thousands of tracks at CD quality, or better.

Speakers Speakers are as important as your amp when it comes to the sound you get from your system. Great speakers can make your music truly sing. Modern loudspeaker engineering means you no longer need huge floorstanders to get a decent amount of bass. Big is beautiful, but small can sound great too.

CD players These range in price from tens to hundreds of pounds. As well as better build quality, high-end players have superior DACs (digital-to-analogue converters) and other circuitry which squeeze more detail out of the digital files on CD, so you hear every nuance of every note from every instrument. Building an AV system? Some Blu-ray disc players do a great job with audio CDs too.

Interconnects The right cables are vital to get the best sound from your system. As well as speaker cables, you’ll need interconnects – cables to connect your sources to your amp. Our colleagues in-store will help you find the best match from our wide range to make the most of your system.

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22 / Mini Systems

Speakers: Q Acoustics 2020i Mini Hi-Fi System: Yamaha CRX550 iPod not included

MINI SYSTEMS

Mini systems, DAB radios and docks can be perfect for smaller spaces.

Less sometimes is more. There are times when you want simplicity and a smaller size with great sound, rather than the ultimate audiophile experience of separates. For second rooms or smaller living spaces, there are some superb options that let you have quality audio and exciting features without a system that takes up much space.

Mini systems typically let you enjoy music on CD or radio, or from a smartphone or tablet (sometimes with an optional extra cable or cradle). Some also act as modular multiroom systems – buy two or more compatible units to wirelessly stream music round your home, enjoying the same song as you move from lounge to bedroom to kitchen.

The most obvious option is the mini or micro system. These are either small separates or one-box-does-it-all wonders. They look great and often have smart tricks to fit with your lifestyle – from smartphone docks and an alarm clock for the bedroom to an internet radio for the kitchen.

Smaller than a separates system, with good quality audio, and all of the extras you need – minis are great. But what if you want something even smaller and simpler? Then you might want to look at a wireless speaker.

DAB Radio: Pure Evoke D2

These will play music from your smartphone or tablet, with some also streaming music from your desktop or laptop, and handling internet radio. They don’t come with a CD slot or with separate speakers, and mini hi-fis remain a better option on pure audio quality grounds.

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Wireless Speakers / 23

ENJOYING YOUR MOBILE MUSIC

Simple speakers can unlock music from your phone or tablet wirelessly. Simpler even than micro systems, our range of compact wireless speakers turns out great sound and fits perfectly in smaller spaces. If you want instant audio convenience, they’re hard to beat. We don’t call them docks any more because you no longer need to physically dock your device. Instead you can be anywhere in the room and carry on using your phone or tablet as you listen to your digital music collection. Sound quality is superb, and some wireless speakers can also link to each other wirelessly for an instant multiroom music system. Many new wireless speakers are portable, with an in-built battery. These can be used anywhere in the home, you can fill the garden with sound for a barbecue, even travel with them.

Bluetooth Speaker: Amethyst ‘The Mini Block’ Wireless Speaker: Libratone Loop Multimedia Speakers: JBL Pebbles

Which wireless?

Choose a speaker that works with your device and your music collection. AirPlay Only for Apple devices and computers running iTunes, AirPlay not only wirelessly sends high-quality files (including Apple Lossless) but also track information including artist name, song name and – for docks with screens – album cover. Bluetooth Bluetooth is now capable of playing audio of a quality to match Apple’s rival AirPlay, and Bluetooth docks will play audio not just from Apple devices, but just about every modern smartphone, laptop and tablet. For that reason it’s ideal if your family and friends aren’t all diehard Apple fans. Some docks feature both AirPlay and Bluetooth.

Wireless Music System: Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200

AptX Aptx gets the best possible audio quality when using Bluetooth. If both your phone/tablet and speaker support it, you’ll enjoy greater definition and detail.

“For the very best Bluetooth audio quality, use a device and dock that both support aptX and store your music in a lossless format.” Matt, London Bridge store, 5 years of service

24 / DACs

DAC: Denon DA300USB | Headphones: Sennheiser HD800

MAKE DIGITAL AUDIO SOUND BETTER Digital-to-Analogue Converters, or DACs, can make your digital music sound so much better…

Digital-to-Analogue Converters (DACs) are in all digital audio units – they’re what turn digital sound files into the analogue waves that amps and speakers can understand. The DACs you get inside laptops, Blu-ray players and tablets are fairly basic. Adding a standalone DAC can take flat and dull digital audio and make it sound amazing. DACs come in two styles – separates and portable. Separate DACs are designed to dredge every last drop of detail out of digital audio files, whether from a TV set-top box, a laptop, a Blu-ray player or as part of an audiophile separates system. Matchbox-sized portable DACs can also be plugged into a separates system, but they’re really aimed at listening on a laptop computer. Even a tiny DAC can dramatically and instantly improve audio quality. Simply plug headphones into the DAC and enjoy the improved sound.

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MUSIC IN EVERY ROOM

Multiroom Systems / 25

Fill your home with stunning sound…

Wander from room to room, with the same song following you; have a house party with the same track playing everywhere; or let family members play different music in different rooms simultaneously – that’s multiroom. Multiroom audio can be achieved in different ways. For maximum quality, our installation experts can add wired speakers and controls throughout your home – ideal if you’re already planning a refit. For maximum convenience, 99% of our customers now choose a wireless multiroom solution. Pick one of our wireless speakers or mini systems with multiroom capabilities, and place multiple units through your home, with them talking to each other wirelessly. Fully integrated systems, such as Sonos, can wirelessly send music back throughout the home. Simply use one of their compact and powerful speakers, or hook up your existing hi-fi equipment with their Connect range, and experience music wherever you are in the home. Sonos is also able to play the same music everywhere or different music in every room. Wireless systems such as Bluetooth and AirPlay make streaming music back to a single speaker possible from any smartphone or tablet. Our multiroom experts make the options as easy as the results are enjoyable.

Wireless Music System (above): Sonos PLAY:1 Wireless Music System (right): Samsung WAM550 DACs (left page, top to bottom): Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100 Arcam airDAC Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus Audiolab M-DAC Cambridge Audio 851D Portable DACs (left page, left to right): HRT microStreamer AudioQuest Dragonfly V1.2 Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS

26 / Headphones

MUSIC ON THE MOVE

Immerse yourself in music, whether you’re listening on the move, at work or at home… For the moments when you want to shut the world out and focus on listening, you need great headphones, with the emphasis on “great”. Tinny in-ear buds that come free with a phone lose detail and let outside noises flatten your listening pleasure. Quality headphones deliver a world of audio detail that’s hard to find away from a serious stereo hi-fi set-up.

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Headphones (opposite): Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H6 Headphones (clockwise from right): Sennheiser Momentum AKG K550 Shure SRH1540 Grado SR325e

“For home hi-fi listening, the best open back, over-ear headphones can deliver even greater detail than speakers.” Howie, Preston store, 8 years of service

Which headphones for you?

The right place, the right time, the right headphones. Over-ear, on-ear and in-ear. Over-ear headphones cover and surround your ears completely, giving a more spacious, natural sound and good isolation from outside noise. On-ear headphones are smaller and rest on your ears, so some glasses wearers find them more comfortable than over ear headphones, but the design sacrifices some sense of space and can let in more noise. In-ear headphones are the smallest type, great for fitness and can offer an excellent seal from noise (particularly with custom earmoulds), but some people find them less comfy. Whatever design you choose, like with good speakers, premium headphones really deliver dramatically better detail, dynamic range and overall sound, as well as better comfort, better durability and often better isolation from outside noise. Closed and open cup For on-ear and over-ear headphones, you also need to decide between an open or closed cup design. Open cup headphones let sound in and out of the ear cup. They’re ideal for serious audiophile listening in a quiet room, for the best sense of space. Closed cup designs better isolate against outside noise. Phone headsets Hi-fi headphone manufacturers are bringing their audio expertise to designs with built-in microphones, so you can talk as well as listen. Some also have inline controls to pause, play and control volume – depending on which smartphone you’re using. Or avoid wires altogether with our range of Bluetooth headphones that connect to phones, tablets or laptops – wireless audio quality can be excellent and you have the freedom to listen to music or make calls without getting in a tangle. Noise cancelling For loud environments, active noise-cancelling headphones can cut over 90 per cent of external, repetitive noise (think planes, trains and washing machines). That means far greater audio clarity, without turning the volume up to 11. Better for your ears, better for the passengers sitting next to you.

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28 / Television

TV TYPES EXPLAINED

Don’t know your LCD from your OLED? We’re here to help…

TV: LG 55EA980W Cabinet: Sonorous ST161 Satellite Speaker: Monitor Audio Mass

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TVs are constantly improving – getting brighter, bigger and more affordable, but the range of TV types to choose from is increasingly bewildering. Don’t worry though, our experts are here to help you sort out your LCD from your OLED, your 3D from your 4K. What’s most important to understand is that bigger and cheaper isn’t necessarily better. Picture quality is vital. After all, it doesn’t matter how many inches your TV measures, or how many pixels that picture’s made up of, if the picture is flat and muted. That’s why at Richer Sounds we’re passionate about you trying out the TV you want to buy in our stores – our demonstration rooms let you check out the picture and speaker quality of your chosen screen, as well as experiencing surround sound set-ups and even projector alternatives too. That way, you know exactly what you’re buying and why.

What does it all mean?

Your guide to the most common TV jargon. LED LED backlighting gives today’s LCD flat screens a brighter picture, better contrast and slimmer profile than older models. OLED Super-thin, low-energy and a stunning picture, OLED technology is new and beginning to appear in large screen sizes, with rapid price reductions seen over the past year. HD Ready These display the lower resolution 720p (1280x720 pixels) high definition standard at the very least. Full HD 1080p Full HD 1080p sets have a 1920x1080 resolution – that’s what you want for most current high definition content, from TV broadcasts to Blu-ray movie discs etc. Nearly all 32” and above sets meet this standard now.

4K Ultra HD 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs have four times as many pixels as a Full HD TV (and 20 times as many as a standard definition TV). 4K TVs can also upscale existing high definition content to 4K for an even clearer picture. Smart TV Many modern TVs now come with Smart functionality built in. If not, you can get it by adding a set-top box, dongle, Smart Blu-ray player or games console. Smart TV will let you stream video content, browse the internet and access social media apps on the big screen. 3D You will need a 3D compatible TV to view content in 3D. Both 3D channels and 3D Blu-ray discs are available in the UK, while games consoles can also output in 3D. There are two types of 3D TV widely available: active sets are best for full resolution and 3D depth while passive models benefit from affordable glasses for friends and family.

TV: LG 55EA980W Cabinet: Sonorous ST161

TV: Panasonic TX42AS740

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30 / Smart TVs

TVS THAT DO MORE

Enjoy catch-up TV, movies on demand and your favourite apps on the big screen with a Smart TV.

The latest Smart TVs offer a superb alternative to the modern habit of dual screening: watching TV while using a tablet, smartphone or laptop at the same time. If you’ve ever found yourself watching a clip on YouTube on a 4-inch screen while ignoring the programme on the 40-inch screen opposite you, just imagine if you could watch the YouTube clip on the big screen. The experience is infinitely better and you can share it with friends and family. Smart TVs connect to your broadband internet – usually with built-in Wi-Fi – and offer a wide range of apps for popular services. You can expect social media apps like Facebook, Twitter and instant messaging. Many Smart TVs let you use these apps alongside the TV picture so you can comment on sports or soaps as the action unfolds. Some Smart TVs even let you connect a webcam so you can use video services like Skype on the big screen to stay in touch with people all over the world, for free. Great if fitting your whole family in front of the computer is a squeeze. Smart TVs also offer catch-up TV services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD and Demand 5 so you can watch shows up to a week after they’re broadcast. You’ll never miss out on a programme again. You can also enjoy not just YouTube on the big screen but movies on demand from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video. Plus there are apps for streaming music, internet radio, playing video games and more. Some Smart TVs have clever features that let you mirror content from other devices so you can enjoy them on the big screen. Of course the internet connection on your Smart TV means it’s also easy to browse websites, look at family photo albums and even shop from popular sites like Amazon, eBay, and of course Richer Sounds.

TV: Panasonic TX50AX802 Satellite Speakers: Tannoy TFX 5.1 Speaker Stands: Tannoy TFX Stands

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The wide world of Smart TV

Your Smart TV can do loads of cool things, including… Catch-up TV Using services such as BBC iPlayer, you can view back content from the past week. This is also sometimes referred to as TV on demand. YouView and Freetime combine all these services together in one easy guide.

Smartphone/tablet mirroring Many Smart TVs now support Miracast, a new standard designed to allow you to wirelessly beam content from your compatible smartphone or tablet’s screen to your TV.

Social media Smart TVs allow you to get social. With updates, feeds and tweets alongside your TV viewing, you never miss a thing.

Video streaming services Premium services like Netflix, Blinkbox and Amazon Prime Instant Video offer unlimited access to huge libraries of films and TV shows for a monthly fee. Netflix now also offer 4K resolution for pin-sharp video playback.

Video sites YouTube is not just for watching funny cat clips, it’s full of professionally made videos covering a huge range of topics that are best enjoyed on the big screen. There’s also Vimeo, the favoured video site for budding short-film directors.

Video chat Using either a built-in webcam or an optional accessory, Skype will enable you to talk face-to-face, from the comfort of your sofa.

TV: Sony KDL50W705 Satellite Speakers: Q Acoustics Q7000i Speaker Stands: Q Acoustics Q7000st

“Different brands have different apps. Tell us what you want to use your Smart TV for and we’ll help you find the model with apps for all your favourite services.” Chris, Leeds store, 10 years of service

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32 / 4K Ultra High Definition

MOVE OVER HD, HERE’S 4K ULTRA HD

For the ultimate in crystal clear, ultra-sharp high definition visuals, look no further… If HD Ready is good and Full HD 1080p is better, then 4K is best. These new Ultra High Definition (UHD) TVs have four times as many pixels as a 1080p screen. That means the picture is four times sharper. On paper it’s difficult to convey exactly how much more vibrant, real and immersive a 4K image looks in motion – so why not come in to one of our stores and see one in action in a demonstration room to experience the clarity and image quality of the sharpest TVs around. At a 4K demonstration event held by our Leicester store, 97% of attendees quickly and correctly identified 4K versus 1080p in a “blind” test from a viewing distance of 3 meters. 4K UHD TVs and projectors are now being launched by every major manufacturer. And the time is right. All 4K TVs upscale high definition content to 4K in real time – so all your movies and TV are immediately clearer than ever. There’s also an increasing number of ways to get 4K content in Ultra High Definition on your big screen.

“4K UHD isn’t just about resolution, it can also mean better frame rates, smoother motion and broader colour depth. UHD TVs upscale high definition TV and movies to 4K too.”

TV: Panasonic TX50AX802

Phil, Liverpool store, 17 years of service

The low-down on 4K Ultra HD.

What’s available in this new format? And just how much more detail is there? 4K UHD content The situation is changing fast, but right now, here’s what you can get in 4K… Upscaling All 4K TVs already use powerful processors inside them to upscale regular high definition content into Ultra Hi-Def 4K resolution – so Blu-ray films, games and high definition TV channels will immediately look even better.

4K UHD broadcasts Sky and the BBC, among others, are in the race to provide 4K. Expect 4K broadcast channels before too long.

4K UHD phones and cameras One of the biggest areas for native 4K content is for films you’ve made yourself. Several smartphone cameras as well as camcorders and cameras are now capable of shooting 4K video. 4K UHD streaming Services such as YouTube and Netflix are beginning to roll out 4K content. 4K streaming services should be available soon – check with our in-store experts which TVs will support such services, as not all do. 4K UHD discs The Blu-ray Disc Association has approved plans for films in 4K on Blu-ray – so you can also expect 4K Blu-ray discs in time, too.

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TV: Sony KD55X9005B | TV Stand: Optimum Bloch 1050 PVR: Humax HDR1000S | Blu-ray Player: Pioneer BDP450

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34 / Gaming

POWER UP YOUR GAMES Make the most of your video games and consoles… There’s nothing quite as immersive as gaming. As soon as you enter the gaming world, you are transported into new realms of reality: you’re the one whose tyres are spitting gravel as you make hairpin bends over a Tuscan mountain; you’re the one weaving between defenders as you press towards the goal at Wembley; you’re the one sprinting through a battlefield, riddled with ricocheting bullets and explosions, trying to dodge death. Whatever your method for getting the latest big games on your TV – be it PS4, Xbox One or a high-end gaming PC – to make video games work at their best you need some good kit. Most important, particularly for online multi-player games, is equipment with low input lag. The gap of time between you pressing a button on a gamepad and seeing it happen on the screen can be the difference between life and death – too much and you’re toast. Game over. Climb the leaderboard, beat the end-of-level baddie, get first place. Let us help you achieve the ultimate gaming experience!

Television: Sony Bravia KD55X9005B Game: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor WB GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s14)

“ Gaming has evolved over the years. Gone are platform levels; now entire universes can be explored. A big screen with a home cinema system will really transport you there.” Tim, Birmingham store, 29 years of service

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Customise your inventory

Your equipment is just as important as your character’s! TV For truly great gaming, you need Full HD and ideally future-proof yourself with 4K Ultra High Definition. Either way, you want a TV with rich colours including deep blacks – so you can see even in murky shadows. More important though is the latency or lag of the TV. The fewer milliseconds between you doing something and the screen showing the results, the better – particularly for online games such as Call of Duty.

Sound Positional audio is vital for many games – again, particularly if you’re keen on fast-paced online multi-player games. The best way of getting the heads-up on where those shots whistling past your ear are coming from is a good surround system. Great speakers will also add to good video games’ immersive qualities. Second best to surround? Headphones – these can give great stereo and even surround positional cues.

Accessories If your gaming set-up is in a bedroom or loft, far from the Wi-Fi router, consider using a Powerline range extender – which will get you a far faster and more stable broadband connection to your console. Make sure your router is a fast one. Again, anything that introduces even millisecond delays to your online gaming can mean the difference between virtual life and death!

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36 / Home Cinema

HOME CINEMA

Satellite Speakers: Tannoy TFX 5.1 Speaker Stands: Tannoy TFX Stands TV: Samsung UE55HU8500

Sound and vision go hand-in-hand; whether it’s movies, sport, games or more.

Flat screens are constantly getting bigger and cheaper. It’s easy to be tempted to buy the largest screen your money will allow, however here at Richer Sounds we want to make sure your money is well spent. A TV is likely to give you many years of enjoyment so we know that to get the best out of your big screen, you need not just the best value but also the best quality and best range of features. We feel it’s important to help you make the most of your TV: to help you decide whether to buy Full HD or spend a little more and invest in 4K Ultra High Definition; whether you want a Smart TV and/or 3D;

whether you want to go really big with a projector and surround sound system and how to mirror your smartphone screen, stream internet movies and more on your big screen. Richer Sounds has been as passionate about moving images as it has about music since we first stocked a TV over a decade ago. Our experts are as obsessed with visual detail and stunning surround as they are about stereo music. We firmly believe not every big TV or surround sound speaker is created equal. Talk to us and give your eyes and ears a treat…

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5.1 surround and beyond

How many speakers and where do they go? 5.1 The most common home surround set-up – two rear speakers for ambient atmosphere, front left and right deliver stereo action, and a centre speaker for dialogue makes 5. The .1 is the subwoofer for bass. 7.1 Takes 5.1 and adds two extra speakers, one on either side of you, for more subtle surround effects. 5.2/7.2 Add a second subwoofer to the mix for even bigger, more dispersed boom.

Freesat Box: Humax HDR1000S | Blu-ray Player: Pioneer BDP450

Sources

Put the best in - get the best out Streaming Some set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and other dedicated devices add in internet streaming options – they can take video and audio content from your desktop computer, laptop or NAS drive elsewhere in the house, as well as from the internet and apps.

Atmos This brand new system uses ceiling speakers in addition to a 5.1/7.1 set-up as described above. Effects become more than ambiance, they’re sounds that fill your room with pin-point accuracy. Sounds are plotted out individually, much like they would be in real life. This gives for much greater accuracy, regardless of how many speakers are positioned in the room. The three dimensional aspect of the sound is enhanced with either two or four ceiling speakers. For those who cannot accommodate in-ceiling speakers, certified Atmos speakers have upwards-firing drivers that use the acoustics of the room to bounce sound from above. This is a truly unique way of adding discrete, downwards firing sound from a conventional 5 or 7 speaker array. Atmos systems are described as 5.1.2 / 5.1.4 / 7.1.2 or 7.1.4, depending on how many speakers are used - the final digit refers to the number of downwards firing speakers in the room.

Games consoles The latest games consoles are all ideal for big-screen action – delivering high definition visual thrills and positional surround sound so you can tell where your enemy is. Blu-ray A dedicated Blu-ray disc player is the best way to get high definition movies with full surround sound onto your TV. The picture will be crisper and the sound stunning. Some Blu-ray players also connect to the internet to give your TV Smart functionality too. Set-top boxes Richer Sounds stocks a wide range of TV broadcast set-top boxes. We have free-to-view Freesat and Freeview boxes, which include some high definition channels, and Freesat+ and Freeview+ boxes that can record TV for you to watch later. Smart boxes Give your flatscreen an IQ boost with a Smart set-top box or dongle. This brings internet connectivity and user-friendly apps to your TV so you can, for instance, watch YouTube videos in high definition, access video on demand services such as BBC iPlayer, 4oD and Netflix, and browse the web or catch up with friends on social media services. Of course, many of the TVs we sell also now have Smart functionality built in.

Surround Sound Speakers: Monitor Audio Mass Home Cinema Amplifier: Cambridge Audio 751R V2

Home Cinema Amplifiers

A one-stop hub for your entire audio-visual system. As well as extra speakers, a home cinema needs a surround sound amp or receiver. A good home cinema amplifier will deliver hi-fi quality stereo to your front left and right speakers beautifully, but also send surround signals of various sorts (Dolby Digital, DTS etc.) to your speaker set-up and handle video sources too – including 3D and 4K. Our experts can help you pick the right amplifier for your needs – whether that’s full-on home cinema, multiroom streaming, audiophile hi-fi as well as movies, or all of the above!

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38 / Soundbars

Soundbar: Sonos PLAYBAR TV: Samsung UE55HU8500

Soundbar: Yamaha YSP3300

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SOUND SIMPLICITY

Improve the audio performance of your flatscreen TV without speakers everywhere.

Traditional 5.1 and 7.1 multi-channel speaker systems are best if you’re looking for a serious surround sound experience, but if you want to avoid the complexity or space implications of a full surround system, there is an alternative – a soundbar, or sound base. These slim speaker bars mount directly below or above your TV, or even sit under your TV as a “sound base” and offer a significant improvement in sound quality. After all, you can’t expect great sound from the tiny speakers squeezed into flatscreen TVs, designed to take up as little space as possible. Good soundbars and sound bases have dramatically more space for speaker enclosures, yet don’t make too much visual impact on your living room. The result is much better bass, left/right stereo effects and clarity and separation of all-important dialogue. Soundbars and sound bases now commonly include Bluetooth wireless audio streaming from smartphone or tablet and even the option to work as part of a multiroom music system. Some also come with a separate subwoofer for serious bass. Like the idea of avoiding big speakers but want full cinematic surround sound? Compromise with a sub/sat system that uses five or more small satellite speakers to give you true surround sound, plus a larger subwoofer tucked out of sight for bass oomph.

Soundbar options

Three simple ways to boost your TV’s stereo sound. Soundbar These offer a vast improvement on the tinny speakers squeezed into your TV. Expect punchier sound effects, better left/right separation and clearer dialogue. Sound projector These contain dozens of small speakers, some aimed straight at you, others pointed sideways to bounce off walls, to give you room-filling, surround-style sound.

Sound base: LG LAP240 TV: LG 42LB650

Sound base Also known as a sound plinth. These are designed to sit under the TV, rather than be wall mounted. If your TV sits on a stand or rack, a sound base is great way to improve the audio.

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40/ Projectors

BIGGER SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT Projectors make for the ultimate home cinema experience

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For a really big screen, nothing beats a projector. Your screen is bigger than the biggest TVs, at a fraction of the price, and capable of handling fast, high definition action and even 3D. Modern projectors don’t need total darkness or the kind of space that they used to, either.

Pop in and talk to one of our experts about what you need and your room layout, and we can help you create anything from the ultimate home cinema installations to a simple set-up that you can pop up for special occasions, whether that’s the big match, family movie nights or a big-screen gaming session.

Our installation team can help you with ceiling mounts, hidden cables, even a motorised screen that comes down from the ceiling at the push of a button. Or we can direct you to wireless models that mean there’s no need to run cables from your video source, ideal for occasional use.

Dream screen

Which projector is right for your home? Long throw projectors These are ideal for true home cinema action and installations. They’re more likely to be 1080p high definition and 3D compatible. They’re best for fast on-screen action and deep, rich colours. Sit them on a shelf on the wall opposite your screen, or mount them upside-down and out of the way on the ceiling.

Short throw projectors These have a wide lens angle designed to produce a big picture from not very far away. This makes them ideal for putting on a coffee table and projecting onto a roll-away screen.

Projectors (clockwise from left): Sony VPLHW55ES | BenQ W1070 | Epson EHTW6100W Satellite Speaker (bottom): Cambridge Audio Minx Min11

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Satellite Speakers: Cambridge Audio Minx Min21 Speaker Stands: Cambridge Audio Minx CA600P

Manufacturers 44 AKG, JBL & Harman 45 Arcam 46 Audioquest 47 BenQ 48 Cyrus 50 Cambridge Audio 54 DALI 55 Denon 56 Epson 57 Flexson 58 Humax 60 LG 68 Libratone 69 Focal 70 Marantz 71 Monitor Audio 72 Onkyo 74 Panasonic 82 Pioneer 84 Q Acoustics 85 QED 86 Pro-Ject 87 Roksan 88 Samsung 96 Sanus 97 Sennheiser 98 Sharp 99 Tannoy 100 Sonos 102 Sony 110 Chord 111 TP Link 112 Wharfedale 113 Yamaha / 43

GREAT SOUNDS FROM HARMAN AKG pro headphones and microphones have been used for over 60 years by everyone from Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones to Missy Elliott and Kanye West. Its headphones give your music the richness and subtlety of the original performance.

Leading concert halls and other public venues have used speakers and other equipment from JBL for decades. The company uses the same knowledge to create home, personal and in-car audio sound. Whether you're enjoying a movie, match or concert as part of a huge crowd or at home, you can catch all of the sounds with superb clarity with JBL. Both companies are part of Harman International

Industries, Inc alongside Harman Kardon, known for its beautiful sounding speakers and amplifiers. It's no coincidence that some of its iconic loudspeakers have transparent cabinets; the company is committed to reproducing sound exactly as the artist intended, its speakers acting like a clear window with a breathtaking view, straight through to the music.

JBL Cinema SB400 Soundbar This sleek, gloss black soundbar is just 95mm high, yet its 120W output, teamed with a 200W wireless subwoofer, draw you into the on-screen action. Thanks to three HDMI inputs, optical input and Bluetooth, it acts as the heart of a home entertainment system – making everything from CDs to streaming sound great as well as home cinema. “ A good-looking, extremely capable soundbar solution.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

AKG K550 Closed Cup Headphones These home headphones may be big, but they’re surprisingly lightweight and comfortable. The large earpieces deliver total audio immersion while 50mm drivers and a closed back design give a deep, powerful bass that’s tightly controlled and realistic. Yet, surprisingly for a closed back design, music sounds spacious, accurate and engaging. “ The AKGs don’t lose a scrap of detail… a hugely capable pair of closed-back headphones that simply don’t sound closed.” - What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

AKG Y45BT Bluetooth Headphones The Y45BTs are something special, bringing AKG’s signature sound to the wireless market. Not only are these lightweight wonders extremely convenient, thanks to the unique 3D-Axis fold-flat mechanism, but they exhibit the sound quality and attention to detail you would only expect from AKG. These Bluetooth-enabled headphones bring all new levels of quality to this price point.

AKG K323XSi In-Ear Headphones These are not your usual high-end headphones. They’re tiny. Real tiny. Despite this, they take full advantage of AKG engineering excellence through their function and design. The lightweight yet durable build, coupled with the 3-button mic, make these AKGs well equipped to satisfy the needs of those with on-the-go lifestyles. “ Plenty of punch and attack... Decent detail and dynamics.” - What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

Harman Kardon Aura Wireless Music System A stunning-looking sound system, but the design isn’t just for show. The tube through the middle is a bass reflex port for the downward-firing subwoofer. Six drivers, teamed with custom DSP sound processing, create a rich, room-filling sound from all your wireless sources: AirPlay, Bluetooth and home network (DLNA).

HEADPHONES BEST HOME ON-EARS £150+

AKG K550

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DAC: Arcam airDAC Amplifier: Arcam FMJ A19 CD Player: Arcam FMJ CD17

BRINGING MUSIC AND MOVIES TO LIFE Arcam, created by two Cambridge engineering graduates, started out making mixing desks for recording studios in 1976. Now, nearly 40 years later, the company is still based near Cambridge and still combines engineering expertise with audio passion.

Mixing desks have long since been replaced with hi-fi and home cinema amplifiers, CD and Blu-ray players and, increasingly, wireless digital audio products. But all still retain a no-nonsense engineering approach to design, features and quality. The results often break new ground – Arcam was first to create an offboard DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) for CD players in 1988, the first British company to produce a Dolby-S cassette deck in 1992 (that outperformed most studio DAT tape decks) and first to create a hi-fi DAB radio separate in 1999. The results often win awards too: the A19 is a What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine Product of the Year Award 2013 winner.

(1) A19 Stereo Integrated Amplifier This amp punches above its weight, with components and techniques found in top-of-the-range Arcam amps. It includes a power section that can support two r-Series products, so an A19 can be upgraded to become a digital hub. Analogue connections also include a new ultra-low noise moving magnet (MM) phono stage and new headphone circuitry.

(2) airDAC Digital-to-Analogue Converter Stream digital files up to 24bit/96kHz wirelessly via AirPlay and UPnP, to existing hi-fis. It also features coaxial and optical digital inputs, and coaxial out – allowing you to continue streaming if you upgrade your DAC. High-end hi-fi quality meets modern streaming audio.

“ Its staggeringly open sound is wonderful to hear at this price.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR STEREO AMPLIFIERS

ARCAM FMJ A19

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DAC: AudioQuest Dragonfly V1.2

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE 2

AudioQuest has been the largest cable supplier to the high-end specialist market for many years. This success has been possible because of the proven performance of its products. Richer Sounds is so convinced of the visible and audible improvements good interconnects and speaker cables give to picture and sound quality, we have teamed up with AudioQuest to give you an absolutely unbeatable offer.

After a consultation with one of our in-store experts, Richer Sounds customers can take home an AudioQuest demonstration kit to test on their own equipment – with speaker, analogue audio, HDMI, Ethernet, digital audio and USB cables included. If this real-world test doesn’t convince you of how important good cables are, we’ll be very surprised. Of course, you’re under no obligation to buy any cables at the end of the test – although we bet you’ll want to.

(1) DragonFly USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier A tiny USB thumbdrive-sized device to make sure computer audio sounds stunning through your headphones or hi-fi. The DragonFly acts as both headphone amp and – cutting out the poor performance of most soundcards – a USB digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). It natively plays up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution and lossless files (compared with CD at 16-bit/44.1kHz). “ Charmingly small, well-built, and offers impressive performance.” – Macworld.com

(2) Rocket 33 Speaker Cable The “Double Star-Quad” geometry Rocket cable does not look normal on the outside, and it is not at all normal on the inside. A sophisticated combination of extraordinary materials and extremely refined design allows it to honour all types of music equally. Try for yourself in the Richer Sounds AudioQuest demonstration kit (see above).

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(3) Cinnamon HDMI Cable All modern digital interconnects are the same… it either works or it doesn’t …right? Well, no. Everything from the electronics used to the quality of the materials all have an impact on the signal. Done correctly, you lessen the chance of the original signal or data package being corrupted. Thanks to the 1.25% silver coating, AudioQuest’s Cinnamon HDMI sound exhilarating – we urge you to try one in your system. “ A top-notch HDMI that’ll be a credit to any system: a well made, smart design with a low-noise performance.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(4) Forest Digital Coaxial Cable Musical signals that are sent using the real time SPDIF standard over coax cable are easily damaged. They are especially vulnerable to time-based errors, or “jitter”, which is often introduced via badly designed and made cables. This makes the sound harsh and unpleasant. The AudioQuest Forest Digital Coax is a great first step in protecting this musical data; its constant impedance, clever “cold weld” connectors and excellent shielding, protect the digital signal and help to deliver a much more faithful reproduction of your music. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating… be sure to try one in your system to hear the differences yourself.

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ENJOYMENT MATTERS

BenQ is a world-renowned pioneer in today’s digital convergence era, set apart by a unique philosophy that “Enjoyment Matters”.

This spirit infuses every industry-first technology and every award-winning product – with BenQ having won over 200 international design awards since the company changed from a manufacturing plant in Taiwan, over 25 years ago, into an international consumer technology company, specialising in projectors, LCD displays and mobile digital devices.

BenQ’s latest home cinema projectors let you create a huge, high definition home cinema picture that dwarfs even the largest LED screens, all from a small box that can be either permanently installed in your room or simply set up anywhere for a movie night, gaming session or big match.

(1) W1300 Projector Perfect for big-screen entertainment, the W1300 features 1080p Full HD projection up to 300 inches across – three times the size of the biggest of big-screen TVs. You’ll be captivated its brilliant image featuring a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 ANSI lumen brightness. Built-in speakers, 3D compatibility and lens shift easy set-up make it user-friendly and fully-featured. “An excellent 3D DLP projector” – DigitalVersus.com

(2) W1080ST Projector Get big screen enjoyment even in small spaces – the short throw W1080ST brings 1080p Full HD home cinema to small rooms. Enjoy vibrant video with a 10,000:1 high contrast ratio and the brightness of 2,000 ANSI lumens. The max screen size is 300 inches, but it can create a 65-inch picture from a distance of just 1m.

“ Great pictures and a potentially hugely useful short-throw lens make its asking price look like a steal.” – TrustedReviews.com

QisDesign lighting also available from BenQ.

Projector: BenQ W1070

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Music System: Lyric 05 One-Box Music System

While Cyrus separates may be smaller, they’re big on sound. The iconic cases are die-cast aluminium, formed under high pressure, for an incredibly strong chassis that’s both durable and eliminates vibration. Of course, a great chassis alone doesn’t make a perfect hi-fi component. Cyrus separates are also designed throughout to offer the highest possible quality in audio.

Cyrus offers many performance upgrades, ensuring your investment stays at the pinnacle of audio performance, even as audio technology evolves, offering excellent long-term value. The result of this dedication is matched by the critical acclaim products are routinely met with. The range has won 37 major awards since 2005. This iconic British hi-fi really is engineered to entertain!

(1) Lyric 05 One-Box Music System The new Lyric series represents a massive departure for Cyrus. It’s an all-in-one system with CD, radio (including internet) and high-resolution wireless and wired digital streaming.

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ENGINEERED TO ENTERTAIN

A British hi-fi icon – designed, made and distributed from its Cambridge base. Nearly all Cyrus components are instantly recognisable because of their half-width case. This means you can fit two into the same space you can fit one traditional, full-width audio separate.

(2) CDi CD Player Cyrus calls the CDi its “best sounding CD player ever”. And What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine agrees. This is thanks to the new version of Cyrus’s proprietary Servo Evolution disc reading engine. On top of that, everything from power stage to analogue output has been designed with sound quality in mind. “ A five-star CD player from Cyrus is no surprise, but this one takes things to a new level.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(3) 6 DAC Integrated Amplifier This combines the award-winning 6A amplifier with a high-quality Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC). The latter handles the highest resolution 24-bit digital audio and features multiple digital inputs. Plug in streaming devices, TV set-top boxes, games consoles and more and it will get the best audio out.

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GREAT BRITISH SOUND Since 1968 Cambridge Audio has been driven by a simple belief; that music should always sound amazing. Cambridge Audio is for people who really listen to music. Our original British-designed products are enjoyed the world over by people like you who share a love of music. We have an envied reputation for innovation and every one of our engineers is fanatical in their pursuit of delivering an authentic and enjoyable experience. When you listen to a Cambridge Audio product you don’t just hear the difference, you feel it. We want everyone to experience that pleasure.

“ To say we were impressed is a gross understatement.” Luke Peters, Editor T3

“ Well, Bose is about to get a sound thrashing from the British boys at Cambridge Audio, whose brand new Minx is even smaller than Acoustimass - especially the subwoofer - and simply better. Much, much better.” -Jonathan Margolis, Financial Times

Minx is on a mission to unite the disconnected worlds of rich, luxurious hi-fi sound and design miniaturisation. For the very first time, you can experience extraordinary levels of power and refinement from staggeringly small speakers. Minx brings all your favourite music, movies, sports and TV shows to life in a way you’d never imagine. Such advances are made possible by fundamental developments in acoustic science. Minx delivers a quality and depth of sound which has previously been the preserve of much larger speakers.

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Created at Cambridge Audio’s London research and development centre by a team fuelled with a passion for incredible sound, Minx completely rewrites the rulebook of what’s possible from miniature speakers. Designed for universal connection to any home cinema receiver or amplifier, Minx offers incredibly simple set-up for instantly impressive results. With two beautiful satellite speakers and three earth-trembling subwoofers, there are endless combinations of Minx to suit any home.

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(1) Stream Magic 6 Music Streamer This doesn’t just stream music, it improves it to better-than-CD quality. High-end twin Wolfson DACs and an Anagram Technologies upsampling circuit offer more detail and depth than you thought possible from digital audio. Stream your own music (over ethernet, Wi-Fi or optional Bluetooth) or access internet radio and services like BBC iPlayer Radio.

“ It looks good, is easy to use, sounds great and has a list of uses longer than your arm: the Stream Magic 6 is an unequivocal success.” -What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine. “ As network audio players go, the Stream Magic 6 is as close to perfection as I’ve yet seen.” -BBC Music magazine

(2) One Mini System The Cambridge Audio One is an all-in-one music system that offers true Cambridge Audio sound quality in a very compact unit. One handles music from many different sources. It can play CDs and has a variety of different analogue and digital audio inputs. It can also wirelessly stream music from smartphones and tablets via a high quality Bluetooth connection. The One’s playback capabilities also include a built-in DAB+/FM tuner, giving you access to all of your favourite radio stations. On top of this the One also has a high quality built-in amplifier. Just add speakers for a complete hi-fi system!

(3) Minx Xi Music Streamer The Minx Xi delivers stunning audio quality from every analogue, digital and wireless source that today’s music lover demands, all wrapped up in a seriously stylish package. Streaming 24-bit/96kHz audio, including a wide range of lossless formats, from smartphone and tablet apps wirelessly, it uses Bluetooth for total flexibility. It also boasts serious audio componentry to ensure it sounds amazing and USB ports that will even charge your phone. However you like your music, it’ll sound great on the Cambridge Audio Minx Xi.

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(1) Aeromax 2 Innovative Cambridge Audio 4th Generation full-range BMR. The speakers expand on the radical design found in the award-winning Aero speaker range. The Aeromax speakers use innovative 4th generation full-range BMR (Balance Mode Radiator) drivers instead of traditional tweeters, resulting in a sound that’s dramatically more immersive and natural, with truly stunning, punchy bass.

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Available in beautiful, modern, gloss black and white lacquer finishes and with a more coherent and immersive sound, Aeromax is innovative, stylish and ideal for those who want the best stereo performance.

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(2) 851E Pre-Amplifier (3) 851W Power Amplifier The perfect combination of power and finesse. At the 851W heart is the Cambridge Audio’s innovative and proprietary Class XD system, with 12 output transistors per channel. Combining the best of Class A and Class AB and removing the downsides of both, Class XD amplification eliminates crossover distortion like a Class A amp, while offering the power efficiency of Class AB. Its performance has to be heard to be believed. When used with the 851E, the true analogue pre-amplifier, it delivers an incredibly pure signal. The 851E has so little harmonic distortion and adds so little noise to incoming signals that we can barely measure it. In pre-amplifiers, that’s a very good thing!

(4) 851A Class XD Integrated Amplifier Cambridge Audio has something of a sensation on its hands with the all new 851A Class XD integrated amplifier. Its totally unique technology platform takes the very best aspects of two popular amplifier designs and dispenses with their inherent weaknesses to bring you a high-end amplifier which sounds sensational. The 851A combines a big, gutsy and powerful performance with unprecedented detail and staggeringly low distortion. Unlike many high-end amplifiers which are developed to enhance a particular type of music, the 851A was created by music lovers for music lovers and is designed to bring out the best of every musical genre, and because Cambridge Audio also designs its products to work with yours, the 851A is capable of driving virtually any speaker with ease.

(5) 851C Digital to Analogue Converter/CD Player/Pre-amplifier The 851C is the heart of your digital music system. Enabling you to experience incredible quality music from your computer or from CDs, it also allows you to connect other digital audio devices like music streamers and digital iPhone/iPad docks for the most sensational sound reproduction ever. A mouth-watering component specification and truly uncompromised design ensures the 851C is capable of retrieving every last detail from your music. Highlights include the highest specification digital-to-analogue converters, a digital sound processor and Swiss upsampling technology which improves the quality of every digital music format. So whether you want to listen to Spotify or iTunes using your iPhone, enjoy lossless files from your PC or simply listen to a favourite CD, your music has never sounded better.

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DESIGNED IN ADMIRATION OF MUSIC

DALI, or Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries, has been creating loudspeakers in Scandinavia with outstanding performance and natural sound at competitive prices since 1983. Today, DALI offers an exciting range of speakers to suit every taste, from the cost-conscious Zensor series to the ultimate performance speaker, the MegaLine. DALI is driven by a raw passion for music and its honest reproduction in the domestic environment. Its main objective: to develop and refine new technologies to increase the realism of the home entertainment experience. A key contributing factor to DALI’s acclaimed audio prowess is the quality of its exclusive driver units, designed in close collaboration with experts from the world’s leading driver manufacturers. The DALI product range shares key technologies, but is broad enough to encompass hi-fi, home cinema and wireless uses – with each delivering an honest, nuanced and richly-detailed listening experience.

(1) Zensor 1 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker Package Combining four versatile Zensor 1 standmount/bookshelf speakers, with a Vokal centre speaker and E-9F subwoofer, the Zensor 1 5.1 is an award-winning surround sound speaker package. Using light, yet stiff wood fibre cones throughout means speakers that deliver dynamic, detailed sound without taking up lots of room. “ Dali’s 5.1 speaker package offers stunning sound for the money, with seamlessly integrated bass and dazzling detail.” – TrustedReviews.com.

(2) Ikon 1 Mk 2 Standmount Speakers Built for shelf or stand mounting in a small to medium-sized room, Ikon 1 Mk 2 is ideal for stereo or as front/rear surround sound speakers. It’s capable of reproducing surprisingly deep bass due to the wood fibre 5-inch mid/woofer that integrates superbly with the hybrid tweeter module – the result is warmth, clarity and authenticity.

(3) Zensor 5 Floorstanding Speakers This floorstanding speaker has been designed with extra care and attention. The cabinet not only looks stunning, with a high-gloss lacquered front baffle and integrated stand, but internal bracings, soundproofing and newly developed woofers ensure it sounds stunning too. The result is an authoritative performer, clearly part of Dali’s high-end heritage.

“ If you’re in the market for a midrange standmounter, you really must audition these.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR SPEAKER PACKAGES

DALI ZENSOR 1 5.1

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Multiroom Speaker: HEOS 5

PASSION, ARTISTRY & TECHNOLOGY The creation of products that can deliver enjoyment to others is a fundamental driving passion for Denon. The company’s constant quest is to create the perfect entertainment component.

As a result, the company is always looking to transform creative ideas into leading innovation and anticipate consumer needs. Recently, this has included the development of mobile technologies, so that everyone can enjoy the best possible quality audio and video, no matter what format it arrives in or from where. Denon’s 100-year history of audio and visual expertise includes a “legacy of firsts”: the first professional disc recorder (1939), the first stereo systems in Japan (1951), the first PCM recorder (the basis of today’s CD format, 1970); the first consumer CD player (DCD-2000, 1982); and the first Dolby Digital home cinema component – just some of the firsts from the company. This legacy also points the company’s path to the future – a constant, innovating quest for perfection, delivering power, precision and performance.

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(1) HEOS 7 Denon have really impressed with their foray into wireless multiroom home audio. Stream music via Wi-Fi to any room with amazing ease. The HEOS 7 is the option for room filling audio: the ultimate in wireless speaker performance. 5 dedicated Class D amplifiers power a large subwoofer, two mid-woofers and two custom tweeters. The brushed aluminium apex adds a tactile, high quality finish.

(2) HEOS 5 The HEOS 5 is where discrete elegance meets sensational performance. With HEOS, playing internet radio, music stored on a computer or NAS drive, tunes on your smartphone or tablet and even on-demand music, such as Spotify, will revolutionise the way you listen to music. Dual-band Wi-Fi coupled with the free Denon iOS and Android app makes for unbelievable plug and play usability.

(3) HEOS 3 The small speaker with authoritative sound: the Denon HEOS 3 comprises a two-channel Class D amplifier powering dual custom full-range drivers. Ideally designed for either vertical or horizontal placement, the small footprint of the speaker enables it to fit in to any environment. This is an ideal entry into the HEOS range, with a great upgrade option: configuring two HEOS 3s to work together gives a wide stereo sound.

(4) Envaya Wireless Speaker System For sensational sound on the go, this portable Bluetooth speaker features the latest performance advances. These include Bluetooth aptX CD-quality wireless streaming, NFC pairing and sound reproduction capabilities far beyond its compact size. With beautiful, Italian-inspired squeeze-to-shut design and 10-hour battery life, the Envaya’s sure to be the envy of other portable speaker owners.

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Projector: Epson EH-TW8200

UP TO 3X BRIGHTER COLOURS You spend time and effort making your home cinema room just right but are you really sure you have the best projector to do your favourite films and games justice?

You don’t want the stars looking less than their best, so make sure you get a projector with bright images and vivid colours – for maximum impact choose an Epson projector. But don’t just take our word for it! In a blind test conducted with an Epson projector against five other 1-chip DLP brands with similar quoted lumens of white light, 95% of people said that the Epson projector had the most vivid colours with 98% of people agreeing that we had the brightest picture overall**.

(1) EH-TW7200 Projector Featuring wide lens shift and a powerful zoom for easy setup, a high 120,000:1 contrast ratio and 3LCD technology, this entry-level Full HD 3D projector offers many high-end features at an affordable price. The EH-TW7200 is ideal for powerful and immersive home cinema experiences – delivering truly big screen action and stunning value.

(2) EH-TW9200W Projector Enjoy 2D and 3D home cinema – wirelessly in Full HD. A huge contrast ratio of 600,000:1 produces vivid 2D and 3D images with deep blacks, pure whites and rich colours delivered by Epson’s 3LCD technology. And you don’t need cables because WirelessHD delivers HDCP-compliant Full HD transmission, including 3D, from five HDMI sources.

“ If you want quality, big-screen movies for startlingly little money, then you certainly should buy an Epson EH-TW7200.” – TrustedReviews.com.

“ It’s taken LCD projector picture quality to a new level.” –TrustedReviews.com.

*Compared to leading 1-chip DLP home entertainment projectors. Epson 720p projectors are three times brighter; Epson 1080p projectors are consistently two and up to three times brighter. Based on NPD data, July 2011 through June 2012. Colour brightness (Colour Light Output) measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4. Colour brightness will vary depending on usage conditions. **In a blind test against five leading competitors’ 1-chip DLP models. Research carried out by RS Consulting, March 2013, base sample n200.

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QUALITY ACCESSORIES FOR SONOS

Bracket: Flexson Sonos PLAYBAR TV Mount

Flexson does one thing and it does it well: it makes elegant accessories for Sonos wireless speakers.

Its wall brackets and floor stands are designed and made in the UK specifically to suit each Sonos speaker, using high-quality steel, powder coated with a black or white finish to match your Sonos. All brackets and stands also have clever cable management that ensures the Sonos mains cable is hidden from sight. Flexson’s ColourPlay skins, meanwhile, are ideal if you want a minimal Sonos system but you don’t like the monochrome look. They let you add a splash of colour to your Sonos in a clever way that is hardwearing yet easy to remove if you want to give your system a new makeover. Put simply: if you love Sonos, you’ll love Flexson.

(1) Floorstanding mount for Sonos PLAY:1, 3, 5 These stands put your Sonos at the perfect listening height. They’re quick to assemble and the mains cable is hidden inside the stand to minimise clutter. It comes with spikes for carpeted floors and also soft feet for hard floors. Ideal for using PLAY:1 as rear surround speakers.

(2) Tilt/Swivel bracket for Sonos PLAY:1, 3, 5 Whether for stereo or home cinema, these brackets have been designed specifically to let you wallmount your Sonos wireless speakers discreetly in the perfect place. All brackets have cable management and can swivel left and right. The brackets for PLAY:3 and PLAY:5 can also tilt up and down.

(3) ColourPlay skins for Sonos PLAY:1, 3, 5 Liven up your monochrome Sonos wireless speakers with one of five bright colours: pink, yellow, red, blue or purple. The skins are made from vinyl and are easy to apply. Better still, they come off easily with no residue so you can change the look of your Sonos to suit your décor.

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(1) HDR-2000T Freeview+ HD PVR Watch and record programmes on 50 digital TV stations, up to 10 of them in high definition, with no monthly subscription. The 500GB hard drive is enough to store up to 300 hours of standard TV or 125 hours of HD TV. Plus, you can access catch-up TV services including BBC iPlayer.

(2) HDR-1000S Freesat+ HD PVR with Freetime Freesat offers 200+ subscription-free channels via your satellite dish, including high definition stations. This award-winning 500GB Freesat box also comes with Freetime, Freesat’s Smart TV guide that makes it even easier to find the programmes you love. Catch up on the last 7 days worth of TV programmes direct from the guide. “ The best Freesat box we’ve tested. It’s a pleasure to use.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

SET-TOP BOXES BEST FREESAT HD RECORDER

HUMAX HDR-1000S

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FREE TO EXPERIENCE MORE Freesat: Humax HDR1000S Television: LG 42LA640V

Humax is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of digital set-top boxes and digital TV recorders, with products rich in features yet easy to use thanks to simple on-screen menus. Unlike many consumer electronics brands, Humax is a specialist in digital TV technology. This focus keeps it one step ahead of the competition, defining the market for digital TV recorders and HD set-top boxes.

Research and development is key to Humax’s success, ensuring its products are innovative, future-proof and of the highest quality. This makes it easy and convenient to enjoy digital content anywhere in the home. It also has strong partnerships with leading operators and broadcasters to deliver the very best TV experience. Most recently, Humax was at the forefront of the UK’s new Freetime digital TV service from Freesat and also the launch of the new YouView service. That’s why these services are so beautifully integrated into Humax products.

(3) HDR-1010S Freesat+ HD PVR with Freetime Freetime, from Freesat, is the Smart TV guide that lets you look back over the last week’s TV schedules and watch the shows you missed, on demand. All this, and 200+ subscriptions-free channels, in an attractive white box with built-in Wi-Fi and massive 1TB hard drive.

(4) DTR-T1010 YouView HD PVR YouView gives you subscription free access to 70 plus Digital TV and Radio stations, plus scroll back over 7 days of catch up TV from all the main players and a growing video on demand content once connected to broadband. With a 500GB hard drive you can record up to 300 hours of TV. “ The original Humax box was a corker, and that necessarily remains the case here.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

SET-TOP BOXES BEST FREEVIEW HD RECORDER

HUMAX DTR-T1010

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LG is truly an innovator, especially when it comes to high-quality flatscreen TVs and the Blu-ray players and soundbars that complement them. Its design philosophy boils down to four simple elements: concept, style, interface and finish. The result is, for example, televisions that look beautiful even when they are switched off, designs that frame the picture simply, intuitive Smart menus and even remote controls that you can control with your voice. Life’s good with LG. 1

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(1) LB730V Smart webOS Full HD TV Ranging in screen sizes from 42 to 65 inches, these 1080p Full HD TVs look beautiful, with an ultra-thin bezel Cinema Screen design. They have built in Wi-Fi for Smart TV with webOS Smart function, including catch-up TV, movies on demand and more, and also include LG’s Magic Remote. The 800Hz MCI (Motion Clarity Index) processing means fast-moving action scenes have less blur and images are sharper. (2) LB580V Smart Full HD TV This affordable range of 32 to 47-inch TVs will wow thanks to their crisp 1080p Full HD picture, built-in Freeview HD for subscription-free high definition viewing and crisp sound from LG’s Virtual Surround Plus processing. Thanks to 100Hz MCI (Motion Clarity Index) processing, the picture is sharp, even in fast-moving action scenes. Also has Smart TV functions for catch-up TV, movies on demand and more.

LIFE’S GOOD For more than 55 years, LG has been at the forefront of home electronics. In 1988, it released the world’s first 60-inch plasma TV.

(3) LB650V Smart webOS Full HD TV Get a superb Full HD picture in screen sizes ranging from 32 to 70 inches, again with the super-slim bezel of a Cinema Screen design. Wi-Fi is built in for Smart TV with webOS offering, amongst many other features, catch-up TV and movies on demand.

In 2007, it introduced the first dual format HD disc player. And in 2012, LG produced the world’s first ever 4K Ultra High Definition TV. Its latest range of 4K Ultra High Definition screens offer “the best view in the world”and really must be seen to be truly appreciated. Television: 98UB9800

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(1) EC930V 55-Inch Curved OLED TV For a truly immersive experience, feast your eyes on this stunning curved OLED TV. The OLED technology makes the slim panel possible because it doesn’t need to be backlit. Its Full HD picture has superb contrast, lightning fast response times, a huge viewing angle and superb energy efficiency.

(2) UB950W ULTRA HD 4K Smart TV Get pin-sharp 4K Ultra High Definition on a 55 or 65-inch screen. As well as quadruple the detail of Full HD, you’ll benefit from LG’s IPS Panel that offers perfect clarity wherever you sit in the room. It’s backed by 4K upscaling, Smart TV with webOS features and superb 2.1-channel sound.

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Television: 49LB730

(3) UB980W ULTRA HD 4K Smart TV This series of stunning 65, 79, 84 and 98-inch LED screens deliver an Ultra High Definition picture with four times the detail of Full HD. All content can be upscaled to 4K, backed by great surround sound designed by Harman/Kardon. And webOS makes switching between live TV, apps and catch-up TV a breeze.

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HEAR THE BIGGER PICTURE (1) NB4540 Soundbar Like the NB5540, this is just 35mm tall. Its 2.1 channels deliver clear dialogue and impressive sound effects thanks to a total of 320W: 80W per channel in the bar and 160W from the wireless sub. Bluetooth connectivity means you can play music straight from a phone or tablet, wirelessly. (2) LAP440 SoundPlate If your TV lives on a table or corner cabinet, a soundbar may not be an ideal solution. Instead this sits under the TV, delivering 320W of 4.1 channel sound, including a wireless subwoofer. It’s ideal for 32 to 55-inch TVs and also features Bluetooth for streaming audio from your phone or tablet. (3) NB5540 Soundbar A slimline, high quality sound solution: the NB5540 boasts 4.1 channel surround sound processing to give you that cinematic feel from this discrete, 320W speaker system. Being one of the sleekest high def audio soundbars ever, the wireless sub helps it sound as good as it looks. (4) LAP240 SoundPlate Can’t find space for a wireless subwoofer but do want a dialogueboosting sound base under your TV? The LAP240 features two built-in subwoofers – for a 2.1 channel 100W total output. There’s also wireless streaming from phones and tablets via Bluetooth.

Soundbar: LG NB4540

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BP740 ULTRA HD 4K Upscaling 3D Blu-ray Player with LG Smart TV The ultimate Ultra HD 4K upscaling Blu-ray player, this does much more than just play Blu-ray and DVDs and upscale them to 4K Ultra High Definition. Built in Wi-Fi brings Smart functionality for catch-up TV, movies on demand and more. For example, Private Sound Mode 2.0 sends audio direct to headphones plugged into your smartphone or tablet. Also comes with a Magic Remote. “The smart platform is excellent, with plenty of useful apps, and the networking is equally as good.” – AVForums.com

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Television: 47LB730V Blu-ray Player: LG BP640s

BP640S 3D Blu-ray Player with LG Smart TV This superb Blu-ray player doesn’t feature 4K but it does include Wi-Fi for Private Sound Mode 2.0 (listen to audio wirelessly via your smartphone), streaming and LG Smart TV functionality for catch-up TV, movies on demand and more. Of course, it’s brilliant at playing Blu-ray discs, including 3D.

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360 SCANDINAVIAN Wireless Speaker: Libratone Zipp

Libratone is in the business of integrating premium audio and great design that blends seamlessly into your environment — designed with integrity and dressed in Italian wool. Their products stand out from the crowd due to their exceptional appearance and superior sound quality. Formed in 2009, Libratone have used wireless streaming technology right from day one to reinvent speakers and achieve its goal “to free music from the slavery of stationary listening and to give it the freedom modern wireless technology allows”. The free Libratone app for iOS or Android is a breeze to use for wireless set-up, firmware updates and Libratone’s patented FullRoom acoustic customisation. Libratone products and design are solidly planted in its Scandinavian heritage. The 360 alludes to its FullRoom technology, where sound is dispersed in all directions, but it also refers to holistic Scandinavian thinking and design. Libratone products have won international design awards including, the prestigious IF Design Award 2014 for the Loop and the IF Design Award 2013 for the Zipp.

(1) Loop Wireless Speaker The Libratone Loop offers freedom of sound with versatile placement, wrapped in fine, easily changeable Italian wool covers. Slim, stylish and wallmountable, this circular beauty delivers attractive FullRoom audio across your home. Wireless streaming is via DLNA and Apple AirPlay, while PlayDirect means you don’t need a Wi-Fi router. (2) Zipp Wireless Speaker This AirPlay or DLNA speaker offers absolute audio freedom with a built-in rechargeable battery. Move Zipp around your house, use it at work, or share your music outdoors – with FullRoom technology and Wi-Fi direct connectivity ensuring amazing audio quality on-the-go. Available in three different collections, each including three easily changeable, zip-on covers. “ It’s not too expensive, it boasts plenty of features and a nice little USP – but it’s the super sound quality that seals the deal.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

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1 Soundbar: Focal Dimension Television: LG 47LA690V

THE SPIRIT OF SOUND Focal has been at the cutting edge of speaker design for over 30 years. New innovation, coupled with the highest standard of build quality and an eye for detail is the Focal way.

Founded at the beginning of 1980, Focal started life in a small workshop. The first drive units they produced quickly won international acclaim, thanks to the originality of their design. The willingness to break from tradition is something the company has developed over the years: technology, such as the inverted dome tweeter, ensures sound quality is second-to-none. Focal’s audio signature, skillfully combining musicality and dynamic performance, is the result of many years development. Using the highest quality components, coupled with an exquisite build, results in a range that not only looks outstanding, it sounds amazing too. Technological innovation, tradition and exclusive design these are the hallmarks of the “Spirit of Sound”.

(1) Dimension Soundbar Dimension is a soundbar with exceptional acoustic qualities perfectly adapted to flat screens. The soundbar is capable of creating clear and natural-sounding dialogue tracks, thanks to five ultra-flat patented speaker drivers. Dimension creates powerful sound in a discreet and perfectly integrated audio system. Give your images the sound and emotions they deserve!

(2) Easya Speakers Easya is a powered and wireless sound system that combines all the qualities of a classic high fidelity loudspeaker, with new ways of enjoying music. Focal use KLEER wireless technology, ensuring zero compression or loss in quality. With Easya, Focal has created a simple-to-use option without the limitations of separates. (3) Chorus 705 Bookshelf Speakers Compact and dynamic, these are the ideal bookshelf speakers for smaller rooms, with a dynamic, lively bass and a rich, refined mid-range and highs. This compact but powerful speaker is 100 percent hand-made. And as well as stereo, the Chorus 705 is ideal for surround effects, free-standing or wall mounted.

(4) Chorus 726 Floorstanding Speakers This high-end, yet affordable, hi-fi speaker has a true three-way design: exceptionally defined midrange, a powerful pair of 16.5cm (6.5inch) woofers with an aerodynamic front port to reduce distortion, and new Poron suspension improving the audio performance of the TNV2 tweeters. The powerful and generous sound will fill rooms up to 40m2.

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BECAUSE MUSIC MATTERS Mini System: Marantz MCR-610

The realistic reproduction of music is Marantz’s goal. True hi-fi is about recreating the magic of a performance, experiencing music as the artist intended. Specifications and technical accomplishment count for nothing unless a product can unlock the power, excitement and emotion of music.

Marantz’s heritage of technical excellence means it can create components to communicate the scale, timbre, pitch and dynamics, in fact, the very essence of a recording. Marantz offers several product line-ups. The Range series is known for offering the most flexible options imaginable for every lifestyle. At the high end, the Premium Series is for serious hi-fi purists, reference models take that one step further, faithfully reproducing purist musical emotion and the KI (designed by audio supremo Ken Ishiwata) signature models offer unparalleled quality.

(1) Melody Media MCR-610 Mini System This has it all: CD, FM/DAB radio and digital audio via Wi-Fi and USB. Network capabilities include internet radio and Spotify, plus streaming from your computer’s music library and AirPlay from Apple devices. It supports ALAC, 192kHz/24bit high-resolution, lossless FLAC and WAV files – with the highest quality audio reproduction to match the highest quality sources.

(2) PM6005 Integrated Amplifier and CD6005 CD Player An absolutely unbeatable combination of award-winning CD player and integrated amplifier. PM6005 works brilliantly with traditional sources, while digital sources can make use of its superior digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). The CD6005 features iPhone-friendly USB input as well as stunning CD audio reproduction. Two serious separates that are even better together.

“ A n affordable, good-looking box that does pretty much everything... and it does it very well.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

“ A fantastic player and immense value for money. Its predecessor was already a winner, and this has topped it.” (CD6005 review) – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

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SYSTEMS

CD PLAYERS

MARANTZ MELODY MEDIA M-CR610

MARANTZ CD6005

BEST CD PLAYER UP TO £500

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DESIGNED FOR SOUND Soundbar: Monitor Audio ASB-2

British hi-fi loudspeaker specialist Monitor Audio was formed in 1972. It has become the world’s foremost expert in developing metal dome drivers for speakers. Metal is not the easiest material to shape, which is why many choose paper or plastic, but it does have amazing properties for more life-like sound reproduction when treated correctly.

In the strength and depth of its ever-evolving product portfolio, Monitor Audio continues to demonstrate the power of a high quality, high performance loudspeaker brand that serves every application, taste and budget. (1) A100 Wireless Music System True audiophile sound quality for the 21st century. The A100 features 50 Watts of powerful Class AB amplification per channel, rendering audio with astonishing scale, detail and drama. With plenty of connections – from analogue RCA to digital optical. Also Wi-Fi, DLNA and Apple AirPlay wireless – with support for streaming services such as Spotify. Combine multiple A100s for an instant system. “ The A100 may look like a style-based product but it’s capable of proper hi-fi sound.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(2) ASB-2 Soundbar The ASB-2 is the ultimate audio hub for the home. It can operate as a high-quality soundbar for a TV monitor but it’s also Apple AirPlay, DLNA and UPnP-enabled, so it’ll let you listen to your computer and portable devices’ digital music in stunning quality, as well as connecting to streaming services. “ With stunning looks, features and performance the ASB-2 is one of the best soundbars money can buy.” – TrustedReviews.com.

SOUNDBARS BEST SOUNDBAR £800+

MONITOR AUDIO ASB-2

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IMAGINATIVE HOME CINEMA SOUND

Onkyo has been innovating in audio for nearly 70 years, in loudspeakers, hi-fi separates and home cinema. During its early years, Onkyo grew as an innovator and fashioned itself into a force to be reckoned with. The name is now synonymous with sonic excellence, leading edge home cinema equipment and top quality hi-fi components

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Sound Base: Onkyo LST-10 Television: TXL42ET60

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Its receivers and separates have garnered acclaim from critics and consumers alike. While many manufacturers are intent on building components at ever cheaper prices, Onkyo has a different vision. Its approach is to be a leader in technological advancements, such as wireless streaming, to pay attention to details and to use only the finest quality parts. That is why Onkyo is at the forefront of the home cinema and digital revolutions. You can rely on Onkyo to keep pace with the latest digital technologies like wireless streaming while still using its hi-fi heritage to make the very most of analogue sources including vinyl.

Home Cinema Amplifier: TX-NR636

(1 )TX-NR636 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver If you have, or are looking to buy, a 4K Ultra High Definition screen, this receiver will make the most of it. It has HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, both essential for next generation 4K kit, as well Dolby Atmos support (to be enabled via firmware upgrade in Autumn 2014). Plus it upscales video to 4K, so even today’s content is crisper. Superb audio, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming complete the package.

(2) TX-NR838 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver This boasts all the 4K-friendly and digital streaming features of the TX-NR636 (including Dolby Atmos) and takes it to 180W per channel (into 6 ohms) of pure analogue power. It also handles hi-fi beautifully, from high-res downloads to vinyl. When using analogue audio sources, you can even shut down all digital circuitry for a pure analogue path and pristine, noise-free sound.

(3) LSB-50 Soundbar Using its home cinema expertise, Onkyo created an immersive and simple-to-use soundbar. Its six mid-range drivers and twin ring tweeters, all powered by a six-channel amplifier, give enveloping 3D sound. The wireless sub has a deep 20Hz to 120Hz frequency range for a room-filling sound. Finally, the inclusion of both USB and Bluetooth makes playing music very easy.

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LEGENDARY What does a better life and a better world mean? It means products that enhance happiness and PICTURE QUALITY contribute to the evolution of society.

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Television: Panasonic TX58AX802

Right now, that means products that make it easier than ever to do more with. That means adding to the already award-winning range of TVs with new 4K Ultra High Definition models and models with, for the first time ever, Freetime built in, so scrolling back in the electronic programme guide lets you access old episodes by connecting to on-demand services. It means bringing not just network connectivity but 4K upscaling to Blu-ray players and PVRs. Soundbars, speakerboards and wireless multiroom speakers are specifically designed to let you hear in more detail the music and movies you love, effortlessly.

AX802 Series 4K Ultra High Definition LED TVs These 50, 58 and 65-inch 4K Ultra High Definition LED TVs aren’t just about a pretty picture. On top of other useful broadband streaming features, these are the first TVs to feature Freetime built in. Scroll backwards through the last week, click on a programme you missed and the TV will grab the programme from on-demand services including BBC iPlayer, 4oD and ITV Player.

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Television: Panasonic TX50AS600

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(1) AS600 Series Full HD LED TVs Full HD LED TVs ranging from 32 to 50 inches, the AS600 Series combines simple quality with key Smart TV features. These include Freetime built in, My Stream, a full range of internet apps and Voice Assistant – so you can use your voice to control the TV, search your media and browse the web. (2) AS650 Series Full HD LED TVs Full HD LED TVs with a difference. The 42 to 60-inch AS650 Series includes useful extra features such as Freetime (as above), TV Anywhere – so you can watch recorded TV programmes on a phone or tablet anywhere in the world – and My Stream, a personalised channel of on-demand, recorded and live TV chosen for your family.

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(1) DMR-BWT740 4K Upscaling Blu-ray Recorder This premium Blu-ray recorder is designed to go far beyond just playing discs. 4K upscaling means maximum picture and audio quality for every moment. Remote Recording lets you set TV recordings via app anywhere in the world. Smart features include web browsing and viewing films on your phone or tablet over Wi-Fi.

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(2) DMR-PWT530 Full HD PVR This award-winning box of tricks is far more than a simple Freeview+ HD, twin-tuner Personal Video Recorder, it also plays Blu-ray discs (including 3D), upscales to Full HD and offers Smart TV including internet browsing and video-on-demand. It’s your do-it-all set-top box. “An excellent PVR and the 3D Blu-ray player and internet TV capabilities come as a bit of a bonus.” – Which? magazine.

(3) DMR-HWT230 Full HD PVR A dedicated twin-tuner Freeview+ HD PVR with some excellent features, including built-in Wi-Fi, Smart TV with video-on-demand features, Remote Recording via app and 1GB of storage. If you’re on a budget, the HWT130 is even more affordable thanks to its ethernet wired internet connection and smaller (500GB) drive.

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Television: Panasonic TX47AS802 Blu-ray Player/Harddrive Recorder: Panasonic DMR-BWT740

(4) DMP-BDT700 4K Upscaling Blu-ray Player This top-of-the-range Blu-ray player handles up to 60fps 4K video output, upscaling and 4K direct JPEG photo display, as well as streaming Miracast mobile content from tablets and smartphones to the big screen. It also boasts Smart TV functionality and serious audio chops including 7.1 surround sound and upsampling for audiophile stereo.

(5) DMP-BDT460 4K Upscaling Blu-ray Player This Blu-ray player boasts many of the BDT700’s features – including 4K upscaling and video output, 4K direct JPEG photo display and streaming mobile content from phones and tablets to the big screen, as well as web browsing and other Smart TV apps including video-on-demand services.

(6) DMP-BDT260/160 Full HD Blu-ray Player Even when delivering maximum value, this new range of Blu-ray players also delivers maximum features. These feature Full HD (and 3D) disc playback, Smart networking features including web browsing and HD video-on-demand services and FLAC compatibility for high-quality lossless audio.

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Television: Panasonic TX50AS500 Soundbar: Panasonic SC-HTB880

(1) SC-HTE80/180 Sound Base Panasonic speakerboards are a new way of boosting the sound from your TV without adding clutter. They can either sit directly under your TV, acting as a plinth or can also be easily placed on a shelf within your TV cabinet. The HTE80 is built for TVs up to 42 inches while the HTE180 is ideal for bigger screens (up to 50 inches). Both also feature Bluetooth with NFC for wireless music streaming. “Refined sound… neat design, highly competitive price and a decent feature set.” – Home Cinema Choice magazine.

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(2) SC-ALL3 Wireless Speaker System The ALL3 is the more compact speaker in Panasonic’s new AllPlay multiroom wireless system, with exactly the same streaming capabilities as its bigger brother, the ALL8. It features four speaker drivers for 40W output, and a design that enables you to place it vertically or horizontally for maximum versatility in your home. Also available in white.

(3) SC-ALL8 Wireless Speaker System The ALL8 is a wall-mountable, 80W, five-driver streaming speaker. Connect to your existing Wi-Fi network and place anywhere in your home to create an AllPlay multiroom system - with each speaker able to play the same, or a different track, simultaneously. In addition, direct access to major streaming services such as Spotify and Napster mean you will always be using the latest versions of these applications.

(4) SH-ALL1C Wireless Hi-Fi Connector Connect the ALL1C to an existing hi-fi or AV system with amplification to make it part of your new AllPlay multiroom system. Choose between analogue and optical connections, the ALL1C features a high-quality 192kHz/24bit Digital-to-Analogue Converter to ensure even lossless files can be streamed to your favourite audio system without degradation or distortion.

Also available in white.

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6 (5) SC-HTB880 Soundbar A soundbar without compromise – the wedge-shaped design with real 5 channel speaker construction and wireless subwoofer deliver 500W of incredible surround sound without cluttering your room with speakers. It’s also a perfect partner for your 4K TV with features such as 4K passthrough, on top of user-friendly features such as Bluetooth for music streaming and NFC One-Touch Connection, making this an ideal centrepiece soundbar for all your entertainment needs.

(6) SC-BTT505 4K Upscaling Blu-ray Player 5.1 Channel Surround System Everything you need for a serious home cinema system in one go. This features a 4K upscaling 3D Blu-ray disc player, with Smart features including video-on-demand, as well as Bluetooth wireless streaming and full 5.1 speaker and sub surround system that creates an amazing cinema experience with 31 further “virtual” speakers.

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EMOTION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Home Cinema Amplifier: Pioneer SC-LX88

From lifestyle headphones and wireless portable speakers, to Blu-ray players and network audio players, Pioneer continues to lead the way in innovative high performance hi-fi and home theatre products. 1

(1) SC-LX88 9.2-Channel Atmos Network AV Receiver This top-of-the-range, AIR Studios certified nine-channel AV receiver will power the most serious of home cinema set-ups. Featuring a colossal 260 Watts per channel, 4K upscaling and 60p/4:4:4 HDMI 2.0; dual and independently set bass channels and, most excitingly, new Dolby Atmos compatibility using Atmos-enabled speakers or in-ceiling speakers to add a new dimension to surround sound.

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(2) SC-LX78 9.2-Channel Atmos Network AV Receiver The LX88’s smaller sibling still boasts many of its key elements. The only major difference is a slightly reduced 250 Watts per channel output and no USB-DAC function. Also tuned by AIR Studios, it too features 4K upscaling, network streaming connectivity (Airplay, DLNA, Bluetooth with aptX) with Wi-Fi in the box, MHL and Dolby Atmos compatibility.

3) SC-LX58 9.2-Channel Atmos Network AV Receiver A slightly reduced 240 Watts per channel output is the key difference between the LX58 and its bigger siblings. Again it features new Dolby Atmos compatibility. Use two or more Atmos-enabled speakers, or in-ceiling speakers, to deliver an additional surround audio track - the far more immersive results have to be heard to be believed.

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AIR Studios: the mark of audio excellence AIR Studios was founded in 1969 by legendary Beatles producer and Academy Award-nominated composer, Sir George Martin. A state-of-the-art recording complex with matchless facilities for film scoring and music production, AIR Studios’ rigorous sound tuning process and performance evaluation of Pioneer AVR’s culminates in AIR Studios certification. This prestigious seal of approval ensures that whether watching movies or listening to music, the audio is reproduced precisely as the artist intended.

Class D Amplification Unlike traditional Class AB amplification (as featured in most AV Receivers and electronic amplifiers), Pioneer uniquely offer high performance DirectFET Class D amplification which is capable of delivering astonishing speed, power, accuracy and performance as well as utilising high energy saving and efficiency capabilities. It can operate at extremely high output levels if necessary and offers virtually no distortion or loss in performance, even when all channels are simultaneously driven. The SC-LX range from Pioneer is amongst the most efficient and most powerful amplifiers on the market and delivers the true audio potential of Blu-ray discs and high-resolution audio. The results are unanimous, with a multi-award-winning product pedigree dating back to the technology’s inception in 2009.

Dolby Atmos Dolby Atmos is the most exciting development in home theatre of recent years and is at the heart of Pioneer’s flagship AV receivers. Employing a ground-breaking new approach of adding object orientated data to the soundtrack, Dolby Atmos delivers captivating, multidimensional audio that can place and move specific sounds anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment alive all around the audience and give new levels of audio realism never before experienced at home.

iControlAV5 Pioneer’s award winning Control App iControlAV has evolved and improved, offering an incredibly slick control experience whether using an iOS device (including dedicated iPad version) or Android. In addition to the intuitive control screens are interactive features such as Pioneer’s AV Navigator, a simple step-by-step set-up and user guide, full cursor integration, finger-swipe video scaling and audio EQ control.

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AWARDWINNING BRITISH ACOUSTICS

Q Acoustics was established in 2006. Given its late entry into the loudspeaker market, Q Acoustics believed the only way it could achieve rapid success was to design and produce speakers that were, without question, demonstrably superior to similarly priced competitors.

In other words, Q Acoustics had to make the very best affordable loudspeakers they could. By engaging top designers and giving them access to some of the most advanced engineering facilities, that’s precisely what they did.

Soundbar: Q Acoustics Media 4

Q Acoustics has been a success from the very start. Its first products sent a seismic shock through the UK loudspeaker industry, received unprecedented praise from reviewers worldwide and scooped prestigious awards. More awards and international acclaim have followed…

(1) Concept 40 Floorstanding Speakers These flagship floorstanding speakers are the latest addition to the award-winning Concept range and they genuinely set new standards in sonic performance for the price. The Concept 40s use bespoke drive units mounted in a Gelcore™ construction cabinet that cuts resonance to ultra-low levels. They look great too. “ Wonderfully inviting sound.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

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(2) Media 4 Soundbar A high-performance soundbar for your TV that uses BMR speaker drive units – for better sound dispersion – and a builtin subwoofer. Ideal for TV, the Media 4 also features analogue inputs to connect to a portable device, optical for games consoles and set-top boxes and Bluetooth with NFC for wireless streaming from a phone or tablet. “ Sensibly priced and sounds fantastic.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(3) BT3 Bookshelf Speakers These stereo bookshelf speakers have a built-in 2x50W amplifier and feature Bluetooth v4.0 with aptX. As a result, they can not only boost the sound quality on your TV wonderfully, but also wirelessly stream high-quality audio from phones and tablets.

“ Proper hi-fi sound from a feature-rich package that will boost TV, computer and streaming sound.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

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THE SOUND OF SCIENCE QED is an award-winning British company with over 40 years of experience in the audio-visual connectivity industry. Its reputation for innovation and technical excellence is known throughout the world and QED products are recommended by many of the world’s leading hi-fi and home theatre equipment manufacturers. QED offers a wide range of connectivity products spanning consumer and installation cables and interconnects, wireless products and switching devices, to satisfy every audio-visual need. QED’s aim is to satisfy every budget with an equally wide range of price points. Whether you choose simple speaker cable upgrades or custom performance cables, you’ll hear the difference. That’s not just what QED says, either. The company is Europe’s number one award-winning connectivity brand and has won more cable awards from What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine than any other brand (from 1981 to 2013).

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(1) Ruby Anniversary Evolution Speaker Cable and Airloc plugs QED’s best budget speaker cable ever. This uses Aircore Technology in a new miniature format to bring high-end cable quality to the budget hi-fi market, and builds on the success of the XT Evolution and Ruby Anniversary cables by incorporating increased conductor spacing to further reduce losses and distortions caused by cable capacitance.

(2) Reference Audio 40 Analogue Interconnect A new approach: QED has found low capacitance cable is a significant part of the high fidelity experience. The low capacitance makes for a tight sound, retaining the rhythm of the original piece. Add proprietary technologies designed to retain high-frequency detail and maximise signal integrity and the result is QED’s most innovative interconnect ever.

“ Energetic, direct and clean: this is a purposeful sound.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

“ A n impressive stereo interconnect that ushers through a high-quality sound.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(3) Performance HDMI Cable Performance HDMI delivers very low “jitter” for accurate timing of picture data and the latest HDMI specification, so it supports Deep Colour, 3D and 4K Ultra High Definition. QED is so proud of the level of quality and performance of its cables that the company offers a lifetime guarantee. “ Very capable performer. Produces solid, stable sound and the image quality is vibrant and wonderfully rendered.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(4) uPlay Wireless Streaming Range QED’s uPlay range enables wireless streaming to your existing amplifier from phone, tablet, computer and streaming services. Multiple uPlay Streams can work as a multiroom system over Wi-Fi, while each can handle up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution files; the Plus and Puck are both Bluetooth receivers with aptX capability. “ Effective, good value and fun: if you’re looking for an easy way to get music from your phone to your hi-fi, go for it.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

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GO ANALOGUE AND GET THE EXPERIENCE

Supporting analogue in the face of the digital onslaught, Pro-Ject Audio Systems has become one of the most powerful driving forces in reinventing turntables for the hi-fi market.

Today, Pro-Ject Audio Systems is the world leader in the manufacture of quality hi-fi turntables. Its offerings include a wide range of products for every standard and budget.

As turntables are once again accepted as a must-have for music lovers, Pro-Ject products are the recipient of nearly every award in the audio industry.

Its design ethos is one of merging classic technologies with the latest innovations, using only the best quality materials available and avoiding any unnecessary ‘features’ that take away sound performance.

Pro-Ject turntables are ideal if you want to enjoy your existing record collection in the best possible way, or if you’re new to the joys of vinyl and want to get started with something that puts the audio first.

(1) Essential II Turntable Combining audiophile performance with “best buy” value isn’t easy. The drive uses a quiet-running synchronous motor with silicone belt, an aluminium tonearm with sapphire bearings, and feet and platter materials designed to minimise resonance. The result sounds amazing, particularly for the price. “ A frill-free entry-level product that gets all the basics spot-on... It makes listening to records fun, and we can’t ask much more than that.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(2) Debut Carbon Turntable The first Debut, introduced in the late 1990s, was a revolution – a mass market affordable turntable. The Debut Carbon sets new standards for the next decade with a carbon tube tonearm to increase stiffness and decrease unwanted resonance – a feature never before seen at this price point. “ How does Pro-Ject do it? The use of a carbon fibre arm is usually reserved for far more exotic offerings than this.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

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Turntable: Pro-Ject Audio Debut Carbon

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DISCOVER THE MUSIC Speakers: Roksan Kandy K2 Speakers Amplifier: Roksan Kandy K2 Amplifier CD Player: Roksan Kandy K2 CD

Making great British audio since 1985, Roksan started with the internationally acclaimed Xerxes turntable. From that point forward, the company progressed into designing and manufacturing a whole range of audio components, including loudspeakers, CD players and amplification.

Many of these became award-winning and ground-breaking audio classics, offering superlative sound reproduction and excellent value. This is a tradition that continues to this day, with modern stylish products for modern day audiophiles carrying the design and manufacturing provenance of a traditional British audio company. Roksan products are still manufactured at the company’s headquarters in London. Roksan’s K2 system produces remarkable levels of performance and musical communication. It offers a sound quality that’s clearly superior to the competition, which is why it has been applauded throughout the world by both experts and customers alike.

(1) K2 Integrated Amplifier Designed and refined to match what you would expect of high-end amplifiers costing twice its price, the K2 amp sounds far more accurate, more delicate and even more powerful than its award-winning predecessors. That’s because of optimised power supply and circuit layouts, new op-amps and anti-vibration all-metal casing. “ The best all-rounder we’ve heard below the grand mark.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(2) K2 CD Player Impressive performance with excellent rhythmic control. The K2 CD extracts detail from every disc to ensure each individual performer is easily distinguished. The overall effect you get from your CDs and the K2 is that of vocal refinement combined with a realistic soundstage – it’s as if you’re sitting front and centre! “ A genuine all-rounder that’s impossible not to love” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

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INSPIRE THE WORLD, CREATE THE FUTURE.

Samsung’s consumer electronics division is ceaselessly innovating. Look no further than its latest award-winning TVs. From the world’s first curved TV to offer Ultra High Definition, to quad core processing that delivers Smart apps without the wait, it’s at the forefront of design. Introducing a breakthrough in TV viewing that will change the way you watch TV forever - the Samsung Curved UHD HU8500. Specifically shaped for UHD viewing at its very best, only the Samsung curved screen provides a greater sense of depth, wider viewing angles, clearer images and pure and accurate colour like you have never experienced before. The Samsung Curve, everything else feels flat. Unique to Samsung, the UHD Smart Evolution Kit* completely re-engineers your TV without having to replace it. Renew your TV to the latest technology in terms of performance, content and features ensuring your TV remains cutting edge. The HU8500 is compatible with all current UHD connected sources and can be upgraded to be compatible with future UHD standards as well.

Television: Samsung UE65HU8500

An impressive range of home cinema is also supported. Samsung’s top-of-the-range Blu-ray players can upscale content to Ultra High Definition and offer 7.1 output. Samsung has a full range of soundbars to suit all budgets, some of which can even link wirelessly via Bluetooth to its latest TVs. 2 *Evolution Kit sold separately. It will enhance your smart features to the levels of the corresponding year of launch of your Evolution Kit. Only the software and processing hardware will be upgraded; other hardware will not be upgraded. Evolution Kit may not support certain apps and functions previously installed or available on your TV. Please check www.samsung.com for more details before purchasing the Evolution Kit. Based on currently determinable UHD connectivity, broadcasting and Blu-Ray standardisation initiatives. TV panel cannot be upgraded and may differ from future standards.

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ards 2014 Aw

Television: Samsung UE48HU7500 Soundbar: Samsung HW-H750

Another of Samsung’s key innovations for 2014 is the new M Series multiroom products. The M Series speaker allows you to integrate music around how you live. Whether it’s a single speaker in one room, or a multiroom system in every room in your home, it’s never been easier for you to immerse yourself in your favourite music. (1) HU7500 LED UHD 3D Smart TV Building on the award-winning UHD picture quality ** of the 2013 F9 series comes the next generation of superior flat screen UHD viewing from Samsung; the HU7500. With four times more detail than Full HD, brighter and richer colours, and the ability to let you enjoy all your favourite live TV shows and Blu-ray discs clearer than ever before, the HU7500 is the must-have TV for your living room. Available in 48, 55, 65, 75 and 85 inches.

(2) HU8500 LED Curved UHD 3D Smart TV The HU8500 gives you a deeper sense of depth, with the Auto Depth Enhancer you will feel like you’re literally there. Wider viewing angles and an optimized curvature provide the very best UHD viewing experience. As well as clearer images with higher contrast levels and 4 times more detail than Full HD, Samsung’s unique UHD experience gets you closer to the action than ever before. Available in 55, 65 and 78 inches.

(3) HW-H751/750 Wireless Multiroom Soundbar with Valve Amplifier Your music and movies have never sounded so good. Wirelessly connect speakers to this soundbar and create your own cinema style surround set-up or enjoy music in different rooms. Enjoy incomparable sound quality with built-in Valve Amplification and connect your soundbar wirelessly to your Samsung TV.

(4) BD-F7500 3D UHD Upscaling Blu-ray Player Immerse yourself in the best ever picture quality on your Samsung TV, enjoy a bigger choice of content with BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV catch up services - and complement your room with the stunning metallic design.

**Best Picture Quality. Based on an independent review of 32 leading TV & AV publications and websites for the period January - December 2013, verified by Gorkana.

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Television: Samsung UE46H7000

ENJOY APPS BUILT FOR TV AND STREAM ALL YOUR FAVOURITE CONTENT. *Only available on UHD TVs

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(1) H8000 LED Curved HD 3D Smart TV The most awarded premium TV series just got better. Continuing the legacy of Best-in-Class picture quality, the Samsung H8000 will redefine your viewing experience. Introducing the first curved Full HD screen, shaped and engineered to provide more natural viewing angles, an increased sense of depth and enhanced colour, contrast and detail to give the perfect Full HD picture every time.

(2) H6400 LED HD 3D Smart TV Building on the success of the industry’s leading Smart TV platform*, the Samsung H6400 brings a super-responsive Smart TV experience to your living room. The industry’s reference Smart platform just got better, faster and easier; in addition to apps such as ITV Player, you can now control your TV the way you always wanted to with the intuitive Smart Control - a great Smart TV experience.

(3) BD-H6500 UHD Upscaling Blu-ray Player Breathtaking UHD – with 4 x Full HD quality for the very best picture possible, wireless convenience, stunning 3D - plus catch-up on BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV. Never miss your favourite drama, comedy or big sporting event again!

(4) HW-H550/551 Wireless Soundbars Connect your soundbar and sub to your Samsung TV – completely wirelessly. Enjoy the full deep bass of dramatic cinema style sound synchronised with the action to bring programmes, movies and music to life. TV has never sounded so good.

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*AV Forums Reference Status awarded to Samsung Smart Hub platform (14th of March 2013)

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(1) H7000 LED HD 3D Smart TV Experience amazing picture quality that brings your favourite TV shows and movies to life with the next generation of the award-winning * Samsung 7 series; the H7000. The industry’s reference Smart platform** is now even better, with a whole new level of multitasking allowing you to enjoy more content simultaneously. Additionally, apps such as ITV Player let you decide what to watch and when. Control your Smart experience your way - with voice, motion or the intuitive Smart Control - the ultimate interactive experience.

(2) H6410 LED HD 3D Smart TV Building on the success of the industry’s leading Smart TV platform ** and renowned design, this stylish white Samsung H6410 brings an elegant and super-responsive Smart TV experience to your living room. The industry’s reference Smart platform just got better, quicker and easier with faster access to Smart features, true multitasking and an intuitive interface.

** Samsung is the most awarded TV brand. Based on an independent review of 32 leading TV & AV publications and websites for the period January - December 2013, verified. ** AV Forums Reference Status awarded to Samsung Smart Hub platform (14th of March 2013).

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(3) HW-H355 Wireless Soundbar Connect your soundbar to your Samsung TV without wires, for dramatic sound synchronised with the movement and depth of the action to bring programmes, movies and music to life.

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M SERIES SPEAKERS BY SAMSUNG. THE MUSIC YOU LOVE, IN EVERY ROOM. “The best sounding multiroom audio system as chosen by consumers”* *Based on a survey of 100 consumers vs. 3 leading multiroom audio systems competitor products.

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Wireless Multiroom Speaker: Samsung M7

1 (1) M7 Wireless Multiroom Speaker You choose the music - Samsung M7 delivers it anywhere, as part of a new kind of music audio system that lets you build a network which grows to suit your needs. Call up music from any source - including mobile collections, online music services and your TV - enjoy it anywhere in your home. Cinema-style surround set-up or individual room speakers the choice is yours. Available in black and white.

(2) M5 Wireless Multiroom Speaker The Samsung M7’s smaller sibling, the M5 is a flexible multiroom speaker which can be placed anywhere, either vertically or horizontally. All M Series speakers connect with each other. M5 and M7 can also be used in pairs for stereo or with a Samsung soundbar for cinematic surround sound. Available in black and white.

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(3) Samsung M Series Hub This is the heart of the Samsung M Series System. The hub connects to your router and uses Wi-Fi to connect to Samsung multiroom speakers. You can send the same song to every speaker in the house or different songs to different speakers, with music drawn from your phone, tablet, online streaming services like Spotify, Deezer and Napster. (4) Link Mate Upgrade your existing hi-fi system and link to your Samsung M Series speakers to create a truly integrated wireless multiroom audio system. Also by simply connecting the Link Mate to your hi-fi and using the Samsung multiroom app you can stream music wirelessly through your existing system.

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REIMAGINE YOUR MEDIA SPACE Mounting a flat-panel TV means you can get optimum performance and the best viewing angle; it can mean a cleaner, modern look for rooms; and it can protect your family by mounting your panel securely. It also protects your panel from your family: wall mounts are the smartest way to prevent accidental bumping and sticky fingerprints.

(1) MF215 Wall Mount The MF215 is a full-motion wall mount for 13 to 39-inch flat panel TVs weighing up to 27kg. It features 360° of effortless, fluid movement with the push of a finger – you can tilt, swivel, pan and extend your TV up to 39cm from the wall in every direction – making it easy to reduce glare and find the perfect TV angle. Plus, an in-arm channel routes cables out of sight.

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Sanus is known for wall mounts that set the standard for mount technology. Using innovative design and outstanding safety features, Sanus wall mounts allow you to extend, tilt and swivel to find the perfect position for your TV. Sanus scooped five awards in the last year alone for its innovative products that support screens securely and yet are incredibly inconspicuous. From fixed wall mounts to full motion mounts that extend, retract, tilt and swivel, Sanus has a solution that will suit your home or workplace.

(2) VMF322 Wall Mount This super-slim full-motion mount places 32 to 50-inch TVs just 3.5cm from the wall, yet extends 56cm from the wall and allows full-motion capabilities. The VMF322 features fingertip tilt technology, which allows easy TV angle adjustments with the touch of a finger, plus an integrated cable management system.

(3) VLF311 Wall Mount For bigger TVs than the VMF322, this super-slim full-motion mount handles 37 to 84-inch TVs, still mounting them just 3.5cm from the wall, and with full-motion capabilities, cable management and a cutting-edge gliding system that makes ideal TV positioning effortless – the TV can easily extend away from the wall and shift left or right on the wall plate.

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THE PURSUIT OF PERFECT SOUND

Headphones: Sennheiser HD 800

Sennheiser creates the greatest and most exciting sound experience – whether at home or out and about, on stage or behind the DJ console, in a museum or in a concert hall. For more than 65 years, the name Sennheiser has stood for the highest quality products, true sound and tailor-made solutions for every aspect of recording, transmission and reproduction of sound. Sennheiser wants people to not only hear all aspects of sound, but also to feel it too. With German engineering, decades of experience in professional business and innovative science, it stays true to the sound and sets new standards for headphones, headsets, microphones and integrated systems. 3 (1) HD 800 Over-Ear Headphones More than 60 years of ingenious headphone engineering has been applied into the new HD 800. Incorporating Sennheiser’s most advanced driver technology, these open, circumaural dynamic stereo headphones redefine what reference-level audio is all about. Audio performance is matched by their striking industrial design. The result is a new reference class for wired headphones. “ They can make music sound as if it is coming out of speakers nearby more than almost any other set we’ve heard.” – TrustedReviews.com.

(2) HDVA 600 Headphone Amplifier The perfect match for Sennheiser’s top-end audiophile headphones. Consistently symmetrical signal processing and extremely low harmonic distortion guarantees an absolutely precise sound. Also, thanks to its pre-amp performance, it’s easy to adjust and connect directly to speakers for optimum audio amplification. Its sibling the HDVD 800 adds a high-quality digital-to-analogue converter for formats up to 24-bit/192kHz. (3) CH 800 S Cables These cables are designed to carry a symmetrical signal from source to headphones. They’re made of oxygen-free copper coated with silver, with gold-plated contacts and high-quality connectors taken from medical technology to ensure maximum contact reliability. Combine with one of Sennheiser’s new headphone amplifiers and high-end headphones such as the HD 800, for the ultimate audiophile home headphone set-up.

(4) IE 800 In-Ear Headphones State-of-the-art technologies including dampened two-chamber absorbers, the smallest extra wide-band sound transducer in such headphones and ergonomic, oval-shaped ear adapters, mean the IE 800 are no ordinary in-ears. They’re designed to deliver amazing, distortion-free sound – and finally make enjoying audiophile music anywhere a reality. “ Superbly made, brilliantly accomplished in-ear headphones… you’d be hard-pressed to find better.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

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SHARP IS CELEBRATING ITS 102ND BIRTHDAY!

Television: Sharp LC-90LE757

For over 100 years, Sharp has been innovating products for the home: bringing us tomorrow’s technology, today. With origins dating back to 1912 when Sharp’s founder, Tokuji Hayakawa, invented the world’s first mechanical pencil, the Ever-Sharp. Since then Sharp has continually 1 been an innovative leader in LCD and LED technology. From being the first to introduce LCD displays in calculator screens to innovating the first LCD TV in 1988 – Sharp continually develops products which benefit our society. Today, Sharp produces some of the world’s largest, energy efficient LCD TVs on the market, while they continue to identify and provide solutions for our future.

(1) LC-90LE757K Full HD LED TV The world’s largest LED TV – this 90-inch Full HD and 3D TV has to be seen to be believed. The Active Motion 200 (100Hz native) display also features Aquos Net+ so it’s a fully-fledged Smart TV with Wi-Fi too, live 2D to 3D conversion and an A++ energy rating.

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(2) LC-80LE657KN Full HD LED TV A shade smaller, this 80-inch Full HD LED TV also features Aquos Net+ Smart functionality, Active Motion 200 fast refresh rate and live 2D to 3D conversion capability. But most importantly, rich contrast, breathtaking depth and beautiful natural colours.

(3) LC-70LE747KN Full HD LED TV A 70-inch Full HD, 3D, edge-lit LED TV, with a host of useful features – including 2D to 3D live conversion capability, Aquos Net+ Smart TV internet connection (including Netflix), 100Hz refresh rate and Freeview HD built-in.

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A STATEMENT IN ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE The word ‘Tannoy’ is synonymous with sound, appearing in the dictionary as: ‘a communications system with loudspeakers’. The phrase ‘over the tannoy’ is universally used to describe an announcement over a public address system, however Tannoy’s hi-fi and home cinema speakers are far more refined than the PA reference 1 would suggest. Tannoy can be found not only in the homes of discerning hi-fi enthusiasts across the globe, but in some of the most prestigious audio installations throughout the world, including the Sydney Opera House, the London Palladium and, most recently, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Music and movie lovers all over the world choose Tannoy’s technically advanced home theatre and hi-fi loudspeakers for their accuracy, clarity and expansive imaging. Take their BaseStation for example (pictured below), providing 5 times the power of a conventional TV, giving a room-filling cinematic sound.

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From compact AV systems to performance home theatre, stereo speakers and custom install, Tannoy leads the way.

(1) Revolution DC6T SE Floorstanding Speakers This special edition takes the five-star, award-winning DC6T one stage further, with a purpose-built stand, improved crossover and improvements to the woofer design. The Dual Concentric drive unit and the secondary woofer both get double magnets for a faster and more dynamic bass response. The superior crossover components give an open and transparent sound.

(2) Revolution DC6 Standmount Speakers Tannoy’s famous Dual Concentric drive units, which put the titanium dome tweeter in the throat of the woofer, give an open and spacious sound with remarkable consistency and vocal realism. Trapezoidal cabinets break up internal standing waves for a less boomy and boxy sound. The quality crossover components add to the natural, distortion-free sound.

(3) HTS 101 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker Package This discreet, exceptionally compact wall or shelf mount system is ideal for smaller spaces and looks as good as it sounds. The satellites integrate seamlessly with a centre speaker designed to bring out the best in cinema dialogue. The potent yet discreet active subwoofer completes the package, delivering deep and dynamic low frequency effects.

“ They build on an award-winning design and take it to another level.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

“ E asy to listen to, endlessly enjoyable, nigh-on flawless speakers for the money.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

“ Persuasive in the extreme.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

STEREO SPEAKERS

SPEAKER PACKAGES

BEST FLOORSTANDER £800-£1500

BEST STYLE PACKAGE UP TO £700

TANNOY REVOLUTION DC6T SE

TANNOY HTS-101

Sound Base: Tannoy BaseStation ONE Television: LG 42LB550V

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FILL YOUR HOME WITH MUSIC

The multi-award-winning Sonos system of hi-fi wireless speakers and audio components unites your digital music collection. With simple one-touch set-up, rock-solid wireless and the choice of over 30 music streaming services, Sonos has a solution for every room of your home. The Sonos Controller App lets you browse and play your music from any device. Use your smartphone, tablet or computer to play different songs in each room or group rooms together to hear the same beat everywhere. Sonos doesn’t just play your favourite stored songs, it will also stream your favourite services. Listen to all the music you love, no matter where it lives – iTunes, podcasts, radio stations, Spotify, etc – using your smartphone, tablet or computer to control cloud services. The Sonos system includes wireless speakers that can directly connect to their own dedicated wireless network, connect devices that work with existing hi-fi speakers and home cinema systems, as well as a subwoofer and soundbar. Sonos speakers can work in pairs for stereo sound, or in groups for wireless surround sound. You can even start with one speaker and expand over time.

SYSTEMS BEST MULTIROOM SYSTEM

SONOS

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Soundbar: Sonos PLAYBAR Wireless Speaker: Sonos PLAY:3 Wireless Speaker: Sonos PLAY:1

(1) PLAYBAR Soundbar The soundbar for music lovers, PLAYBAR’s nine-speaker design floods your living room with huge waves of epic sound for TV, movies, music and games. As with other Sonos products, it can wirelessly stream audio from elsewhere in your home, but also acts as a TV soundbar or as part of a stunning Sonos surround set-up. “ We like the PLAYBAR enormously. It sounds stunning, can integrate nicely into an existing Sonos audio system, or be the first thing you add to your home from which a rich, easy-to-use multiroom audio system can organically grow.” – TechRadar.com.

(2) PLAY:3 Wireless Music System The most versatile wireless speaker. The PLAY:3 uses three state-of-the-art digital amplifiers coupled and three drivers to deliver pure, clean sound to any room from smartphones, tablets, computers, streaming services and more. Use two PLAY:3 speakers for a stunning stereo pair, plus use it vertically or horizontally to fit in any space. “ Even if you have no intention of buying more than one box, that this effortlessly beats most small iPod docks in the sound department makes the PLAY:3 a champ.” – TrustedReviews.com.

(3) PLAY:1 Wireless Music System Mini, but mighty. No other wireless speaker packs so much deep, crystal clear sound into such a compact design. But while it’s designed to fit anywhere, the PLAY:1 works as part of a much bigger wireless network. Pair two for stereo or rear surround sound duties, as part of a Sonos 5.1 wireless home theatre system and stream wirelessly from computers, portable devices and streaming services to Sonos speakers throughout your home. “ Its ease of use is a huge draw, but this is backed up by a fantastic sound quality and an affordable price.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(4) CONNECT Wireless Hi-Fi Connector Simply connect this to your existing hi-fi or home cinema amp, or other amplified product such as a speaker dock, and the Sonos CONNECT will link it to the Sonos network. Ideal if you’ve already got a hi-fi set-up you love.

(6) CONNECT:AMP Wireless Speaker Connector Turn your existing wired speakers into a music streaming Sonos system with the CONNECT:AMP. Just plug in your choice of bookshelf, floor-standing, outdoor or in-ceiling speakers. With 55W of amplifying power, stream a world of music wirelessly to any room – no separate amp or receiver required. “ If you’re serious about your digital music… the Sonos CONNECT:AMP is a tidy all-in-one system.” – cnet.com. (7) PLAY:5 Wireless Music System The original, bigger room, bigger sound wireless speaker. The PLAY:5 uses five state-of-the-art digital amplifiers individually coupled with five drivers to deliver superior sound to any room from just about any device, wirelessly. The built-in subwoofer produces powerful bass, while two mid-range drivers and two tweeters fill out the sound beautifully. “ The PLAY:5’s simplicity and superb sound make this an ideal one-box network player.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(5) SUB Subwoofer A wireless subwoofer designed to enhance any Sonos set-up. This will fill an entire room with layers of deep, bottomless sound to let you hear and feel every chord, kick, splash and roll. SUB can sit vertically or horizontally, for instance slid under a sofa, to massively boost depth for both music and movies.

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VIDEO AUDIO HARMONY

Sony is a leading global manufacturer of audio, video, communications and TV products. Its mission is to bring new technologies, content and services together in unprecedented ways that enable people to re-shape their perception of the world and enhance their lives – above all else, enriching life through technology.

Sony is spread wide across the world of entertainment: as a corporation it doesn’t just make the equipment that plays movies, music and video games, it actually makes movies, music and video games. Thanks to its deep understanding of these media, it is uniquely placed to deliver you the most enjoyable experience. From tiny portable speakers to huge 4K Ultra High Definition TVs and projectors, from streaming hi-fi receivers to wearable virtual cinemas, from high-end headphones to multimedia games consoles, Sony truly is at the cutting edge of home entertainment.

(1) X9 4K Ultra High Definition LED TVs These top-of-the-range TVs, available in 55, 65 and massive 79-inch screen sizes, are compatible with future 4K standards. Right now they deliver pin-sharp amazing images, colour and motion with 4K upscaling and 3D, but that's far from all. The X9 is designed to deliver the best ever sound from a TV – with Mica-reinforced glass fibre speakers on either side of the screen and, of course, Smart TV content too. “Put simply, the Sony KD-65X9005B is one of the best TVs we’ve ever seen. Not just from a picture perspective, but from an integrated audio point of view too. The future has arrived.” - Pocket-Lint.com.

(2) STR-DN1040 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver Featuring 7.2 channels at 100 Watts power per channel, 4K upscaling, and built-in Wi-Fi and AirPlay, the STR-DN1040 combines power and precision with total entertainment flexibility. It’s as strong a performer on stereo music as it is on surround cinema, with extensive networking options and automatic calibration that moulds itself to your room. “A superstar in the making.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine. 2

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS

SONY STR-DN1040

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(3) STR-DN1050 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver A state-of-the-art serious home cinema receiver with networking capabilities too. All of the high-end home cinema goodness you’d expect is in – 165 Watts per channel power, 4K upscaling and second zone capability. Plus on top are comprehensive networking chops including Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth (with NFC) streaming with up to DSD (Direct Stream Digital) resolution.

(4) STR-DN850 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver The new and smaller sibling to the DN1050 drops to 150 Watts per channel power – enough to fill all but the biggest rooms. NFC makes streaming from mobiles and tablets a breeze. Also present are 4K and networking via Wi-Fi, AirPlay and Bluetooth for serious flexibility and high-end digital audio is supported up to 192kHz/24-bit. “Well-featured, with a detailed and precise performance to match.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(5) STR-DA2800ES 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver All the usual features you’d expect from a serious home cinema receiver – and a few more. Yes, there’s 4K with upscaling, 140 Watts per channel and streaming/Smart broadband functionality. But on top, there’s a four-port ethernet switching hub and three HDMI outs – making this a flexible home hub. (6) BDP-S7200 4K Upscaling Blu-ray Player What could be better to go alongside the new X9 TV than this range-topping, Blu-ray disc player? Video can be upscaled to 4K Ultra High Definition, with 2D to 3D conversion. And it offers studio-quality sound with High-Resolution Audio playback and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine. Plus Wi-Fi networking for streaming video too. 1 Television: Sony KD55X9005 (7) MDR-HW700 Wireless Headphones Lose yourself in big screen entertainment without disturbing the rest of the house. 9.1 channels of virtual surround sound make films and games more immersive than ever. Very wide frequency response and 192kHz/24-bit uncompressed audio support mean no sonic detail is left out of action sequences or lossless music. “We’ve certainly never heard a more convincing, clear and powerful stab at recreating a surround soundscape.” – TrustedReviews.com.

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1 Television: Sony KD55X8505B

(1) X85 4K Ultra High Definition LED TVs Ranging from 49 to 65 inches, the X85 delivers stunning 4K Ultra High Definition including 4K upscaling. But that's not all – Full HD 3D, Wi-Fi Smart features and a built-in camera for Skype, plus smartphone screen mirroring. And picture quality is amazing thanks to X-Reality Pro, Triluminos display technology and Motionflow XR200 refresh rates.

(2) HT-CT770 Soundbar A slim, serious soundbar and wireless subwoofer combo. The bar is just 5cm tall but the system delivers 330 Watts of audio power total – so movie, TV and gaming sessions feature the crispest dialogue, crunchiest action and most stirring music. Bluetooth with NFC makes for effortless digital music streaming from smartphones too.

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(3) SWF-BR100 Wireless Subwoofer A wireless subwoofer designed to perfectly match Sony’s Bravia TV range. Add 100W of serious impact to movies with rich, powerful bass, but without any extra tangled wires and in a form that slips discreetly into any space. (4) W95 Full HD LED TVs 55 and 65-inch Full HD TVs with better pictures than ever, thanks to the brightness of X-tended Dynamic Range, the vivid colours of Triluminos Display and stunning detail of X-reality Pro. With 3D, ClearAudio+ and improved speakers that use the distinctive wedge shape, plus Smart TV networking features. (5) BDP-S6200 4K Upscaling Blu-ray Player The distinctive S6200 is a one-box entertainment solution – not just a 4K upscaling Blu-ray player, but also Smart content via Wi-Fi and the Sony Entertainment Network, Miracast smartphone and tablet screen mirroring and 3D too. 4

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(1) W8 Full HD LED TVs From 42 to 55 inches, the midrange W8 Series represents an absolutely unbeatable combination of performance and value. All the experts agree! This Full HD LED TV features ClearAudio+ for greater audio clarity, super-fast refresh rates that keep up with the action, 3D and the full array of Smart networked features. "An absolutely outstanding TV for its money, combining superb picture quality with a vastly improved Smart TV system to nigh-on irresistible effect." – TrustedReviews.com.

(2) HT-CT370 Soundbar At just 50mm high, this super-slim and simple 2.1 soundbar and wireless subwoofer combo clock up a room-filling 300W of stunning sound between them. With wireless Bluetooth and NFC streaming from smartphones and tablets, it doubles as a living room sound system too. (3) BDP-S5200 Full HD Blu-ray Player This midrange Blu-ray player is an ideal companion for the W8 TV. Like the TVs, it combines fantastic Full HD and 3D performance with outstanding value. And includes Smart TV functions, Miracast Smartphone and tablet screen mirroring and built-in Wi-Fi.

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(4) W7 Series Full HD LED TVs Coming in 32, 42 and 50-inch sizes, this Full HD TV has one of the fastest response rates around, making it ideal for fast-moving action movies and videogames. Throw in Smart TV functionality, ClearAudio+ for clearer sound (particularly dialogue) and an outstanding price point, and it’s a clear winner. “Should prove to be a hit among movie and game enthusiasts who don’t need 3D.” – HDTVtest.co.uk.

(5) HT-XT1 Sound Base Sit your TV on top of this for an instant upgrade to 170W of room-filling power. It’s designed for TVs from 32 to 55 inches (or up to 30kg). There’s no added clutter thanks to a built-in subwoofer. It also features Bluetooth wireless streaming with NFC. (6) BDP-S4200 Full HD Blu-ray Player A Full HD 3D Blu-ray player that’s full of internet-connected features. As well as Sony Entertainment Network Smart TV services, there’s a USB port for video playback and DLNA certification so you can stream music, videos and photos from your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

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Wireless Hi-Fi: Sony SRS-X9

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(1) SRS-X9 High Resolution Wireless Hi-Fi A wireless hi-fi engineered to take your listening to a thrilling new level. Seven speakers, each with a dedicated digital amplifier, create a frequency range of 45Hz-40kHz and 154 Watts of pure High-Resolution Audio. Stream from aptX Bluetooth, AirPlay or via USB at 24bit/192kHz quality. "A do-it-all speaker that puts superb sound quality at the top of its list of priorities." – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(4) MDR-1 Over-Ear Headphones The MDR-1R, MDR-1RBT Bluetooth and MDR-1RNC noise cancelling represent the top of Sony's headphone range. Designed in partnership with Katy B and Magnetic Man, they feature an ultra wideband audio response from 4Hz to 80kHz. Their 40mm drivers, with improved venting and comfortable cushioning, are ideal for long listening sessions and delivering every detail of your music. "Stylish, comfortable, an awesome home listen." – Pocket-Lint.com. 4

(2) NWZ-ZX1 High Resolution Personal Audio Player The digital, high-resolution audio Walkman for the future. Hear detailed, authentic sound on the move with support for better-than-CD high sampling and bit rates, via PCM (WAV/AIFF) and lossless formats like FLAC (192kHz/24-bit) and ALAC. The NWZ-ZX1 boasts 128GB storage and up to 32 hours battery life.

(5) MDR-HW700DS Wireless Headphones Slip on these wireless headphones and enjoy home cinema thrills in total comfort. With 9.1 channels of virtual surround sound, your films and games become more true to life. Be entertained in the highest quality, whatever you’re watching or playing. Designed for home comfort, they feature 30m range and dual-band transmission.

(3) MAP-S1 Streaming Music Player The high-resolution audio player that plays everything. The MAP-S1 can play CDs, FM and DAB radio and the latest and highest-quality digital music, such as Spotify’s millions of tracks on demand, through a 100W amplifier. Connect via USB, Bluetooth and DLNA & AirPlay over Wi-Fi, with all sources upsampled to better-than-CD quality. 5

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Wireless Hi-Fi: SRS-X7

(1) VPL-VW500ES 4K Ultra High Definition 3D Projector The stunning quality of a 4K Ultra High Definition projector, complete with 3D and all of the key elements – upscaling, 2.5 millisecond response rate and 200,000:1 contrast – but at a fraction of the price of some of the alternatives. Serious home cinema projection and amazing value – that's the award-winning VW500ES.

(3) SRS-X7 Wireless Hi-Fi With the sleek yet stunningly powerful SRS-X7, you can bring party-starting sound wherever you go. Loaded with industry-leading innovations and 32W of power, this refined speaker delivers dazzling audio to your space. Stream music via Bluetooth, AirPlay or DLNA over Wi-Fi or plug in. The battery lasts six hours.

"If you want an Ultra HD home cinema projector, the Sony VW500ES should be at the top of your shopping list." – ExpertReviews.co.uk.

(4) SRS-X2/X3 Streaming Speakers Sony's award-winning SRS-X series approach to wireless streaming, brought to smaller form factors. With Bluetooth and NFC on board, these turn any phone or tablet into a hi-fi, anywhere, with ease. The X3 features 20W power and impressive bass for its size; the X2 is small enough to fit in a hand, but uses enhanced ClearAudio+ technology to ensure sharp sounds.

(2) VPL-VW1100ES 4K Ultra High Definition 3D Projector The latest and top-of-the-range Sony 4K features not just stunning 4K Ultra High Definition visuals with upscaling – absolutely amazing to see – but also it's one of the first projectors to feature HDMI 2.0. The reference quality SXRD panel also means amazing 1,000,000:1 contrast. The ultimate 4K projector.

(5) HMZ-T3W Wireless Personal 3D Viewer Not got enough space in your living room for a big projector? Using the HMZ-T3W headset is like having a cinema with you wherever you are, complete with full 7.1-channel surround sound and a virtual 750-inch screen viewed from a 20-meter distance. Ideal for immersive games, movies and personal TV viewing.

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MOVING SOUND & VISION

The Chord Company has been designing, manufacturing and selling high quality interconnects and speaker cables for almost 30 years.

The company has stayed true to its original objectives: to produce the highest performance and best value for money products that it can. To design and wherever possible assemble all products in the UK and to build all of its cables to an extremely high and consistent standard, so that anyone who listens to them will be able to clearly and easily hear the benefits of using Chord cables.

The Chord Company has always offered an extremely high level of customer service and responds rapidly to technological advances. Whether it’s the latest in HDMI standards or research into the best cables to use for streaming audio they pride themselves on being at the forefront of technology. Whatever your system, audio or AV, The Chord Company urges anyone to go and hear their products for themselves – many demonstration rooms feature their speaker cables and interconnects. 1

(1) Sarsen Opera Speaker Cable A high-performance speaker cable with a diameter of less than 4mm, yet it uses FEP conductor insulation, which makes a big difference to performance. Whether it's a budget system or seriously high-end speakers, Sarsen will surprise with detail, dynamics and transparency – it's the speaker cable that’s hard to see but easy to hear. (2) HDMI Advance Cable Televisions are getting thinner and are often mounted flush against walls. This looks great but fitting a good quality HDMI cable can be almost impossible unless you are using the Chord HDMI Advance. This high performance HDMI cable is a mere 6mm in diameter, yet features silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductors, serious shielding and die-cast, gold-plated plugs. (3) Cadenza Reference Interconnect The Cadenza Reference brings life and dynamics to any system. Fitted with their silver-plated VEE 3 RCA plug, the Chord Cadenza Reference lifts performance in every area bringing new levels of detail and coherence. Whether bringing new life to an older system or adding a new DAC or streamer to your hi-fi, Cadenza Reference will help you get every last ounce of performance. A cable that will blow you away. (4) Cobra VEE 3 Interconnect A step up in performance without breaking the bank. The Cobra VEE 3 features twin pseudo-balanced silver-plated FEP insulated conductors, to carry audio signals extremely accurately over an extended bandwidth. A dual-layer, high density, high frequency effective shield minimises interference. The Cobra VEE 3 can improve the levels of detail, dynamics and musical coherence in pretty much any system. 1

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Speaker Cable: Chord Sarsen Opera

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THE RELIABLE CHOICE

Wi-Fi Range Extender: TP-Link TL-WA850RE

TP-Link is the world’s biggest provider of networking products with products available in over 120 countries to tens of millions of customers. TP-Link develops and manufactures devices that improve the strength and performance of your home network. From network-managing routers and powerline adapters, also known as home plugs, to Wi-Fi range extenders, to USB wireless adapters and network expanding switches, the company provides a total wired and wireless home internet solution. Simple to install and easy to use, these powerline adapters use your existing electrical wiring to extend the range of your home and business network. You’ll experience flawless HD streaming, lightning-fast online gaming, high-speed browsing and reliable networking performance, perfect for eliminating wireless black spots. TP-Link solutions have won awards for both form and function, including an IF design award, a Red Hot design award, an IDEA award, plus the CES 2013 Innovation Design and Engineering Award. In the UK the TP-Link powerline range has received: 360 Gamer Recommended, AV Forums Recommended, Computer Active Buy IT!, Hardware Heaven Value Award, PC Format Gold Award and Play3r Silver Award.

(1) TL-WA850RE Wi-Fi Range Extender If your home or office is bigger than the range of your Wi-Fi router, simply add this gadget and expand your Wi-Fi to include those hard-to-reach areas. · Boosts wireless signal to previously unreachable or hard-to-wire areas flawlessly. · Smart Signal Indicator Light helps to find the right location to place the range extender.

(2) TL-WPA4220KIT Wi-Fi Powerline Extender Kit The TL-WPA4220 extends your internet connection to every room of the house through your home’s existing electrical circuitry. · A Wi-Fi Clone Button simplifies your Wi-Fi configuration and helps build a seamless unified home network. · Two Ethernet ports allow your TVs, game consoles, or PCs to connect to the Internet.

(3) TL-PA4010KIT 500Mpbs Powerline Kit TP-Link’s AV500 Nano Powerline Adapter Starter Kit TL-PA4010KIT turns your existing powerline into a high speed network with no need for new wires or drilling. · HomePlug AV standard compliant, high-speed data transfer rates of up to 500Mbps.

(4) TL-PA4010PKIT 500Mpbs Powerline Kit The TL-PA4010PKIT turns your existing power line into a high-speed network with no need for new wires or drilling. · Data transmission rates up to 500Mbps over electrical wires, ideal for HD video streaming. · Integrated power socket making sure that no power outlet is going to waste.

· Miniature design, smaller than most powerline adapters in the market, blends discreetly in front of any power outlet.

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BRITAIN’S MOST FAMOUS LOUDSPEAKERS

This British brand has been setting standards in loudspeaker performance since 1932 when Gilbert Briggs built his first loudspeaker in Ilkley, Yorkshire in the valley of the river Wharfe. It is famous for its multi-award-winning Diamond series of speakers that have been wowing critics for over 30 years. Wharfedale invests heavily in research and development, and has a dedicated 1.5 million square foot manufacturing operation, so every single product and process takes place in-house. This makes the design of any new loudspeaker an acoustic engineer’s dream. Instead of having to use off-the-shelf components from a catalogue, Wharfedale can engineer every single component from scratch to achieve a refined performance.

(1) DX-1 HCP 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker Package This small sub/sat system delivers a big sound. Four two-way satellites, with separate silk dome tweeters and polypropylene woofers, deliver crisp treble and uncompressed mid-range. The centre boasts twin woofers for a wide sound and easy-to-follow dialogue. And the powerful subwoofer has a 150W digital amplifier and 20cm cone for deep, agile bass. “ A terrific space-saving system.” – TrustedReviews.com

(2) Diamond 121 Standmount Speakers Diamond speakers redefine expectations of small speakers yet again. The woven Kevlar bass driver, ribbed for rigidity, gives a superbly precise sound. The treble unit is placed further into the speaker body, to guide soundwaves for improved imaging. And a new style of bass reflex port underneath means you can position the speaker anywhere.

(3) Vista 100 Soundbar This discreet soundbar, designed for wall mounting, is an affordable way to improve on your TV's built-in sound. Six drivers with Neodymium magnets give a full and broad response, while 60W (RMS) amplification punches hard, so the sound fills even larger rooms. Touch-sensitive controls and Bluetooth streaming complete the package.

" Brilliant performers." – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

" Trumps its rivals with some classy design touches and potent yet polished sound quality." – TrustedReviews.com

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PASSION AND PERFORMANCE From a company that started making reed organs, Yamaha’s roots are in sound and music. Yamaha’s objective is “creating ‘kando’ together” kando being a Japanese word signifying an inspired state of mind.

Soundbar: Yamaha YSP-1400

Yamaha constantly strives to enhance and inspire its customers with products that incorporate new and traditional technologies as well as refined creativity and artistry. In turn, it is inspired by new technologies and their applications – enriching its products with technology and passion to improve performance of sound and music. Yamaha is over 125 years old – yet it remains at the forefront of audio technology, including award-winning digital wireless products and pioneering soundbars. With so many of the world’s leading musicians using Yamaha instruments to perform and record their music, it makes perfect sense to choose Yamaha audio products for your own listening at home.

(1) YSP-1400 Soundbar Not enough room or budget for surround sound but want truly immersive sound? The 1400 is the ideal solution – delivering exceptional power and presence from one bar (with built-in subwoofers), without the cost or clutter of extra speakers. It also features Bluetooth music streaming from smartphones and tablets. “ Brings big sound to a smaller budget, delivering great value surround sound.” – What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision magazine.

(2) YSP-2500 Soundbar Yamaha’s replacement for its awardwinning YSP-2200 is designed to produce overwhelmingly realistic surround sound from one bar and a wireless subwoofer. It uses Yamaha’s unique IntelliBeam system to automatically adjust soundbar settings to your room’s shape and acoustic properties. The 2500 also features HDMI 2.0 with 4K pass-through and wireless Bluetooth audio streaming.

(3) RX-V677 7.2-Channel Network (4) R-N500 Network Hi-Fi Receiver AV Receiver A hi-fi receiver and network audio player A serious home cinema receiver with in one, the R-N500 is designed to connect loads of networking features too. to everything. Plug in traditional hi-fi 150 Watts per channel power, Wi-Fi sources such as CD and connect to your with AirPlay, DLNA and support for router for internet radio, AirPlay, NAS drives streaming services and internet radio, and more. There’s also a USB connection, 192kHz/24-bit high-resolution files and digital connects for TVs and Blu-ray Apple Lossless are all there. Plus there’s players, and compatibility with HDMI 2.0, 4K with upscaling and 3D, 192kHz/24-bit FLAC and WAV. and connections including USB.

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Store Finder 1. Bath 4A York Place, London Rd, BA1 6AE 0333 900 0088 2. Belfast* 7 Smithfield Sq North, BT1 1FN 0333 900 0070 3. Birmingham 10-12 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EN 0333 900 0023 4. Bournemouth 545 Christchurch Rd, BH1 4AH 0333 900 0058 5. Brighton 54 London Rd, BN1 4JE 0333 900 0039 6. Bristol 143 Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2QB 0333 900 0024 7. Cambridge 56-60 Hills Rd, CB2 1LA 0333 900 0053 8. Cardiff 106 Cowbridge Rd East, CF11 9DX 0333 900 0029 9. Cheltenham 31 High St, GL50 1DX 0333 900 0057 10. Chester 15 Hoole Rd, CH2 3NH 0333 900 0063 11. Edinburgh 1b Chambers St, EH1 1HR 0333 900 0026 12. Eton 40 High St, SL4 6BD 0333 900 0087 13. Exeter 89-91 Sidwell St, EX4 6PH 0333 900 0061 * Franchise store, alternative offers and services may be available.

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14. Glasgow 57 Jamaica St, G1 4NN 0333 900 0038 15. Guildford 10 London Rd, GU1 2AF 0333 900 0050 16. Hanley 2 Providence Square, ST1 2LQ 0333 900 0060 17. Hull 88-90 Prospect St, HU1 3RT 0333 900 0059 18. Leeds 74 New Briggate, LS1 6NU 0333 900 0025 19. Leicester 163 London Rd, LE2 1EG 0333 900 0043 20. Lichfield 46 Birmingham Rd, WS13 6GF 0333 900 0089 21. Liverpool 1-5 Berry St, L1 9DF 0333 900 0030 22. London Bridge 100 Tooley Street, SE1 2TH 0333 900 0021 23. London Bromley 48 East St, BR1 1QW 0333 900 0051 24. London Chelsea 258 Fulham Rd, SW10 9EL 0333 900 0027 25. London Chiswick 482 Chiswick High Rd, W4 5TT 0333 900 0055 26. London City 44 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS 0333 900 0045 27. London Croydon 109 South End, CR0 1BG 0333 900 0033

28. London Holborn 29 Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2SL 0333 900 0028 29. London Kingston 72a Richmond Rd, KT2 5EL 0333 900 0040 30. London Southgate 157-159 High St, N14 6BP 0333 900 0085 31. London Swiss Cottage 25 Northways Parade, NW3 5DN 0333 900 0031 32. Maidstone 17 Earl St, ME14 1PL 0333 900 0062 33. Manchester 268 Deansgate, M3 4JB 0333 900 0086 34. Middlesbrough 63-65 Borough Rd, TS1 3AA 0333 900 0096 35. Milton Keynes 556 Elder House, Eldergate, MK9 1LR 0333 900 0054 36. Newcastle 94-96 Clayton St, NE1 5PG 0333 900 0032 37. Norwich 21 St. Giles St, NR2 1JL 0333 900 0046 38. Nottingham 108 Mansfield Road, NG1 3HD 0333 900 0035 39. Oxford 1 West Way, Botley Rd, OX2 0JB 0333 900 0052 40. Plymouth 87-89 Exeter St, PL4 0AH 0333 900 0047 41. Preston 10 Church St, PR1 3BQ 0333 900 0080

richersounds.com

42. Prestwich 415-419 Bury New Rd, M25 1AA 0333 900 0042 43. Reading 114 Oxford Rd, RG1 7NE 0333 900 0044 44. Reigate 51 Bell St, RH2 7AQ 0333 900 0081 45. Romford 73 Main Rd, Gidea Park, RM2 5EL 0333 900 0041 46. Sheffield 130 Whitham Rd, Broomhill, S10 2SR 0333 900 0034 47. Solihull 9 Station Rd, B91 3TG 0333 900 0090 48. Southampton 77 London Rd, SO15 2AA 0333 900 0036 49. Stockport 58 Lower Hillgate, SK1 3AL 0333 900 0022 50. Tunbridge Wells 18 St John’s Rd, TN4 9NT 0333 900 0082 51. Watford 117c St. Albans Rd, WD17 1RD 0333 900 0037 52. Weybridge 64 Church St, KT13 8DL 0333 900 0083 53. York 12 St. Sampson’s Sq. YO1 8RN 0333 900 0084 Business to Business 0333 900 0066 b2b@richersounds.com

For B2B 30-day credit accounts, purchase orders and bulk purchases.

Customer Care 0333 900 0094

customerservices@richersounds.com

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Demo Rooms - All our stores include demo rooms where you can try potential purchases in a comfortable setting that’s as close to a home layout as possible. Opening hours Our opening hours do vary so please visit our website at www.richersounds.com to ensure you don’t have a wasted journey. Call us early We know how important it is to speak to our customers! To give you the best service possible, our in-store experts will be answering the phones, irrespective of our opening time, from 9am Monday - Saturday and 11am on Sundays. You can even book an early morning demo from 8.00am. 03 numbers are not premium rate numbers! 03 numbers connect you directly to the store you call and are charged at the same rate as you are charged for numbers starting 01 and 02. 03 numbers are included in all bundle rates for mobile phones and landlines. Special thanks to… Elle Media Group - www.ellemediagroup.co.uk Tom Griffiths - www.tomgriffithsphotos.com Magic Number Creative - www.magicnumbercreative.co.uk Information correct at the time of going to press, all trademarks are acknowledged, E&OE.

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By Appointment to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Supplier of Consumer Electronic Products Richer Sounds Plc London