Sound+Image Nov-Dec 2021: new issue out now

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It's out now in print and digital form – the November-December 2021 issue of Sound+Image. 

Check out all the global EISA Award Winners for 2021-2022, and the full details on all the AV winners!

We listen to Bowers & Wilkins' brand-new 805 D4 and 20 – yes 20! – other pairs of stand-out standmount speakers from $359 to more than $13,000, so you can get BIG hi-fi sound from some remarkably small speakers. 

Read our full review on Yamaha's top-of-the-line Aventage RX-A8A - the compan'ys first 11-channel integrated receiver since the classic Z11.

Plus plenty more – audio-technica's new dynamic vinyl deck at just $699, the new Cambridge Audio smart amplifier, and more... 

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AV & HI-FI EQUIPMENT REVIEWS

Yamaha Aventage RX-A8A networked AV receiver
The top one-box receiver in Yamaha’s 10th anniversary Aventage range gets both movie soundtracks and Atmos music mixes flowing.

LG SP9YA soundbar+subwoofer
LG again teams with Meridian for its new soundbars, this SP9 model promising 5.1.2 channels with Atmos and DTS:X. 

audio-technica AT-LPW50PB turntable
Looks great, sounds great, and at $699 it’s priced well for those getting into or returning to vinyl. We struggle to find anything against this deck.

Bluesound Node streamer
The latest-gen Bluesound Node improves this streamer’s ability still further, and adds a very handy HDMI ARC input for TV playback.   

Cambridge Audio Evo 150 smart amplifier
The UK brand delivers a just-add-speakers smart amplifier that gives the key players an impressive and attractive run for their money. 

HEADPHONES
JBL Live660NC wireless noise-cancelling headphones
Fully-featured app-enhanced noise-cancellers at a remarkable $249.95. But how do they sound?

Yamaha YH-L700A wireless noise-cancelling headphones
Loaded with tech, including ‘surround’ sound fields, while sounding their best used straight.

Klipsch T5 II wireless noise-cancelling earphones
Internal tech from Dirac and Bragi help Klipsch’s ANC buds justify their premium presentation.

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GROUP TEST
Standmount speakers
The advantages of standmounts over large floorstanders extend beyond mere size and aesthetics to finer focus and cleaner bass. We round-up 21 pairs of top-performing small +speakers from the entry-level to the luxurious.

ELAC Debut 5.2 + DALI Spektor 2 + Q Acoustics 3030i + Triangle Borea BR03 + Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 Anniversary + ELAC Debut Reference DRB62 + Polk Reserve R200 + Richter Merlin S6 + Definitive Technology Demand D9 + Sonus faber Lumina 1 + Chario Constellation II Lynx + KEF LS50 Meta + Revel Performa3 M105 + Spendor Classic 4/5 + KEF R3 + JBL L82 Classic + Krix Esoterix Altum + Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 XD + Fyne Audio F701 + Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4  + Sonus faber Electa Amator III 

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EISA AWARDS 2021-2022
Sound+Image is Australia’s EISA AV member of this global society of magazines; so we laid our votes – and here are the winners! 

COAST WITH THE MOST: smart home
Nine audio zones, five 4K video zones, full Savant control — and not a bad view outside. This is blue-sky smart design from Len Wallis Audio.

+ news, views + so much more! 

Our print issue is available in newsagents now, with the digital issue through multiple platforms, including Readly, where you can peruse Sound+Image and thousands more Aussie and international magazines with a 1-month free trial, then AU$14.99p/m.

Sound+Image is Australia's no.1 mag for audio & AV – sister magazine to Australian Hi-Fi and to the UK's What Hi-Fi?, and bestower of the annual Sound+Image Awards, which since 1989 have recognised the year's best hi-fi and home cinema products and installations. While Sound+Image lives here online as part of our group, our true nature is best revealed in the print magazines and digital issues, which curate unique collections of content each issue under the Editorship of Jez Ford, in a celebration of the joys that real hi-fi and high-quality AV can bring. Enjoy essential reviews of the most exciting new gear, features on Australia's best home cinemas, advice on how to find your sound, and our full Buying Guide based on all our current and past award-winners, all wrapped up with the latest news and editorial ponderings. Click here for more information about Sound+Image, including links to buy individual digital editions and details on how best to subscribe.