In this article we as usual announce the “2024 Best Gear – Readers’ Choice Awards”.
We’re December 22 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 2024. The ’24 polls are now of course closed, and we’ll be setting up the 2025 polls early next year.
Let’s get started and see if there are any surprises.
These are the 2024 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 Custom IEM
64 Audio A18t
From 64 Audio:
Packed with an unbelievable 18 balanced armature drivers per ear, the A18t is our top-of-the-line reference in-ear monitor. This industry-first design pushes the limits of what a reference monitor can be with incredible detail, extension, and unmatched clarity across all frequencies with a powerful low-end and extended sub-bass. The A18t is preferred by critical listeners in engineering, monitoring and mixing, and audiophiles.
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:
What a great DAP the Astell&Kern SP3000 is! It’s a true flagship and engineering marvel. Each time when you think it’ can’t get any better, AK comes in and strikes again. On a technical and user experience level, the SP3000 is a step up from the previous SP2000 flagship, though we still like that one very much as well.
What a great DAP the Astell&Kern SP3000 is! It’s a true flagship and engineering marvel. Each time when you think it’ can’t get any better, AK comes in and strikes again. On a technical and user experience level, the SP3000 is a step up from the previous SP2000 flagship, though we still like that one very much as well.
Review here:
Best DAC + 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:
Best Amplifier
Ferrum OOR
From the review:
The OOR is an addictive amplifier with a high technical level and all the power you’ll ever need. Ferrum has managed to make the OOR sound precise yet musical and that’s exactly what they were going for.
The Ferrum Audio OOR has an excellent price/performance ratio even though it sets you back €2K, or even €3K with the supplementary Hypsos PSU. It’s not cheap but for a high end unit, it’s actually fairly affordable and it easily plays along with even more expensive amplifiers. If you have this kind of budget available and you like this type of neutral and technically strong tuning, I wouldn’t hesitate to order the Hypsos PSU with it.
Full review here:
Best Universal IEM
SENNHEISER IE 900
From the review:
The Sennheiser IE 900 truly is a high end IEM. For a 1-driver model it comes with a higher price tag but you however do get a luxurious package with plenty of accessories in return. But that’s not all. With the IE 900 you also get a perfect fit and an awesome design, an precise high end sound in return. The Sennheiser IE 900 has a tuning in which energy, clarity, extension and vocals play a key role. The IE 900 does respond nicely to different sources, tips and cables and it as such allows you to finetune the sound to your liking.
If you’re on the look for a high end, dynamically driven IEM with a high quality sound, then the Sennheiser IE 900 should be on your list of IEMs to audition. It does have its own specific tuning/sound, but if you’re in to the high end type of tuning, then you’ll be very pleased.
Full Review here:
Best Streamer
Eversolo DMP-A6
From the review:
Eversolo came in with quite a bang. When they introduced their product to me, I was interested but skeptical. If something sounds too good to be true, it most of the times is. But with the DMP-A6 Eversolo has proven me absolutely wrong.
For $859 USD I think the DMP-A6 ticks all the boxes, and then some. It’s feature rich, well thought out and sounds just wonderful. It offers heaps of details, gives you a front-row seat, is easy to use and is Roon Ready. What more could you possibly want? Is that a recommendation? Heck yeah. 100%. Eversolo, keep it up. Congratulations to Eversolo and this product.
Full review here:
Best Cable & Accessory
Linum SuperBaX
From the review:
Not only are they perfect for any monitor under the sun, but they’re also unbeatable for their comfort. I am not a person that wears glasses, except for shades during Summer, but I definitely think that the SuperBaX would also be an excellent choice for everyone who needs them. I think the SuperBaX is 100% spot on and deserves every praise it gets.
Full review here:
That’s it for the 2024 Best Gear – Readers’ Choice Awards. We will be resetting all the polls/votes and the new 2025 ones will be up soon!
Keep on voting.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!
