Pick of the month: the LG C4 OLED, Q Acoustics 5050 and more get perfect marks from our reviewers

On May 4, 2024By Vaseline

April is done and dusted, but what a month it has been. Not only did we host a special Vinyl Week event to celebrate Record Store Day, but we also gave seven products a perfect score.

These ranged from impressive affordable turntables to audiophile-level CD players. Here’s what you need to know about all the top products that passed through our testing room in the last 30 days.

Q Acoustics 5050

The Q Acoustics 5050 is the latest addition to the hi-fi brand’s 5000 range, which is aimed at a more premium segment of the market, to take over our listening rooms.

The 5050 differs greatly from the older Q Acoustics 5040 that we reviewed last year. On a hardware and design level, the biggest change is the addition of larger dual mid-bass drivers and a larger cabinet. The combination radically changes their sonic character, with the 5050 having a greater focus on dynamics, clarity and agility based on our listening. Despite the shift, the speakers are excellent and delivered great results during all our checks when properly matched. This led our reviewers to conclude:

“The Q Acoustics 5040 are poised performers who simply step out of the way of the music and let it shine. When worked together with care, they deliver a wonderfully expressive and insightful performance that is class-leading at this level.”

Rating: 5/5

Read our Q Acoustics 5050 review

Vertere Dark Sabre

Vertere Dark Saber MM cartridge

(Image credit: Which Hi-Fi?)

The Vertere Dark Saber is an interesting device with a single purpose: to establish itself as the ultimate moving magnet cartridge and a valid option for serious vinyl fans with premium setups.

Based on our testing, it does just that and manages to match the performance of many premium moving coil rivals. Combined with a Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2 phono stage, Burmester 088/911 MkIII amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers in our reference setup, this delivered a dynamic, punchy and entertaining sound that delighted our reviewers. Our conclusion says it all:

“If you want to buy a cartridge of this level, don’t ignore the Dark Saber. It’s a gem.”

Rating: 5/5

Read our Vertere Dark Saber review

Rekkord Audio F110

Rekkord Audio F110 turntable

(Image credit: Which Hi-Fi?)

If you are looking for an affordable fully automatic record player, you may want to consider the Rekkord Audio F110. The cost-effective turntable proved to be a great entry into the world of vinyl when we tested it. The turntable was not only wonderfully easy to set up and use, but it also delivered great audio considering the price. Whether it was classic jazz or moody 12-bar blues, the unit delivered a cohesive, organized sound when paired with our reference system. Hence our conclusion:

“If you’re looking for a hassle-free record player, seriously consider this Rekkord. It’s easy to use while delivering a level of performance beyond the reach of other automatic options we’ve tried. Add solid construction and a neat finish and the F110 turntable becomes an easily recommended option.”

Rating: 5/5

Read our Rekkord Audio F110 review

Esoteric K-05XD

Esoteric K-05XD CD player

(Image credit: Which Hi-Fi?)

We don’t see many premium SACD/CD players passing through our listening rooms at the moment, which is why the Esoteric K-05XD caused a bit of a stir within the Which hi-fi? team. Fortunately, when paired with our reference Burmester 088/911 MkIII amplifier and ATC SCM50 speakers, the player delivered great results. Whether it was listening to George Michael’s basic CD Ladies gentlemen Disc 1 or an SACD of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, the player delivered excellent clarity and detail. This led our reviewers to report:

“It’s beautifully built and operates with a smoothness that most rivals simply can’t match. If you have a large collection of discs and want to hear the music recorded on them played back with integrity, we can’t think of a more desirable alternative at this level.”

Rating: 5/5

Read our Esoteric K-05XD Review

AudioPro C20

Audio Pro C20 wireless speaker

(Image credit: Which Hi-Fi?)

The Audio Pro C20 is a new one-box speaker that aims to dethrone the five-star Naim Mu-so and Sonus Faber Omnia. With wireless connectivity and a wealth of inputs for wired installations, it aims to provide an all-in-one solution for all your audio needs. During our checks it impressed immensely, with big, detailed sound and a pleasing build, meaning it will fit neatly into most lounges or home offices – but be warned: it’s slightly unwieldy in size to use as a TV speaker. This led our reviewers to conclude:

“The performance up for grabs here is so authoritative and so detailed that it’s a taste of hi-fi in wireless speaker form. If you have the budget, space and system to take advantage of the C20’s many capabilities, we’re hard-pressed to think of another wireless speaker that comes close.”

Rating: 5/5

Read our Audio Pro C20 review

LGC4

LG C4 OLED TV photographed on a stand against a dark gray curtain

(Image credit: Which Hi-Fi?)

The C4 is the step-down option in LG’s current line of OLED TVs, which sits below the more premium LG G4. Even if it doesn’t have the very latest, Which hi-fi? Our reviewers liked the award-winning microlens array screen technology found on its more expensive sibling. The biggest improvements we saw, compared to its predecessor, the LG C3, is significantly clear and controlled sound quality. This, plus the brighter, clearer picture and great gaming features including four HDMI 2.1 inputs, make it an easy recommendation. Our reviewers’ conclusion sums it up:

“This is the first mid-range 2024 OLED TV we’ve tested, but it dramatically throws down the gauntlet to its rivals.”

Rating: 5/5

Read our LG C4 review

MORE:

These are the best OLED TVs we reviewed

We detail the best wireless speakers

Our choice from the best record players revealed