EISA Awards for 2025-26 Announced

The Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is a community of 54 technology magazines, websites, and social media commentators from 27 countries, specializing in hi-fi, home theatre, photo and video, in-car, and mobile electronics.

Every year, the EISA Awards celebrate those new products that combine the most advanced technology and desirable features with class-leading performance. The EISA Awards extend from the most affordable, high-value products to the most aspirational expressions of modern consumer electronics. Award categories change from year to year, reflecting the evolution of product design and connectivity, but every EISA Award winner remains the very best in its class. The sheer strength in depth of EISA’s members ensures the EISA Awards logo carries tremendous weight with all informed consumers.

As Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity is a new member of EISA, we have had a small hand in helping determine some of the award winners in the Home Theater & Vision category this year.

The full list of EISA awards in every category can be found at: https://eisa.eu/awards/

Without further ado, we are pleased to share both the Home Theater & Vision and HiFi awards here.

Home Theater & Vision

The Philips 55OLED810 sets a new benchmark in OLED performance, combining high-end specs with smart design at an accessible price point. Its cutting-edge OLED-EX Prestige panel delivers up to 1500 nits peak brightness and a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The 9th Gen P5 processor with Adaptive Intelligence ensures real-time optimisation of image quality, analysing content and ambient light for stunning results. Philips’ iconic Ambilight enhances immersion by extending colour beyond the frame. With support for every major HDR standard – including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and their Gaming variants – the 55OLED810 is ideal for both cinephiles and gamers. The Game Bar 2.0 features AI-powered game detection and customisable profiles, while the 70W multi-speaker audio system with DTS Play-Fi offers room-filling sound. Running on Google TV with built-in AirPlay 2 and the new Moments app, this TV delivers a rich, personalised user experience in every way.

The Hisense 65U7Q PRO sets a high bar in premium mid-range TVs, offering a cutting-edge Mini LED panel with Quantum Dots and smart features in a sleek, uni-body chassis. Its MiniLED PRO backlight delivers dazzling peak brightness up to 2000 nits and precision contrast control through over 500 local dimming zones. Powered by the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, it analyses content in real time to enhance colour, motion, and clarity with remarkable precision. For gamers, the inclusion of Game Mode Ultra brings a blistering 165Hz refresh rate with AI Smooth Motion and four HDMI 2.1 ports, ensuring ultra-responsive, tear-free performance. The 2.1.2-channel audio system creates immersive surround sound, while VIDAA U9 enriches the smart TV experience. With Pantone validation ensuring colour accuracy, the 65U7Q PRO is engineered to captivate both casual viewers and enthusiasts alike.

The 65OLED+950 represents the pinnacle of OLED’s Philips innovation, pairing cutting-edge visual performance with thoughtful smart features. At its core lies the new META V3 OLED panel, delivering up to 3700 nits peak brightness at 144Hz, setting a new standard for HDR brilliance. Its four-sided Ambilight enhances immersion, while the 9th Gen P5 Dual Picture Engine uses AI to intelligently fine-tune every frame. Gamers benefit from Game Bar 2.0, complete with minimap zoom and automatic AI-powered game detection, plus VRR support up to 144Hz. The 70W multi-speaker sound system, powered by DTS Play-Fi and Dolby Αtmos, ensures powerful performance. With Google TV, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, and the Moments app, the 65OLED950 is a flagship model that delivers a truly premium home entertainment experience.

With its advanced QD-Mini LED panel and gamer-focused specs, the TCL 55C6K stands out as a top-tier choice for high-performance gaming in the 55-inch segment. It features 180 local dimming zones, 1000 nits of peak brightness, and covers 93% of the DCI-P3 colour space, resulting in dazzling HDR performance and rich, lifelike colour. TCL’s AiPQ Pro Processor powers the set with intelligent precision, optimising image clarity, motion, and tone mapping in real time. Gamers benefit from UHD playback at up to 144Hz and an astonishing 288Hz in FHD, enhanced by FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, and 120Hz motion interpolation for silky-smooth gameplay. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and support for Filmmaker and IMAX Enhanced ensure cinematic excellence outside of gaming. Complementing the visuals is a 2.1 Onkyo sound system with 40W output and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support. With Google TV built in, the 55C6K is a future-ready entertainment hub engineered for both competitive play and everyday viewing.

The Hisense 100U7Q reimagines home cinema with its giant 100-inch panel, bringing wall-sized visuals into the living room with powerful Mini LED technology with Quantum Dots. Designed to deliver impactful performance across a massive canvas, this ULED TV harnesses a full-array backlight with over 600 local dimming zones for exceptional contrast control and consistent brightness, reaching peaks up to 1000 nits. Driven by the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, it optimises picture quality in real time: enhancing detail, colour fidelity, and motion clarity. The powerful 2.1-channel audio system complements the visuals with rich, room-filling sound, while gamers benefit from a 165Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and AI Smooth Motion for ultra-fast gameplay. Equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports and Bluetooth 5.3, the 100U7Q is built for modern connectivity. Running on VIDAA U9 as a smart TV, it provides personalised content hubs like TV Channels+ and VIDAA Kids. With its expansive screen, this model offers a stunningly immersive viewing experience that redefines what large-format entertainment can be.

With its commanding 85-inch screen and powerhouse specifications, the TCL 85C9K transforms any living room into a movie theatre. Engineered for movie lovers, this QD-Mini LED flagship delivers dazzling clarity and contrast through over 3000 local dimming zones and a peak brightness reaching 5000 nits. Its CrystGlow Wide HVA panel ensures wide viewing angles and precise black levels, while the new display architecture brings out the finest shadow detail and HDR nuance in every frame. The AiPQ Pro Processor enhances colour, sharpness, and tone mapping in real time, supporting formats like Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG. Movie soundtracks come alive via an immersive 6.2.2-channel 90W system tuned by Bang & Olufsen, complete with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. With support for IMAX Enhanced, Filmmaker Mode, and Google TV built in, the TCL 85C9K is a dream screen for true film aficionados.

The Hisense 65U8Q redefines flagship value by packing premium performance into a refined, slim design. Its next-generation MiniLED PRO display with Quantum Dots reaches a blazing 5000 nits of peak brightness and utilises over 2000 local dimming zones, delivering breathtaking contrast and precision in both cinematic and bright room viewing. At the heart of this powerhouse lies the Hi-View AI Engine PRO, orchestrating vivid colour, adaptive sharpness, and seamless motion handling. The 165Hz Game Mode Ultra ensures fluid responsiveness, with AI Smooth Motion and ultra-fast input for competitive gaming. The 4.1.2-channel surround system envelops the listener with multi-dimensional sound, ideal for movies, music, and games. With three HDMI 2.1 ports and a versatile USB-C port supporting DisplayPort 1.4, it’s fully equipped for high-end setups. Running on VIDAA U9 and is Pantone-validated for colour accuracy, the 65U8Q combines top-tier performance with seamless usability, making it effortlessly capable of handling even the most demanding viewing scenarios.

The Loewe stellar 65 dr+ stands out for its elegant design and cutting-edge tech. Crafted in Germany, it features a sculpted rear in cement, basalt lava, or aluminum, blending luxury with industrial style. The advanced META 3.0 OLED panel reaches 2200 nits brightness, with ultra-low reflectivity, wide colour gamut, and reduced energy use. Powered by the intuitive Vidaa U9 smart platform, it ensures a seamless, connected viewing experience. An optional motorised aluminum stand allows smooth rotation, while the 1TB SSD enables dual-tuner recording and timeshift features. Premium materials define the build, from a brushed aluminum frame to a sleek metallic backlit remote. Supporting Dolby Vision IQ Precision Detail, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, it delivers cinema-grade visuals straight from the box. With an 80W Class D audio amplification system, the Stellar isn’t just a television; it’s a showpiece that transforms your space.

The TCL 98C8K is more than just a television; it’s a bold statement piece, redefining cinematic immersion on an epic scale. With its expansive 98-inch QD-Mini LED panel, this top model delivers uncompromising visual impact powered by super-condensed lens technology and an advanced light control system. Its CrystGlow Wide HVA panel with virtually zero bezels supports precise local dimming across 3480 zones and reaches a stunning 5000 nits peak brightness, ensuring HDR performance in any format, including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+. The AiPQ Pro Processor guarantees refined tone mapping and smooth motion with 120Hz interpolation, while gamers benefit from 144Hz UHD (or 288Hz FHD), FreeSync Premium Pro, and ALLM. Complementing the visuals is a powerful 6.2.2-channel Bang & Olufsen system with 90W output and immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound. Elegant, intelligent, and cinematic, this is TCL’s ultimate television experience.

Striking a perfect balance between immersive entertainment and all-around versatility, the TCL 75C7K stands out as the ideal family television. Its large 75-inch QD-Mini LED screen delivers vivid UHD picture quality, powered by a CrystGlow HVA panel with 1248 local dimming zones, achieving peak brightness up to 3000 nits. This ensures jaw-dropping HDR performance across all formats, including Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG. The AiPQ Pro Processor, combined with 23-bit driving and all-domain halo control, guarantees lifelike colours, smooth motion, and fine shadow detail. Making it perfect for movies, sports, and kids’ content alike. Families will also love the cinematic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, courtesy of a 6.2.2-channel system by Bang & Olufsen with 60W output. With Google TV at its core, UHD at 144Hz, and support for Filmmaker and IMAX Enhanced modes, the TCL 75C7K is built to please every viewer in the household.

The Samsung 65S95F is a flagship OLED TV that blends cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Featuring the latest generation QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display, it reaches up to 4000 nits peak brightness and minimises reflections with a glare-free coating, perfect for bright rooms. At its heart is the powerful NQ4 AI Gen3 processor with 128 neural networks, delivering real-time picture and sound optimization, 4K AI Upscaling Pro, and adaptive AI Gamma correction. It supports 4K gaming up to 165Hz via Motion Turbo and HDMI 2.1. Dolby Atmos audio (4.2.2 channels, 70W) syncs beautifully with Samsung soundbars via Q-Symphony. Tizen OS ensures 7 years of updates, AI Auto Game Mode tailors settings per genre, and SmartThings integration turns the TV into a smart home hub. The S95F also features a gesture-controlled remote and energy-saving AI modes, making it one of the most advanced and immersive OLED TVs of its class.

Experience a new dimension of TV audio with the TCL Q65H soundbar. Enjoy authentic 5.1 surround sound, enhanced by RAY·DANZ acoustic reflector technology, which expands the soundstage for a wider soundstage. A powerful wireless subwoofer brings rich, resonant bass to every scene. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus AI Sonic-Adaptation, TCL’s intelligent audio calibration technology, the Q65H personalises sound based on your environment. HDMI and HDMI eARC ensure seamless integration with modern TVs. Beautifully crafted with the signature Inky Arc design, the Q65H also introduces “Tutti Choral” syncing for elevated pairing with TCL TVs. Enjoy epic blockbusters or stunning symphonies with sound that elevates your entire viewing experience thanks to the Q65H, which transforms any TV into a powerhouse of immersive audio.

Step into a world of immersive audio with the Hisense HT SATURN Home Theatre System. Designed with four wireless speakers and a subwoofer, it creates a powerful 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundstage, bringing cinematic clarity to your living room. Each speaker is tuned by Devialet and equipped with three drivers – 3.5in, 2in, and 1.5in (two full-range, one tweeter) delivering 60 Watts RMS of vibrant output. Complementing them is a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer that pumps out 120 Watts RMS of deep, resonant bass. Enjoy seamless integration with the HT Saturn’s central hub, featuring Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI (ARC), HDMI IN, and optical input, making it effortless to connect your TV, Blu-ray player, gaming console, or smartphone. Whether you’re watching or streaming, the HT SATURN wraps you in immersive, untethered audio.

The Sharp HT-SBW55121 paired with HT-SPR52021 offers one of the quickest and most straightforward home theatre setups available. Equipped with 13 dedicated speaker drivers -including dual units for the centre channel and a 6.5in subwoofer – this soundbar delivers a robust 5.1.2-channel configuration, expandable to 7.1.4 with optional wireless rear speakers. Each channel is precisely assigned, ensuring accurate spatial sound reproduction. With native Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, it creates a richly immersive, three-dimensional soundscape, while Devialet’s subtle DSP calibration maintains tonal balance and impressive bass depth. Setup is remarkably user-friendly, and the performance impresses with its holographic imaging and musical finesse. At this price point, the HT-SBW55121 offers a cinematic audio experience that competes with far costlier alternatives.

The Denon AVC-A10H is a 13.4-channel home theatre amplifier, expertly crafted at Denon’s Shirakawa factory in Japan. Built with state-of-the-art components and advanced audio engineering, it features nine ESS ES9018K2M DACs and a robust 8.1kg EI transformer with pure copper windings. Its monolithic design provides 150W of power across 13 channels, with four independent subwoofer outputs for thunderous bass. It supports immersive formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D. With seven HDMI 2.1 inputs enabling 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, and room correction via Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and optional Dirac Live, the AVC-A10H delivers an exceptional cinematic and musical experience, complemented by HEOS multiroom streaming, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The SECRETS review can be found here.

Hisense redefines smart projection with its M2 Pro, a 4K RGB laser projector with 1.3x optical zoom. Equipped with a triple-laser engine, it offers rich colour, high brightness (1300 lumens), and ultra-precise colour accuracy. Its advanced DLP technology and gimbal-inspired design make setup effortless, while features like automatic keystone correction and wall colour adaptation ensure optimal image geometry anywhere. It can create images from 65 to 200 inches. The M2 Pro boasts premium streaming via VIDAA OS and features dual 10W speakers with Dolby/DTS support, ultra-fast boot-up, and HDMI 2.1 gaming capabilities (up to 240Hz in FHD). With support for Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+ decoding, and Filmmaker Mode, it’s a cinematic powerhouse tailored for next-gen users. It’s a bold leap in home entertainment.

Combining striking design with breakthrough performance, the Hisense PX3-PRO redefines ultra-short throw projection. Its triple-laser light engine delivers 3000 lumens while supporting image sizes from 80 to 150 inches with motorised focus and manual keystone correction. Designed for Xbox and ideal for gamers, it offers a 240Hz refresh rate in FHD and ultra-low latency. HDR support includes Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced. Powered by a VIDAA OS, it delivers responsive smart streaming, voice control, and AirPlay 2 integration. Acoustics are elevated by Harman/Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos. With wide connectivity, precise focus, and exceptional out-of-the-box colour accuracy, the PX3-PRO offers reference-level audiovisual performance in a sleek chassis, setting a new benchmark in large-screen home entertainment.

The SECRETS review can be found here.

In a world where Blu-ray innovation dwindles, Magnetar stands tall as the last player manufacturer, redefining excellence with the UDP900 MKII. A redesigned Hi-Fi 2-channel audio board elevates stereo output, pushing THD from 80dB to over 100dB. TMDS retiming on HDMI Audio minimises jitter, enhancing digital signal integrity, while USB audio now supports PCM768 and DSD512, delivering reference-grade playback. Housing a powerful ESS9038PRO DAC for immersive 7.1 audio, dual 60W power supplies, a spray-painted aluminum chassis with double shielding, and noise-dampening cotton for ultra-quiet operation, the MKII pairs visual brilliance (Dolby Vision, HDR10+) with audiophile-grade performance. Magnetar’s commitment ensures cinematic and sonic mastery.

The SECRETS review of the MKI can be found here.

Shared with Hi-Fi Expert Group

A sealed subwoofer engineered for high-end performance in both home cinema and stereo systems, SVS’s SB17-Ultra R|Evolution showcases a newly developed 17-inch driver backed by dual 8-inch voice coils and a 24kg toroidal ferrite motor. Combined with a dual mono amplifier stage claiming peaks up to 6kW, and an Analog Devices DSP for precise signal processing, the result is deep, accurate bass (comfortably ranging below 20Hz) that’s delivered with slam, grip, and scale. SVS’s control app enables easy adjustments of volume, preset EQ, and setup tools, plus in-depth parametric EQ to tailor the sub’s output to your room, loudspeakers, and listening preference. The SB17-Ultra R|Evolution is an ideal addition to any premium music or home theatre setup.

The SECRETS review can be found here.

Compact and cylindrical, it slips into any backpack, yet transforms patios, campsites, and rooftops into vibrant cinemas. With a bright DLP/LED engine (1080P, 460 ISO lumens) and dual 6W Harman/Kardon speakers, it delivers rich visuals and immersive sound, even without full darkness or extra gear. What sets it apart outdoors is the built-in 360-degree rotating stand, letting you pivot the projector effortlessly toward walls, ceilings, tents, or screens. Its outdoor versatility shines through features like automatic keystone correction and a 2.5-hour built-in battery. Whether it’s a sunset screening, spontaneous gaming under the stars, or music-backed ambient light shows, the MoGo 4 adapts effortlessly. Add Google TV, HDMI ARC, USB-C, and RGB lighting, and you’ve got a festival-ready powerhouse.

HiFi

Blending Italian craftsmanship and acoustic engineering, the second generation of the Sonetto V harnesses technology from Sonus faber’s flagship Suprema system, including the distinctive Camelia midrange driver and innovative internal cork chamber. The moderate cabinet size, combined with smart looks and exquisite wood finishes, allows this three-way floorstander to easily enhance living room interiors. Sonic performance is just as dazzling, ticking all the boxes, whatever music genre you throw at it. Excellent soundstaging, tight, punchy bass, and delicious highs ensure the Sonetto V G2 is a loudspeaker to cherish, ready for you to relax and listen to your favourite tunes for hours on end. A work of art!

The name might be a nod to the legendary KEF Concerto from 1969, but all other aspects of the Q Concerto Meta are very much rooted in the 21st century. For the largest standmount model in the renewed Q range, KEF has pulled out all the stops, beginning with the 12th generation Uni-Q driver – with Metamaterial Absorption Technology – for crystal-clear detail and image cohesion. A rare three-way design in this size and price category, the Q Concerto Meta can range over all music styles, delivering delicate classical pieces and thumping techno with the same determination. There’s very little this sleek speaker doesn’t do well, resulting in a versatile, balanced sound that puts you in the front row.

Delivering genuine hi-fi performance at a price that doesn’t break the bank, the Borea BR04 bookshelf scores points for its airy detail and excellent vocal clarity, delivered by Triangle’s bespoke silk dome tweeter and 160mm cellulose pulp bass/mid driver. A generously sized cabinet underpins a very respectable low-end, while the front-facing bass reflex port means placement is easier in smaller rooms. It’s a great-looking speaker too, with no fewer than six finishes ranging from black and white to eye-catching wood options with green or blue baffles. Triangle makes it easy to find a design that suits your tastes, leaving the Borea BR04 to seduce you with its warm, engaging sound.

More than just a loudspeaker, Focal’s DIVA UTOPIA is a spectacular-sounding system incorporating a streaming platform, DAC, and 2 x 400W of amplification. Combining the best of Focal’s cabinet design and driver technology – including dual side-facing woofers – with sister brand Naim’s electronics expertise, the well-connected DIVA UTOPIA delivers exceptional performance. It’s equally adept at streaming over Bluetooth or through the Focal & Naim app, as handling TV audio via HDMI eARC and music from analogue and USB sources, and all this functionality is wrapped up in a striking injection-moulded enclosure. This is a groundbreaking speaker system that’s bound to send shockwaves throughout the audio world – and right into the living spaces of the most demanding music lovers.

The SECRETS review can be found here.

The RUBIKORE loudspeaker family contains multiple models, each built according to DALI’s overarching design principles. This consistency is welcome when assembling surround setups, with the LCR-capable RUBIKORE CINEMA and RUBIKORE ON-WALL, in particular, suited to multichannel duties. Yet the lineup, topped by the floorstanding RUBIKORE 8, is also superb for two-channel listening, serving up exciting bass, a refined midrange, and crisp, high-frequency detail. Clarity Cone drivers, featuring the manufacturer’s proprietary SMC material, plus DALI’s characteristic hybrid tweeter array and components leveraged from the flagship KORE speaker, make these loudspeakers hard to beat in their class. Sumptuous finishes, in a choice of four colourways, call to mind the best of high-end Danish design.

Having earned a 2024-2025 EISA Award for its revived A1 amplifier, Musical Fidelity repeats the trick with its resurrection of the B1. While retaining the original’s Class AB topology, the new B1xi integrated amplifier is a modern interpretation of the 1980s icon, with an improved power supply and re-engineered circuit design now including a USB digital input. Extra attention paid to reducing the impact of RF interference and the implementation of a new phono stage pays off, both when spinning vinyl or other sources through digital and analogue inputs. Musical Fidelity has deliberately omitted Wi-Fi streaming to keep this affordable model simple, but Bluetooth and HDMI eARC are smart additions, making the B1xi a very sensible choice for music and TV sound.

In a market replete with do-it-all amplifiers, Marantz’s MODEL 60n stands out. Whether playing TV audio via HDMI eARC, listening to vinyl through the MM phono connection, or using one of its many other inputs, the MODEL 60n is a master of the lush and organic sound quality that fans of the brand expect. It’s proficient at music streaming as well, handled via the user-friendly HEOS app or with AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Roon among alternative options. Packaged in a slender industrial design that weds vintage elements with sleek modern lines, the Marantz MODEL 60n is an eye-catching addition to any setup – but it’s the authenticity when portraying music that seals the deal.

While the Denon PMA-3000NE integrated amplifier, DCD-3000NE SACD/CD player, and DP-3000NE turntable have individual appeal, it’s as a trio that they gel into an astonishing system worthy of one of the oldest brands in hi-fi. The innovative UHC-MOS Single Push-Pull circuit at the heart of the PMA-3000NE amp delivers the goods in terms of speaker-driving power and dynamics, alongside a quad DAC arrangement and a wide selection of digital and analogue inputs to connect just about any source. Turntables fitted with MM or MC cartridges are supported, and Denon’s meticulously engineered DP-3000NE direct-drive design is the prime candidate. The DCD-3000NE is a first-rate addition too, allowing you to play your CD and SACD collection in crisp, engaging quality. Proof that good things come in threes.

Nicknamed the ‘Raven’, Hegel’s D50 is a welcome addition to the standalone DAC segment and is well-equipped with inputs, including AES/EBU, USB-B, and a BNC connection supporting the DAC-Loop function of its integrated amplifiers. Hegel has, in the past, provided superb DAC stages across its hi-fi hardware, adding its own ‘twist’ to familiar designs, but here it’s leveraged in-house expertise to further refine the technology, with a focus on signal purity. The result is a D/A converter that prioritises a naturalistic, musical sound above obvious embellishment. It’s a performance reflected in the unit’s unobtrusive black casework, stressing that the Raven is about what you hear, not what you see. This might just be a Nordic classic in the making…

Evolved from Bluesound’s NODE and NODE NANO streamers, the flagship NODE ICON deploys a new dual-mono DAC stage that delivers excellent sound quality from wired and wireless sources, and debuts a 5-inch, full-colour display. Fitted with a slew of connections, including HDMI eARC and a balanced XLR output, this streamer is ready to function as the ‘brains’ of a whole music system, underpinned by the BluOS multiroom platform and app control. AirPlay 2 and bi-directional Bluetooth, with aptX HD support, add to its versatility, while Dirac Live calibration is available to tackle ‘tricky’ room acoustics. Easy to use, gorgeously styled, and packed with features, Bluesound’s newest NODE is a triumph.

After the success of the previous EISA Award-winning DMP-A8, Eversolo marches into the premium streamer category with its full-sized DMP-A10. Build quality and aesthetic design of this unit are spectacular – not least the touchscreen interface and built-in display of the volume control – but it’s what’s under the hood that truly impresses. Close attention has been paid to the technical design, focusing on reduced jitter and noise and the use of high-end components in the DAC and preamp stages. The software and app-based interface is built on the Android platform and refined by Eversolo to be intuitive and versatile. The DMP-A10 offers a wealth of functions to explore, including room correction, dual-sub control, extensive DSP/EQ adjustment, and so much more…

In abandoning the DJ-friendly functions that Technics decks are known for, the SL-1300G resolutely aims for a top-tier performance focused on the essence of vinyl reproduction, while still cutting a stylish figure in silver or black. The Japanese brand’s new ΔΣ-Drive technology is the result of decades of experience with direct-drive motor systems, and delivers smooth, stable, and quiet rotation – ensuring playback is as dynamic and exact as can be. The three-layer, dynamically balanced platter and vibration-damped dual-layer chassis also contribute to the SL-1300G’s audiophile performance, as does its well-engineered S-shaped tonearm. In short, Technics’ turntable aims to extract every ounce of musical information from the grooves of your vinyl – and does so with panache.

The aluminium chassis and retro-inspired design of FiiO’s K17 immediately capture attention, but it’s the advanced technology inside that sets it apart. Designed for discerning headphone enthusiasts, this desktop unit’s Class AB power stage is capable of driving even the most demanding headphones with ease, while a high-performance dual DAC delivers exceptional clarity and precision. The K17 also functions as a preamp when needed, and its range of digital and analogue connections – including balanced headphone outputs – adds impressive flexibility, alongside wireless streaming via AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Roon. Control is intuitive and enjoyable, thanks to vintage-style knobs paired with a modern touchscreen interface to make every listening session fun as well as sonically rewarding.

The SECRETS review can be found here.

There are many ways to stream music to audio systems and speakers, but Audirvāna Studio distinguishes itself with a bespoke interface that integrates locally stored music with selected streaming services, Internet radio, and podcasts. Whether savouring old favourites or discovering new music, users can easily enjoy high-quality playback either via USB to a DAC or over a network to a UPnP-enabled device – the software also caters to relaxed, sofa-based listening through an intuitive control app. Comprehensive upsampling and digital signal processing options are on hand to fine-tune performance, while Audirvāna applies optimisation to limit interference from the PC processor, all to get the most out of your music.

Setting a new benchmark, the MODEL 10 is a flagship integrated amplifier with the power to effortlessly drive virtually any loudspeaker. Built at Marantz’s Shirakawa facility, its potent output comes from advanced Purifi Class D modules adapted and tuned by Marantz’s ‘Sound Master’. The result is a captivating listening experience of exceptional clarity and room-filling scale. Aesthetically, the MODEL 10’s aluminium chassis, which conceals an internal construction utilising extensive copper shielding of its various stages, evokes classic Marantz designs and exudes audiophile luxury. For an all-encompassing high-end setup, the amplifier can be paired with a matching SACD player and network streamer, bringing its performance to bear on digital as well as analogue sources.

Eversolo’s affordable integrated amplifier packs advanced technology and a wealth of features into an exceptionally compact enclosure. Controlled through a large, customisable touchscreen or smartly designed app, the amp’s Android-based platform supports music streaming services, third-party apps, and local music playback. Deep-reaching EQ capabilities, along with room calibration, allow sound optimisation tailored to your listening room and speakers. It’s also impressively flexible, with a wide range of connections including HDMI eARC for use with a TV, an MM/MC phono input for turntables, and a USB output to pair with an external DAC. Eversolo’s Play is a high-performance ‘just add speakers’ solution that covers all bases without hurting your wallet.

Although an affordable turntable designed to make vinyl accessible to all, Pro-Ject’s E1.2 doesn’t skimp on quality. Offering robust bass and fulsome vocals, this is a disc spinner that’s equally suited to modern pop releases and vintage jazz. The plug ’n’ play design includes a pre-adjusted Pick it MM E cartridge to take the sting out of setup, and the step-by-step manual helps vinyl novices get quickly on their way. It’s a complete package too, supplied with a dust cover, felt mat, and high-quality RCA cable. The E1.2 is a welcome, well-rounded offering in the often ‘quirky’ budget segment, and there are options with Bluetooth output or phono stage integration to make system setup even easier.

Offering a far larger improvement over the regular Contour 20i than the mere addition of a ‘Black Edition’ label might suggest, these standmount loudspeakers are a testament to the ingenuity of Dynaudio’s R&D department. Upgrading to the company’s Esotar 3 tweeter, improving the motor system of the 180mm NeoTec bass/mid driver, optimising the speaker’s flared port, and reconfiguring the two-way crossover – these revisions bring about a scintillating performance focused on authenticity. The Contour 20 Black Edition excels at playing music as it was intended by the artist, and the bass extension is remarkable for a standmount design, bringing full-range listening to spaces unsuited to larger models. And, of course, the all-black finish is sumptuous!

Hailing from a maestro cartridge builder, the MP-700 is the first new product from Nagaoka in over 15 years, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of the Japanese manufacturer. It’s been worth the wait, as this accomplished cartridge takes moving permalloy technology to a new level. Easy to set up and not requiring specialised phono pre-amplification, the MP-700 offers an alternate path when considering an upgrade from moving-magnet to moving-coil. Through its carefully engineered ultra-duralumin body and nude microridge diamond stylus, it delivers grand dynamics, excellent detail reproduction, and superior tracking ability. The Nagaoka MP-700 is a tour de force that will breathe fresh life into your vinyl collection.

A premium high-fidelity headphone with objet d’art looks, the finely crafted Meze Audio POET brandishes an open-back design to deliver airy detail and an engaging bass performance. Within its sculpted enclosures are planar-magnetic drive units from Ukraine’s RINARO ISODYNAMICS, combined with licensed AMTS (Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System) technology to finesse their high-frequency response and deliver long listening sessions without fatigue. Going hand in hand with the POET’s refined, immersive performance is an all-around design packed with attention to detail, from the magnetically attached earpads and lightweight headband to the robust carry case and braided 6.35mm cable. A marriage of sound quality, style, and ergonomics, Meze Audio’s POET will delight headphone enthusiasts.

It isn’t easy to distil sixty years of hi-fi experience into modern-day, noise-cancelling wireless headphones, but Bowers & Wilkins has pulled it off with the Px7 S3. These elegantly styled cans are exceedingly good at immersing you in your music, even when on the go in very noisy environments, courtesy of a brilliantly efficient noise-cancelling system utilising eight microphones. With aptX Lossless providing CD-quality playback over Bluetooth, and discrete DSP and DAC/amplification circuits optimising performance, the Px7 S3 never sounds anything less than thrilling. Add in the smart design, trio of colour options, USB-C connection option, and app-based customisable EQ, and B&W’s headphone becomes the one to beat.

Bringing together Purifi’s engineering know-how, a custom tweeter built in Denmark, and the acumen of Peter Lyngdorf’s Nordic HiFi, the petite Clarity 4.2 from Radiant Acoustics is a fine example of technical design meeting astonishing performance. You might be able to hold this speaker in your hand – although the build quality and mass of its cabinets, with aluminium baffles, will surprise you – but it sounds like a model twice the size. Utilising three 100mm USHINDI woofers from Purifi, two employed as side-firing passive radiators, and an AMT high-frequency driver mounted in a waveguide, the Clarity 4.2 combines a deep, rich bass performance with excellent imaging and detail. Choose from one of three high-quality finishes and enjoy!

While the classic HD 5xx chassis of the HD 550 will appear familiar to many headphone aficionados, a new 38mm driver custom-built by Sennheiser at its own Irish facility makes all the difference. The open-back HD 550 is tuned to perform with all types of content, from music and live recordings to movie and gaming soundtracks, and its warm, lush sound ensures hours of listening pleasure. Lightweight and comfortable, with impressive build quality and a modular design ensuring durability, the HD 550 is a great choice for die-hard headphone devotees on a budget, and for music lovers taking their first steps on the road to true hi-fi sound.

Nothing says ‘serious’ like a satin-black finished turntable weighing in at 27kg, and in the case of European Audio Team’s F-Dur, this heft is thanks to a substantial platter crafted from solid aluminium and TPE-damped to absorb resonances. Also addressing weak points that can impair vinyl playback are the deck’s dual AC motor design and improved belts to minimise wow and flutter, and a massive MDF plinth with adjustable feet. The 12in F-Note aluminium tonearm, in silver or matt black finish, is also easily adjustable, integrating a laser level for setup. Best of all, the F-Dur matches its premium engineering with a heartfelt performance that brings you closer to your favourite tracks on your treasured vinyl.

From a brand known for its portable and desktop devices, the S15 finds FiiO making a stunning entry into the full-sized streamer category. Running powerful Android-based software and featuring AKM’s flagship upsampling/DAC combination, the unit delivers a fluid, detailed musical experience from integrated apps or FiiO’s own Music interface. Control, through the S15’s 7.84-inch touchscreen or companion app, includes multiple operating modes – Pure Music and USB DAC functions allow users to disable unnecessary features for optimal performance. HDMI eARC, plus an additional HDMI input, handles integration into home theatre systems, while the array of digital and analogue outputs makes it easy to incorporate the S15 into your hi-fi setup. Streamers don’t get more versatile than this!

In revisiting one of the most iconic and revered systems in hi-fi history, Quad has paid homage to Peter Walker’s original designs while engineering a performance to meet the expectations of today’s audiophiles – this is a ‘vintage’ reissue as it should be. The 303 amplifier brings an uptick in Class AB power better suited to contemporary speakers, plus the option of adding a second unit for enhanced control and output. The 33 preamp, meanwhile, features upgrades to connectivity and ease of use. In tandem, Quad’s amps conjure wide, crisply detailed soundstages that captivate the listener. This is a genuine ‘back to the future’ system to delight audiophiles both old and new.

The latest addition to Dynaudio’s flagship Confidence series becomes the brand’s premium active loudspeaker – and makes a stunning impression. Leveraging Class D amplification and DSP technologies from Dynaudio’s Core studio monitors, and featuring the top-of-the-range Esotar 3 tweeter and NeoTec bass/mid driver, the Confidence 20A’s beautifully judged sonics offer controlled bass, crystal-clear detail, and thrilling dynamism. The stands are an integral part of the speaker’s design, housing the electronics, balanced analogue and digital connections, and user controls that make setup simple. This is a high-end, gorgeously styled active speaker that delivers the sonic goods, but without the hassle that high-performance audio sometimes entails.

Musical Fidelity’s M8x Vinyl is not your average phono preamplifier. Designed to accommodate virtually any moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge through its comprehensive loading and gain options, it caters to demanding vinyl enthusiasts – including those with multiple tonearms and turntables, courtesy of its extensive connectivity. In use, the excellent channel separation and rich, detailed sound rise from a beautifully dark background, which points to the M8x Vinyl’s thoughtful interior design and robust construction. A phono stage that ticks all the boxes, this Musical Fidelity unit will help you get the very best from your vinyl collection and stands ready for future deck or cartridge upgrades.