What Hi-Fi? October 2015

Bigger is better, right? In the most important ways (pay-packet, record collection, that sort of thing), more is always more. That certainly looks the case as far as TV manufacturers are concerned. As seems fitting for the lengthy adolescence current generations are indulging in, 50 is the new 40. The TV brands seem to be willing it: the four 48in – 55in TVs, from brilliant to not-much-cop at all (p43) are all sized around the putative new norm. And don’t get me started about the average size of the TVs nominated for our 2015 Awards this October (spoiler alert : it’s BIG). Fortunately, Panasonic still has a foothold in the real world. Its amazing-value 40in TV (p25) is everything a straightforward telly really needs to be.…

VPI Prime Temptation p76 “In terms of performance per pound we can’t think of a better high-end alternative” Ketan Bharadia Technical editor Cambridge CXU First test p8 “A multi-talented disc player that delivers a gorgeous performance with movies and music alike” Verity Burns Multimedia editor Denon D M40 First test p13 “Denon has gone out and produced something even better than last year’s Award-winner” Andrew Murphy Staff writer Philips Fidelio X2 Round-up p53 “Luxurious, entertaining and ever so comfortable; you won’t want to take them off” Becky Roberts Staff writer Dali Opticon 1 First test p23 “A great looking, enthusiastic-sounding pair of speakers, that are well worth trying out” Kashfia Kabir First Tests editor Panasonic TX50CD520 Group test p44 “Ah, Panasonic. It’s good to have you back at the top” Ced Yuen News editor…

Cambridge Audio is on a roll. Its new CX series line has proved hugely popular in our testing rooms, with the CXC CD transport, CXA60 amplifier and CXN network music streamer all receiving five star reviews for combining great design and superb performance. The Cambridge CXU is the latest to join that illustrious list of five-star products. The CXU is a multi-talented universal disc player that costs £900, is packed with features and connections, and is an impressive player of both films and music. Although £900 may seem steep for a disc player, the ‘universal’ part of the CXU needs to be considered here. The CXU isn’t just a Blu-ray/DVD player. It’s a Blu-ray player, CD player, DAC and network streamer all built into one sleek machine. The CXU also supports high-resolution…

1 Cambridge has done a great job with design. The CXU is sleek and feels premium quality. Even the backlit remote is lovely. 2 The extensive connections and compatibility are fantastic. The display could be more informative, though. 3 The picture is great, but music-playing talents are better. We enjoyed using it as a CD player, DAC and streamer. 4 See the dongle supplied in the box? Stick it into any of the three USB ports, and voila – the CXU now has wi-fi powers. 5 There’s no dedicated app, so you’ll have to download third-party alternatives if you want a better streaming experience.…

On my radio In keeping with the period theme, there are two strips of plastic buttons with a satisfying click when pressed. But we can’t help thinking good old-fashioned dials for volume and station-scanning would be easier. By name, the Retro Mini is a sincere soul. It’s pretty miniature (naturally, smaller than ViewQuest’s Retro model) and would sell just as easily as a 1980s movie prop as a radio thanks to its cream matt face and leatherette wrap. Unless you’re after a plain white or silver radio, you’re in luck. The Retro Mini comes in 11 different colours, from mustard to ‘radiant orchard’ (that’s purple to regular folk). Three cutesy Emma Bridgewater designs are also available to match your finest dinnerware, if you don’t mind parting with an extra £20. Specs are anything but…

It isn’t often hi-fi equipment brings to mind Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Moreover, to compare Denon’s D M40DAB micro system and its predecessor, the D M39DAB, to the Russian’s novella The Double would be somewhat crass. Still, we are. Because, basically, the two systems look the same but their sounds are really quite different. Well, we say ‘the same’. There have been subtle changes throughout, ranging from the incidental (the remote control now has a matt finish) to the rather more effective – but let’s start with the sound and work back. First things first: you won’t struggle setting this up – everything you need is in the box, including speaker cable, and all you need do is plug it all in – but it is worth taking a little care over placement. Adjust to…