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Vandersteen Quatro. More like product of the decade.
The 2006 <I>Stereophile</I> Products of the Year have just been revealed in the December issue. What is <I>your</I> product of the year?
The Slim Devices Squeezebox 3. As I write this, I'm listening to the Minnesota Public Radio classical station, KSJN, streaming through my main two-channel system. Does it sound as good as an SACD or an LP? Of course not. But, for the time being anyway, the Squeezebox has really brought back the pure enjoyment of just listening to music, which somehow got lost in the audiophile quest for sonic perfection.
I haven't heard anything new this year. Even the equipment I have purchased is from years past. I am enjoying the new headphones that just arrived five minutes ago. But I know the Sennheiser HD 280 Pros have been out for a while. If we can count equipment that came out at the end of last year, though, I would certainly have to say the Ray Samuel's Audio Emmeline The Hornet headphone amp is one of the best pieces of gear I have ever owned.
My product of the year is the 20th Anniversary Legacy Victoria. I heard these within the past year and no other speaker has satisfied me; I even prefer them to their big brother Focus speakers). They provided the largest soundstage and most effortless listening I have experienced.
The Halcro amp, of course. I've heard this thing, and believe me, there's no turning back from it. Another small problem is that I'd have to mortgage my house to buy one. So, fellow audiophiles, I don't recommend that you audition this magnificent piece of audio architecture unless you have the disposable cash to buy it.