Nano – Senior Writer
So, looks like it’s time to close the year. If 2020 was a strange, but surprisingly good, year on a personal level, 2021 was definitely harder on my own end.
Yet, as an audio enthusiast, this year was pretty prolific, and I had the chance to review a lot of great devices, even if some of my favorite gear didn’t get to this list, like the AirPods Max or the SMSL DO200 + HO200.
But, like every competition, you have to choose three winners. La crème de la crème, the ones that gave me the thrill, l’Elite. And here are my top picks of this year.
BEST DAP:
iBasso DX300
From the review:
Let’s make it short: the iBasso DX300 is my new go-to for any high-end player. The brand did the same as they do for the DX160 and polished every aspect of his player, from top to bottom. It’s insanely fast, magic to use, and fantastic to listen to, even with big cans like my old Sennheiser HD800S.
At $1199, the DX300 is definitely not cheap, but it’s still a no-brainer, outperforming many players, sometimes much more expensive. The only drawback? It’s a big player, like two iPhone Max paired together, but that’s the only caveat I could point.
BEST Universal IEM:
Audio Sense DT600
From the review:
The AudioSense DT600 are excellent IEMs, in every way.
Once again, I was immediately hooked on the moment I put them in my ears. Everything that I liked in the DT200 is here, but better. Deep lows, clean highs, and lush voices, with the right level of sharpness and superb design. It completely won me over and those are now my new dark horse, hidden behind popular options, ready to jump over.
Quickly and simply, for $250, it’s my new recommendation. Voila! Our full list of recommendations can be found here: https://www.headfonia.com/best-universal-iem/
BEST Wireless DAC/Amp:
iFi Go BLU
From the review:
Let’s make it short: for the price, the iFi GO blu is a very compelling device. Build quality is great, the sound is impressive, I/O is complete thanks to 3.5 + 4.4mm headphones out, and it can virtually work with everything you own, as a DAC/Amp.
If you don’t want to get a TWS or just want something powerful, but small enough to drive your headphone on the go, the GO blu can be an excellent solution. Its versatility is gold and most of all, it’s really, really tiny, so you can fit it almost anywhere in your gear pack. Big kudos.
-> That’s it for this year’s awards! The Headfonia only has one thing left to say:
Happy holidays and we wish you all the very best for 2022 !! <-
See you next year!
