Home Cinema Choice

FEBRUARY 2023 HOME CINEMA CHOICE ➜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! LOOKING FOR A NEW AV RECEIVER? Our Top 10 guide is here to help WWW.HOMECINEMACHOICE.COM 101 SELECT Outstanding Above average Acceptable Disappointing Dire RATINGS KEY… All prices quoted are approximate and may have changed

HOME CINEMA CHOICE FEBRUARY 2023 01 Elvis [UHD Blu-ray] The hyper-kinetic native 4K HDR imagery (in both Dolby Vision and HDR10+) plus rocking and rolling Dolby Atmos soundmix of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley 'jukebox musical' will leave you all shook up. HCC #336 Jurassic World: Dominion - Ext. Ed. [UHD Blu-ray] Fun but bloated franchise capper stomps onto Ultra HD Blu-ray with the kind of epic 4K HDR10/ Dolby Vision picture and Dolby Atmos sound that the story’s set-pieces demand. HCC #335 Top Gun: Maverick [UHD Blu-ray] While more extras wouldn’t have gone amiss, this high-fl ying action sequel o ers an awesome 4K picture and Atmos audio. Pure home cinema nirvana from start to fi nish. HCC #336 Nope [UHD Blu-ray] Writer-director Jordan Peele unleashes a heady mix of sci-fi spectacle and subtext with a thrilling, unpredictable re-imagining of the classic UFO fi lm. You’ll never look at the sky the same way again. HCC #337 Everything Everywhere all at Once [UHD Blu-ray, US Import] Madcap but heartfelt multiversal mayhem. Come for Hong Kong action legend Michelle Yeoh, stay for the fantastic 4K visuals and energetic Atmos mix. HCC #334 102 G E AR G UID E TOP 15 Televisions TOP 5 New releases Sony XR-55A95K ➜£2,399 The Japanese giant’s debut Quantum Dot OLED fl atscreen adds a little extra refi nement and balance to the technology's colour and contrast charms. Immersive sonics come via Sony's Acoustic Surface system. Style and build quality dazzle too. HCC #336

FEBRUARY 2023 HOME CINEMA CHOICE 04 12 08 05 13 09 06 14 02 03 10 07 15 11 Panasonic TX-55LZ1500 ➜£1,799 Want Panasonic’s best-ever 4K HDR picture quality, but don’t need the premium 3D audio abilities of the brand’s fl agship LZ2000 fl atscreen? Then this step-down 55in 4K HDR OLED is an unmissable bargain. HCC #336 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+, but do you care? HCC #331 SELECT 103 Toshiba 50UK3163DB ➜£350 Some budget TVs deliver more balanced pictures, but this Toshiba's bright, sharp vibe will deservedly win it plenty of fans. Note the claim of 'HDMI 2.1' connectivity only means support for auto low-latency mode. HCC #328 Philips 55OLED807 ➜£1,700 With its exemplary performance and comprehensive spec, this 55in 4K OLED TV marks another step forward for Philips. New panel tech adds an extra level of dynamism to OLED's customary strengths. HCC #333 Panasonic TX-50JX850 ➜£630 No 4K HFR support, but otherwise this LED thinscreen remains a brilliant option at this crowd-pleasing price point. Universal HDR, userfriendly smart system and a dynamic approach to HDR and colour. HCC #328 Panasonic TX-55LZ2000 ➜£2,299 Panasonic raises the AV bar once again with the bright, detailed, colour-rich pictures and prodigious, Technics-tuned 360° Soundscape Pro speaker array provided by this refi ned, 55in fl agship OLED fl atscreen. HCC #334 Philips 65OLED+937 ➜£3,000 Dutch TV maker Philips takes its collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins to another level with this range-topping OLED fl atscreen that combines a best-of-breed 4K panel with immersive integrated 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos audio. HCC #335 Sky Glass ➜£Varies A streaming-only Sky TV platform is integrated into a mid-tier 4K LED set (43in, 50in or 65in, all with Atmos audio) in Sky's innovative new 'Glass'. Not the last word on picture quality, and some usability niggles. HCC #328 Samsung QE65S95B ➜£2,799 Quantum Dot and OLED come together as Samsung returns to self-emissive tech with this 65-incher. Capable of astonishingly bright pictures, it’s a shot across the bow of regular OLED TVs. HCC #334 Philips 55PUS8807 ➜£899 The adoption of a 120Hz LED panel and dedicated Game Bar expand the appeal of this high-spec 4K HDR Ambilight TV, making it a brilliant value choice for gamers and telly-tainment fans alike. HCC #332 TCL 65C835K ➜£1,199 O ering a level of AV specifi cation and performance way beyond its price point, this 65in 4K TV with QLED panel and Mini LED lighting is the best screen TCL has yet released in the UK. HCC #333 TCL 55C735K ➜£599 While a step down from the brand’s C835K range, this a ordable 55in Direct LED 4K HDR TV’s impressive picture and sound quality, plus Google TV smarts, make it a solid choice for budget shoppers. HCC #335 Sony XR-65X90J ➜£1,500 Upper-tier direct LED TV dazzles with its sharpness, brightness and masterful motion handling, plus Google TV smarts and excellent Acoustic Multi Audio sound system. Very tempting price, too. HCC #326 Samsung QE75QN900B ➜£7,799 Top-fl ight 8K resolution 75in Mini LED-lit TV delivers an awe-inspiring mix of brightness that only an LCD screen can achieve with black levels that no LCD TV has any right to deliver. HCC #332

HOME CINEMA CHOICE FEBRUARY 2023 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 #325 104 G E AR G UID E TOP 15 Speaker systems 1899 [Netfl ix] Dark creators Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar are back bending minds with this creepy, horror-infl ected, seafaring mystery. Spectacular Atmos sonics only add to the Lost-style fun. Binge it now! HCC #337 LOTR: The Rings of Power [Prime Video] Amazon’s $400million return to the world of Elves and Orcs apes the grandeur and spectacle of Peter Jackson’s middle-earth movies. The one streaming series to rule them all? HCC #335 Prey [Disney+] Dan Trachtenberg's brilliant back-to-basics Predator prequel sends the dreadlocked alien to North America in 1719, and pits it against a young Comanche woman determined to prove her worth as a hunter. HCC #334 Star Wars: Andor - Season One [Disney+] Unlike any other Star Wars fi lm or series yet, this Rogue One… prequel proves that politics and bureaucracy can be even more thrilling than any lightsaber duel or space battle. HCC #337 House of the Dragon [Sky Atlantic] Dense, political, subversive and icky, HBO’s long-awaited prequel series carries on in the vein of Game of Thrones, and benefi ts from some extremely slick AV credentials. HCC #335 TOP 5 On-demand

FEBRUARY 2023 HOME CINEMA CHOICE SELECT 105 Triangle Borea 5.0.2 ➜£1,799 A ordable fl oorstanding system with Atmos modules (not pictured) is easy to look at, easy to drive, and easy to place. Musical, dynamic, and superb at the price. HCC #332 SVS Prime Tower 5.1.2 ➜£2,900 The potent PB-2000 Pro sub provides the bass backbone to this value-for-money, energetic Atmos set. Compact surrounds/heights are easy to install. HCC #318 Bowers & Wilkins 600 S2 5.1 ➜£2,900 Revised for its 25th anniversary, B&W's entrylevel range once again delivers full-range, musical and detailed sonics at a keen price. HCC #316 Wharfedale DX-2 ➜£450 The asking price of this 5.1 system will tell you it doesn't o er the last word in surround sound fi delity, but Wharfedale's package is compact, well made and faultlessly delivers on its home-cinema-on-a-budget promise. HCC #283 Q Acoustics 3010i 5.1 Plus ➜£1050 Q Acoustics pimps its sub/ sat system with a new, bigger woofer but doesn't upset the exceptional balance and refi nement across the frequency range. HCC #309 Piega Ace Wireless 5.1 ➜£8,340 Active wireless (WiSA) 5.1 speaker system sounds sensational, with a cohesive soundstage, punchy bass and ribbon tweeter highs. Pricey but polished. HCC #336 M&K Sound LCR750 5.1 ➜£3,700 Get M&K's signature sound for less with this (relatively) compact sub/sat system featuring the revamped LCR750 models. Detailed and dynamic. HCC #310 Monitor Audio MASS 5.1 ➜£600 Second-gen redesign of MA's sub/sat system refi nes the styling and colour options, while retaining the compact dimensions and all-round sound quality. HCC #298 Klipsch Reference Premiere 5.1 ➜£3,000 Bipole surrounds, a wide, low-slung centre, full-range fl oorstanders and a wellintegrated sub combine in this dynamic, easy-to-drive array. HCC #300 M&K Sound IW150 5.1 ➜£8,550 The in-wall IW150 speakers o er the transparency and detail of a professional studio monitor in an enclosure that can vanish. This array adds driver-matched on-wall tripole surrounds and M&K's fearless X12 sub. The result is outstanding. HCC #289 04 12 08 05 13 09 06 14 10 07 15 11 KEF R Series 5.1.2 ➜£6,250 Put four fl oorstanders on front and rear duty for a wonderfully full-bodied surround experience, add Atmos upfi rers, and enjoy. HCC #303 GoldenEar BRX 5.1 ➜£5,350 American marque’s premium 5.1 bookshelf package combines an attacking, weighty demeanour with transparency and luscious detail. Superb. HCC #336 02 03 Monitor Audio Bronze AV 5.1.2➜£3,250 The Brit brand's fi rst Atmos speakers top o this very smart-looking and sweetsounding 5.1.2 system. On-wall surrounds might not suit all setups. HCC #319 Polk Audio Monitor XT 5.1.2 ➜£1,175 Floorstanding Atmos array combines value for money (and basic styling) with an enthusiastic, bass-rich delivery that plays well with popcorn cinema. HCC #330

01922 623000 getthebigpicture.co.uk Design & Consultancy-only service ï Full Turnkey Installations Kit Supply-only (Call for Pricing) AWARD WINNING HOME CINEMA EXCELLENCE ҂҂҂҂҂ 03 01 07 04 08 05 02 09 06 10 Hisense 100L9GTUK ➜£4,499 Spectacular colour and brightness coupled with TV-like features (incl. Freeview HD tuner) make this triple-laser UST PJ and 100in light-rejecting screen combo a suitably epic living room solution. HCC #330 Optoma UHZ50 ➜£2,699 Bright enough for daylight conditions and great with movies and sport alike, Optoma’s versatile mid-range 4K DLP laser projector doesn’t need a man cave to impress with its razor-sharp, dynamic images. HCC #334 Xgimi Aura ➜£2,399 Well-priced 4K HDR ultrashort throw projector o ers good sharpness, brightness and contrast, coupled with impressive Harmon Kardonaided sonics. Proof that Chinese newcomer Xgimi means business. HCC #333 JVC DLA-NZ7 ➜£11,499 An absence of direct competitors, awesome native 4K HDR10/ HLG/HDR10+ playback, and an expansive feature-set (including 8K e-Shift) make JVC's ‘entry-level’ laser projector hard to beat. HCC #334 Sony VPL-XW5000ES ➜£5,999 This native 4K laser light projector may cut a couple of corners (no 3D playback or HDMI 2.1 connectivity) to hit its price point, but impressive HDR delivery and Sony’s all-round imaging wizardry pays dividends. HCC #335 Epson EH-LS12000B ➜£4,499 A fi ne upgrade of the brand’s earlier EH-TW9400, this top-tier PJ packs plenty, including improved PRO-UHD pixel shifting, a laser light source, HDR10+ support, and 4K/120Hz high frame rate playback. HCC #333 BenQ W1800 ➜£1,099 A ordable entry-level Ultra HD DLP projector humbles a good number of pricier models with some of the most refi ned, balanced, sharp and engagingly cinematic 4K HDR images we’ve seen for under £1,500. HCC #331 106 G E AR G UID E TOP 10 Projectors Samsung LSP9T ➜£7,000 The top dog in Samsung's new The Premiere range of UST models has a formidable spec, including HDR10+ playback, triple-laser light illumination, 4.2-channel audio and a slick smart hub. Best in class. HCC #318 Sony VPL-VW290ES ➜£4,000 Not as bright (1,500 Lumens vs 1,800 Lumens) as Sony's VW590ES, but arguably more appetising considering the lower price tag. Those looking to step up to a native 4K HDR beamer should look here fi rst. HCC #325 JVC DLA-NZ8 ➜£15,800 This high-price 4K/8K e-Shift model delivers an unparalleled performance, long-life laser lighting, cutting-edge tech and HDMI 2.1 connections. But is it £4,000 better than the NZ7? HCC #329

SELECT 107 TOP 10 Blu-ray players Sony UBP-X1100ES ➜£750 This update on Sony's previous ES-level 4K spinner continues to dazzle with its build quality and audio playback, but the lack of HDR10+ and a clunky Dolby Vision implementation limits its appeal. HCC #301 Reavon UBR-X200 ➜£1,500 This universal player from the French startup company fi lls in a gap left by Oppo. It's a great disc-spinner and well-made to boot, but its network playback side feels unfi nished. HCC #324 Cambridge Audio CXUHD ➜£800 The lack of analogue outputs is a surprise considering CA's heritage, but this universal (and DV-capable) deck sounds sweet over its digital outs. As with Oppo's UDP203, a MediaTek SoC is used. HCC #279 Panasonic DP-UB9000 ➜£850 Supporting both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, and incorporating useful image adjustments, this premium deck is at the leading edge of UHD BD playback. The build quality and provision of VOD apps heightens its appeal. HCC #292 Panasonic DP-UB820 ➜£330 Panasonic's mid-ranger delivers on both the HDR10+ and DV fronts, and introduces multichannel analogue outputs. As with the UB450, the VOD portal could do with a style makeover. HCC #295 Sony UBP-X800M2 ➜£350 DVD-A and SACD playback join Dolby Vision 4K HDR and Sony's typically excellent design and build quality in this mid-range spinner. Yet DV remains awkward to instigate, and HDR10+ is o the menu. HCC #304 Pioneer UDP-LX500 ➜£1,000 Lacks the audiophile features (including the XLR output) of the UDP-LX800, but this universal deck still sounds sublime with CD and hi-res audio. And like its sibling, you might struggle to fi nd one on sale. HCC #296 Sony UBP-X700 ➜£200 A compact player updated to Dolby Vision support, the UBP-X700 has a nondescript design, no analogue outs and a stubby remote. But it's well priced, and o ers SACD support. HCC #284 03 01 07 04 08 05 02 09 06 10 Panasonic DP-UB450 ➜£200 Panasonic lowers the price for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ playback with this featurelite 4K deck – there's no Wi-Fi or VOD apps, or the brand's HCX processor to fi ne-tune imagery. HCC #303 Pioneer UDP-LX800 ➜£2,200 A phenomenal universal disc spinner, which adds audiophilegrade music playback to 4K BD talents including Dolby Vision support and metadata information display. Build quality is staggering. HCC #293

HOME CINEMA CHOICE FEBRUARY 2023 TOP 5 Bonus features 108 G E AR G UID E TOP 10 AV Receivers/AV Processors Emotiva BasX A5 ➜£749 American audio brand’s fi ve-channel Class A/B power amplifi er is an a ordable superstar, o ering copious, performanceenhancing power from a neat, tidy design. HCC #335 Yamaha RX-A6A ➜£2,000 With its gorgeous sound, this nine-channel ‘Aventage’ AV receiver is always a pleasure to listen to, whether handling movies or music. Features incl. 11-channel processing, MusicCast integration and HDMI 2.1 on all inputs. HCC #334 Anthem MRX 740 ➜£2,800 Premium price for a seven-channel AVR, but the MRX 740 adds 11-channel processing, ARC Genesis room EQ and HDMI 2.1 upgrade path to a sound performance that mixes power and delicacy. HCC #321 Arcam AVR11 ➜£2,800 Revamped seven-channel HDA-range receiver adds future-proofed HDMI 2.1 connections to Dirac calibration, 7.1.4 expansion potential and wireless streaming skills. HCC #331 Denon AVR-X1700H ➜£600 Entry-level X Series AVR goes one up on its costlier stablemates by packing a trio of 8K/4K HFR-capable HDMI inputs. Rated at 7 x 80W, this is well suited to small/ mid-size rooms and sub/sat speaker sets. HCC #328 Anthem AVM 90 ➜£6,749 High-end, reference quality 15.4-channel Atmos/DTS:X processor with a fulsome feature list including HDMI 2.1 and ARC Genesis calibration. Lace it up to amplifi cation to enjoy a state-of-the-art listening experience. HCC #332 Primare SPA25 ➜£4,000 HDMI 2.0 connectivity may not be state-of-the-art, but if that doesn’t matter then Primare’s nine-channel, Dirac-equipped Class D AV receiver must be heard. High-class hardware with heavenly looks. HCC #337 Emotiva XPA-11 ➜£2,400 11-channel amplifi er that o ers supreme bang-forbuck, delivering 300W to your L/C/R speakers, and 65W for others. Choice of balanced/unbalanced connection. Dynamic sound. HCC #311 Denon AVR-X4700H ➜£1,400 Denon's fi rst AV amplifi er to support 8K and 4K/120fps isn’t just playing games. This nine-channel model sounds powerful and entertaining, and drips with feature tricks (including IMAX Enhanced, HEOS and Bluetooth headphone support). HCC #314 03 01 07 04 08 05 02 09 06 10 West Side Stories The one real extra accompanying Spielberg’s West Side Story, but it’s a belter. This 97-minute documentary explores the making of the movie, particularly its musical set-pieces, in terrifi c detail. HCC #330 Shadows: The Making of Nope Running the best part of an hour, this behind-the-scenes documentary discusses the production (and complex themes) of writer-director Jordan Peele’s sci-fi /horror. HCC #337 Vengeance in the Making Far more informative and candid than your typical Hollywood blockbuster Making of… piece, this 55-minute documentary explores the creative challenges involved in bringing The Batman to the silver screen. HCC #333 Renato Casaro: The Last Movie Painter Feature-length doc celebrating Italian artist Renato Casaro, painter of iconic movie posters for the likes of Octopussy, Flash Gordon and Red Sonja – fi nd it on the latter's new 4K BD. HCC #334 Mike Hodges: A Film-maker’s Life Exclusive to Arrow’s Limited Edition release of Mike Hodges’ Croupier, this candid new two-hour documentary sees the fi lmmaker talk in depth about his career. HCC #337 Primare A35.8 ➜£4,500 Swedish corp returns to the world of multichannel audio with a cleverly confi gured (including bridging) eightchannel Class D power amplifi er that brings pure, potent, fl eet-footed grunt to your movie room. HCC #331 P i NEW ENTRY

FEBRUARY 2023 HOME CINEMA CHOICE SELECT 109 TOP 10 Subwoofers SVS SB16-Ultra ➜£2,500 A 16in driver and 1,500W amp combine to give SVS's fl agship sealed sub real appeal. Goes big and low but remains tight and fast. HCC #270 Velodyne DB-15 ➜£1,495 The fan-fave bass brand returns with a new range. This 15in Class AB sub is short of frills (no EQ, remote or wireless hookup) but hits hard and deep. HCC #325 REL S/812 ➜£2,300 A fi ne update of REL's upper-tier Serie S, with a new driver design, punchier amp and revised signal fi ltering delivering a powerful, poised performance from a glamourous cabinet with stacking potential. HCC #305 M&K Sound X15+ ➜£5,995 THX Dominus-certifi ed sub earns fl agship status with push-pull dual 15in driver confi guration and a stunning performance. Big and heavy cabinet, so beware! HCC #331 Perlisten D215s ➜£8,100 Hefty, THX Dominus-certifi ed dual 15in sealed subwoofer is a grown-up bassmaker designed for high-end systems. An immaculate performer. HCC #334 KEF KC62 ➜£1,400 KEF's dual 6.5in sub delivers controlled, punchy and surprisingly weighty bass from an ultra-compact cabinet that's perfect for a stealth install. HCC #320 SVS SB-1000 Pro ➜£550 The budget sub to beat. SVS adds its EQ app to its entry-level range, and squirrels a new 12in driver into a cabinet that's barely any bigger. There's bass extension and power to spare – factor in the price, and the SB-1000 Pro becomes irresistible. HCC #322 03 01 07 04 08 05 02 09 06 10 TOP 5 Console games Halo Infi nite This new adventure for Master Chief takes the fl agship Xbox fi rst-person-shooter series into open-world gameplay territory, but loses none of the Halo charm. Play on Series X in both 4K/60fps and 120fps at 1440p. HCC #327 Saints Row After a run of increasingly insane sequels, this next-gen reboot takes the popular GTA clone back to basics. The result is the biggest and best-looking Saints Row yet, and one that’s also an absolute blast to play. HCC #335 God of War Ragnarok Superb, varied gameplay, breathtakingly epic visuals and a heartfelt story combine to incredible e ect as the PlayStation-exclusive action-adventure-RPG franchise returns in style. HCC #337 Stray New studio BlueTwelve gets o to a purr-fect start with this stylish platformer-meetsadventure game that puts you in control of a cat lost in a post-apocalyptic city. Short, but incredibly sweet. HCC #334 Sniper Elite 5 This latest incarnation of the mission-based, third-person tactical shooter o ers new features, massive maps, slick 60fps gameplay and fun multiplayer modes. The best in the franchise to date. HCC #332 REL HT/1510 Predator ➜£1,800 A new addition to REL’s home cinema-centric Predator range, this sealed 15in sub delivers fast, tight bass/LFE with sublime impact. No frills, but plenty of thrills. HCC #333 REL HT/1003 MKII ➜£699 If you’ve got limited space, REL’s responsive and a ordable entry-level 10in sealed bass-bin will hammer your home cinema’s low-end into shape. HCC #336 Bowers & Wilkins DB1D ➜£3,750 This sequel to the DB1 moves EQ to an app and changes driver/amp design. Beautifully controlled performance with depth and detail. Gorgeous bodywork. HCC #277 NEW ENTRY

HOME CINEMA CHOICE FEBRUARY 2023 TOP 5 Blu-ray boxsets The Infernal A airs Trilogy The inspiration for Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, this electrifying Hong Kong crime saga returns to Blu-ray with new 4K restorations, impactful DTS-HD MA 5.1 sonics and a generous set of extras. HCC #337 Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror Collection - Vol. 2 [UHD Blu-ray] Four more vintage monster movies get a 4K overhaul, with restorations so striking even 1943’s The Phantom of the Opera is worth another look. HCC #337 Star Trek: The Original Motion Picture 6-Movie Collection [UHD Blu-ray] Attractive 4K upgrades of the original ST crew’s movies, including long-awaited overhaul of Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director’s Edition. HCC #335 The Police Story Trilogy [UHD Blu-ray] Classic Jackie Chan action franchise hits 4K disc with a trio of good-looking restorations and a wealth of extras, including alternate cuts and multiple commentaries. HCC #335 Columbia Classics: 4K Ultra HD Collection - Vol. 3 [UHD Blu-ray] Six fl icks from the Columbia Pictures vaults have been brushed up beautifully in 4K and loaded with an unparalleled array of extra features. HCC #337 110 G E AR G UID E TOP 10 Accessories Roku Streaming Stick 4K ➜£50 Easy-to-use 4K HDMI streamer is a brilliant add-on for boxset bingers thanks to multi-HDR (inc. Dolby Vision and HDR10+) provision and Dolby Atmos support – but the latter doesn't extend to music apps. HCC #330 Nanoleaf Lines ➜£180 (kit) Illumination brand’s appcontrolled modular LED wands are easy to fi t and o er plenty of setup scope and fl exibility. A smart, if not exactly cheap, way to pimp your movie den. HCC #329 Bluesound Node ➜£550 Preamp/DAC now includes HDMI eARC, a smarter control system and upgraded processing. As with earlier generations, it's a winning mix of comprehensive features and beguiling sonics. Perfect for adding music to your system. HCC #324 iFi Audio Zen DAC ➜£130 USB DAC that outperforms its budget price and packs features including digital fi lter selection and balanced/ unbalanced headphone output. This will bring a little stereo joy to your cinema system. HCC #313 NAD C 700 ➜£1,300 NAD's compact, stereo BluOS streaming amplifi er drags your music collection into the 21st century with a fair amount of Class D welly. Includes HDMI ARC for use in a TV-based setup. HCC #329 Lumagen Radiance Pro 5348 ➜£8,700 Premium, do-it-all video processor with HDR tone mapping, colour calibration, HDMI switching and scaling talents. Chiefl y aimed at those with projector systems seeking best-in-class performance. HCC #320 Musical Fidelity M6x ➜£2,099 Outboard DAC (incl. USB-B support) provides superior fi le compatibility and a detailed, evocative sound that will have you digging out all of your old favourites. A pricey AV system add-on, but highly recommended. HCC #334 Audio Technica AT-LP5x ➜£350 Our favourite a ordable turntable. Easy to set up with in-built phono stage and USB for PC hookup, plus 33/45/78rpm speed control, the LP5x has good pitch stability and a rhythmic, energetic sound. HCC #318 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ➜£50 This streaming dongle brings 4K HDR (HDR10+; Dolby Vision) and Dolby Atmos to your movie den. Voice control aids search, while a quad-core processor yields quick load times and stream optimisation. A little stunner. HCC #295/#326 03 01 07 04 08 05 02 09 06 10 Zidoo Neo S ➜£1,099 Hi-res audio network player/ DAC with 4K HDR video playback over HDMI has system hub potential. Android OS doesn't incl. Google Play, however, so adding apps is awkward. HCC #330

FEBRUARY 2023 HOME CINEMA CHOICE SELECT 111 TOP 10 Soundbars Philips Fidelio FB1 ➜£699 Premium single-box Dolby Atmos/DTS:X audio solution is a real head-turner. Audio performance is exceptional and it’s loaded with features (and light-up drivers, too!). At this price, it’s the soundbar to beat. HCC #334 Devialet Dione ➜£1,990 French hi-fi auteur’s debut all-in-one Atmos soundbar is a sensational performer, bringing home the box offi ce with rich tonality and best-in-class bass. A remote control would have been nice, though. HCC #333 Yamaha MusicCast Bar 40 SW ➜£550 Soundbar/sub combi snubs its nose at Atmos in favour of DTS Virtual:X processing, but comes recommended for its rich and weighty sound signature and MusicCast multiroom skills. HCC #331 Samsung HW-Q990B ➜£1,399 An ‘evolution not revolution’ approach ensures this fantastic fl agship 11.4-channel soundbar system continues Samsung’s tradition of powerful, detailed and immersive Atmos sonics, only now with even sweeter highs and lusher lows. HCC #336 Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 ➜£799 The lack of DTS:X is a niggle, but thanks to slick DSP and its 11 drivers this single-enclosure Dolby Atmos soundbar’s performance is up there with the very best. HCC #335 TCL C935U ➜£499 A notable improvement on earlier TCL 'bars, this Atmos/ DTS:X 5.1.2 system (with external sub, not pictured) blends dynamic sonics with comprehensive connective/ streaming skills. HCC #335 Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar ➜£2,200 The audio specialist's debut soundbar makes a dramatic entrance. 13 drivers, including 4in woofers, create a cinematic soundstage, with impressive immersion via Atmos, DTS:X and Sennheiser's Ambeo processing. Big and bold. HCC #302 03 01 07 04 08 05 02 09 06 10 TOP 5 Back-catalogue Blu-rays Get Carter [UHD Blu-ray] The BFI’s 4K debut for the iconic 1971 Michael Caine crime classic packs a punch with its smartly restored UHD image and extensive collection of extras. A serious contender for the year’s best disc release. HCC #333 Highlander: Collector’s Edition [4K BD] The sword-swinging 1986 cult favourite cuts a fi ne fi gure thanks to its terrifi c HDR10/DV-graded 4K makeover and impressive extras. There can be only one – and this is it. HCC #337 Event Horizon: Collector’s Edition [UHD Blu-ray] The future-Gothic splendour of Paul W.S. Anderson’s sci-fi horror has never looked as enticing as it does on Paramount’s gorgeous 4K Dolby Vision disc. Expansive extras add to the fun. HCC #335 The Draughtsman’s Contract The BFI celebrates the 40th anniversary of Peter Greenaway’s baroque murder-mystery in spectacular style with a gorgeous Blu-ray restoration and bonuses spread over two discs. HCC #337 The Swimmer: Ltd Edition This surreal 1968 allegory makes a sizeable splash on Blu-ray thanks to a stunning 2K restoration of the fi lm. Indicator has also assembled a fi ne array of bonus features for fans to dive into. HCC #335 JBL Bar 2.0 All-In-One ➜£150 A ordable and stereo-only, this compact HDMI ARCequipped 'bar earns its keep by sounding powerful and purposeful, and being blissfully simple to set up and use. HCC #306 Sony HT-A7000 ➜£1,200 This soundbar's 7.1.2 speaker array sounds sublime with movies and music thanks to its sense of scale, detail and tonality. Compatible with optional wireless rears and sub, but such a system becomes pricey. HCC #326 Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 ➜£899 Third-gen premium 'bar adds Atmos playback and sounds terrifi c with movies and music. Lack of a separate sub is hardly missed, but usability could be improved. HCC #332

Subscribe today and SAVE 80% on the normal shop price Get FREE DELIVERY with every issue, straight to your door Hurry, though! You must redeem before 2nd February 2023. Happy New Year! Subscribe securely online today! Home Cinema Choice: https://checkout.avtechmedia.co.uk/EJAN22H Hi-Fi News: https://checkout.avtechmedia.co.uk/EJAN22N Hi-Fi Choice: https://checkout.avtechmedia.co.uk/EJAN22C Or call 01858 438446 Rates will step up to £11.50 quarterly for Hi-Fi Choice and £11.99 quarterly for Hi-Fi News and Home Cinema Choice, on DD or CCC thereafter. Dream theatre Premium movie den rocks our world, p28 HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOUND & VISION THE YEAR’S BEST BUYS! The ultimate home cinema hardware, including Q OLED & QLED TVs Q Projectors Q Speakers Q Soundbars Q AV amplifi ers Q Accessories & more! ISSUE 337 JANUARY 2023 £5.99 AUS- $15.99 NZ- $18.50 CAN- $18.99 www.homecinemachoice.com Q E.T. 40TH ANNIVERSARY Q NOPE Q THE DRIVER 4K Q GOD OF WAR: RAGNAROK FILM & TV Inside SVS PRIME WIRELESS « LOEWE ICONIC OLED « COMPETITIONS « UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS BOXSET « OPINION « READER’S ROOMS AND THE WINNER IS Our Movie Awards salute the discs you can’t live without! p21 PLUS! Primare SPA25 AVR – exclusive review! B&RYHUBBYB0&LQGG  JANUARY 2023 WWW.HIFINEWS.COM PLUS... Wilson Audio’s Alexia V will warm your soul HiFi Rose RS520 All-in-one music-playing hub Icon Audio ST40 6L6 Streamlined tube amp for the ‘energy conscious’ age SME Model 12 MK2 Next-gen turntables launched VINYL CI ON EI VER W PLUS... VINYL CI ON V EI VER W THE B-52’S DEBUT ALBUM VINTAGE REVIEW Philips CD380 We re-test the first budget Euro CD player Triangle Magellan Cello Ann, Musical Fidelity M6x 250.7, Simaudio MOON 250i, Nagaoka MP-500 & Apogee BOOM INVESTIGATION Miniature masterpieces Our pick of the 14 top mini-albums UK £5.99 Aus $15.99 66 YEARS of Product Reviews & Features • OPINION 12 pages of letters and comment • VINYL RELEASE The Beatles’ Revolver 180g reissue • CLASSICAL COMPANION Pablo Casals – a ‘complete musician’ • STUDIO TOURS Dean St, Soho • SHOW BLOG Return of Warsaw’s AV Show • READERS’ CLASSIFIEDS More hi-fi bargains galore Exclusive B-DQB&RYHUBYB30-5LQGG  PASSION FOR SOUND Issue No. 496 January 2023 JANUARY 2023 £5.75 PRINTED IN THE UK Black magic: Focal’s Utopia (2022) over-ear open-back headphones Cyrus’ Classic integrated AMP is an old-school hit We celebrate the exquisite talent of Lana Del Rey Vertere’s novel DG-1S turntable is an ace start-up Sonos Sub Mini A subwoofer that’s ready to rumble DREAM TEAM Pro-Ject’s X8 turntable & Phono Box DS3 B spin up a vinyl storm SAFE & SOUND We check out six network server/libraries to see which best organises your music We chec GROUP TEST NEWS SPECIAL: Launches from Jamo, ELAC, SVS, iFi Audio, HiFi Rose, Audiolab, Bowers & Wilkins and more... TREMENDOUS THROWBACK! SHADES OF COOL BUYING GUIDE 100+ E Componen ssential p10 ts 9 Kiss choice: Gene Simmons picks his all-time top LPs CASHING IN! The unwelcome arrival of dynamic ticket pricing TRUE CLASS BARGAIN BURNING BRIGHT Audio Physic’s Spark 6 standmount loudspeaker G h BB&RYHUBYB66(+30-':LQGG  New Year Sale! 4 ISSUES FOR £4! SAVE 80%

FEBRUARY 2023 HOME CINEMA CHOICE KEF LS50 Wireless II, £2,250 At the top of KEF's LS50 collection, you'll fi nd this revamped active stereo system that blends lush looks and great connectivity (including HDMI eARC) with sparkling sonics JBL Flip 6, £129 Thanks to its fulsome soundstage, this latest iteration of JBL’s wildly popular portable Bluetooth speaker o ers a near perfect combination of form and function. Pair with a 'phone and take it wherever you go DALI Katch G2, £330 Second-generation Katch wireless speaker looks every bit as slick as its predecessor, but now boasts aptX HD and AAC Bluetooth functionality and a bolstered 30-hour battery life. A superb performer Klipsch The Fives, £830 Active stereo pair with horn-loaded tweeters, 4.5in midbass drivers and a claimed 160W power plant. Dynamic performance is backed up by extensive connectivity including HDMI ARC and USB Q Acoustics M20, £400 Active two-way bookshelf speakers combining a comprehensive spec (including hi-res USB playback) with a performance that outstrips the price point, plus elegant styling. A real bargain ➜In the next issue Viva Las Vegas! AV news from CES 2023, the world's biggest technology showcase PMC Brit loudspeaker brand with a passion for Dolby Atmos Demo discs We pick our Blu-ray superheroes ➜ Reviews Bowers & Wilkins 700 Series 3 Loewe bild i.55 4K OLED LG95QR soundbar Acoustic Energy 100 Series Sky Stream Pioneer LX305 AV receiver PLUS News, software, opinion, installs & more Manhattan T3 Freeview Play 4K, £80 Do you need an HDD PVR in the streaming era? This Freeview Play box loads up catchup via a responsive UI, o ers welcome Watchlist functionality, and is ready for 4K HLG HDR Sky Q, £subscription Sky's new top-tier product o ering dazzles with its image-rich user interface, wireless multiroom skills and recording fl exibility delivered by the PVR's 12 tuners. Now supports 4K content Humax Aura, £varies The PVR honcho teams up with Google for this Android-powered triple-tuner Freeview Play machine in 1TB (£250) and 2TB (£280) fl avours. 4K HDR capable, it uses voice search and slick UI to make operation a joy. Humax DTR-T4000, £subscription This YouView-based PVR is required to get BT Sport's new Ultra HD channel – available to those with BT fast fi bre and a BT TV sub. Easy to use and with 1TB of storage Manhattan T3-R, £varies Available in 500GB (£170) or 1TB (£200) models, this twin-tuner Freeview Play PVR provides – like its non-HDD T3 stablemate – a slick user experience, with classy menus, a compact design and 4K HDR playback Mark Levinson No. 5909, £999 An astonishing demonstration of just how good active noise cancelling wireless Bluetooth headphones can sound. Performance is fl awless, so it's really only the price that niggles Meze Audio 99 Classics, £270 These wired cans look lovely and o er a level of audiophile fi delity you might reasonably expect from models costing twice as much. Not a bass beast, but that's kinda the point Audio Technica ATH-Mx50BT, £180 Cable-free Bluetooth update of a wired design, with 45mm drivers and lengthy battery life (claimed to hit 40 hours). Sturdy and comfortable, and a great sound for the money B&W Px7 S2, £379 Updated wireless/wired active noise cancelling headphones bring Bowers & Wilkins’ expected sonic nous to a new-look design and beefed-up spec. The superb Px7 S2 should be on any shortlist at this price point. Sony WH-1000XM4, £330 The latest generation of Sony's noise-cancelling wired/wireless 'phones retain the driver array and styling of their predecessor but upgrade signal processing via Edge AI and load on some new smart listening features CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE – BUT ONLY FOR THE BETTER SELECT 113 TOP 5 PVRs TOP 5 Headphones TOP 5 Wireless speakers ISSUE #339 ON SALE Feb 16

HOME CINEMA CHOICE FEBRUARY 2023 WILL THE AVATAR sequel usher in a new generation of 3D TVs? I’ve been pondering this since seeing James Cameron’s mega-budget sequel. The original Avatar, which as we all know proved rather popular in theatres when released in 2009, led to a new generation of 3D in the home. For a while, it was next to impossible to buy a premium TV that wasn’t 3D enabled, and a slew of BDs were released on the format. Rival TV brands championed di erent 3D formats, active and passive, each claiming theirs to be better. Then the 3D bandwagon ran out of gas. Still, stereoscopy is nothing if not persistent. It’s a cyclical trend, and the Avatar sequel might well herald its return. I put this to LG, the OLED innovator. LG Display is a primary source of glass used by the TV industry, so it should know. This was the reply: 'As a person that loves 3D, I understand your desire for 3D TVs to make a comeback but at this date we are not ready to announce any new 3D TVs.' Now I found this interesting. It wasn’t a fl at out ‘no’, for one thing. Obviously, LG is not going to confi de confi dential info about upcoming developments, even to your favourite AV Avenger. The smallest advances are swathed in secrecy and only divulged under embargo. But I think you might interpret that reply as a ‘maybe’ – at a stretch. The future is bright? Whatever your view of 3D, the prospect of a next-gen 3D TV is mouthwatering. One of the initial problems with the format was image brightness, specifi cally the lack of it. That wouldn’t be the case today, given that OLED panels are generally 20-30 per cent brighter than they were in the early 2010s. Similarly, movie-making technology has evolved. Cameron’s fi lm introduces a new style of variable High Frame Rate projection, dubbed 'Cinematic HFR'. When you go see Avatar: The Way of Water in 3D at a premium screen, be it Dolby Cinema, IMAX with Laser or Sony Finity, you’ll be seeing it projected in 48fps, rather than the standard 24fps. But the fi lm itself is a mix of 24fps and 48fps – the underwater bits, and some of the fl ying sequences, are presented 48fps, while the rest is 24fps. This prevents the movie looking hyper-real and stagey, a problem that has beset previous HFR movies such as Ang Lee’s Gemini Man and Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. The 24fps sequences are presented in theatres as double frames, that’s to say the same frame is shown twice. This mix and match technique, developed by TrueCut Motion and applied during post-production, is undetectable when watched, but the results are stunning. Not only does the process remove the blur and judder associated with 24fps, it also stops the fi lm looking cheap (which it defi nitely isn't) and soapy. Helpfully, more and more TVs handle High Frame Rate video, driven by the popularity of 120fps gaming. It’s entirely conceivable that 48fps support could be introduced down the line, in a new generation of TrueCut Motion-certifi ed screens. Of course, if we do get this new generation of 3D TV, where would the software come from? Blu-ray is a non-starter. UHD discs don’t support 3D or 48fps. So it would have to come via streaming platforms. This is far more doable, as the streamer controls both playout and decoding within an app, and can update either as required. Will 3D TVs make a comeback? I wouldn’t be too surprised. But I’ll wager a week's worth of fi sh they won’t be curved ■ Could James Cameron's long-awaited return to Pandora with Avatar: The Way of Water kickstart a 3D TV revival? Steve May considers the evidence Have you seen Avatar: The Way of Water in 3D 48fps? Let us know: email [email protected] Steve May has been inspired by Avatar 2 to learn to hold his breath underwater, but has so far only managed to fall over in the bath 114 OPINION

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