Pioneer SC-LX85 THX Ultra 2 Plus
Without question, the best-equipped home cinema receiver of the year, Pioneer’s 9.2-channel SC-LX85 is a awe-inspiring combination of audiophile Air Studios tuning and leading edge AV tech. In addition to its huge power reserves and a dynamic audio performance, this glossy behemoth features AirPlay, Bluetooth Air Jamming, 3D compatibility, internet radio and a high-spec audio media streaming engine with onscreen album art display.
More traditional cineastes will appreciate the THX Ultra 2 Plus certification and reliable MCACC auto-calibration system. A separate Wi-Fi adaptor is bundled in the box. The new age of the streaming theatre begins here!
Reg Rating 90%
Price £2000
More info Pioneer
Sony BDP-S580
There are plenty of cracking ‘universal’ Blu-ray players available, typically priced around £600, but the Sony BDP-S850 is a budget-priced thorn in the side of all of them. Changing hands for £180 or less, it makes spending more seem irresponsibly extravagant.
This ultra-slim 3D model has got it all: stunning HD picture quality, plus compatibility with Super Audio CD to keep audiophiles on side. Perhaps even more compelling for the rest of us, this deck not only boasts Sony’s best USB media playback implementation to date - including, for the first time, MKVs - but taps into the brand’s online entertainment portal, which features a deluge of IPTV content.
Reg Rating 90%
Price £179
More info Sony
Marantz NR1602
Aimed squarely at the AV receiver mass market, Marantz’s NR1602 offers a refreshing twist on traditional AVR design. Out goes the bodybuilder aesthetics and full-bore amplification of yore and in comes slimline elegance and network sophistication.
The NR106 streams music better than any comparable AVR. With broad file support and onscreen album art it’s the perfect partner for a networked music server. But it also sounds unfeasibly fine with multi-channel audio from Blu-ray. Apple AirPlay and internet radio are added gravy. While this 7.1 design is not a volume monster, it still has enough welly to rock the average living room. Other brands shout louder but that doesn’t make them sound better.
Reg Rating 90%
Price £529
More info Marantz
2011's Best... Hi-Fi and AV Kit
COMMENTS
Does any of the amplifiers feature networked remote controls...
... that you can operate on smartphone/tablet? Web or otherwise (open protocol if possible)
I just want to know. Last time I was in the market for a new amp, nobody even considered doing this :/
Hi-Fi ?
Not what I call hi-fi.
I've found better stuff from the 1980's dumped in the street -- NAD 55 watt receiver, big old Bowers & Wilkins DM2 speakers.
As for movie sound and MP3 players -- NO!
Im liking the look of the Marantz, moving house in a few months - will be looking into this nearer the time!
This should have been qualified with
'that can be purchased in argos' because that was in no way the best kit this year
Yes
If you can put up with the awful sound the Pioneer has an excellent app. Otherwise Yamaha, Denon and Marantz all have iOS apps (unsure about Android)
Check the device though as not all of the amps feature Network ports and thus will not work from an app.
