Yagiz – Senior Writer
Hello Headfonians!
I hope you had an enjoyable, healthy, and trouble-free year. This year, despite the effects of the coronavirus and the pandemic, there have been many positive developments in the audio industry. Very good DACs and amplifiers have been released at much more affordable prices compared to last year. There have been good developments in the field of wireless audio also. Compared to last year, much more successful and more stable products were launched this year, and the number of high-resolution wireless products increased. In the post where we selected the awards last year, I told you that I am excited for 2021 and have great expectations. I can say that these expectations were met relatively. Now I have high hopes for 2022. In particular, I expect the number of high-resolution wireless products to increase rapidly and their performance to reach higher levels. Now, I would like to leave you alone with the part that I chose this year’s “best” devices. This year’s rivalry has been very fierce and it was quite a challenge to dictate absolute winners. Lastly, I wish you a wonderful year, I hope it will be a year full of joy, fulfilling all your endeavors!
Best DAC & AMP Stack:
Topping E50 Desktop DAC & L50 Desktop Amplifier
From the review:
The reproduction stays faithful to the mastering and feels quite natural across the spectrum. The natural timbre and good note weight help the stack sound organic regardless of genre. The most impressive advantage of the E50 and L50 is that besides their linear and colorless signature, they offer very good dynamism and energy so the presentation does not feel dull or lacking.
Best Budget DAC & AMP Stack:
JDS Atom+ DAC & AMP
From the review:
JDS Labs continues to develop the Atom line consistently every passing year. Just when I was about to say how much better it could get, they continue to surprise me by finding something to improve. Of course, this makes me very happy because there are not many alternatives in this price range that offer this kind of performance. Thanks to the rising prices, the number of desktop products under $100 is decreasing steadily, and it is truly admirable that JDS is still defending the sub-100 castle.
Best Budget DAC:
Topping D10 Balanced Desktop DAC
From the review:
The D10B sounds immensely clean for a DAC that costs a little over a hundred bucks. I was impressed from the first moment I listened to it. The sound I heard was clean, neutral, and very detailed for the price.
Best DAC:
Topping D70S Desktop DAC
From the review:
Natural, realistic, organic signature with plenty of details. That is how I describe the D70s. It is not only organic but also technically advanced as well. It is one of the best DACs I have ever heard.
Best AMP:
SMSL SP400 Desktop Amplifier
From the review:
The SP400 sounds clean, powerful, and detailed. It has a pitch-black background and it is silent. It is technically very capable and you will much likely be limited by your DAC rather than the SP400.
Best Budget AMP:
SMSL SH-8s Desktop Amplifier
From the review:
The part I was most impressed with was the price compared to its performance and technical capability. It is detailed, transparent, spacious, and accurate at the same time.
Best Desktop Wireless Adapter:
FiiO BTA30 Pro Bluetooth Transceiver & DAC
From the review:
the new DAC proved to us that it is a clear improvement over the previous-gen, offering cleaner, better, and more dynamic sound quality, punching above our expectations.
Best Portable Wireless Adapter:
BTR5 2021
From the review:
The BTR5 2021 does not significantly saturate the sound signature of your IEMs therefore it gives you a chance to enjoy freedom with your favorite IEMs without changing the core of their signatures.
Best Portable Wired Dongle:
E1DA 9038D
From the review:
It sounds detailed, clean, and dynamic. It punches above its weight when it comes to technical aspects such as separation, staging, imaging, and PRaT. It can easily target the dongles that are double the price of E1DA and that is a wonderful achievement in my book.
Best TWS In-Ear Monitors:
Lypertek Z7
From the review:
Lypertek didn’t disappoint me with its excellent sound quality, long battery life, stable connection, and comfortable fit. It is a great TWS that is tuned to impress audiophiles who want more on the go.
And now on to the personal awards of Matty on the next page! CLICK HERE
And now on to the personal awards of Matty on the next page! CLICK HERE
