What Hi-Fi Awards 2011 -Great Hi-Fi and Home Cinema

The What Hi-Fi Awards are now a major and eagerly awaited event these days with many of the winners becoming the most sought after products for Christmas presents and indeed for the rest of the year so what Hi-Fi and Home Cinema products can we get excited about from the 2011 awards?

For the Home Cinema enthusiast, the winners to look out for are the brilliantly reviewed Onkyo TX-NR609 Networking Home Cinema receiver, the best in it's price range with loads of power and features - hook this up to the next award winner, the Denon DBP-2012UD Universal Blu-Ray Player. This classy machine is a Hi-Fi component in its own right with Super Audio CD ( SACD ) playback and a 32 Bit DAC.

Danish manufacturer Dali won the cream of the awards with two fantastic Home Cinema speaker packages - the stylish Dali Fazon 3 5.1 Package utilising the neat Fazon Satellite speakers combined with the powerful Sub E12F subwoofer. If you perfer more traditional speakers then the Dali Zensor 5 5.1is a superb choice with the Zensor 5 floorstanders for the front two channels, these are designed as traditional floorstanding Hi-Fi speakers that handle music with great control and finesse.

There were some superb winners in the Hi-Fi sector too with Marantz taking the lion's share of the awards with the excellent PM6004 amplifier and CD6004 CD Player combination being one of the standout winners, with speakers such as the classy ATC SCM11 standmount speakers and the excellent Tannoy Mercury V4 floostanders there are many great Hi-Fi choices.

For those looking for a versatile and compact hi-fi system, then look no further than the excellent media streaming Marantz MCR603 CD system, with 60 Watts per Channel, this neat system integrates into modern day living with style.

In short there are many great Hi-Fi and Home Cinema products in this years' What Hi-Fi awards but move quickly and order now for Christmas as stock is already running short!

Buy Stunning Zensor Speakers from Dali

The new Zensor range from top Danish speaker brand Dali is turning heads in the hi-fi media.
In a world that is swamped with budget speakers, the Zenzors are a refreshing change, combining
both a quality performance and good looks with a surprisingly low price.

The range consists of the neat, compact yet full sounding Zensor
1 bookshelf / standmount speakers - these can be used either within a 2 channel stereo set-up or
as part of a Home Cinema surround sound system as either rear or front channel speakers.
Available in Black Ash and Light Walnut as standard finishes or in the special edition
Gloss White finish, they look absolutely stunning.

Next in the range are the Zenzor 5
Floorstanding Speakers, these
are already receiving 5 Stars in review and present a balanced, detailed performance and can be
used either as a stereo Hi-Fi pair or the front speakers in a surround sound system. They are available
in Black Ash or Light Walnut.

If you are looking for a Floorstanding pair with attitude then look no further than
the Zensor
7 floorstanders, with seperate bass/mid and bass drive units, these will deal with whatever you throw at it, again these are
perfectly at home as a stereo pair or as part of a 5.1 system. Every detail is handled with care.
A few examples: the stylish, rounded edges reduces diffractions, which minimizes distortion; solid aluminium
complements the front baffle; an aluminium base elevates the speaker from the floor;
and a detachable front grille is included for flexible appearances.

Zenzor Vokal is the centre speaker in the range and with it's two 5.25 inch mid/bass drivers and tweeter, Zensor Vokal
delivers a clear and crisp dialogue from your favourite films yet with its wood fibre drive units, there is no harshness to the
sound, just a superb performance.

To complete your Home Cinema or Hi-Fi set-up, a subwoofer will provide extended bass frequencies and the
explosive effects that you can experience in the cinema and the
Dali SUB E12F is the perfect choice - it matches in design with the Zensor range and its 12 inch drive unit produces
a powerful yet controlled performance. In conclusion, if you are looking for the best results for your Hi-Fi or
Home Cinema system at an amazing price then the Dali Zensor range is for you - buy with confidence.

New Aventage Home Cinema Receivers - Some of the Best

The new Aventage range of AV receivers from top Home Cinema and Hi-Fi brand Yamaha has now arrived.
The Aventage range is the flagship range form Yamaha with an increased build quality, more features and better sound/visual performance.

The entry level in the range, the RX-A810
is certainly no lightwieght - equipped with 8 HDMi inputs and 2 outputs, you can output the video content to two display screens
such as a TV and a projector.

As you move up the range, further features and more powerful amplifiers are added - the RX-A1010 includes network capabilities and a massive 170 Watts
per channel.

Next in line is the powerhouse that is the RX-A2010
with its 9.2 channels driven at a huge 220 watts into four ohms, this heavyweight will handle anything you throw at it delivering a huge yet
detailed and dynamic performance.

Top of the range is the RX-A3010 and this flagship receiver is the ultimate, replacing the legendary Z7 but with far more to offer - 11.2 powerful channels
and a myriad of analogue and digital channels to allow you connect anything from VCR to Blu-Ray, CD Player or Turntable Record Player with the integrated
phono stage. All the receivers in the Aventage range are compatible with iPad / iPhones and iPod with an Android app soon to be launched. In review, this range is already being praised and are heavily tipped to produce some winners in this year's What Hi-Fi awards. Whatever your
Home Cinema needs are, their is an Aventage receiver from Yamaha for you - available now at the best price from Sight and Sound UK

Massive savings on Top Brand Hi-Fi and Home Cinema Electronics, Speakers and More

At SightandSoundUK, it is time for our End of Summer Clearance Sale. There are massive savings on top brand Mail Order returns and Ex-Demo stock such speakers from Mission, Wharfedale, Acoustic Energy, Quad and Monitor Audio. Electronics from NAD, Yamaha, Pro-Ject Turntables, Onkyo, Thorens and many more - to see other bargains, subscribe to our Newsletter, we are updating our sales items on a day-to-day basis - so if you are looking to buy a hi-fi or Home cinema bargain, check out the Clearance Section of our website or call us on 01253 788380.

5 Stars for High-End Tannoy Definition DC10T

Tannoy as one of the longest established manufacturers in British Hi-Fi, have had a long and proud tradition of producing high quality loudspeakers since the dawn of Hi-Fi. Tannoy are keeping that heritage alive with their current range of loudspeakers,including the Definition range, of which the DC10T, featured here, is the flagship model.

At over 1 metre tall the DC10T is by no means a compact loudspeaker, but thanks to its smart contemporary styling, and superb quality of finish it is sure to look good in most settings. The DC10T is hand built, with a heavily braced birch-ply cabinet, that is tapered towards the rear, to
eliminate standing waves, which would otherwise colour the sound. The cabinet is available in two hand finished veneers, high gloss cherry, or dark walnut, as well as piano black. The quality of construction is certainly fitting for a speaker of this class, and even shames a number of far more expensive rivals. Fitted into the cabinet is a 10” version of Tannoys famous Dual Concentric drive unit, constructed from treated paper pulp, which at its centre has a titanium tweeter, featuring a new 'wideband' tweeter, which is ideal for reproducing the extended treble available from SACD and DVD-Audio. The tweeter also has Tannoys 'Tulip waveguide' to give excellent high frequency imaging. The lower drive unit is 10” bass unit, again made from treated paper pulp, to give a consistent match with the dual concentric main driver.

As befits a speaker of this class the DC10T contains a number of features designed to maximise performance, including a DCT treated, minimalist, crossover, and high quality internal wiring. As mentioned, the cabinet is heavily braced, and provides an inert mount for the drive units.


Around the back the Tannoy has provision for bi-wiring or bi-amping, plus a fifth speaker terminal for driver grounding.
In terms of build, finish, and technology, the DC10T is a stunning example of British craftsmanship at its best, but how do they sound?
In a word, superb! We first tried them with 'This World' a track from the band Deadwood Dog, and the big Tannoys effortlessly reproduced the predominantly acoustic instrumentation including bouzouki, of this up and coming band, with ease.

The bass was deep yet tuneful, whilst the different instruments were easy to differentiate in the mix, whilst vocals were reproduced with superb clarity.

Moving onto Elgar's Cello concerto, the DC10Ts gave a very accurate image, making it easy to visualise the positioning of the different sections of the orchestra, whilst the cello itself was given superb clarity, making it a breeze to follow every subtle inflection of the playing.
As a complete contrast, the classic “Paranoid” album by Black Sabbath was played back with the bass weight and power that this music demands, but at the same time the vocal clarity was superb, and each instrument was reproduced as it should. An ideal speaker for high level rock music, but one that is equally at home with more acoustic styles of music.

In conclusion the Tannoy DC10T fully justifies its price, both because of it's class leading performance, and its superb build, finish and styling.

Reviewed By Mike Foley

The Vita Audio range - small audio with a big sound

On a nice summers day, nothing beats relaxing outside, with a cool drink, whilst listening to the radio, and with the new models of
radio from Vita Audio, this has never been more enjoyable.


The baby of the Vita range is the R1 Deluxe Table radio,
which can pick up FM (with RDS), DAB and also the new DAB+,
making it future proof. It's retro styled case is available in three finishes, Rich Walnut, Dream White and Midnight Black,
all which are very attractive.

In addition to the above, Vita have just launched a special version of the R1, the R1 Limited Edition,
which is available in a beautiful yellow piano lacquer,
and is limited to only 2000 worldwide, each individually numbered, and so is sure to become a future collectors item.
Enhancing the desirability of the R1 are a pair of handy accessories, the "Backpack" which is a rechargeable power unit, and the "Carrypack"
a leather carrying case, both of which when used with the R1 make into a truly portable high quality radio, ideal for use on the beach,
in the garden, or just around the house. It also features a line input, so one can enjoy music from an MP3 player through the quality speaker in the R1.
The sound quality from the R1's single speaker proved to be rich and full, with excellent clarity,
and fine projection of voices, which is just what you want from a compact radio.

The next model up, the R2i,
builds on the strengths of the R1, but adds stereo speakers, and an i-Pod dock, two line inputs,
which make it ideal for use in a bedroom with TV sound, and a games console, plus a remote control is supplied.
Like the R1, the R2i is available in Rich walnut, Dream White, and Midnight Black finishes.
Being mains powered the R2i is ideal for use in the kitchen, study, bedroom, or indeed anyplace that cannot accommodate a full size hi-fi.
In use the R2i gave superb results both from the inbuilt radio and the i-pod dock, providing a room filling sound,
with excellent stereo seperation, for such a compact unit.

The flagship of the range is the R4i,
which is a full hi-fi system packed into one stylish case, featuring CD, DAB,
DAB+, FM, and an integral i-Pod dock. As well as the two stereo speakers, a subwoofer is built into the unit. Like the R2i,
this also comes complete with a remote control, but with a twist. The rotary control mounted in the top of the R4i,
lifts out and becomes an easy to use remote control. When not in use, it simply slots back into the top of the unit.

The R4i is available in the same finishes as the R2i, plus there is also a new limited edition, which has just been launched.
This is available in a Sparkling Graphite finish, and has an improved CD drive, enhanced circuitry in the tuner section, and
upgraded audio circuitry. As well as being beautiful to behold, the sonic upgrades also make this a superb sounding system.
On listening, the R4i was found to give a fantastic performance with a wide range of music, and in terms of clarity, musicality
and bass response, was not found to be wanting. In fact the quality of this system is so good, it is a viable alternative
to some micro-systems, when space is at a premium.

In conclusion these new systems from Vita are superb sounding, excellently constructed items, and great value for money.
Why not find out for yourself at Sight and Sound, where they are all available for auditioning.

Yamaha RX-V671 - New AV Receiver tipped for awards in review

Yamaha, as the pioneers of home cinema back in the 1980s and '90s, have a reputation second to none when it comes to A/V amplifiers, and the new RX-V671 7.1 Channel Receiver looks set to continue this trend.

First impressions are excellent: the receiver is smartly styled, and as is usual for Yamahas of this class, very solidly constructed. The front panel has a clean layout, with a good selection of controls - although the supplied high quality remote control is the primary control interface - and is neatly styled and well finished.

Round the back, the RX-V671 has a comprehensive set of connections, including an impressive 5 HDMI inputs (there is also an additional HDMI on the front, which is handy for portable devices), plus a connection for one of Yamaha's i-Pod docks. Users of older video sources are well catered for with 2 component video, and 4 composite video, connections provided. For users who want to enjoy music, Yamaha have provided 2 line level inputs. Thoughtfully, a phono stage is also fitted, to allow turntable connection.

The most interesting connection is a network socket, which allows the RX-V671 to be connected to a network. This gives streaming from Napster, and music files from PC (WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC), as well access to Internet Radio. A front panel USB connection allows connection of i-Pod and i-Phone.

The receiver is 3D ready, and able to decode all DVD and Blu-Ray audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.
With a rated power output of 150wpc into 4ohms, or 90wpc into 8ohms, the RX-V671 is capable of easily driving a wide range on loudspeakers, from compact sub/satellite systems, to large floorstanders.

The RX-V671 proved very simple to set up, thanks to its well laid out remote control, and easy to follow on-screen menus. This receiver features Yamaha's highly regarded YPAO room and speaker equalisation system. Simply place the supplied microphone in the listening positions, follow the on-screen instructions, and within minutes the receiver and speakers are optimised for the listening room.

Once set up, the RX-V671 was put through it's paces with a wide range of material, both films and music. The main film used was the Blu-Ray of 'Hot Fuzz', which features a wide range of audio effects, from quiet naturalistic moments, through to full-bore shoot outs. The scene where Sgt. Angel first visits the village pub allowed the RX-V671 to display its ability to generate a realistic sound field; dialogue was crisp and clear, and the background pub sounds of chit-chat, clinking glasses, and the pub games machine filled the room superbly, without dominating the dialogue. It really felt like you were in a busy rural pub.

The film climaxes with an over the top, all action shoot-out, and here the Yamaha was equally at home. The crack of gunshots flew around the room, and the blast of heavier weapons showed that the RX-V671 can be a real bass-hound when needed; the subwoofer provided a thunderous performance. All in all, a very impressive movie performer.

Moving onto music from CD, the receiver proved to be a very tuneful, detailed and musical performer. The R.E.M album 'Document', has a fairly cluttered mix, but the Yamaha was able to bring out detail buried in the music. Bass guitar was deep, yet dexterous, and gave a great underpinning to the powerful rockers, whilst the midrange quality of the RX-V671 allowed Michael Stipe's vocals to come over clearly, also giving a good clear rendition of the various layers of instrumentation.

As a contrast, we tried some gentler fare, in the form of the Dylan classic 'Blood on the Tracks', which features a stripped down, mainly acoustic band. The RX-V671 projected Dylan's voice well, giving his sometimes nasal vocals a level of clarity, that lesser receivers would struggle to give. The acoustic guitars and piano were conveyed with a superb sense of realism, whilst up in the treble regions, Dylan's harmonica was clearly reproduced, but without sounding grating. As a music maker, the RX-V671 is a superb performer with a wide range of music.

In conclusion, the Yamaha RX-V671 is a fantastic sounding receiver, able to do justice to everything from the most complex film soundtracks, to the simplest of guitar/vocal recordings, and will form the centrepiece of a great system for both films and music.