2021-01-01 What Hi-Fi (1)

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Putting all our EXPERIENCE. HERITAGE.

systems in place We’ve been helping the world discover the
best in hi-fi and home entertainment for
It’s easy, after the frenzy that is our Awards judging process, to more than 40 years, and have more than 100
get carried away with the idea that that means it’s job done. After years of reviewing experience under our
all, an Award-winning product is the best of the best; it stands to collective belts – so you can count on our
reason, surely, that putting a system together with a number of expert opinion.
these top pieces of kit will create an award-winning set-up.
DEDICATED TEST FACILITIES
But not so fast… If there’s one thing that we at What Hi-Fi?
have been saying over the years, it’s that you have to be careful We test every product against its peers in our
with system matching – especially if you want to create a brand-new, bespoke reviewing facilities in
set-up with almost magical synergy in its sound. London and Bath. We conduct all our tests as
a team – our opinions and conclusions are
The four stereo systems (p30) we have come up with here, always the result of collaboration.
though, do a remarkable job of pulling off that trick. Not every
product in every system is an Award winner – but every system HOW WE SCORE
is simply superb at playing music in a way that will bring you
delight and pleasure for years to come. All review verdicts are agreed upon by the
team as a whole – not an individual reviewer.
Also in this issue, to bring us bang up to date, we compare Each product will be listened to and/or
next-gen consoles (p43) with Sony’s PS5 taking on Xbox Series viewed by several members of the test team,
X – and there’s an impressive line up of First Tests (p6), too. who will then discuss the final verdict before
it appears in the magazine or on the website.
Jonathan Evans, editor This avoids any individual bias creeping in.

MY PRODUCT OUR SCORES EXPLAINED
OF THE MONTH One of the best +++++
A serious contender ++++
Fyne Audio F501SP, p16 Worth a look +++
Disappointing ++
A special take on Award-winning Awful +
speakers, these bring stunning
excitement and energy to music View offers

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www.whathifi.com facebook.com/whathifi.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Phil Barker
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CONTENTS Images: Google. Apple,
Dali, Elipson, Grado
06
28 TOP FIVE Images: Bang & Olufsen, Yamaha, iFi
FIRST TESTS The best
new products that
Featuring the Apple HomePod have caught our
Mini, a new Google Chromecast, eye this month
Dali’s Menuet SE, Elipson’s Chroma
turntable and Grado’s first in-ears Image: McIntosh

26HI-FI IN THE
PANDEMIC

We (virtually) meet the
presidents of Sonus
Faber and McIntosh
Labs to talk about the
impact of COVID on
the hi-fi industry

30 HI-FI SYSTEMS
Our four fabulous turntable-based systems blend
the best of old and new hi-fi tech – and there’s something
to suit every budget, from affordable to high-end, too

Image: Audiolab,
Marantz, Vertere

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CONTENTS

40 ALBUMS THIS MONTH WE GIVE
OF 2020 THE DEFINITIVE WORD
ON THESE PRODUCTS
Live music may have
been on hold, but 43 SONY PS5 vs AMPLIFIERS 36
thankfully there XBOX SERIES X Cambridge Audio CXA81 34
were plenty of great Marantz PM6007 54
albums during 2020 As the two next-generation McIntosh MA9000 38
consoles hit the shops, we help Naim Nait XS3 32
you decide which one to buy Rega io

CD PLAYERS 34
Marantz CD6007

Images: the artists GAMES CONSOLES 46
Sony PlayStation 5 44
Xbox Series X

Images: Apple, Bose, Earfun, 50 SPORTS IN-EAR HEADPHONES 52
Image: McIntosh Jaybird, Sennheiser HEADPHONES Apple AirPods Pro 52
Bose SoundSport Free 51
Eight pairs of the best sports Bose SoundSport Wireless 52
headphones for when we Bowers & Wilkins PI3 51
can get out and about again Earfun Air 18
Grado GT220 52
Jaybird Vista 51
JBL Reflect Flow 51
Sennheiser CX Sport

58 TEMPTATION MUSIC STREAMERS 32
SME Model 6 – a Audiolab 6000N Play 36
dose of the brand’s sonic Cambridge Azur 851N 38
DNA at a more affordable Naim ND5 XS2
price
PROJECTORS 20
Sony VPL-VW590ES

54 TEMPTATION Images: SME STEREO SPEAKERS 12
McIntosh’s Dali Menuet SE 32
MA9000 integrated amp Dali Oberon 1 34
Fyne Audio F302 16
114 BEST FILMS OF 2020 Fyne Audio F501SP 36
Ten top films we watched (at home) this year KEF LS50 Meta 38
ProAc Response DT8

BUYER’S GUIDE TURNTABLES 14
Elipson Chroma 400 RIAA 34
FIND THE BEST KIT Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo 32
AROUND, FAST! Rega Planar 2 58
SME Model 6 36
Updated with 2020 Award-winners! See page 63 Technics SL-1500 38
Vertere DG-1

VIDEO STREAMERS 10
Google Chromecast with Google TV

WIRELESS SPEAKERS 6
Apple HomePod Mini

www.whathifi.com 5

FIRST TESTS

FIRST TESTS
E XVCELRULDSAIITVCETESS, TIONKN-IDTTEHPET H

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Wireless speaker | £99 | whf.cm/HomePodMini

Apple HomePod Mini

Apple’s new Siri-powered HomePod smart speaker
easily outperforms its small size and reasonable price

The Apple HomePod Mini has been a Siri any other similarly priced speaker. It and it’s flanked by two passive radiators
long time coming. As soon as the original makes the wraparound lightstrip of the designed to help create a bigger,
HomePod was announced, it was AirPlay 2 new Amazon Echo look as sophisticated weightier sound.
assumed that it would be the first in a and seductive as a set of traffic lights.
large family of smart speakers. It hadn’t 360-degree There are four microphones built into
even hit shops before people were asking sound There are no physical buttons on the the chassis: three that specifically listen
when a smaller, more affordable model HomePod Mini. When the top panel is lit, out for the “Hey Siri” command and a
would be introduced. it reveals otherwise near-invisible plus fourth that uses echo location to ensure
and minus symbols that, when touched, you can be heard over background noise
It has taken almost three years for that raise or lower the volume. A tap of the or loud music. Certainly, the HomePod
model to arrive – that’s aeons in the centre of the panel will pause or resume Mini has no issue hearing or
world of tech – so, has the wait been your music, a double-tap skips forward understanding us during our tests.
worth it? It sure has: the HomePod Mini and a triple-tap skips back. A long press,
outperforms its size and price like no meanwhile, sets Siri to listening mode. Also impressive is the way Siri always
other smart speaker you can buy. At its core, though, this is designed as a seems to know which device is being
hands-off affair. addressed, sensing when an instruction
Small beginnings is to the HomePod Mini on the other side
There are no physical audio of the room even when an iPhone is
The HomePod Mini really is small. At just connections, either. Even the power lying much closer. This is particularly
8.5cm tall and 10cm wide, it’s roughly cable is fixed, terminating at the other clever compared with Alexa; we find that
half the size of the similarly priced and end in a USB-C plug that slips into the questions directed at an Echo speaker
spherical new Amazon Echo. In fact, it’s same 20W wall charger that’s bundled just a couple of feet away are often
even smaller than the new Echo Dot. with the company’s higher-end iPads. If answered by a different speaker in
you’re wondering whether the HomePod another room.
The HomePod Mini comes in simple Mini can be powered by the USB-C
white or black finishes and is wrapped in socket of a Mac; it can’t. At least, it Optimised performance
a seamless fabric mesh, chosen as much doesn’t work when plugged into our
for its acoustic properties as for its MacBook Pro, with an angry pulsating The brain of the HomePod is Apple’s own
stylishness. The whole design gives the orange light indicating the HomePod S5 chip, also found in the new Apple
impression of a tiny, woven plant pot – Mini’s displeasure at being asked to Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch SE.
it’s pretty and unobtrusive, and will perform on an underpowered port. In the HomePod Mini, it enables
happily fit in any room of the house. computational audio. Apple claims
Within the HomePod Mini’s spherical, that it’s analysing and optimising the
The glass panel on the top is opaque mesh-covered frame is a single, performance more than 180 times per
when the speaker is inactive, but a Apple-designed full-range driver that second, based on what’s being played
swirling orb of coloured light appears fires sound downwards and out of the and the position of the speaker.
when Siri is listening or processing, and a 360-degree waveguide around the
smaller white orb gently oscillates as bottom. The driver is held by a Of course, the HomePod Mini also
music plays. It’s a classy and alluring suspension system to reduce distortion, uses its power for a variety of Siri-
touch beyond anything you’ll get from powered smart functions, from

6 www.whathifi.com

FIRST TESTS

“For a speaker this small and inexpensive, its audio performance require an iOS device to set up the
is startling. The HomePod Mini gets right to the core of your HomePod Mini, but you also need to be
music, ensuring everything it plays is engaging and interesting” a regular user of many of its services,
particularly Apple Music, in order to get
controlling any HomeKit-compatible At 8.5cm tall, Where the HomePod Mini falls back a the most out of it.
devices in your house, to setting timers the HomePod little is in its support for third-party
and alarms, creating reminders and Mini is smaller services. Things have certainly opened That isn’t to say that it’s impossible to
shopping lists, sending messages and than expected up somewhat since the original play non-Apple Music music on the
making phone calls. It can now make HomePod was launched, most notably in HomePod Mini. AirPlay 2 integration
announcements to one or all other the addition of radio stations via TuneIn, means that audio can be sent from
HomePods in the house using the new but there’s still some way to go. Spotify myriad iOS apps, including Spotify and
Intercom feature. And that’s just the tip integration is top of the wishlist, but Tidal. The slight issue there is that
of the iceberg. we’d also like to see Tidal and Deezer. AirPlay 2 works like Bluetooth, using
BBC Sounds is a must, too, as you can’t your iOS device as a source, rather than
But Siri’s real strength in the context currently access BBC radio stations using Chromecast, which uses your phone as a
of the HomePod Mini (just as it was with Siri commands. We say “Hey Siri, play way to control music that the speaker
the original HomePod) is its music BBC Radio 5 Live”, and the Mini starts then streams directly from the cloud.
curation. After a short period of learning, playing Five-O by James. Whatever the There’s nothing particularly wrong with
Siri responds to the phrase “play song’s merits, it’s not the Champions the AirPlay/Bluetooth method, but it
something I like” not by streaming your League football we were after. does have implications for sound quality
most played track of the last few weeks, and battery life.
but with something less obviously liked. Apple is at least taking steps in the
right direction – Pandora and Amazon Regularly switching between Siri and
If you’re not in the mood for Siri’s first Music will be added shortly – but there’s AirPlay can make for a slightly disjointed
suggestion, simply say “play something no guarantee that the service you want user experience. We can’t help but feel
different” and the HomePod Mini will or already use will be added further that Apple could do with a dedicated
switch genres, while remaining within down the line. In short, this is a device HomePod app that integrates all
your general tastes. It’s a powerful way to aimed at those already embedded in the available services and makes all content
discover new music and, here, Siri is Apple ecosystem: not only do you searchable and then combinable in
much better than Alexa at it. queues, much in the way that Sonos has.
Right now, control of the HomePod and
HomePod Mini is built into the Home

www.whathifi.com 7

FIRST TESTS

app, but you’ll find only rudimentary The glass panel What’s also impressive about this pair. This predictably makes for a much
controls for music (play, pause, volume) lights up when delivery is how well it’s projected. We bigger, more solid and more room-filling
alongside a number of settings. the HomePod play the same track on the Amazon Echo sound. Bass weight is increased and the
Mini is active and it’s as though Stone is singing from a Mini’s general qualities in terms of
From the moment we start playing little, spherical cell. The HomePod Mini punch, clarity, dynamism and tonal
music, though it’s clear the HomePod projects sound and fills the space far balance are only improved by the
Mini comfortably outperforms its size more effectively, removing itself as an pairing. There’s really no downside to
and price. It goes far louder than expected object from the soundstage to a greater creating a stereo pair.
– even 75 per cent volume is louder than degree. The presentation is consistent
most people will want to go in an from all around the room, too, with the Worth waiting for
average-sized living room. But, even if Mini delivering on its promise of
you push it a little further, the HomePod 360-degree sound. Apple took a while to launch its first
Mini never shows any sign of strain. It’s smart speaker, but the HomePod was
clean and composed, no matter what. Switching to the sparse, live recording worth the wait. It has taken even longer
of The Road soundtrack by Nick Cave to launch a smaller, cheaper model, but
While a bigger speaker, such as the and Warren Ellis, the HomePod proves the HomePod Mini is, if anything, even
Amazon Echo, will produce deeper bass, itself adept at presenting the subtle more impressive.
the HomePod Mini doesn’t sound details and low-level dynamics necessary
bass-light. In fact, it’s more solid and to convey the raw emotion of the track. For a speaker this small and this
authoritative than a speaker this small This level of nuance is rare at this level. inexpensive, its audio performance is
has any right to be, and its bass is startling. Though it has its limits, the
seamlessly integrated into the overall Saying “Hey Siri, play something HomePod Mini embarrasses its direct
presentation. In fact, there’s excellent different” offers up Paolo Nutini’s competition with the sophistication and
overall tonal balance and consistency, Coming Up Easy and, despite the maturity of its sound. It gets to the core
with no frequencies over-exaggerated. HomePod Mini not being as outright of your music, ensuring everything it
bassy as bigger speakers, there’s still an plays is engaging and interesting.
It’s rhythmic and driven, too. We play authentic fullness to Nutini’s voice,
Hole In The Earth by Deftones and the along with plenty of texture, passion It’s also affordable enough to be
HomePod Mini delivers plenty of the and dynamic flow. Getting voices right bought in quantity, small enough to be
requisite power and urgency. There’s also at this level is hard, but the Mini placed in any room of the house, laden
enough dynamic capability to convey manages it marvellously. with smart skills and has an uncanny
the track’s shifts from bass-led groove to ability to introduce you to new music
swirling bridge and hammering Finally, we use the Home app to you’ll love. All this makes it a highly
crescendo. The quieter moments are combine two HomePod Minis in a stereo impressive speaker indeed.
properly quiet (and lots of speakers don’t
do quiet effectively), leaving the space
open for the next big hit.

A rare talent RATING

Like the original HomePod, the Mini has SOUND FOR AGAINST VERDICT
an innate ability to get to the core of a FEATURES • Sophisticated, • Limited third-party It’s smaller and
track, delivering it as faithfully as its BUILD more affordable
stature allows. That’s a rare talent, engaging sound service support than expected, but
particularly for a smart speaker at this • Substantial • Lacking a full the biggest surprise
price. The performance from the new is the HomePod
Amazon Echo simply isn’t as engaging. smart skills control app Mini’s superb sound
It’s not as immediate or driving, and a lot • Impressive
of that comes down to it being less well
tonally and rhythmically organised. music discovery

We switch to Lane 8’s Nothing You Can
Say and the bassline of the stripped-back
track bubbles along with a surprising
degree of extension. The bass here is
supposed to be pronounced,
underpinning the track, but without
drowning out Lucy Stone’s vocals. That’s
just how the HomePod delivers it. Each
element, from the electric drums to the
twinkling keyboard, is easy to focus on
and enjoy, with no one strand coming at
the expense of any other.

Once again, the HomePod Mini
impresses in its ability to deliver the
music as intended. The early beat from
the kick drum is punchy with plenty of
texture. You can tell it’s a live
instrument, included along with the
maraca to contrast the electronic effects
of the track.

8 www.whathifi.com



FIRST TESTS

View offers

Video streamer | £60 | whf.cm/ChomecastGoogleTV

Google Chromecast
with Google TV

With a new remote and super-smart UI, can
Google crack the video streaming market?

The world of dongle video streamers is 4K Google TV makes its debut on bit buggy, and there are times during
fiercely competitive. Prices are low and Chromecast here, and despite that testing when Dolby Vision and Dolby
app offerings high, but there’s more than Dolby Vision resulting in a mouthful of a name for its Atmos content doesn’t seem to be
just money and streaming services to HDR latest device, we understand why Google available on apps such as Netflix and
separate them. The new Chromecast wishes to shout about its new interface. Prime Video when it should be. Closing
with Google TV doesn’t add any major Dolby Atmos It’s compatible with more than 6500 the app and rebooting it usually does the
services that its predecessors didn’t apps built for Android TV and, at launch, trick, but hopefully this will be solved by
already have. It isn't cheaper either – for will recommend content on the home future firmware updates.
this version, Google has prioritised page from more than 30 streaming
usability and performance instead. services. These depend on location and Mind the app gaps
subscriptions, but include Netflix, Prime
A remote control was the most Video, Disney+, iPlayer, YouTube and The second consideration is that, like
requested addition to the previous more. It’s a refreshing change to see a most media streamers, it doesn’t quite
incarnation, so Google has introduced a genuinely useful content discovery tool, cover all the best video services.
voice-enabled one for those who would rather than a shop front to sell content. Generally, that’s not a problem because
rather search for content with the help of Google’s casting function means you can
Google Assistant. When you track down a film or TV stream by using an app on your phone,
show that you have rights to watch on tablet or laptop browser. So, for example,
And when you do, you’ll find that the multiple services, Google TV gives you a although there is no All 4 app on the
Chromecast now comes with a UI of its choice of service – and will even default Chromecast with Google TV stick, you
own called Google TV – a more to the cheapest or free option where can use the All 4 app on your mobile and
recommendation-centric face for the possible, rather than trying to sell you cast it from there instead.
Android TV experience, and set to come the version from Google’s own catalogue.
to all Android TV devices by 2022. The only significant place that this
Available films and TV programmes falls down is with the Apple services.
Remote working are organised into helpful rows of There’s no Apple Music nor the Apple TV
suggestions, including quite a few app on Chromecast and you can’t cast
The Chromecast with Google TV is an categories we’ve never seen on other them from other devices. Considering
evolution of the Chromecast Ultra that it services, such as Neo-noir, Futuristic the amount of 4K HDR material it has,
replaces. The disc-shaped casework has Shows, Films about Robots and Space that's a big loss. There’s no way around it,
been flattened out into a more oval exploration movies. You can refine the unless your TV already has an Apple TV
shape and is now available in a choice of AI by telling it what you’ve already seen app built into its smart platform.
Snow (white), Sunrise (pink) or Sky but, even from the off, it has a pretty
(blue) with matching remote. You are decent handle on our tastes. For picture quality, the Chromecast
likely to use this more than the device with Google TV is right up there with the
itself, which will usually be hanging from The remote control is tactile and well best video streamers at its price,
an HDMI port on the back of your TV. thought out. You can teach it to control including its nearest rival, the five-star
the power and volume on your TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. There’s almost
There is a USB 2.0 on the end of its use it as the microphone for the Google nothing to separate the two as we watch
power lead, but you will still need to Assistant voice searches on Google TV. Lost In Space in Dolby Vision, it’s a sharp,
plug it into the wall with the provided It's a decent way of getting to what you textured and well exposed picture that’s
adaptor, even if you have a powered USB want and quickly. As well as requesting a credit to the HDR source material.
socket on your telly. specific TV shows, music and movies,
you can make general requests such as The opening sequences of the series
The all-new voice remote is not much ‘Show me films about time travel’. show great lustre in the set and costume
bigger than your palm and sits easily in design. The metal seatbelts holding the
the hand. There are shortcut buttons for For usability and recommendations, Robinson family to their chairs look
Netflix and YouTube and to activate the Chromecast with Google TV is the best chunky, strong and solid, and their
Google Assistant voice search too. media streamer on the market. There are fishbowl space helmets reflect the scene
Tasteful, discreet and nicely tactile must two caveats, though – the platform is a light as clearly as optical lenses.
have been the design notes on this one.

10 www.whathifi.com

FIRST TESTS

“For picture quality, the Chromecast Image: Google
with Google TV is up there with the
best video streamers at its price,
including the Amazon Fire TV Stick”

There’s nothing lost to the shadows in pick up some beautifully clear moments Chromecast picks out everything much
the darker corners of the image and the of detail. The electronic samples are more clearly but doesn’t quite deliver the
patches of bright light are so distinct and clean and succinct and there’s a same level of atmosphere.
clear that it gives everything a satisfying crispness to the sound when
wonderfully clinical feel. Colours are the drums finally kick in. Overall though, Google has smashed it
deep and natural as we see the orange out of the park with this 4K Chromecast.
shoulders of the space suits, and there’s But there’s a slight lack of fullness to It’s every bit as good as the excellent
no lack of detail or subtlety to the the sound that robs the beats of their full Amazon TV Fire Stick 4K for picture and
waffled blue material of their hoods. texture and solidity, and Collins’ voice is sound performance and even better
missing that last bit of aching anguish. In when it comes to the fabulous Google TV
Stepping down to 1080p material, the fact, it doesn’t quite feel like this is a UI and recommendations engine.
visual experience is obviously less moment he’s been waiting for all his life.
stellar. Star Trek Next Generation is Casting from your mobile or tablet
understandably on the noisy side but it’s It’s a quite different approach to the takes care of almost every gap in the app
still colour accurate from the muted sound on the Fire TV Stick, which is offering – such as All 4, Britbox and Now
beige tones of the Enterprise decor to the weaker on timing but stronger on TV – and the only real reason to think
bright blues of Dr Crusher’s uniform. dynamics. Despite their distinct sonic twice would be if accessing Apple’s TV,
characters, the two devices are more or film and music content is what you really
Light levels are, of course, not quite as less equally able in terms of audio. need. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a toss up
expertly handled as when there is HDR between the marginally cheaper Fire TV
to help. There’s a cave scene where the The upshot for films and TV is that Stick or the slightly more usable
background is not easy to make out Amazon’s streamer delivers bigger, more Chromecast with Google TV. Is the extra
compared to the actors in the foreground spacious sound but with a slight spend worth it? For some, we’ve no
but, again, this feels very much a fault of imprecision that means some effects can doubt that it will be.
the source material rather than one of get lost in the overall soundscape. The
the playback device. Full marks here.
RATING
Dolby Atmos is the big performance
addition for this Chromecast and there’s PICTURE FOR AGAINST VERDICT
plenty of it available throughout the SOUND • Excellent HDR • No Apple Thanks to the
apps and services on the platform. FEATURES Google TV platform
Listening to In The Air Tonight by Phil picture content available and voice remote,
Collins on Tidal, we’re impressed by the • Healthy app • Rivals sound this is now one
Chromecast’s sense of rhythm. It’s of the best video
precise, lending an excellent sense of support more dynamic streamers available
drive to the sound and allowing us to • Superb UI

www.whathifi.com 11

FIRST TESTS

View offers Image: Dali

Stereo speakers | £1199 | whf.cm/MenuetSE

Dali
Menuet SE

They lack low-end muscle, but if you
are tight for space, these speakers
are as good as it gets at this price

For anyone tight on space, the choice of 86dB amount of grunt – Cambridge’s CXA81 through in a lack of sonic authority and
speakers is pretty limited. One of our would be a good starting point. You’ll the inability to reproduce enough of the
favourite options in this situation is the 86dB/W/m need a similarly capable source, or these power of an orchestra to truly convince.
long-running Dali Menuets. We originally sensitivity Dalis will bite with aggressive recordings But we can forgive that, given the
reviewed them around a decade ago and or partnering equipment. Menuet’s compact stature.
they have remained essentially Rear ported
unchanged since then. Rather than They work best close to a rear wall. In Tonally, things are nicely judged.
replace them, Dali has now added this SE our test room, we settle on around 20cm There’s a pleasing richness to the
model. It’s clear that the company didn’t out from the wall, but go too far and the midband that gives the sound a decent
want to mess with a winning recipe, so speakers start to sound insubstantial and dose of solidity. The treble is a little
the changes are relatively subtle. lack solidity. Also, make sure you fire the forward, but remains refined and well
Menuets straight ahead, rather than integrated as long as the speakers are
On the outside, there’s a lovely Wild angling towards the listening position. carefully partnered.
Walnut real-wood veneer covered in an Dali always designs its speakers to sound
immaculately applied high gloss finish. better when positioned this way. We switch to High Hopes by Bruce
The rest of the tiny 25cm tall cabinet Springsteen, and the Dalis shine. These
remains unchanged. It feels immensely Precise and agile performers Menuets have an explicit and well-
solid and the overall build is excellent. projected midrange that makes the most
We can’t think of a similarly priced The Menuet SE are impressively fast and of Springsteen’s passionate vocals. His
alternative that does better. responsive performers. We can’t think voice comes through with a level of
of an alternative that sounds so precise texture and nuance that’s hard to better
Desirable properties Dimensions (hwd) or agile. We play Dvořák’s New World at this price.
25 x 15 x 23cm Symphony and are pleased by their
The drive unit complement is the same ability to render detail and organise it They can party too, conveying
as before. That 11.5cm mid/bass driver The Menuet SE in a musically convincing manner. rhythms with precision and drive, and
uses the company’s favoured wood-fibre work best when having enough in the way of punch to
cone material, which is claimed to give a placed close These Dalis generate a sense of scale satisfy. Given appropriate source
good balance between rigidity, low to a rear wall that’s out of keeping with their modest material, these boxes deliver a thrilling
weight and damping properties. This dimensions. They image well, producing listen that brims with energy.
unit has been designed to cope with an expansive, well-focused soundstage.
wide ranging dynamics, so the chassis is There’s also a pleasing lack of restraint to These Dalis are tiny speakers, and that
as open as possible to help with airflow. the presentation that makes music means bigger alternatives will invariably
exciting and entertaining. give more when it comes to low-end
The dome tweeter is fairly typical at muscle, sonic authority and dynamic
28mm diameter, but is claimed to be Speakers this small are never going to reach. But, when it comes to detail,
around 30 per cent lighter than similar dig particularly deep at low frequencies, agility and dynamic expression,
designs, which helps in its ability to track but when positioned close to a wall these particularly in the midrange, these are as
the input signal. Dalis do better than expected. They good as it gets for the price. If you’re tight
cover their tracks well enough that a lack for listening space, then these Dali
The biggest change in engineering of bass isn’t a big issue in smaller rooms. Menuet SEs could be the speakers you
terms is the upgraded crossover that The shortfall of bass muscle shows have been waiting for.
links the two drive units. This is now
built on a higher-quality circuit board RATING
that reduces electrical interference. The
circuit features Mundorf capacitors, SOUND FOR AGAINST VERDICT
more usually seen on high-end speakers. COMPATIBILITY • Excellent detail • Size limits sonic If you’re limited for
A set of high-grade single-wire terminals BUILD space, these Dali
completes the design. resolution authority and Menuet SEs could
• Excellent stereo bass reach be the speakers
These Menuet SEs are rated at • Needs pampering you’re looking for
86dB/W/m and have a nominal imaging to excel
impedance of 4 ohms, so will perform • Terrific build
best with an amplifier with a decent
and finish

12 www.whathifi.com



FIRST TESTS

View offers Image: Elipson

Turntable | £429 | whf.cm/Chroma400RIAA

Elipson
Chroma
400 RIAA

Elipson unleashes its new Chroma range of turntables,
but this mid-range model is somewhat off the pace

In some ways, there has never been a Speeds 33⅓, – a fine pairing, and another area you welcoming body to the midrange that
better time to buy your first proper 45rpm could easily upgrade later on. never becomes wearing.
record player. Even when vinyl was the
favoured option for owning music, there Finishes x3 If you need inspiration, the top model It is an undemanding and pleasant
wasn’t the variety in terms of features, in the range – the Chroma Carbon 400 presentation, but with a fair level of
nor the sound quality you get today. Weight 5.8kg RIAA BT – comes with Ortofon’s 2M Red detail too. The Elipson offers texture and
cartridge. For that extra outlay, you also timbre befitting of a hi-fi system that
This increase in choice means the get Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a would cost well into four figures. But
market is strewn with affordable though USB recording facility if you want to rip unfortunately, we aren’t getting our
sub-par products at the entry-level end, vinyl to digital files. The deck is carbon money’s worth when it comes to
however, there are plenty of quality coated, rather than just the tonearm, rhythmic prowess or dynamic
turntables in the rung just above it, though there is a model between the top expression. The organisation itself isn’t
making this a highly competitive sector. end and our test sample that features woeful, but the Chroma struggles to
just the USB and Bluetooth. make sense of a pattern and deliver it
The Elipson Chroma 400 RIAA is part with the correct impetus or drive. It’s a
of a new six-model line-up from the Sleek or standout finishes bit sloppy, and it’s a bit apathetic.
French brand, with Chroma replacing the
successful Alpha and Omega series. It Those familiar with Elipson decks will The latter is largely down to a dearth
sits around the middle in terms of price feel at home with the design. Everything of dynamic expression. A laid-back
and features of a range that starts at £279 is in its usual place, and the chassis’ presentation is fine, but at this price it is
and rises to £699 for the flagship model. curved bottom gives the turntable an not okay to be near horizontal. While we
elegant silhouette. This model also aren’t assaulted with sharp edges, the
No need for extra boxes comes with a choice of three high-gloss downside is that we are never really
finishes – red, white or black – so there's a roused by what we hear from a rather
The RIAA in the Chroma 400’s name choice of sleek or standout. pedestrian and uninspiring performance.
denotes the inclusion of a built-in phono
stage, meaning you can plug the deck But as you get it out of the box and It’s a shame, because we liked the
into just about any hi-fi system or active piece it together, it all feels a little cheap. predecessors to this range. But whether
speaker without the need for extra While this kind of price is becoming an the presentation has gone further into
boxes. You can upgrade with a dedicated entry level for those serious about itself, or competition has simply become
outboard phono stage – ideal for this getting into vinyl, it certainly isn’t a lot more fierce in the years since we
kind of ‘new entry-level’ price point. budget and we’d like more solidity here. first heard them, Elipson appears to be
further off the pace with the Chroma
New for the Chroma range in general, The Chroma 400 RIAA doesn’t sound 400 RIAA than it was before.
building on those Alpha and Omega lightweight, but it isn’t particularly bass
predecessors, is a revised motor, heavy either. That can be a blessing Of course, this is only one record
suspension and electronic control aimed when you consider how much some player from a line-up of six decks. But,
at improving stability and precision, competitors boost low end at the based on what we’ve heard so far, we’re
while reducing noise for sonic subtleties expense of clarity. And there is a finding it difficult to recommend.
to shine through. For improved spinning
consistency and accuracy, the platter is RATING
now a two-part design, with a sub-platter
supporting a larger main platter around SOUND FOR AGAINST VERDICT
which the belt is affixed. FEATURES • Pleasant, • Lifeless and Elipson’s entry-
BUILD level Chroma 400
Elipson has gone premium on the undemanding rhythmically dull RIAA turntable is
tonearm, too, again upgrading its carbon presentation • Feels cheap desperate not to
fibre design to offer greater accuracy and • Decent detail offend and leaves
less resonance thanks to the rigidity and • Built-in little impression
damping qualities of its material. At the phono stage
end of that is an Ortofon OM10 cartridge

14 www.whathifi.com



FIRST TESTS

View offers

Stereo speakers | £2799 | whf.cm/F501SP

Fyne Audio
F501SP

The turbo-charged F501s are one of the most
entertaining pairs of speakers we’ve heard

We’re big fans of Fyne Audio’s F501 IsoFlare The F501SP’s drive Image: Fyne
floorstanders – these former Award- driver array units are linked with
winners remain terrific performers for a new hand-built Dvořák’s New World Symphony No.9
their price (£1299). Despite appearances, 91dB crossover network shows another side to the F501SP’s
the Special Production version we have and the whole lot character. They have the dynamic reach
on test here is a rather different and far Sensitivity 91dB is connected with to cope with the music’s powerful
more ambitious proposition. upgraded silver- crescendos and the authority to do
Dimensions (hwd) plated Van Den Hul justice to an orchestra in full flow. It’s an
The Special Production idea is to take 98 x 29 x 32cm wiring. Even the organised presentation that pulls every
an existing product and hot-rod it by cabinets have instrumental strand together to produce
implementing as much of Fyne Audio’s Given room to changed; the panels a cohesive and musical sound.
high-end technology as possible. The breathe, the using denser MDF
company’s engineers haven’t held back, F501SP towers and lined with three Tonally, these Fynes aren’t the
as the price difference between the will really shine damping materials to smoothest performers. That IsoFlare
standard F501 and SP versions indicates. control resonances. These SP array doesn’t tend to produce the
floorstanders come in a trio of classy sweetest highs or offer the even-handed
A flare for timing gloss finishes – walnut, black or white. neutrality of the best alternatives. But
the F501SPs are more than acceptable in
Like all of the company’s premium While these towers are fairly tolerant these respects, provided the partnering
speakers, the F501SPs use an IsoFlare of a close to wall placement, they really electronics are chosen with care.
drive unit array. The IsoFlare array places shine when given room to breathe. Angle
the tweeter in the throat of the mid/bass them slightly towards the main listening The difference in price between the
unit, which allows a degree of time position to solidify their stereo imaging. standard F501 and the SP version is
alignment so that the sound from each huge, but so is the jump in performance.
drive unit reaches the listener at the Energy providers These are thrilling speakers that bring
same moment. Additional advantages music to life in a way that eludes most
include improved integration between If you’re looking for excitement and rivals. If you’re contemplating a purchase
the drive units and more consistent energy, we can’t think of a better at this level, make sure you have a listen
dispersion characteristics. alternative at the price. Play Nirvana’s before buying anything else.
Nevermind and the sound erupts from
The array used in the F501SP has a the speakers, generating a sense of drive
25mm magnesium dome compression and attack that makes it hard to sit still.
tweeter coupled to a 15cm multi-fibre
mid/bass cone. The surround on the These are relatively compact towers,
mid/bass (and the partnering dedicated but partner them with capable
bass driver) is fluted so that unwanted electronics and the deep, punchy quality
mechanical energy in the cone is of low frequencies is impressive. Kurt
controlled more effectively, leading to Cobain’s vocals come through loud and
cleaner, more detailed results. clear, and never get lost in the mix.
These towers have enough finesse to
A downward firing port augments the texture his voice convincingly and
low-frequency output from these capture the fire in his delivery.
drivers. The standard F501s have a
wooden plinth and diffuser arrangement RATING
that the port fires onto, but the SP
version takes things to another level. SOUND FOR AGAINST VERDICT
Here, it’s a highly engineered twin-level COMPATIBILITY • Exciting and • Can lack Fyne’s F501SPs are
aluminium set-up, echoing the designs BUILD one of the most
used on the company’s high-end models. detailed sound refinement if entertaining pairs of
• Impressive bass poorly partnered speakers we have
This downward facing port and heard at this price
diffuser arrangement is designed not weight for size
only to produce deep and controlled • Fine build and
bass, but also to make the speakers less
fussy about room placement. neat finishes

16 www.whathifi.com



FIRST TESTS

View offers Image: Grado

In-ear headphones | £250 | whf.cm/GT220

Grado GT220

Grado’s first true wireless in-ears have
some areas of sonic expertise, but
aren’t the no-brainer we’d hoped for

We’re surprised Grado hasn’t made its Bluetooth 5.0 aptX, which is fine for getting high- But the GT220s overplay their hand a
first pair of true wireless in-ear resolution audio files on board, but the little when it comes to the top of the
headphones open-backed. After all, the Battery life Up Grados’ premium price doesn’t stretch to frequency range. We’re fans of speed and
company configured its first pair of to 36 hours aptX Adaptive compatibility – is no substance where treble sounds are
wireless on-ear headphones in this Grado owner likely to watch video concerned, but the Grados need more
manner. But even Grado has had to Weight 5g (each) content while wearing their GT220s? refinement to the way they handle the
sacrifice a principle or two in order to highest stuff. At some point ‘assertive’
join the ongoing true-wireless land-grab. The earbuds can hold up to six hours becomes ‘overconfident’ – and the
of power – and the equally compact GT220 could do with backing off their
So with the GT220, Grado has charging case (which weighs just 42g) attack. An already trebly recording such
delivered a visually unremarkable and holds another five full charges. So, as as Saint Etienne’s Only Love Can Break
predictably configured pair of earbuds long as you don’t thrash the volume, a Your Heart can eventually become a
that go without some of the spec niceties reasonable figure of 36 hours between little tiring in the Grados’ hands,
and has slapped a premium price tag on charges is achievable. From ‘flat’ to ‘full’ especially if you’re listening at volume.
them. Can such a small, unassuming takes a couple of hours, and the case can
product really be worth big money? be charged using either USB-C or any Slightly disjointed timing
Qi-certified wireless charging pad.
The GT220 are small and light (just 5g This high-end exuberance contributes to
per earbud), but their polycarbonate Clear and direct sound the Grados’ slightly disjointed way with
housing is unyielding to the touch and timing. The overall sound of the GT220
doesn’t make the Grados feel like the It doesn’t take long for the GT220 to hangs together pretty well – but they
premium product they’re priced as. reveal what it’s all about. Like many don’t render the momentum and drive of
Grado headphones, the GT220s are music with the finesse of the Sennheiser
Despite following the established (and unequivocal. We play Fleetwood Mac’s Momentum True Wireless 2.
effective) ‘twist and lock’ fit template, You Make Loving Fun (as an MQA-
the GT220 are less than straightforward powered Tidal Masters stream) and the Elsewhere, though, they remain an
to get into position. There’s a choice of GT220's overall sound is clear, detailed accomplished listen. Both the broad and
three sizes of eartips in the packaging, and direct. There’s an immediacy to the low-level harmonic dynamics of
which really isn’t enough. Even if one of way the Grados serve up the tune that Telemachus’ Caroline What Is Wrong
these fits properly, getting these in-ears sets them apart from many of their rivals. With You are described in full, with a
sited comfortably and securely proves kind of casual authority. The same tune
trickier than it should be. The bottom of the frequency range allows the GT220 to showcase their
doesn't have quite the impact of the best out-and-out scale and insight, too.
Stable fit of them, but it’s filled with information
about texture and timbre. There’s a The Grado GT220 don’t look or feel
Once the GT220 are positioned to your positivity to the way the GT220 handles particularly premium, and they lack
satisfaction, they turn out to be nice and the attack and decay of bass sounds that features such as active noise-cancelling
stable. The mechanics of the fit provides contributes no end to their overall speed. or a control app that you might expect at
a little passive noise-cancelling too, this sort of money. They’re not the most
which is doubly welcome given there’s The midrange is treated with similar accomplished listen where timing or top-
no active noise-cancelling on board. attention. Detail levels remain high, end refinement is concerned, either. But
clarity is impressive and as the GT220 if you like your music to sound up-front
Each earbud has a capacitive touch- establishes a reasonably broad and deep and fast, detailed and immediate, then
surface on its outer plane (beneath the presentation, a vocalist has the whole of you’ll find an awful lot to like here.
‘G’ logo that lights up depending on what the midrange in which to stretch out.
the GT220 are doing). It’s responsive and
reliable, difficult to confuse and covering RATING
every major function. The Grados are
compatible with both Siri and Google SOUND FOR AGAINST VERDICT
Assistant, and, though there’s only one COMFORT • Positive, • Lack a little sonic Some areas of true
mic in each earbud, there’s nothing BUILD sonic expertise, but
wrong with either call quality or voice unequivocal sound refinement not quite the no-
assistant comprehension. • Good battery life • Don’t look or feel brainer Grado might
• Responsive and have wished for
On the inside, the GT220 are fitted anything special
with a single 8mm polyethylene comprehensive • No active noise-
terephthalate full-range driver in each touch control
earbud. Bluetooth connectivity is via cancelling

18 www.whathifi.com



FIRST TESTS

View offers

Projector | £6999 | whf.cm/VPL-VW590ES

Sony VPL-
VW590ES

This native 4K projector would
be a worthy jewel in the crown
of any home cinema set-up

The Sony VPL-VW590ES is Sony’s top Native 4K It also allows plenty of positioning The key upgrade of the Sony VPL-
lamp-based, native 4K projector. There flexibility with the ability to move the VW590ES over the older model is the ‘X1
are more premium models in the family, Brightness: image up to 85 per cent in each direction for projector’ chip. It’s the same picture
but they feature laser light sources 1800 lumens vertically and 31 per cent horizontally. processor as used in Sony’s Bravia TVs,
instead. This more traditional approach Naturally, the lens is fully motorised but optimised for projectors.
keeps the VW590ES relatively Lamp life: with the shift, zoom and focus functions
affordable, as native 4K projectors go, 6000 hours all easily managed from the fully- It’s not quite as premium as the X1
while still offering plenty of contrast and, featured Sony remote control. Ultimate processor found in Sony’s more
according to Sony, stunning detail and Connections expensive laser models, but it brings
rich, faithful colour. include two HDMI That remote offers handy, direct what Sony describes as ‘high-precision
2.0 ports and a switching between the picture presets as frame analysis’ for features such as
Key to the experience is Sony’s SXRD single USB 2.0 well as shortcuts to almost all of the Dynamic HDR Enhancer, Super
projector panel technology. It’s a liquid picture processors and settings you’ll Resolution and, of course, Sony’s
crystal on silicon (LCOS) solution want to use. The remote does have a excellent 4K Motionflow motion
engineered by Sony to produce deep backlight but, sadly, the button to toggle processing technology.
blacks, clear motion and a smooth it on and off does not glow in the dark,
picture. Sony has stiff competition at this meaning that finding it can be tricky. A The HDR Enhancer works on a
end of the market, so will need a superb motorised lens cap would also be a frame-by-frame basis to analyse each
performance to hold off the likes of JVC. benefit. It’s currently a removable plastic scene and, with the help of the dynamic
cap, which could upset the lens settings iris, adjust contrast on-the-fly. The Super
Five-star predecessor if care is not taken. Resolution uses algorithms to match the
patterns it sees in each image and
The Sony VPL-VW590ES is an update to
the Sony VPL-VW550ES, a projector we
awarded five stars when we reviewed it
back in 2017. The new model is much the
same in terms of size and specification.
At 50cm wide and weighing 14kg, it takes
up the kind of space you’d expect of a
native 4K projector and is suitable for
either rack- or ceiling-mounting. There
are two HDMI 2.0 ports and one USB 2.0
for source material. Internet connectivity
is for firmware and service only.

The 280W high-pressure mercury
lamp offers a picture at up to 1800
lumens of brightness, which is best used
in a room with the lights off. Sony
predicts that it will last 6000 hours in
‘Low’ mode before you need to change it,
but if you watch in ‘High’, expect that
number to be lower. Watching in High
also causes the fan noise to be louder
than the 26dB stated, but the sound is
steady and smooth and shouldn’t spoil
your big screen experience.

On the front sits the x2.06 zoom lens.
It can throw a picture of between 60in
and 300in, with a 100in image possible
at distances between 3.1m and 6.4m.

20 www.whathifi.com

FIRST TESTS

“The Sony VPL-VW590ES is an exceptionally
good projector and a marked upgrade on its
predecessor. If you’re looking for a projector at
this level, it would be wrong to ignore this one”

reinforce them. Combined, the aim is for The VW590ES As ever, Sony’s Motionflow tech does a can still make out the wooden boxes and
a sharper and better exposed picture weighs 14kg and superb job of keeping the picture looking glass jars, even in the thick of the
than its predecessor was capable of. takes up a fair both smooth and natural as the camera shadows, with enough care on textures
amount of space zooms over the earth below. True to pick out details such as the worn
Those who still want to watch in 3D Cinema rubs off the big judders while leather on Liesel’s oxblood boots.
should note that, unlike its rival JVC maintaining the action’s 24fps
DLA-N5, the Sony VPL-VW590ES has a appearance. The more processed Smooth In scenes with more mixed lighting,
3D emitter built in. You’ll still have to Low option works well too. such as the train station, there’s enough
buy your 3D glasses separately, though. differentiation in the whites of the steam
The Sony VPL-VW590ES also does and cloud in the sky even while the
There are seven Sony-calibrated some excellent work with HDR. As day projector has to produce the heavy
picture presets to flick through with the turns to night, the levels of darkness in blacks of the train and the dark platform
best of them being the two Film modes, the forest are adjusted to deliver the in the foreground.
Reference and Bright Cinema. The colour maximum amount of tonal detail. Light
temperature of all of them can take a from the firefly abdomens is intense, Standard performance
little tweaking, depending on the source, while the details of their black heads and
but the Clear White filter in the Expert limbs are clear to see. The water droplets Down at standard definition, the picture
Settings will solve most issues. sitting on the threads made by the isn’t too bad, though we turn the Reality
orb-weaving spiders hang like silver Creation settings right down to avoid
Breathtaking colours jewels in the moonlit woodland, each noise. You may also need to set your disc
one under pinpoint contrast control with player to output 480p and alter aspect
Once set, the colour performance from nothing lost to the shadows. ratio on the projector remote control to
this projector is breathtaking and the 4K get it upscaling properly.
detail is superb too. We watch the North Stepping down to The Book Thief on
American episode of Seven Worlds, One Blu-ray, without the benefits of HDR, is a No projector or TV is going to make a
Planet and are treated to some stunning more difficult test. Between light treat of detail when a DVD of Die Hard 2
views of wildflowers on the Canadian touches on the Dynamic Iris and is upscaled to around 24 times the size of
mountain pastures. There's also a vivid Contrast Enhancer settings, though, we the source material. Nonetheless, we’re
palette of greens from the lichen, still get a workable balance between happy to get stuck into the action as
seaweed and foliage of the pine trees black depth and dark detail. John McClane races around Dulles
around the country’s coastal forests. International Airport trying to take down
The Sony’s character is more binary, in a terrorist plot, armed with a handgun
Using the Reality Creation menus, it’s terms of contrast, rather than smooth and some wry one-liners.
possible to add an intense and granular and subtle in its shading, and that results
level of 4K detail that’s outstanding for a in an appearance that is dynamic but less This is an exceptionally good projector
projector at this price. The fur of the truly natural than some. It makes for an and a marked upgrade on both its
Black Bears that roam this habitat is engaging watch that still never fails to predecessor and the step-down native
picked up beautifully, as are the crusty capture the sense of place throughout 4K projector from Sony, the Sony
barnacles and gritty edges to the rocks the film. In the candle-lit scenes in the VPL-VW270ES. If you’re looking for a
that these creatures clamber over in Hubermann’s basement, for example, we projector at this level it would be wrong
search for food. to ignore the VPL-VW590ES.

RATING

PICTURE FOR AGAINST VERDICT
FEATURES • Fantastic 4K detail • Tough competition An exciting and
BUILD • Excellent motion vivid picture from
this excellent
processing 4K projector.
• Solid contrast

control

www.whathifi.com 21





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INSIDER

THE HI-FI INDUSTRY:
SURVIVING THE
COVID PANDEMIC

We (virtually) meet the presidents of McIntosh Labs and Sonus Faber to

discuss the impact COVID has had on the industry and its future direction

Both McIntosh and Sonus Faber Charlie Randall “There has been a fundamental reset “There is something romantic about
have long, rich heritages that Jeff Poggi in consumer behaviour that will outlast vinyl, it’s satisfying to open the album
have become synonymous with the pandemic,” says Poggi. “Movie jacket, look at the artwork and read the
high-end audio excellence – McIntosh theatre chains are going bankrupt, new liner notes while listening to the album.
for its extensive range of discerning release movies are being introduced That’s something that today’s digital files
electronics, Sonus Faber for its premium via streaming, and customers have just can’t replace. CDs will stay around
line of Italian-crafted speakers. rediscovered their turntables. All of this for a long time due to the large libraries
bodes well for home theatres, media people have acquired,” says Randall.
The former was founded in 1949 near rooms and hi-fi systems.”
Washington DC, while the latter surfaced “I can’t say for sure if we’ll still be
just over 30 years later in northern Italy. For those fortunate enough not to be making CD players in 2030, but I’m
But despite being oceans apart, the directly affected, this year has seen a confident our players will still be used.
common ground is their ownership by return to simpler things. “Though it is With that in mind, I do think streaming is
US holding company McIntosh Group terrible to be in such circumstances, I’m here to stay,” he adds. “With the constant
(formerly Fine Sounds Group), which glad people are able to enjoy music at advancements in streaming technology
also owns Sumiko and Wadia Digital. home with their loved ones,” says Poggi. and platforms, we’ll always be working to
“I know I’ve enjoyed revisiting several develop new products that incorporate
We spoke to McIntosh Labs’ Charlie favourite albums with my family.” these advancements.”
Randall and Sonus Faber’s Jeff Poggi
about the importance of brand identity, The future of electronics As for the future of McIntosh’s
the pandemic’s impact on the market, extensive amplifier catalogue, Randall
and the future of hi-fi. With the future uncertain and questions says: “At its core, a Class AB analogue
over whether the pandemic could usher amplifier will not be radically different,
The new ‘home economy’ in a more permanent ‘new normal’ daily but you’ll see more natural changes
life, hi-fi seems to be taking a more between now and 2030.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated steady trajectory. Randall is confident
many businesses, but one ray of light that vinyl, CD and streaming will Randall is also confident about the
amongst the economic gloom has been continue to define people’s listening continuing relevance of hi-fi separates
the success of many hi-fi brands. habits for the next decade. in light of the thriving system concept:
“Many music lovers will always want
“There is a new home economy that
has developed with COVID,” says Poggi. Analogue amps
“Consumers are spending more time won’t be radically
watching movies and enjoying music different in 2030,
at home, which has been a boom for Randall predicts
speciality retail and custom installation.
COVID has been devastating for live
entertainment, but it has driven growth
for our home audio business. Even
with all the challenges, we had our best
summer in the company’s history – we
are seeing double-digit growth across all
regions and across all product lines.”

“As people are staying home, they’re
more inclined to spend on renovations,
such as upgrading their home theatre or
sound system,” says Randall. But will it
last? “I’m not worried so much that they
will tail off; more excited about the fact
that audio seems to be in the mind of
consumers right now,” he adds.

26 www.whathifi.com

INSIDER

separates, too. Everyone’s hearing is
subjective, and no one can ever truly
hear how someone else hears a piece
of music. That’s why we offer a full
line of separates as well as a full line of
integrated amplifiers.”

Innovation and identity

Key to any successful brand is a distinct

identity, and McIntosh and Sonus Faber

have their own DNA running through

each and every product – the glass

panel and blue meters in McIntosh kit,

the reliance on wood and other natural

materials in Sonus Faber speakers. What

is clear in both brands’ visions is the

value in sticking to an identity.

“Our customers are music lovers who

appreciate the finer things in life, and our

products are timeless – often considered

family heirlooms, passed down from Glass panels and to develop our Damped Apex Dome is looking for ways to bring new Sonus
Faber products to market.”
generation to generation,” says Randall. blue meters are (DAD) tweeter, Stealth Reflex port, Zero
Return to automotive
“There is a sense of pride in owning just one part of Vibration Transmission mechanical
One growing area for both McIntosh
a McIntosh and we are proud of being McIntosh’s DNA systems that provide true value to the and Sonus Faber is in the in-car audio
market. Faber has teamed up with
a part of that journey and producing products. By focusing on each element Maserati to supply the sound system for
its upcoming MC20 super sports car, and
quality pieces that are built to last a of the transducer – cone, spider, magnet, the two brands have also partnered with
OEM component and system supplier
lifetime. Our DNA lies with the people frame – we can make the next-generation Alps Alpine to develop speakers and
amps for cars that will arrive next year.
behind the brand; the design team has an driver better than the current one. And
“Maserati and Sonus Faber is a perfect
average tenure of 24 years,” he adds. if we apply this to all aspects of the brand fit – high-end performance,
luxurious details, a refined Italian design
“Sonus Faber is known for producing product – transducers, crossover, cabinet and artisanal methods. We have spent
three years working side-by-side with
sound using natural materials, – we can improve our products Maserati to develop a custom sound
system that seamlessly integrates into
Italian craftsmanship and a significantly. It’s a process that the passenger cabin. Our ‘Voice of Sonus
Faber’ technology is integrated into the
commitment to tradition,” says “There has been should not be rushed.” system design with co-located all-natural
Poggi. “Our roots in Vicenza allow The newly launched Lumina midrange driver and silk-dome tweeter.
Our technicians have tuned the system
us to connect with local artisans, a fundamental series epitomises that balance to have the same tonal characteristics
inspired by the meticulous of innovating while retaining that define the Sonus Faber sound.”

process of building the best violins its identity – in this case, While the in-car market is new ground
channelling technologies into for the Italian brand, McIntosh is back
reset in consumerand violas in the world. We are on familiar territory, having introduced
focused on producing the best more accessible packages. “We a line of automotive products in 1994 for
loudspeakers with authentic behaviour that wanted to allow a larger group the likes of Harley Davidson, Ford and
Subaru. So why return now?
materials – wood, leather, marble will outlast the of listeners the opportunity
– as they help us achieve the most to enjoy Sonus Faber,” says “Since we left automotive in the late
2000s, people have been asking us
natural sound. That’s why we use pandemic” Poggi. “It has a multi-layer when we’re going to get back. We felt the
silk-dome tweeters and wood-pulp wood veneer front baffle with timing and opportunity with Alps Alpine
was right. Teaming up with them is the
blended midrange cones.” a leather-wrapped cabinet that perfect avenue to return,” says Randall.

Would the brand consider is both rigid and beautiful. “We sent a large McIntosh home audio
system to the Alpine lab where engineers
moving away from wood as a cabinet Our soft silk-dome tweeter is fitted with could study the sound and implement
our system into their vehicle’s cabin. Our
material? “Fundamentally, wood is our DAD technology to provide natural teams have been working to make sure
nothing is missing from the McIntosh
part of the Sonus Faber DNA, going highs that extend beyond 20kHz. The experience and that our standards for
value and sound quality are met, as well
back through our history,” Poggi front-firing reflex port delivers deep bass as participating in the sound tuning of
the vehicles.” Watch this space, then.
says. “However, we also look to other extension in a compact design. As with

materials if it means advancing our goal all of our products, Lumina is made in

to achieve natural sound using newer our factory by highly skilled craftsmen.”

technology. For example, carbon fibre So how about innovating into other

was a key material used in our 30th products? Sonus Faber was once a

anniversary Extr3me.” purveyor of headphones, of course, and

Sonus Faber has recently invested you could reasonably believe its family

heavily in its R&D facility in Vicenza. Its ties with McIntosh could lead it down

new acoustic development lab has been the electronics path.

kitted out with an updated anechoic “New products are our passion,” says

chamber, new testing instrumentation, Poggi. “But to ensure that we deliver

computer-aided modelling software high-quality products that fulfil our

and acoustic engineering talent – not to brand values, we need to focus our

mention two listening rooms capable efforts on a few products at a time. Sonus

of two-channel and Dolby Atmos home Faber produced an all-in-one speaker,

theatre reproduction. the Snail, and integrated amplifiers, Quid

“I believe in incremental innovation, and Musica, in the 1980s and early ’90s.

and one of my favourite sayings is ‘crawl, So you can bet that our creative team is

walk, run’,” says Poggi. “We take time inspired by these past achievements and

www.whathifi.com 27

INSIDER 1

INSIDER Bang & Olufsen Beovision Contour

TOP FIVE £5150
LAUNCHES
One of only a handful of OLED TVs available with a screen size under
Five products to look 50 inches, the Beovision Contour pairs a 48in LG-sourced OLED panel with
out for this month a soundbar derived from Bang & Olufsen’s premium Stage. The soundbar
contains 11 drivers – four woofers, four midrange drivers and three
tweeters – each powered by its own amplifier. Dolby Atmos support is
on board to add some height to the audio, and with the Contour also
featuring Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth, this is a luxury all
in one entertainment system with a price tag to match.

whf.cm/Beovision

2 3 Image credit: Bang & Olufsen, Dali, Yamaha, iFi, Ruark

Dali Opticon MK2 Yamaha RX-A2A

from £599 £849

Just over five years after introducing its Opticon speakers, Dali has With a feature set aimed at better gaming, Yamaha’s latest 7.2-channel
updated the mid-range series with some new technology and a AV receiver could make the ideal partner for your new PlayStation 5 or
refreshed aesthetic. The new Opticon MK2 series ranges in price from Xbox Series X. One of Yamaha’s high-end Aventage models, the RX-A2A
the Opticon 1 MK2 (£599 per pair) to the Opticon 8 MK2 (£2599 per supports 4K at 120Hz and Dolby Atmos, making compatible games look
pair) and features new 29mm soft-dome tweeters (some of the models smoother and sound better than ever. There’s Variable Refresh Rate for
combine that with a ribbon tweeter), mid/bass drivers that feature dynamically adjusting the frame rate, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for
technology from the company’s flagship Epicon series, new Dual Flare ensuring a TV’s lag-reducing Game Mode is automatically selected when
reflex ports and a redesigned crossover. required, and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for reducing latency.

whf.cm/OpticonMK2 whf.cm/Aventage

4 5 Ruark R1 Mk4
£229
iFi Neo iDSD Fancy a new bedside companion? Ruark
has given its entry-level R1 DAB+ radio a
£699 stylish makeover. The new R1 Mk4 improves
upon its third-generation predecessor with
iFi’s latest mains-powered DAC/headphone amp has been designed a Scandinavian-style wooden grille and a
for maximum flexibility at home. It’s all here: PCM 32-bit/768kHz, USB-C port that can both play from and
DSD512 and MQA support, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD Bluetooth, charge compatible devices. There is a
asynchronous USB, optical and coaxial inputs, a fully balanced circuit DAB/DAB+ and FM radio, of course, plus
design with balanced outputs, all housed in neat aluminium casework. a 3.5mm headphone output, a switchable aux
The Neo iDSD can be positioned horizontally or vertically, with the
OLED display flipping automatically to suit the preferred orientation. input and Ruark’s familiar (and excellent) RotoDial top-panel control.
The R1’s signature wood-veneer cabinet has been replaced by a sleeker
whf.cm/NeoiDSD chassis, available in either ‘cream’ or ‘espresso’ finishes.

whf.cm/R1Mk4

28 www.whathifi.com



SYSTEMS

ALL THE

BEST…

Finding the right kit for a hi-fi system is no easy
task – even with Award winners. Allow us to assist

M ozart or Moby? Sitars or to represent more modern modes of music
synthesizers? The good news replay. Our amplification choices have been
is we don’t have to choose. selected to best complement those sources,
Thanks to our ever-evolving while the speakers are the ones that provide
technology, we’ve long the tastiest icing on each musical cake.
enjoyed the ability to listen to pretty much
anything – old or new, classical or modern – at We’ve devised each system to suit a budget
the flick of a few cleverly designed switches. – from relatively affordable to high-end – and
The past and the present are both forever assembled its components to work in close
available to us whenever we want. harmony with each other. Like a football team
whose players possess complementary skills,
That’s a fact that we’ve tried to echo in our these products not only work with but also
choice of equipment for these four stereo accentuate the qualities of their partners.
systems. Each one includes a turntable, to
bring the joys of the long-established analogue In short, we’ve done all the hard work for
medium, and combines it with a digital source, you. But then that’s our job, isn’t it? And we
in the form of either a streamer or a CD player, think we’ve done a pretty good one, though
we say so ourselves.

30 www.whathifi.com

S T E R E O S YS T E M S £ 1 5 0 0 - £ 1 0,0 0 0

LOW-COST LUXURY PAGE 32

DOUBLE-DISC
DELIGHTS

MODERN PAGE 34
MASTERS
PARAGONS
PAGE 36 OF VIRTUE

PAGE 38

www.whathifi.com 31

SYSTEMS

LOW-COST LUXURY
T£O1T5A7L6:

View online review: whf.cm/Planar2

REGA PLANAR 2
TURNTABLE

T he first of our new streaming/ It also means it can stream hi-res music dynamics, agility detail and fun. It is
turntable systems takes a files up to 24-bit/192kHz from networked particularly good at capturing the energy
repeat Award-winner in the servers, thanks to DLNA and UPnP of a track, and always manages to
Audiolab streamer and teams compliance. And it can connect wirelessly maintain the interest in a piece of music.
it up with a newly crowned with up to 32 other Play-Fi-equipped
champ amp for 2020, along with two devices for a multi-room set-up. The right connections
products that are unfortunate not to
have had What Hi-Fi? Awards bestowed The Audiolab doesn’t quite knit music To pack such a performance into this
on them in the past. The Rega record strands together as tightly as the price point, Rega, as with all its
deck and the Dali speakers are stunning 2018-Award-winning Bluesound Node 2i, amplifiers, sticks with analogue-only
performers in their own right; and, most nor does it have the warmth we were connections here. For the purposes of
importantly in this context, they create a instantly drawn to with its rival, but with this system, though, it is absolutely ideal.
synergy with the Award winners here greater clarity, openness and a down-the- The io sports two line-level inputs and a
that makes this a system to be reckoned middle tonal balance, it proves the more moving-magnet phono input, so you can
with, for not a whole lot more than £1500. insightful and involving listen. hook up a turntable as well as the
streamer, and perhaps a CD player.
The Audiolab 6000N Play has romped Not everybody is ready to consign
away with our Best Buy trophy for their other source components to the bin The turntable we have gone for in this
streamers under £500 once again, and – and the Audiolab 6000N Play doesn’t system is a sister product of the io, Rega’s
with it – also once again – our coveted ask you to. This is a great, affordable way Planar 2. It is somewhat unfortunate as
Product of the Year title. Clearly, this is a to implement streaming into your system far as Award-winning goes, in that the 2
superb example of its kind, but it hides without compromising sonic quality – sits (not surprisingly) between Planars 1
its light somewhat under the bushel of its and with the added bonus of being able to and 3 in the Rega turntable line-up – and
screenless, rather unadorned chassis that slip into your hi-fi rack inconspicuously. we have to draw the Awards battlelines
gives nothing away of the vast network of up somewhere, so the Planar 2 slips
talents that lies within. Power that keeps a low profile between the price-break gap. Make no
mistake, though: this deck is a hugely
The foundation of its streaming Talking of inconspicuous – as far as looks talented player, and thoroughly merits its
experience is based on DTS’s Play-Fi go at any rate – allow us to present the place in this superb system.
hi-res, multi-room platform. This means new kid on Rega’s amplifier block, the
that, when connected to a network diminutive io. With the arrival of the io, It has been amended and adapted over
through ethernet or its dual-band wi-fi, Rega’s unmistakable and unquestionably the years, of course – the very first Rega
the 6000N Play can access services such entertaining signature amplifier sound is Planar 2 was launched way back in 1976.
as Spotify Connect, Tidal, HDtracks, now more accessible than ever. It shares Indeed the only parts existing from that
Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Napster, much of the character of its more 44-year-old original are the drive belt and
TuneIn, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM. expensive sibling the Brio, with an the plastic mouldings for the dust cover
incredible sense of rhythm, punchy lid hinges.

32 www.whathifi.com

View online review:whf.cm/Oberon1 TURNTABLE/STREAMER SYSTEM: £1576

DALI OBERON 1 SHOPPING LIST:
STANDMOUNTERS REGA PLANAR 2, £399
AUDIOLAB 6000N PLAY, £449
View online review:whf.cm/6000NPlay REGA IO, £379
DALI OBERON 1, £349
AUDIOLAB 6000N SYSTEM PRICE: £1576
PLAY STREAMER
View online review: whf.cm/io

REGA IO AMPLIFIER

One of the important newer arrivals is With hindsight, we shouldn’t have The Oberon 1s are stunning with
Rega’s new RB220 tonearm, which been surprised by the quality of the vocal-based material, and we marvel at
features new ultra-low-friction ball Oberon 1s. Dali has a generally brilliant the way they deliver voices in such a
bearings, a stiffer bearing housing and an track record with affordable solid and expressive way; you’d need to
automatic bias setting, making it virtually standmounters. Yet, we still weren’t quite spend closer to four figures to get any
plug ’n’ play. prepared for the sound we heard out of better in this respect. There are rivals that
these little boxes. dig up as much information, but few
Anyone well versed in Rega decks will deliver it with such a sense of passion.
no doubt recognise its sonic stamp: Weight, size and integration
balanced and authoritative with Tonally, these are nicely judged with a
impressive scale and natural musicality. The tweeter uses a 29mm soft dome, smooth treble that still has plenty of bite
It delivers bass lines with punch, its low which is claimed to be considerably and a full-bodied presentation that
end earning its wings for handling bass lighter than that used on most rivals. The sounds impressively confident and
notes with impressive depth and texture. larger than normal size (most tweeter composed. That controlled attitude
It has agility and momentum higher up domes tend to be 25mm wide) means remains unchanged, even at higher
the sonic range as well and, while the that it can delve lower in frequency than volume levels where most rivals would
Rega has the necessary precision and alternative designs, aiding integration start to harden up.
rhythmic know-how to coordinate a with the mid/bass and generating higher
complicated arrangement accurately, outputs with less excursion. We’re impressed by the way these
rendering hard-charging music with drive speakers convey wide-ranging dynamics.
and enthusiasm. Much care has been taken with the They manage to render an expansive and
motor system and managing the sound sharply focused soundstage that stays
The ability to tie all the musical strands that comes off the back of the dome so it stable regardless of a recording’s
together and paint them on a precise and doesn’t distort the forward output. complexity. Larger rivals will have more
spacious canvas seems to come easy to scale and sonic authority, but they won’t
the Rega, and in that aspect its delivery Moving down in frequency, the 13cm be anywhere near as accommodating as
simply works. Importantly, too, the Planar mid/bass unit uses one of the company’s these Dalis when it comes to placement
2 is a proper step up in performance from trademark wood/fibre cones. Dali has long or blending into a room. It’s the Oberon
its more affordable sibling, the Award- preferred this material for its low weight, 1s’ ability to reveal so much information,
winning RP1 – which is why, of course, it rigidity and fine self-damping properties. but also arrange it in a musically cohesive
makes its way into this system. way that really makes them shine.
Speakers this small are never going to
The final piece of our sonic puzzle, the produce loads of bass. That accepted, the That ability sums up the whole system
end of the line as far as the delivery of laws of physics being what they are, we’re really: this is a discreet, but beautifully
superb sound goes in this system, is a left with a wonderfully articulate formed quartet of kit that, as a team, is
really rather lovely pair of loudspeakers performer that marries a bold, forthright mighty hard to beat for sonic ability at
from Dali. nature with the kind of refinement and this sort of money.
insight that’s rare at this level.
www.whathifi.com 33

SYSTEMS

DOUBLE-DISC DELIGHTS T£O1T8A2L6:

View online review: whf.cm/CD6007

MARANTZ CD6007
CD PLAYER

O ur second system based sound? The short answer is yes, although View online review: whf.cm/PM6007
around our 2020 Award it’s not a step change. So, if you own a
winners is more old-school CD6006 you should probably stick with MARANTZ PM6007
in outlook perhaps than the it for now – it will still complement its AMPLIFIER
others here. Yet, for the partners here admirably.
money required to invest in it, it The clearest evidence of the line’s
provides (yet again) outstanding value Compared with the older CD6006 UK evolution lies in the PM6007’s
for money, and superb sonic Edition, this new machine is a crisper, performance. Its sonic character is as
showmanship for your outlay. more open performer. Stereo imaging has familiar as its casework: smooth,
benefited, with the new Marantz able to full-bodied and balanced, with a pleasing
Centre stage here is the Marantz CD render a more expansive and better- spaciousness. Like its predecessor, it’s
and amplifier duo. They look pretty focused soundstage. Instruments are about as agreeable a performer as you
much the same as the 6000 series has easier to locate and stay locked in place could ask for at this price.
always looked – which is to say neat and more easily when the music becomes
unassuming, but (dare we say it?) more demanding. A spirited response
perhaps a little old-fashioned now.
Similarly, larger-scale dynamics are Where it pulls away from the PM6006 UK
The big news on the CD player is the delivered with more verve and punch. Edition is in its greater clarity, precision
change of DAC chip to an AKM 4490 (the There’s a pleasing sense of composure to and rhythmic punch. Marantz has traded
previous generation CD6006 used a tie it all together. Tonally, there is a subtle some of that smoothness for a bit more
Cirrus CS4398), allowing the CD6007 to shift too, the new player sounding a bit oomph, and tightened up the bass. The
process high-resolution files. Not through more forward and a touch brighter. result is a more spirited presentation.
the CD disc drive, of course; you’ll need
to use the front-panel USB Type A socket And, of course, the CD6007 marries Marantz has done well to maintain
to get the files into the player, as there are really rather well with its amplifier consistency across the connections on
no other digital inputs here. You can play partner – also a 2020 Award winner. It too offer, with the DAC, headphone output
hi-res PCM music up to 24-bit/192kHz upgrades its DAC to the AKM 4490 and, and phono stage all proving strong. Over
and DSD128. in an effort to improve performance coaxial, a little clarity and precision is
across the analogue inputs (of which sacrificed, but the fullness and dynamism
Other engineering changes between there are four line-level, plus a MM remain intact. We prefer the slow roll-off
the two generations of player are a phono), new components in the power filter (indicated by a blue LED) for its
quieter power supply and improved amp and phono stages have been slight edge in exactness and naturalness
HDAM amplifier modules, helped along swapped in. And while the amplifier still over the more clinical-sounding sharp
by a sprinkling of higher-quality internal doesn’t have a USB input or Bluetooth, roll-off, signified by a purple LED.
components. Marantz has added a subwoofer output to
accommodate those who want to add That performance reveals itself
Do all the engineering changes bring extra thwack to their stereo system. through the phono stage and 6.3mm
about a worthwhile improvement in the front-panel headphone output, too – it’s
cohesive and punchy.

One thing is clear: with the arrival of
the PM6007, the Marantz amplifier line
has been strengthened yet again.

34 www.whathifi.com

TURNTABLE/CD-PLAYER SYSTEM: £1826

SHOPPING LIST:
PRO-JECT DEBUT CARBON EVO, £449
MARANTZ CD6007, £399
MARANTZ PM6007, £499
FYNE AUDIO F302, £479

SYSTEM PRICE: £1826

View online review: whf.cm/F_302 View online review: whf.cm/DebutCarbonEvo

FYNE AUDIO F302 PRO-JECT DEBUT
FLOORSTANDERS CARBON EVO TURNTABLE

To take advantage of that moving- That is of little surprise. Pro-Ject has the outset we’re met with a confident,
magnet phono stage in the amplifier, long proven its ability to offer up a forward presentation – but one that has
we have gone for a Pro-Ject turntable magnificently plush midrange, with all the detail and refinement we might
that has been changed in almost vocals so often a particular treat when expect from the best standmounters at
revolutionary ways – despite being called given so much warmth and held up by this price.
the Evolution. plenty of weight in the bass.
The presentation feels spacious, with
Among the upgrades to the Debut Here, it is also partnered with a great plenty of dimensionality both in terms of
Carbon Evolution are improved motor deal of detail and texture, the Debut width and depth. The size of the cabinet
mounting, new height-adjustable Carbon Evo encouraging you to explore suggests a wealth of low-end, but bass is
damped feet and a heavy steel platter its vast sonic range, proving Pro-Ject’s taut and doesn’t obstruct the F302s’ keen
that weighs 1.7kg and features a aptitude for making a deck that is both rhythmic sense.
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) damping easy to listen to and engaging. And
ring on the inside for quieter operation. engage it can – as can the final team Timing and dynamic range are often
member of this winning combination: neglected characteristics in floorstanders
Perhaps most welcome, though, is the the Fyne floorstanders. at this price – they often favour power,
addition of a rocker switch on the bottom bass and a grander soundstage instead –
of the deck, which allows you to adjust There’s not a whole lot more you can so it’s worth highlighting just how adept
the rotation speed more easily. No more do than win a What Hi-Fi? Best Buy the Fynes are at capturing both.
removing the platter and manually Award for each year you have been in
readjusting the belt when you want to go existence – and sure enough the Fyne Signs of maturity
from 33⅓ rpm to 45. F302 speakers are three-peat winners in
2020. A two-way, rear-ported design, the It’s a more mature performance than we
Having said that, we think you’ll want F302s house a 25mm polyester-dome were expecting, even having heard what
to interact with this record player as tweeter and 15cm multi-fibre mid/bass Fyne is capable of further up the food
much as possible. We have followed driver in each of their well made and chain. There is a little brightness in the
Pro-Ject’s Debut line for many years, of relatively sturdy cabinets. treble, but that’s only a warning for
course – but there’s a real sense of it contexts other than this one: here, we
reaching adulthood with the new Debut With the plinths adding a little more have matched the wonderful F302s with
Carbon Evo. Once you get it out of the width to the overall footprint, it feels as team mates that will do them proud.
box, you’ll have this deck up and running though you’re getting a lot of speaker for
in moments – just add the belt, platter the money – even though you won’t be This is a system that truly shows there
and weights and you’re pretty much greasing the sides to squeeze them in to is life in the compact disc yet – and, if you
ready to go. Despite the lack of branding, your living room. were to add a suitable streamer to the
its identity as part of the Pro-Ject family set-up, there’s no reason this talented and
is revealed immediately as the room is Uncomplicated in design they may be, well matched team couldn’t provide you
bathed in its rich, full-bodied tone. but their performance sets the F302s with your musical treats for many many
apart as immediate class-leaders. From years to come.

www.whathifi.com 35

SYSTEMS

MODERN MASTERS

T£O4T0A9L6:

O ur third system of system we choose here; the Cambridge View online review: whf.cm/LS50Meta
Award-winning synergy amplifier doesn’t have one.
brings us back to pretty KEF LS50 META SPEAKERS
much the ideal for the That motor is designed to avoid issues
modern 21st Century stereo such as clogging and the speed control the deck delivers an impressive
system, with a top turntable sharing uses techniques first developed for parent combination of agility, impact and depth.
pride of place as the source of the music company Panasonic’s Blu-ray players to The fact that this deck can go toe to toe
with a superb streamer. help with stability and accuracy. The with the mighty Rega Planar 3 (roughly
platter is made of aluminium, but the same price when you take the cost of
In this quartet though, the speakers are damped on the underside with rubber to a decent phono stage into account) is
clamouring to take front of stage as much control resonances. impressive indeed.
as the usual headline-grabbers. For KEF’s
LS50 Meta standmounters are really Even the plinth is more sophisticated Complementary qualities
something special indeed – and show than its clean-cut appearance suggests. It
that there’s still room for innovation in uses a combination of aluminium, ABS As we have mentioned above, the
what has been a fairly traditional sector and glass fibre to achieve the mix of amplifier with which we have chosen to
of the industry. rigidity and vibration control required to pair the Technics doesn’t have a phono
allow the turntable to do its job properly. stage – but that is pretty much the
More on the speakers later, though. Cambridge CXA81’s only shortcoming
Front and centre in this system is the Pleasant surprise number one is that (and it isn’t a shortcoming at all in this
Technics SL-1500 turntable, now basking the built-in phono stage is really good. instance, of course).
in the glory of a What Hi-Fi? Best Buy for And the SL-1500C package, as supplied,
the second year in a row. is one of the best-sounding we’ve heard A healthy complement of physical
at this price. It has a clean and precise connections joins an improved USB
This is a less elaborate mini-me of the presentation, one that defines the leading input. On the analogue side there are four
SL-1000R high-end model – now a and trailing edges of notes with RCA ins and a balanced XLR. Meanwhile,
reference deck in our test room. It uses impressive rigour. the CXA81’s S/PDIF coaxial input will
a core-less direct drive motor with handle files up to 24-bit/192kHz, and its
sophisticated speed management That presentation is composed and pair of Toslink optical connections take
circuitry, a hefty, well-damped chassis organised, and able to track a multitude up to 96kHz.
and a version of the company’s long- of instrumental strands with great skill.
running S-shaped arm. The turntable’s handling of dynamic From the opening bars of whatever
shifts is pleasing too; it delivers piece of music we select, we’re greeted
It comes supplied with the well- crescendos with enthusiasm, but in with the same powerful yet punchy,
respected Ortofon 2M Red (£95 if bought quieter moments there’s a light touch to dynamic and astonishingly detailed
separately) and is equipped with a convey enthralling musical nuance. presentation. Confidence is key to the
built-in phono stage – which is one of the CXA81’s performance; it hammers out
reasons this deck is perfect for the There’s plenty of punch too, staccato rhythmic patterns with assured
particularly at bass frequencies, where conviction, snapping in time and
allowing its expert handling of
alternately loud and soft beats to lock in

36 www.whathifi.com

TURNTABLE/STREAMER SYSTEM: £4096

View online review: whf.cm/CXA81 View online review: whf.cm/Azur851N

CAMBRIDGE CAMBRIDGE AZUR
CXA81 AMPLIFIER 851N STREAMER

SHOPPING LIST: significantly. While the basic sonic
TECHNICS SL-1500, £899 character is instantly familiar, the new
CAMBRIDGE AZUR 851N, £1199 Metas have gained a level of clarity and
CAMBRIDGE CXA81, £999 finesse the originals only hinted at.
KEF LS50 META, £999
We’re soon marvelling at the LS50
SYSTEM PRICE: £4096 Meta’s delicacy and precision. They
sound so much more transparent than
View online review: whf.cm/SL-1500C before and manage to render low-level
details, such as instrumental textures,
TECHNICS SL-1500 much more convincingly. It’s a full-
TURNTABLE bodied presentation with a good degree
of authority for such compact speakers.
a groove. Above it, a full-bodied and punctual, decisive and quick on its feet And it’s all rendered within a wide,
expressive midrange deals out melodies with the fluctuating tempo too. focused soundstage.
that are given space to soar, yet still sound
definitively part of a musical whole. With balance on point, there’s punch Still, there’s only so deep a 13cm
and depth down low and sparkling bite up magnesium/aluminium mid/bass unit in
There’s a richness overall to the top, with all-you-can-eat solidity fleshing a smallish, 30cm-tall cabinet can go, of
balance, too. This Cambridge is powerful out a clear and articulate midrange. course. Other similarly priced speakers
and weighty in the low end, but lean and will give you notably more in the way of
agile enough to dance around with the And, talking of clear and articulate low-frequency reach and punch. But they
most excitable bass lines, while the treble midranges, we come back full-circle to won’t give you the LS50 Meta’s insight,
is left plenty of headroom without the LS50 Meta speakers – standmounters delicacy or top-end refinement.
sharpness or rough edges. that set new standards at £1000.
It sounds like the Metamaterial
That the amplifier’s stablemate The LS50 Metas don’t look any technology really works. These new KEFs
streamer the Azur 851N won our music different from the excellent eight-year- sound so much cleaner and more
streamer Product of the Year title for old LS50s, and in many ways they aren’t, sophisticated than before, particularly at
three years in a row is testament to the although the Uni-Q driver array, where higher frequencies, even making their
astonishing abilities of this system’s the tweeter sits in the throat of the mid/ excellent KEF R3 stablemates (£1300)
digital-music distributor. bass unit, has been thoroughly reworked, sound almost ham-fisted in comparison.
taking in all the refinements that KEF has
Whether you connect the Azur over developed over the past eight years and These stunning, innovative speakers
wi-fi or via ethernet cable, music files up adding something called Metamaterial top this system off to a T, then. All four of
to 24-bit/192kHz can be streamed (and Absorption Technology (MAT). these products just work beautifully
upsampled to 24-bit/384kHz) from your together in a cohesive whole that really
PC, laptop or NAS drive. And where file Going down the tubes can’t be bettered at this money.
compatibility is concerned, it can handle
everything from DSD64 to FLAC and Here, the rearward, and potentially www.whathifi.com 37
WAV. Spotify Connect and AirPlay are distorting, sound feeds into something
there as well. about the size of a hockey puck that looks
like a circular maze. It is layered and made
The Azur 851N has a muscular, up of 30 tubes, each tuned to absorb a
full-bodied presentation, lathered in different frequency. KEF claims the tubes
enthusiastic drive, bone-rattling punch absorb a wide range of frequencies – from
and class-leading insight. Everything is around 600Hz upwards – more effectively
served with plenty of expression and than alternate methods. The result
dynamic skill, not to mention space and should be cleaner, less distorted highs.
openness too. This is a remarkably
entertaining and versatile performer. It’s And so it proves. It doesn’t take long to
realise that the LS50s have improved

SYSTEMS

PARAGONS OF VIRTUE T£O9T7A4L3:

View online review: whf.cm/DG-1

VERTERE DG-1/MAGNETO
TURNTABLE

O ur fourth system of the motor body is designed to move in was introduced in 2008, when vinyl was
Award-winning genius is an order to absorb belt tension effects, so going fairly strong – as it always had – but
undeniably expensive helping to improve speed stability. hadn’t quite hit the enormous revival we
combination. As with so have enjoyed in the past decade or so. We
many things in life, however, It doesn’t take long to realise that the had to wait for the third iteration of the
you really do get what you pay for here Vertere DG-1 is a terrific-sounding deck. It XS before a phono stage was introduced.
– and then some. has a bold, outgoing sound that brims Which makes it absolutely ideal for what
with energy and drive. Bass notes hit we have in mind here.
As with our other three systems here, hard and fast, but in an impressively
the synergy produced by these masters controlled way. There’s little in terms of It’s somewhat of a surprise to find that
of their art means that you are getting overhang and at no point do we feel that digital inputs and Bluetooth aren’t on the
more out of the system than simply the lows are dominating unnecessarily. menu still. Naim would argue that an
adding four random products together. outboard DAC would be a better solution,
This is a magical combination of what We’re impressed with the level of and at least that way the analogue
are, individually, considerable talents. detail too. The DG-1 is a precise and performance doesn’t suffer and the price
highly resolving product, one that’s able doesn’t change too much.
The Vertere DG-1 Dynamic Groove is a to dig up plenty of information and
deck/arm package that offers a fair dose organise it into a cohesive and musical We’ve always liked the Nait XS; yet,
of the performance of Vertere’s top-end whole. It’s excellent rhythmically, and compared with the last generation, and
turntables but at a far more approachable has our feet tapping with ease. We thanks to tweaks in the power-amp
outlay. It’s designed to be easy to use, and haven’t come across a rival that circuitry, the 3 sounds a little crisper and
even has the option of a fitted cartridge communicates the changing momentum more agile than the model it supersedes.
for those who want a complete package. of a piece of music so explicitly. The differences aren’t massive, but
they’re enough to keep Naim at the
That cartridge is the new Vertere A better cartridge would see an cutting edge of performance at this price.
Magneto moving magnet, and it’s improvement in refinement at higher
essentially a rebadged Audio-Technica frequencies, where the Magneto sounds a Built-in phono stages are often
AT-VM520EB. Bought separately it costs little coarse, and would also reveal even included as a box-ticking exercise with
£220. It’s a capable piece of kit but in this more in the way of subtleties. But, even little regard to getting the best results, but
context you should think of it as as the package stands with the Magneto the circuit in the XS 3 bucks that trend
something to get you going, rather than in place, it’s easily the most entertaining with a detailed and punchy performance
the final destination; ultimately, the option we’ve heard at the price. that brims with energy and interest. It’s
DG-1’s abilities demand something better. relatively quiet too. When we move to
A marriage made in heaven the line inputs, the Nait continues to
The DG-1’s motor is derived from the impress with a combination of insight,
one used in Vertere’s more upmarket It’s great that we can marry this fine dynamic subtlety and rhythmic drive
offerings and is a 24v pole synchronous turntable with a wonderful Naim amp that’s hard to better at this level.
design. As with other Vertere turntables, and streamer combination. The Nait XS

38 www.whathifi.com

View online review: whf.cm/ResponseDT8 TURNTABLE/STREAMER SYSTEM: £9743

PROAC RESPONSE SHOPPING LIST:
DT8 FLOORSTANDERS VERTERE DG-1/MAGNETO, £2850
NAIM ND5 XS2, £2399
NAIM NAIT XS3, £2199
PROAC RESPONSE DT8, £2295
SYSTEM PRICE: £9743

View online review: whf.cm/NaitXS3

NAIM NAIT XS 3 AMPLIFIER

View online review: whf.cm/ND5XS2

NAIM ND5 XS 2 STREAMER

As one might hope, the amplifier is the Bluetooth. It remains a pleasant surprise When fed Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
perfect partner to Naim’s ‘entry level’ when a streamer displays any kind of the Response DT8s respond with a
streamer, the ND5 XS 2. (For ‘entry level’ aptitude for timing, but the clock here is large-scale sound full of force and fury.
read ‘cheapest’.) Never mind entering at admirably precise, while an abundance of They deliver the music’s high-octane
this level – if this is the best your system punch and terrific dynamic range make dynamic swings with enthusiasm and
ever sounds you’ll be doing your ears for an entertaining, exciting listen. plenty of punch, yet have the skill to
mightily proud. render the subtleties with care.
The best of all worlds?
You’re unlikely to be disappointed Detail levels are high, with the DT8s
with this streamer even straight from the The fourth member of this stunning able to resolve layers of information and
box, but be aware you might not quartet manages to maintain the stellar organise it in a cohesive manner. They
experience its full potential for some performance of its trio of bandmates. render instrumental texture superbly,
time after its purchase. We always run in and deliver slight changes in intensity
any kit before we test it, but Naim The use of two types of 16.5cm mid/ and drive well.
products in particular tend to benefit bass driver working in tandem in the
from lengthy use to get up to full pace. ProAc Response DT8 may be clever from Stereo imaging is lovely too. These
an engineering point of view, but visually speakers paint on an expansive sonic
Tonally it is even, with the ability to it unsettles us. Why use two types of canvas, and locate instruments with
dig deep into bass frequencies with ease mid/bass driver? In engineering terms, precision and stability. The orchestra is
and tempering that with rich and there’s always a trade-off between the laid out convincingly, the sound
insightful mids and treble. It possesses optimisation of midrange and bass extending well beyond the space
that neutrality required to paint an performance in a drive unit. By using between the speakers.
honest picture of a track, refusing to force different drivers working in tandem,
its own presentation simply to catch the ProAc’s engineers have attempted to get ProAcs engineers can give themselves
listener’s ear. the best of all worlds. A polypropylene a hearty pat on the back. While the
cone in the top unit shoots for natural presence of two different types of mid/
And let’s not ignore the impressive mids, and a stiff poly mica diaphragm in bass driver caused us to have doubts at
detail on offer here. The XS 2 is as the lower is there to deliver powerful but first, we’re impressed by the DT8’s
masterful at conveying timbre as articulate bass. The trick is to get the two expressive and transparent midrange
anything you could hope to find for this working seamlessly, which isn’t easy. performance. Voices come through with
kind of money. That applies to the clarity, and are nicely separated from the
breathiness of a reed instrument just as it These floorstanders use ProAc’s usual complex instrumental backdrop.
does the shape of a synthesized downward-firing port arrangement that
waveform or timid croak in an intimate vents to the sides. This configuration Add in a healthy level of agility and
vocal performance. makes the speakers less fussy about you have a pair of floorstanders that
room positioning than conventional sweetly complement the detail and
And its insightful nature is present rear-firing ported alternatives tend to be. insight found in such abundance
even when streaming from Spotify via elsewhere in this talented quartet.

www.whathifi.com 39

F E AT U R E

20 OF THE BEST

2020ALBUMS OF

In many ways this has been a year to forget.
But in terms of musical creativity, it’s been memorable

Image Source: The artists It would be a gross understatement from Hus’s lazy vocal to the way he from music entirely during a tumultuous
to say this has been a difficult year shimmies between beats and genres, three years since the release of Luv Is
for the arts. The industry has been sounds effortless. A definite step forward Rage 2, but his otherworldly fusion of rap
disproportionately affected by the global from his acclaimed debut Common and melody is triumphant upon his
pandemic, with live performances – Sense, this is 45 minutes of crafted return to help save a mightily turbulent
many artists’ primary source of income transitions, somewhat mellowed but year for the rest of the world.
– essentially postponed for the still precise, that showcase his mastery
foreseeable future. of several styles across a series of cool folklore
rhythms. No wonder it has already Taylor Swift
Perhaps, though, it has meant more featured on a number of our best
time for musicians to be able to create; album lists. Hardly shocking that it
certainly there has been no shortage of caused a stir when one of the world’s
wildly creative and surely, in future, Dark Matter biggest artists announced she was
seminal albums released throughout Moses Boyd imminently releasing a new record
2020 – both before the pandemic took during lockdown, but it was one that
hold and during. We fell in love immediately transcended pop spheres when it was
with Moses Boyd’s first album as revealed that The National’s Aaron
The list here numbers only 20 – which bandleader and producer, with Dark Dessner had produced much of the
seemed an apt number for the year – and Matter fittingly getting its release on album. In truth, Swift has frequently
omits several of our favourites of the Valentine’s Day this year. You’ll find it in changed tack during her career – wearing
past 12 months simply because we the jazz section of your local record shop, new skins album to album, never merely
haven’t the space for them. It does cover but so sprawling is its reach that it could imitating – so the least surprising thing
a lot of ground, however, and proves that easily sit among an electronic, Afrobeat, about folklore is that she made this new
artistry is alive and well even in this R&B or grime selection. The south partnership work.
most traumatic of years. London drummer draws on an eclectic
musical upbringing to drive his genre Dessner’s tracks make no secret of
Articulation forward in the fashion its spirit deserves. their parentage – sometimes we still
Rival Consoles expect to hear Matt Berninger’s baritone
Edna issuing the first line – but these are very
Ryan Lee West’s trademark Headie One much Swift’s melodies and her typically
ambient techno is perhaps at its most engaging storytelling is in evidence
fluid on Articulation, trance-like at times Undoubtedly one of the year’s throughout this set.
and untethered from typical rhythms, most eagerly anticipated albums, Edna
which likely has a lot to do with his sees Headie One confirm himself as one how i’m
novel approach. During recording, he of this nation’s most progressive and feeling now
drew structures, shapes and patterns by enterprising artists – a master of drill but Charli XCX
hand to find new ways of thinking about by no means confined by it. A long yet
music. “I think the goal of a lot of lean 20-song set with features from Charli XCX’s fourth album was written
electronic composers is to find a balance Skepta, Stormzy, AJ Tracey, Mahalia and and released during lockdown,
between the vision of the idea and the Drake, its journey is a meandering one encapsulating elegantly the confusion,
power of possibilities on the computer,” between the pensive and the aggressive, loneliness and boredom of the time. But,
he says. “With a pen and paper sketch the playful and meditative. This is a though it will undoubtedly and rightly
you can compose and rethink ideas record undoubtedly worthy of the wait. be used as a kind of sonic photograph in
without technology getting in the way.” the years to come – both due to its
Eternal Atake subject matter, and how Charlotte
Big Conspiracy Lil Uzi Vert Aitchison used social media to workshop
J Hus the tracks – how i’m feeling now is a
If Edna was hotly anticipated, timeless triumph of the Cambridge-born
It says something about this Eternal Atake was an album at times we songwriter’s knack of finding an
year that we find it so unbelievable thought might never happen. Lil Uzi Vert absorbing melody among some
J Hus’s Big Conspiracy is less than 12 even announced he was stepping away compelling DIY electronics.
months old. Everything on the album,

40 www.whathifi.com

TOP ALBUMS

I Grow Tired But Dare Positions with her debut studio album in
Not Fall Asleep Ariana Grande August. Melding dub, cumbia and
Ghostpoet RnB with traditional jazz, SOURCE is
That Ariana Grande has the evidence of a skilled saxophonist and
Though we were growing impatient, ability to release three chart-topping bandleader placing her considerable
having hungered for Ghostpoet’s fifth albums in just over two years is voice within any setting she chooses
album since its first single Concrete Pony testament to the hard work that has and never missing a step as she leads
was released in January, really its arrival helped her climb to the industry’s the genre forward.
in May couldn’t have been more timely. summit. But that their mix of reflective,
At a moment when anxiety was at a conscious pop and playful interludes has Suddenly
national high, Obaro Ejimiwe’s also yet to let up suggests this isn’t the Caribou
meditations on his own mental health end of the streak. Positions explores love
became only more poignant, and are and sex in Grande’s characteristically Though it had been six years
matched on I Grow Tired… by his thoughtful manner while never losing since the release of Our Love, Dan
ever-increasing mastery of composition, sight of its sense of humour. Snaith’s previous album as Caribou,
instrumentation and production. there is an immediacy and directness to
SAWAYAMA Suddenly – even its name – that feels as if
Inner Song Rina Sawayama the record were written in a heartbeat.
Kelly Lee Owens Even the album’s more pensive moments
It would take a fool to attempt are full of movement, often on a journey
Kelly Lee Owens sets out her confining Rina Sawayama to any between genres, and at its giddy heights
stall early on Inner Song, the Welsh particular genre, but suffice to say she this is a record nothing short of euphoric.
artist’s second full-length album: it proves on SAWAYAMA – the roots of
opens with an instrumental cover of which are in pop music, R&B, hip-hop The Don Of
Radiohead’s Arpeggi, with a dream-pop and metal – that she is a master of many. Diamond Dreams
follow-up before a techno banger for This is an album heavy with Shabazz Palaces
track three. In short, this is a record not experimentation, toying with the
chained to any style – even for two tracks indelible hooks that are easily durable You can always count on Shabazz Palaces
at a time. More than simply a musical enough to carry that weight. to deliver something that both reflects
tasting menu, though, this feels like a the current musical landscape and yet
full, cohesive set thanks to Owens’ Silver Ladders appears to be answering it from years
sturdy yet delicate songwriting that Mary Lattimore into the future. The Don of Diamond
forms its spine. Dreams is no different, awash with
The soundscapes conceived by space-age synth sounds that take its
Live Forever Mary Lattimore with her harp can be undulating hip-hop rhythms, R&B and
Bartees Strange nothing short of transcendental, and trap influences to another planet.
Silver Ladders, produced by Slowdive’s
Most albums, even the Neal Halstead, is another 40-minute Viscerals
favourites, have tracks you’ll skip every meditation that feels as if to lift us up on Pigs Pigs Pigs
now and again. The best have those you a cloud. There are guitar lines sewn into Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs
repeat. Rarely does a record quadruple in Lattimore’s looped, echoing harp
length because you can’t bear to let the melodies, and the conversations Despite the band’s moniker, Pigs Pigs
last song go. Bartees Strange is that artist between the pair soon become some of Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs’s approach is far
who every five or ten years breathes new the highlights of the record. more elephantine as mammoth riffs tear
life into indie music. There is hip-hop through the speaker cone and plant their
influence in Kelly Rowland, minimal Sixteen Oceans feet square in your gut. Playfully eccentric
techno with Flagey God, but even the Four Tet as much as it is colossal, Viscerals shares
most familiarly indie, guitar-led tracks a Sabbath-like nous for using rhythm
feel fresher than peppermint snow. Even now, listening to Kieran and pace as much as pure noise to
Hebden’s 10th album as Four Tet leaves achieve a truly British style of heaviness.
Love + Light us bitter about the festivals of which we
Daniel Avery were robbed in 2020. We still weren’t You Want
fully prepared for a summer spent Omar S
Bournemouth-born Daniel indoors when Sixteen Oceans was
Avery released his third full-length solo released in March, and its infectious, airy There is the kind rawness to
album Love + Light with no forewarning house beats felt to be beckoning us into Omar S’s music that, while treading the
in June, only two weeks after recording the fields. It no doubt soundtracked line of functionality, lets you know
its final note, representing another many a garden party nonetheless, and exactly who produced it. You Want, the
bewildering feat of creativity in the most stands tall despite some heavy rotation. Detroit house composer’s sixth album
difficult of times. Separated in two parts, among a stacked library of EPs, is no
apart yet intertwined, the record features SOURCE different in that regard. It is minimal in
some gorgeous slow-moving textures Nubya Garcia its instrumentation, but not in its soul or
among driving techno that, much like swagger, and its release in 2020 could
Four Tet’s Sixteen Oceans (see right), Having worked hard recording not have been more welcome for those
makes us pine for the return of with other breakout artists over the past of us scratching at the panels of closed
communal listening. few years, and releasing a number of her nightclub doors.
own EPs, Nubya Garcia finally graced us

www.whathifi.com 41



XBOX SERIES X vs SONY PS5

Xbox Series X
vs Sony PS5

Two next-gen consoles hit the market at once,
but what exactly does this latest generation of
gaming involve and which one should you buy?

The time has finally come. After the are still in 4K, but they run faster, feel more
longest-lasting generation of consoles in responsive and look significantly better –
the modern era of gaming, the new though to some, that will sound like much fuss
next-gen is finally here in the form of the Xbox over nothing. The case against buying a new
Series X and Sony PlayStation 5. console only strengthens with the revelation
that you don’t need to buy one of them in order
But this isn’t like any previous generation. to play the latest games. With two exceptions,
before it. They have tended to usher in more of a every game that you can play on a next-gen
revolution – particularly in terms of resolution. machine will also play on its predecessor.
With the big leap to 4K and HDR taken care of by
the mid-generation Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, That, though, doesn’t tell the whole story.
you might expect 8K to be the big news here, Both of these next-gen consoles take gaming to
particularly as each manufacturer suggested as new, previously inaccessible levels – albeit one
much in its early marketing. However, as it turns more convincingly than the other. There is also
out, 8K is not supported by either console. the small matter of which machine is the best
streamer and 4K Blu-ray player to decide, so let
Instead, the Xbox Series X and PS5 represent battle commence.
the frame rate and ray tracing revolution. Games

Xbox Sony
Series X PS5
(page 44) (page 46)

www.whathifi.com 43

HEAD TO HEAD

Xbox Series X £449

Microsoft’s new flagship console is here, but is it the
multi-generational leap we have all been waiting for?

T here has never been a new TECH SPECS ever before, while also functioning as Unfortunately, the same can’t be said
generation of games consoles Maximum do-it-all entertainment machines. for the disc drive, which makes a real
quite like the one including the resolution 4K racket. It’s not really a problem with
Xbox Series X. Usually, a new console Maximum frame The Xbox Series X is joined by the disc-based games, as they run from the
brings with it an opening volley of new rate 120fps much more affordable Xbox Series S console’s internal storage, but it is an
and exciting games. The message: if you Storage 1TB SSD (£250), which lacks a disc drive and is issue when watching Blu-rays and DVDs
want to play the new games, you have to Dimensions (hwd) less powerful than its bigger brother. – the Xbox can easily be heard during
buy the new console. 30 x 15 x 15cm low-volume scenes.
That’s not the case this time. Neither Weight 4.4kg Both new consoles can be bought via
the Xbox Series X nor the PlayStation 5 Microsoft’s All Access programme, which While the Xbox Series X has obviously
has any exclusive games. Everything the involves paying interest-free monthly been designed primarily to be positioned
two consoles can play can also be bought installments in return for a console, vertically it can also be laid horizontally;
for and played on an Xbox One or a access to over 100 games on Xbox Game just be sure it has ample breathing space.
PlayStation 4. Undoubtedly, that will Pass and multiplayer gaming via Xbox
change and the ‘old’ consoles will be left Live Gold. At £29 per month, All Access While most are unlikely to see or even
behind but, for the foreseeable future, is arguably one of the most compelling feel the difference, the new controller is
you don’t need to buy the latest console reasons to choose the Xbox Series X over a little smaller than its predecessor,
in order to play the latest games. the PlayStation 5. which should make it easier for younger
The upside is that there is already a and smaller gamers. It’s also more
huge library of games available to play The Xbox Series X is a big slab of prominently textured, too. It’s better
on the new machines, and both console whose form follows function. than the already excellent controller
manufacturers are claiming that their The more powerful a device, the more before it, but not drastically so. We
new powerhouse devices will make heat it produces, and the Series X is wouldn’t recommend rushing out to
those games look and play better than largely the shape it is because of a huge replace your controllers – and you don’t
fan at the top. Huge it might be, but it’s need to either: Xbox One controllers
seriously quiet and mostly inaudible over work just fine with the Series X.
the ambient noise in your living room.

44 www.whathifi.com

XBOX SERIES X vs SONY PS5

Microsoft claims that the Xbox Series as that of an Xbox One. The big news is If you’re wondering how the Series S
X is the ‘most powerful console ever’, the extension of the Quick Resume compares, the answer is not favourably.
and it has the specification to back that feature, which now allows you to flick The cut-price console is perfectly
up, combining an 8-core 3.8GHz CPU with between multiple games rather than just capable in its own right, but its lower-
12 teraflop GPU and 16GB of RAM. That’s one, freezing each as you leave it and resolution output makes for a much
a significant step-up from the outgoing allowing you to instantly resume. It softer and flatter presentation.
Xbox One X and a slight increase on the works exactly as promised.
on-paper power of the PS5. Dazzling performance
Naturally, once you’ve unboxed and
So what does the Series X do with all set up your new console you’re going to As we flick from Gears 5 to Forza Horizon
of that power? Not 8K – at least not yet. make a beeline for those ‘Optimized for 4 and on to Sea Of Thieves, we’re dazzled
The company claims the Series X is fully X’ games. If you’re a Game Pass by the look and feel of each. Bear in mind
capable of outputting 8K but that, with subscriber, you’ll immediately have a that these are existing One X games that
no media currently available to make use number to choose from. They include have been given Series X upgrades,
of the resolution, it has chosen not to popular titles such as Gears 5, Forza rather than designed from the ground
enable the option in the system settings. Horizon 4, Destiny 2, Sea Of Thieves and up. It’s likely they represent just the tip
Ori And The Will Of The Wisps. of the performance iceberg.
Beyond the games X-optimised games will be available
from third-party publishers, too. For a games console, the Series X is
While a games console will prioritise sonically capable. It gets to the core of a
games, it should also serve as a do-it-all We opt for Gears 5 and get a strong soundtrack and delivers it with decent
entertainment system – and Microsoft sense of the upgrades as soon as we clarity, solidity and atmosphere.
has duly packed the Xbox Series X with enter the action. The resolution still
streaming apps. On top of the company’s adjusts dynamically according to what’s The Xbox Series X is a slightly tricky
own pay-as-you-go movie store with a happening on screen, so doesn’t stick console to wrap your head around. You
solid library of 4K HDR films, there’s also rigidly to 4K, but detail has been don’t need to buy it in order to play the
Netflix and Disney+. The Apple TV app increased and lighting improved. The latest games, it doesn’t bring a leap in
was promised by the time the console result is a significantly more crisp, solid resolution and its user interface is more
goes on sale, too, although it wasn’t and three-dimensional image that’s more or less identical to that of its predecessor.
available at the time of review. We were immersive and exciting. There will come a time, though, when the
able to access Amazon Prime Video, One X is left behind and games designed
although not in HDR. Spotify and Deezer Arguably more transformative is the from scratch will take advantage of the
give you options for music streaming, upgrade to the way the game feels to play. Series X’s awesome power and features.
while Plex and VLC allow you to play The Series X is able to stick pretty rigidly What matters more to most people now,
your own media files. UK buyers also get to its 60fps target and makes for a though, is how the Series X’s performance
access to BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, supremely responsive playing experience. compares with that of the PS5…
Now TV, TV from Sky and BT Sport.
RATING
There are still aspects of the Xbox user
interface with which we struggle – core PERFORMANCE FOR AGAINST VERDICT
features such as the system settings FEATURES • 4K games look • No exclusive It feels more like a
being treated as an app, for example. BUILD refinement than a
Arguably a bigger deal is that keeping the and play better games generational leap,
same user interface means that the core • Blu-ray player • Noisy disc drive but the Xbox Series
user experience doesn’t feel particularly • Unchanged X is still an excellent
next-generational. That isn’t to say that and lots of apps 4K gaming machine
the user experience is exactly the same • Almost silent operating system

operation

www.whathifi.com 45

HEAD TO HEAD

Sony £450
PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 has finally arrived. But does Sony’s
next-gen console have the measure of its Xbox rival?

S even years after its predecessor The DualSense is bigger than the PS4’s
appeared, the Sony PlayStation DualShock 4, and quite weighty, too. The
5 is here at last. But, while the general shape and button layout is the
PS4 proceeded to dominate utterly its same, though. Another addition is the
competition, the PS5 has an uphill battle DualSense’s integrated microphone,
to convince everyone it’s a necessary which allows you to plug any pair of
purchase. It isn’t a gateway to gaming in wired headphones into the controller.
a new resolution and you don’t even
need to buy one to play the latest games In the battle of the spec sheets, the
– there are currently just two that can’t PS5 appears to lose out against the Xbox
be played on PS4. Series X. Both have 8-core CPUs from
The PS5 is priced £450 – the same as AMD, but the Xbox’s are clocked at
the Xbox Series X. There is a more 3.8GHz while the PS5’s are 3.5GHz. Both
affordable PS5 Digital Edition (£360) consoles also use AMD graphics
which, Sony says, is identical to the processors, with the Xbox’s providing 12
standard PS5 in terms of performance teraflops of power to the PS5’s 10.28
and specs, but lacks an optical disc drive. teraflops. Microsoft offers a terabyte of
Standing vertically, Sony’s console is storage to the PS5’s 825GB, but the way
9cm taller and 11cm deeper than its Sony has designed and integrated the
Microsoft rival; it is also big enough to PS5’s storage makes it more than twice as
cause issues for those with limited space fast as that of the Series X, and
in their equipment racks. essentially boosts overall performance.

Marmite reactions But as with the Xbox Series X, the PS5
has no 8K output option within its
In terms of the PS5’s looks, Sony has menus. Instead, 4K at 60Hz is the broad
induced a Marmite-like reaction. For performance target, with 120Hz available
every person who likes the PS5’s style, via some games, often at the cost of
there is at least one more who hates it. resolution or graphical features. This
You can position it vertically rather than new console generation brings with it a
horizontally if that better suits your feature called ray tracing, which
furniture. The PS5’s controller is the first improves lighting, shadows and
real indication that Sony has opted to go reflections and has the potential to make
beyond processing power and aimed for games look vastly more realistic.
a more holistic upgrade encompassing
Disappointingly, ALLM (Auto Low
the way the games feel and sound. Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable
The new DualSense is a huge step Refresh Rate) aren’t supported at launch,
but Sony has promised the latter will be
up on its DualShock predecessors, added via a future software update.
and is packed with technology that
helps immerse you in games in For many, a console needs to be an
new and inventive ways. It’s all all-round entertainment device rather
down to a series of motors that than simply a pure games machine. The
provide haptic feedback as well as PS5 obliges with a selection of streaming
resistance in the triggers. Pull apps and a 4K Blu-ray player. Dolby
down the left trigger to aim a gun Atmos isn’t supported at a system level.
in Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Instead, 7.1-channel PCM is the highest-
and the resistance varies, depending quality audio delivery that can be
on the weight of the weapon. Pull the selected in the console’s menus. You can
right trigger and the first movement is enable Atmos for discs by accessing a
light before you get to a bite point. menu within the Disc Player app.
However, Dolby Vision isn’t supported.

46 www.whathifi.com

XBOX SERIES X vs SONY PS5

The Disc Player app is able to override TECH SPECS 120Hz. Competitive gamers should go While Dolby Atmos
the system’s frame rate and dynamic Maximum for the responsive 120Hz mode, while isn’t an option for games, it
range settings. If you play a standard resolution 4K those who prioritise cinematic spectacle is still the optimal way to enjoy
Blu-ray movie, for example, it will be Maximum frame will want to enable ray tracing. Switching game soundtracks. We test the PS5’s
output at 24fps and in SDR. Every rate 120fps between Call Of Duty on PS5 and Xbox bespoke 3D audio system using a pair of
streaming app, though, outputs in line Storage 825GB Series X, it’s difficult to spot any B&O BeoPlay H2 on-ears and the
with the console’s main settings, so SDR SSD differences in the presentation or the high-end Grado GS2000e over-ears
films are upconverted to 60fps and HDR. Dimensions performance. If one is a better performer plugged into the DualSense controller,
That might not sound like a bad thing, (hwd) 39 x 10 x than the other, it’s not obvious here. plus the official wireless PS5 Pulse
but it can result in some judder and the 26cm headset, and the Tempest Engine
exaggeration of contrast and colours. Weight 4.5kg Taking a break from gaming, the PS5 delivers open, spacious and atmospheric
serves as a capable streamer and sound with good placement of effects
In terms of app selection, the PS5 is on disc-player. Jack Ryan streamed from and a convincing three-dimensionality.
a par with the Xbox Series X. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video is punchy, dynamic
Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV are and naturally balanced in its colours. The There is a slight synthetic note to the
all here in 4K and with HDR. Disney+ is Apple TV 4K produces a slightly more presentation and the processing can’t
on board but is currently only in Full HD sophisticated and nuanced delivery, but quite place effects directly in front or
and SDR (although the console will the PS5 is close behind and certainly a behind you, but if you don’t already have
upscale to 4K and upconvert to HDR). UK match for the Xbox Series X. a surround sound package, the PS5’s 3D
owners also get Now TV, BT Sport and TV audio is an excellent solution that makes
from Sky but, of the terrestrial catch-up Switching to the 4K Blu-ray of Blade use of headphones you may already own.
services, only All 4 is included. Runner 2049, we’re impressed by the
depth, solidity and three-dimensionality While the PS5 and Xbox Series X both
Screaming newness of the PS5’s delivery. That has benefits suffer from a lack of exclusive games, the
across the whole picture, particularly in PS5 makes a better case for next-gen. It
As soon as you turn the PS5 on, it’s clear terms of drama, dynamism and colours. feels fresh and new, has a new controller
this is a next-generation console. While But the PS5 still isn’t a match for even and bespoke 3D audio tech. None of this
the Xbox Series X seems determined to the most affordable dedicated 4K Blu-ray can be said of the new Xbox.
convince you that it’s just like the Xbox players when it comes to subtlety of
One before it, the PS5 screams newness shading and stability in motion. The PS5’s credentials as an all-in-one
from its 4K HDR user interface to its new entertainment device are rather dented
home screen with game ‘cards’ that fill Spinning up the bombing-run scene of by the lack of Dolby Vision and Dolby
the display. The icons, logical layout and Unbroken via Blu-ray, the PS5 does a Atmos and the slight app gaps, but most
snappy operation aid its usability, too. good job with Dolby Atmos soundtracks. people will buy a next-gen games
It doesn’t have the crispness or dynamic machine for next-gen gaming and the
The PS5 has a next-gen trick up its punch of a dedicated player, but PS5 delivers this most effectively, in
sleeve, in the form of Astro’s Playroom, produces a room-filling sound with terms of new game-changing tech and a
which is pre-installed. Not only is this a clarity and well-placed sound effects. dazzling user experience.
great little platforming game, it also
serves as an introduction to the RATING
DualSense controller’s features.
PERFORMANCE FOR AGAINST VERDICT
We move on to Call Of Duty: Black Ops FEATURES • Looks and • Light on exclusive It’s not the perfect
Cold War, which is a great showcase for BUILD all-in-one machine,
the next-gen consoles. By default, the feels next-gen games but the PS5 delivers
game runs in 4K at a consistent 60 • Awesome • No Dolby Vision a true next-gen
frames per second, but you have the • Missing some gaming experience
option to either further enhance the controller
visuals by enabling ray tracing, or • 3D audio via media apps
enhance the performance by enabling
headphones

www.whathifi.com 47



XBOX SERIES X vs SONY PS5

TEST
WINNER

Sony PS5 £450 None of which is to say that the Xbox
Series X isn’t a superb console. It delivers
T his is a new console generation fewer than ten consoles, from the original on its performance targets, it’s almost
unlike any before it – one that Xbox One to the Series X on one side, and silent in operation, it’s more compact
doesn’t unlock gaming in a new the original PS4 to PS5 on the other, so than the PS5 and the controller has had
resolution and that hasn’t brought with it expecting these releases to be optimised some neat little tweaks. It just doesn’t go
a raft of new and exclusive games that for next-gen is pointless. Once fully quite far enough.
can only be played on the new machines. optimised games become a reality, which
That leaves the PS5 and Xbox Series X is likely to be in the next year or two, we In contrast, the moment you turn the
having to justify their next-gen may see performance gaps between the PlayStation 5 on, you are dazzled by its
credentials in other ways, and Sony’s PS5 and Xbox Series X appear but, for flashy new user interface, delivered in
console does this far more effectively now, there aren’t any discernible ones. native 4K and HDR. It comes bundled
than Microsoft’s. with a new controller that boasts
It isn’t down to the PlayStation’s That leaves each machine to justify its genuinely game-changing haptics. It has
gaming performance, though. Despite the existence elsewhere, and here Microsoft a bespoke new 3D audio engine that can
differences in specs, the actual delivery is has made some peculiar decisions. The be tapped into by anyone, regardless of
close to identical. Both consoles deliver a whole Xbox Series X experience is too budget and space. And it comes bundled
solid 4K@60Hz experience, and both familiar. At every stage, it seems with an exclusive new game that
allow for the addition of beautiful ray determined to convince you that it’s just perfectly introduces you to all of these
tracing or 120Hz action on certain games. like the Xbox One before it. That’s likely a new features.
When it comes to cross-platform gaming, result of the company seeing Xbox as a
there’s no winner or loser here. platform designed to work across lots of Both consoles perform fairly well as
That could well change in the future. different hardware, including PCs, but it streamers and Blu-ray players, but each
This first batch of cross-platform games is feels like a misstep. If you’ve just forked has its own flaws in these regards. There’s
also cross-generational. Every one of out £450 on a new games machine, you little reason to choose one over the other
them has been designed to run on no want the whole experience to feel here, particularly when both are bettered
sparkly, fresh and next-generational. by dedicated players anyway.

In other words, it really comes down to
gaming – just as it should. In this regard,
the PS5 comes out on top by going
beyond resolution and refresh rate and
delivering an overall experience that’s
truly representative of a new generation.

www.whathifi.com 49