HiBy R2 II Digital Audio Player
The HiBy R2 II is an entry-level digital portable audio player, also known as a DAP. It eliminates the need to entrust music playback to your smartphone, and does the job much better. Its sole role is to play music files purchased from the Qobuz download shop, for example. It is, of course, Hi-Res compatible and accepts absolutely all file formats, including DSD. The R2 II has a high-quality DAC and delivers enough power to power wired headphones in great quality. Thanks to Bluetooth, it can also be used with wireless headphones. In short, it’s packed with features you wouldn’t expect to find in such a small, high-performance product.
- Reads all file formats
- Wired and Bluetooth
- 15-hour battery life
Sennheiser IE 200 Wired Headphones
Sennheiser has created a series of high-quality wired in-ear headphones. The IE 200 represents the entry-level model, yet it benefits from the same qualities as its big brothers. For those who want to avoid Bluetooth, the IE 200 are perfect. What’s more, the cable runs around the ear before heading to the back of the neck, so there’s no annoying wire in front of you. Sennheiser supplies six pairs of ear tips to ensure optimum comfort: three in memory foam, three in silicone. The IE 200′s musical reproduction is close to that of the superior models, with a fairly neutral signature, plenty of detail and a soundstage that’s much more impressive than the mini format of these headphones.
- Wired in-ear headphones
- Comfortable
- Top-of-the-range sound signature
Yamaha WS-X1A Bluetooth Speaker
Yamaha isn’t the most famous brand when it comes to Bluetooth speakers, yet the WS-X1A has everything you need. Its design, for a start, is worthy of the top models, with its shell covered in a beautiful fabric available in a choice of three colours: black, carbon or light grey. And it’s IP67-certified so it can go outdoors too. It measures just 10.5 cm high by 8.8 cm square and weighs 500 grams, so it’s easy to move from room to room. But the XS-X1A can also join a home cinema system thanks to True X surround technology. It connects wirelessly as a surround speaker to a compatible Yamaha sound bar. This makes it a versatile speaker that’s quite rare in its field.
- Bluetooth 5.0 speaker
- Superb finish & IP67 certification
- 15-hour battery life
DeeBee Pulse Bluetooth Headphones
DeeBee is a newcomer to the world of Bluetooth headsets. This French manufacturer has decided to compete with the big names with the Pulse. Following our full test, we were able to verify that the Pulse are designed in such a way that makes usability ever so easy. The quality of assembly and finish is excellent. You can choose from a range of colours, and you can change the earpieces, which are solidly magnetised, as some Apple headphones also offer. We were also won over by the Pulse’s audio qualities, both in Bluetooth and passive wired mode. These headphones are much more complimentary to the music than many of their competitors, who often opt for a harsher and more showier angle. This makes the Pulse a pleasant wireless headphone in any situation.
- Bluetooth & wired headset
- Excellent comfort
- Hi-Fi quality
Sonos Era 100 Wireless Speaker
Sonos has updated its entry-level and mid-range Wi-Fi wireless speakers this year. The Era 100 is the most affordable. It replaces the Sonos One, which made a major contribution to the brand’s success and recognition. The Era 100 is slightly larger, however, most importantly it responds to a large number of criticisms by correcting all the shortcomings of the previous model. Bluetooth is now present, something Sonos had long stubbornly avoided. The USB-C port on the rear panel can accommodate an adapter adding a network socket and/or a mini-jack input socket, to connect a vinyl turntable for example, a recurring request from Sonos customers. Finally, an additional tweeter enables the Era 100 to operate in stereo.
- Wi-fi & Bluetooth
- Even more lifelike sound thanks to stereo
- Optional auxiliary input
Pro-Ject Primary E Turntable
Pro-Ject Audio is one of the world’s leading turntable specialists, with dozens of models in its catalogue. The Primary E model is aimed at beginners. Simplified to the extreme, this belt-driven turntable has no buttons. All you have to do is move the belt on its visible pulley to switch from 33 to 45 rpm. Nevertheless, the technical and mechanical qualities of the brand’s turntables are there for all to see. The aluminium tonearm holds a pre-mounted quality Ortofon cartridge. A dust cover is supplied, and the whole unit is suspended by anti-vibration feet. Also for ease of use, the phono preamplifier is integrated, enabling it to be connected directly to any system, including a wireless speaker such as the Sonos Era 100.
- Simplicity and efficiency
- Heavy turntable and anti-vibration feet
- Integrated phono preamplifier
Meze 99 Classics Wired Headphones
The Meze 99 Classic are not a novelty, but an essential reference. The product’s success can be explained by the serious answers it gives to every aspect of its wired circum-aural headphones. The comfort is exemplary, with a headband that applies little force to the skull. It’s also worth noting that they are lightweight, weighing in at just 260 grams. The large transducers reproduce a very wide range of frequencies, with no weakness in the bass. Its high sensitivity makes it compatible with any source, even the headphone socket on a smartphone or tablet. Finally, the luxurious finish is rare at this price level, with real walnut shells and various gold-coloured finishing touches.
- Clear musicality
- Fantastic comfort
- Exemplary finish
WiiM Amp Connected Amplifier
WiiM had hit the jackpot with its connected mini-amplifier, simply called Amp. It uses the same technology as the brand’s streamers, with an identical mobile application giving access to integrated streaming services, including Qobuz. For those wishing to access their music via other channels, the WiiM Amp is DLNA, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatible. And it doesn’t stop there, with three inputs for as many external sources: one analogue for a vinyl turntable, one optical for a CD player and one HDMI ARC for a TV! Its Class D amplification section delivers 2x100 watts at 4 ohms, which is more than enough for most applications. No other connected amplifier has ever offered so much at such an affordable price.
- Unbeatable equipment/price ratio
- 2x100 watts into 4 ohms
- AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HDMI ARC
NAD CS1 Streamer
Recently introduced to the range, the NAD CS1 Streamer allows network playback to be added to any existing system. This tiny product is ultra-simple, with no need for a control application. It adapts to your habits. It acts as a Bluetooth receiver, which is always useful, but above all, it’s AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatible. So you can stream music to the CS1 from any application on an Apple or Android mobile. It’s also one of the most affordable Roon-compatible devices available. Hi-Res playback is provided at up to 192 kHz/24-bit, and audio output is available in both analogue and digital formats.
- Bluetooth, WiFi and ethernet
- AirPlay 2 & Chromecast
- Roon Compatible
Bluesound Pulse M Wireless Speakers
The Pulse M is Bluesound’s latest creation. This wireless speaker breaks new ground in both design and sound. With its rounded shape, it hides three speakers positioned in different directions behind its stretched fabric, providing 360° sound reproduction. It aims to fill the room with three-dimensional sound without compromising on quality. It features a solid 80-watt amplifier combined with a DSP to deliver excellent sound levels without distortion. Well equipped, the Pulse M has dual auxiliary inputs, a USB port, Bluetooth aptX HD, AirPlay 2 and Roon compatibility. There’s even a headphone output, a rare feature on a connected speaker. The Pulse M can be paired in stereo with a second speaker, or used as part of a home cinema system with other Bluesound components.
- Immersive sound
- Maximum connectivity
- AirPlay 2 & Roon