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Yagiz – Senior Writer
Hello Headfonians!
As we bid farewell to another eventful year, I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. The past twelve months have been a journey of discovery and evaluation for us. Amidst the challenges of 2023, it’s been heartening to find solace in the world of audio. We’ve navigated a sea of products and meticulously compiled a list of the standout performers that have truly impressed us – devices that have surpassed our expectations.
I present to you my carefully selected picks for the ‘best’ equipment of the year. As was the case last year, the competition was fierce, making the task of identifying the absolute winners a daunting one.
In closing, I wish you an extraordinary year ahead. May 2024 bring you unparalleled joy, satisfaction and fulfilment in your endeavors. Thank you for being an integral part of the Headfonia community, and here’s to another year of shared audio adventure and discovery.
Best Planar Full-Size Headphone:
Hifiman Ananda Nano
From the review:
Ananda Nano, priced at $599, delivers an exceptional audio experience that is hard to match in its price range. Its neutral sound signature, coupled with a fast, impactful bass and a vivid, natural midrange, offers a listening experience that is both immersive and satisfying. The treble extends beautifully, adding to the overall coherence of the sound.
The Ananda Nano’s technical performance is remarkable, with its snappy PRaT, great accuracy, and uncolored timbre. The wide and deep soundstage, along with excellent imaging, further enhances the listening experience. The Ananda Nano is a proof of what can be achieved when innovative technology, like the Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm, is applied with a deep understanding of what makes sound reproduction satisfying to the human ear. This headphone is a worthy investment for any audiophile looking for a high-quality, reliable, and impressive performer.
Full review:
Best Dynamic Full-Size Headphone:
iBasso SR3
From the review:
The iBasso SR3 headphones present a fascinating aspect in terms of sound performance, as the sonic signature undergoes a significant transformation when switching between the stock pads and the spare pads included in the package. This difference is so considerable that it feels as if the headphone’s sound signature has been completely altered.
With the stock pads, the SR3 delivers a warm sound profile characterized by a rounded, fuller sub-bass, bass, and mid-bass presentation. On the other hand, when the spare pads are used, the sub-bass and mid-bass are reduced, while the upper mids become more pronounced, providing a more neutral listening experience. This versatility is an attractive feature of the SR3, making it feel like a 2-in-1 deal.
The iBasso SR3 is an exceptional headphone that comes with a high-quality build, offers excellent comfort, and most importantly, excellent sound quality. With its impactful lows, clean midrange, and smooth highs, the SR3 caters to a wide range of musical preferences, making it an excellent choice for music aficionados. If you’re in the market for a new pair of dynamic headphones, you should definitely check the SR3 out.
Full review:
Best Desktop DAC:
Topping E70V
From the review:
Topping has managed to improve the E70, which we liked very much, and to offer AKM’s flagship chip in a convenient package. With LDAC support, very good Bluetooth performance, rich I/O options and a relatively small chassis, it is one of the best DACs you can buy in this price band, perhaps the best.
If you need a versatile DAC with an excellent SQ, I definitely recommend that you give the this one a chance. We thought it is only fair to award the E70V with the HFN Recommended Award.
Full review:
Best Desktop AMP:
Topping L70
From the review:
Sound-wise, the L70 is linear, accurate, clean, and highly resolving. It sounds exciting, vivid, and detailed. I also tested the L70 with DACs such as the D1SE, Aurora, and the SU-9. Like the E70, the L70 faithfully conveys the characteristics of the paired DAC without introducing any manipulations into the signal. The L70 sounds tonally flat, accurate, and correct to my ears.
It also scales well with higher-end DACs, and can easily play at their level, reflecting the highlights of their signatures. It drives my Edition XS to its planar driver’s distortion threshold, effortlessly. You get heaps of clean power, ready at your fingertips. It also features a black, silent background even with the most sensitive IEMs in my inventory. Stellar job, Topping. Once again.
Full review:
Best Desktop DAC & AMP
FiiO K9
From the review:
The K9 is an exceptionally impressive DAC & AMP, and FiiO’s pricing strategy took me by surprise. While I initially expected it to be priced around the $600 mark, it actually comes with a more affordable tag of $500 and can even be found for slightly less. There are numerous reasons why FiiO has managed to create such a successful device. It’s evident that the company is reaping the benefits of the rigorous R&D efforts invested in the K9 Pro ESS.
The K9 is built upon that knowledge, and I’m thoroughly pleased to have reviewed this device. If you’re in the market for a feature-rich desktop DAC & AMP around the $500 range, I highly recommend giving the FiiO K9 a try. It’s well worth it.
Full review:
Best Portable DAC & AMP
Topping G5
From the review:
I think Topping has done an incredibly good job with the G5, with the best price-performance ratio I’ve seen in a while. It is built well, it has LDAC and it sounds fantastic. It can drive ninety percent of the headphones that is available on the market and it provides a hiss-free experience for IEMs. It offers a decent battery life and is priced competitively. The G5 is Topping’s ticket to the portable market and I believe they have made a prestigious entry. I absolutely recommend trying it. You’re in for a treat.
Full review:
Best Value Wireless DAC & AMP
FiiO BTR15
From the review:
For those looking for quality audio on the move without a hefty price tag, the BTR15 is solid proof of FiiO’s years of Bluetooth know-how. FiiO has once again raised the bar, offering a device that not only meets but exceeds expectations. The BTR5 2021’s MSRP was 119 USD. FiiO managed to cut ten bucks for the BTR15, and the fact that the pricing stayed pretty much the same with increased performance and overall capability makes this device a steal.
Just like the BTR5 2021, the BTR15 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, even more so than the BTR7 and the BTR5. I believe this is one of the best devices for an introduction to the audiophile hobby and also to audiophiles who are not happy with the TWS earphones on the market or just want to use their favorite wired IEMs on-the-go.
Full review:
Best IEM – Best value
Yanyin Canon II
From the review:
With its warm-neutral signature, the Canon II excels in bass reproduction, offers a balanced and articulate midrange, and presents highs that cater to both treble enthusiasts and those sensitive to higher frequencies. Its technical prowess, from PRaT to instrument separation and imaging, sets it apart from its rivals in its price bracket. For those seeking a harmonious blend of detail and warmth in the sub $400 range, the Canon II is undoubtedly a front-runner and we think that it is only fair to award it with our recommendation.
Full review:
Best IEM – Cost no objection:
ThieAudio Prestige LTD
From the review:
After spending considerable time with the ThieAudio Prestige LTD, it’s clear that the improvements over the original Prestige are subtle but meaningful. ThieAudio has listened to its user base, fine-tuning aspects that make this version not just an upgrade but a refinement. Whether it’s the more controlled upper midrange or the slightly smoother treble, these changes contribute to a more mature and technically proficient sound signature. It’s a rare feat to improve upon something that was already excellent, and yet, ThieAudio has managed to do just that. The changes, while subtle, make a noticeable difference in the listening experience.
White these aren’t groundbreaking changes, but they do refine what was already a solid product. It’s evident that the goal here wasn’t to reinvent the wheel but to fine-tune it. And in that, ThieAudio has succeeded.
At $1,299 USD, the Prestige LTD is not a casual buy. However, in the flagship sphere, the price of the LTD is easily justifiable as it’s a solid product that makes its predecessor proud.
Full review:
And now on to the personal awards of Nano on the next page! CLICK HERE.
