In this article we announce the “2023 Best Gear – Readers’ Choice Awards”.
We’re December 24 2023 already (Merry Christmas!!) and that means it’s more than time to announce the winners of the different polls that we have been running in 2023. The ’23 polls are now closed, and we’ll be setting up the 2024 polls early next year.
Let’s get started and see if there are any surprises.
These are the 2023 Best Gear – Readers’ Choice Awards!
Best Headphone
SENNHEISER HD 800 S
From the review:
The HD800S in balanced configuration produces a very high quality of sound while eliminating as good as all the points of criticism one may have with the HD800. And it gets better: on the better OTL tube amps, the new HD800S shines and becomes a headphone that shows you all the detail, clarity and precision as well as the smooth tube flavored bass, full mids and elegant highs.
Full review here:
Best Universal IEM
UNIQUE MELODY MEST MKII
From the review:
With the MEST MKII, UM has managed to create a very different sounding version compared to the original. The new MKII is smoother, warmer and fuller and it has a more fun and very musical approach with a good technical level. It’s easy on the ears, good for on the go (because of the added weight) and a pleasure to listen to when relaxing. If you like an overall full bodied sound with good bass quantity as well as quality, and that presented in a warmer and smoother way, then the MKII is the IEM for you. The MEST MKII is easy on the ears, very musical and very enjoyable and it has a strong enough technical excellence to please the big crowd.
Full Review here:
Best Custom IEM
64 Audio A12t
From the review:
64 Audio has made quite an impact on my listening experiences. The A12t has won me over with a few short sessions and has made it quick on my shortlist of top monitors. With its thunderous bass, smooth and emotional mids and the superb TIA extension the A12t convinces me on all fronts. Together with the high resolution, big sound stage and great transparency the A12t puts a wide smile on my face when listening to my favourite albums.
I fully recommend the A12t to anyone who’s looking for a powerful and smooth monitor that excels on technicalities and can be hooked up to virtually any source with its linear impedance behaviour. It certainly sets the bar high for its competition to take the crown as CIEM of the year. Exciting times ahead.
Full review here:
Best TWS IEM
Apple Airpods Pro 2
From the review:
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is the best TWS the brand has to offer, and the best TWS you could get at the moment – especially if you’re an Apple user. Sound is great, noise-cancelling is world-class, software integration is perfect and the simple fact that Apple keeps improving its earphones through wireless updates, makes them worth every penny you’re gonna put on them.
Yes, their design is “meh” at best. But, once you wear them, all of those considerations fly away. Sure, the white glossy plastic finish is deceiving. Yet, that’s what makes them fit swiftly into the charging box.
Full review:
From the review:
I have used the AK SR35 for the better part of four months now, and can firmly say, that it’s a nice sounding product. The point where it has convinced me the most though is comfort. Not only is its form just perfect for a portable audio player, but it also let me dive deep into the streaming rabbit-hole. Never was I a fan of it, but the convenience it brought with the SR35 has just been such a pleasure for me, that I am now looking for more.
The A&norma SR35 is a warmer and smoother sounding DAP with a focus on emotional engagement, where it wants to build a connection between you, your music and your gear. To me the SR35 is not a DAP for critical listening, where you’re going after the tiniest of details and become in awe of the performance. With the SR35 you’ll be in touch with the albums you’re listening to and if you like a soft and smooth sound, the SR35 should definitely be on your list.
Review here:
Best DAC/AMP Combo
Chord Electronics Hugo TT2
From the review:
Chord Electronics’ Hugo TT2 is a wonderful piece of equipment. It’s beautifully finished with superb craftsmanship and its sound is nothing short of spectacular. This has been a long journey, but such a great one. Over the last months I have gotten to know the Hugo TT2 inside and out. From the start it has made its place at the very top of my DAC list clear. I can absolutely see why people would call it quits after getting the Hugo TT2. The Hugo TT2 has given me a perspective on the speaker set-up that I didn’t think I could get in our small living-room in the apartment. Chord Electronics’ TT2 has transformed my listening experience at home drastically. The Hugo TT2 is by no means a cheap product, but I don’t regret having spent a single cent.
Full review here:
That’s it for the 2023 Best Gear – Readers’ Choice Awards. We will be resetting all the polls/votes and the new 2024 ones will be up soon!
Keep on voting.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
