Multi-room systems
Arcam SA30 £1999
May 2020 ★★★★★
A fine example of how well music streaming can be implemented into traditional hi-fi – and how discreetly. Just add a control device and speakers. Inputs Line-in x3, coaxial x2, opt x2, USB, MM and MC phono
Naim Uniti Atom £1999
Best hi-fi system over £1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
Rarely does a product look and sound this good. A triumph of design, the Atom boasts class-leading levels of insight and clarity.
Inputs Line-in, coaxial, opt x2, USB, BT, wi-fi Outputs Line-out, headphone
KEF LS50 Wireless II £2250
Best all-in-one system over £1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
The LS50 Wireless IIS arrive with a world of expectation on their shoulders – and they well and truly meet them. This is a sequel of rare quality.
Inputs Line-in, optical, 3.5mm, HDMI (EARC), BT, wi-fi Outputs Subwoofer
Naim Uniti Star £3499
November 2018 ★★★★★
The Uniti Star is a great addition to Naim’s streaming system range – and if you need CD replay, it’s the obvious choice.
Inputs Line-in x2, DIN, coax x3, opt x2, USB, BT, wi-fi Outputs Line-out, DIN
Dali Rubicon 2 C £3840
May 2020 ★★★★★
Dali draws on its past achievements in passive and active speaker design to create this convenient and entertaining all-in-one speaker system. Inputs Line-in, optical and coaxial digital, 3.5mm, aptx HD Bluetooth
Naim Uniti Nova £4199
January 2018 ★★★★★
It’s a lot of money to pay for a system, but the Nova is as complete and convincing an argument for one-box convenience you’re likely to hear. Inputs CD, DIN, coaxial x2, optical x2, HDMI, BT, wi-fi Outputs Line-out
Audio Pro System from £650
Best multi-room system under £1000, Awards 2018 ★★★★★ Audio Pro’s multi-room system is not the most advanced, but no other system makes more sound-per-pound sense than this one. Res 16-bit/44.1khz App IOS, Android Formats MP3, FLAC, WMA
Sonos System from £1047
Best multi-room system £1000+, Awards 2018 ★★★★★
If you don’t need hi-res, Sonos is an obvious choice for multi-room. A great user experience alongside a full-bodied, insightful sound. Res 16-bit/44.1khz App IOS, Android Formats MP3, FLAC, WMA
Audio Technica AT-LP3 £199
Best turntable under £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★★
A fully automatic turntable that doesn’t scrimp on performance, this is the ideal entry-level deck for those looking to dip their ‘vinyl toes’ in. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 44 x 35cm
Sony PS-LX310BT £200
August 2019 ★★★★★
A no-nonsense, fully automatic turntable with built-in phono stage and Bluetooth, offering a surprisingly musical sound. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 43 x 37cm
Rega Planar 1 £249
Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
This revamped entry-level deck from Rega doesn’t sound anything like an entry-level deck. Pleasingly solid, accurate and agile – it’s a lovely listen. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm
Sony PS-HX500 £249
Best USB turntable, Awards 2018 ★★★★★
A turntable with the ability to rip vinyl into hi-res files, but it’s also an entertaining deck with a big, open sound. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 43 x 36cm
Pro-ject Essential III £259
October 2017 ★★★★★
Another excellent turntable from Pro-ject. The Essential III is easy to set up and offers a detailed and musical performance. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm
Audio Technica AT-LP5 £299
Awards 2016 ★★★★★
A pleasure to use and listen to, the LP5 boasts both ease of use and the added bonus of a USB ouput. At this price there’s none better. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 16 x 45 x 35cm
Pro-ject Debut III S Audiophile £325
June 2018 ★★★★★
Its solid design, smart finish and natural treble reinforce the Debut range’s knack for delivering great, affordable sound. Speed 33⅓ & 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 42 x 32cm
Rega Planar 1 Plus £329
July 2018 ★★★★★
All the sonic talents of the Planar 1 with an equally talented phono stage built in. The Plus is a winning combination of convenience and excellent quality. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm
Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 £649
Best turntable £500-£1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
Rega builds on the 3’s predecessor by adding extra servings of clarity, precision and insight. The result is the best RP3 yet. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm
Technics SL-1500C £899
Best turntable £750-£1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
With a really good built-in phono stage and an auto-lift function, this Technics is a beautifully made, fuss-free record player that sounds great Speed 33⅓, 45, 78rpm Size (hwd) 23 x 16 x 12cm