Products of the Year

Editors' Choice

B&W DM302 loudspeaker ($250/pair; reviewed by Wes Phillips, Vol.20 No.10, October 1997 Review)

When we speak of all that technology can accomplish, we frequently find ourselves talking about chasing the ever-disappearing cutting edge. What a pleasure, instead, to simply redefine what is possible at an affordable price—and when the price is as low as $250 for a pair of B&W DM302 loudspeakers, then we're no longer speaking of pleasure, we're talking sheerest ecstasy.

The DM302 is what the High End is all about: It sounds superb, measures almost faultlessly, and puts the glories of great music within the reach of practically everyone. To my way of thinking, B&W deserves special recognition for getting something so right while selling it for so little.

The DM302 has become my default answer for everyone asking for product advice, from seasoned audiophiles to friends convinced that they can't hear the difference. Inevitably, they do—and then wonder if they can get even better sound. Of course they can—and they can hear that, too—but it will be a long time before their systems outstrip this doughty performer. Is B&W seeding the ground for a new generation of demanding music listeners? I certainly hope so. But at the very least, I want to recognize them for making the attempt.—Wes Phillips