Our Verdict 4 Stars A near-complete hi-fi system that’s pleasing to use and capable of a big, expressive sound For Big, authoritative and solid sound Expressive, fluid midrange Wired and wireless connectivity Against Treble needs refining Timing lets them down Not many floorstanders can claim to stand on their own two feet (well, in this case four) quite as independently as the Wharfedale Diamond A2 speakers. With built-in amplification, these powered speakers could be considered as a just-add-a-source hi-fi system – a compact and practical substitute for the multiple boxes and racks that make up a room-hogging set-up of separates. Only...
The history of reversing sensors and reversing cameras Reversing cameras and reversing sensors have been conceptualised on vehicles since before 1950. The first sensors were simple kerb sensors which gradually grew in sophistication through to the 1980s. These consisted of a flexible wand which triggered an audible signal inside the vehicle when it came into contact with a kerb. But it was hardly a proper reversing sensor; more of a parking aid. True reversing sensors need to scan behind the car and warn the driver if there’s an obstacle. Manufacturers had trialled a number of systems in the 1970s and...
Sony is flying high with this superb pair of noise-cancelling headphones… Tested at £330 Our Verdict: 5 Stars Sony’s on a roll with its premium noise-cancelling headphones. This is another pair that’s going to be tough to beat For Excellent timing Loads of detail Refined, smooth highs Punchy, confident lows Impressive noise-cancelling Against Touchpad controls take a little bit of getting used to With The Great British Bake Off returning to our screens, it only seems apt to start with a hi-fi based baking analogy. Sony had all the right ingredients in place with its MDR-1000X headphones. They mixed excellent audio quality over Bluetooth with...
Mid-Fi at its finest. The last time I reviewed an audio HiFi product was a few months back when I wrote about my love for the Devialet Phantom Gold system I purchased. That system is amazing, and rocks the house down. It can do so with grace, ease or all out grunt and force and remain composed while doing so. Many nights…yes, many nights I had a concert in my home thanks to those Gold Phantoms. Incredible. For many though, those are overkill and too expensive. What about if you just want a nice set of stereo speakers that do not...
Over time your earpads will wear down and will need to be replaced for comfort and performance. ‘When’ you need to replace them differs from person to person. Using alcohol-based hair products and make-up can wear down the earpads prematurely. Exposure to excessive heat or fluid and oils can also wear down synthetic leather earpads. All of Audio-Technica on-ear and over-ear headphones have replaceable earpads.
Excellent sound quality from a standalone soundbar, just don’t expect the full surround effect Pros Decent bass without a subwoofer Highly flexible wireless connectivity Infrared passthrough Cons No HDMI connectivity Sound sometimes lacks subtlety A touch pricey The Yamaha YAS-306 is a standalone soundbar with an unusual twist. It comes without a subwoofer, normally a signal for below-par audio performance, yet it manages to pack a sonic punch far above its station. Packed into its chunky, understated case is not only a pair of 2.13in drivers and two 0.75in tweeters aimed at producing virtual surround sound, but also a pair...
Pros Class-leading mid-range and treble detail Small Good top volume Cons Expensive Sound lacks a little bulk in some areas Key Features Review Price: £299.00 2x 50mm UniQ drivers Aux input Bluetooth with aptX What is the KEF Muo? The KEF Muo is a high-end Bluetooth speaker of tiny proportions. It’s dinky enough to slip into a handbag, or a small pocket inside a rucksack. But at £299, the price is anything but small. For those raising an eyebrow, I’m not surprised – for this money you could easily get your hands on a seriously good wireless home-bound speaker. But...
Here is a great example of a job well done by City Aerials installing our In-home audio system… Upstairs Den: 1 x Klipsch R20B Sound Bar with Subwoofer Downstairs Open Plan Kitchen and Dining area: 1 x Klipsch R20B Sound Bar with Subwoofer Home Theatre Room: 1 x Yamaha RX-V683 MusicCast Receiver Home Theatre Room: 1 x Klipsch RP-250C Centre Speaker Home Theatre Room: 1 pair of Klipsch RP-280F Floorstanding Speakers Home Theatre Room: 1 x Klipsch R-115SW 15″ Powered Subwoofer Home Theatre Room: 1 pair Klipsch RP-240S Surround Speakers Home Theatre Room: 1 x Viewsonic Pro8530HDL Projector Home Theatre Room: – 1 x Lenkeng LKV388M HDMI Wireless Matrix Extender for Projector...
Onkyo CS-265 CD Hi-Fi Mini System, with quick and easy NFC pairing for mobiles, Bluetooth technology, and more amp power than ever, the CS-265 brings big and brilliant sound to small spaces. A quality front-loading CD player handles regular audio CD and both MP3- and WAV-encoded discs, while iOS mobile users are treated to an ultra-clear USB connection. Or fill a USB flash drive with MP3s and select tracks using the included remote control. Whichever way you play, you’ll appreciate sound that belies the system’s compact dimensions. A redesigned digital amp and powerful 2-way bookshelf speakers help to uncover hidden details in the mix while projecting music deep...
For almost 30 years, Wharfedale’s famous Diamond speakers have served as the classic entry point to true high-fidelity sound, their exceptional value for money earning dozens of awards around the globe. Now, with the introduction of the all-new Diamond 10 Series, Wharfedale has again raised the bar for affordable, high-performance loudspeakers. The latest evolution of this classic speaker range builds upon the success of its multi-award-winning predecessors with numerous enhancements. The result is a sound that’s crisp, focused and spacious, effortlessly dynamic yet firmly in control. Add the visual appeal of elegantly curved cabinets, enhanced by a choice of six...
