Home Cinema -August 2022

WWW.HOMECINEMACHOICE.COM 101

SELECT

Gear Guide ➜ TELEVISIONS From entry-level LEDs to flagship 8K monsters

BLU-RAY PLAYERS Which deck rules the roost? PROJECTORS It's time to blow up your video!
AV RECEIVERS 5.1, 7.1, 11.2 – we've got all the options covered SPEAKERS Killer surround sound setups

for all rooms and budgets PVRs Including super-slim Freeview boxes and Sky Q AND MORE!

SLFgPOOOuEuOiRdAtroKeTKNIhoiNEsEepRWhGlp1eS5r?e

All prices quoted are approximate and may have changed RATINGS KEY…

Outstanding
Above average
Acceptable
Disappointing
Dire

AUGUST 2022 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

102 GEAR GUIDE

TOP 15 Televisions

01

LG OLED65C2
➜ £2,700

Stylish 65in ‘Evo’ class 4K HDR OLED TV is a
true premium performer in every sense, from
its class-leading brightness to a processing
engine that even makes SD look good. No
HDR10+ playback, but do you care? HCC #331

TOP 5 New releases

Spider-Man: No Way Home Moonfall [UHD Blu-ray, West Side Story [2021] Dune [UHD Blu-ray] The Matrix Resurrections
[UHD Blu-ray] US import] [UHD Blu-ray] [UHD Blu-ray]
The first part of Denis
Spidey meets some familiar Roland Emmerich delivers With its ‘oh so pretty’ 4K HDR Villenueve’s new adaptation of Ambitious follow-up can't keep
faces in this enjoyable, affecting another hysterically entertaining visuals and lush Dolby Atmos the classic sci-fi novel dazzles on pace with the nifty ideas it
celebration of the webslinger’s slice of popcorn cinema with this soundtrack, Steven Spielberg’s 4K BD with demo-worthy visuals teases, but this 4K platter’s
cinematic history. Strong 4K AV disaster epic. Give the UK Blu-ray musical remake is definitely and a Dolby Atmos mix as pixel-perfect visuals and
credentials and a fun suite of a pass and sna e this awesome worth making a song and dance immense as one of the titular over-the-top Atmos sonics are
spoiler-ific extras. HCC #330 US 4K platter instead. HCC #331 about on 4K disc. HCC #330 planet’s sandworms. HCC #329 a home cinema treat. HCC #330

HOME CINEMA CHOICE AUGUST 2022

SELECT 103

02 03

Samsung QE65QN95B ➜ £3,500 Philips 65OLED+936 ➜ £2,500
Second-gen mini LED TV carries a premium price and a flawed 65-incher loaded with features, including four-sided Ambilight,
smart system overhaul, but counters with a jaw-droppingly Android smarts, HDR10+/Dolby Vision support, 4K/120
good 4K HDR presentation. Improved backlight management playback and a Bowers & Wilkins-designed Dolby Atmos
yields superb blacks and brightness. Dazzling colours. HCC #330 soundbar. A brilliant all-rounder and a fine performer. HCC #324

04 05 06 07

Sony KD-65A90J ➜ £3,200 NEW Panasonic TX-55JZ2000 Philips 65OLED+986
ENTRY ➜ £2,300 ➜ £4,000
Far and away Sony’s best Top-flight Panasonic set The most ambitious Philips
OLED TV yet, o ering a real Samsung QE75QN900B featuring an Atmos 5.1.2) OLED TV yet, this shares the
step forward in terms of ➜ £7,799 integrated sound system, same panel and processing
brightness and colour Top-flight 8K resolution 75in plus upgraded panel and as the cheaper '936 model,
vibrancy. Motion handling is Mini LED-lit TV delivers processor. The resulting but goes large on audio with
also a particular strength, as an awe-inspiring mix of all-round performance its custom B&W-designed
is the TV's gorgeous styling. brightness that only an LCD justifies the premium price. soundbar. A slice of flatscreen
screen can achieve with black luxury. HCC #328
HCC #324 levels that no LCD TV has any HCC #323
right to deliver. HCC #332 11
08 10
09

NEW Sony XR-65X90J Panasonic TX-50JX850 Panasonic TX-48JZ980
ENTRY ➜ £630 ➜ £1,400
➜ £1,500 No 4K HFR support, but The size and spec of
Philips 55PUS8807 otherwise this LED thinscreen Panasonic's entry-level OLED
➜ £899 Upper-tier direct LED TV remains a brilliant option at means it has gamers in its
dazzles with its sharpness, this crowd-pleasing price sights, but it's also a cracking
The adoption of a 120Hz LED brightness and masterful point. Universal HDR, user- performer with 4K HDR
panel and dedicated Game motion handling, plus Google friendly smart system and movies and TV. Sound
Bar expand the appeal of this TV smarts and excellent a dynamic approach to system is less noteworthy.
high-spec 4K HDR Ambilight Acoustic Multi Audio sound HDR and colour. HCC #328
TV, making it a brilliant value system. Very tempting price, HCC #325
choice for gamers and too. HCC #326 14
telly-tainment fans alike. 15

HCC #332

12 13

Philips 65PML9636 Sky Glass TCL 55RP620K Toshiba 50UK3163DB

➜ £1,700 ➜ £Varies ➜ £400 ➜ £350

Mini LED lighting and over A streaming-only Sky TV Chinese brand's first Roku Some budget TVs deliver
1,000 dimming zones make platform is integrated into model in the UK finds the more balanced pictures, but
this 65in 4K LCD TV a stellar a mid-tier 4K LED set (43in, streaming OS brilliantly this Toshiba's bright, sharp
performer with Dolby Vision 50in or 65in, all with Atmos transplanted into a TV. vibe will deservedly win it
content, but inconsistent audio) in Sky's innovative However, the panel isn’t a plenty of fans. Note the claim
picture presets hold it back new 'Glass'. Not the last word higher performer, so consider of 'HDMI 2.1' connectivity only
from greatness and can be on picture quality, and some this for a second room rather means support for auto
tricky to ‘fix’. HCC #331 usability niggles. HCC #328 than your movie den. HCC #324 low-latency mode. HCC #328

AUGUST 2022 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

104 GEAR GUIDE

TOP 15 Speaker systems

01

Paradigm Founder Series LCR/40B 5.0
➜ £7,500
Relatively compact models in Paradigm's
Founder Series make a big impression – the
sound here is all about precision, control and
superior dynamics. Excellent. HCC #325

TOP 5 On-demand

Marvel's Hawkeye Freaky [Sky Cinema] The Adam Project [Netflix] Red Notice [Netflix] Peacemaker [Sky Atlantic]
[Disney+]
Dumped onto DVD in the UK The Free Guy team of director An A-list cast (topped by Gal Enjoyably daft and profane
This first solo outing for the last year, this slick and inventive Shawn Levy and leading man Gadot, The Rock and Ryan Suicide Squad spin-o series
Avengers' resident archer hits body-swap horror-comedy from Ryan Reynolds hit the sci-fi Reynolds) and monster budget follows John Cena's patriotic
the bullseye, delivering some the brains behind Happy Death adventure sweet spot again with can't quite make up for this goofball – and A.R.G.U.S.
sensational action scenes Day can now be enjoyed in all this good-hearted, good-looking action-comedy caper's mediocre colleagues – battling parasitic
amongst the quip-filled dialogue. its gory 4K HDR/Atmos glory – and great sounding – time script. AV credentials are creatures and a hair metal
Fantastic fun. HCC #327 on Sky Cinema. HCC #329 travel flick. HCC #330 impeccable, however. HCC #327 soundtrack. HCC #331

HOME CINEMA CHOICE AUGUST 2022

SELECT 105

02 03

M&K Sound IW150 5.1 ➜ £8,550 Wharfedale DX-2 ➜ £450

The in-wall IW150 speakers o er the transparency and detail of The asking price of this 5.1 system will tell you it doesn't o er
a professional studio monitor in an enclosure that can vanish. the last word in surround sound fidelity, but Wharfedale's
This array adds driver-matched on-wall tripole surrounds and package is compact, well made and faultlessly delivers on
M&K's fearless X12 sub. The result is outstanding. HCC #289 its home-cinema-on-a-budget promise. HCC #283

04 05 06 07

KEF R Series 5.1.2 Bowers & Wilkins 600 Klipsch Reference Premiere SVS Prime Tower 5.1.2
➜ £6,250 S2 5.1 ➜ £2,900 5.1 ➜ £3,000 ➜ £2,900
Put four floorstanders on Revised for its 25th Bipole surrounds, a wide, The potent PB-2000 Pro sub
front and rear duty for a anniversary, B&W's entry- low-slung centre, full-range provides the bass backbone
wonderfully full-bodied level range once again floorstanders and a well- to this value-for-money,
surround experience, add delivers full-range, musical integrated sub combine in energetic Atmos set.
Atmos upfirers, and enjoy. and detailed sonics at this dynamic, easy-to-drive Compact surrounds/heights
a keen price. HCC #316 array. HCC #300 are easy to install. HCC #318
HCC #303
09 10 11
08

Monitor Audio Bronze AV NEW Q Acoustics Concept 50 5.1 M&K Sound LCR750 5.1
5.1.2 ➜ £3,250 ENTRY
The Brit brand's first Atmos ➜ £4,225 ➜ £3,700
speakers top o this very Triangle Borea 5.0.2
smart-looking and sweet- ➜ £1,799 Premium pack with an Get M&K's signature sound
sounding 5.1.2 system. A ordable floorstanding expansive, rich, moreish for less with this (relatively)
On-wall surrounds might system with Atmos modules soundstage, helped by potent compact sub/sat system
not suit all setups. HCC #319 (not pictured) is easy to look surrounds and centre. Design featuring the revamped
at, easy to drive, and easy to is as easy on the eye as the LCR750 models. Detailed
12 place. Musical, dynamic, and sound is on the ears. HCC #329 and dynamic. HCC #310
superb at the price. HCC #332
14 15
13

Sony HT-A9 Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Plus Monitor Audio MASS 5.1 Polk Audio Monitor XT 5.1.2

➜ £1,799 ➜ £1050 ➜ £600 ➜ £1,175

Innovative four-speaker-plus Q Acoustics pimps its sub/ Second-gen redesign of MA's Floorstanding Atmos array
-control-box system employs sat system with a new, bigger sub/sat system refines the combines value for money
360 Spatial Sound Mapping woofer but doesn't upset styling and colour options, (and basic styling) with an
to create convincing Dolby the exceptional balance while retaining the compact enthusiastic, bass-rich
Atmos and DTS:X audio. and refinement across the dimensions and all-round delivery that plays well with
No-clutter immersion. HCC #331 frequency range. HCC #309 sound quality. HCC #298 popcorn cinema. HCC #330

AUGUST 2022 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

106 GEAR GUIDE 02

TOP 10 Projectors

01

Sony VPL-VW290ES ➜ £5,500 JVC DLA-NZ8 ➜ £15,800

Not as bright (1,500 Lumens vs 1,800 Lumens) as Sony's The price tag might make your wallet quiver, but unparalleled
VW590ES, but arguably more appetising considering the lower performance, long-life laser lighting, cutting-edge tech and
price tag. Those looking to step up to a native 4K HDR beamer future-proofed features make JVC’s HDMI 2.1-equipped
should look here first. HCC #325 4K HDR projector the best in its class. HCC #329

03 04 05 06

Sony VPL-W590ES ➜ £7,000 JVC DLA-N5 ➜ 6,500 Samsung LSP9T BenQ W1800

A conventional lamp PJ that's The entry-level native 4K ➜ £7,000 ➜ £1,099
less inherently punchy than beamer in JVC's range is still
Sony's 790ES laser flagship a premium option, with The top dog in Samsung's A ordable entry-level Ultra
(HCC #316), but half the motorized zoom/focus/shift new The Premiere range HD DLP projector humbles
price. It also ekes out better controls, extensive setup of UST models has a a good number of pricier
blacks and still looks lush tools and an excellent formidable spec, including models with some of the
(and sharp) with 4K HDR. performance with 4K HDR HDR10+ playback, triple-laser most refined, balanced, sharp
and 1080p SDR. HCC #304 light illumination, 4.2-channel and engagingly cinematic 4K
HCC #318 audio and a slick smart hub. HDR images we’ve seen for
Best in class. HCC #318 under £1,500. HCC #331

07 08 09 10

Epson EH-TW9400 Hisense 100L9GTUK NEW Optoma UHD38
ENTRY
➜ £2,550 ➜ £4,499 ➜ £1,000
LG HU715Q
A boosted spec over the Spectacular colour and ➜ £2,999 An upgrade on the UHD30
TW7400 without a huge brightness coupled with (HCC #315), with higher
price leap. This model ups TV-like features (incl. Smart and compact, the brightness, reduced lag and a
brightness and contrast, Freeview HD tuner) make this South Korean brand’s WebOS second HDMI 2.0 port. These
and – with some user care triple-laser UST PJ and 100in 6.0-equipped ’CineBeam’ tweaks suit living room setups
– delivers exceptional 4K light-rejecting screen combo Ultra Short Throw laser and bigscreen gaming; dark
HDR images. HCC #301 a suitably epic living room projector is a joy to use and room viewing is hampered by
solution. HCC #330 delivers superb 4K images shallow blacks. HCC #320
in bright rooms. Meagre
onboard audio. HCC #332

Award-winning home cinemas 3FADWBINORI-DFITHCFNHAOEEORTFUSUWIISOINLEGNLG!N

At Cyberhomes our home cinemas and smart home installations aren’t just
about the amazing 4K picture and immersive Dolby Atmos sound. We can also
implement the lighting, the seating, the room acoustic treatments, the intuitive
control system from Savant, Crestron or Control4, and so much more.
For more details call 0333 344 3718 or visit www.cyberhomes.co.uk/hcc

FINALIST

Best Home Cinema
under £40,000

Home cinema design and installation • Lighting control systems • Multi-room audio and video • Home automation

0333 344 3718 [email protected] www.cyberhomes.co.uk

SELECT 107

TOP 10 Blu-ray players 02

01

Panasonic DP-UB9000 ➜ £850 Pioneer UDP-LX800 ➜ £2,200
Supporting both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and incorporating A phenomenal universal disc spinner, which adds audiophile-
useful image adjustments, this premium deck is at the grade music playback to 4K BD talents including Dolby Vision
leading edge of UHD BD playback. The build quality and support and metadata information display. Build quality
provision of VOD apps heightens its appeal. HCC #292 is staggering. HCC #293

03 04 05 06

Panasonic DP-UB450 Pioneer UDP-LX500 Reavon UBR-X200 Panasonic DP-UB820
➜ £200 ➜ £330
Panasonic lowers the price ➜ £1,000 ➜ £1,500 Panasonic's mid-ranger
for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ delivers on both the HDR10+
playback with this feature- Lacks the audiophile features This universal player from and DV fronts, and introduces
lite 4K deck – there's no (including the XLR output) the French startup company multichannel analogue
Wi-Fi or VOD apps, or the of the UDP-LX800, but this fills in a gap left by Oppo. outputs. As with the UB450,
brand's HCX processor to universal deck still sounds It's a great disc-spinner and the VOD portal could do with
fine-tune imagery. sublime with CD and hi-res well-made to boot, but its a style makeover.
audio. And like its sibling, you network playback side feels
HCC #303 might struggle to find one unfinished. HCC #324 HCC #295
on sale. HCC #296
07 10
08 09

Sony UBP-X800M2 Sony UBP-X700 Cambridge Audio CXUHD Sony UBP-X1100ES

➜ £350 ➜ £200 ➜ £800 ➜ £750

DVD-A and SACD playback A compact player updated The lack of analogue outputs This update on Sony's
join Dolby Vision 4K HDR and to Dolby Vision support, the is a surprise considering CA's previous ES-level 4K spinner
Sony's typically excellent UBP-X700 has a nondescript heritage, but this universal continues to dazzle with its
design and build quality design, no analogue outs (and DV-capable) deck build quality and audio
in this mid-range spinner. and a stubby remote. But sounds sweet over its digital playback, but the lack of
Yet DV remains awkward it's well priced, and o ers outs. As with Oppo's UDP- HDR10+ and a clunky Dolby
to instigate, and HDR10+ SACD support. 203, a MediaTek SoC is used. Vision implementation limits
is o the menu. HCC #304 its appeal. HCC #301
HCC #284 HCC #279

҂҂ ҂ ҂ ҂AWARD WINNING HOME CINEMA EXCELLENCE 01922 623000 getthebigpicture.co.uk

Design & Consultancy-only service • Full Turnkey Installations
Kit Supply-only (Call for Pricing)

108 GEAR GUIDE 02

TOP 10 AV Receivers/AV Processors

01

Denon AVR-X4700H ➜ £1,400 Anthem MRX 740 ➜ £2,800
Denon's first AV amplifier to support 8K and 4K/120fps isn’t Premium price for a seven-channel AVR, but the
just playing games. This nine-channel model sounds powerful MRX 740 adds 11-channel processing, ARC Genesis room EQ
and entertaining, and drips with feature tricks (including IMAX and HDMI 2.1 upgrade path to a sound performance that mixes
Enhanced, HEOS and Bluetooth headphone support). HCC #314 power and delicacy. HCC #321

03 04 05 06

Denon AVR-X1700H NEW Primare A35.8 Arcam AVR11
ENTRY ➜ £2,800
➜ £600 ➜ £4,500 Revamped seven-channel
Anthem AVM 90 HDA-range receiver adds
Entry-level X Series AVR Swedish corp returns to the future-proofed HDMI 2.1
goes one up on its costlier ➜ £6,749 world of multichannel audio connections to Dirac
stablemates by packing a trio High-end, reference quality with a cleverly configured calibration, 7.1.4 expansion
of 8K/4K HFR-capable HDMI 15.4-channel Atmos/DTS:X (including bridging) eight- potential and wireless
inputs. Rated at 7 x 80W, processor with a fulsome channel Class D power streaming skills. HCC #331
this is well suited to small/ feature list including HDMI 2.1 amplifier that brings pure,
mid-size rooms and sub/sat and ARC Genesis calibration. potent, fleet-footed grunt to 10
speaker sets. HCC #328 Lace it up to amplification your movie room. HCC #331
to enjoy a state-of-the-art
listening experience. HCC #332

07 08 09

NAD M28 Emotiva XPA-11 XTZ A2-300 Yamaha RX-A2A

➜ £4,000 ➜ £2,400 ➜ £450 ➜ £900
State-of-the-art Purifi
Eigentakt Class D 11-channel amplifier that This Swedish-made Class D This entry-level seven-
amplification combined o ers supreme bang-for- amplifier (rated at 2 x 150W channel receiver in Yamaha's
with purposeful construction buck, delivering 300W to into 8ohm) is an a ordable Aventage range shows o a
make this flagship 7-channel your L/C/R speakers, and and compact way of adding glam new look and detailed,
power amp one to shortlist 65W for others. Choice of an extra two channels balanced sound. Faces sti
for a high-spec theatre. balanced/unbalanced of appreciable power to competition from rivals,
connection. Dynamic sound. your AV system. HCC #326 including Yamaha's cheaper
HCC #316 RX-V6A. HCC #324
HCC #311
TOP 5 Bonus features

West Side Stories Being James Bond The Making of The Last Aquarius Releasing: Censor commentaries
Duel An Appreciation
The one real extra accompanying A 45-minute retrospective that This stylish British chiller sports
Spielberg’s West Side Story, but focuses on Daniel Craig's 15-year There's a long tradition of Ridley An extra on 88 Films' release not one, not two, but three
it’s a belter. This 97-minute stint as everyone's favourite spy. Scott movies being joined on BD of The Tough Ones, this is a chat tracks from a variety of
documentary explores the Craig and producers Michael G. by must-watch Making of... docs. fascinating look at American participants – each o ering
making of the movie, particularly Wilson and Barbara Broccoli chat This one's only a half-hour long, distributor Aquarius Releasing di erent but no less fascinating
its musical set-pieces, in terrific while the on-set/finished film but is nevertheless revealing and and its tactics for remarketing explorations of the film and the
detail. HCC #330 footage rolls. HCC #328 crammed with detail. HCC #328 Italian crime flicks. HCC #324 ‘video nasty’ era. HCC #329

HOME CINEMA CHOICE AUGUST 2022

SELECT 109

TOP 10 Subwoofers 02

01

SVS SB-1000 Pro ➜ £550 REL S/812 ➜ £2,300

The budget sub to beat. SVS adds its EQ app to its entry-level A fine update of REL's upper-tier Serie S, with a new driver
range, and squirrels a new 12in driver into a cabinet that's barely design, punchier amp and revised signal filtering delivering a
any bigger. There's bass extension and power to spare – factor powerful, poised performance from a glamourous cabinet
in the price, and the SB-1000 Pro becomes irresistible. HCC #322 with stacking potential. HCC #305

03 04 05 06

SVS SB16-Ultra M&K Sound X15+ KEF KC62 Bowers & Wilkins DB1D
➜ £2,500 ➜ £5,995 ➜ £1,400 ➜ £3,750
A 16in driver and 1,500W THX Dominus-certified sub KEF's dual 6.5in sub delivers This sequel to the DB1 moves
amp combine to give SVS's earns flagship status with controlled, punchy and EQ to an app and changes
flagship sealed sub real push-pull dual 15in driver surprisingly weighty bass driver/amp design. Beautifully
appeal. Goes big and low configuration and a stunning from an ultra-compact controlled performance with
but remains tight and fast. performance. Big and heavy cabinet that's perfect for depth and detail. Gorgeous
cabinet, so beware! HCC #331 a stealth install. HCC #320 bodywork. HCC #277
HCC #270
08 09 10
07

SVS 3000 Micro Velodyne DB-15 KEF KF92 Klipsch SPL-150
➜ £900
The US brand's smallest ➜ £1,495 ➜ £2,250 ➜ £850
sub yet, employing dual 8in
woofers (and 800W Sledge The fan-fave bass brand Smartly styled but powerful Want a bass bargain?
DSP amp) to deliver cinematic returns with a new range. dual-driver (9in) mid-range Klipsch's sub goes big with
LF thrills from an oh-so- This 15in, Class AB sub is model provides deep bass a 15in driver and 400W amp.
discreet enclosure. HCC #321 short of frills (no EQ, remote that's responsive and Impressive LFE depth and
or wireless hookup) but hits controlled. Compact and energy, in favour of subtlety
TOP 5 Console games hard and deep. HCC #325 classy. HCC #330 and speed. HCC #315

Halo Infinite LEGO Star Wars: Life is Strange: True Colors Gran Turismo 7 Sniper Elite 5
The Skywalker Saga
This new adventure for Master Definitely not one for adrenaline The latest incarnation of This latest incarnation of the
Chief takes the flagship Xbox Overhauled graphics and junkies, this narrative-driven, the 25-year-old PlayStation mission-based, third-person
first-person-shooter series into gameplay make this a welcome third-person adventure story mainstay drives circles around the tactical shooter o ers new
open-world gameplay territory, LEGO revisit to the Star Wars instead appeals thanks to its competition with its accessible features, massive maps, slick
but loses none of the Halo charm. universe, as does the chance to beautiful visuals, evocative gameplay and slick 4K HDR 60fps gameplay and fun
Play on Series X in both 4K/60fps play your way through the nine soundtrack and sweet, visuals. Shame about the in-app multiplayer modes. The best in
and 120fps at 1440p. HCC #327 main movies. HCC #331 measured writing. HCC #325 car purchasing, though. HCC #330 the franchise to date. HCC #332

AUGUST 2022 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

110 GEAR GUIDE 02

TOP 10 Accessories

01

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ➜ £50 Bluesound Node ➜ £550

This streaming dongle brings 4K HDR (HDR10+; Dolby Vision) Preamp/DAC now includes HDMI eARC, a smarter control
and Dolby Atmos to your movie den. Voice control aids search, system and upgraded processing. As with earlier generations,
while a quad-core processor yields quick load times and stream it's a winning mix of comprehensive features and beguiling
optimisation. A little stunner. HCC #295/#326 sonics. Perfect for adding music to your system. HCC #324

03 04 05 06

Audio Technica AT-LP5x Lumagen Radiance Pro iFi Audio Zen DAC ➜ £130 NAD C 700
➜ £350 5348 ➜ £8,700 ➜ £1,300
Our favourite a ordable Premium, do-it-all video USB DAC that outperforms NAD's compact, stereo
turntable. Easy to set up with processor with HDR tone its budget price and packs BluOS streaming amplifier
in-built phono stage and mapping, colour calibration, features including digital filter drags your music collection
USB for PC hookup, plus HDMI switching and scaling selection and balanced/ into the 21st century with a
33/45/78rpm speed control, talents. Chiefly aimed at unbalanced headphone fair amount of Class D welly.
the LP5x has good pitch those with projector systems output. This will bring a little Includes HDMI ARC for use
stability and a rhythmic, seeking best-in-class stereo joy to your cinema in a TV-based setup. HCC #329
energetic sound. HCC #318 performance. HCC #320 system. HCC #313
10
07 08 09

XTZ A2-400 Nanoleaf Lines Zidoo Neo S Roku Streaming Stick 4K
➜ £740 (excl. tax)
Delivering a huge amount ➜ £180 (kit) ➜ £1,099 ➜ £50
of power from a small,
no-nonsense chassis, XTZ’s Illumination brand’s app- Hi-res audio network player/ Easy-to-use 4K HDMI
2 x 220W power amp is controlled modular LED DAC with 4K HDR video streamer is a brilliant add-on
a simple, cost-e ective wands are easy to fit and playback over HDMI has for boxset bingers thanks to
method of adding more o er plenty of setup scope system hub potential. multi-HDR (inc. Dolby Vision
channel grunt to your and flexibility. A smart, if not Android OS doesn't incl. and HDR10+) provision and
AV receiver. HCC #329 exactly cheap, way to pimp Google Play, however, so Dolby Atmos support – but
your movie den. HCC #329 adding apps is awkward. the latter doesn't extend to
TOP 5 Blu-ray boxsets music apps. HCC #330
HCC #330

Mae West in Hollywood, Alfred Hitchcock Classics Mad Max Anthology The Pemini Organisation The Godfather Trilogy
1932-1943 Col. Vol. 2 [UHD Blu-ray] [UHD Blu-ray] [UHD Blu-ray]
Clearly a labour of love for the
Deluxe packaging, a cornucopia None of the five movies here rank With impressive 4K remasters of Indicator label, this magnificent These new 4K restorations
of bonuses and excellent transfers among the very best from the the three classic Mad Max titles double-disc set rescues three ensure that Francis Ford
for ten of the 12 movies that 'Master of Suspense', but alongside the barnstorming 2015 fascinating 1970s Brit-flicks from Coppola’s mafia saga has never
'blonde bombshell' Mae West beautiful 4K restorations still follow-up, this UHD boxset is a obscurity and backs them up looked so good, and are joined
made during her censor-baiting make this boxset a must-buy must-own for fans of George with an extensive array of newly by a terrific collection of new
Hollywood career. HCC #327 for Hitch fans. HCC #332 Miller’s franchise. HCC #330 created extras. HCC #332 and archival extras. HCC #330

HOME CINEMA CHOICE AUGUST 2022

SELECT 111

TOP 10 Soundbars 02

01

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar ➜ £2,200 Samsung HW-Q950A ➜ £1,250
The audio specialist's debut soundbar makes a dramatic A premium sound system that loves a Hollywood blockbuster,
entrance. 13 drivers, including 4in woofers, create a cinematic Samsung's 11.1.4-channel flagship marries convenience with
soundstage, with impressive immersion via Atmos, DTS:X and superb power, detail and immersion. A pity that auto calibration
Sennheiser's Ambeo processing. Big and bold. HCC #302 is only an option for Samsung TV owners, though. HCC #324

03 04 05 06

JBL Bar 2.0 All-In-One Sony HT-A7000 JBL Bar 5.0 NEW
➜ £150 ➜ £1,200 ➜ £350 ENTRY
A ordable and stereo-only, This soundbar's 7.1.2 speaker One-box system that
this compact HDMI ARC- array sounds sublime with deploys slick DSP to Bowers & Wilkins
equipped 'bar earns its keep movies and music thanks to engineer impressive virtual Panorama 3
by sounding powerful and its sense of scale, detail and height/width immersion ➜ £899
purposeful, and being tonality. Compatible with from Atmos soundmixes Third-gen premium 'bar adds
blissfully simple to set up optional wireless rears and despite a forward-firing Atmos playback and sounds
and use. HCC #306 sub, but such a system driver array. Compact design, terrific with movies and music.
becomes pricey. HCC #326 enticing price. HCC #320 Lack of a separate sub is
07 hardly missed, but usability
08 09 could be improved. HCC #332

10

Denon Home Sound Bar 550 NEW Yamaha Yamaha MusicCast JBL L75ms
ENTRY
➜ £550 Bar 40 SW ➜ £1,500
Hisense U5120GW
Relatively pricey for a stereo ➜ £499 ➜ £550 Designed to be just as happy
'bar, but the performance of competing with entry-level
this Denon is a cut above the 5.1.2-channel system perhaps Soundbar/sub combi snubs separates as it is augmenting
norm thanks to excellent bass falls a little short on features its nose at Atmos in favour of your TV sonics, this
integration and crisp highs. for the price, but its expansive DTS Virtual:X processing, but distinctive stereo wireless
HEOS streaming brings extra Atmos soundstage and comes recommended for its speaker/soundbar is an
treats, too. HCC #323 flexible HDMI connectivity rich and weighty sound appealing alternative to
make this a commendable signature and MusicCast a me-too ‘bar. HCC #331
addition to Hisense’s portfolio. multiroom skills. HCC #331

HCC #332

TOP 5 Back-catalogue Blu-rays

Drive [UHD Blu-ray] The Proposition Alligator: Collector’s Edition Vampyr: Limited Edition Candyman: Limited Edition
[UHD Blu-ray] [UHD Blu-ray, US import] [UHD Blu-ray]
A magnificent director-approved This Blu-ray restoration deftly
4K remaster, striking new Dolby From a new 4K scan with Shout! Factory’s release of the negotiates potential source- While it may not o er too much
Vision grade and remixed Atmos director-approved HDR grade 1980s creature-feature has plenty related pitfalls and captures the of a visual upgrade, this 4K BD
soundmix transforms Nicholas to a vast array of extras, the BFI of bite thanks to a gorgeous surreal, dreamlike beauty of Carl of the chilling 1992 Clive Barker
Winding Refn’s slick and stylish has put together the ultimate restoration and generous set of Theodore Dreyer’s 1932 horror adaptation sports a potent new
crime flick into a bona fide Ultra edition of John Hillcoat’s 2005 bonus goodies. Fans will definitely classic. Extensive analytical extras Dolby Atmos remix. Sweets to
HD hero. HCC #332 Aussie Western. HCC #331 want to snap it up... HCC #331 complete a top package. HCC #331 the sweet, indeed. HCC #332

AUGUST 2022 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

www.hifichoice.co.uk

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE...

to getting the best possible syOoouuUpnrFaTdmusseaNuilnosyOdinocmWfusoriarn!kge
sound from your hi-fi,
whether you’re buying,
tuning or tweaking

Follow us:

twitter.com@HiFiChoiceMag
facebook.com/hifichoice.co.uk
hifichoicemagazine

SELECT 113

TOP 5 PVRs

Manhattan T3 Freeview Sky Q, £subscription Humax Aura, £varies Humax DTR-T4000, Manhattan T3-R, £varies
Play 4K, £80 £subscription
Sky's new top-tier product The PVR honcho teams up with Available in 500GB (£170) or 1TB
Do you need an HDD PVR in the o ering dazzles with its Google for this Android-powered This YouView-based PVR is (£200) models, this twin-tuner
streaming era? This Freeview image-rich user interface, triple-tuner Freeview Play required to get BT Sport's new Freeview Play PVR provides
Play box loads up catchup via wireless multiroom skills and machine in 1TB (£250) and Ultra HD channel – available – like its non-HDD T3 stablemate
a responsive UI, o ers welcome recording flexibility delivered by 2TB (£280) flavours. 4K HDR to those with BT fast fibre – a slick user experience, with
Watchlist functionality, and is the PVR's 12 tuners. Now capable, it uses voice search and and a BT TV sub. Easy to use classy menus, a compact design
ready for 4K HLG HDR supports 4K content slick UI to make operation a joy. and with 1TB of storage and 4K HDR playback

TOP 5 Headphones

Mark Levinson No. 5909, Meze Audio 99 Classics, Audio Technica Sennheiser HD 450SE, £170 Sony WH-1000XM4, £330
£999 £270 ATH-Mx50BT, £180
This canny Special Edition The latest generation of Sony's
An astonishing demonstration These wired cans look lovely and Cable-free Bluetooth update update to Sennheiser’s noise-cancelling wired/wireless
of just how good active noise o er a level of audiophile fidelity of a wired design, with 45mm mid-range noise-cancelling 'phones retain the driver array
cancelling wireless Bluetooth you might reasonably expect drivers and lengthy battery life ‘450BT Bluetooth headphones and styling of their predecessor
headphones can sound. from models costing twice as (claimed to hit 40 hours). Sturdy delivers well-balanced but upgrade signal processing via
Performance is flawless, so it's much. Not a bass beast, but and comfortable, and a great sound and improved voice Edge AI and load on some new
really only the price that niggles that's kinda the point sound for the money assistant support. smart listening features

TOP 5 Wireless speakers

KEF LS50 Wireless II, JBL Charge 5, £160 DALI Katch G2, £330 Klipsch The Fives, £830 Q Acoustics M20, £400
£2,250
JBL's battery-powered, portable Second-generation Katch Active stereo pair with Active two-way bookshelf
At the top of KEF's LS50 Bluetooth speaker stalwart wireless speaker looks every bit horn-loaded tweeters, 4.5in speakers combining a
collection, you'll find this continues to impress in its fifth- as slick as its predecessor, but midbass drivers and a claimed comprehensive spec (including
revamped active stereo system gen iteration. IP67 waterproof now boasts aptX HD and AAC 160W power plant. Dynamic hi-res USB playback) with a
that blends lush looks and great rated and built to last, it packs a Bluetooth functionality and a performance is backed up by performance that outstrips the
connectivity (including HDMI surprisingly potent performance bolstered 30-hour battery life. extensive connectivity including price point, plus elegant styling.
eARC) with sparkling sonics from a small chassis A superb performer HDMI ARC and USB A real bargain

➜In the next issue #I3S3A4SuOUgN SE2A5LE

Don't try this at home What are the first steps ➜ Revie s
in a complete cinema room overhaul?
Master of OLED? Panasonic LZ2000 TV on test Perlisten D215s subwoofer JVC NZ7 projector
Heat Looking back at Michael Mann's fan- Hisense U8HQ Mini LED TV Yamaha RX-A6A
favourite crime drama as it lands on 4K BD AV receiver Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar
PLUS News, software, opinion, installs & more

CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE – BUT ONLY FOR THE BETTER

AUGUST 2022 HOME CINEMA CHOICE

114 OPINION

Paramount+ is the latest Hollywood studio streaming service to launch in the UK, but it's
hardly a blockbuster, moans Steve May

IF YOU WERE hoping Paramount+ would boldly go platform. Unfortunately, what we got wasn’t much Steve May came
where no streaming service has gone before, its UK di erent from Pluto, quality-wise. to Pluto TV only to
launch will have come as a disappointment. binge on Star Trek
Failure to launch
The new home of Star Trek shows (or the home Discovery – but
of new Star Trek shows, if you prefer), is proving to In case you haven’t subscribed yet, let me break the now he's staying
be a bit of a damp squib, partly in terms of content bad news: Paramount+ lacks 4K, HDR and Dolby
but more worryingly in terms of AV quality. Atmos audio. This means the eagerly anticipated to watch all
Xbox spin-o show Halo, shot with a roster of five seasons of
Paramount+ is a make or break strategic Arri Alexa cameras and delivered as a 4K digital Highway to Heaven
play for the media colossus formerly known as intermediate with a Dolby Atmos soundmix, reaches
you in hi-def and, possibly, stereo sound.
ViacomCBS. The company rebranded
earlier this year as part of its plan to Paramount+ is being o ered to Sky Cinema
muscle in on Disney, Netflix and HBO, subscribers free of charge. But use the Sky app, and
you’ll notice there’s no surround sound – it’s a stereo
the name a nod to its movie-making lineage (Viacom stream. Of course, Paramount+ can be accessed on
purchased Paramount Pictures back in 1994, for other devices, and on an Amazon Fire TV stick the
$10billion). stream turns to 5.1 when available. I compared the
new Star Trek shows, Halo and The Man Who Fell
To help fund this new gambit, the company sold to Earth, all with the same result.
o some assets, including publishing house Simon
& Schuster and Black Rock, the skyscraping network It’s entirely possible Paramount+ will up its
TV centre in midtown Manhattan. technology game over the coming months, but
for now, the situation disappoints.
When the streamer landed in the UK it already
had 33 million American subscribers in the bag, There are also some content shortfalls. The film
and it’s projecting 100m globally by 2024. It’s not library, with its Transformers, Scream and Mission
short on ambition. Impossible franchise hits, is pretty solid. Yet curiously,
given the huge content depth of the CBS TV vault,
And Paramount is no stranger to IPTV. It owns there’s little from there being used to pad the service.
Pluto, the ad-supported AVoD streaming service Why isn’t Paramount+ exploiting its CBS Daytime
that's home to B-movies and archive fare. In fact, archives from the 1980s, or unlocking the entire David
Pluto is where ViacomCBS dropped the fourth Letterman library? Where’s Survivor and The Amazing
season of Star Trek Discovery (pictured) outside Race, two giants of reality TV?
of the States, after it pulled rights away from Netflix.
This move was to placate furious fans who didn’t Above all Paramount+ needs fresh franchise
want to wait light years for the show after it had aired content. The breakout success of Top Gun: Maverick,
in the US, but it was a mixed blessing – on Netflix, due to hit the platform later this year, will help.
Star Trek Discovery was presented in Dolby Vision and But let’s hope it sorts out sound and vision first ■
Dolby Atmos. On Pluto, it streamed in HD and stereo.
Have you signed up to Paramount+?
Stablemate Star Trek show Strange New Worlds Let us know: email [email protected]
wouldn’t su er the same fate, we were told, as it was
going straight to the gleaming new Paramount+

HOME CINEMA CHOICE AUGUST 2022

OLED+ 936

The only OLED that goes
beyond the screen

A TV that any sofa would be proud to point at. Inky blacks and
rich OLED colour. The crystal clarity of Bowers & Wilkins sound.
And Ambilight – taking the magic way beyond the screen.

philips.com/oled+

VOTED THE WORLD’S
BEST BASS EXPERIENCE
FIVE YEARS RUNNING

³à³ ǝƏɀ ƫƺƺȇ ƏɯƏȸƳƺƳ ƺɀɎ RȒȅƺ ÁǝƺƏɎȸƺ ³ɖƫɯȒȒǔƺȸ ˾ɮƺ ɵƺƏȸɀ
ȸɖȇȇǣȇǕ ƫɵ 0X³ ٦ Ɏǝƺ 0ɴȵƺȸɎ XȅƏǕǣȇǕ ‫ ܈‬³ȒɖȇƳ ɀɀȒƬǣƏɎǣȒȇ Ȓǔ ‫ שׯ‬
à ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺɀ ǔȸȒȅ ƏȸȒɖȇƳ Ɏǝƺ ɯȒȸǼƳ٫٫٫