The British hi-fi Hall of Fame: each British entrant from the final 48 years

The What Hi-Fi? Hall of Fame is a really unique membership. To go muster, a product has to not solely excel in its specific class, it have to be a landmark in its area, setting a brand new normal to which its rivals can solely aspire. We give fairly just a few merchandise five-star opinions yearly, however solely let one into the hallowed environs of the Hall of Fame.

Of the 47 merchandise admitted entry since What Hi-Fi? journal first hit the cabinets in 1976, 21 are British. That’s a powerful charge of just below 45 per cent. But what’s extra spectacular is the affect these merchandise have had on hi-fi historical past, from the Rega Planar 3’s dominance of the late ’70s turntable scene to KEF’s mighty LS50 Wireless system in 2017, and many extra apart from.

We’ve listed these highlights under and the 12 months wherein they have been inducted into our Hall of Fame. Join us as we rejoice a few of the biggest hi-fi merchandise these isles have ever produced.

Linn LP12 (1976)

If you have been compiling a listing of the most well-liked high-end turntables ever, the Linn LP12 could be close to the highest. Launched in 1972, it proved dominant for many years, and with a variety of appropriate arms and cartridges, it was like a clean canvas on your turntable aspirations.

Nearly each side of the design has been redeveloped through the years, from the suspension to the ability provide, leading to all kinds of efficiency positive factors. This additionally modified the character of the deck – whereas early fashions had a rounded, wealthy stability that proved a full of life hear, latter variations tended in direction of a extra impartial sonic profile, offering better perception.

A real British hi-fi basic.

Rega Planar 3 (1978)

This is one other British-made turntable that exploded onto the scene within the late Nineteen Seventies (1978, to be actual) and went on to dominate for years. It was extra of a mid-market affair than the Linn above, however it too has had quite a few enhancements through the years, most notably gaining a revolutionary RB300 arm in 1983.

In its numerous iterations, it has received our sub-thousand pound turntable Award so many occasions we’ve misplaced depend.

But regardless of its many re-workings through the years, it is remained at coronary heart a easy, well-made design based mostly on wise engineering rules. It’s at all times been an excellent performer with out making a fuss – and what’s extra British than that?

A&R Cambridge A60 (1979)

A&R Cambridge went on to grow to be Arcam, however earlier than then, it got here out with the A60 amp, its first product. And what a splash it made.

Considered an improve on NAD’s contemporaneous finances amps, it was very a lot the Harry Kane of its day – unassuming, reliable and solidly constructed. But this modest exterior belied a class-leading audio efficiency that excelled with a variety of partnering equipment.

Wharfedale Diamond 1 (1982)

It’s wonderful what number of of those merchandise went on to dominate their respective classes for therefore lengthy. 1982 noticed the introduction of the Wharfedale Diamond, a finances speaker whose newest incarnation earned a five-star overview, 41 years later.

Bass was chief amongst its strengths – regardless of standing simply 24cm tall, the Diamond packed numerous wallop that by no means overwhelmed the tonal stability. They undercut the competitors too, costing £65 a pair when most rivals have been nearer to £100.

Better tweeters and extra refined finishes are among the many enhancements through the years, and so they nonetheless look very cheap in comparison with numerous the competitors. Shine on, you loopy Diamond.

Michell Gyrodec (1982)

The Gyrodec hasn’t modified a lot because it first appeared, which is testomony to the unique design. And not like some flash-in-the-pan rivals, it isn’t merely a looker – it is a piece of engineering artwork that feels higher constructed than other-brand decks at double the cash.

It’s nonetheless out there right now, and nonetheless must be assembled, like a chunk of flatpack furnishings. But it is a breeze to place collectively because of the easy-to-follow directions. 

Of course there’s one more reason it is endured: sound high quality. With an in depth, expressive efficiency, the Gyrodec is that rarest of beasts: a product that sounds pretty much as good because it seems.

Audiolab 8000A (1983)

In some ways, Audiolab owes all of it to the 8000A. The amp got here out of nowhere to knock trade favorite (and fellow Hall of Famer) the A&R Cambridge A60 off the highest spot and set a brand new benchmark within the mid-range.

It did so because of a mix of nice construct high quality, wonderful function set (together with tone controls, a headphone output and a phono stage) and loads of energy. But the sound high quality proved divisive – sure it had spectacular dynamics, loads of perception and a tonal evenness, however some bemoaned its lack of rhythmic subtlety.

This was the ’80s, although. For the time, the 8000A was a real fit-and-forget amplifier – a go-to suggestion that might serve most individuals simply fantastic.

Mission Cyrus One (1984)

Another debut product that certified for the Hall of Fame, the Cyrus One was an amp constructed for purists. It was all in regards to the decision, and so long as you have been on board with its considerably lean 25W per channel output, it offered beautiful agility and dynamic expression. Its perception and element ranges rivalled amps costing twice as a lot.

The first fashions included a plastic case to minimise distortion results, however this was later upgraded to a steel model that was punching above its weight as a finances amp. And in case you wished extra energy? The Cyrus One had a extra succesful sibling, the Cyrus Two.

Cyrus started life because the electronics arm of speaker firm Mission. But with merchandise as completed as this, it quickly spun off right into a separate entity.

Naim 32 preamplifier/SNAPS/250 energy amplifier (1984)

Naim‘s basic high-end combo got here in three components: the 32 preamp, a high-grade devoted energy provide and the legendary 250 stereo energy amp. Because Naim was intently affiliated with Linn on the time, the amp was typically partnered with an LP12 turntable, to devastating impact.

Like numerous fondly-remembered ’80s icons, it hasn’t aged brilliantly. By right now’s requirements, the audio might be extra clear and the soundstage extra open, however on the time it made fairly an affect, with loads of punch, nice organisation and a incredible sense of rhythmic drive. 

Acoustic Energy AE1 (1988)

The world of premium audio system had by no means seen something like the unique AE1s. Despite standing little greater than a shoebox, they boasted unbelievable element and dynamics – outperforming rivals that dwarfed them when it comes to measurement. They have been very a lot the David to the Goliaths of the high-end speaker market.

This was achieved because of their all-metal drive unit configuration – which was extremely uncommon on the time – and plaster-lined cupboard that improved damping. 

They weren’t for everybody. To get the most effective out of them, you needed to perch them on their devoted stands, which value half as a lot because the audio system themselves. And accomplice equipment? Think prime quality, with loads of energy. Anything much less was like placing olive oil in a Ferrari. 

Treat them proper although, and so they nonetheless rise up right now. Proof {that a} basic design actually is timeless.

Mission 753 (1993)

Our first British entrant of the Nineties breathed new life into the marketplace for sub-£1000 floorstanders. That wasn’t completely because of their sound high quality, although they did supply sturdy dynamics, a fast response time and loads of element. Their design additionally performed an element.

At the time, Mission was completed at producing audio system with a hi-tech aesthetic. The 753 cemented its repute, making the competitors look positively old style. But they weren’t too house age for a home setting, trying proper at dwelling within the dwelling. It’s a fantastic stability to strike, and a lesson some sections of the trade are nonetheless but to study.

Arcam Alpha 7SE (1999)

In the ’90s, the inexpensive CD participant market was dominated by Arcam, because of the model’s formidable sound high quality and wonderful construct. This all culminated with the 7SE, a £350 participant that shredded its similarly-priced rivals and lay down the gauntlet to dearer gamers.

For its value, it sounded incredible – refined, however with out sacrificing dynamics. It unearthed numerous element too, and was adept at organising all of it right into a splendidly entertaining presentation.

The plastic entrance exhibits it was very a lot a product of its time. But then going by means of this checklist is a bit like flicking by means of an previous photograph album – you are as typically warmed by fond reminiscences as you’re embarrassed by previous haircuts. 

KEF KHT2005 (2000)

Around the flip of the millennium, encompass sound have been the phrases on everybody’s lips. As a prospect, it was thrilling, however in observe, a lot much less so – who desires to be hemmed in by six huge audio system? Wouldn’t it really feel such as you’re about to be mugged?

Thankfully KEF got here up with a workaround. The firm put all of its technical experience to good use with the modern KHT2005 5.1 speaker bundle, aka ‘Eggs’.

Widely famend as the primary dwelling theatre audio system that most individuals could be blissful to have on present, additionally they delivered an exciting efficiency that engrossed the viewer in no matter they have been watching.

Often imitated, by no means bettered, they have been successful, and every subsequent iteration has solely added to their legacy.

Bowers & Wilkins PV-1 (2004)

If you hearken to B&W, this is not only a subwoofer. No, the PV-1 is a ‘stress vessel’, although it performs precisely the identical operate as a sub. That received our cobblers antennae going just like the clappers, however it turns on the market was one thing in it.

Because so dominant did the PV-1 grow to be on the annual What Hi-Fi? Awards, we retired the subwoofer class altogether. It was both that or rename it the PV-1 Award.

Mostly this was resulting from its efficiency, which we described in our overview as "beautiful". We went on: "The B&W generates clear, uncoloured, amazingly deep bass: push the bounds with a few of Dr Dre’s sillier low-end-licks, and also you’re left in little question in regards to the sonic authority on present."

But the design was an integral a part of its success. At the time, subs have been so boring that producers inspired their prospects to cover their merchandise out of sight. But the PV-1 deserved satisfaction of place. British design at its finest.

ATC SCM11 (2006)

These Gloucestershire-built audio system would possibly look a bit homely, however do not let that idiot you: they’re among the many finest pound-for-pound audio system you should purchase. Even by 2006’s requirements, they seemed barely retro, however that simply makes their success all of the extra spectacular.

They’ve been tweaked through the years, with higher drivers and improved supplies and cupboard finishes, serving to them keep extra related than ever. Homely? Underestimate them at your peril…

Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (2006)

The Zeppelin was not like any iPod dock that had come earlier than it. For a begin, it value £400, which was loopy cash – a lot in order that we reviewed it within the Temptations part of the journal, which is dwelling to the best of high-end equipment. But it was the long-lasting design that basically turned heads.

Back in 2006, most iPod docks have been made by producers of PC peripherals. With B&W’s appreciable sonic – and design – experience behind it, the Zeppelin flew. The firm had been honing its data of amplification with its amp-powered subwoofers, and it put this, together with its growing curiosity in Digital Signal Processing, to good use.

The Zeppelin Mini adopted in 2009, then B&W revived the product in 2019 with the Zeppelin Wireless. Gone was the 30-pin iPod connection, however the identical profitable design and deal with sound high quality helped it earn a good 4 stars from us. Not fairly the identical breakthrough as its predecessor, however the mould had already been damaged.

Roksan Caspian M2 (2010)

Some Hall of Fame merchandise come out of the blue, whereas others evolve over a very long time. The Caspian M2 is the dictionary definition of a gradual burn: Roksan’s Caspian built-in stereo amp had been round in some type for the most effective a part of 15 years earlier than the M2 variant appeared. But what a distinction it made: the construct high quality, ease of use and efficiency have been all elegant for the worth.

It received loads of Awards, so many who Roksan pushed the worth up. It’s testomony to its high quality that it nonetheless stays an excellent purchase certainly, even all these years later, and at the next value.

Chord Hugo (2014)

The Hugo is Chord by means of and thru. The casework is delightfully tactile, the lights are totally different colors to indicate what the unit is doing, and the inputs are barely too shut collectively. But it is the efficiency that basically units the Hugo other than the competitors, British or in any other case.

Chord does not purchase in DAC chipsets, preferring to design its personal programmable circuits as an alternative. This leads to extra nuance, and an important diploma of dynamic subtlety than in rivals on the similar value. It’s extra clear than some, so will present up any sub-par recordings, however the timing and organisation are spot on. Hugo, you’ve got carried out Britain proud.

Naim Mu-so (2014)

Before the Mu-so, wi-fi audio system have been the poor relation of their wired counterparts. But Salisbury-based Naim elevated them to the extent of ‘correct’ hi-fi, and in doing so, single-handedly created a marketplace for £1000 wi-fi audio system.

It did so by refusing to compromise. The supplies and elements, the performance and design aesthetic are all first-rate, and the sound has an influence we may solely describe as "astonishing" in our unique overview. We went on: "It drives all songs with a sure-footed sense of rhythm, wealthy element and lashings of deep, rumbling bass we’ve by no means heard from a wi-fi speaker earlier than."

The Mu-so 2 adopted in 2019, with even higher efficiency and the next value, together with the Award-winning Mu-so Qb 2nd Generation, each of that are among the many finest wi-fi audio system round.

KEF LS50 Wireless (2017)

KEF wasn’t the primary firm to bundle streaming help right into a pair of energetic audio system. But it did it the most effective.

It helps that the LS50 have been already Award-winning audio system. But with help for Tidal and Spotify, Bluetooth, a hi-res-capable DAC and preamp built-in, they turned merely unstoppable. They’re principally a superb pair of hi-fi audio system with much more expertise crammed inside, and KEF managed it with out affecting the sound high quality: the musicality and timing are as charming as ever, the efficiency remaining clear and exact. Proof Britain is on the forefront of wi-fi audio system.

B&W 606 (2019)

B&W’s entry-level 600 Series was launched in 1995, however it was the sixth-generation mannequin that basically hit the candy spot. For the cash, they delivered in spades, with a exact sonic stability serving up a crisp, clear treble, cavernous bass and class-leading element and dynamics.

Like earlier 600 Series audio system, they’ve aged very effectively. In reality, if it wasn’t for the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition and 607 S3 (each Award-winners), we might nonetheless be recommending the sixth-gen mannequin.

Cambridge Audio CXN V2 (2023)

This was the primary music streamer to qualify for our Hall of Fame, and it is one thing of a legend inside the class. It received six What Hi-Fi? Awards in a row, and in case you embody the unique CXN’s gongs too, the mannequin has been embellished yearly since 2015. Staggering.

It’s achieved this feat not solely by means of its wonderful efficiency, however by staying related with software program updates. Both Chromecast and Tidal Connect have arrived on Cambridge Audio’s StreamMagic platform through the years, respiration new life into an already formidable proposition.

Other streamers have come and gone, and whereas some have impressed, none has had the endurance of the CXN (V2).

MORE:

12 of the most effective songs by The Beatles to check your hi-fi system

9 of probably the most underrated British hi-fi merchandise we have ever examined