This Arcam A5 discount is so good, I built a great-sounding hi-fi system around it

With the A5+ now on the scene, the original What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Arcam A5 is enjoying an absolutely barnstormer of a deal.

The amp is a supremely well-rounded performer. It sounds articulate, full-bodied and dynamic, with plenty of punch and verve. Even with the new A5+ taking that performance one step further, the first-gen model remains an entertaining listen and is unfussy with partnering kit. It is well-featured, too, with three line-level inputs, a moving magnet phono stage, coax and optical digital inputs and Bluetooth connectivity.

This £250 discount is huge, and we wouldn't hesitate to snap it up before stock runs out.

Price check: £549 at Peter Tyson

There's a reason that we've handed the Cambridge Audio MXN10 three consecutive What Hi-Fi? Awards. For its size and price, it's pretty much one of the best music streamers out there, and with £100 off its full price, its value is near-unbeatable.

Don't let its compact dimensions fool you, because the MXN10 excels in all areas, from its incredibly detailed, insightful and rhythmically agile sound, to its attractive build and ample feature set. All the popular streaming options are available, from AirPlay 2 to Qobuz Connect, with extensive hi-res file support, and it's a dream to use.

At this price, the MXN10 is a no-brainer and a great partner to the Arcam A5.

Deal also at Amazon and Cambridge Audio UK

This Pro-Ject deck is easy to use, looks lovely and comes in a variety of colourful hues. The Debut Evo 2 won us over with its sweet-sounding mid-range that's immediately likeable, while there is plenty of fluid dynamics and composure in its graceful presentation.

It's now even more appealing thanks to this new deal that slashes £60 off the price, and across all 10 finishes.

This deal is also available at Richer Sounds

What Hi-Fi? Award-winning? Check. Great performance? Check. Affordable? Check.

This long-running CD player remains a firm recommendation, with its punchy, open, dynamic and clean sound coupled with an excellent build quality that feels far more expensive than its relatively modest price point. It is smooth-running as a CD player, too.

The Arcam CD5 would be the natural partner to the A5 amp, but that one is rather pricey at £699. The Marantz is a solid alternative that won't disappoint.

Deal also at Richer Sounds and Peter Tyson

Acoustic Energy's AE300 Mk2 speakers have been a real highlight of the year. The definition of a slow burner, these mid-price speakers deliver an immensely capable performance that won us over with a beautifully balanced, articulate and incredibly musical presentation. The way it reveals information about a song, captures its energy and inherent message, and delivers it with such composure and authority is unmatched.

No, there's no deal on, but we couldn't recommend a more perfect pairing for the Arcam A5 amp – they suit each other brilliantly.

Also available at Richer Sounds