In a time before stereo sound was widely available, former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan told the British public “You have never had it so good.” His words could equally well be directed to buyers of hi-fi equipment today; not only has our industry seen phenomenal technological advances since Harold delivered his famous verdict, it has also achieved an unprecedented level of diversity.
The market is flush with great turntables, CD players and streamers, while amplifier and speaker design is also at a peak. And once you take inflation into account, it is all now available for far less than its equivalent kit would have been in Harold’s day.
Wonderful though this may be, it also presents the serious hi-fi buyer with a bit of a problem: how on earth do I put together a system from all the great stuff that is available? That, as ever, is where we come in.
Fresh from completing the task of choosing the winners of our 2023 Awards, we have created 10 systems – five hi-fi-and five AV – in each case taking an Award-winner as our starting point to help you do your choosing.
A key rule of thumb here is that products that are the best of their kind do not always work best with each other. That is why not all of the products featured on the following pages are Award-winners – they do all, however, complement each other beautifully.
First up, then, our hi-fi systems. From affordable CD and streamer combos to a premium turntable-based set-up, we think we have covered all bases. Just remember; if you are looking for great talent, look for great teamwork.
SYSTEM 1 A DISCREET ALL-ROUNDER LG OLED42C3
This story is from the February 2024 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India.
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This story is from the February 2024 edition of What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mid-range magic
Sit these on your ears and you'll be impressed by the quality of the Inzone H5 but glance at the price tag and you might stroke your chin.
Room to room gaming
They have dabbled in virtually every form factor, throw distance, display technology and resolution by now, keeping up with market trends or creating them.
Tuning it all out
Sennheiser's Accentum Wireless strides boldly into the arena, forging a path between the humble Sony CH520s and the lofty heights of premium contenders like the Bose QC 45 and Sony WH 1000XM5.
SPL Diamond DAC
SPL Audio is a small German brand that has been quietly making professional and home audio equipment for around four decades
Leema Neutron/ Graviton
It is fair to say that Leema Acoustics hasn't been the most prolific of late.
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FILM KNIGHTS
These gallant heroes are armed to make the home cinema experience as good as it can be. We round up four of our favourite premium AV amplifiers
Mid-century style, modern sound
\"The treble is never harsh or bright and it has a sonic signature that is warm and huggable, just like its exterior personality\"
Bold and beautiful
\"Plant's piercing voice is conveyed with superb verve and energy and Page's guitar screams through\"