If you arrived here directly, don’t forget to check the awards starting on Page 1
Berkhan – Senior Writer
The year 2023 was an eventful one, especially for the audio industry, which is still steadily growing. As enthusiasts, it brings us great joy to see the increasing interest in our hobby. We are grateful to all our readers for their support this year. Our website has witnessed massive traffic, which is a clear indication of the curiosity and passion that people have for audio. CanJam London 2023 was also a huge success, and from my own experience, it was the most crowded event in London.
I published 38 articles during the year and did my best to ensure that the content was of high quality. Although there were many excellent products, we can only have a few winners. So let’s get started.
Editor’s Choice:
Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator 2023
From the review:
The Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator 2023 is one of the best in-ear monitors that you can buy today, without any doubt in my view. From the first moment you hear it, it hooks you up and you want to listen to more. The top-level technical performance can go against any IEM, and the vivid mid-range & treble are just a bonus to have an engaging, life-like, enjoyable experience. The treble performance probably is the most notable feature, which is simply excellent.
The Annihilator 2023 is a formidable performer in its flagship price range, and it’s a strong recommendation from us if you have the budget to get a TOTL monitor that can give enjoyment and technical performance together.
Full review:
Best Headphone:
Sivga Luan
From the review:
I’m thoroughly impressed with the overall quality and performance of the new Sivga Luan. The new model has a sleek and premium design, while also being very comfortable to wear for extended periods. In terms of sound, the balance and naturalness truly stand out to me. The technical performance is also impressive. What’s even better is that it’s budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for those looking for high-quality audio without spending too much.
In my opinion, Sivga has taken a suitable approach that meets the market’s demands for design, build quality, and sound performance. They are rapidly improving themselves, and their recent creation of dynamic headphones, including the SV023 and this one, are highly capable and competitive units. I’m sure they can showcase similar progress with their planar-magnetic models under the Sendy Audio brand. Looking forward to it.
Full review:
Best DAP:
HIBY RS8
From the review:
The new Hiby RS8, with its R2R ”Darwin” architecture, is one of the most successful portable players in the market, without hesitation. You get everything in a well-rounded package, with endless features and usability. I have re-discovered my music with the RS8 and I feel it performs excellently as a TOTL player should in this range.
Not only is the HiBy RS8 an extremely versatile DAP, but it also sounds fantastic. I feel the HiBy RS8 also is among the best-performing players in this segment together with the N8II and SP3000.
If you’re looking into a top-end portable player that can do it all, then the RS8 probably is the DAP to put on your shortlist. It’s very easy for me to recommend the HiBy RS8, and as such, it surely is a recommended buy.
Full review:
Best DAP – Best Value:
HIBY R6 Pro II
From the review:
HIBY’s DAPs keep getting better and better. With this aggressive price policy, they’ll continue to grow in terms of being a formidable player in the portable audio market. This new addition to the R6 line-up is certainly influencing.
With this new design -which helps to create a unique brand image-, a fantastic new screen, and a sound performance to back it all up, the R6 Pro II is a good choice for any audiophile. You get snappy navigation with full Android, a premium experience, and a musical, layered and detailed sound.
Full review:
Best DAC/AMP:
FiiO R7
From the review:
Of course, a higher-end full desktop system delivers better performance than a single device like this one, but the FiiO R7 is a fantastic piece of a unit for what it is. Its extreme versatility prepares it for every scenario of any audiophile, and it has a very pleasing user experience. The software in particular is well-thought-of, and I loved the fact that it’s very easy to use with a smooth performance.
It’s no doubt a great device and when you check the price, it’s not too expensive at all for what it does. And at this moment, it would be safe to say that no device in the market can be compared to this one. Sure, you have incredibly expensive standalone desktop units, but even then, they don’t have this much versatility and freedom.
Full review:
Best IEM – Cost No Object:
Noble Audio Viking Ragnar
From the review:
A truly special IEM, the Noble Audio Viking Ragnar represents today’s pinnacle technical performance in the IEM market. If you want a highly technical, a bit analytical, and immensely resolving sound, the Viking Ragnar is hard to beat.
And when you look at the whole package, you get a great package and case, fantastic build quality and design, premium cable, and top-end technical sound. The price might become a bit easier to swallow in that case. Sure, the price point is very very high just for one IEM, but the market niche has become incredibly expensive. Some IEMs nowadays cost around 6000$ or even more, which to me is quite insane. I recommend the Viking Ragnar to audiophiles who have deep pockets and want to experience the top-level technicalities in an IEM.
Full review:
Best IEM – Mid Range:
FIIO FX15
From the review:
The FiiO FX15 might be the best FiiO IEM I’ve tested to this day. I also liked the FH7 and FH9 models, but this one is a step above in my opinion. The technical performance is on a level that we only see from flagship IEMs in the market. It can be improved for better sub-bass/mid-bass balance or the treble can be even more refined, so it’s not the end of the road of course, but the way it sounds is very, very good for the price.
The price tag of this particular IEM from FiiO may exceed your usual expectations, but this is due to the level of quality and effort that has been invested in its development. In my opinion, FiiO has accomplished an impressive feat in delivering a product of such ambition. The sound is notable for its great bass, soundstage, and treble response, all of which are offered at a competitive price point.
Full review:
Best IEM – Best Value:
AFUL Performer 5
From the review:
The AFUL Performer 5 is one of the most surprising IEMs I’ve listened to recently. The neutrality, balance and resolution are the most impressive parts, and I think it performs better than what the price suggests.
I would say that the P5 is a great “performer” and it impressed me since I opened its package and put it in my ear. This is a highly competitive market, especially in this price range, but the Performer 5 is a great choice.
Full review:
Best Accessory:
Effect Audio Cables
From the review:
Effect Audio has been on the move and they keep solidifying themselves in the industry with excellent cables. Their portfolio is now more complicated than ever with many different cables appealing to different budgets and scenarios.
All the cables that I’ve touched upon in this impressions article are very good. But if I have to choose just one, it has to be the Cadmus Founder’s Edition. The fantastic presentation that cable gives simply makes you want to listen to music more. That is special indeed. Big congrats to Suyang for this Limited Edition cable and I feel lucky to have one.
Once again, I recommend checking out Effect Audio if you’re on the lookout for some good cables for your IEMs. Make sure to get good match-ups, and you’ll enjoy the music more.
Full review:
And now on to the personal awards of Felix on the next page! CLICK HERE
