Products of the Year

Stereophile's Products of 1994 Budget Component of 1994

Budget Component of 1994:

Grado SR60 headphones

Boy, this was a tight-fought battle, all five contenders offering more than a glimpse of high-end sound at prices almost anyone could afford. (The now-discontinued Optimus CD player was recently seen on sale at just $89.95!) But having scooped up the "Accessory of the Year" award, the all-conquering Grados just swept all before them. If only they weren't so uncomfortable!

Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Audio Alchemy DAC-in-the-Box D/A processor
HeadRoom Supreme headphone amplifier
NHT SuperZero loudspeaker ($230/pair; reviewed by Corey Greenberg, Vol.17 No.1, January 1994; Steven Stone, Vol.17 No.9, September 1994; & Kristen Weitz, Vol.17 No.11, November 1994 Review)
Radio Shack Optimus CD-3400 portable CD player ($179.99; reviewed by Sam Tellig, Vol.17 Nos.6, 7, & 10, June, July, & October 1994; Jack English, John Atkinson, Robert Harley, & Corey Greenberg, Vol.17 No.7, July 1994; & Barry Willis, Vol.17 No.9, September 1994 Review)

X