IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

I know I’m getting old, but this is

Bluesound Node Icon

Bluesound aims high – and succeeds

PMC Prophecy 1

A pair of gems far more capable than the compact dimensions suggest

KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 Speaker System

KEF’s latest surround sound system is a cinematic delight

Dali Kupid

Small speakers with a bright personality

Epson EH-LS9000

Epson’s more affordable home cinema laser projector delivers movie (and game) magic

BenQ W4100i

Home cinema-grade projection meets living room flexibility?

Hisense AX5125H

Arguably the biggest Dolby Atmos bargain of the year

Arcam A15+

Strategic circuit tweaks improve an already excellent performer

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Luxury wireless headphones with the sound to match

WHAT HI-FI? AWARD 2025

Here they are: our hi-fi and AV gold-medal winners, complete with our verdicts on why each one is so good

WIRELESS HEADPHONES

With ever-better noise-cancelling and Bluetooth transmission, this category is a fascinating one

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

Out and about or listening at home, these speakers are versatile, talented and sound great

RADIOS

The humble ‘wireless’ has evolved into a thoroughly modern music box with streaming smarts

TABLETS

These are the best portable devices for watching movies and listening to music on the go

PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYER

This portable device will bring hi-fi quality to your music, wherever you feel like taking it

WIRED HEADPHONES

For the true audiophile, these expressive wired headphones will enhance your listening experience

MUSIC STREAMERS

Want to add music streaming to your hi-fi system? These dedicated streamers are simply sensational

SMARTPHONES

The best handheld devices for watching movies and listening to music on the go

CD PLAYERS

If you’re still hanging on to your beloved CDs, they will sparkle when played through these

FIVE ESSENTIAL COMPACT DISC-PLAYER BUYING TIPS

Don’t skimp on the price It may be

TURNTABLES

These decks will do your vinyl justice, whether you’re buying new or digging out your old records

VIDEO STREAMERS

With so much terrific 4K content out there waiting to be watched, a quality streamer is a must

DACs

The best digital-to-analogue converters can transform your system’s sound

STEREO AMPLIFIERS

They are the powerhouses at the centre of your system, and these amps are the best of the best

4 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN SETTING UP YOUR RECORD PLAYER

Your turntable isn’t level Turntables are, by nature,

FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS

If your listening room is better described as ‘spacious’ than ‘compact’, a floorstander is likely to be your best bet

STANDMOUNT SPEAKERS

These standmounters represent the very best ways to conclude your music’s journey to your ears

AFFORDABLE WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM

Maximise your power supply There are various ways

MUSIC SYSTEMS

Not everyone has space for separates, but with these compact hi-fi systems, there’s no need to compromise on sound

ACCESSORIES

They rarely grab the limelight, but these background components are crucial to your systems’s overall performance

TELEVISIONS

As TV tech marches on, sets are becoming visually more impressive. This year’s best TVs are stunning

SOUNDBARS

Whether standalone or working with satellites and a sub, these miracle workers can turn your living room into a mini multiplex

INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

KEF has scored a massive hit by devising a clever new implementation of an old idea

BLU-RAY PLAYERS

Despite the ubiquity of video streaming through TVs, there is still a place for a good Blu-ray player. And this one is a real belter

READERS’ AWARD

We asked you which product was your favourite and you responded eagerly. Here is what you picked…

PROJECTORS

If you are looking for cinematic scale in your home set-up, you really need one of these impressive 4K projectors

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS Marantz Cinema 30

Big-screen entertainment needs big sound to really hit the spot, and these AV amps are just the ticket

SPEAKER PACKAGES

Thrilling movie experiences need stunning sound as well as visuals, and these surround set-ups will provide it

TEMPTATION AWARD

This year’s best of the best is probably the most powerful domestic amplifier we have ever tested

STREAMING SERVICES

These platforms are crucial for our music and movies – so thank goodness the winners excel

HALL OF FAME

We honour one product for its enduring excellence, and this year’s winner has certainly proved its considerable worth

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

This year’s recipient of this coveted Award is a true hi-fi legend, especially in the world of record replay

BUYER’S GUIDE

The definitive guide to the best home-entertainment kit you can buy From 75in 4K TVs to turntables, and from portable Bluetooth speakers to Dolby Atmos surround-sound packages, here’s where you will find the perfect hi-fi and AV product, fast.

AMPLIFIERS

THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM

CD PLAYERS & TRANSPORTS

GET THE RIGHT PLAYER AND CD CAN STILL SHINE

DACs

A DIGITAL-TO-ANALOGUE CONVERTER IS A MODERN HI-FI MUST

MUSIC STREAMERS

THE BEST WAY TO SHARE YOUR TUNES AROUND THE HOUSE

RADIOS

THE ORIGINAL WIRELESS IS STILL GOING STRONG

STEREO SPEAKERS

THEY BRING THE MUSIC TO YOUR EARS – SO CHOOSE WITH CARE

SYSTEMS

CONVENIENCE DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN LOWER QUALITY

TURNTABLES

DECKS TO KEEP THE VINYL REVIVAL THRIVING

WIRELESS SPEAKERS

FREE YOUR MUSIC WITH ONE OF THESE STREAMING WONDERS

BLU-RAY PLAYERS

ENJOY HI-DEF MOVIE THRILLS

HOME CINEMA AMPLIFIERS

POWERFUL SOUND THAT TRULY BRINGS MOVIES TO LIFE

PROJECTORS

BECAUSE A MASSIVE PICTURE IS HOME CINEMA

Advertisement SOUNDBARS

A BRILLIANT WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR TV’S SOUND

SPEAKER PACKAGES

GOOD SURROUND-SOUND IS A MOVIE-MAGIC MUST

VIDEO STREAMERS

DON’T RESTRICT STREAMING TO A LAPTOP – GET IT ON THE TELLY

TELEVISIONS

MAKE THE FOCUS OF YOUR ENTERTAINMENT HUB A GOOD ONE

PORTABLE

HEADPHONES

PORTABLE MUSIC PLAYERS

TREAT YOUR TUNES TO A DEDICATED MUSIC PLAYER

Headphone jargon busted

Read more at... www.whathifi.com/advice What’s the difference

SMARTPHONES

SUPERB MUSIC AND VIDEO PLAYERS THAT MAKE PHONE CALLS TOO

Amazon Prime Video tips, tricks and features

Read more at... www.whathifi.com/advice Whether you’re a Prime

STREAMING APPS & SERVICES

THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR STREAMING FIX

TABLETS

VIDEO, GAMES AND MUSIC ON A PORTABLE SCREEN

ACCESSORIES ANALOGUE INTERCONNECTS

DON’T SKIMP ON CABLES: THEY’RE A TOP-VALUE UPGRADE

AV & HI-FI RACKS

HI-FI KIT CAN ONLY SOUND ITS BEST WITH THE PROPER SUPPORT

HEADPHONE AMPLIFIERS

HOW TO GET THE VERY BEST FROM YOUR CANS

MAINS PRODUCTS

A CLEAN POWER SOURCE IS VITAL FOR INTERFERENCE-FREE HI-FI

PHONO STAGES

EVERY RECORD DECK NEEDS A PHONO AMP

CARTRIDGES

YOU CAN’T HEAR YOUR RECORDS WITHOUT ‘EM

SPEAKER CABLES

ONE OF THE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE UPGRADES YOU CAN MAKE

SPEAKER STANDS

STANDMOUNT SPEAKERS NEED THE BEST SUPPORT YOU CAN GET

4 THRILLING BLU-RAYS ON REPEAT IN OUR TEST ROOM THIS MONTH

I n the run up to the What