SECRETS is pleased to announce our Best Of Awards for 2020.

Friends, here we are at the tail end of 2020, and once again SECRETS has had an opportunity to review many great audio and video products this past year. The Editorial Team spent several weeks deliberating and considering which products, that came through our collective doors during these past 12 months, can truly be considered outstanding. It is to these standout products that we give the SECRETS Best of Awards.

The awards and the categories are based on reviews that have been conducted on actual products that we have received for evaluation. While it’s not possible for us to review every conceivable “great piece of gear” from year to year, we believe the products we have reviewed represent a good and relevant cross-section of what is interesting out there in the audio/video universe. Our reviewers are pretty candid about their findings of products: if they really like something, that opinion is reflected in the product highlights and review conclusion. We will not make recommendations or award pronouncements out of thin air.

In 2016 we added our SECRETS “Thumbs-Up Award” in addition to the Best Of Award recipients. The “Thumbs-Up” award recognizes outstanding products in categories that may not have had more than one product in for review this year. Other times we have certain products that, while not Best Of winners, have qualities and features that are so compelling that they demand recognition. So, the SECRETS Thumbs-up Award winners are guaranteed to be unique and recommended as well!

And speaking of unique and exceptional products, Our Editor-In-Chief John E, Johnson Jr. has seen fit this year to award a rare and coveted “Bad-Ass” certification on a particular item that he found truly worthy. Our boss is a rather picky fellow and he does not dole these things out every year, case-in-point 2018 and 2019 were Bad-Ass-Less! Only when something comes along that meets or exceeds his discerning expectations in design, engineering and performance does the “Bad-Ass” stamp come out.

As vinyl purchasing and playback continue to see growth this year our vinyl review guru, Jason Crawford has selected a couple of what he considers outstanding examples of the medium. The practice of enjoying music committed to the grooves of 12-inch petroleum-based platters seems to be alive and well and Jason has awarded “Best Vinyl Reissue” and “Best Vinyl New Release” awards accordingly.

We have dropped our movie review recommendations this year as, frankly, the availability of screener copies of new releases from movie studios has dried up with the advent of streaming. Our monthly “What We Are Watching” feature has been steadily showing our staffers spending more and more time with streaming content than with shiny round disks of late.

Now, without further ado, we present the Secrets Best Of 2020 Awards!

Product of the Year

At SECRETS, a “Product of the Year” is a product that not only sets the bar for its category, but it is also a product that we believe will inspire real innovation and progress from its competitors. We consider new technologies, performance, design, and value; and when a component excels at all four of these disciplines, we afford it this prestigious recognition.

Sonus faber Lilium Floor Standing Speakers

Product of the Year

Sonus faber Lilium Floor Standing Speakers

Sonus faber is a well-regarded Italian speaker company. Their staff’s engineering skills, creativity, and craftsmanship put them in the same league as their countrymen who design and build Maserati, Lamborghini, and Ferrari sports cars. The Sonus faber Lilium loudspeakers are truly superb. They are beautiful, sound fantastic, and the spouse acceptance factor is outstanding. There is no such thing as the best speaker in the world, but the Sonus faber Lilium is definitely one of the best. The reviewer (me) perceives the Liliums as an extraordinary set of loudspeakers. My wife said that she has never heard anything like them. I concur.

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor-In-Chief


Bad-Ass Award

MartinLogan Balanced Force 212 Subwoofer

MartinLogan Balanced Force 212 Subwoofer

The MartinLogan Balanced Force 212 Subwoofer has two 12” drivers in bipolar arrangement and two 850-watt amplifiers (1,700 watts peak/each). Priced at $4,499.99 USD, and weighing in at 140 pounds, this is something that will take your home theater (and stereo audio system) to new levels of enjoyment, and that was exactly what I experienced! After everything was said and done this is one of the three best subwoofers that I have ever tested. The other two are much more expensive. The MartinLogan Balanced Force 212 Subwoofer is powerful, plays deep, distortion controlled, and is very flexible in terms of how you can set it up. To top it all off, it is beautifully finished. Bad-Ass indeed!

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor-In-Chief


Best of Awards

Dayton Audio DSP-LF Low-Frequency DSP Controller

Best Audio Accessory

Dayton Audio DSP-LF Low-Frequency DSP Controller

The Dayton Audio DSP-LF Low-Frequency DSP Controller allows you to revise your home theater and listening room’s low-end response using digital signal processing.

It enables the integration of one or two subwoofers into an existing stereo system. The DSP-LF also allows you to take control of your sub’s bass response using an iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

The control software, called iWoofer for Android or iOS, will put you in control of your subwoofer’s sonic character and its adjustments for room response, that you can then tailor for the sound you desire.

The Dayton Audio DSP-LF Low-Frequency DSP Controller is a real help to those trying to integrate a subwoofer into a stereo system. It can also improve some aspects of home theater subwoofer integration, but many of the features of the DSP-LF are already included in your A/V receiver or surround sound processor.

Glenn Young, Senior Editor


 

Sonus faber Olympica Nova I Loudspeakers

Best Bookshelf Loudspeakers

Sonus faber Olympica Nova I Loudspeakers

Once I had the Olympica Nova I dialed into their final positions and pressed play on the remote control, they proceeded to just light up the room! These little Italian beauties produced an unexpectedly big and spacious sound that belied their size. With almost everything I played on them, the soundstage they painted went well beyond the physical speaker boundaries, both from side-to-side and front-to-back. The overall character to the speaker’s voicing was lush and rich sounding with a treble that sparkled but didn’t get fatiguing after lengthy bouts of listening. When sitting in the sweet-spot, the Nova I really nailed that “alive” quality that so appeals to me in certain speakers and, as slightly over-the-top as this next statement is going to sound, it seemed less like these speakers were playing and more like they were breathing.

Carlo Lo Raso, Co-Editor


 

Auralic Vega G1 Streaming DAC

Best High-End DAC

Auralic Vega G1 Streaming DAC

Judging sound quality from one DAC to another is a subjective thing. For me, it’s about the music and how the listening experience moves me on an emotional level. The Auralic Vega G1 will present your music with pristine detail and a broad soundstage. And it connects all your digital music in an easy-to-use, well-built streamer. Not everyone may find these qualities to be to their liking. One man’s detail is another man’s sterile. I really think the Vega G1 is special and if you are interested in getting the most from your high-resolution files, the Vega G1 is a great place to start. I didn’t give streaming a second thought a year ago but now have embraced it fully. Auralic has made a streaming DAC that will make a lot of physical-disc-only holdouts change their minds. With so many streaming services like Amazon, Tidal and Quobuz, streaming DACs are going to be the future. And with the Vega G1, the future looks bright.

Jim Milton, Senior Editor


 

VIVID Audio KAYA 45 Floor Standing Loudspeakers

Best Floor Standing Loudspeakers

VIVID Audio KAYA 45 Floor Standing Loudspeakers

I found the VIVID Audio KAYA 45 speakers to be the most transparent and musical speakers I have reviewed in my more than 10 years of professional reviewing experience. The KAYA 45’s had almost no weaknesses and provided non-stop performance that I could enjoy without any conscious thought. They just gave me the music the way I like it! I had the VIVID Audio KAYA 45 speakers in for a detailed review for about 8 weeks or so. By the end of the first week, I knew I was going to buy a pair to make them my long-term reference speakers. They pretty much had no discernible weaknesses in their performance.

Jim Clements, Co-Editor


 

LG 65GX OLED Ultra HDTV

Best Ultra HDTV

LG 65GX OLED Ultra HDTV

There is little more I can say about the LG OLED 65GX Ultra HDTV other than – Bravo! It is capable of tremendous performance and one needn’t tweak and fiddle with settings to unlock that goodness. Right out of the box, it delivers a stunning picture with accurate color for all types of content. From DVDs to Ultra HD Blu-ray and everything in between, it provides the best possible image. Video processing is also superb. Not only did the 65GX ace my tests, but it also handled motion with ease. Fast-moving objects and camera pans are smooth without the un-natural soap opera effect that plagues many LCDs. And gamers will appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate with adaptive sync.

I must also give a nod to LG’s well-engineered WebOS. It is one of the best streaming platforms I have encountered. It’s truly possible to simply plug in an Ethernet cable or connect to Wi-Fi to access a universe of content. And if you go looking for Ultra HD streams with HDR and extended color, the 65GX will happily play them. No surround speaker system in your living room? LG’s built-in speakers deliver clear audio with a wide soundstage and decent bass.

While I have tested and calibrated many TVs, projectors, and monitors during my career, none have impressed me as much as the LG OLED 65GX. It is truly the best display I have ever reviewed.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

DALI IO-6 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

Best Wireless ANC Headphones

DALI IO-6 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

The sweet spot. For this type of product, that is where the DALI IO-6 Wireless NC headphones seem to land for me. They provided a nicely balanced, high-fidelity stereo sound over both Bluetooth and wired connections, along with an effective level of noise-cancellation when called for. The build quality and aesthetics are excellent, and I found the comfort level to be top of the heap among all similar types of ANC headphones that I’ve tried so far. As you read earlier, the other person around here who likes these headphones an awful lot is my wife. She periodically absconded with them and found both the aesthetics and the sound quality of the IO-6 to be much to her liking. Enough so that she has taken ownership of the review pair, so they won’t be going back to DALI. I don’t know if I (or she) can give them a higher recommendation than that. If I had one suggestion of something that I’d like to see added to these headphones would be the inclusion of an app that allowed adjustment of the level of ANC. I don’t personally need it, but the added flexibility might be appreciated by other prospective buyers. Otherwise, for a pair of noise-canceling headphones, the DALI IO-6 feels “just right”.

Carlo Lo Raso, Co-Editor


 

Monoprice Monolith M570 Planar Headphones

Best Affordable Headphones

Monoprice Monolith M570 Planar Headphones

In case you hadn’t figured, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Monoprice Monolith M570 headphones. Their spacious and smooth sonic character melded with an above average (for inexpensive open-back cans) level of bass reproduction and some judicious tuning in the upper vocal and lower treble range make these a great go-to set of headphones for a wide variety of music. They quickly become an easy and enjoyable listening partner. Unless you are someone who is looking for a more neutral or extremely resolving set of headphones, I think these will find favor with a lot of people who are looking in this price range. While slightly heavy they are well built and exceedingly comfortable for long stretches of time. I recommend using an amplifier to get the best performance out of the M570 when on the go. They need just a bit more juice than what most phones or small DAPs can provide so it shouldn’t be too hard to find something suitable without breaking the bank. I know it’s been a while now, but for $299.00 it still amazes me that one can get planar magnetic headphones at that price. If you are in the market for some new cans and these fall within your budget, I strongly suggest that you seek out the Monolith M570 for a listen. Highly recommended.

Carlo Lo Raso, Co-Editor


 

Periodic Audio Beryllium In-Ear Monitors

Best Wired Earbuds

Periodic Audio Beryllium In-Ear Monitors

When the Beryllium earbuds get to stretch their legs, they make the full extent of their quality known. The goal of the Be’s is precise sound, and they deliver exactly that. The Be’s filter out outside noise very nicely as a result of the excellent seal, and beyond that the sound that they deliver is clean, tight, and full. Deep lows set up a foundation for the strong mids, and the highs pierce through just enough to make their presence known, but not enough to grate. Each aspect knows its place and function and executes them in cooperation with one another, creating a formidable sound that more than justifies the price tag. Throughout my test period, the Be’s created an immersive experience by directing my focus to the music itself. I felt no need to adjust the volume in an unorthodox fashion; my usual listening levels transferred perfectly well. The Periodic Audio Beryllium IEMS are a simple, high-quality product that provides the consumer with an exceptional listening experience. I’d consider them almost a necessity.

Peter Lo Raso


 

STAX SR-007A Electrostatic Headphones

Best High-End Headphones

STAX SR-007A Electrostatic Headphones

Electrostatic headphones sound like nothing else out there and anyone who is serious about their headphone listening should experience a pair for themselves to understand what I mean. The STAX SR-007A “Ear-speakers” hit that sweet spot for me in terms of comfort and performance unlike anything else, from a headphone standpoint, that I have experienced thus far. They produce pure, weightless musical energy seemingly devoid of distortion and effort and at a volume that can well surpass reasonable need. And they produce all the bass I could want in the bargain. Combined with either one of the STAX SRM-700 amplifiers, one is presented with a reference level home listening setup that could ruin a person to accept anything less. Is there something better out there? Perhaps, but I’d wager not without a significant increase in cost and for an incremental gain at that. If budget were not an issue I would purchase these outright and use them as a reference. I find them to be outstanding in every regard and that I had every right to be in awe of their ancestors in my youth.

Carlo Lo Raso, Co-Editor


 

Rotel Michi X3 Integrated Amplifier

Best High-End Integrated Amplifier

Rotel Michi X3 Integrated Amplifier

In the hierarchy of music system performance, a separate-component system is the way to go to achieve the top of the hi-fi pyramid, or so I thought, until I tried the Michi X3 integrated amplifier. With a trick or two, the Michi X3 changed my opinion drastically and showed that an integrated component can also belong fair and square on the top of the hi-fi pyramid. Skillfully engineered with a seemingly cost-no-object mentality, the Michi X3 exhibits excellence by any standard in all aspects of sonic performance. It is also elegant looking with build and finish quality that seem to spare no compromise. Moreover, as a modern integrated amplifier with DAC functionality, the X3 offers a great deal of setup convenience by leaving out the headache of finding matching components, as well as removing interconnects from the equation. The Michi X3 is not exactly cheap at $4999, but in my honest opinion, it is worth every penny and more. The components used and the craftsmanship of the X3 can beat some of the more expensive products out there. Moreover, it delivers awesome sonic performance that begs to be compared with the best in its class. For these reasons, I consider the X3 one of the best bargains in audio. It is one of the best modern integrated amplifiers that I have ever encountered, and it easily earns my highest recommendation.

Yongki Go, Writer


 

FiiO M15 Digital Audio Player

Best Digital Audio Player

FiiO M15 Digital Audio Player

There’s nothing cheap about the M15, it is truly a class-leading digital audio player. While you can get equal sound for much less, the wide feature set, ability to playback all your files in DSD format, and the hefty amplifiers will make a difference to many potential buyers. I love the M15 player. It plays every imaginable format, and it has enough power to sparkle with hard to drive headphones. No matter what I threw at the M15, it played it without adding anything to the music that I could detect. In truth, the M15 audio quality matched the much cheaper Astell & Kern SR25, but the better amplifier in the M15 made it a winner with inefficient headphones. I liked the bigger, high-quality screen, and I also liked being able to turn off the Android OS and listen to the M15 in a ‘pure’ audio mode that was designed only for the playback of music.

Mel Martin, Writer


 

Parasound JC 1+ Monoblock Power Amplifier

Best Monoblock Power Amplifier

Parasound JC 1+ Monoblock Power Amplifier

Parasound has long been admired for their preamplifiers and power amplifiers. The JC 1+ monoblock power amplifier is their latest achievement, and it truly is an achievement to the highest degree. It has enough power (450 watts RMS into 8 Ohms) to drive any speaker, and the parts quality is a statement on its own. The sound is exemplary and one would expect that from the almost $17,000/pair price, but high price is no guarantee of quality for any product. It has to be verified. Proof of Performance for the Parasound has been verified. They are worth the price.

John E. Johnson Jr., Editor-In-Chief


 

McIntosh C53 Stereo Preamplifier

Best High-End Stereo Preamplifier

McIntosh C53 Stereo Preamplifier

McIntosh has always made great preamps, and their latest solid-state flagship not only carries on the tradition but does so with a full eight-band analog equalizer! One might fear that the full feature set provided with the C53 would interfere with the preamplifier’s tonality or transparency. Nope – This preamp runs with the best in the business in both categories. If you want McIntosh’s flagship stereo preamplifier, the C53 is for you!

The McIntosh C53 Stereo Preamplifier brings an exceptional level of control to a prospective owner without sacrificing sound quality. This is a difficult achievement because more active circuitry increases the risk of damage to the sound’s delicacy, flat frequency response, and imaging. This is why the majority of audiophile preamplifiers cling to the straight-wire-with-gain design philosophy. But McIntosh, ever the rebel, still offers this control center design that competes at the very top level. With but minor quibbles, this is one of the very best preamplifiers you can buy.

Glenn Young, Senior Editor


 

NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC

Best Mid-Price Stereo Preamplifier

NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC

The NAD C 658 is incomparable when you consider all the features packed into this component. At this price point, there are barely a handful of stand-alone DACs let alone DAC/Streamer/Preamplifiers. From a sound standpoint, perhaps the Auralic G1 at about $2,700 will give you comparable playback, again though without many of the features. I couldn’t say I heard any significant difference playing the C 658 as the primary preamplifier in lieu of feeding the signal to my Parasound P6. No change in soundstage, no reduction in music depth and power. Playing the newly released John Coltrane, 1964 recording, Blue World in MQA required me to drop the volume a few decibels. The sound coming from the C 658 was relaxed, yet detailed. His saxophone was nicely balanced with the piano and gentle percussions. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the C 658 as your primary preamplifier either, making it the heart of any HiFi system.

Piero Gabucci, Senior Editor


 

Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD Projector

Best LCD Projector Under $3000

Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD Projector

THE EPSON HOME CINEMA 3800 lives in a crowded price category but for the money, it delivers best-in-class contrast and a bright, saturated and sharp picture. I have enjoyed every Epson projector I’ve reviewed and that has been a lot over the past eight years. The Home Cinema 3800 continues that company’s tradition of image accuracy and quality along with cutting edge technology and a bright picture, all at a great price. For just $1699, the 3800 delivers quality optics, more than enough light for any theater or media room and excellent contrast. Its Natural mode promises accurate color with no real need for calibration. And the menu system offers something for enthusiasts to sink their teeth into. With flexible installation, stereo speakers and wide signal compatibility, there is little the Home Cinema 3800 cannot do. In the crowded sub-$2000 projector segment, it offers best-in-class contrast and outstanding performance. Whether your content comes from optical discs or from the ether, it will look like it’s coming from a more expensive display.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

BenQ TK850 Ultra HD DLP Projector

Best DLP Projector Under $3000

BenQ TK850 Ultra HD DLP Projector

At $1699, the BENQ TK850 is a top value in compact DLP projectors. With Ultra HD, HDR and high output, it’s easily among the best in its class. After reviewing several Ultra HD projectors from BenQ and other companies, it’s easy to see the difference between the high color and high brightness models. But the TK850 has advanced the quality of the latter quite a bit over its predecessor, the TK800. Though it doesn’t have the large color gamut of the HT3550, it offers twice the light output and surprisingly good contrast. My experience with HDR content was impressive. Only the darkest scenes showed DLP’s weakness in the black level department. With just a few bright highlights added though, the picture looks fantastic. The TK850 is bright and colorful and with a few tweaks, very accurate as well. It can handle any kind of signal including 3D, which it’s particularly good at.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

Optoma CinemaX P1 UST 4K Projector

Best Projector Over $3000

Optoma CinemaX P1 UST 4K Projector

The OPTOMA CINEMAX P1 UST PROJECTOR competes well with other all-in-one projection displays. It provides a sharp bright picture at a price point squarely between budget and premium. When taken in the context of its intended market, the Optoma CinemaX P1 does everything well. It’s easy to set up and use. It includes excellent sound through its four NuForce-tuned speakers. Image quality is razor-sharp with good color and decent HDR performance. Ultra HD material looks particularly good and 1080p content is rendered with a quality upconversion. The P1’s best feature by far though is its 3D. Though this format is largely dead, it still has some die-hard fans. This projector is without a doubt the best 3D display I’ve ever seen. The effect is so strong, you feel as though you could walk right into the scene. Don’t be put off by its relatively low 3D light level. The complete lack of crosstalk more than compensates. The Optoma CinemaX P1 Ultra Short Throw Projector is a worthy television replacement. You can enjoy a bright and sharp 120-inch image by placing it on a bench beneath your screen just 14 inches away. Sound is plentiful and of high quality and three HDMI inputs interface with any video component you care to connect. Versatility and quality abound in an elegantly styled package. The CinemaX P1 comes highly recommended.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

Denon AVR-X4700H AV Receiver

Best AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X4700H AV Receiver

The Denon AVR-X4700H is a fully realized AV receiver that does everything well. With an easy setup routine and the HEOS app, you can be up and running in no time. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 ensures you’ll hear balanced and clear sound from every seat. The latest HDMI hardware means you can manage streaming boxes, Ultra HD Blu-ray players, 4K smart TVs, projectors, media servers, and much more without issue. To quote a famous computer company, “It Just Works.” The Denon AVR-X4700H AV Receiver receives my highest recommendation. If you need something to bring all your home theater or media sources together, it’s a great choice.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

Rythmik Audio F12SE Subwoofer

Best Subwoofer

Rythmik Audio F12SE Subwoofer

The Rythmik F12SE subwoofer is a true high-performance subwoofer in the literal sense. Despite lacking convenience features, such as remote/wireless control, the F12SE delivers first-rate bass performance. With its Direct Servo technology, the bass produced by the F12SE subwoofer always sounds controlled and articulate with good attack. The capability of the subwoofer to produce flat bass output down to the subsonic range is impressive. The F12SE with its A370XLR3 amplifier provides sufficient bass response control for seamless integration with the main speakers in stereo music applications. The term ‘subwoofer for discerning audiophiles’ describes the F12SE fittingly. The F12SE subwoofer is also sufficiently capable of handling the low-frequency effects in home-theater applications. Complimented by its handsome appearance and compact size, this excellently-built subwoofer brings tremendous sub-woofing value at its $1099 asking price. The Rythmik F12SE subwoofer easily earns my highest recommendation for a high performance-to-cost ratio subwoofer.

Yongki Go, Writer


 

ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 Home Theater Speaker System

Best Surround Sound Speaker System

ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 Home Theater Speaker System

The ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 is a notably significant audio upgrade over their predecessors. In fact, for the money, I’d say there are precious few speakers that achieve the level of performance and enjoyment that the Uni-Fi 2.0 are capable of, either in stereo or surround. I found them to be able to generate a huge and at times holographic image that made them instantly likable and addictive to listen to. Yet they also had plenty of detail and clarity in their presentation that made me feel like I wasn’t wanting for anything from either vocals or instruments. When used in a home theater, the UF5.2 towers and the UC5.2 center channel make for a seamless and frankly killer front end. The MURO on-wall was a nice little surprise as well. Its use as a discrete on-wall speaker solution was never a question. That it could work as a matching and effective surround solution with the Uni-Fi 2.0 in my room was happy circumstance. It’s flexible and gives people looking to set up a full surround system some options, which is always a good thing. I would consider the Uni-Fi 2.0 and MURO loudspeakers an absolute best buy. My colleague David Rich puts it even more directly, “When your music loving, non-audiophile friend asks for a speaker recommendation, the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF5.2 towers are the speakers to steer them to. Tell them to spend no more.”

Carlo Lo Raso, Co-Editor


 

Technics SL1500C Turntable

Best Turntable

Technics SL1500C Turntable

The Technics SL1500C turntable is an outstanding performer for its price class, and then some. It distills and refines all the elements that made the original SL1200 turntables such a favorite with Hi-Fi enthusiasts and does away with the more DJ-centric features that are now available in the purpose-built SL1200 Mk 7. At $1199.99, with a modern direct-drive system, a fine-sounding Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, and a more than capable built-in MM phono preamp, the SL1500C is almost a “no-brainer” purchase for someone who is looking for a turntable at this price point. Still, If your heart is set on a nice quality belt drive table (and there are some nice ones at this level to be had out there) then this whole discussion is moot. But if you want your records to be spun by something a little more advanced than a rubber band, or you always liked the idea of owning an old SL1200, the SL1500C has you covered every which way from Sunday. The Technics SL1500C is very likely the only turntable most people will ever need and you will not find any better new turntable for its price, period.

Carlo Lo Raso, Co-Editor


 

KEF LSX Wireless Speaker System

Best Wireless Speakers

KEF LSX Wireless Speaker System

At $1249.99 the KEF LSX Speaker system is almost exactly half the price of its bigger brother, the LS50 Wireless Speaker System. Most importantly however, it does not sound like half the system. $1249.99 is not an impulse buy for most of us, but when you consider that it has matched built-in apps, wide frequency response and world-class imaging, it is a much better deal than at first glance. All you really need is a streaming source like Spotify and you have an excellent all in one system.

Mel Martin, Writer


Thumbs Up Awards

DALI Menuet SE Speakers

Bookshelf Loudspeakers

DALI Menuet SE Speakers

One of the things I like about small speakers is the ability to quickly and easily move them around and experiment with their placement. I also find that reputable manufacturers put a lot of thought into their design to make them punch far above their weight class. I was immediately struck by the large sound the Menuet SEs were about to kick out. With my eyes closed, I could have envisioned a small tower speaker making the sound I was hearing. Sonically, they had a sweet treble, punchy mid-range, and a fairly potent bottom end. I could easily hear cymbals, rimshots, and triangles with a fair amount of air around the sounds. The treble was natural sounding and not at all fatiguing over long listening sessions. The bass, and more importantly, the mid-bass, has a naturalness to it that favored both male and female vocalists. Jazz sounded very good on the Menuet SEs. The bass sounded much deeper and tighter than you would expect from a speaker with these dimensions.

Jim Milton, Senior Editor


 

Topping D10 USB DAC and USB SPDIF Converter

DACs

Topping D10 USB DAC and USB SPDIF Converter

A simple $90 DAC that could embarrass some products costing 10 times the price. Curious to see what this $90 DAC could do I hooked it up to my spectrum analyzer before I heard a note of music. Back came the performance of many $900 DACs. SNR = 115.5dB, A-Weighted, which is almost 19-bit performance and THD of 109dB (0.0004%) at 1kHz and 10kHz (band-limited to 20kHz) approaching the distortion resolution limit of my spectrum analyzer. The largest IM tone from the -6dB 18KHz/19kHz test was -110dB down. The results are almost the same at 192k samples/sec as 48k samples/sec. If a USB input is all you need, the Topping D10 does everything a good modern DAC should at a wildly affordable price.

David A. Rich, Senior Editor


 

Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Open Headphones

Headphones and Earphones

Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Open Headphones

There are a lot of headphones in the $750 to $1000 price range. At $899.99 the DAN CLARK AUDIO AEON 2 HEADSETS would be a top choice among the many headsets I’ve heard at similar price points. For portability, they are, by virtue of their innovative and fresh design, at the head of the pack. I’ve heard a lot of impressive headphones over the years. Some are standouts, most are very good. The Dan Clark AEON 2 Headphones are standouts. In terms of audio, it checks all the boxes. They equal any headphone I have heard at or well above this price range. In terms of comfort and design, they are the best headphones I have experienced. The folding of the headband to keep it close to the transducers is a small stroke of genius that makes you want to take the Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 headphones along on your next trip.

Mel Martin, Writer


 

GoldenEar Invisa-Series In-Wall Speakers with SuperSub X and SuperCenter Reference

In-Wall Loudpeakers

GoldenEar Invisa-Series In-Wall Speakers with SuperSub X and SuperCenter Reference

I truly love this installation of GoldenEar speakers from so many perspectives. First and foremost the sound quality is superb. Music sounds delicate and full while movies can be thunderous and room-filling. I also like the Invisa for their clean aesthetic – flush grilles, no bezel ring and paintable, they don’t draw attention visually to themselves. I can’t say installing them was any simpler than other in-ceiling speakers I’ve worked with yet had no trouble with the spring-action binding posts or the screw-driven clamping.

The SuperCenter Reference is an excellent choice giving this main channel’s breadth and depth, without the megaphone quality I’ve heard in many center channels. For the fun of it, someday I may add a second SuperSub X but living with the single unit, I still couldn’t be happier with the performance.

In the end, no regrets about the permanent choice of the Invisa Series, and I’ve learned to enjoy the system regardless of my circumstances with the existing construction.

Piero Gabucci, Senior Editor


 

Monoprice Pure Tube Stereo Amplifier

Integrated Amplifiers

Monoprice Pure Tube Stereo Amplifier

For the tube-curious and those on entry-level budgets, I know of NO other all-tube integrated amplifier for anywhere NEAR the bargain price of the Monoprice Pure Tube Stereo Amplifier. If you’re willing to live within its 10-watt limitations, and particularly if you’re a “vinylista” who needs a phono stage, I don’t think you can do better (in an all-tube design) than this amplifier.

Besides, if you decide that you need more power later, you can still use the MP as a tubed preamplifier (with Bluetooth and Phono Stage), and use the pre-out jacks to drive the power amplifier of your choice. The Monoprice Pure Tube Stereo Amplifier offers unique and amazing value for its modest price. Despite its lack of a remote control, it is HIGHLY recommended!

Glenn Young, Senior Editor


 

Zappiti NAS Rip 4K HDR

Media Servers

Zappiti NAS Rip 4K HDR

I know people who would buy this system immediately if it offered less storage in a smaller box at a lower price. This is something perhaps for Zappiti to consider. Still, as is, the Zappiti NAS is a breakthrough product with capabilities and ease of use that no one else offers. I want one in my home theater system. The Zappiti NAS RIP 4K HDR is a terrific, one of a kind product. It is easy to use, and I saw no issues at all while ripping movies to it. For what is a complicated software-intensive device, it’s really plug-and-play for the end-user. Still, it’s an expensive proposition, but for the collector of films, it’s a fabulous solution that works as advertised. To use the Zappiti NAS is to want one if you have an extensive home theater setup.

Mel Martin, Writer


 

Starke AD4.320 4-channel Power Amplifier

Power Amplifiers

Starke AD4.320 4-channel Power Amplifier

The Starke Sound AD4.320 power amplifier is a highly unusual Class D power amplifier using proprietary amplification modules running at 600 kHz. The AD4.320 amplifier is also unique, in my experience, in using a conventional, but very heavy-duty analog power supply with dual 30-amp transformers to power the output modules. Starke Sound claims that the AD4.320 combines the high efficiency of Class D circuitry with the warmer and more accurate sound of Class AB designs. Based on what I’ve heard, I must give the Starke Sound AD4.320 my highest recommendation. Honestly, if Starke Sound priced this amplifier at three to five times its actual price, audiophiles would be more likely to take it seriously and give it the consistent rave reviews that it deserves. Its performance justifies that level of consideration. But if you want a sound-for-the-money bargain in the here and now, look closely at the Starke AD4.320!

Glenn Young, Senior Editor


 

Clarus Duet Power Block

Power Conditioners

Clarus Duet Power Block

The Clarus Duet Power Block isn’t cheap but when you’ve already spent thousands on an audio system, it makes sense to wring every drop of potential with a high-quality power conditioner. While there has been debate on the effect of line filtration in an audio system, I most certainly heard a difference from the Clarus Duet Power Blocks. They have no downside other than the fact that they cost nearly as much as my power amps. But their benefit is easily heard. Not only did they lower the noise floor of both amps and subwoofer, but the resulting cleanliness also added presence and boldness to the sound. I really enjoyed the effect they had on my system and all the material I listened to. They enhanced the experience with extra presence and sound power. If you are invested in your audio system, I highly recommend giving the Clarus Duet Power Blocks a listen.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

NAD T 778 AV Surround Receiver

AV Receivers and Processors

NAD T 778 AV Surround Receiver

With a completely silent noise floor and amazing responsiveness, every burst of sound, whether it was massed strings or violent explosions, came across with tactility and detail. Textures were rich and varied and I never strained to hear the finest nuances. There is no fatigue here, not even with low-quality content. You can listen to this receiver for hours and easily lose track of time. I really enjoyed the inclusion of Dirac Live which made the T 778 a perfect fit for my room. Its frequency and phase correction created a perfect balance on the first attempt. And with BluOS, I could sit for hours and surf internet radio stations or content from multiple providers. When investing $3000 in an AVR, one is inevitably concerned with future technologies. Thanks to NAD’s Modular Design Construction, there is no worry. New HDMI version? Swap out the card. It’s a good bet you won’t need to replace the T 778 for many years. Since its core hybrid digital amp technology is so strong, it’s extremely unlikely that something better sounding will come along.

The T 778 is an AVR for the long haul. I’ve enjoyed my time with it more than any other NAD component I’ve reviewed. It receives my highest recommendation.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

Marantz NR 1200 Stereo Receiver

AV Receivers and Processors

Marantz NR 1200 Stereo Receiver

The MARANTZ NR1200 is like a Swiss army knife of receivers. In one very affordable box, you get the flexibility to stream music, the ability to integrate with video, and enough power for all but the most power-hungry speakers in the largest rooms. It also has very good sound. The Marantz NR1200 came into my A/V listening room and during the last few months has performed flawlessly. It has also provided a high level of fun, and ease in operation. At its listed price the Marantz NR1200 offers a tremendous amount of performance. The system I placed it in is probably above what the average user will have. Heck, the speaker cables on the system cost as much as the Marantz. Yet, the Marantz NR1200 never seemed out of place, in fact, it performed up to the level of the speakers and system. The Marantz NR1200 is an unassuming overachiever. My highest recommendation.

Francisco Licon, Writer


 

RBH Ultra-3 On-Wall LCR Soundbar Speaker

Soundbars

RBH Ultra-3 On-Wall LCR Soundbar Speaker

The RBH Ultra-3 On-Wall Soundbar Speaker impressed me in many ways. Its well thought out form factor is a huge win. At only 1 5/8 inches thick, you’ll have no trouble tucking it discreetly under your TV or projection screen. Since it’s available in custom widths, you can make it look like part of the room with ease. I loved the clever connection system with its hidden terminals. The only challenge there is you must use fairly flexible wire to make it work. And the build quality is first-rate. At the value-oriented price of $1231.95, you are getting a premium speaker that will deliver great sound for the long term. And this is the case for passive soundbars. While there are some great products that wrap speakers, processing, and amplification in a single package, the best audio will come from something like the Ultra-3 where the user supplies their own electronics and adds the necessary surround and subwoofer channels. As part of a complete 5.1 or 7.1 home theater system the RBH Ultra-3 On-Wall Soundbar Speaker has few equals, and I suspect none at this price point. It receives my highest recommendation.

Chris Eberle, Co-Editor


 

Pro-Ject VC-S MKII Record Cleaning Machine

Turntable Accessories

Pro-Ject VC-S MKII Record Cleaning Machine

The Pro-Ject VC-S MKII is one of the more affordable vacuum record cleaning machines on the market and is made by one of the most well-known manufacturers out there. It is as close to maintenance-free as you are likely to find and therefore offers terrific value for money. I know there are more expensive record cleaning machines out there, but it is difficult to fathom in what ways they might better the results I was able to achieve. Put simply, it is not an exaggeration to say that records became eerily quiet. A particularly noisy copy of Roberta Flack’s First Take is a good example. Not only was the abundant static I recalled essentially eliminated, the stylus just seemed more settled in the groove. The sonic benefits of the VC-S MKII were obvious and repeatable whether a record was new or used.

Michael Jude Galvin, Writer


 

Sutherland Engineering little LOCO Phono Preamplifier

Turntable Accessories

Sutherland Engineering little LOCO Phono Preamplifier

The Sutherland Little Loco Phono Stage competes way above its price point and delivers transimpedance intrigue along with the music, it is a different experience from conventional phono stages. I have been waiting to hear a current based phono stage for a long while now. That is why I asked for the review sample even though I knew I would be pressed to find the time to finish the review due to an impending move. If I didn’t do it, one of my fellow reviewers would, and then where would I be? Yes, I’m a bad person. But, I would do it again. The balanced connection issue was looming out there as a monstrous obstacle to the wide adoption of this technology and I congratulate Ron Sutherland for stepping up to the plate and solving the problem. The next problem to solve is on you and your audio dealer, make sure your cartridge is moving-coil and otherwise suitable for use with the little LOCO. Then, your problem will be how to afford and where to store all the records you’ll want to buy because the little LOCO is addictive.

Rick Schmidt, Writer


Vinyl Awards

Otis Redding: The Immortal Otis Redding

Best Vinyl Reissue

The Immortal Otis Redding – Otis Redding – Vinyl Me Please

The mastering on this release is superb. The bass is especially present, but not overwhelming. The horns shine with great detail, as does Redding’s voice. You can hear all the grit in his pipes. It seems like you’d hear Redding inhaling deeply in order to generate the vocal power that’s such a large part of his legend, but the notes just appear out of the quiet as if Redding himself were almost incidental. Like the immortal sound is being liberated from the confines of a lowly human’s body. Like the sounds and Redding, arrived fully formed in this world. With great urgency. He gets the dirtiest, most sanctified tones on the album. Steve Cropper’s production puts very little between the listener and the performers. That’s never more obvious than when the backup singers first appear. The effect is startling, almost shocking.

Jason Crawford


 

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings: All The Good Times Are Past & Gone

Best Vinyl New Release

All The Good Times Are Past & Gone – Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Acony Records

The duo famously opted to begin manufacturing their own records a couple of years ago due to their dissatisfaction with the current state of vinyl quality. Their Acony Records selections are amongst the most enjoyable I own, but All the Good Times blasts things into another stratosphere. Voices and instruments just appear out of the air without warning. Like you’re hearing voices in your head rather than your speakers. Dead silence in all the right places. No surface noise, zero imperfections. The first time I heard Welch sing on this record, I sat up in bed like Dracula because I thought someone was in my apartment. It’s simply one of the finest sounding records in my collection. A whole new game.

The first pressing sold out during pre-order and is long gone. This was the limited “handmade edition” with letter-pressed artwork designed by Peter Nevins (who also carved the woodblock) and Rawlings. The Acony logo is embossed on the front cover, and all the assembly happened at the artists’ kitchen tables with help from their employees. The duo’s manufacturing processes have been made as transparent as the sonics, and we are all the richer for it. They left the lumps in the batter too. You’ll hear the occasional mic get bumped. The tape ran out at the end of “Abandoned Love,” and the song ends mid-phrase. Somehow, it all adds up to perfection. Album of the year, so far. Easy. Standard edition forthcoming, and it should have all the same sonics without the personalized artwork. Don’t whiff.

Jason Crawford


Blogs & Little Things

PreSonus Eris E3.5 Powered Speakers

Little Things

PreSonus Eris E3.5 Powered Speakers

PreSonus has a gem of a product with the Eris E3.5. I was not expecting anywhere near this level of audio quality for just $99. These speakers have a great design and offer just the right adjustments and options to sound spot on. If you’re looking for your next desktop powered speakers, don’t let the low price fool you, these are serious speakers with an excellent punch. Bravo, PreSonus, Bravo.

Indiana Lang, Writer


 

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar

Little Things

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar

Impressive design, excellent construction and tons of connectivity options really make this soundbar shine. The overall listening experience was a treat, and app control was superb with no issues to be found. The only thing one should consider is its large size and weight, make sure it will fit in your space before committing. And for $2500, a wall mount bracket would be nice. Of course, you can buy one from Sennheiser for an additional $59. If you have the cash but are limited by wiring options for an Atmos setup, this is your solution. The attention to detail that went into the design of the Ambeo Soundbar is second to none, a very superb job by Sennheiser!

Indiana Lang, Writer


 

FIBBR Alpha USB Audio Cable

Little Things

FIBBR Alpha USB Audio Cable

The Alpha is a well built and solidly thin cable, I just wish the power cable and brick were included. I really liked the matte white finish on the connectors, it’s very unique and looks modern. Just like the Pure2, this cable is clean and features a smooth jacket, with the first word I could think of would be “quality” when I felt the solid matte metal connectors. Like the Pure 2, the Alpha also has the “BendRobust” technology and I can’t believe how effortlessly this cable can bend up to 180 degrees. Being able to run USB this far is quite useful and I really like this cable, the attention to detail is fantastic. Keep your eyes on FIBBR, they are making leaps and bounds in the cable world.

Indiana Lang, Writer