Product Reviews

Here is a review of the WATT/Puppy Speakers by Edgar Kramer of SoundStage! Australia:

"In my opinion, The WATT/Puppy is the new sweet spot in Wilson Audio’s line-up. Hands-down, it surpasses the vast and widely-acclaimed merits of the company’s products down-tier. It also vigorously manifests many of the virtues of the models up the chain. The WATT/Puppy speaker is here now, evidently signalling that in its 50th Anniversary manifestation and going forward, it’s an exceptionally convincing re-interpretation surpassing all before it."

Here is a review of the recently announced Hegel H190v streaming amplifier:

It offers impressive value as well; in fact, I’d go so far as to say this is the benchmark electronics package beyond which you have to spend substantially for small, though possibly valuable, gains. At least that is the case in smaller listening environments, where I think the integrated and unobtrusive packaging of the H190v are also an important asset. 

Enjoy this review of the new Arcam A5 Integrated Amplifier from Stereonet:

"Arcam's new ST5 is a significant new contender in the affordable streaming sector. It is well-made and has an interesting visual look. Under the skin, it's a quality design, and the user experience is generally very good. Sonically, it is polished and sophisticated at all times, but some might find it too much of a smoothie. A capable, enjoyable, informative and engaging listen, this stylish new streamer is well worth auditioning if you can."

The KEF Wireless family continues to grow. The KEF LSX II LT are a 'streamlined version of the LSX II'. Read What Hi-Fi's thoughts on them...

"The KEF LSX II LT are a fantastic value alternative to the more illustrious, expensive LSX II model. By taking a great system and streamlining it without compromising the sound, the LSX II LT have nailed it."

Arcam, long known for their integrated amplifiers are back with a range refresh. Enjoy this review of the new Arcam A5 Integrated Amplifier from What Hi-Fi.

"As we switch between sources we cover a wide range of music in our time with the Arcam A5, and it never disappoints. This is a superbly rounded performer that simply gets on with the job of playing music without intruding on the experience... If you are thinking of buying at this level, this one has to go at the top of your shortlist. It really is that good. Welcome back Arcam."

Read why What Hi-Fi picked the Arcam AVR31 as their high end receiver of the year...

"It may share much of its DNA with Arcam’s more affordable AVRs, but the AVR31 is still a cut above. Aside from its restricted number of power amplifier channels, this amp delivers modern AVR functionality, paired with a distinguished hi-fi sound. The only home cinema amp we’d heard that sounds this impressive is its cousin, the JBL SDR-35, which pips the AVR31 with a touch more dynamic depth and grip, but its lack of HDMI 2.1 connectivity will discount it for some."

Absolute Sound Magazine give us an overview of their standout products from the AudioQuest range:

"Although AudioQuest has been developing proprietary cable materials and techniques for 42 years. The company embarked on the new “Mythical Creatures” Series of interconnects with a fresh mind. Dragon does everything you’d expect from a top-level interconnect at this price, but it also does above and beyond the cliches of greater transparency, smoother textures, and bigger soundstage. This interconnect did things Robert Harley had never heard from a cable-or more precisely, Dragon allowed the system to reveal previously hidden qualities."

With the biggest refresh in over a decade Marantz continue to impress, read Sound & Vision's Daniel Kumin review of the new Cinema 50 AV Receiver:

"That scrutiny yielded more than satisfactory results. On two-channel "Direct" mode subwoofer-less music auditions via my modestly low-sensitivity stand-mount 3-ways, the Marantz revealed no shortfall whatsoever relative to my everyday 150-watts-per-channel power amplifier. A highly transparent track like "Jack of Speed," from the late (and largely forgettable) Steely Dan album Two Against Nature (Qobuz 96/24 stream) glistened with clarity..."

With a little over a year with 800 D4 reviewers are able to offer a more intimate and considered account of the range. Read Michael Evans' review from Stereonet.

"The 803 D4 shares all the benefits of being in Bowers & Wilkins’ prestigious 800 Series range – both in terms of build and finish and, of course, sound quality. Interestingly, this model hits a sweet spot between user-friendliness and affordability. Although very big, it’s not prohibitively so for many people’s listening rooms – and should not completely overpower them or excite their resonant modes just a touch too much."