StereoNET Product of the Year Awards 2026

DAC

WINNER - HiFi Rose RD160

This South Korean company has been making waves in the digital domain of late – specifically with its leading-edge Class D amplifiers and innovative streamers. The RD160 epitomises its clean sheet approach by combining a striking visual interface with excellent electronics inside. The large, crisp, full-width display tells you everything about your selected source, filter settings, upsampling and output. Under the hood are the highly respected Asahi Kasei AK4499EX DAC and partnering AK4191 digital filter chips. The result is a surgically clean sound from this HiFi Rose, one that’s also highly enjoyable to listen to.

STREAMER

WINNER - Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition Gen 2

Eversolo’s latest network music player gets electronic upgrades and a snazzy silver finish option, to keep it competitive in the cut-throat world of modern streamers. You can see the company has tried to get this ‘Master Edition’ of the DMP-A6 just right, thanks in no small part to its excellent build. The 6-inch touchscreen works with a multi-function control knob for a seamless user experience, and the upgraded clocking, power transformer and op-amps pay off in terms of sound. It’s a clear, detailed and sophisticated listen – easily as good as any other at its price.

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER (AFFORDABLE)

WINNER - Marantz Model M1

In a sea of modern streaming integrated amplifiers, Marantz’s new Model M1 stands out. Like many of its rivals, it’s an attractive minimalist design that’s a world away from yesterday’s knob-festooned monsters. But where this shines is the quality of build – it’s manufactured at the Shirakawa Audio Works facility in Japan – alongside high-end offerings from Marantz and Denon, and sports the latest Class D technology to give a healthy 100W RMS per channel. In its internal design, great attention to detail is evident, and this explains its very clean, open and spacious sound.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Eversolo Play

One of the most talked-about streaming amps of the past year or so, the Play offers good connectivity, a fine user-interface via the crisp 5.5-inch colour screen or app, and grown-up sound – all at a knock-down price. Indeed, such is its all-round ability that the Eversolo makes many rival all-in-ones look very average indeed. And if the onboard streaming isn’t enough, you can even specify an optional Hitachi-LG optical drive for legacy Compact Disc spinning fun. Everything is right about this little music box at its price, making it a cracking value for money.

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER (HIGH END)

WINNER - Linn Majik DSM 5G

The original 2009 Linn Majik DS-I one-box system was a leading-edge design that gave a glimpse of how so many of us would be listening to music nearly two decades later. This integrated streaming amplifier was packed with features and gave a far more luxurious ownership experience than an old-school design. The Majik DSM 5G is the latest and greatest of the line, and sports top-tier streaming, a fine phono stage and multiple inputs. With trickle-down tech from Linn’s more expensive models, it sounds superb – better indeed than many similarly priced separates systems.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Devialet Astra

When Devialet’s Expert line of integrated amplifiers arrived a decade or so ago, it set the standard for beautiful, minimalist premium hi-fi, as well as delivering an unfathomable amount of power from such a compact casing. The new Astra builds on this, with even better packaging and finish, plus upgraded internal components, and superior connectivity options. The company’s Analog Digital Hybrid technology claims to offer the linearity and refinement of Class A amplification with the power and compactness of Class D. It succeeds brilliantly, with up to 300W per channel and an ultra-clean sound.

POWER AMPLIFIER (AFFORDABLE)

WINNER - SPL Performer S900

This purposeful German power amp from Sound Performance Lab delivers oodles of high-quality power from a compact package. The company’s pro audio provenance makes itself apparent with a range of features, including front panel temperature and protection status LEDs, and rear panel-mounted input gain trims. It sounds strong and gutsy, with excellent detailing and no sense of strain even when asked to mete out its full 200W of Class AB power into 8 ohms. It also boasts excellent load-driving ability, too. All of which makes it a great value for power-hungry music fans.

POWER AMPLIFIERS (HIGH END)

WINNER - Linn Klimax Solo 800

When Linn launches a top-tier, cost-no-object mono power amplifier, it doesn’t mess around. The Klimax Solo 800 is unusual for this illustrious Scottish brand, inasmuch as it's designed to drive any speaker around – rather than being made for all-Linn systems. 400W into 8 ohms – doubling into four and trebling into 2, it’s claimed – says it all, really. It comes packed with clever design features, including Linn’s own Adaptive Bias system, careful thermal management, specially selected components and a mammoth 2kW switch-mode power transformer. As you would expect, the sound is focused, dynamic and musically enthralling.

PROJECTOR

WINNER - Sony Bravia 7 VPL-XW5100ES

Any projector costing this much must have state-of-the-art performance, and this new Sony duly obliges. A step-up model from the already special VPL-XW5000ES, it sports a brighter laser light source, a newer SXRD chipset with a native resolution of 3,840x2,160, and better black levels. It’s coupled with XR Clear Image Technology, which performs object-based super-resolution, contrast enhancement, noise reduction, and real-time upscaling. The picture pops right out at you, with superlative depth, colour and contrast. The VPL-XW5100ES is expensive, but it’s also one of the finest HDR projectors that Sony has ever produced.

AV RECEIVER

WINNER - Denon AVC-A10H

The newest in Denon's range of high-end AV amplifiers, AVC-A10H brings more power and features to the table, alongside superb build quality. Its chunky chassis gains copper plating and an upgraded EI power transformer, and there’s a welter of facilities plus options for Dirac Live Bass Control or Audyssey Pro. This 13.4 design is rated at 150 watts with two channels driven, and Denon's 70% power guarantee suggests around 105W when 5 to 7 channels are driven together. It sounds surprisingly nuanced, with great clarity and detail alongside explosive dynamics when the occasion demands.

INSTALLED SPEAKERS

WINNER - Krix OWX-50/55

The OWX-50 and OWX-55 are bespoke on-wall speakers that can be flush-mounted or angled, and differ only by the pattern of the bass drivers – there’s a choice to suit the needs of the installation. With twin 165mm low-frequency units previously seen in Krix’s explosive-sounding Hyperphonix 45, and a 44mm compression driver projecting into a constant directivity horn, they deliver sonic fireworks. The 97dB quoted sensitivity and 500W RMS power handling say it all, really. Whether it’s a compact screen speaker or an extreme surround, the OWX gives a price-to-performance ratio that's nigh-on unbeatable.

SOUNDBAR

WINNER - KEF XIO

KEF has played a key role in speaker development for over sixty years, but has only just joined the soundbar market – its new XIO is a proper job, with a price tag to match. The minimalist design understates its serious size, while inside are twelve Class D amps delivering a collective 820W of peak power to as many drivers, including KEF’s patented Uni-Q coaxial types. The company has really gone to town with the acoustic tuning, and the result is a brilliant-sounding product that is without doubt the new class of the field.

MEDIA PLAYER / SOURCE

WINNER - Kaleidescape Strato E

Most video streaming services have a throughput of under 10Mbps and an audio rate of 500kbps – a far cry from the 65Mbps of video and 6Mbps that 4K Blu-ray can provide. Enter Kaleidescape, which offers the convenience of a digital library but with 4K Blu-ray quality. Titles are downloaded rather than streamed, and some can be purchased or rented while still in cinemas. The Strato E is the company’s entry-level offering, with 480GB of onboard storage, plus cloud. A must for home cinema owners who take video and audio performance seriously, but don’t want physical media.

TURNTABLE (AFFORDABLE)

WINNER - Rekkord F400

Why would Heinz Lichtenegger – he of Pro-Ject Audio Systems fame – create a new brand of turntables called Rekkord, and hand-make them in the old Dual factory in Germany? It’s because of the growing popularity of automatic record players, which shut off at the end of an LP side – not all analogue addicts want manual decks, it seems. The F400 is a good quality, easy-to-use deck that majors on convenience – for vinyl newbies and returners alike. With a decent Ortofon 2M Red cartridge pre-fitted, it gives a warm, spacious and musical sound that its customers will love.

PHONO CARTRIDGE

WINNER - Ortofon MC X40

This range-topping version of Ortofon’s new entry-level moving coil cartridge line sounds significantly superior to the model immediately below it – the already impressive MC X30 – for not much more money. Its special sauce is the boron cantilever, which is a mark of any serious MC. Lighter, more rigid and less resonant, it imbues the ’40 with a lovely, smooth, delicate and open sound which more closely resembles a high-end design. Fine tracking from its nude Shibata stylus, plus its detailed yet punchy character, make this an audiophile bargain. Affordable high-end for vinylistas, you might say.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Hana SL Mk II and SH Mk II

Japanese cartridge specialist Hana has built quite a reputation since it first launched, a decade or so ago. Its latest SL Mk II low-output and SH Mk II high-output moving coils raise the range’s appeal to less well-healed audiophiles, giving better sound than the Mk Is. They sport a tapered aluminium cantilever that’s lighter and more rigid than the original SL’s straight-sided type. An improved body encloses the low-impedance Alnico generator taken from more high-end Hana designs. The result is a dynamic and detailed sound with an alluring musicality that’s the hallmark of good MCs.

CD/SACD PLAYER (AFFORDABLE)

WINNER - Fell Audio Fell Disc

Most people stream their music these days, but there’s no denying that there is a massive amount of legacy music still available on Compact discs. That’s why many folk still wish to own a CD player. Fell Audio’s Fell Disc is a new, all-British design with a quirky but fun touch-sensitive user interface, crisp retro styling, and a decent disc transport and ESS DAC – all at a surprisingly low price. It sounds really rather good for the money, and thanks to its handy digital output, it can also function as a transport should you need one.

CD/SACD PLAYER (HIGH END)

WINNER - Marantz SACD 10

Silver disc fans who mourn the passing of nineteen-eighties Japanese ‘battleship’ CD players will be both shocked and delighted by this. Weighing 33kg, you’ve got to wonder how much more Marantz engineers could cram into the SACD 10’s XXL-sized case. In terms of engineering, they’ve thrown the kitchen sink at it – and it shows. An absolute sonic tour de force, it makes CDs sound like SACDs, and SACDs sound better than ever. Powerful, detailed, spacious, sweet and dynamic – it’s a celebration of optical digital disc.

WIRELESS HEADPHONES (OVER-EAR)

WINNER - Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

There’s something instinctively right about B&W’s latest wireless, noise-cancelling over-ear headphone. It is comfortable but not opulent, well built but not frivolous, versatile yet not gimmicky – and most of all, it sounds great for the money, with a clean and detailed demeanour. Despite being lighter and slimmer than its predecessors, inside you find improved circuitry and refreshed drive units. And there’s a choice of three handsome finishes – Canvas White, Anthracite Black, and Indigo Blue – for the outside. Its generous battery life, even with NC on, makes it great for global jet-setting. An excellent premium personal listening proposition, then.

WIRED HEADPHONES (OVER-EAR)

WINNER - Warwick Acoustics Aperio Black

For the cost of a compact sports car comes this insane electrostatic headphone and energiser-amplifier/DAC/preamp combination. Even the most devoted head-fi fans may think this excessive, but the quality of engineering is exceptional and the sound quality stellar. The compact Class A Aperio amplifier has been designed to work hand-in-glove with the plush, open-back phones, and together they make magic music. The intense, lustrous and engrossing performance puts even premium hi-fi systems to shame. So yes, it’s a crazily expensive package, but in this case, at least you get what you pay for.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - DUNU Arashi

Such is the quality of the Arashi that you’d think DUNU was an established specialist in planar magnetic headphones, and this model was just another iterative tweak on a well-established platform. But you’d be wrong, because this is the first such design from this fast-developing Chinese company. Beautifully made, with a manganese steel and aluminium alloy chassis, it’s a heavy design yet still comfortable to wear. The 97dB sensitivity figure means you’ll need a punchy headphone amp, but thus equipped, you get a powerful, detailed sound with superb bass articulation.

IN-EAR MONITORS

WINNER - Beyerdynamic DT 70 IE

Over one hundred years young, Beyerdynamic has long had an enviable reputation for its clean and neutral-sounding headphones. More recently, it has ventured into personal audio with considerable success – and the new DT 70 IE shows why. Compact, snug-fitting, robust and comfortable to wear with excellent passive noise isolation, this design is everything you need in an in-ear monitor. Sonically, it's a matter-of-fact, uncoloured and accurate balance means that every type of music is treated equally, without fear or favour. The very model of a grown-up, premium quality IEM.

HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

WINNER - Luxsin X9

A sister brand of Eversolo, under the Chinese Zidoo Group, Luxsin has hit the ground running with the X9 – its first product. Beautifully CNC machined from aluminium, its bevelled edge case has a 4-inch colour touchscreen which can be set to show old school analogue VU meters, should you so wish. Inside the box can be found the much-loved AK4191EQ and AK4499EX DAC chipsets, and there’s a fully differential balanced circuit with a low-noise linear power supply, too. Sound quality is great, with excellent stereo imaging and loads of detail.

FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS (AFFORDABLE)

WINNER - Fyne Audio F501S

This Scottish-designed mid-sized floorstander encapsulates the company’s approach to loudspeakers – using its own time-honoured ways of engineering and voicing. The F501S is a compact floorstander with a special two-in-one 25mm dome tweeter and 155mm mid/bass driver, plus a dedicated 155mm bass unit. Allied to several other fancy Fyne Audio touches, the combination driver contributes much to this speaker’s own distinct sonic flavour, which is expansive, engaging, propulsive and fun. Thanks in no small part to its decent-sized cabinet, the 90dB sensitivity and 8 ohm impedance make it usually easy to drive, too.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Revival Audio Sprint 4

This French loudspeaker company hit the ground running when it launched five or so years ago. Revival Audio’s eccentric range shows lots of design flair, the 2.5-way Sprint 4 floorstander being a case in point. Very well made, it is heavy for its size, and offers good sensitivity, so lower-powered amps should not break into a sweat. Its colourful yet consistent sound has plenty of fine detail, but is more subtle than the class average. The unusually even and extended bass is also a treat, too. Technically and sonically, it's a true tour de force.

FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS (HIGH END)

WINNER - YG Carmel 3

The Carmel 3 may be the entry-level product in YG Acoustics’ Reference 3 range, but it still costs more than many mid-sized cars. It’s an exotic-looking high-end floorstander with a stunning aerospace-grade milled aluminium cabinet, plus a special fabric dome tweeter, BilletCore mid/bass driver and bespoke Ultracoherent crossover. Standing just over a metre high, it’s a good fit for more compact listening rooms. Hook up a reasonably powerful amplifier, and you get a super-transparent sound, one that’s authoritative and gutsy with remarkably strong and taut bass for its size.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Klipsch La Scala AL6

Sixty years young, the La Scala goes from strength to strength, doing only what it can do – which is to offer massive, lightning-fast sound on a scale you’d expect to find in a cinema rather than a domestic listening room. This latest AL6 version is easily the most radical redesign the speaker has undergone so far, and strips away some of its age-related ‘quirks’ whilst deliberately retaining – and building on – its strengths. Quite unlike any other loudspeaker around, you do hear a pair if you possibly can.

STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKER (AFFORDABLE)

WINNER - Acoustic Energy AE1 40th Anniversary

Thirty-eight years since the first AE1 came out, and forty years since Acoustic Energy was formed, the new AE1 40th Anniversary enters the chat. Rather than being part of the company’s mainstream model range, it’s a special project that subtly improves on the original using more modern materials. Fascinatingly, the sound quality is very similar but with the rough edges smoothed off – plus better punch and power handling. Despite its dinky dimensions, this new speaker’s big character makes it an enchantingly musical listen across all musical genres.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - KEF Q Concerto Meta

A typically clever KEF design, the Q Concerto Meta shoehorns a welter of the company’s bespoke technology into a relatively compact box. This standmounter is a 3-way that looks like a 2-way, thanks to its twelfth generation Uni-Q combined midrange/tweeter array that sits atop the bass driver. It has a deceptively wideband sound, with an even but extended bass, transparent midband and a smooth and clean treble. Fast and fun yet smooth and sophisticated, this great design really does need a gutsy amplifier to really give of its best.

STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKER (HIGH END)

WINNER - Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature

B&W’s 800 Series is loved by many high end speaker fans, but not by all. Some think it's just too generic – not weird and wonderful enough to justify the price. Yet still the range sells in serious numbers, because the sound speaks for itself. The 805 D4 is a case in point – there are few standmounters that offer such clarity, detail, grip and power. The company has just gone one better with the new Signature version which sports clever new design touches and special tuning, and the result is this superb performer.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 XD2

Harbeth was founded by Hugh Dudley Harwood in 1977, the BBC’s then Head of Loudspeaker Development. Half a century on, its designs remain true to the ideal of neutral monitor speakers that do not dress to impress, but sound unerringly accurate and faithful to the source. The XD2 version of the Compact 7ES-3 is a hugely capable standmounter, and one that is – despite its name – large enough to drive decent-sized rooms to high levels. A true thoroughbred, it has an expansive, engaging sound that never embellishes a recording.

STANDMOUNT LOUDSPEAKERS (ACTIVE)

WINNER - Fluance Ri71

Canadian company Fluance offers a striking value-for-money proposition in the new Ri71 powered stereo speaker system. Each small standmounter comes in humble vinyl wrap, but the cabinet is sturdy, and the classy AMT high frequency unit is a real surprise in this market sector – ditto the decent woven glass fibre mid/bass driver. The built-in 120W Class D amp includes a good onboard DAC, plus aptX HD Bluetooth and HDMI ARC functionality. This system sounds way better than expected, with a gutsy, involving and dynamic sound that humbles its price rivals.

ONE-BOX SYSTEM

WINNER - Ruark Audio R610 / Sabre-R

Hi-fi that’s designed to blend seamlessly with domestic surroundings – or even raise their tone – is often frowned upon by audio purists. But Ruark’s R610 Music Console shows you can have a fine-sounding music maker that’s also pleasing to the eye. This retro-styled box streams, plays DAB/FM radio, Bluetooth, digital inputs and HDMI e-ARC skilfully, yet boasts a classy satin charcoal lacquer finish with walnut trim. It's a 75W Class D amp that powers Ruark’s handsome 2-way Sabre-R standmounters, giving a crisp, warm and open sound. Great value for those seeking a small, stylish system.

CABLES

WINNER - Siltech Classic Legend 680/880i

Cables remain controversial in hi-fi circles, with many thinking they all sound the same. Such is its superb sound, however, that this high-end Siltech interconnect will change many sceptical minds. It’s only one up from the company’s entry-level offerings, but it brings some of its top tech into play. The clarity is startling. The special silver-gold alloy conductors and superlative custom-designed 3-layer insulation package – using premium, pure DuPont Teflon and PEEK – deliver glass-like transparency with super resolution and ultra-low distortion. You’ll need a top-tier hi-fi system to unleash its potential, though.

TELEVISION

WINNER - Samsung S90F

Samsung's latest mainstream OLED TV offering is packed with features but spared the trappings of its flagship model – the idea is to give almost all its performance, without the price tag. The S90F’s self-emissive OLED is superb in any of the available sizes – from 42 to 83 inches – and setting the unit up is a breeze. Connectivity is generous, and the TV interface is much improved over previous models. This TV is a beacon of brightness with excellent motion handling and lustrous colours, making it a joy for movie watching or gaming alike.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Sony Bravia 8 II

Sony’s most advanced QD-OLED television to date, the Bravia 8 II is available in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes, and uses an armoury of Sony tech, including its latest XR cognitive processor, for enhanced brightness and image clarity. A beautiful micro-bezel design, from the front, this TV appears to be all screen. Very probably the Japanese company’s most cinematic consumer telly ever, it is startlingly natural to watch. Its blend of overall refinement, Google Smart TV platform, and superior build will tempt many film lovers and AV enthusiasts to spend extra on this.

STEREOAUTO / OEM AUDIO VISUAL

WINNER - Bentley Naim Bentayga

The Naim For Bentley option in the new Bentayga is a great reason to buy one – if you’re affluent enough, of course. This high rolling SUV gets twenty Focal drivers dotted around inside, running on 1,720 watts of Naim amplifier power – and the kit includes advanced BMR drivers, a chunky subwoofer and two kinaesthetic bass shakers built into the front seats. The system delivers as much visceral punch as anyone could ask for, with immense reserves of clean, fast dynamic power on tap. Its ‘being there’ quality takes you right into the recording.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - KEF / Lotus Eletre S

KEF provides the top audio option for Lotus’s spicy new Eletre S, and it’s claimed to be ‘best in class’. It packages together elite-level digital signal processing, bespoke speaker drivers, and prodigious power. The fit includes the company’s proprietary coaxial Uni-Q mid/tweeter array, in multiple specially chosen locations. Headroom and dynamics were key design aims, rather than just sheer loudness – grace under pressure, you might say. A reality-bending 2,160 watts of power via 24 amplifier channels makes music memorable. With point-source imaging and forensic levels of detail, it sounds sublime.

SMART HOME

WINNER - Rithum Switch

The problem with smart controllers is that often they’re not so clever. Rithum Switch, however, comes top of the class for elegance, ease of use, and sheer all-around versatility. This lighting controller also manages multi-room audio, with plugins for Sonos, BluOS, and more – and even has HVAC system functionality. It's built-in temperature sensor works as an in-room thermostat, giving full climate control. Extensive integration capabilities come via multiple software plugins for the likes of Fibaro, Rako, Shelley and Lutron Ra2. Well-made and highly responsive, it delivers a great user experience plus rolling software updates.

LIFESTYLE

WINNER - DUNU Concept R

After the vinyl revival and the Compact Cassette comeback, apparently, it’s now time to look back lovingly at the CD. And why not, because Compact Disc is and always was convenient to use – with no network connection needed! DUNU certainly thinks so, and its new Concept R is proof. Although described as portable, you’ll need big pockets. Still, it’s beautifully made, and looks great with its striking mid-1980s styling. Sound is surprisingly good via headphones, and there’s even a choice of Class A and Class AB amplification, or a digital output to drive a hi-fi DAC directly.

OVERALL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2026 – HI-FI

WINNER - Marantz Model M1

Someday, could it be that all amps will work this way? Marantz’s great take on an integrated for today has much to recommend it – from its superb styling to fine connectivity, and genuinely enjoyable sound. Yet it’s no great shakes to get all this clever stuff up and running, as the Model M1 is really well thought through. Thanks to its powerful HEOS interface, it’s a breeze to stream your favourite tunes or play them through the amp’s digital inputs. A worthy award winner not just for what it does, but for what it is.

OVERALL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2026 – HEADPHONES

WINNER - Warwick Acoustics Aperio Black

This exotic electrostatic headphone and energiser, amplifier and DAC combination shows what’s possible in the wonderful world of head-fi. It’s so expensive that you can buy a great full-size hi-fi system for similar money, yet still there’s a demand for the audaciously capable Aperio. This is because some people believe it’s the ultimate audio experience on sale, and/or they think they’ll get a better bang for their buck with headphones than via conventional hi-fi. However we reason it, the musical insight the Warwick Acoustics package provides is definitive. As such, it wins this year’s best headphone award.

OVERALL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2026 – CINEMA

WINNER - Krix OWX-50/55

In serious home cinema installations, there’s no substitute for air-moving ability – and that’s the genius of Krix’s on-wall OWX loudspeakers. Proper high-end home theatre set-ups need the capability to pump vast amounts of power into the room, via multiple speaker arrays. Putting them on the walls is a great way to implement this, and of course, steer the sound around the room accurately. To this end, the OWX-50 and 55 offer much of Krix’s popular technology and engineering know-how in affordable but highly robust modular speaker packages. There’s nothing around that’s quite as effective and affordable, right now.

OVERALL PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 2026 – LIFESTYLE

WINNER - Ruark Audio R610 / Sabre-R

It’s not that hard to think of Ruark’s R610 Music Console as the twenty-first-century equivalent of a nineteen-sixties radiogram, as the two serve a similar purpose. The British company’s decision to embellish it – and the matching Sabre-R speakers – with wooden lamellas is inspired because it underlines the retro look that everyone wants right now. Of course, the R610 comes fully equipped with the latest digital connectivity, but modern tech is kept in its place wherever possible. Think of this system as a perfect combination of the old and the new, and you’ll soon understand its appeal.