HI-FI SETUPS

Get the best Atmos and audiophile-pleasing sound with these hi-fi separates

NAIM UNITI STAR

Offering premium-quality streaming, Naim’s Uniti Star is an all-in-one designed to offer the highest resolution from streaming music sources. Options are plentiful. It has aptX HD Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2 compatibility and UPnP network streaming. Physical connectivity is similarly expansive. There’s HDMI with ARC, two digital optical inputs (which support 24bit/96kHz), plus coaxial audio and BNC (which up the ante to 24bit/192kHz). There are also analogue inputs.

Those with an extensive CD collection will also appreciate the built-in disc player. Even better, it’ll rip discs to local storage. Power output is also rated at a healthy 2x70W: all you need do is add speakers and you’re good to go.

£3,599, naimaudio.com

IFI ZEN STREAM

Described as a ‘ Wi-Fi audio transport’, the Stream is the latest addition to iFi’s lookalike Zen audio separates line, and proves a powerful hi-res upgrade for any existing hi-fi system or a DAC. Maker iFi suggests matching it with the lookalike iFi Zen DAC, which also features a high grade headphone amp, to make a formidable hi-res headphone audio system.

The ZEN Stream features two digital outputs, asynchronous USB and coaxial digital audio, and supports hi-res audio from multiple sources. There’s a dedicated Tidal streaming mode, DLNA certification, AirPlay and Chromecast (soon via firmware upgrade). It’s also Roon compatible.

FOCAL CHORA 826-D

Hands down the most elegant floorstanding loudspeakers with Atmos upfiring built in, Focal’s Chora 826-D will change the way you think about spatial audio in the home.

An update on the original Chora 826, this new version combines three forward-facing mid-range woofers and an aluminiummagnesium TNF tweeter, with a recessed Dolby Atmos up-firing driver. It’s a best of both worlds approach, good for high-quality hi-fi and 3D audio. Partner with a Dolby Atmos AVR and as many additional speakers as you want. Focal offers timbre matched surround, centre and subwoofers in the Chora line.

£1,699 a pair, focal.com

BEOSOUND STAGE

Designed in collaboration with Danish studio NORM Architects, this gorgeous example of Scandinavian cabinetry is available in aluminium, bronze tone aluminium or smoked oak, and features an engraved touch-sensitive wooden control panel. More importantly, it sounds awesome. The Beosound Stage sports no fewer than 11 drivers, each with its own 50-watt amplifier. While Dolby Atmos compatible, there are no upfiring speakers. It’s a three channel design, oozing hi-fi credibility. Bluetooth is joined by Chromecast built-in and Apple AirPlay 2. HDMI with eARC is offered for connection to a telly.

From £1,250, bang-olufsen.com